bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Smart Irrigation Tool to Determine the Effects of ENSO on Water Requirements for Tomato Production in Mozambique
Authors: Gelcer Eduardo , Fraisse Clyde W. , Zotarelli Lincoln , Perondi Daniel , Malia Hipólito A. , Ecole Carvalho C. , Migliaccio Kati W.
Published: October 2018

Irrigation scheduling is used by growers to determine the right amount and timing of water application. In most parts of Mozambique, 90% of the total yearly precipitation occurs from November to March. The El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon influences the climate in Mozambique and affects the water demand for crop production. The objectives of this work were to quantify the effects of ENSO phenomenon on tomato crop water requirements, and to create the AgroClimate irrigation tool (http://mz.agroclimate.org/) to assist farmers in improving irrigation management. This study was based on daily grid-based climate information from 1983 to 2016 from the Climate Forecast System Reanalysis. Daily crop evapotranspiration was calculated by Hargreaves equation and crop coefficients. This tool is available online and considers different planting dates, ENSO phases, and crop growing season lengths. Irrigation needs varied from less than 250 mm per growing cycle during winter to 550 mm during spring. Both El Niño and La Niña influenced the irrigation scheduling, especially from November to March. El Niño periods were related with increased water demand due to drier and warmer conditions while the opposite was observed for La Niña. The ENSO information might be used to understand climate variability and improve tomato irrigation scheduling in Mozambique.
Methane, Nitrous Oxide and Ammonia Emissions from Livestock Farming in the Red River Delta, Vietnam: An Inventory and Projection for 2000-2030
Authors: Truong An Ha , Kim Minh Thuy , Nguyen Thi Thu , Nguyen Ngoc Tung , Nguyen Quang Trung
Published: October 2018

Livestock farming is a major source of greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions. In this study, we estimate methane, nitrous oxide and ammonia emission from livestock sector in the Red River Delta region from 2000 to 2015 and projection to 2030 using IPCC 2006 methodologies with the integration of local emission factors and provincial statistic livestock database. Methane, nitrous oxide and ammonia emissions in 2030 are estimated at 132 kt, 8.3 kt and 34.2 kt, respectively. Total global warming potential is 9.7 MtCO2eq in 2030, accounts for 33% greenhouse gas emissions from livestock in Vietnam. Pig farming is responsible for half of both greenhouse gases and ammonia emissions in the studied region. Other major livestock for greenhouse gas emission is cattle and for ammonia emission is poultry. Hanoi contributes for the largest emissions in the region in 2015 but will be caught up and surpassed by other provinces in 2030.
Local Observers in an Expanding Universe: Is the Cosmological Constant Correlated with Thermodynamic Entropy?
Authors: Tozzi Arturo
Published: October 2018

We describe cosmic expansion from the standpoint of an observer’s comoving horizon.  When the Universe is small, the observer detects a large amount of the total cosmic bits, which number is fixed.  Indeed, information, such as energy, cannot be created or destroyed in our Universe, i.e., the total number of cosmic bits must be kept constant, despite the black hole paradox.  When the Universe expands, the information gets ergodically “diluted” in our isotopic and homogeneous Cosmos.  This means that the observer can perceive just a lower number of the total bits, due the decreased density of information in the cosmic volume (or its surrounding surface, according to the holographic principle) in which she is trapped by speed light’s constraints.  Here we ask: how does the second law of thermodynamics enter in this framework?  Could it be correlated with cosmic expansion?  The correlation is at least partially feasible, because the decrease in the information detected by a local observer in an expanding Universe leads to an increase in detected cosmic thermodynamic entropy, via the Bekenstein bound and the Laudauer principle.  Reversing the classical scheme from thermodynamic entropy to information entropy, we suggest that the quantum vacuum’s cosmological constant, that causes cosmic expansion, could be one of the sources of the increases in thermodynamic entropy detected by local observers.
The Riemann Zeta Function of a Matrix/Tensor
Authors: Sun Bohua
Published: October 2018

This paper attempts to extend the Riemann Zeta function of a complex number to a function of a matrix and/or a tensor $A$, namely $$\zeta (A)=\sum _{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n^{A}}= \sum _{n=1}^{\infty} \sum_{k=1}^n\lambda_k  A^k$$ and inverse $$A=\sum _{n=1}^{\infty} \sum_{k=1}^n \mu(n)\lambda_k \zeta(A^k)$$ where $\mu(n)$ is the M\"obius function, $A$ is a complex matrix or tensor with any order, and $\lambda_k$ is eigenvalue of the matri/tensor $A$. This kind of calculations on the Riemann Zeta function has never been seen in the literature. Some examples are provided.
Adsorption of Carbon Dioxide into Amine Functionalized Ordered Mesoporous Materials
Authors: Barbosa Marcela N. , Costa Maria J. F. , Barbosa Maricele N. , Fernandes Jr. Valter J. , Salazar-Banda Giancarlo R. , Coriolano Ana C. F. , Reyes-Carmona Álvaro , Rodríguez-Castellón Enrique , Araujo Antonio S.
Published: October 2018

