bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Study on Cooperative Interaction in the Teacher’s Learning Community: Focused on Elementary Mathematics Lessons
Authors:   The Korea Society Of Educational Studies In Mathematics, Kim Yukyung
Published: March 2018

Recently, it is noted that the teacher’s learning community and lesson studies are being emphasized as part of the growing literature regarding education policy. However, there is a burden of building an attitude of cooperation among the teachers regarding the lessons, and there is mounting concern over the possibility of professional development without education experts. This study compares and analyzes the significance of various aspects of cooperative interactions among teachers in two elementary schools in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. The examples of the two schools identified in this study are similar in that they study the lessons available and accessible in the teacher’s learning community. However, there are subtle differences internally to the means and results of these lessons. In the study, the participants of Community A focused on the development and sharing of learning tasks in the learning process. The collaboration, which is characterized by critical companionship, was implemented with the Community A participants in the study. Conversely, the participants in Community B focused on associated teaching practices, and cooperation was implemented in the process of trial and error. A review of these cases raised the possibility of professional development through the teacher’s learning community in the general school. Moreover, the results provided implications for the lesson study through the entire associated teacher’s learning community.
Glossário de libras: caminhos para construção de instrumento de coleta de dados
Authors: Ochiuto Eliane Francisca Alves da Silva , Oliveira e Fernandes Ana Paula , Constâncio Rosana de Fátima Janes , Rech Gabriele Cristine
Published: March 2018

O projeto aqui apresentado tem como premissa investigar, coletar, divulgar e propagar os sinais dos principais lugares públicos e pontos turísticos para viabilizar e socializar não somente a comunidade surda usuária da Libras, mas possibilitar a propagação a toda população da Grande Dourados os sinais específicos destes locais garantindo ao surdo o acesso e acessibilidade. Para a elaboração do glossário a proposta inicial foi de realizar uma pesquisa envolvendo a participação em formato de questionário aos tradutores intérpretes de língua de sinais, surdos usuários da Libras a fim de identificar os possíveis sinais já existentes, bem como o estudo e a criação de sinais que identifiquem tais pontos. A produção deste glossário corrobora para a criação e difusão de toda a história dos principais lugares públicos e pontos turísticos disseminando a cultura local e possibilitando o uso e a difusão da Libras conforme previsto na Lei de Libras.
Heat Treatment and Microstructural Contrasting on Low-Alloy Copper-Based Alloys
Authors: Pfeffer K. , Eisenbart M. , Klotz U. E.
Published: March 2018

Copper is a material used in a wide range of applications. The combination of electrical conductivity and mechanical strength is a feature which is especially important when it comes to conductive and contact materials. This combination of properties in low-alloy copper-based alloys can be achieved when the material is subjected to a thermomechanical treatment consisting of rolling and annealing.

Samples of the alloy CuNi1.5Si0.3 were taken at distinctive steps of the industrial manufacturing process for semi-finished products in order to examine the influence of the manufacturing parameters on the microstructure during solution annealing, rolling, and aging. The sample material for the respective chosen conditions was aged in the laboratory at various temperatures. Quasi-static tensile tests were performed, the electrical conductivity was determined, the microhardness was measured, and the microstructure was examined on metallographic sections in order to characterize the material conditions.
Analysis, Modeling and Simulation of Tomographic Image Data for the 3D Microstructure of Electrode Material in Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Westhoff D. , Kuchler K. , Feinauer J. , Petrich L. , Schmidt V.
Published: March 2018

This article describes stochastic 3D structure models for electrodes of lithium-ion batteries, which can be used for model-based optimization of the electrode morphology. First, a single particle model is presented which can be used to parametrically describe individual particles from 3D tomographic image data. By fitting parametrical distributions it is therefore also possible to simulate (statistically similar) particles. Hereafter, different approaches for the arrangement of individual particles in the observation window are presented, so that system-based properties of different electrode types can be approximately matched (e. g. the connectivity of the particle system as well as the structure of the pore space). Finally, algorithms for the automatic recognition of particle cracks in tomographic image data are presented which can be used to integrate ageing effects into the models.
An icteric newborn with bad obstetric history
Authors: Shahidullah Mohammod , Mannan M. A. , Dey Sanjoy Kumer , Moni Sadeka Choudhury , Shabuj Mohammad Kamrul Hassan , Jahan Ismat , Sihan Nazmus
Published: March 2018

This article has no abstract. The first 100 words appear below:A 34 week preterm baby was admitted with the complaints of respiratory distress soon after birth. The mother had bad obstetric history. She is having the fifth gravida with the first two alive and healthy who were born by the normal vaginal delivery at home. The third child was born with severe jaundice and was treated by exchange transfusion. Subsequently the baby developed bilirubin encephalopathy. Then the baby developed cerebral palsy and ultimately died due to aspiration pneumonia at the age of 2.5 years. Her first three pregnancies were not on any antenatal check-up by the health care provider due to poor socio-economic background and illiteracy.
Characterization of Electroless Ni–P Coating Prepared on a Wrought ZE10 Magnesium Alloy
Authors: Buchtík Martin , Kosár Petr , Wasserbauer Jaromír , Tkacz Jakub , Doležal Pavel
Published: March 2018

