bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Maximum Likelihood Based Nonparametric Iterative Adaptive Method of Synthetic Aperture Radar Tomography and Its Application for Estimating Underlying Topography and Forest Height
Authors: Peng Xing , Li Xinwu , Wang Changcheng , Fu Haiqiang , Du Yanan
Published: July 2018

Synthetic aperture radar tomography (TomoSAR) is an important way of obtaining underlying topography and forest height for long-wavelength datasets such as L-band and P-band radar. It is usual to apply nonparametric spectral estimation methods with a large number of snapshots over forest areas. The nonparametric iterative adaptive approach for amplitude and phase estimation (IAA-APES) can obtain a high resolution; however, it only tends to work well with a small number of snapshots. To overcome this problem, this paper proposes the nonparametric iterative adaptive approach based on maximum likelihood estimation (IAA-ML) for the application over forest areas. IAA-ML can be directly used in forest areas, without any prior information or preprocessing. Moreover, it can work well in the case of a large number of snapshots. In addition, it mainly focuses on the backscattered power around the phase centers, helping to detect their locations. The proposed IAA-ML estimator was tested in simulated experiments and the results confirmed that IAA-ML obtains a higher resolution than IAA-APES. Moreover, six P-band fully polarimetric airborne SAR images were applied to acquire the structural parameters of a forest area. It was found that the results of the HH polarization are suitable for analyzing the ground contribution and the results of the HV polarization are beneficial when studying the canopy contribution. Based on this, the underlying topography and forest height of a test site in Paracou, French Guiana, were estimated. With respect to the Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) measurements, the standard deviation of the estimations of the IAA-ML TomoSAR method was 2.11 m for the underlying topography and 2.80 m for the forest height. Furthermore, compared to IAA-APES, IAA-ML obtained a higher resolution and a higher estimation accuracy. In addition, the estimation accuracy of IAA-ML was also slightly higher than that of the SKP-beamforming technique in this case study.
Correction: Rucco, R.; et al. Type and Location of Wearable Sensors for Monitoring Falls during Static and Dynamic Tasks in Healthy Elderly: A Review. Sensors 2018, 18, 1613
Authors: Rucco Rosaria , Sorriso Antonietta , Liparoti Marianna , Ferraioli Giampaolo , Sorrentino Pierpaolo , Ambrosanio Michele , Baselice Fabio
Published: July 2018

The authors wish to make a correction to their paper [1]. The following Table 1 should be replaced with the table shown below it[...]
On the Potential of the RST-FLARE Algorithm for Gas Flaring Characterization from Space
Authors: Faruolo Mariapia , Lacava Teodosio , Pergola Nicola , Tramutoli Valerio
Published: July 2018

An effective characterization of gas flaring is hampered by the lack of systematic, complete and reliable data on its magnitude and spatial distribution. In the last years, a few satellite methods have been developed to provide independent information on gas flaring activity at global, national and local scale. Among these, a MODIS-based method, aimed at the computation of gas flared volumes by an Italian plant, was proposed. In this work, a more general version of this approach, named RST-FLARE, has been developed to provide reliable information on flaring sites localization and gas emitted volumes over a long time period for the Niger Delta region, one of the top five gas flaring areas in the world. Achieved results showed a good level of accuracy, in terms of flaring sites localization (95% of spatial match) and volume estimates (mean bias between in 16% and 20%, at annual scale and 2–9% in the long period) when compared to independent data, provided both by other satellite techniques and national/international organizations. Outcomes of this work seem to indicate that RST-FLARE can be used to provide, at different geographic scales, quite accurate data on gas flaring, suitable for monitoring purposes for governments and local authorities.
Toward an Embodied Medicine: A Portable Device with Programmable Interoceptive Stimulation for Heart Rate Variability Enhancement
Authors: Di Lernia Daniele , Cipresso Pietro , Pedroli Elisa , Riva Giuseppe
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we describe and test a new portable device that is able to deliver tactile interoceptive stimulation. The device works by delivering precise interoceptive parasympathetic stimuli to C-tactile afferents connected to the lamina I spinothalamocortical system. In humans, interoceptive stimulation can be used to enhance heart rate variability (HRV). To test the effectiveness of the device in enhancing HRV, 13 subjects were randomly assigned in a single-blind between-subjects design either to the experimental condition or to the control condition. In the experimental condition, subjects received stimulation with the developed device; in the control condition subjects received stimulation with static non-interoceptive pressure. Subjects’ electrocardiograms (ECG) were recorded, with sampling at 1000 Hz for 5 min as a baseline, and then during the stimulations (11 min). Time domain analyses were performed to estimate the short-term vagally mediated component (rMSSD) of HRV. Results indicated that the experimental group showed enhanced rMSSD, compared to the control group. Moreover, frequency domain analyses indicated that high frequency band power, which reflects parasympathetic activity in humans, also appeared to be enhanced in the experimental group compared to control subjects. Conclusions and future challenges for an embodied perspective of rehabilitative medicine are discussed.
Wireless Positioning in IoT: A Look at Current and Future Trends
Authors: Figueiredo e Silva Pedro , Kaseva Ville , Lohan Elena Simona
Published: July 2018

