bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Turning accounting for emissions rights inside out as well as upside down
Authors: de Aguiar Thereza RS
Published: April 2017

This study involves narrative research on the importance of a life cycle norm in the context of accounting for emissions allowances. The analysis presented in this article emphasizes, in particular, those technical challenges that standard setters face when governing and legislating on how emissions rights are financially accounted. This study supports the notion that the legitimacy of standard setters during these occasions is highly influenced by the market and by political forces. This study also suggests that setting financial reporting standards on emissions allowances must follow a cycle to secure detailed research on the topic and to promote broader stakeholder engagement.
Randomised comparison of needle aspiration and chest tube drainage in spontaneous pneumothorax
Authors: Thelle A. , Gjerdevik M. , SueChu M. , Hagen O. M. , Bakke P.
Published: April 2017

Guidelines on spontaneous pneumothorax are contradictory as to intervention between needle aspiration (NA) and chest tube drainage (CTD). Studies show poor adherence to guidelines.

Three Norwegian hospitals included patients with primary (PSP) and secondary (SSP) spontaneous pneumothorax. Patients underwent NA or CTD as the primary intervention. The main outcome was duration of hospital stay. Secondary outcomes were immediate- and 1-week success rates and complications.

127 patients were included, including 48 patients with SSP. 65 patients underwent NA, 63 patients CTD. Median (interquartile range) hospital stay was significantly shorter for NA: 2.4 days (1.2–4.7 days), compared with CTD: 4.6 days (2.3–7.8 days) (p<0.001). The corresponding figures for the SSP subgroup were 2.54 days (1.17–7.79 days) compared with 5.53 days (3.65–9.21 days) (p=0.049) for NA and CTD, respectively. Immediate success rates were 69% for NA compared with 32% for CTD (p<0.001). The positive effect of NA remained significant in sub-analyses for SSP. There was no significant difference in 1-week success rates. Complications occurred only during the CTD-treatment.

Our study shows shorter hospital stay and higher immediate success rates for NA compared with CTD. Subgroup analyses also show clear benefits for NA for both PSP and SSP.
Lung volumes predict survival in patients with chronic lung allograft dysfunction
Authors: Kneidinger Nikolaus , Milger Katrin , Janitza Silke , Ceelen Felix , Leuschner Gabriela , Dinkel Julien , Königshoff Melanie , Weig Thomas , Schramm René , Winter Hauke , Behr Jürgen , Neurohr Claus
Published: April 2017

Identification of disease phenotypes might improve the understanding of patients with chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD). The aim of the study was to assess the impact of pulmonary restriction and air trapping by lung volume measurements at the onset of CLAD.

A total of 396 bilateral lung transplant recipients were analysed. At onset, CLAD was further categorised based on plethysmography. A restrictive CLAD (R-CLAD) was defined as a loss of total lung capacity from baseline. CLAD with air trapping (AT-CLAD) was defined as an increased ratio of residual volume to total lung capacity. Outcome was survival after CLAD onset. Patients with insufficient clinical information were excluded (n=95).

Of 301 lung transplant recipients, 94 (31.2%) developed CLAD. Patients with R-CLAD (n=20) and AT-CLAD (n=21), respectively, had a significantly worse survival (p<0.001) than patients with non-R/AT-CLAD. Both R-CLAD and AT-CLAD were associated with increased mortality when controlling for multiple confounding variables (hazard ratio (HR) 3.57, 95% CI 1.39–9.18; p=0.008; and HR 2.65, 95% CI 1.05–6.68; p=0.039). Furthermore, measurement of lung volumes was useful to identify patients with combined phenotypes.

Measurement of lung volumes in the long-term follow-up of lung transplant recipients allows the identification of patients who are at risk for worse outcome and warrant special consideration.
Clinical highlights from the 2016 European Respiratory Society International Congress
Authors: Kahn Nicolas , Fregonese Laura , Barrecheguren Miriam , Franssen Frits M.E. , Grgic Aleksandar , Gompelmann Daniela , Bibaki Eleni , Antoniou Katerina M. , Kocks Janwillem W.H. , Pinnock Hillary , Herth Felix
Published: April 2017

This article contains highlights and a selection of the scientific advances from the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Clinical Assembly (Assembly 1) and its six respective groups (Groups 1.1–1.6) that were presented at the 2016 ERS International Congress in London, UK. The most relevant topics for clinicians will be discussed, covering a wide range of areas including clinical problems, rehabilitation and chronic care, thoracic imaging, interventional pulmonology, diffuse and parenchymal lung diseases, and general practice and primary care. In this comprehensive review, the newest research and actual data will be discussed and put into perspective.
Surviving murine experimental sepsis affects the function and morphology of the inner ear
Authors: Fischer Natalie , Mathonia Nina Maria , Hoellerich Georges , Veser Julian , Pinggera Leyla , Dejaco Daniel , Glueckert Rudolf , Schrott-Fischer Anneliese , Lackner Peter , Riechelmann Herbert , Schmutzhard Joachim
Published: April 2017

Objective

Severe sepsis is known to result in various neurological long-term deficits in human. Recently, a link between severe, lethal sepsis and significant hearing loss with correlating histomorphological inner ear changes in mice (C57BL/6) was observed. However, if similar observations can be made in severe, non-lethal sepsis in mice is unclear. This study evaluates mice after severe, non-lethal sepsis for analogue functional and histomorphological alterations of the inner ear.

