bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of Neoplastic Transformation and Chemically-Induced Skin Hyperplasia in Mice by Traditional Chinese Medicinal Formula Si-Wu-Tang
Authors: Liu Mandy , Huang Kevin , Yeung Steven , Chang Andy , Zhang Suhui , Mei Nan , Parsa Cyrus , Orlando Robert , Huang Ying
Published: March 2017

Exploring traditional medicines may lead to the development of low-cost and non-toxic cancer preventive agents. Si-Wu-Tang (SWT), comprising the combination of four herbs, Rehmanniae, Angelica, Chuanxiong, and Paeoniae, is one of the most popular traditional Chinese medicines for women’s diseases. In our previous studies, the antioxidant Nrf2 pathways were strongly induced by SWT in vitro and in vivo. Since Nrf2 activation has been associated with anticarcinogenic effects, the purpose of this study is to evaluate SWT’s activity of cancer prevention. In the Ames test, SWT demonstrated an antimutagenic activity against mutagenicity induced by the chemical carcinogen 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA). In JB6 P+ cells, a non-cancerous murine epidermal model for studying tumor promotion, SWT inhibited epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced neoplastic transformation. The luciferase reporter gene assays demonstrated that SWT suppressed EGF-induced AP-1 and TNF-α-induced NF-κB activation, which are essential factors involved in skin carcinogenesis. In a DMBA-induced skin hyperplasia assay in ‘Sensitivity to Carcinogenesis’ (SENCAR) mice, both topical and oral SWT inhibited DMBA-induced epidermal hyperplasia, expression of the proliferation marker Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and H-ras mutations. These findings demonstrate, for the first time, that SWT prevents tumor promoter and chemical-induced carcinogenesis in vitro and in vivo, partly by inhibiting DNA damage and blocking the activation of AP-1 and NF-κB.
Association between Circulating Vitamin D Level and Urolithiasis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hu Henglong , Zhang Jiaqiao , Lu Yuchao , Zhang Zongbiao , Qin Baolong , Gao Hongbin , Wang Yufeng , Zhu Jianning , Wang Qing , Zhu Yunpeng , Xun Yang , Wang Shaogang
Published: March 2017

Many studies compared the serum/plasma 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D) and 25 hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D) between people with and without nephrolithiasis, and their results were conflicting. After systematically searching PubMed, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, CNKI, and the Wanfang Database, we conducted a meta-analysis. Thirty-two observational studies involving 23,228 participants were included. Meta-analysis of these studies showed that of stone formers (SFs), calcium SFs had significantly higher concentrations of 1,25(OH)2D (weighted mean difference (WMD), 10.19 pg/mL; 95% confidence interval (CI), 4.31–16.07; p = 0.0007 and WMD, 11.28 pg/mL; 95% CI, 4.07–18.50; p = 0.002, respectively) than non-stone formers, while the levels of 25(OH)D (WMD, 0.88 ng/mL; 95% CI, −1.04–2.80; p = 0.37 and WMD, −0.63 ng/mL; 95% CI, −2.72–1.47; p = 0.56, respectively) are similar. Compared with controls and normocalciuria SFs, hypercalciuria SFs had increased circulating 1,25(OH)2D (WMD, 9.41 pg/mL; 95% CI, 0.15–18.67; p = 0.05 and WMD, 2.75 pg/mL; 95% CI, −0.20–5.69; p = 0.07, respectively) and markedly higher 25(OH)D (WMD, 5.02 ng/mL; 95% CI, 0.99–9.06; p = 0.01 and WMD, 5.02 ng/mL; 95% CI, 2.14–7.90; p = 0.0006, respectively). Normocalciuria SFs had elevated 1,25(OH)2D level (WMD, 6.85 pg/mL; 95% CI, −5.00–18.71; p = 0.26) and comparable 25(OH)D (WMD, 0.94 ng/mL; 95% CI, −3.55–5.43; p = 0.68). Sensitivity analysis generated similar results. Current evidence suggests that increased circulating 1,25(OH)2D is associated with urinary stones and a higher level of circulating 25(OH)D is significantly associated with hypercalciuria urolithiasis. Further studies are still needed to reconfirm and clarify the role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of stones.
A Specific Mixture of Nutrients Suppresses Ovarian Cancer A-2780 Tumor Incidence, Growth, and Metastasis to Lungs
Authors: Roomi Mohd , Kalinovsky Tatiana , Rath Matthias , Niedzwiecki Aleksandra
Published: March 2017

Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecological malignancy in women, and fifth leading cause of death. Despite advances made in chemotherapy and surgery, the average time of clinical remission is approximately 2 years and the 5-year survival rate is 45%. Thus, there is an urgent need for the development of a novel therapeutic approach to ovarian cancer treatment. We investigated the effect of a specific nutrient mixture (EPQ) containing ascorbic acid, lysine, proline, green tea extract, and quercetin on human ovarian cancer cell A-2780 in vivo and in vitro. Athymic female nude mice (n = 12) were all inoculated intraperitoneally (IP) with 2 × 106 cells in 0.1 mL of phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and randomly divided into two groups. Upon injection, the Control group (n = 6) was fed a regular diet and the EPQ group (n = 6) a regular diet supplemented with 0.5% EPQ. Four weeks later, the mice were sacrificed and tumors that developed in the ovary were excised, weighed, and processed for histology. Lungs were inspected for metastasis. In vitro, A-2780 cells were cultured in Dulbecco modified Eagle medium supplemented with 10% FBS and antibiotics. At near confluence, cells were treated with EPQ in triplicate at concentrations between 0 and 1000 μg/mL. Cell proliferation was measured via MTT assay, MMP-9 secretion via gelatinase zymography, invasion through Matrigel and morphology via hematoxylin and eosin (H & E) staining. All Control mice developed large ovarian tumors, whereas 5 out of 6 mice in the EPQ group developed no tumors, and one, a small tumor. Control mice also showed lung metastasis in 6 out of 6 mice, while no lung metastasis was evident in EPQ mice. Zymography demonstrated only MMP-9 expression, which EPQ inhibited in a dose-dependent fashion, with virtual total block at 250 μg/mL concentration. EPQ significantly inhibited invasion through Matrigel with total block at 250 μg/mL concentration. MTT showed dose-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation with EPQ, and H & E staining showed no morphological changes below 500 μg/mL EPQ. These results suggest that EPQ has therapeutic potential in the treatment of ovarian cancer by significantly suppressing ovarian tumor incidence and growth and lung metastasis, and by inhibiting MMP-9 secretion and invasion of A-2780 ovarian cancer cells.
Hydroxytyrosol in the Prevention of the Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders
Authors: Peyrol Julien , Riva Catherine , Amiot Marie
Published: March 2017

Virgin olive oil (VOO) constitutes the main source of fat in the Mediterranean diet. VOO is rich in oleic acid, displaying health-promoting properties, but also contains minor bioactive components, especially phenolic compounds. Hydroxytyrosol (HT), the main polyphenol of olive oil, has been reported to be the most bioactive component. This review aims to compile the results of clinical, animal and cell culture studies evaluating the effects of HT on the features of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) (body weight/adiposity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and hyperglycemia/insulin resistance) and associated complications (oxidative stress and inflammation). HT was able to improve the lipid profile, glycaemia, and insulin sensitivity, and counteract oxidative and inflammatory processes. Experimental studies identified multiple molecular targets for HT conferring its beneficial effect on health in spite of its low bioavailability. However, rodent experiments and clinical trials with pure HT at biologically relevant concentrations are still lacking. Moreover, the roles of intestine and its gut microbiota have not been elucidated.
Quantitative Analysis of the KSHV Transcriptome Following Primary Infection of Blood and Lymphatic Endothelial Cells
Authors: Bruce A. Gregory , Barcy Serge , DiMaio Terri , Gan Emilia , Garrigues H. Jacques , Lagunoff Michael , Rose Timothy M.
Published: March 2017

The transcriptome of the Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV/HHV8) after primary latent infection of human blood (BEC), lymphatic (LEC) and immortalized (TIME) endothelial cells was analyzed using RNAseq, and compared to long-term latency in BCBL-1 lymphoma cells. Naturally expressed transcripts were obtained without artificial induction, and a comprehensive annotation of the KSHV genome was determined. A set of unique coding sequence (UCDS) features and a process to resolve overlapping transcripts were developed to accurately quantitate transcript levels from specific promoters. Similar patterns of KSHV expression were detected in BCBL-1 cells undergoing long-term latent infections and in primary latent infections of both BEC and LEC cultures. High expression levels of poly-adenylated nuclear (PAN) RNA and spliced and unspliced transcripts encoding the K12 Kaposin B/C complex and associated microRNA region were detected, with an elevated expression of a large set of lytic genes in all latently infected cultures. Quantitation of non-overlapping regions of transcripts across the complete KSHV genome enabled for the first time accurate evaluation of the KSHV transcriptome associated with viral latency in different cell types. Hierarchical clustering applied to a gene correlation matrix identified modules of co-regulated genes with similar correlation profiles, which corresponded with biological and functional similarities of the encoded gene products. Gene modules were differentially upregulated during latency in specific cell types indicating a role for cellular factors associated with differentiated and/or proliferative states of the host cell to influence viral gene expression.
Preliminary Evaluation of the SMAP Radiometer Soil Moisture Product over China Using In Situ Data
Authors: Sun Yayong , Huang Shifeng , Ma Jianwei , Li Jiren , Li Xiaotao , Wang Hui , Chen Sheng , Zang Wenbin
Published: March 2017

The Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) satellite makes coincident global measurements of soil moisture using an L-band radar instrument and an L-band radiometer. It is crucial to evaluate the errors in the newest L-band SMAP satellite-derived soil moisture products, before they are routinely used in scientific research and applications. This study represents the first evaluation of the SMAP radiometer soil moisture product over China. In this paper, a preliminary evaluation was performed using sparse in situ measurements from 655 China Meteorological Administration (CMA) monitoring stations between 1 April 2015 and 31 August 2016. The SMAP radiometer-derived soil moisture product was evaluated against two schemes of original soil moisture and the soil moisture anomaly in different geographical zones and land cover types. Four performance metrics, i.e., bias, root mean square error (RMSE), unbiased root mean square error (ubRMSE), and the correlation coefficient (R), were used in the accuracy evaluation. The results indicated that the SMAP radiometer-derived soil moisture product agreed relatively well with the in situ measurements, with ubRMSE values of 0.058 cm3·cm−3 and 0.039 cm3·cm−3 based on original data and anomaly data, respectively. The values of the SMAP radiometer-based soil moisture product were overestimated in wet areas, especially in the Southwest China, South China, Southeast China, East China, and Central China zones. The accuracies over croplands and in Northeast China were the worst. Soil moisture, surface roughness, and vegetation are crucial factors contributing to the error in the soil moisture product. Moreover, radio frequency interference contributes to the overestimation over the northern portion of the East China zone. This study provides guidelines for the application of the SMAP-derived soil moisture product in China and acts as a reference for improving the retrieval algorithm.
A Spatially Offset Raman Spectroscopy Method for Non-Destructive Detection of Gelatin-Encapsulated Powders
Authors: Chao Kuanglin , Dhakal Sagar , Qin Jianwei , Peng Yankun , Schmidt Walter , Kim Moon , Chan Diane
Published: March 2017

Non-destructive subsurface detection of encapsulated, coated, or seal-packaged foods and pharmaceuticals can help prevent distribution and consumption of counterfeit or hazardous products. This study used a Spatially Offset Raman Spectroscopy (SORS) method to detect and identify urea, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen powders contained within one or more (up to eight) layers of gelatin capsules to demonstrate subsurface chemical detection and identification. A 785-nm point-scan Raman spectroscopy system was used to acquire spatially offset Raman spectra for an offset range of 0 to 10 mm from the surfaces of 24 encapsulated samples, using a step size of 0.1 mm to obtain 101 spectral measurements per sample. As the offset distance was increased, the spectral contribution from the subsurface powder gradually outweighed that of the surface capsule layers, allowing for detection of the encapsulated powders. Containing mixed contributions from the powder and capsule, the SORS spectra for each sample were resolved into pure component spectra using self-modeling mixture analysis (SMA) and the corresponding components were identified using spectral information divergence values. As demonstrated here for detecting chemicals contained inside thick capsule layers, this SORS measurement technique coupled with SMA has the potential to be a reliable non-destructive method for subsurface inspection and authentication of foods, health supplements, and pharmaceutical products that are prepared or packaged with semi-transparent materials.
Diagnosis of Breast Cancer Tissues Using 785 nm Miniature Raman Spectrometer and Pattern Regression
Authors: Li Qingbo , Hao Can , Xu Zhi
Published: March 2017

For achieving the development of a portable, low-cost and in vivo cancer diagnosis instrument, a laser 785 nm miniature Raman spectrometer was used to acquire the Raman spectra for breast cancer detection in this paper. However, because of the low spectral signal-to-noise ratio, it is difficult to achieve high discrimination accuracy by using the miniature Raman spectrometer. Therefore, a pattern recognition method of the adaptive net analyte signal (NAS) weight k-local hyperplane (ANWKH) is proposed to increase the classification accuracy. ANWKH is an extension and improvement of K-local hyperplane distance nearest-neighbor (HKNN), and combines the advantages of the adaptive weight k-local hyperplane (AWKH) and the net analyte signal (NAS). In this algorithm, NAS was first used to eliminate the influence caused by other non-target factors. Then, the distance between the test set samples and hyperplane was calculated with consideration of the feature weights. The HKNN only works well for small values of the nearest-neighbor. However, the accuracy decreases with increasing values of the nearest-neighbor. The method presented in this paper can resolve the basic shortcoming by using the feature weights. The original spectra are projected into the vertical subspace without the objective factors. NAS was employed to obtain the spectra without irrelevant information. NAS can improve the classification accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of breast cancer early diagnosis. Experimental results of Raman spectra detection in vitro of breast tissues showed that the proposed algorithm can obtain high classification accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. This paper demonstrates that the ANWKH algorithm is feasible for early clinical diagnosis of breast cancer in the future.
Transition Initiatives as Light Intentional Communities: Uncovering Liminality and Friction
Authors: Van de Grift Elisabeth , Vervoort Joost , Cuppen Eefje
Published: March 2017