Connectivity solutions for the Internet of Things (IoT) aim to support the needs imposed by several applications or use cases across multiple sectors, such as logistics, agriculture, asset management, or smart lighting. Each of these applications has its own challenges to solve, such as dealing with large or massive networks, low and ultra-low latency requirements, long battery life requirements (i.e., more than ten years operation on battery), continuously monitoring of the location of certain nodes, security, and authentication. Hence, a part of picking a connectivity solution for a certain application depends on how well its features solve the specific needs of the end application. One key feature that we see as a need for future IoT networks is the ability to provide location-based information for large-scale IoT applications. The goal of this paper is to highlight the importance of positioning features for IoT applications and to provide means of comparing and evaluating different connectivity protocols in terms of their positioning capabilities. Our compact and unified analysis ends with several case studies, both simulation-based and measurement-based, which show that high positioning accuracy on low-cost low-power devices is feasible if one designs the system properly.
Effect of Solvents and Extraction Methods on Recovery of Bioactive Compounds from Defatted Gac (Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng.) Seeds
Authors: V. Le Anh , E. Parks Sophie , H. Nguyen Minh , D. Roach Paul
Published: July 2018

Gac (Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng.) seeds contain bioactive compounds with medicinal properties. This study aimed to determine a suitable solvent and extraction technique for recovery of important compounds, namely, trypsin inhibitors, saponins, and phenolics. The antioxidant capacity and total solids of derived extracts were also measured. Water with conventional extraction method gave the highest value of trypsin inhibitor activity (118.45 ± 4.90 mg trypsin g−1) while water-saturated n-butanol and methanol extracts were characterized by their highest content of saponins (40.75 ± 0.31 and 38.80 ± 2.82 mg AE g−1, respectively). Aqueous extract with microwave assistance achieved the highest phenolics (3.18 ± 0.04 mg GAE g−1). As a measure of antioxidant capacity, the 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) assay gave highest value to the aqueous microwave extract (23.56 ± 0.82 μmol TE g−1) while the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay gave highest values to water-saturated n-butanol and 70% ethanol extracts (5.25 ± 0.04 and 4.71 ± 0.39 μmol TE g−1, respectively). The total solids value was highest using water with microwave assistance (141.5 g kg−1) while ultrasound treatment did not improve any extractions. Therefore, trypsin inhibitors are suitably recovered using water while water-saturated n-butanol or methanol is for saponins, both using a conventional method. Microwave extraction is suitable for phenolics recovery. These conditions are recommended for an efficient recovery of bioactive compounds from defatted Gac seeds.
Speciation and Mobility of Mercury in Soils Contaminated by Legacy Emissions from a Chemical Factory in the Rhône Valley in Canton of Valais, Switzerland
Authors: Gilli Robin Sue , Karlen Claudine , Weber Mischa , Rüegg Johanna , Barmettler Kurt , Biester Harald , Boivin Pascal , Kretzschmar Ruben
Published: July 2018

Legacy contamination of soils and sediments with mercury (Hg) can pose serious threats to the environment and to human health. Assessing risks and possible remediation strategies must consider the chemical forms of Hg, as different Hg species exhibit vastly different environmental behaviors and toxicities. Here, we present a study on Hg speciation and potential mobility in sediments from a chemical factory site, and soils from nearby settlement areas in the canton of Valais, Switzerland. Total Hg ranged from 0.5 to 28.4 mg/kg in the soils, and 3.5 to 174.7 mg/kg in the sediments, respectively. Elemental Hg(0) was not detectable in the soils by thermal desorption analysis. Methylmercury, the most toxic form of Hg, was present at low levels in all soils (<0.010 mg/kg; <0.8% of total Hg). Sequential extractions and thermal desorption analyses suggested that most of the Hg in the soils was present as “matrix-bound Hg(II)”, most likely associated with soil organic matter. For factory sediments, which contained less organic matter, the results suggested a higher fraction of sulfide-bound Hg. Batch extractions in different CaCl2 solutions revealed that Hg solubility was low overall, and there was no Hg-mobilizing effects of Ca2+ or Cl− in solution. Only in some of the factory sediments did high CaCl2 concentrations result in increased extractability of Hg, due to the formation of Hg-chloride complexes. Additional experiments with soil redox reactors showed that even mildly reducing conditions led to a sharp release of Hg into solution, which may be highly relevant in soils that are prone to periodic water saturation of flooding.
Ranking Chinese SMEs Green Manufacturing Drivers Using a Novel Hybrid Multi-Criterion Decision-Making Model
Authors: Luo Ying , Jie Xiaowen , Li Xiaoping , Yao Liming
Published: July 2018

While the rapid development of Chinese manufacturing SMEs has contributed significantly to economic growth, it has also resulted in environmental pollution and resource abuse problems. To resolve these problems, Chinese manufacturing SMEs need to accelerate their implementation of comprehensive green manufacturing (GM); However, this is a complex and arduous task as it involves government, enterprise and societal considerations. Therefore, it is has become imperative to identify Chinese manufacturing SMEs green drivers. Focusing on the current situation in China and using a combination of previous research and expert views, this paper comprehensively examines the development of SMEs in China to deconstruct the green driver dimensions. The identified drivers are then evaluated using a novel hybrid multi-criterion decision-making methods (MCDM), the evaluation criteria weights calculated using fuzzy DEMATEL and fuzzy TOPSIS employed to rank the green drivers. It was found that technology innovation, customer demand, incentives, regulations, supply chain pressure and public pressure were the most significant drivers for the implementation of GM in Chinese manufacturing SMEs. Finally, some managerial implications are given to assist the government, enterprises and the public focus on a few crucial drivers to ensure that the green transformation of Chinese manufacturing SMEs is scientific and efficient.
Understanding the Spontaneous Spreading of Stone Bunds in Ethiopia: Implications for Sustainable Land Management
Authors: Abi Meskerem , Kessler Aad , Oosterveer Peter , Tolossa Degefa
Published: July 2018