Materials and Methods

A total of 63 C57BL/6 mice were included in the study. All underwent an initial hearing test with auditory brainstem response on day 1. In 35 mice sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), in 15 sham surgery was performed and 13 served as healthy control. A second hearing test was performed on day 7. All mice were sacrificed afterwards for further histomorphological evaluation of the inner ears. Immunohistochemical analysis with apoptotic markers Cleaved-caspase 3, BAX and BCL-2 were performed to identify structural inner ear damage.

Results

Of all CLP mice, 21/35 (60.0%) died due to the induced sepsis. Of the surviving CLP mice, 14/35 (40.0%), post-treatment hearing thresholds differed significantly from the sham and control mice (p<0.001). Positive immunostaining at different inner ear structures, like the spiral ligament or the supporting cells could be observed. The percentage of the immunostained positive area in the spiral ligament significantly correlated with the grade of hearing loss for BAX (p=0.027) and Cleaved-caspase 3 (p=0.024) but not for BCL 2 (p>0.05).

Conclusion

The present data suggests that severe, non-lethal sepsis in mice results in significantly elevated hearing thresholds. A positive labelling for the pro-apoptotic markers BAX and Cleaved Caspase 3 suggested the induction of apoptosis in inner ear.
The PP2AB56 phosphatase promotes the association of Cdc20 with APC/C in mitosis
Authors: Lee Sun Joo , Rodriguez-Bravo Veronica , Kim Hyunjung , Datta Sutirtha , Foley Emily A.
Published: April 2017

PP2A comprising B56 regulatory subunit isoforms (PP2AB56) is a serine/threonine phosphatase essential for mitosis. At the kinetochore, PP2AB56 both stabilizes microtubule binding and promotes silencing of the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) through its association with the SAC protein BubR1. Cells depleted of the B56 regulatory subunits of PP2A are delayed in activation of Cdc20-containing APC/C (APC/CCdc20), which is an essential step for mitotic exit. It has been hypothesized that this delay arises from increased production of the mitotic checkpoint complex (MCC), an APC/CCdc20 inhibitor formed at unattached kinetochores through SAC signaling. In contrast to this prediction, we show that depletion of B56 subunits does not increase the amount or stability of the MCC. Rather, delays in APC/CCdc20 activation in B56-depleted cells correlate with impaired Cdc20 binding to APC/C. Stimulation of APC/CCdc20 assembly does not require binding between PP2AB56 and BubR1, and thus this contribution of PP2AB56 towards mitotic exit is distinct from its functions at kinetochores. PP2AB56 associates with APC/C constitutively in a BubR1-independent manner. A mitotic phosphorylation site on Cdc20, known to be a substrate of PP2AB56, modulates APC/CCdc20 assembly. These results elucidate the contributions of PP2AB56 towards completion of mitosis.
The evolution of medulloblastoma therapy to personalized medicine
Authors: Sengupta Soma , Pomeranz Krummel Daniel , Pomeroy Scott
Published: April 2017

Recent advances in cancer genomics have revolutionized the characterization and classification of medulloblastomas. According to the current WHO guidelines, medulloblastomas are now classified into the following molecularly defined groups: Wnt signaling pathway (WNT)-activated, sonic hedgehog signaling pathway (SHH)-activated and tumor suppressor protein p53 (TP53)-mutant, SHH-activated and TP53-wildtype, and non-WNT/non-SHH (i.e. group 3 and group 4). Importantly, genomic, epigenomic, and proteomic advances have created a potential paradigm shift in therapeutic options. The challenge now is to (i) translate these observations into new therapeutic approaches and (ii) employ these observations in clinical practice, utilizing the classification following a molecular analysis for diagnosis and application of new subgroup-specific targeted therapeutics.
Lived Lives: A Pavee Perspective. An arts-science community intervention around suicide in an indigenous ethnic minority
Authors: Malone Kevin M. , McGuinness Seamus G. , Cleary Eimear , Jefferies Janis , Owens Christabel , Kelleher Cecily C.
Published: April 2017

Background: Suicide is a significant public health concern, which impacts on health outcomes. Few suicide research studies have been interdisciplinary. We combined a psychobiographical autopsy with a visual arts autopsy, in which families donated stories, images and objects associated with the lived life of a loved one lost to suicide. From this interdisciplinary research platform, a mediated exhibition was created (Lived Lives) with artist, scientist and families, co-curated by communities, facilitating dialogue, response and public action around suicide prevention.

Indigenous ethnic minorities (IEMs) bear a significant increased risk for suicide. Irish Travellers are an IEM with social and cultural parallels with IEMs internationally, experiencing racism, discrimination, and poor health outcomes including elevated suicide rates (SMR 6.6).

Methods: An adjusted Lived Lives exhibition, Lived Lives: A Pavee Perspective manifested in Pavee Point, the national Traveller and Roma Centre. The project was evaluated by the Travelling Community as to how it related to suicide in their community, how it has shaped their understanding of suicide and its impacts, and its relevance to other socio-cultural contexts, nationally and internationally. The project also obtained feedback from all relevant stakeholders. Evaluation was carried out by an international visual arts research advisor and an independent observer from the field of suicide research.