The adsorption of carbon dioxide on amino silanes-functionalized MCM-41 and SBA-15 materiais is reported. The functionalization of mesoporous silicas was made by post-synthesis method, by impregnation of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane. The obtained materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopies, nitrogen adsorption-desorption and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. The carbon dioxide adsorption capacities for the samples were carried out under ambient pressures. The obtained results evidenced that amino-silanes with a terminal amine (–NH2) were functionalized through covalent coupling of this group on the surface of the channels in the ordered mesoporous silica, meaning that the amine is anchored on the surface of the bigger pores of the MCM-41 and SBA-15 support. For functionalized materials, the CO2 adsorption capacity of the AMCM-41 increased from 0.18 to 1.1 mmol g−1, whereas for ASBA-15, it was from 0.6 to 1.8 mmol g−1. The Lagergren kinetic algorithms were applied in order to validate the obtained results, evidencing the enhanced carbon dioxide adsorption capacity and stability of the functionalized ordered mesoporous molecular sieves.
Genome-Wide Analysis of LRR-RLK Gene Family in Four Gossypium Species and Expression Analysis during Cotton Development and Stresses Response
Authors: Sun Ruibin , Wang Shaohui , Ma Dan , Liu Chuanliang
Published: October 2018

Leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinases (LRR-RLKs) have been reported to play important roles in plant growth, development and stress responses. However, no comprehensive analysis of this family has been performed in Gossypium, which are important economic crop and suffer various stresses in growth and development. Here we conducted a comprehensive analysis of LRR-RLK family in four Gossypium species (G. arboreum, G. barbadense, G. hirsutum and G. raimondii). A total of 1641 LRR-RLK genes were identified in the four Gossypium species involved in our study. Maximum-likelihood phylogenetic tree revealed that all the LRR-RLK genes were divided into 21 subgroups. Exon-intron organization structure of LRR-RLK genes kept relative conserved in subfamilies and between Arabidopsis and Gossypium. Subfamilies XI and XII were found dramatically expanded in Gossypium. Tandem duplication acted as an important mechanism in expansion of Gossypium LRR-RLK gene family. Function analysis suggested that plant hormone signaling and plant-pathogen interaction pathway were enriched in Gossypium LRR-RLK genes. Promoters analysis and expression profiles analysis revealed that Gossypium LRR-RLK genes were extensively regulated by TFs, phytohormone and various environmental stimuli, and play key roles in stress defense and diverse development processes. Our study provided valuable information for further function study of Gossypium LRR-RLK genes.
Role of Probiotics to Prevent and Reduce the Duration of Upper Respiratory Infections in Ambulatory Children: Systematic Review with Network-Meta Analysis
Authors: Gutierrez-Castrellon Pedro , Weizman Zvi , Cruchet Silvia , Dinleyci Ener Cagri , Jimenez-Gutierrez Carlos , Lopez-Velazquez Gabriel
Published: October 2018

Background. Upper respiratory infections (URIs) remains as significant cause of morbidity in children. Evidence on efficacy of probiotics to prevent URIs in children is increasing. This systematic review was assembled to analyze evidence about the efficacy of probiotics to reduce duration of upper respiratory infections in ambulatory children. Methods. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing probiotics vs. placebo to prevent URIs, published between 2001 and 2016 were considered. Quality evaluation was evaluated using CONSORT. Standard mean difference (SMD) or risk ratio (RR) was calculated. Network Meta-Analysis (NMA), using a random effect model was assembled. Results. 31 RCTs were evaluated and 20 studies were included with 3,635 children randomized to probiotics and 3,433 to placebo. Lactobacillus reuteri [SMD -0.56 CI95% (-0.72 to -0.41), p 0.0001] and Lactobacillus acidophillus [SMD -0.33 CI95% (-0.60 to -0.06), p 0.01] were superior to placebo to reduce duration of URIs. L. rhamnosus GG showed tendency [SMD -0.14 CI95% (-0.28 to 0.0), p 0.048]. On the network forest plot L. reuteri showed preventive equivalence when was compared to L. rhamnosus GG, L. casei and BB12. Conclusions. Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium BB12 are evidence-based alternatives to be considered to prevent URIs in children.
The School Manager and the Use of Knowledge Management Practices for Structuring Organizational Processes
Authors: Corredato Periotto Tania Regina , Wessellenns Janacilda Leite
Published: October 2018

Knowledge management gains space within the school organization and can contribute satisfactorily to the quality of teaching. In everyday life the school manager intuitively uses knowledge management practices without exploiting the potentials they offer or allow. In this context, the purpose of this work is to identify the level of implementation of knowledge management practices aimed at structuring the organizational processes used by the public school manager. The methodology adopted was exploratory, with a qualitative and quantitative approach. For data collection, an already validated instrument with twenty-seven questions was used. Respondents to the questionnaires, one hundred and eleven managers of the basic education schools that make up the public school system in a city in the northwestern region of Paraná, Southern Brazil. In analyzing the results, it was only at this point that we investigated only those practices that were related to the structuring of organizational processes. This decision is justified because of the responsibilities of the school manager in the execution of his work. The results indicated that the school in its daily life, makes use of practices of Knowledge Management related to the structuring of the organizational processes and that many are already applied by the managers.
Benzotriazole Uptake and Removal in Vegetated Biofilter Mesocosms Planted with Carex Praegracilis
Authors: Pritchard James , Cho Yeo-Myoung , Ashoori Negin , Luthy Richard
Published: October 2018