This study deals with the spontaneous spreading of stone bunds in the central Ethiopian highlands, i.e., the adoption and implementation of stone bunds by farmers on their own initiative. The study tests the hypothesis that spontaneously implemented stone bunds, as compared to stone bunds implemented by mass mobilization campaigns, are more integrated with other land management practices and lead to higher yields. Data are collected in the Girar Jarso woreda through field observations and household surveys. Descriptive statistics are used to analyze and test the data at 1% and 5% probability levels. Results show that stone bunds are spontaneously implemented mainly on farmlands located nearby the homesteads where farmers perceive severe erosion, poor soil fertility and steep slope gradients. Compared to stone bunds implemented by mass mobilization, spontaneously implemented stone bunds are perceived as better maintained, more frequently modified to fit the farming system and better integrated with soil fertility management practices, such as applying fertilizer, compost and manure. Particularly, this better integration with other practices is very important, because it makes stone bunds more effective in reducing erosion, leading to beneficial effects on soil moisture and soil productivity, as perceived by farmers. The study, therefore, suggests that the mass mobilization campaign should use a more participatory and integrated approach, in which there is ample space for awareness raising and learning concerning the benefits of integrated farm management, and in which farmers themselves have a leading role in the decision on where to construct stone bunds. Such a strategy will lead to more sustainable impact on soil fertility and food security than the current top-down intervention approach.
Removal of Patent Blue (V) Dye Using Indian Bael Shell Biochar: Characterization, Application and Kinetic Studies
Authors: Roy Kangkan , Verma Kapil , Vikrant Kumar , Goswami Mandavi , Sonwani Ravi , Rai Birendra , Vellingiri Kowsalya , Kim Ki-Hyun , Giri Balendu , Singh Ram
Published: July 2018

The prospective utilization of bael shell (Aegle marmelos) as an agro-waste for the production of biochar was investigated along with its characterization and application for the abatement of hazardous aqueous Patent Blue (PB) dye solution. The sorptive removal of PB on bael shell biochar (BSB) was investigated under the following operational conditions: (pH, 2.7–10.4; biochar dosage, 2–12 g/L; and contact time, 0–60 min). The removal efficiency of PB by BSB in a batch adsorption experiment was 74% (pH 2.7 and 30 ± 5 °C). In addition, a clear relationship between the adsorption and pH of the solution was noticed and the proposed material recorded a maximum sorption capacity of 3.7 mg/g at a pH of 2.7. The adsorption of PB onto BSB was best explained by the pseudo-second order kinetic model (R2 = 0.972), thereby asserting the predominant role of chemisorption. The active role of multiple surface-active functionalities present on BSB during PB sorption was elucidated with the help of Freundlich isotherm (R2 = 0.968). Further, an adsorption mechanism was proposed by utilizing Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).
The Public Willingness to Pay for Reducing the Incidence of Hazardous Chemical Spill Accidents by Half in South Korea
Authors: Lee Hye-Jeong , Kim Hyo-Jin , Yoo Seung-Hoon
Published: July 2018

Hazardous chemical spill (HCS) accidents, which occur due to careless workers, transport accidents, etc., can be harmful to humans. Recently, an average of 96 cases of HCS accidents have taken place in South Korea annually. As a result, the government is trying to reduce the incidence of HCS accidents by 50%. Government officials are seeking information about the value that the enforcement of the reduction plan will bring for the public. This knowledge will help government officials decide whether to implement the reduction plan. This article seeks to acquire information about the public willingness to pay (WTP) for the reduction plan, employing the contingent valuation (CV) technique. For this purpose, a total of 1000 households living in South Korea participated in the CV survey in 2017. The data on the WTP were gathered using a dichotomous choice question and analyzed using the spike model. Forty-five percent of the respondents were willing to accept an increase in income taxes to carry out the reduction plan. The mean household WTP estimate was obtained as KRW 3830 (USD 3.41) per annum. The national value expanded from the sample to the population is worth KRW 74.8 billion (USD 66.6 million) per year. This value implies the public value of the reduction plan and can be applied in policy analysis and decision-making concerning the reduction of the incidence of HCS accidents.
Reputation Effects in Socially Driven Sharing Economy Transactions
Authors: Ter Huurne Maarten , Ronteltap Amber , Guo Chenhui , Corten Rense , Buskens Vincent
Published: July 2018

Reputation has often been proposed as the central mechanism that creates trust in the sharing economy. However, some sharing platforms that focus primarily on social rather than economically driven exchanges have managed to facilitate exchanges between users without the use of a reputation system. This could indicate that socially driven exchanges are in less need of reputation systems and that having sufficient trust is less problematic. We examine the effect of seller reputation on sales and price as proxies for trust, using a large dataset from a Dutch meal-sharing platform. This platform aims to stimulate social interactions between people via meal sharing. Multilevel regression analyses were used to test the association of reputation with trust. Our main empirical results are that reputation affects both sales and price positively, consistent with the existing reputation literature. We also found evidence of the presence of an information effect, i.e., the influence of reputation on sharing decreases when additional profile information is provided (e.g., a profile photo, a product description). Our results thus confirm the effectiveness of reputation in more socially driven exchanges also. Consequently, platform owners are advised to use reputation on their platform to increase sharing between its users.
Rural Tourism Spatial Reconstruction Model from the Perspective of ATV: A Case Study of Mufu Township, Hubei Province, China
Authors: Tao Hui , Huang Zhihui , Ran Feixiao
Published: July 2018