Results: Outputs included an arts-science mediated exhibition with reference to elevated Irish Traveller suicide rates. Digital online learning materials about suicide and its aftermath among Irish Travellers were also produced. The project reached its target audience, with a high level of engagement from members of the Travelling Community.

Discussion: The Lived Lives methodology navigated the societal barriers of stigma and silence to foster communication and engagement, working with cultural values, consistent with an adapted intervention. Feedback from this project can inform awareness, health promotion, education and interventions around suicide and its aftermath in IEMs.
The tip-apex distance in the X-Bolt dynamic plating system
Authors: Fernandez M. A. , Aquilina A. , Achten J. , Parsons N. , Costa M. L. , Griffin X. L.
Published: April 2017

Objectives

The Sliding Hip Screw (SHS) is commonly used to treat trochanteric hip fractures. Fixation failure is a devastating complication requiring complex revision surgery. One mode of fixation failure is lag screw cut-out which is greatest in unstable fracture patterns and when the tip-apex distance of the lag screw is > 25 mm. The X-Bolt Dynamic Hip Plating System (X-Bolt Orthopaedics, Dublin, Ireland) is a new device which aims to reduce this risk of cut-out. However, some surgeons have reported difficulty minimising the tip-apex distance with subsequent concerns that this may lead to an increased risk of cut-out.

Patients and Methods

We measured the tip-apex distance from the intra-operative radiographs of 93 unstable trochanteric hip fractures enrolled in a randomised controlled trial (Warwick Hip Trauma Evaluation, WHiTE One trial). Participants were treated with either the sliding hip screw or the X-Bolt dynamic hip plating system. We also recorded the incidence of cut-out in both groups, at a median follow-up time of 17 months.

Results

There was a significantly increased tip-apex distance with the use of the X-Bolt (mean difference 3.7mm (95% confidence interval 1.58 to 5.73); SHS mean 17.1 mm, X-Bolt mean 20.8; p = 0.001. However, this was not associated with an increased incidence of cut-out at a median follow-up time of 17 months, with three cut-outs (6%) in the SHS group and 0 (0%) in the X-Bolt group.

Conclusion

The X-Bolt is a safe implant with no increased risk for cut-out. Concerns about minimising the tip-apex distance may be justified but do not appear to be clinically important. Cite this article: M. A. Fernandez, A. Aquilina, J. Achten, N. Parsons, M. L. Costa, X. L. Griffin. The tip-apex distance in the X-Bolt dynamic plating system. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:–207. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.64.BJR-2015-0016.R2.
The role of miR-320a and IL-1β in human chondrocyte degradation
Authors: Jin Y. , Chen X. , Gao Z. Y. , Liu K. , Hou Y. , Zheng J.
Published: April 2017

Objectives

This study aimed to explore the role of miR-320a in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

Human cartilage cells (C28/I2) were transfected with miR-320a or antisense oligonucleotides (ASO)-miR-320a, and treated with IL-1β. Subsequently the expression of collagen type II alpha 1 (Col2α1) and aggrecan (ACAN), and the concentrations of sulfated glycosaminoglycans (sGAG) and matrix metallopeptidase 13 (MMP-13), were assessed. Luciferase reporter assay, qRT-PCR, and Western blot were performed to explore whether pre-B-cell leukemia Homeobox 3 (PBX3) was a target of miR-320a. Furthermore, cells were co-transfected with miR-320a and PBX3 expressing vector, or cells were transfected with miR-320a and treated with a nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) antagonist MG132. The changes in Col2α1 and ACAN expression, and in sGAG and MMP-13 concentrations, were measured again. Statistical comparisons were made between two groups by using the two-tailed paired t-test.

Results

Expression of miR-320a was elevated in OA cartilage tissues and chondrocytes, and in IL-1β-stimulated C28/I2 cells (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). MiR-320a overexpression enhanced IL-1β-induced down-regulation of Col2α1 and ACAN and sGAG, and increased the IL-1β-induced overexpression of MMP-13 (p < 0.01). PBX3 was a direct target of miR-320a. PBX3 and MG132 co-transfection attenuated the effects of miR-320a on the expression of Col2α1, ACAN, sGAG and MMP-13(p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Overexpression of miR-320a might enhance IL-1β-induced cartilage degradation factors. These effects might be via targeting PBX3 and regulating NF-κB. Cite this article: Y. Jin, X. Chen, Z. Y. Gao, K. Liu, Y. Hou, J. Zheng. The role of miR-320a and IL-1β in human chondrocyte degradation. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:–203. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.64.BJR-2016-0224.R1.
Grand challenges for social work
Authors: Baron Samantha
Published: April 2017

As the current UK government ‘dismantles for improvement’ as part of the neoliberal project (Tunstill, 2016), this article introduces the concept of the Grand Challenge Initiative, which seeks to identify ambitious yet achievable goals for society that mobilise the profession, capture the public’s imagination and require innovation and breakthroughs in research and practice to achieve change and real transformation. This article outlines a clear rationale for a Grand Challenge Initiative approach within the UK, draws upon the experience from other professions and social work within the US, and finally calls for broad and deep participation of social work thought leaders and practitioners to participate in and identify the Grand Challenges facing our society and social work today.
Notes on design education and (prefigurative) work politics
Authors: Alps Brave New
Published: April 2017