The Transition Network is a global grassroots network that supports community-led resilience in the face of global change. This paper reports on an ethnographic study of one of its longest-running projects, Transition Town Lewes (TTL) in the United Kingdom. The aim of the study is to analyse TTL as a community. More specifically, we ask two questions: (1) what type of community is TTL? and (2) what are the challenges TTL faces as a community? With this, we contribute to the existing literature on local sustainability initiatives and in particular on Transition initiatives, by providing an in-depth understanding of the challenges and social dynamics at play in a day-to-day setting. We conducted three months of intensive ethnographic fieldwork using participant observation, interviews, and a focus group. Our analysis shows that TTL is a community that, on the one hand, is motivated by explicit intentions and goals, but that, on the other hand, leaves openness and flexibility regarding the level and specifics of participants’ engagement. We introduce the novel concept of ‘light intentional community’ to describe this type of community. We first investigate intentionality in TTL, finding that differences exist between individual participant motivations and stated TTL objectives. We go on to describe the ‘light’ aspect of TTL—the differences in levels of engagement between community participants. Our analysis shows that TTL and its participants face two main challenges. First, TTL participants experience ‘multi-dimensional liminality’: they operate in a liminal space between mainstream society and TTL practices, and additionally experience a continuous sense of transitioning toward a moving goal. Second, TTL as a community faces internal and external frictions. These challenges are interrelated and stem from the structure and dynamics of TTL as a light intentional community. We conclude by reflecting on our analysis of the nature and challenges of ‘light intentional communities’, identifying what opportunities this concept brings for overcoming the challenges of grassroots globalization initiatives amidst mainstream society.
Competitive Success in Responsible Regional Ecosystems: An Empirical Approach in Spain Focused on the Firms’ Relationship with Stakeholders
Authors: Sánchez-Hernández M. , Bañegil-Palacios Tomás , Sanguino-Galván Ramón
Published: March 2017

Nowadays, any business manager is concerned about sustainability issues and is wondering how to implement social and environmental practices creating economic and social value at the same time. The implementation of social responsibility programs is justified by the benefits that result from a good relationship of the firm with key stakeholders. The present research investigates the links among firms’ relationship with stakeholders, firms’ champion behavior, stakeholders’ satisfaction and firms’ competitive success in regional contexts where social responsibility is promoted. Using the resource-based theory and the concept of shared value, a conceptual model is proposed in which a strong firm relationship with stakeholders will cause the stakeholder’ satisfaction and will help the firm to become a champion in the market, contributing to improved competitiveness. This empirical analysis was based on survey data through partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) from 130 Spanish firms in the Region of Extremadura. Participants were firm managers in regional clusters involved in the social responsibility journey promoted by the local government. The results suggest that a good relationship of the frim with stakeholders directly and positively influences firm competitive success, and also, it is enhanced by improvements in stakeholders’ satisfaction and firm champion behavior.
Virtual Sensors for Biodiesel Production in a Batch Reactor
Authors: López-Zapata Betty Y. , Adam-Medina Manuel , Álvarez-Gutiérrez Peggy E. , Castillo-González Juan P. , León Héctor R. Hernández-de , Vela-Valdés Luis G.
Published: March 2017

Fossil fuel combustion produces around 98% of coal emissions. Therefore, liquid and gaseous biofuels have become more attractive due to their environmental benefits. The biodiesel production process requires measurements that help to control and supervise the variables involved in the process. The measurements provide valuable information about the operation conditions and give estimations about the critical variables of the process. The information from measurements is essential for monitoring the state of a process and verifying if it has an optimal performance. The objective of this study was the conception of a virtual sensor based on the Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) and the model of a batch biodiesel reactor for estimating concentrations of triglycerides (TG), diglycerides (DG), monoglycerides (MG), methyl ester (E), alcohol (A), and glycerol (GL) in real-time through measurement of the temperature and pH. Estimation of the TG, DG, MG, E, A, and Gl through this method eliminates the need for additional sensors and allows the use of different types of control. For the performance analysis of the virtual sensor, the data obtained from the EKF are compared with experimental data reported in the literature, with the mean square error of the estimate then being calculated. In addition, the results of this approach can be implemented in a real system, since it only uses measurements available in a reactor such as temperature and pH.
An Economic Assessment of Local Farm Multi-Purpose Surface Water Retention Systems under Future Climate Uncertainty
Authors: Berry Pamela , Yassin Fuad , Belcher Kenneth , Lindenschmidt Karl-Erich
Published: March 2017

Regions dependent on agricultural production are concerned about the uncertainty associated with climate change. Extreme drought and flooding events are predicted to occur with greater frequency, requiring mitigation strategies to reduce their negative impacts. Multi-purpose local farm water retention systems can reduce water stress during drought periods by supporting irrigation. The retention systems’ capture of excess spring runoff and extreme rainfall events also reduces flood potential downstream. Retention systems may also be used for biomass production and nutrient retention. A sub-watershed scale retention system was analysed using a dynamic simulation model to predict the economic advantages in the future. Irrigated crops using water from the downstream reservoir at Pelly’s Lake, Manitoba, Canada, experienced a net decrease in gross margin in the future due to the associated irrigation and reservoir infrastructure costs. However, the multi-purpose benefits of the retention system at Pelly’s Lake of avoided flood damages, nutrient retention, carbon sequestration, and biomass production provide an economic benefit of $25,507.00/hectare of retention system/year. Multi-purpose retention systems under future climate uncertainty provide economic and environmental gains when used to avoid flood damages, for nutrient retention and carbon sequestration, and biomass production. The revenue gained from these functions can support farmers willing to invest in irrigation while providing economic and environmental benefits to the region.
Impacts of Global Warming and Sea Level Rise on Service Life of Chloride-Exposed Concrete Structures
Authors: Gao Xiao-Jian , Wang Xiao-Yong
Published: March 2017