This research argues that rural tourism areas can be divided into three kinds of spatial organizations, i.e., attractions (A), towns (T) and villages (V), and aims to address the increasingly serious problems of rural spatial disorders and ecological damage in the tourism-oriented urbanization process in China. It extracts the common features of the five spatial patterns based on ATV spatial benefit trade-offs and proposes a single-kernel spatial reconstruction model. The model emphasizes the moderate concentration of space utility and considers towns as the suppliers of tourism-supporting facilities, which prevents negative impacts arising from decentralized development. In addition, tourist attractions and villages are arranged by category, so as to protect the quality of the overall habitat. Taking Mufu Township as an example, the paper demonstrates the optimal reconstruction of ATV space and displays the effectiveness of spatial reconstruction in Mufu Township since 2009. Mufu Township has been rejuvenated. The single-kernel spatial reconstruction model not only builds the space management platform for Mufu Township, but also provides an operable theoretical basis for the reconstruction of new rural tourism spaces and offers the possibility of developing Chinese rural areas sustainably.
Detoxification- and Immune-Related Transcriptomic Analysis of Gills from Bay Scallops (Argopecten irradians) in Response to Algal Toxin Okadaic Acid
Authors: Chi Cheng , Giri Sib Sankar , Jun Jin Woo , Kim Sang Wha , Kim Hyoun Joong , Kang Jeong Woo , Park Se Chang
Published: July 2018

To reveal the molecular mechanisms triggered by okadaic acid (OA)-exposure in the detoxification and immune system of bay scallops, we studied differentially-expressed genes (DEGs) and the transcriptomic profile in bay scallop gill tissue after 48 h exposure to 500 nM of OA using the Illumina HiSeq 4000 deep-sequencing platform. De novo assembly of paired-end reads yielded 55,876 unigenes, of which 3204 and 2620 genes were found to be significantly up- or down-regulated, respectively. Gene ontology classification and enrichment analysis of the DEGs detected in bay scallops exposed to OA revealed four ontologies with particularly high functional enrichment, which were ‘cellular process’ (cellular component), ‘metabolic process’ (biological process), ‘immune system process’ (biological process), and ‘catalytic process’ (molecular function). The DEGs revealed that cyclic AMP-responsive element-binding proteins, acid phosphatase, toll-like receptors, nuclear erythroid 2-related factor, and the NADPH2 quinone reductase-related gene were upregulated. In contrast, the expression of some genes related to glutathione S-transferase 1, C-type lectin, complement C1q tumor necrosis factor-related protein, Superoxide dismutase 2 and fibrinogen C domain-containing protein, decreased. The outcomes of this study will be a valuable resource for the study of gene expression induced by marine toxins, and will help understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the scallops’ response to OA exposure.
Epigenetic Changes in the Regulation of Nicotiana tabacum Response to Cucumber Mosaic Virus Infection and Symptom Recovery through Single-Base Resolution Methylomes
Authors: Wang Chenguang , Wang Chaonan , Xu Wenjie , Zou Jingze , Qiu Yanhong , Kong Jun , Yang Yunshu , Zhang Boyang , Zhu Shuifang
Published: July 2018

Plants have evolved multiple mechanisms to respond to viral infection. These responses have been studied in detail at the level of host immune response and antiviral RNA silencing (RNAi). However, the possibility of epigenetic reprogramming has not been thoroughly investigated. Here, we identified the role of DNA methylation during viral infection and performed reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) on tissues of Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV)-infected Nicotiana tabacum at various developmental stages. Differential methylated regions are enriched with CHH sequence contexts, 80% of which are located on the gene body to regulate gene expression in a temporal style. The methylated genes depressed by methyltransferase inhibition largely overlapped with methylated genes in response to viral invasion. Activation in the argonaute protein and depression in methyl donor synthase revealed the important role of dynamic methylation changes in modulating viral clearance and resistance signaling. Methylation-expression relationships were found to be required for the immune response and cellular components are necessary for the proper defense response to infection and symptom recovery.
New Therapies of Neovascular AMD—Beyond Anti-VEGFs
Authors: Yerramothu Praveen
Published: July 2018

Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is one of the leading causes of blindness among the aging population. The current treatment options for nAMD include intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF). However, standardized frequent administration of anti-VEGF injections only improves vision in approximately 30–40% of nAMD patients. Current therapies targeting nAMD pose a significant risk of retinal fibrosis and geographic atrophy (GA) development in nAMD patients. A need exists to develop new therapies to treat nAMD with effective and long-term anti-angiogenic effects. Recent research on nAMD has identified novel therapeutic targets and angiogenic signaling mechanisms involved in its pathogenesis. For example, tissue factor, human intravenous immune globulin, interferon-β signaling, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and cytochrome P450 monooxygenase lipid metabolites have been identified as key players in the development of angiogenesis in AMD disease models. Furthermore, novel therapies such as NACHT, LRR and PYD domains containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome inhibition, inhibitors of integrins and tissue factor are currently being tested at the level of clinical trials to treat nAMD. The aim of this review is to discuss the scope for alternative therapies proposed as anti-VEGFs for the treatment of nAMD.
Efficiency of Private Household Sand Filters in Removing Nutrients and Microbes from Wastewater in Finland
Authors: Martikainen Kati , Kauppinen Ari , Matikka Ville , Veijalainen Anna-Maria , Torvinen Eila , Pitkänen Tarja , Miettinen Ilkka T. , Heinonen-Tanski Helvi
Published: July 2018