In this text we are reporting back on the practice-based research project Precarity Pilot. The starting point for this research is the fact that in today’s Europe, design graduates are entering into a landscape of precarious work. This research-in-progress thus enquires into how formal and informal design education can be a space where to empower young designers to transformatively engage with the precarious work politics of their profession. As a mid-way result, here we present a series of didactic proposals and strategic questions for how issues of socio-economic precariousness can be transformatively addressed. This result is based on a series of half-day workshops we have been running between 2014 and 2016 with design students, recent graduates and design educators in the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland and Italy. We address these proposals to educators, managers and students alike as we are convinced that everyone involved in education has agency over how the learning process unfolds.
Design, and design education: How can they get together?
Authors: Frascara Jorge
Published: April 2017

Designers work with people and for people, and the designers’ main objective is to transform people’s existing situations into better ones. This is not easy: it requires both disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge, and a will to do things well. Focusing on people makes the social sciences become a necessary support for design, and forces design to become an accountable profession, where decisions are based on reliable criteria, and where projects respond to important needs of society. In most design programmes today a simplistic conception of creativity keeps design as an easy and self-serving activity, where students are kept busy with formal/visual and technological concerns. Unfortunately studies of people are normally missing from design education, along with language and evaluation of performance. If design is to develop its full potential as a major contributor to society’s well-being, design education has to change into a rigorous, interdisciplinary and socially responsible activity.
Timelines in design: Where linguistics meets design history
Authors: Perks Sue , Whittingham Nicola
Published: April 2017

This article describes the design of Timelines, a ten-week, two-hour course to introduce international postgraduate students to the stylistic and cultural influences that enrich western graphic design in a relaxed, supportive environment. The course is the result of a collaboration between a linguist and a graphic design lecturer, and was designed to promote confidence and dialogue through a series of language-based activities addressing issues of internationalism by presenting a broad approach to western design history with an emphasis on intercultural knowledge. Students who may not speak English as a first language can experience very different design cultures to those that they are used to as they begin their postgraduate education at University for the Creative Arts. The aim of Timelines is to equip students with a learning and cultural toolkit to help them to navigate through the first semester of their postgraduate course and help them understand and contextualize the references they will encounter. Students also improve English language skills and critical knowledge so they are able to take an active part in dialogue and discussions. By the end of the ten-week course, students should also be able to formulate their own design discourses with confidence.
The object of memory and the memory of the object: refugee crisis in the news on September 2nd 2015.
Authors: Pinto Rooney F. , Freitas Valente Isabel Maria , Guia Maria João
Published: April 2017

This article aims to contribute on reflecting about the strict relation between an object (an image) and the memory, particularly regarding the memory in the news on September 2nd 2015 about the refugee crisis. Every year, Porto Editora (a Portuguese press company) holds a survey with ten words in order to elect the word of the year, and, for 2015, the elected one was “Refugees” (Palavra do Ano, 2015); this would be one more evidence of the impact of this issue in the news. The photo of a dead Syrian child on a beach in Turkey has become one of the most striking images of the refugee crisis in 2015. Curiously, Muerte a las puertas del paraíso (Death on paradise’s gates) was the headline exactly fifteen years ago, on September 2nd 2000, when photojournalist Javier Bauluz caught the image of a dead immigrant who tried to cross illegally, facing down the sand on a beach in Spain. In both cases, could we say the image overcomes the news? Which one is to be considered the object of the memory: the refugee crisis itself or the image of the dead Syrian child as an icon of this crisis? The theoretical framework stands on a threefold argument: 1. Object, memory and discourse; 2. The memory of the news; 3. Europe, migration and refugee crisis. Finally, two interviews were undertaken (as part of the pilot study) in order to verify if the memory of the object were sufficient enough to turn it into the object of the memory, as well as, whether one’s memory were somehow relevant to establish a collective memory.
Reflexões sobre sincronização dos ciclos económicos no Mercosul e na Zona Euro
Authors: Caleiro António , Caetano José Manuel
Published: April 2017

A sincronização dos ciclos económicos é uma das condições necessárias para um adequado funcionamento de uma zona monetária1. Aquando da adesão dos países membros da União Europeia à Zona Euro houve alguma preocupação com este aspeto. No caso do Mercosul, a inexistência de uma moeda única tem permitido uma superior flexibilidade às políticas monetárias e orçamentais dos países integrados, tudo isto podendo contribuir para uma maior sincronização (natural) dos ciclos económicos. Assim, é nosso objetivo proceder a uma análise de sincronização dos ciclos económicos no Mercosul e na Zona Euro, de forma a verificar se o facto de existir, ou não, uma moeda comum contribui para uma maior (resp. menor) sincronização dos ciclos económicos.
Exposure to uppercott induces hepatotoxicity in male albino wistar rats
Authors: Modo Emmanuel , Uboh Friday , Agiang Margaret , Ewere Efosa
Published: April 2017