Urban stormwater runoff is a significant source of pollutants into surface water bodies. One such pollutant, 1H-benzotriazole, is a persistent, recalcitrant trace organic contaminant commonly used as a corrosion inhibitor in airplane deicing processes, automobile liquids, and engine coolants. This study explored the removal of 1H-benzotriazole from stormwater using bench-scale biofilter mesocosms planted with California native sedge, Carex praegracilis, over a series of three storm events and monitoring period. Benzotriazole metabolites glycosylated benzotriazole and benzotriazole alanine were detected and benzotriazole and glycosylated benzotriazole partitioning in the system were quantified. With a treatment length of seven days, 97.1% of benzotriazole was removed from stormwater effluent from vegetated biofilter mesocosms. Significant concentrations of benzotriazole and glycosylated benzotriazole were observed in the C. praegracilis leaf and root tissue. Additionally, a significant missing sink of benzotriazole developed in the vegetated biofilter mesocosms. This study suggests that vegetation may increase the operating lifespan of bioretention basins by enhancing degradation of dissolved trace organic contaminants, thus increasing the sorption capacity of the geomedia.
Adipophilin and Perilipin 3 Correlate with Total Lipid Content in Human Breast Milk
Authors: Pavlova Tereza , Spacil Zdenek , Vidova Veronika , Zlamal Filip , Cechova Eliska , Hodicka Zuzana , Bienertova-Vasku Julie
Published: October 2018

Objective: Lipids are secreted into milk as bilayer-coated structures: milk lipid globules (MLGs). Adipophilin (ADRP) and perilipin 3 (TIP47) are associated with MLGs in human breast milk; however, the role of these proteins in milk lipid secretion is not fully understood. The aim of the study was to investigate levels of ADRP, TIP47 and total lipid content in human breast milk, their mutual correlations and dynamics during lactation. Research Methods & Procedures: Milk samples from 22 healthy lactating women (Caucasian, Central European) were collected at five time points during lactation (1–3, 12–14, 29–30, 88–90 and 178–180 days postpartum). Mass spectrometry-based method was used for quantification of ADRP and TIP47 in the samples. The gravimetric method was used to determine milk total lipid content. Results: We observed distinctive trends in ADRP, TIP47 levels and lipid content in human breast milk during the first 6 months of lactation. We also found a significant association between lipid content and ADRP, lipid content and TIP47, and ADRP and TIP47 concentrations in breast milk at all sampling points. Moreover, we derived an equation for estimating the mean lipid content of milk based on ADRP concentration in human breast milk. Conclusions: A mass spectrometry-based method was developed for quantifying ADRP and TIP47 in human breast milk. Strong mutual correlations were found between ADRP, TIP47 and total lipid content in human breast milk.
The Short and Long-term Effects of Pregnancy on Multiple Sclerosis and Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: McCombe Pamela
Published: October 2018

The role of pregnancy in multiple sclerosis (MS) is of importance because many patients with MS are young women in the childbearing age who require information to inform their reproductive decisions. Pregnancy is now well-known to be associated with fewer relapses of MS and reduced activity of autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). However, in women with multiple sclerosis, this benefit is not always sufficient to protect against a rebound of disease activity if disease modulating therapy is ceased for pregnancy. There is reason to be concerned that use of assisted reproductive therapies can be associated with relapses of MS. It is thought that the beneficial effects of pregnancy are due to the pregnancy-associated changes in the maternal immune system. There is some evidence of this in human studies and studies of EAE. There is also evidence that having been pregnant leads to better long-term outcome of MS. The mechanism for this is not fully understood but it could result from epigenetic changes resulting from pregnancy or parenthood. Further studies of the mechanisms of the beneficial effects of pregnancy could provide information that might be used to produce new therapies.
Engineering Design Driven by Models and Measures: The Case of a Rigid Inflatable Boat
Authors: Fragassa Cristiano
Published: October 2018

Rigid-hulled inflatable boats are extremely practical and popular nowadays. They offer a effective conciliation among usability and costs. Their stable and seaworthy behaviour is guaranteed by performing hydroplaning hulls coupled with unsinkable inflated tubes. At the same time, their design is often based on tradition and preconceptions. Rarely, the design assumptions are validated by the reality or, even, by deeper investigations. In this article, both numerical methods and experimental mechanics techniques are proposed as an essential way for supporting the designers in their decisive tasks. Three different situations are detailed where a numerical or an experimental approach shows its benefit inside the engineering design process: firstly permitting to investigate the behaviour of materials driving the fiberglass selection; then measuring the levels of stress and strain in the hull during sailing; finally, using all available information as a base for developing numerical models of the hull slamming in waves. Even if the discussion is focused on a rigid inflatable boat, large part of its considerations is relevant beyond this special case.
A Multi-Stage Approach to Hybrid Lead Acid Battery and Supercapacitor System for Transport Vehicles
Authors: Lencwe Mpho J. , Chowdhury Shyama P. , Olwal Thomas O.
Published: October 2018