Global warming will increase the rate of chloride ingress and the rate of steel corrosion of concrete structures. Furthermore, in coastal (atmospheric marine) zones, sea level rise will reduce the distance of concrete structures from the coast and increase the surface chloride content. This study proposes a probabilistic model for analyzing the effects of global warming and sea level rise on the service life of coastal concrete structures. First, in the corrosion initiation stage, an improved chloride diffusion model is proposed to determine chloride concentration. The Monte Carlo method is employed to calculate the service life in the corrosion initiation stage; Second, in the corrosion propagation stage, a numerical model is proposed to calculate the rate of corrosion, probability of corrosion cracking, and service life. Third, overall service life is determined as the sum of service life in the corrosion initiation and corrosion propagation stages. After considering the impacts of global warming and sea level rise, the analysis results show that for concrete structures having a service life of 50 years, the service life decreases by about 5%.
Viral Protein Kinetics of Piscine Orthoreovirus Infection in Atlantic Salmon Blood Cells
Authors: Haatveit Hanne , Wessel Øystein , Markussen Turhan , Lund Morten , Thiede Bernd , Nyman Ingvild , Braaen Stine , Dahle Maria , Rimstad Espen
Published: March 2017

Piscine orthoreovirus (PRV) is ubiquitous in farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and the cause of heart and skeletal muscle inflammation. Erythrocytes are important target cells for PRV. We have investigated the kinetics of PRV infection in salmon blood cells. The findings indicate that PRV causes an acute infection of blood cells lasting 1–2 weeks, before it subsides into persistence. A high production of viral proteins occurred initially in the acute phase which significantly correlated with antiviral gene transcription. Globular viral factories organized by the non-structural protein µNS were also observed initially, but were not evident at later stages. Interactions between µNS and the PRV structural proteins λ1, µ1, σ1 and σ3 were demonstrated. Different size variants of µNS and the outer capsid protein µ1 appeared at specific time points during infection. Maximal viral protein load was observed five weeks post cohabitant challenge and was undetectable from seven weeks post challenge. In contrast, viral RNA at a high level could be detected throughout the eight-week trial. A proteolytic cleavage fragment of the µ1 protein was the only viral protein detectable after seven weeks post challenge, indicating that this µ1 fragment may be involved in the mechanisms of persistent infection.
Coccolithoviruses: A Review of Cross-Kingdom Genomic Thievery and Metabolic Thuggery
Authors: Nissimov Jozef I. , Pagarete António , Ma Fangrui , Cody Sean , Dunigan David D. , Kimmance Susan A. , Allen Michael J.
Published: March 2017

Coccolithoviruses (Phycodnaviridae) infect and lyse the most ubiquitous and successful coccolithophorid in modern oceans, Emiliania huxleyi. So far, the genomes of 13 of these giant lytic viruses (i.e., Emiliania huxleyi viruses—EhVs) have been sequenced, assembled, and annotated. Here, we performed an in-depth comparison of their genomes to try and contextualize the ecological and evolutionary traits of these viruses. The genomes of these EhVs have from 444 to 548 coding sequences (CDSs). Presence/absence analysis of CDSs identified putative genes with particular ecological significance, namely sialidase, phosphate permease, and sphingolipid biosynthesis. The viruses clustered into distinct clades, based on their DNA polymerase gene as well as full genome comparisons. We discuss the use of such clustering and suggest that a gene-by-gene investigation approach may be more useful when the goal is to reveal differences related to functionally important genes. A multi domain “Best BLAST hit” analysis revealed that 84% of the EhV genes have closer similarities to the domain Eukarya. However, 16% of the EhV CDSs were very similar to bacterial genes, contributing to the idea that a significant portion of the gene flow in the planktonic world inter-crosses the domains of life.
1st Workshop of the Canadian Society for Virology
Authors: McCormick Craig , Grandvaux Nathalie
Published: March 2017

The 1st Workshop of the Canadian Society for Virology (CSV2016) was a Special Workshop of the 35th Annual Meeting for the American Society for Virology, held on 18 June 2016 on the beautiful Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg, Virginia. The workshop provided a forum for discussion of recent advances in the field, in an informal setting conducive to interaction with colleagues. CSV2016 featured two internationally-renowned Canadian keynote speakers who discussed translational virology research; American Society for Virology President Grant McFadden (then from University of Florida, now relocated to Arizona State University) who presented his studies of oncolytic poxviruses, while Matthew Miller (McMaster University) reviewed the prospects for a universal influenza vaccine. The workshop also featured a variety of trainee oral and poster presentations, and a panel discussion on the topic of the future of the CSV and virus research in Canada.
Clustering and Support Vector Regression for Water Demand Forecasting and Anomaly Detection
Authors: Candelieri Antonio
Published: March 2017

This paper presents a completely data-driven and machine-learning-based approach, in two stages, to first characterize and then forecast hourly water demand in the short term with applications of two different data sources: urban water demand (SCADA data) and individual customer water consumption (AMR data). In the first case, reliable forecasting can be used to optimize operations, particularly the pumping schedule, in order to reduce energy-related costs, while in the second case, the comparison between forecast and actual values may support the online detection of anomalies, such as smart meter faults, fraud or possible cyber-physical attacks. Results are presented for a real case: the water distribution network in Milan.
Impact of Short Duration Intense Rainfall Events on Sanitary Sewer Network Performance
Authors: Nasrin Tasnim , Sharma Ashok , Muttil Nitin
Published: March 2017