Background: The use of herbicides and pesticides in agriculture and for public health purposes has led to harmful effects in many non-target species including man.Methods: In this study, the hepatic effect of exposure to cypermethrin and dimethoate mixture (uppercott) was investigated in male albino wistar rats. Forty five (45) male wistar albino rats were distributed into five (5) groups of nine (9) animals each. Groups 1 and 2 served as the normal control and oil control respectively, groups 3, 4 and 5 received 2.5%, 5% and 7.5% LD50 of uppercott orally for 28 days.Results: Results obtained revealed that uppercott exposure significantly (p<0.05) increased serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity when the test groups were compared with control. Also, uppercott exposure raised serum bilirubin concentration slightly insignificantly compared to the control. Superoxide dismutase activity was significantly reduced across all test groups as compared with compared with control. Histology of liver tissues revealed patchy necrotic sessions in the liver tissues of the test experimental groups (2.5%, 5% and 7.5%).Conclusion: The results obtained from this study are strongly indicative of the hepatotoxic effect of uppercott pesticide and hence, caution during usage is advised.
Conditional anomaly detection in event streams
Authors: Huber Marco F.
Published: April 2017

Detecting early enough the anomalous behavior of technical systems facilitates cost savings thanks to avoiding system
downtimes, guiding maintenance, or improving performance. The novel framework proposed in this paper processes event
streams originating from system monitoring for anomaly detection purposes. Therefore, statistical models characterizing
the normal behavior of the monitored system are learned from the events. Instead of having one coarse normal model for all
operational states, the proposed framework contains a mechanism for automatically detecting different conditions of the
system allowing for fine-tuned models for every condition. The performance of the framework is demonstrated by means of
a real-world application, where the log files of a large-scale printing machine are analyzed for anomalies.
Vision based recognition and tracking of green asparagus in ambient light
Authors: Ivanova Jelena , Kampe Henning , Liu Xiangpeng , Gräser Axel
Published: April 2017

In this publication, we describe an automatic vision based system for the reliable detection and recognition of green
asparagus in variable daylight conditions. The focus is on an algorithm for the estimation and tracking of the 3D-position
of green asparagus based on using of Kalman and Particle filters and a combination of both filters.
Maximum Sensitivity Based New PID Controller Tuning for Integrating Systems Using Polynomial Method
Authors: Medarametla Praveen Kumar , Komanapalli Venkata Lakshmi Narayana
Published: April 2017

This paper presents a new control methodology for a class of integrating systems. A PID controller augmented with a first order lead/lag filter is proposed for improved response. The polynomial approach is employed to derive the controller parameters. The novelty of the proposed method lies in the selection of pole locations. Multiple pole locations are considered where one of the poles is placed for cancelling the zero introduced by controller. The selection of tuning parameter is based on maximum sensitivity (MS). Set point weighting is employed to reduce the overshoot and settling time in the servo response. Various bench marking examples are adopted to evaluate the proposed method in terms of various performance indices. The results are superior to the recently proposed works in terms of both set point tracking and disturbance rejection.
Multiplicity formulas for representations of transformation groupoids
Authors: Giżycki Artur , Pysiak Leszek
Published: April 2017

We study the representations of transitive transformation groupoids with the aim of generalizing the Mackey theory. Using the Mackey theory and a bijective correspondence between the imprimitivity systems and the representations of a transformation groupoid we derive the irreducibility theory. Then we derive the direct sum decomposition for representations of a groupoid together with the formula for the multiplicity of subrepresentations. We discuss a physical interpretation of this formula. Finally, we prove the claim analogous to the Peter-Weyl theorem for a noncompact transformation groupoid. We show that the representation theory of a transitive transformation groupoids is closely related to the representation theory of a compact groups.
Methodological study on single grain OSL dating of mortars: Comparison of five reference archaeological sites
Authors: Urbanová Petra , Guibert Pierre
Published: April 2017

The paper focuses on single grain OSL dating of quartz extracted from known age archaeological mortars, potentially representing a new tool for dating the construction of historical buildings. Apart from SG-OSL measurements and annual dose rate determination, the samples are systematically studied by means of optical microscopy, EDX-SEM cartography and beta autoradiography in order to evaluate the possible microdosimetric heterogeneity of each sample, arising principally from local variations of potassium content. Besides the practical aspects concerning sampling, preparation and appropriate choice of measurement conditions, the paper aims at the differences in microstructure and in elementary composition between different mortars and attempts to evaluate the impact of these aspects on the dispersion of equivalent dose distributions. Finally, archaeological doses (paleodoses) are calculated by using central age model (CAM), minimum age model (MAM) and internal-external consistency criterion (IEU). The appropriateness of these models for the exploitation of the measured SG-OSL data as well as for a hypothesis on the estimation of the input parameter needed to run these models are discussed. Three categories of mortars were identified: samples without any exploitable SG-OSL signal, samples that could have been reliably dated and poorly bleached samples affected by microdosimetric variations whose dating still remains complicated. Finally, the hypothesis on distinguishing between reliable and questionable dating results is raised and the potentials of the method for dating mortars are pointed out.
Testing the suitability of dim sedimentary quartz from northern Switzerland for OSL burial dose estimation
Authors: Trauerstein Mareike , Lowick Sally E. , Preusser Frank , Veit Heinz
Published: April 2017