Lead Acid Batteries (LABs) are used for starting, lighting, igniting, air conditioning systems and supplying power to electric engines in Transport Vehicles (TVs). However, the application of LABs for TVs has faced a number of market challenges mounted by the upcoming high energy density and long lifespan batteries such as Lithium Ion. LABs on the other hand are low cost. The key research question is, how can the lifespan of LABs used in automotive industries be increased, while still ensuring a low cost solution? Thus, integrating LABs with the Supercapacitor is likely to outperform the competing alternative batteries for TVs. This paper proposes a multiple stage approach to hybrid Lead Acid Battery and Supercapacitor system for TVs that is capable of maintaining the battery State-of-Charge (SOC) to statistically high limits ranging between 90% and 95%. This SOC target will likely ensure that the lifespan of the hybrid battery system can be elongated (extended) more than its competitors. In this study, the multiple stage approach of concatenated converters has been designed in order to satisfy all energy storage requirements for different characteristics of LAB and Supercapacitor. The designed hybrid system has been simulated using Matlab/Simulink. The simulated results show that high transient currents from the DC Bus of LAB caused by the regenerative braking or deceleration of the TVs reduces the battery lifespan and induce mechanical stress. Supercapacitor reduces the stress on the LAB by absorbing high transient currents. This, in turn keeps the LABs’ SOC between 90-95% and the voltage at 12V. As indicated by the simulated results, the hybrid battery SOC is maintained at 90-93% and the terminal voltage is approximately 12V.
Fluorescence and Naked-Eye Detection of Pb2+ in Drinking Water Using a Low-Cost Ionophore Based Sensing Scheme
Authors: Hakonen Aron , Strömberg Niklas
Published: October 2018

Drinking water contamination of lead from various environmental sources, leaching consumer products and intrinsic water-pipe infrastructure is still today a matter of great concern. Therefore, new highly sensitive and convenient Pb2+ measurement schemes are necessary, especially for in-situ measurements at a low-cost. Within this work dye/ionophore/Pb2+ co-extraction and effective water phase de-colorization was utilized for highly sensitive lead measurements and sub-ppb naked-eye detection. Low-cost ionophore Benzo-18-Crown-6-ether was used, and a simple test-tube mix, shake and separate procedure was developed. Instrumental detection limits were in the low ppt region (LOD=3, LOQ=10), and naked-eye detection was 500 ppt. Note, however, that this sensing scheme still has improvement potential as concentrations of fluorophore and ionophore were not optimized. Artificial tap-water samples, leached by a standardized method, demonstrated drinking water application. Implications for this method are convenient in-situ lead ion measurements.
Integration of Shared Autonomy System for Grasping Multiple Objects in the Domestic Environment
Authors: Kim Jaeseok , Limosani Raffaele , Cavallo Filippo
Published: October 2018

In recent years, autonomous robots have proven capable of solving tasks in complex environments. In particular, robot manipulations in activities of daily living (ADL) for service robots have been in wide use. However, manipulations such as loading a dishwasher or folding laundry are difficult to automate robustly. In addition, manipulations of grasping multiple objects in domestic environments present difficulty. To perform those applications better, we developed robotic systems based on shared autonomy by combining the cognitive skills of a human operator with autonomous robot behaviors. In this work, we present techniques for integration of a shared autonomy system for assistive mobile manipulation and new strategies to support users in the domestic environment. We demonstrate that the robot can grasp multiple objects with random size at known and unknown table heights. Specifically, we developed three strategies for manipulation. From experimental results, we observed that the first strategy has the highest success rate (70% for random objects) up to 70 cm table height. Two other strategies perform better for 80 cm to 100 cm table height. The success rate of the second and third strategies shows an average 63.3% and 73.3%, respectively, for grasping random objects. We also demonstrated these strategies using two intuitive interfaces, a visual interface in rviz and a voice user interface with speech recognition, which are suitable for elderly people. In addition, the robot can select strategies automatically in random scenarios, which make the robot intelligent and able to make decisions independently in the environment. We obtained interesting results showing that the robot adapts to the environmental variation automatically. After these experimental demonstrations, our robot shows the capabilities for employment in domestic environments to perform actual tasks.
Smart Process Optimization and Adaptive Execution with Semantic Services in Cloud Manufacturing
Authors: Mazzola Luca , Waibel Philipp , Kaphanke Patrick , Klusch Matthias
Published: October 2018