Sand filters have been shown to be an economic and effective solution for wastewater treatment in private households, although the removal of phosphorus (P) may be insufficient. However, P removal can be improved by adding a P-adsorbing material, such as biotite, into the sand filters. The physico-chemical characteristics and the microbial quality of the effluents of family-scale sand filters without adsorbing media (SF), sand filters with a biotite layer (B), and sand filters with a modular filter (MB) were followed for one year. Sand filters with a biotite layer displayed the highest capacity to remove nitrogen (N) and biological oxygen demand BOD7. The efficiency of these filters did not depend on the age of the filter or the season. The P load of the effluent did not differ between sand filters with and without a biotite layer, but the modular sand filter failed to adequately reduce P. The treatment efficiency of sand filters without biotite decreased with increasing age. These private household sand filters can be a good way to treat domestic wastewaters, since these generally comply with the minimum requirements of a Finnish Decree (157/2017). However, enteric viruses (noro- and adenoviruses) were commonly found in the effluents, and the numbers of Escherichia coli were often above 103 colony forming units (CFU) 100 mL−1 (limit for the the EU Bathing Water Directive 2006/7/EC) for good water quality), signifying a risk of microbial contamination of nearby drinking water wells, as well as bathing and irrigation waters.
Temporal and Spatial Flow Variations over a Movable Scour Hole Downstream of a Grade-Control Structure with a PIV System
Authors: Lu Shi-Yan , Lu Jau-Yau , Shih Dong-Sin
Published: July 2018

Weirs or grade-control structures (GCSs) are frequently adopted to protect bridges or control riverbed degradation. Scour holes may develop downstream of these hydraulic structures. Laboratory experiments have been performed in this study, using sophisticated equipment and newly developed procedures. The purpose was to investigate important characteristics of the turbulent flow in the movable scour hole. The results of these experiments demonstrated the significance of instantaneous shear stress in the scouring process. The measured Reynolds stress can be fitted with the theoretical equation reasonably well. Furthermore, the results revealed that the normalized mean vertical velocity profiles in the diffusion region of the scour hole can be fitted with a Gaussian curve. An analysis of the turbulence intensity measurements showed that the turbulent flow is anisotropic in the scour hole. The turbulence intensities also decreased with time as the scour hole gradually approached equilibrium.
Patients’ perspectives on GP interactions after cognitive behavioural therapy for refractory IBS: a qualitative study in UK primary and secondary care
Authors: Sibelli Alice , Moss-Morris Rona , Chalder Trudie , Bishop Felicity L , Windgassen Sula , Everitt Hazel
Published: July 2018

Background

Previous studies have identified issues with the doctor–patient relationship in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) that negatively impact symptom management. Despite this, little research has explored interactions between GPs and patients with refractory IBS. National guidelines suggest cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) as a treatment option for refractory symptoms.

Aim

To explore perceptions of interactions with GPs in individuals with refractory IBS after receiving CBT for IBS or treatment as usual (TAU).

Design and setting

This qualitative study was embedded within a trial assessing CBT in refractory IBS. Fifty-two participants took part in semi-structured interviews post-treatment in UK primary and secondary care.

Method

Inductive and/or data-driven thematic analysis was conducted to identify themes in the interview data.

Results

Two key themes were identified: perceived paucity of GPs’ IBS knowledge and lack of empathy from GPs, but with acknowledgement that this has improved in recent years. These perceptions were described through three main stages of care: reaching a ‘last-resort diagnosis’; searching for the right treatment through a trial-and-error process, which lacked patient involvement; and unsatisfactory long-term management. Only CBT participants reported a shared responsibility with their doctors concerning symptom management and an intention to reduce health-seeking behaviour.

Conclusion

In this refractory IBS group, specific doctor–patient communication issues were identified. Increased explanation of the process of reaching a positive diagnosis, more involvement of patients in treatment options (including a realistic appraisal of potential benefit), and further validation of symptoms could help. This study supports a role for CBT-based IBS self-management programmes to help address these areas and a suggestion that earlier access to these programmes may be beneficial.
Synthesis and characterization of π–extended “earring” subporphyrins
Authors: Guan Haiyan , Zhou Mingbo , Yin Bangshao , Xu Ling , Song Jianxin
Published: July 2018

A π-extended “earring” subporphyrin 3 was synthesized from β,β′-diiodosubporphyrin and diboryltripyrrane via a Suzuki–Miyaura coupling and following oxidation. Its Pd complex 3Pd was also synthesized and both of the compounds were fully characterized by 1H NMR, MS and X-ray single crystal diffraction. The 1H NMR spectra and single crystal structures revealed that aromatic ring current did not extend to the “ear” in both of the two compounds. Their UV–vis/NIR spectra were recorded and the absorption of both compounds is extended to the NIR region and that the absorption of 3Pd is further red-shifted and more intense.
Rational design of boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY) reporter dyes for cucurbit[7]uril
Authors: Alnajjar Mohammad A , Bartelmeß Jürgen , Hein Robert , Ashokkumar Pichandi , Nilam Mohamed , Nau Werner M , Rurack Knut , Hennig Andreas
Published: July 2018