We investigate the suitability of sedimentary quartz associated with former glacial advances in northern Switzerland to provide reliable burial dose estimates using Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL). Previous studies on northern alpine quartz show that its signal characteristics can be poor and potentially problematic. We analyse quartz signals of small aliquots, which reveal the presence of a prominent medium or slow component in the initial part of some signals. Nonetheless, rejection of aliquots with unfavourable signal composition does not alter the burial dose estimates, but significantly reduces the data set for De determination. Signal lifetimes from isothermal decay measurements cover a wide range of values, yet the lowest lifetimes are high enough to guarantee a reliable burial dose estimate for samples of < 400 ka. Comparison of small aliquot and single grain burial dose distributions reveals that signal averaging masks partial bleaching in some of the samples. We therefore strongly recommend single grain measurements for samples from this setting and area, in order to exclude age overestimation due to partial bleaching.
Effects of Mn and Al on the Intragranular Acicular Ferrite Formation in Rare Earth Treated C–Mn Steel
Authors: Song Mingming , Song Bo , Yang Zhanbing , Zhang Shenghua , Hu Chunlin
Published: April 2017

The influence of Al, Mn and rare earth (RE) on microstructure of C–Mn steel was investigated. The capacities of different RE inclusions to induce intragranular acicular ferrite (AF) formation were compared. Result shows that RE treatment could make C–Mn steel from large amounts of intragranular AF. Al killed is detrimental to the formation of intragranular AF in RE-treated C–Mn steel. An upper bainite structure would replace the AF when Al content increased to 0.027 mass %. The optimal Mn content to form AF is about 0.75–1.31 mass %. The effective RE inclusion which could induce AF nucleation is La2O2S. When patches of MnS are attached on the surface of La2O2S inclusion, AF nucleation capacity of RE-containing inclusion could enlarge obviously. The existence of manganese-depleted zone and low lattice misfit would be the main reason of La-containing inclusion inducing AF nucleation in C–Mn steel.
Rebellion, Sargon II’s “Punishment” and the Death of Aššur-nādin-šumi in the Inscriptions of Sennacherib
Authors: Dewar Ben
Published: April 2017

Despite the frequency of rebellions against the Neo-Assyrian king Sennacherib, very few events in his annals are described as such. Instead rebels are often described as having never submitted to Sennacherib before. This reluctance to write about rebellion is unusual in Assyrian inscriptions, but has not been commented upon in the previous scholarship. This study investigates the reasons for this peculiarity of Sennacherib’s inscriptions. It is argued that the description of rebels in this fashion was intended to draw attention away from the connection between these events and the death of Sennacherib’s father, Sargon II. A second instance of a death in Sennacherib’s family affecting the content of his inscriptions is also identified. His son Aššur-nādin-šumi’s death followed a pair of campaigns to the borders of Tabal, the location of Sargon’s death. Because of this it was viewed as a “punishment” for undertaking these campaigns to regions tainted by association with Sargon. After his death, Aššur-nādin-šumi is never mentioned in the same inscription as these campaigns. Although Sennacherib generally avoids mentioning rebellion, overcoming such events was an important facet of Assyrian royal ideology. Because of this, events in some ideologically or historically significant regions are explicitly stated to be rebellions in the annals. Sennacherib’s inscriptions therefore demonstrate, perhaps better than those of any other Assyrian king, the two sides of rebellion’s ideological importance as both an obstacle overcome by a heroic king, and as a punishment for a poor one. His attempts to obscure some occurrences of rebellion demonstrate a fear of the more negative ideological aspect of rebellion which is not usually present in the inscriptions of other kings. This provides new insight into the factors which influenced the composition of Sennacherib’s inscriptions.
Treatment of high salinity wastewater using CWPO process for reuse
Authors: Zhuo Yakun , Sheng Mei , Liang Xueke , Cao Guomin
Published: April 2017

A high salinity wastewater from epoxy resin was treated with the catalytic wet peroxide oxidation (CWPO) process, so that it can be reused as the chlor-alkali process feedstock. Both bench and pilot scale trials were conducted out in this research. The effect of oxidant (hydrogen peroxide) and catalyst (ferrous sulfate) dosages, and their dosing methods, pH value, temperature, and reaction time on TOC removal by the CWPO process were evaluated through bench experiment. The obtained optimal reaction conditions for the CWPO process were as following: H
Log Posterior Approach in Learning Rules Generated using N-Gram based Edit distance for Keyword Search
Authors: Priya M. , Kalpana R.
Published: April 2017

Challenging searching mechanisms are required to cater to the needs of search engine users in probing the voluminous web database. Searching the query matching keyword based on a probabilistic approach is attractive in most of the application areas, viz. spell checking and data cleaning, because it allows approximate search. A probabilistic approach with maximum likelihood estimation is used to handle real-world problems; however, it suffers from overfitting data. In this paper, a rule-based approach is presented for keyword searching. The process consists of two phases called the rule generation phase and the learning phase. The rule generation phase uses a new technique called N-Gram based Edit distance (NGE) to generate the rule dictionary. The Turing machine model is implemented to describe the rule generation using the NGE technique. In the learning phase, a log model with maximum-a-posterior estimation is used to select the best rule. When evaluated in real time, our system produces the best result in terms of efficiency and accuracy.
Ongoing transmission of HCV: Should cesarean section be justified? Data mining discovery
Authors: Elrazek Abd , Saab Samy , Foad Mahmoud , Elgohary Elsayed A. , Sallam Mohammad M. , Nawara Abdallah , Ismael Ali , Morsi Samar S. , Salah Altaher , Alboraie Mohamed , Bhagavathula Akshaya Srikanth , Zayed Marwa , Elmasry Hossam , Salem Tamer Z.
Published: April 2017

Background and Objectives

Over the past few decades, cesarean section (CS) rates are steadily increasing in most of the middle- and high-income countries. However, most of the pregnant women (particularly undergoing CS) are not screened for hepatitis C virus (HCV); hence, neonates born to HCV-positive mother could be a source of future HCV infection. In this study, the role of the CS and other surgical interventions in HCV transmission in Egypt, the highest endemic country of HCV-4, was investigated.