A new requirement for the manufacturing companies in Industry 4.0 is to be flexible with respect to changes in demands, requiring them to react rapidly and efficiently on the production capacities. Together with the trend to use Service-Oriented Architectures (SOA), this requirement induces a need for agile collaboration among supply chain partners, but also between different divisions or branches of the same company. In order to address this collaboration challenge, we propose a novel pragmatic approach for the process analysis, implementation and execution. This is achieved through sets of semantic annotations of business process models encoded into BPMN 2.0 extensions. Building blocks for such manufacturing processes are the individual avaialble services, which are also semantically annotated according to the Everything-as-a-Service (XaaS) principles and stored into a common marketplace. The optimization of such manufacturing processes combines pattern-based semantic composition of services with their non-functional aspects. This is achieved by means of Quality-of-Services (QoS) based constraint optimization problem (COP) solving, resulting in an automatic implementation of service-based manufacturing processes. The produced solution is mapped back to the BPMN 2.0 standard formalism by the means of introduced extension elements, fully detailing the enactable optimal process service plan produced. This approach allows enacting a process instance, using just-in-time service leasing, allocation of resources, and dynamic replanning in case of failures. This proposition provides the best compromise between external visibility, control and flexibility. In this way, it provides an optimal approach for business process models implementation, with a full service-oriented taste, by implementing user-defined QoS metrics, just-in-time execution and basic dynamic repairing capabilities. This paper presents the described approach, the technical architecture and depicts one initial industrial application in the manufacturing domains of aluminum forging for bicycle hull body forming, where the advantages stemming from the main capabilities of this approach are sketched.
Gender and Race in Ministry Leadership: Experiences of Black Clergywomen
Authors: Nelms Smarr, PsyD Dr. Kimberly , Disbennett-Lee, PhD Dr. Rachelle , Cooper Hakim, PhD Dr. Amy
Published: October 2018

Despite the increase of seminary training, Black clergywomen continuously undergo subjugation, degradation, and humiliation in ministry leadership due to gender and race bias (Leslie, 2013) by clergymen. This article reports the findings of a qualitative study that examined the experiences of Black clergywomen regarding obstacles in ministry leadership and how these clergywomen ascribed meaning to their experiences. The two primary research questions were, “What are the experiences of Black clergywomen regarding obstacles in ministry leadership?” and “How do Black clergywomen attribute meaning to their experiences regarding obstacles in ministry leadership?” The results of the study indicated that bias of gender and inequality exists among clergymen; however, the Black clergywomen learned to embrace the experiences and learned from them. The conclusion of this article includes a discussion regarding practical implications of the education of clergy; and the re-evaluation of the perception of Black clergywomen and their experiences. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences of Black clergywomen pertaining to challenges in clergy leadership and to explore how Black clergywomen attributed meaning to their experiences regarding challenges in ministry leadership.
Can The Advantages Of Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Lobectomy Be Reproduced In A Low Volume Center?
Authors: Shaheen Shagufta , Otoukesh Salman , Jabo Brice , Kaur Manmeet , Wheeler Nicole , Mirshahidi Said , Zaheer Salman , Mirshahidi Hamid R.
Published: October 2018

Background:
Video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has become the recommended approach for treatment of resectable lung cancer. However, no large randomized clinical trial has been conducted formally comparing surgical resections completed by VATS to those done by open thoracotomy (OT) in low volume centers. The current study sought to assess differences in recurrence-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS), positive margins and postoperative length of stay (LOS) between VATS and OT lobectomies in our center.
Method:
A single institution retrospective chart review from May 2005 through May 2015 was conducted. All patients diagnosed with stage I through III lung cancer who underwent surgical resection were selected. Patient and tumor characteristics recorded included age at diagnosis, sex, tobacco use, tumor location (side and lobe), stage, size and receipt of chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Chis-square and Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare demographics, tumor characteristics and LOS. Multiple logistic and Cox regression analyses were used to compute relative risk (RR) for positive margins and mortality hazard ratios along with 95 percent confidence intervals (95%CI), respectively.
Results:
Of the 235 patients, 101 subjects had VATS while OT was performed in 134 patients. Age at diagnosis, sex, tobacco use, tumor location, and size were comparable for VATS and OT. No significant difference was observed in the relative risk of positive margins for VATS versus OT, RR = 0.56 (95%CI = 0.26, 1.05). However, VATS had shorter median LOS compared to OT (4 vs. 6 days, respectively), p = 0.002. A comparison of VATS versus OT showed no significant difference in the risk of recurrence, HR = 1.21 (95%CI = 0.74, 2.00), or death, HR = 1.34 (95%CI = 0.88, 2.06), in the intent-to-treat population. Similarly, no significant differences in recurrence or mortality risk were observed between VATS versus OT for analyses conducted separately for each cancer stage group or those limited to patients with negative margins.
Conclusion:
Our study indicates that compared to OT, VATS leads to shorter LOS while achieving comparable margins status, recurrence-free and overall survival regardless of tumor stage at diagnosis.
N-Heterocyclic Carbene-PEI Platinum Complexes Inducing Human Cancer Cell Death: Polymer Carrier Impact
Authors: Wantz May , Bouche Mathilde , Dahm Georges , Chekkat Neila , Fournel Sylvie , Bellemin-Laponnaz Stephane
Published: October 2018

The high interest in N-heterocyclic platinum carbene complexes in cancer research stems from their high cytotoxicity to human cancer cells, their stability, as well as their ease of functionalization. However, the development of these new molecules as anticancer agents still faces multiple challenges, in particular solubility in aqueous media. Here, we synthesized platinum-NHC bioconjugates that combine water-solubility and cytotoxicity by using polyethyleneimine as polymer carrier. We showed that the activity of these conjugates is modulated by the size of the polymer and the overall density of metal ions onto polymer chains. They displayed an effective activity after only 45 minutes of exposure in vitro correlated with a quick uptake by the cells as shown by the use of various fluorescent-tagged derivatives.
Experimental Investigation on Effects of Track Configurations on Long-Term Behavior of Ballasted Track
Authors: Kim Mancheol , Sung Deokyong
Published: October 2018