Short duration intense rainfall causes an increase in rainfall derived infiltration and inflow (RDII) into aging sewer networks, which leads to Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs). This study presents a generalised framework for assessing and mitigating the impacts of intense rainfall on sanitary sewer networks. The first part of the proposed framework involves a detailed hydraulic modelling to evaluate the performance of the sewer network. The second part deals with the development of SSO mitigation strategies based on Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) approaches. This paper also demonstrates the application of the first part of the proposed framework for a case study catchment in Melbourne, Australia. The hydraulic performance of the case study sewer network during a wet and a dry year is presented. The analysis found that for the wet year, 11 manholes had sewer overflows, whereas 53 of 57 manholes in the network of 3.2 km had surcharges. Such a study will benefit the water authorities to develop mitigation strategies for controlling SSOs in their sewer systems.
Optimizing qPlus sensor assemblies for simultaneous scanning tunneling and noncontact atomic force microscopy operation based on finite element method analysis
Authors: Dagdeviren Omur E , Schwarz Udo D
Published: March 2017

Quartz tuning forks that have a probe tip attached to the end of one of its prongs while the other prong is arrested to a holder (“qPlus” configuration) have gained considerable popularity in recent years for high-resolution atomic force microscopy imaging. The small size of the tuning forks and the complexity of the sensor architecture, however, often impede predictions on how variations in the execution of the individual assembly steps affect the performance of the completed sensor. Extending an earlier study that provided numerical analysis of qPlus-style setups without tips, this work quantifies the influence of tip attachment on the operational characteristics of the sensor. The results using finite element modeling show in particular that for setups that include a metallic tip that is connected via a separate wire to enable the simultaneous collection of local forces and tunneling currents, the exact realization of this wire connection has a major effect on sensor properties such as spring constant, quality factor, resonance frequency, and its deviation from an ideal vertical oscillation.
K2 Ultracool Dwarfs Survey. I. Photometry of an L Dwarf Superflare
Authors: Gizis John E. , Paudel Rishi R. , Schmidt Sarah J. , Williams Peter K. G. , Burgasser Adam J.
Published: March 2017

We report on K2 Campaign 8 measurements of a huge white light flare on the L1 dwarf SDSSp J005406.55-003101.8 (EPIC 220186653). The source is a typical L1 dwarf at a distance of ∼50 pc, probably an old hydrogen-burning star rather than a young brown dwarf. In the long (30-minute) cadence photometry, the flare peak is 21 times the flux of the stellar photosphere in the broad optical Kepler filter, which we estimate corresponds to ΔV ≈ −7.1. The total equivalent duration of the flare is 15.4 hr. We estimate that the total bolometric energy of the flare was 4 × 1033 erg, more powerful than the previously reported Kepler white light flares for the L1 dwarf WISEP J190648.47+401106.8, but weaker than the ΔV = −11 L0 dwarf superflare ASASSN-16ae. The initial (impulsive) cooling phase is too rapid to resolve with our 30-minute cadence data, but after 1 hour the gradual cooling phase has an exponential time constant of 1.8 hr. We use template fitting to estimate that the full time-width-at-half-amplitude of the light curve is <10 minutes and that the true flare maximum reached ∼70 times the stellar photosphere, or ΔV ≈ −8. This flare is comparable to the most powerful Kepler flares observed on the active M4 dwarf GJ 1243.
Evolution of Mass and Velocity Field in the Cosmic Web: Comparison Between Baryonic and Dark Matter
Authors: Zhu Weishan , Feng Long-Long
Published: March 2017

We investigate the evolution of the cosmic web since z = 5 in grid-based cosmological hydrodynamical simulations, focusing on the mass and velocity fields of both baryonic and cold dark matter. The tidal tensor of density is used as the main method for web identification, with λ
th = 0.2–1.2. The evolution trends in baryonic and dark matter are similar, although moderate differences are observed. Sheets appear early, and their large-scale pattern may have been set up by z = 3. In terms of mass, filaments supersede sheets as the primary collapsing structures from z ∼ 2–3. Tenuous filaments assembled with each other to form prominent ones at z <  2. In accordance with the construction of the frame of the sheets, the cosmic divergence velocity, v
div, was already well-developed above 2–3 Mpc by z = 3. Afterwards, the curl velocity, v
curl, grew dramatically along with the rising of filaments, becoming comparable to v
div, for <2–3 Mpc at z = 0. The scaling of v
curl can be described by the hierarchical turbulence model. The alignment between the vorticity and the eigenvectors of the shear tensor in the baryonic matter field resembles that in the dark matter field, and is even moderately stronger between

and

, and ω and

. Compared with dark matter, there is slightly less baryonic matter found residing in filaments and clusters, and its vorticity developed more significantly below 2–3 Mpc. These differences may be underestimated because of the limited resolution and lack of star formation in our simulation. The impact of the change of dominant structures in overdense regions at z ∼ 2–3 on galaxy formation and evolution is shortly discussed.
Polarized Disk Emission from Herbig Ae/Be Stars Observed Using Gemini Planet Imager: HD 144432, HD 150193, HD 163296, and HD 169142
Authors: Monnier John D. , Harries Tim J. , Aarnio Alicia , Adams Fred C. , Andrews Sean , Calvet Nuria , Espaillat Catherine , Hartmann Lee , Hinkley Sasha , Kraus Stefan , McClure Melissa , Oppenheimer Rebecca , Perrin Marshall , Wilner David
Published: March 2017