We introduce herein boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY) dyes as a new class of fluorophores for the design of reporter dyes for supramolecular host–guest complex formation with cucurbit[7]uril (CB7). The BODIPYs contain a protonatable aniline nitrogen in the meso-position of the BODIPY chromophore, which was functionalized with known binding motifs for CB7. The unprotonated dyes show low fluorescence due to photoinduced electron transfer (PET), whereas the protonated dyes are highly fluorescent. Encapsulation of the binding motif inside CB7 positions the aniline nitrogen at the carbonyl rim of CB7, which affects the pKa value, and leads to a host-induced protonation and thus to a fluorescence increase. The possibility to tune binding affinities and pKa values is demonstrated and it is shown that, in combination with the beneficial photophysical properties of BODIPYs, several new applications of host–dye reporter pairs can be implemented. This includes indicator displacement assays with favourable absorption and emission wavelengths in the visible spectral region, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, and noncovalent surface functionalization with fluorophores.
Quasar Accretion Disk Sizes from Continuum Reverberation Mapping from the Dark Energy Survey
Authors: Mudd D. , Martini P. , Zu Y. , Kochanek C. , Peterson B. M. , Kessler R. , Davis T. M. , Hoormann J. K. , King A. , Lidman C. , Sommer N. E. , Tucker B. E. , Asorey J. , Hinton S. , Glazebrook K. , Kuehn K. , Lewis G. , Macaulay E. , Moeller A. , O’Neill C. , Zhang B. , Abbott T. M. C. , Abdalla F. B. , Allam S. , Banerji M. , Benoit-Lévy A. , Bertin E. , Brooks D. , Rosell A. Carnero , Carollo D. , Kind M. Carrasco , Carretero J. , Cunha C. E. , D’Andrea C. B. , Costa L. N. da , Davis C. , Desai S. , Doel P. , Fosalba P. , García-Bellido J. , Gaztanaga E. , Gerdes D. W. , Gruen D. , Gruendl R. A. , Gschwend J. , Gutierrez G. , Hartley W. G. , Honscheid K. , James D. J. , Kuhlmann S. , Kuropatkin N. , Lima M. , Maia M. A. G. , Marshall J. L. , McMahon R. G. , Menanteau F. , Miquel R. , Plazas A. A. , Romer A. K. , Sanchez E. , Schindler R. , Schubnell M. , Smith M. , Smith R. C. , Soares-Santos M. , Sobreira F. , Suchyta E. , Swanson M. E. C. , Tarle G. , Thomas D. , Tucker D. L. , Walker A. R. ,   DES Collaboration
Published: July 2018

We present accretion disk size measurements for 15 luminous quasars at 0.7 ≤ z ≤ 1.9 derived from griz light curves from the Dark Energy Survey. We measure the disk sizes with continuum reverberation mapping using two methods, both of which are derived from the expectation that accretion disks have a radial temperature gradient and the continuum emission at a given radius is well described by a single blackbody. In the first method we measure the relative lags between the multiband light curves, which provides the relative time lag between shorter and longer wavelength variations. From this, we are only able to constrain upper limits on disk sizes, as many are consistent with no lag the 2σ level. The second method fits the model parameters for the canonical thin disk directly rather than solving for the individual time lags between the light curves. Our measurements demonstrate good agreement with the sizes predicted by this model for accretion rates between 0.3 and 1 times the Eddington rate. Given our large uncertainties, our measurements are also consistent with disk size measurements from gravitational microlensing studies of strongly lensed quasars, as well as other photometric reverberation mapping results, that find disk sizes that are a factor of a few (∼3) larger than predictions.
Stellar Streams Discovered in the Dark Energy Survey
Authors: Shipp N. , Drlica-Wagner A. , Balbinot E. , Ferguson P. , Erkal D. , Li T. S. , Bechtol K. , Belokurov V. , Buncher B. , Carollo D. , Kind M. Carrasco , Kuehn K. , Marshall J. L. , Pace A. B. , Rykoff E. S. , Sevilla-Noarbe I. , Sheldon E. , Strigari L. , Vivas A. K. , Yanny B. , Zenteno A. , Abbott T. M. C. , Abdalla F. B. , Allam S. , Avila S. , Bertin E. , Brooks D. , Burke D. L. , Carretero J. , Castander F. J. , Cawthon R. , Crocce M. , Cunha C. E. , D’Andrea C. B. , da Costa L. N. , Davis C. , Vicente J. De , Desai S. , Diehl H. T. , Doel P. , Evrard A. E. , Flaugher B. , Fosalba P. , Frieman J. , García-Bellido J. , Gaztanaga E. , Gerdes D. W. , Gruen D. , Gruendl R. A. , Gschwend J. , Gutierrez G. , Hartley W. , Honscheid K. , Hoyle B. , James D. J. , Johnson M. D. , Krause E. , Kuropatkin N. , Lahav O. , Lin H. , Maia M. A. G. , March M. , Martini P. , Menanteau F. , Miller C. J. , Miquel R. , Nichol R. C. , Plazas A. A. , Romer A. K. , Sako M. , Sanchez E. , Santiago B. , Scarpine V. , Schindler R. , Schubnell M. , Smith M. , Smith R. C. , Sobreira F. , Suchyta E. , Swanson M. E. C. , Tarle G. , Thomas D. , Tucker D. L. , Walker A. R. , Wechsler R. H. ,   (DES Collaboration)
Published: July 2018