The track settlement causes the deterioration of track geometry structure. Analysis of track settlement is a significant condition for determining the maintenance cycle. The long-term behavior of ballasted track may vary depending on the combination of the track configurations. In the present study, four ballasted tracks are studied through full-scale experiments to evaluate their respective performance in terms of track settlement. A cyclic load of up to 1.5 million cycles, simulated by vehicle speed of 230 km/h, is been applied to the ballasted tracks. The long-term behavior prediction equations for the ballasted tracks used in Korea are presented in this study. The size of the sleeper and the thickness of ballast are analyzed to be the most influential track configurations for the long-term behavior of ballasted track. Results of the full-scale test presented the effective area between ballast and subgrade is related to the long-term behavior of ballasted track. The track settlement decreases as the effective area between ballast and subgrade increases. Therefore, it is necessary to properly consider the effective area of sleeper and the ballast thickness to inhibit the track settlement.
The Status Quo and Ways of STEAM Education Promoting China's Future Social Sustainable Development
Authors: Wang Xingwei , Xu Wenwen , Guo Liang
Published: October 2018

In the process of sustainable development in the future, human society faces problems such as severe population load, economic transition, and lack of educational measures. One of the root causes of these problems is the shortage of innovative talents. Therefore, how to cultivate learners with multi-disciplinary integration and innovation ability is the key point that should be paid attention to in promoting the concept of quality education and coping with the future sustainable development process. This paper uses questionnaire survey method and literature analysis method to analyze the development of many educational institutions with STEAM concept as the core in China since 2017. It is found that the existing STEAM educational institutions generally have the following problems: the lack of team composition、difficulty in independent research and development、single course content and insufficient validation of course effectiveness. In order to more effectively promote the sustainable development of China's future course, STEAM education institutions should focus on strengthening the following development strategy: gradient team building, continuous independent research and development, cutting-edge projects curriculum transformation mechanism and multi-angle course effectiveness verification.
Human in situ Study of the Effect of bis(2-methacryloyloxyethyl) Dimethylammonium Bromide Immobilized in Dental Composite on Controlling Mature Cariogenic Biofilm
Authors: Melo Mary Anne S. , Weir Michael D. , Passos Vanara F. , Rolim Juliana P. M. , Lynch Christopher D. , Rodrigues Lidiany K. A. , xu Hockin H. K.
Published: October 2018

Cariogenic oral biofilms cause a considerable amount of recurrent dental caries around composite restorations every year, resulting in unprosperous oral health status and expensive restorative treatment for many patients. Quaternary ammonium monomers that can be copolymerized with the current dental resin systems have been increasingly explored for modulation of dental plaque biofilm growth over dental composite surfaces. Here, we investigated the effect of bis(2-methacryloyloxyethyl) dimethylammonium bromide (QADM), against human overlying mature oral biofilms grown intra-orally in human participants for 7 and 14 days, for the first time. Seventeen volunteers wore palatal devices containing composite specimens containing 10% by mass of QADM or a control composite without QADM. After 7 and 14 days, the adherent biofilms were collected for determination of bacterial counts via colony-forming unit (CFU) counts. The biofilm viability, chronological changes, and percentage coverage were also determined by live/dead staining. QADM composites caused a significant inhibition of S. mutans biofilm formation for up to seven days. No difference in the CFU values were found for the 14-day period. Our findings suggest that (1) QADM composite was successful in inhibiting 1-3 day biofilms in the oral environment in vivo; (2) QADM significantly reduced the portion of S.mutans group in a time course where patients at high risk of caries would develop initial enamel carious lesions; and (3) stronger antibiofilm activity is required for the control of mature long-term cariogenic biofilms. These results provide a perspective on the value of integrating bioactive restorative materials with traditional caries management approaches into clinical practice. Contact-killing strategies via dental materials aiming to prevent or at least reduce high numbers of cariogenic bacteria seem to be a promising approach in patients at high risk of recurrence of dental caries around composites.
Heparanase: A Multitasking Protein Involved in Extarcellular Matrix (ECM) Remodeling and Intracellular Events
Authors: Masola Valentina , Bellin Gloria , Gambaro Giovanni , Onisto Maurizio
Published: October 2018