In order to look for signs of ongoing planet formation in young disks, we carried out the first J-band polarized emission imaging of the Herbig Ae/Be stars HD 150193, HD 163296, and HD 169142 using the Gemini Planet Imager, along with new H band observations of HD 144432. We confirm the complex “double ring” structure for the nearly face-on system HD 169142 first seen in H-band, finding the outer ring to be substantially redder than the inner one in polarized intensity. Using radiative transfer modeling, we developed a physical model that explains the full spectral energy distribution and J- and H-band surface brightness profiles, suggesting that the differential color of the two rings could come from reddened starlight traversing the inner wall and may not require differences in grain properties. In addition, we clearly detect an elongated, off-center ring in HD 163296 (MWC 275), locating the scattering surface to be 18 au above the midplane at a radial distance of 77 au, co-spatial with a ring seen at 1.3 mm by ALMA linked to the CO snow line. Lastly, we report a weak tentative detection of scattered light for HD 150193 (MWC 863) and a non-detection for HD 144432; the stellar companion known for each of these targets has likely disrupted the material in the outer disk of the primary star. For HD 163296 and HD 169142, the prominent outer rings we detect could be evidence for giant planet formation in the outer disk or a manifestation of large-scale dust growth processes possibly related to snow-line chemistry.
Identification of marker shale horizons in banded iron formation: linking measurements of downhole natural gamma‐ray with measurements from reflectance spectrometry of rock cores
Authors: Silversides Katherine L. , Murphy Richard J.
Published: March 2017

Marker shale horizons are used in stratigraphic interpretation and for modelling and mining of the banded‐iron‐formation‐hosted iron ore deposits in the Hamersley Province in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. These deposits contain marker shale horizons that are highly consistent throughout the Hamersley Province and are used to define lithology and provide context to enable the separation of visually similar rock units. The locations of these shales are normally determined from natural gamma‐ray logs in exploration holes, which provide a coarse resolution boundary due to their wide spatial separation. Hyperspectral imagery can provide detailed information at high spatial resolution on the location and strike of shale horizons as they are presented on benches and walls in open‐pit mines. The relationship between measurements of downhole gamma and shale horizons as detected by hyperspectral imagery must be understood if these very different kinds of measurements are to be used in a complementary way.

The ability to identify marker shale horizons using their spectral features would allow them to be mapped using hyperspectral imagery. Multivariate analysis of shales from a typical Marra Mamba deposit showed absorption features relating to ferric iron, OH, H2O, and Al‐OH, which allowed different marker shales to be spectrally separated. The kaolinite and Al2O3abundance was estimated from the hyperspectral data using the intensity of the feature at 2202 nm to within 5.8% and 2.6%, respectively.

Comparison of measurements of downhole gamma‐ray with a proportion of kaolinite estimated from hyperspectral data showed both similarities and differences that required examination. Peaks in the gamma were located at the same depth in the core as peaks in the proportion of kaolinite. However, the relative magnitudes of these peaks were not consistent. Additionally, the gamma‐ray baseline measurements between peaks varied at different depths in the core, with some sections of the core having a much higher baseline than others. This was not true for estimated kaolinite. These differences would lead to different interpretations of the distribution of material types down the hole. Similarities in the location of peaks in both types of data provide a basis to link these very different types of data to improve the resolution and accuracy of ore body boundary models.
Reconstruction quality of SIP parameters in multi‐frequency complex resistivity imaging
Authors: Weigand Maximilian , Orozco Adrián Flores , Kemna Andreas
Published: March 2017

Complex resistivity imaging provides information on the subsurface distribution of the electrical conduction and polarisation properties. Spectral induced polarisation (SIP) refers to the frequency dependence of these complex resistivity values. Measured SIP signatures are commonly analysed by performing a Cole–Cole model fit or a Debye decomposition, yielding in particular chargeability and relaxation time values. Given the close relation of these parameters with petrophysical properties of relevance in various hydrogeological and environmental applications, it is crucial to understand how well they can be reconstructed from multi‐frequency complex resistivity imaging with subsequent Cole–Cole or Debye decomposition analysis. In this work, we investigate, in a series of numerical simulations, the reconstruction behaviour of the main spectral induced polarisation parameters across a two‐dimensional complex resistivity imaging plane by considering a local anomalous polarisable body at different depths. The different anomaly positions correspond to different cumulated sensitivity (coverage) values, which we find to be a simple and computationally inexpensive proxy for resolution. Our results show that, for single‐frequency measurements, the reconstruction quality of resistivity and phase decreases strongly with decreasing cumulated sensitivity. A similar behaviour is found for the recovery of Cole–Cole and Debye decomposition chargeabilities from multi‐frequency imaging results, while the reconstruction of the Cole–Cole exponent shows non‐uniform dependence over the examined sensitivity range. In contrast, the Cole–Cole and Debye decomposition relaxation times are relatively well recovered over a broad sensitivity range. Our results suggest that a quantitative interpretation of petrophysical properties derived from Cole– Cole or Debye decomposition relaxation times is possible in an imaging framework, while any parameter estimate derived from Cole–Cole or Debye decomposition chargeabilities must be used with caution. These findings are of great importance for a successful quantitative application of spectral induced polarisation imaging for improved subsurface characterisation, which is of interest particularly in the fields of hydrogeophysics and biogeophysics.
Using ground‐penetrating radar to investigate the internal structure of Puente del Inca, Mendoza, Argentina
Authors: Lannutti Esteban , Lenzano M. Gabriela , Barón Jorge , Lenzano Luis E.
Published: March 2017