We perform a search for stellar streams around the Milky Way using the first 3 yr of multiband optical imaging data from the Dark Energy Survey (DES). We use DES data covering ∼5000 deg2 to a depth of g > 23.5 with a relative photometric calibration uncertainty of <1%. This data set yields unprecedented sensitivity to the stellar density field in the southern celestial hemisphere, enabling the detection of faint stellar streams to a heliocentric distance of ∼50 kpc. We search for stellar streams using a matched filter in color–magnitude space derived from a synthetic isochrone of an old, metal-poor stellar population. Our detection technique recovers four previously known thin stellar streams: Phoenix, ATLAS, Tucana III, and a possible extension of Molonglo. In addition, we report the discovery of 11 new stellar streams. In general, the new streams detected by DES are fainter, more distant, and lower surface brightness than streams detected by similar techniques in previous photometric surveys. As a by-product of our stellar stream search, we find evidence for extratidal stellar structure associated with four globular clusters: NGC 288, NGC 1261, NGC 1851, and NGC 1904. The ever-growing sample of stellar streams will provide insight into the formation of the Galactic stellar halo, the Milky Way gravitational potential, and the large- and small-scale distribution of dark matter around the Milky Way.
Karyotype characteristics and chromosomal polymorphism of Chironomus “annularius” sensu Strenzke (1959) (Diptera, Chironomidae) from the Caucasus region
Authors: Karmokov Mukhamed Kh.
Published: July 2018

The study presents data on the karyotype characteristics and features of chromosomal polymorphism of Chironomus “annularius” sensu Strenzke (1959) (Diptera, Chironomidae) from three populations of the Caucasus region (South and Central Caucasus, and Eastern Ciscaucasia). We found 17 banding sequences in the Caucasian populations. We observed inversion polymorphism in almost all chromosome arms except for arm G. The genetic distances between all the studied populations of Ch. “annularius” were calculated using Nei criteria (1972). In spite of relative geographic proximity, the genetic distances between populations of the Caucasus are quite large, and they do not form a single cluster of Caucasian populations. The population of the South Caucasus goes to the European cluster, the population of the Central Caucasus goes to the Asian cluster and the population of Eastern Ciscaucasia does not belong to any of the outlined clusters. Principal component analysis (PCA) shows a similar picture. Two of the Caucasian populations do not follow Hardy-Weinberg expectation, there being a marked deficiency of heterozygotes in arms A, B and C, arguably, due to negative selection of heterozygotes or founder effect. All the obtained data are indicative of the complex genetic structure of Caucasian populations of Ch. “annularius” and total complexity microevolution processes occurring in the Caucasus region.
A review of the Cholevinae from the island of Borneo (Coleoptera, Leiodidae)
Authors: Schilthuizen Menno , Perreau Michel , Njunjić Iva
Published: July 2018

The available knowledge of the round fungus beetle subfamily Cholevinae (Leiodidae) from the island of Borneo is reviewed, and the results of newly studied material presented. The currently known 30 species (of which 14 are newly described herein) represent the genera Micronemadus (one species), Catops (one species), Baryodirus (one species), Ptomaphaginus (14 species), and Ptomaphaminus (13 species). The following new species are described: Micronemadussondaicus Schilthuizen & Perreau, sp. n., Ptomaphaginusgrandis Schilthuizen & Perreau, sp. n., P.louis Schilthuizen & Perreau, sp. n., P.muluensis Schilthuizen & Perreau, sp. n., and P.isabellarossellini Schilthuizen, Njunjić & Perreau, sp. n., and Ptomaphaminuskinabatanganensis Njunjić, Schilthuizen & Perreau, sp. n., P.testaceus Schilthuizen & Perreau, sp. n., P.nanus Schilthuizen & Perreau, sp. n., P.marshalli Schilthuizen & Perreau, sp. n., P.hanskii Schilthuizen & Perreau, sp. n., P.sarawacensis Schilthuizen & Perreau, sp. n., P.layangensis Schilthuizen & Perreau, sp. n., P.microphallus Schilthuizen & Perreau, sp. n., and P.alabensis Schilthuizen & Perreau, sp. n. It is expected that the cholevine biodiversity of Borneo is still far from completely known. Nonetheless, provisional identification keys to all species known so far are presented.
A newly discovered biodiversity hotspot of many-plumed moths in the Mount Cameroon area: first report on species diversity, with description of nine new species (Lepidoptera, Alucitidae)
Authors: Ustjuzhanin Peter , Kovtunovich Vasily , Sáfián Szabolcs , Maicher Vincent , Tropek Robert
Published: July 2018