Heparanase (HPSE) has been defined as a multitasking protein that exhibits a peculiar enzymatic activity towards HS chains but which simultaneously performs other non-enzymatic functions. Through its enzymatic activity, HPSE catalyzes the cutting of the side chains of heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycans, thus contributing to the remodeling of the extracellular matrix and of the basal membranes. Furthermore, thanks to this activity, HPSE also promotes the release and diffusion of various HS-linked molecules as growth factors, cytokines and enzymes. In addition to being an enzyme HPSE has been shown to possess the ability to trigger different signaling pathways by interacting with transmembrane proteins. In normal tissue and in physiological conditions, HPSE exhibits only low levels of expression restricted only to keratinocytes, trophoblast, platelets and mast cells and leukocytes. On the contrary, in pathological conditions, such as in tumor progression and metastasis, inflammation and fibrosis, it is overexpressed. With this brief review, we intend to provide an update on current knowledge about the different role of HPSE protein exerted by its enzymatic and not-enzymatic activity.
Screening for Viral Hepatitis and Other Infectious Diseases in a High-Risk Health Care Group in Mexico
Authors: Ramírez-Pérez Oscar Lenin , Cruz-Ramon Vania César , Chinchilla-López Paulina , Baptista-González Héctor , Trueba-Gómez Rocío , Rosenfeld-Mann Fany , Roque-Álvarez Elsa , Aguilar-Olivos Nancy Edith , Ponciano-Rodriguez Guadalupe , Coronel-Castillo Carlos Esteban , Contreras-Carmona Jocelyn , Méndez-Sánchez Nahum
Published: October 2018

Health care workers (HCWs), specifically dentists, are at the front line for acquiring blood-borne virus infections. The highest proportion of occupational transmission is through percutaneous injuries via hollow-bore needles. Several studies around the world have reported that hepatitis viruses and human immunodeficiency virus are the main pathogens for most cases of occupationally acquired blood-borne infection. We aim to investigate the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis E virus (HEV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among Mexican dentists. Methods. We included 159 dentists who attended the annual meeting at the Medica Sur Clinic & Foundation held in Mexico City in May 2016. A survey was applied in order to obtain data of occupational exposure to blood-borne viruses (BBV). Serum samples were screened serologically using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Results. Two dentists (1.2%) were positive for antibodies against HCV antigen, one (0.6%) was positive for antibodies against HBV antigen and three (1.8%) were positive for the detection of IgG antibodies against HEV. Two cases (1.2%) were positive for antibodies against HIV. Conclusions. The infection by HEV was the most prevalent among dentists. However, the prevalence of BBV in dentists was similar to that in the general population.
Extreme Kinematics in Selected Hip Hop Dance Sequences
Authors: Bronner Shaw , Ojofeitimi Sheyi , Woo Helen
Published: October 2018

Hip hop dance has many styles including breakdance (breaking), house, popping and locking, funk, streetdance, krumping, Memphis jookin’, and voguing. These movements combine the complexity of dance choreography with the challenges of gymnastics and acrobatic movements. Despite
high injury rates in hip hop dance, particularly in breakdance, to date there are no published biomechanical studies in this population. The purpose of this study was to compare representative hip hop steps found in breakdance (toprock and breaking) and house and provide descriptive statistics
of the angular displacements that occurred in these sequences. Six expert female hip hop dancers performed three choreographed dance sequences, top rock, breaking, and house, to standardized music-based tempos. Hip, knee, and ankle kinematics were collected during sequences that were 18 to
30 sec long. Hip, knee, and ankle three-dimensional peak joint angles were compared in repeated measures ANOVAs with post hoc tests where appropriate (p<0.01). Peak angles of the breaking sequence, which included floorwork, exceeded the other two sequences in the majority of planes and
joints. Hip hop maximal joint angles exceeded reported activities of daily living and high injury sports such as gymnastics. Hip hop dancers work at weight-bearing joint end ranges where muscles are at a functional disadvantage. These results may explain why lower extremity injury rates are
high in this population.
Toe Flexor Strength, Flexibility and Function and Flexor Hallucis Longus Tendon Morphology in Dancers and Non-Dancers
Authors: Rowley KM , Jarvis Danielle N , Kurihara Toshiyuki , Chang Yu-Jen , Fietzer Abbigail L , Kulig Kornelia
Published: October 2018

Tendinopathy of the flexor hallucis longus (FHL), colloquially referred to as “dancer’s tendinitis,” is a common condition in dancers and attributed to high demand on this muscle in positions of extreme ankle plantarflexion and metatarsophalangeal (MTP) flexion and
extension. Despite such a high prevalence, there has been little research into preventative or nonsurgical interventions. As a means to identify potential targets for prevention and intervention, this study aimed to characterize toe flexors in dancers by measuring strength, flexibility, function,
and FHL tendon morphology. Dancers (n=25) were compared to non-dancers (n=25) in toe flexor isometric strength, first MTP joint range of motion, foot longitudinal arch flexibility, balance ability, endurance during modified heel raises without use of the toes, and FHL tendon thickness, cross-sectional
area, and peak spatial frequency. Significant differences were found in functional first MTP joint extension (dancers 101.95º, non-dancers 91.15º, p<0.001), balance ability during single-leg stance on the toes (dancers 11.43 s, non-dancers 5.90 s, p=0.013), and during modified
heel raises (dancers 22.20 reps, non-dancers 28.80 reps, p=0.001). Findings indicate that dancers rely on toe flexors more than non-dancers to complete balance and heel raise tasks. Efficacy of using this modified heel raise task with the toes off the edge of a block as a means to train larger
plantarflexors and as a nonsurgical intervention should be studied in the future. Improving interventions for FHL tendinopathy will be impactful for dancers, in whom this condition is highly prevalent.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Psychopathology in Dancers
Authors: Thomson Paula , Jaque S Victoria
Published: October 2018