We performed ground‐penetrating radar measurements to study the internal structure of Puente del Inca (Inca Bridge). This natural structure is located in Mendoza, Argentina, and its formation is associated with deposition of travertine caused by geobiological processes created by hot mineral springs. The 200‐MHz ground‐penetrating radar measurements performed on the surface of the bridge allowed us to relate the behaviour of the electromagnetic signal with the presence or absence of hot spring activity. We also made ground‐penetrating radar measurements at 20 MHz to estimate the propagation velocity and study the bridge’s internal structure. In order to validate the ground‐penetrating radar results, we used a soil dielectric sensor to obtain the attenuation and the velocity of the medium. The results showed similar propagation velocities (0.0222 m/ns on average) between field observation (ground‐penetrating radar) and independent sensor data, as well as significant attenuation due to the hot spring water, which is the primary element controlling the response of the electromagnetic signals. As checked through dielectric sensor measurements, the unusually low electromagnetic wave velocity is due to polarisation mechanisms related to thermal water, which cause a very high permittivity value (178.1). However, the medium is not sufficiently dispersive (conductivity=27.7 mS/m; attenuation=3.5 dB/m) to condition the results of ground‐penetrating radar measurements if low‐frequency antennas (20 MHz) are used.
The imaging of the near‐surface features using earthquakes and ambient noise in the Tehran region
Authors: Asadi Samane , Rahimi Habib , Fard Rouhollah Amiri
Published: March 2017

Seismic surface wave tomography of short‐period dispersion curves is a useful method for studying the shallow structures of the Earth. In this research, the continuous records of ten seismographs of the Tehran Disaster Mitigation and Management Organization for a period of 8 months have been used to calculate the Green’s function for Love and Rayleigh waves. Dispersion curves are calculated using the cross‐correlation of the ambient noise signal recorded at station pairs. In order to improve the ray coverage in the Tehran region, dispersion curves of Love and Rayleigh waves are derived from the seismic events recorded by a temporary network run by Parsian Company. The epicentral distance and magnitude of earthquakes are less than 100 km and larger than 1.5, respectively. The dispersion curves are calculated in the period range between 2 seconds and 5 seconds, which correspond to the top sedimentary cover. Surface wave tomography has also been performed to estimate the two‐dimensional group velocity maps of Love and Rayleigh waves in the region. Based on the ray coverage inside the 0.1° × 0.1° cells in the region, the estimated minimum dimension of distinct heterogeneities was about 6 km. Based on the derived velocity model, the western and the central parts of the Tehran plain show low anomalies that could be due to the large thickness of alluvial sedimentary cover over the basement. The high‐velocity anomaly in the southeastern part of the region can be attributed to the tapering of the alluvial cover towards the rock units where the southeastern mountains of Tehran are present.
Quelle place pour les activités portuaires et logistiques à Bruxelles ?
Authors: Strale Mathieu
Published: March 2017

Les activités logistiques sont une composante essentielle de l’économie urbaine. En Région de Bruxelles-Capitale, ce secteur se concentre dans l’axe du canal, en complément des activités portuaires qui s’y maintiennent. Dès lors, les quartiers bordant le canal agissent comme un espace de concentration et de redistribution des flux de marchandises nécessaire à l’agglomération bruxelloise. Pourtant, cet espace subit une pression foncière et politique forte, poussant à une reconversion et une désindustrialisation, au profit de projets de logements, commerce ou bureaux. Ce mouvement risque d’avoir des conséquences négatives du point de vue de l’organisation logistique bruxelloise. Plus largement, il met en exergue les paradoxes et limites de la politique de développement territorial bruxelloise.
Employee Acceptance and Use of Unified Communications and Collaboration in a Cross-Cultural Environment
Authors: Silic Mario , Back Andrea , Sammer Thomas
Published: March 2017

At the tip of the iceberg of the global financial crisis organizations are looking for economies of scale to survive in these challenging times. The Unified Communications and Collaboration (UC&C) platform is the perfect answer to support an organization's new strategies, aiming to increase employee productivity while decreasing costs. Our study combines recent collaboration research theories with the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). The authors aim to close the existing research gap by extending previous research with a cross-cultural dimension. They conducted an international field study in 34 countries involving 120 employees who were users of UC&C technology. The authors found that the UTAUT constructs are mainly validated in areas in which results suggest that performance expectancy and social influence are the most influential drivers in employee acceptance and use of UC&C in organizations.