Fifteen species of many-plumed moths are recorded from the Mount Cameroon area, SW Cameroon, West Africa. Nine species:AlucitalongipenisUstjuzhanin & Kovtunovich,sp. n.,A.lidiyaUstjuzhanin & Kovtunovich,sp. n.,A.ludmilaUstjuzhanin & Kovtunovich,sp. n.,A.escobariUstjuzhanin & Kovtunovich,sp. n.,A.mischeniniUstjuzhanin & Kovtunovich,sp. n.,A.fokamiUstjuzhanin & Kovtunovich,sp. n.,A.janecekiUstjuzhanin & Kovtunovich,sp. n.,A.besongiUstjuzhanin & Kovtunovich,sp. n., andA.olgaUstjuzhanin & Kovtunovich,sp. n., are described as new for science. Four species are recorded as new from Cameroon:A.acalyptra,A.chloracta,A.coffeina, andA.spicifera. By these records, the Mount Cameroon area has become the richest known Afrotropical locality for the Alucitidae, highlighting its tremendous value for biodiversity conservation.
Cryptic species diversity in the Hypsolebias magnificus complex, a clade of endangered seasonal killifishes from the São Francisco River basin, Brazilian Caatinga (Cyprinodontiformes, Aplocheilidae)
Authors: Costa Wilson J. E. M. , Amorim Pedro F. , Mattos José Leonardo O.
Published: July 2018

A great diversity of animal species adapted to life in the semi-arid Caatinga of northeastern Brazil, including seasonal killifishes, has been reported in the last three decades. More recently, field and molecular data have shown a high occurrence of cryptic species. The killifish group herein analysed, the Hypsolebiasmagnificus species complex, is endemic to the middle and southern portion of the Caatinga, occupying about 120 km along the floodplains of the middle São Francisco River and some adjacent tributaries. Species of this complex are rare and presently considered threatened with extinction, being uniquely found in pools protected by trees and bushes. Single-locus delimitation methods were used to test species limits of populations displaying different colour patterns along the whole distribution of the complex. All analyses consistently supported the three nominal species and two new, herein described: H.gardneri Costa, sp. n., from the floodplains of the middle São Francisco River and H.hamadryades Costa, sp. n., from the Gorotuba River floodplains. The phylogenetic analysis highly supports H.hamadryades as sister to a clade comprising H.gardneri and H.harmonicus. Our field observations suggest that H.hamadryades is a miniature species. This study indicates that the H.magnificus complex comprises cryptic species apparently endemic to small areas and extremely vulnerable to environmental changes, deserving high concern.
Implementation of Individualized Music in Long-Term Care: Application of the PARiHS Framework
Authors: Hebert Catherine A. , Hancock Kathryn , McConnell Eleanor S.
Published: July 2018

The need to provide evidence-based, person-centered care for long-term care (LTC) residents, which often include individuals with dementia, has led to a surge of interest in the implementation of individualized music (IM) programs. An exploratory study was conducted over a 6-month period using the Promoting Action on Research in Health Systems (PARiHS) framework to examine the implementation of an IM program with 19 residents in a LTC facility. All residents using IM had the device available at the end of the program, and 53% received IM at least two times per week. Qualitative analysis of stakeholder interviews with six staff members and three residents after using the PARiHS framework as an implementation guide revealed two themes:
Overcoming Resistance to Innovation
and
Person-Centered Care Through IM
. Identification of barriers and facilitators through the PARiHS elements of evidence, context, and facilitation supported the IM implementation process and should enable its replication in other facilities. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 44
(8), 29–38.]
Use of Body Sensors to Examine Nocturnal Agitation, Sleep, and Urinary Incontinence in Individuals With Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Rose Karen M. , Lach John , Perkhounkova Yelena , Gong Jiaqi , Dandu Sriram Raju , Dickerson Robert , Emi Ifat Afrin , Fan Dawei , Specht Janet , Stankovic John
Published: July 2018

Nighttime agitation, sleep disturbances, and urinary incontinence (UI) occur frequently in individuals with dementia and can add additional burden to family caregivers, although the co-occurrence of these symptoms is not well understood. The purpose of the current study was to determine the feasibility and acceptability of using passive body sensors in community-dwelling individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD) by family caregivers and the correlates among these distressing symptoms. A single-group, descriptive design with convenience sampling of participants with AD and their family caregivers was undertaken to address the study aims. Results showed that using body sensors was feasible and acceptable and that patterns of nocturnal agitation, sleep, and UI could be determined and were correlated in study participants. Using data from body sensors may be useful to develop and implement targeted, individualized interventions to lessen these distressing symptoms and decrease caregiver burden. Further study in this field is warranted. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 44
(8), 19–26.]
Collaborative Peace Education in Contexts of Sociopolitical Violence
Authors: Giovanni Irene , Jaramillo Daniel Fernando
Published: July 2018

This chapter presents collaborative peace education as a perspective to the development of capacities for conflict transformation in countries that have experienced socio-political violence. For this, it takes the Colombian violence as a context to integrate principles of peace education, conflicts transformation, social constructionism, and collaborative practices in order to establish working premises and ideas for scenarios where strengthening a culture of peace is required. From the revision of these concepts, the authors propose four principles that support the collaborative peace education, some contents that can be developed in an initiative of this type and relevant ideas to choose the format to be used in a collaborative peace education program.
The Boone-Kabul Project
Authors: Nave Lillian , Khalid Abdul Habib
Published: July 2018

In this project, the in-depth discussion of artistic works by Afghan and American students working together to reduce cultural stereotyping and poor media image-making created a shared understanding and a deep connection as humans that transcended national, political, religious, and cultural boundaries. Students discussed various works of art dealing with topics such as leadership, women and education, heroism, and homeland/patriotism. Students then answered questions related to the works of art and share their responses with each other in a continuous dialogue. Students were able to determine how perceptions are shaped about other cultures, analyze how these perceptions change, and examine how art is multivalent and is particularly able to carry many nuanced messages that allow for in-depth discussion.