This study investigated the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in pre-professional and professional dancers (n=209) who were exposed to traumatic events. Nine self-report instruments assessed (1) adverse childhood experiences, (2) past traumatic events, (3) coping strategies
under stressful situations, and (4) fantasy proneness. The psychopathology variables included (5) anxiety, (6) depression, (7) dissociation, (8) shame, and (9) PTSD diagnostic scale. Statistical calculations included descriptive, distributional, and multivariate analysis of covariates (MANCOVA).
Results indicate that dancers had a significantly higher distribution of PTSD (20.2%) compared to the normal population (7.8%). They also had a higher frequency of family members with mental illness, an inability to speak about their trauma, and more suicidal thoughts. The PTSD group of dancers
had higher levels of psychopathology (anxiety, depression, dissociation, and shame) and they had more childhood adversity and adult trauma. Compared to the no-PTSD group, the PTSD group had higher scores on fantasy proneness and emotion-oriented coping strategies. These coping strategies may
increase psychological instability. Addressing early abuse and trauma is recommended. Clinicians may help dancers alter their internal working models that their self is worthless, others are abusive, and the world is threatening and dangerous. By understanding PTSD in dancers, medical and
mental health treatment protocols may be established to address the debilitating, and often hidden, symptoms of PTSD.
Mortality in American Hip-Hop and Rap Recording Artists, 1987–2014
Authors: Lawson Carl J
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND: The deaths of American hip-hop and rap recording artists often receive considerable media attention. However, these artists’ deaths have not been examined as a distinct group like the deaths of rock, classical, jazz, and pop music artists. This is a seminal epidemiological
analysis on the deaths of an understudied group, American hip-hop and rap music recording artists. METHODS: Media reports were analyzed of the deaths of American hip-hop and rap music recording artists that occurred from January 1, 1987 to December 31, 2014. The decedents’ age, sex,
race, cause of death, stage names, and city and state of death were recorded for analysis. RESULTS: The most commonly reported cause of death was homicide. The 280 deaths were categorized as homicide (55%), unintentional injury (13%), cardiovascular (7%), undetermined/undisclosed (7%), cancer
(6%), other (5%), suicide (4%), and infectious disease (3%). The mean reported age at death was 30 yrs (range 15–75) and the median was 29 yrs; 97% were male and 92% were black. All but one of the homicides were committed with firearms. CONCLUSIONS: Homicide was the most commonly reported
cause of death. Public health focus and guidance for hip-hop and rap recording artists should mirror that for African-American men and adolescent males ages 15–54 yrs, for whom the leading causes of death are homicide, unintentional injury, and heart disease. Given the preponderance
of homicide deaths in this analysis, premature mortality reduction efforts should focus on violence prevention and conflict mitigation.
Three Wishes for Performing Arts Healthcare
Authors: Manchester Ralph A
Published: October 2018

As I think back over my 30-plus years as a physician and researcher in performing arts healthcare and try to imagine what might happen in the next 30 years, I sometimes fantasize about having three wishes that some supernatural force would grant. While waiting for something like that
to happen is not likely to be an effective strategy for improving the health of performing artists around the world, the thought exercise might help to flesh out some ideas that could lead to further progress. While others will come up with different wishes (that I’m sure would be at
least as valid), here are mine.
Post-Fracturing Production Performance of Small Sized Proppant in Major Unconventional Formations
Authors: Li C.. , Spurr N.. , Royce T. N.
Published: October 2018

During fracturing operations, large amounts of proppant are injected with hydraulic fracturing fluid. Usually, various sizes of proppant are selected based on the desired fracture parameters. Smaller mesh size sands, 40/70 mesh or smaller, were traditionally pumped as a means of leakoff control agent. In unconventional ultra-low permeability reservoirs, however, their application has expanded to be a conductive propping agent. In many cases, these sands represent up to 100% of all proppant injected. A good understanding of the production performance of those wells is necessary for the further application of small mesh sands as proppant.

This study investigated the performance of small sized proppant in terms of post-fracturing production. Completion, stimulation, and production data from multiple databases, both external and in house, was collected, cleansed, and consolidated to conduct analyses. The final data set contains those wells that used at least 90% of the total proppant in the 40/70 mesh or smaller, and offset wells that were located within certain distance to those target wells. Production metrics such as 12-months cumulative production and decline behavior were compared between the target wells and their offsets to evaluate the performance of the small mesh sands as proppant.

At the same specific gravity, smaller proppants transport further and have higher stress resiliencies compared to larger size proppants. However, their conductivity is lower. The post-fracturing production performance is then highly correlated to the propped hydraulic fracture length, height, and width as well as the permeability of the proppant pack. Data from several major unconventional plays in the United States, Eagle Ford, Wolfcamp, and Haynesville, were studied. The results were mixed. Wells using smaller proppant as the majority proppant demonstrated different production performance compared to their offsets in different unconventional plays. Small mesh sands showed better production results than their offsets in some cases but demonstrated no statistical significant difference in others. Since many parameters can affect hydrocarbon production performance of a well and proppant size is only one of them, physics-based analysis is referred to help interpret the results.

Insights derived from this study help justify if a particular formation a good candidate for using smaller proppant as the major conductive agent and what other treatment design parameters should be considered to achieve the best performance.