Methods

From January to June 2016, a prospective cohort study was conducted among 3,836 pregnant women in both urban and rural areas across Egypt for HCV screening in both mothers and neonates born to HCV-positive mother. All pregnant women were screened during third trimester or just before delivery, neonates born to HCV-positive mothers were evaluated within 24-h postdelivery to record vertical transmission cases. Data mining (DM)-driven computational analysis was used to quantify the findings.

Results

Among 3,836 randomized pregnant women, HCV genotype 4 was identified in 80 women (2.08%). Out of 80 HCV-infected women, 18 have experienced surgical intervention (22.5%) and 62 CS (77.5%). HCV vertical transmission was identified in 10 neonates, 10/80 (12.5%).

Conclusion

Screening women who had experienced surgical intervention or CS during child bearing period and before pregnancy might prevent HCV mother-to-child transmission (MTCT). CS should be ethically justified to decrease global HCV transmission.
A single-step multiplex quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction assay for hepatitis C virus genotypes
Authors: Singh Akanksha , Mankotia Dhananjay Singh , Irshad Mohammad
Published: April 2017

Background and Objectives

The variable response of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes towards anti-viral treatment requires prior information on the genotype status before planning a therapeutic strategy. Although assays for typing or subtyping of HCV are available, however, a fast and reliable assay system is still needed. The present study was planned to develop a single-step multiplex quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay to determine HCV genotypes in patients’ sera.

Methods

The conserved sequences from 5′ UTR, core and NS5b regions of HCV genome were used to design primers and hydrolysis probes labeled with fluorophores. Starting with the standardization of singleplex (qPCR) for each individual HCV-genotype, the experimental conditions were finally optimized for the development of multiplex assay. The sensitivity and specificity were assessed both for singleplex and multiplex assays. Using the template concentration of 102 copies per microliter, the value of quantification cycle (Cq) and the limit of detection (LOD) were also compared for both singleplex and multiplex assays. Similarly, the merit of multiplex assay was also compared with sequence analysis and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) techniques used for HCV genotyping. In order to find the application of multiplex qPCR assay, it was used for genotyping in a panel of 98 sera positive for HCV RNA after screening a total number of 239 patients with various liver diseases.

Results

The results demonstrated the presence of genotype 1 in 26 of 98 (26.53%) sera, genotype 3 in 65 (66.32%) and genotype 4 in 2 (2.04%) sera samples, respectively. One sample showed mixed infection of genotype 1 and 3. Five samples could not show the presence of any genotype. Genotypes 2, 5 and 6 could not be detected in these sera samples. The analysis of sera by singleplex and RFLP indicated the results of multiplex to be comparable with singleplex and with clear merit of multiplex over RFLP. In addition, the results of multiplex assay were also found to be comparable with those from sequence analysis. The sensitivity, specificity, Cq values and LOD values were compared and found to be closely associated both for singleplex and multiplex assays.

Conclusion

The multiplex qPCR assay was found to be a fast, specific and sensitive method that can be used as a technique of choice for HCV genotyping in all routine laboratories.
On sequences not enjoying Schur’s property
Authors: Jiménez-Rodríguez Pablo
Published: April 2017

Here we proved the existence of a closed vector space of sequences - any nonzero element of which does not comply with Schur’s property, that is, it is weakly convergent but not norm convergent. This allows us to find similar algebraic structures in some subsets of functions.
Engineered plasmonic Thue-Morse nanostructures for LSPR detection of the pesticide Thiram
Authors: Rippa Massimo , Castagna Riccardo , Pannico Marianna , Musto Pellegrino , Tkachenko Volodymyr , Zhou Jun , Petti Lucia
Published: April 2017

In this paper, the size- and shape-dependent spectral characteristics of plasmonic nanostructures based on the Thue-Morse (ThMo) sequence are investigated in theory and experiment. We designed, fabricated, and characterized nine different Au nanopillars (NPs) lattices to evaluate their use as nanosensors based on localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPR). The extinction spectra and the bulk refractive index sensitivity (m) are compared to three selected shapes of the NPs (square, circular, and triangular) with different minimum interparticle distance. The maximum m of 275 nm/RIU is obtained for a ThMo pattern with square NPs. Finally, a detection limit of 260 pM (62 pg/ml) of Thiram pesticide has been achieved using an LSPR nanosensor based on an optimized ThMo pattern with triangular NPs employing a phase-sensitive setup to increase the figure-of-merit (FOM) of the sensor.
Analytic Theology as Systematic Theology
Authors: Crisp Oliver D.
Published: April 2017

It is often said that analytic theology is not really systematic theology; it is something else entirely. However, specifying what this “something else” amounts to has proven a little more difficult. In this article I argue that analytic theology may be a species of systematic theology. I show that there is no agreed view on the nature of systematic theology amongst several leading practitioners of systematic theology by comparing the work of John Webster, Brian Gerrish, and Gordon Kaufman. I then set out the Shared Task of Systematic Theology (Shared Task), which is a conceptual threshold for systematic theology that reflects the thought of Webster, Gerrish, and Kaufman. With this in mind, I argue that analytic theology can meet this threshold, and count as a version of systematic theology.
Thought Experiments in Philosophy of Religion: The Virtues of Phenomenological Realism and Values
Authors: Taliaferro Charles , Knuths Elliot
Published: April 2017

We present a criterion for the use of thought experiments as a guide to possibilia that bear on important arguments in philosophy of religion. We propose that the more successful thought experiments are closer to the world in terms of phenomenological realism and the values they are intended to track. This proposal is filled out by comparing thought experiments of life after death by Peter van Inwagen and Dean Zimmerman with an idealist thought experiment. In terms of realism and values we contrast an exemplary thought experiment by Iris Murdoch with one we find problematic by William Irwin.
Michel Henry: from the Essence of Manifestation to the Essence of Religion
Authors: Canullo Carla
Published: April 2017

This paper investigates the connections between the phenomenology of religious experience and Michel Henry’s entire body of work. Henry debated on Christianism and the phenomenological interpretation of religion in the latter part of his philosophical thinking. However, a new interpretation of Henry’s work is needed starting from his work The Essence of Manifestation and his critique of religion by Marx and Feuerbach which he analyzed in two volumes devoted to these two philosophers (1976). Although it has been scarcely investigated, Henry’s work should be considered as a whole from its beginning to his philosophy of Christianity. As this aspect of Henry’s work has often been ignored, this paper proposes a new interpretation of the essence of religion through its connections with the essence of manifestation. This will be done in three steps: firstly, an investigation of Henry’s thought starting from his interpretation of Marx and Feuerbach will be proposed; secondly, a “new ontology of manifestation” by Henry will be analysed; and finally, a connection between Henry’s phenomenological essence of manifestation and the new conception of the essence of religion will be suggested.
Effects of partial replacement of carbon black with nanocrystalline cellulose on properties of natural rubber nanocomposites
Authors: Li Caixin , Huang Fei , Wang Juan , Liang Xiaorong , Huang Shiwen , Gu Ju
Published: April 2017

Waste cotton materials were used as source materials to prepare waste cotton nanocrystalline cellulose (WCNC) by optimized acid hydrolysis. The final hydrolysis products had an approximately 30 nm diameter, lengths mainly ranging from 400 nm to 800 nm, and a typical cellulose I crystal structure with a high degree of crystallinity. WCNC was further investigated to partially replace carbon black (CB) in natural rubber (NR) composites via coagulation. NR/CB/WCNC and NR/CB composites were prepared. Through comparisons of the morphology, mechanical properties, dynamic compression fatigue performance, thermal stability and soil biodegradation behaviour of the NR/CB/WCNC and NR/CB composites, WCNC was proven to perform efficiently. WCNC could increase tensile and tear strength as well as reduce heat build-up, and it presented slightly lower thermal stability and superior biodegradability. Moreover, a fine WCNC dispersion was achieved in NR/CB/WCNC. The observed reinforcement effects were evaluated based on the results of rubber processing analysis (RPA), thermogravimetric and scanning electron microscopic analyses of NR/CB/WCNC compared with the NR/CB composites.
Genetic factors affecting intraoperative 5-aminolevulinic acid-induced fluorescence of diffuse gliomas
Authors: Saito Kiyotaka , Hirai Toshinori , Takeshima Hideo , Kadota Yoshihito , Yamashita Shinji , Ivanova Asya , Yokogami Kiyotaka
Published: April 2017

Background

In patients operated for malignant glioma, 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA)-induced fluorescence guidance is useful. However, we occasionally experience instances of non-visible fluorescence despite a histopathological diagnosis of high-grade glioma. We sought to identify factors that influence the intraoperative visualization of gliomas by their 5-ALA-induced fluorescence.

Patients and methods

We reviewed data from 60 patients with astrocytic or oligodendroglial tumors who underwent tumor removal under 5-ALA-induced fluorescence guidance between January 2014 and December 2015. Their characteristics, preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, histological diagnosis, and genetic profile were analyzed and univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed.

Results

In 42 patients (70%) we intraoperatively observed tumor 5-ALA fluorescence. They were 2 of 8 (25%) patients with World Health Organization (WHO) grade II, 9 of 17 (53%) with grade III, and 31 of 35 (89%) patients with grade IV gliomas. Univariate analysis revealed a statistically significant association between 5-ALA fluorescence and the isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) status, 1p19q loss of heterozygosity (LOH), the MIB-1 labeling index, and the tumor margin, -heterogeneity, and -contrast enhancement on MRI scans (p < 0.001, p = 0.003, p = 0.007, p = 0.046, p = 0.021, and p = 0.002, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that the IDH1 status was the only independent, statistically significant factor related to 5-ALA fluorescence (p = 0.009).

Conclusions

This study identified the IDH1 status as the factor with the most influence on the 5-ALA fluorescence of diffuse gliomas.