Electroless low-phosphorus Ni–P coating was deposited on a wrought ZE10 magnesium alloy including an advanced pre-treatment of the material surface before deposition. Uniform Ni–P coating with an average thickness of 10 µm was formed by 95.6 wt % Ni and 4.4 wt % P. The content of Ni and P was homogeneous in the entire cross-section of the coating. Applying the Ni–P coating to the magnesium substrate, the surface microhardness increased from 60 ± 4 HV 0.025 to 690 ± 30 HV 0.025. Using the scratch test, it was determined that deposited Ni–P coating exhibits a high degree of adhesion to the magnesium substrate. Electrochemical corrosion properties of Ni–P coating were analyzed using the polarization tests in 0.1 M NaCl, while the deposited Ni–P coating showed an improvement of the corrosion resistance when compared to the ZE10 magnesium alloy. Using the scanning electron microscopy analysis, it was determined that the fine morphology of the deposited Ni–P coating did not contain visible microcavities. The absence of macrodefects due to the adequate pre-treatment before coating was reflected on the mechanism of the coated ZE10 degradation in a 0.1 M NaCl solution.
Categorical Data Analysis Using a Skewed Weibull Regression Model
Authors: Caron Renault , Sinha Debajyoti , Dey Dipak , Polpo Adriano
Published: March 2018

In this paper, we present a Weibull link (skewed) model for categorical response data arising from binomial as well as multinomial model. We show that, for such types of categorical data, the most commonly used models (logit, probit and complementary log–log) can be obtained as limiting cases. We further compare the proposed model with some other asymmetrical models. The Bayesian as well as frequentist estimation procedures for binomial and multinomial data responses are presented in detail. The analysis of two datasets to show the efficiency of the proposed model is performed.
A Commutation Failure Suppression Control Method Based on the Controllable Operation Region of Hybrid Dual-Infeed HVDC System
Authors: Xiao Chao , Xiong Xiaofu , Ouyang Jinxin , Ma Getu , Zheng Di , Tang Ting
Published: March 2018

With the increased use of high voltage direct current (HVDC) systems, line commutated converters (LCC-HVDC) and voltage source converters (VSC-HVDC) tend to feed into AC systems over short electrical distances. The flexible power control of VSC-HVDC systems provides an effective approach to suppress the commutation failure of LCC-HVDC systems. A suppression method, based on a controllable operation region, is proposed in this study to reduce the probability of commutation failure in a hybrid dual-infeed HVDC system. First, the quantitative transient reactive power control requirement of VSC-HVDC inverter that could fulfill the suppression control boundary condition of commutation failure was analyzed. Given the maximum current constraint of the VSC-HVDC inverter and the primary frequency modulation constraint of the sending-end grid, a controllable operation region of the hybrid dual-infeed HVDC system was proposed. Furthermore, a commutation failure suppression control method, based on the controllable operation region, was proposed to mitigate continuous commutation failure. Finally, the validity and accuracy of the proposed method was verified by the simulation of PSCAD/EMTDC. The proposed control method can realize reasonable use of the reactive power control capability of the VSC-HVDC system, which effectively improves immunity to commutation failure of the LCC-HVDC system under grid fault.
Estimation of Thermal Performance and Heat Loss in Plastic Greenhouses with and without Thermal Curtains
Authors: Kim Hyung-Kweon , Kang Geum-Choon , Moon Jong-Pil , Lee Tae-Seok , Oh Sung-Sik
Published: March 2018

Greenhouses are important for stable food production, but require large amounts of energy to maintain their microclimate in regions with harsh climates. This study assessed the internal thermal insulation performance of thermal curtains in double-layered plastic greenhouses in Korea in winter using cover surface temperature changes and heat transfer coefficients (U values). The thermal curtain performance increased as the temperatures of the inner cover surface increased and the outer cover surface decreased. The outer cover surface temperature with thermal curtains was almost uniformly 1.9 °C lower than that without thermal curtains, whereas the inner cover surface temperature was higher, demonstrating the warming effect of thermal curtain use. Under a constant indoor and outdoor air temperature difference, the daily average heating energy consumption was directly proportional to the U value. The U values were 2.76 W m−2 °C−1 with thermal curtains and 3.85 W m−2 °C−1 without thermal curtains. In double-layered plastic greenhouses that were covered with 0.1-mm-thick polyethylene, incorporating thermal curtains at night resulted in energy savings of about 28.7%, which was related to the decrease in U values. Installing and using thermal curtains at night in winter is a highly economical method for heating savings. These results can be used to promote energy savings in greenhouses in harsh climates.
Species Diversity of Oak Stands and Its Significance for Drought Resistance
Authors: Kotlarz Jan , Nasiłowska Sylwia , Rotchimmel Karol , Kubiak Katarzyna , Kacprzak Mariusz
Published: March 2018

Drought periods have an adverse impact on the condition of oak stands. Research on different types of ecosystems has confirmed a correlation between plant species diversity and the adverse effects of droughts. The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes that occurred in an oak stand (Krotoszyn Plateau, Poland) under the impact of the summer drought in 2015. We used a method based on remote sensing indices from satellite images in order to detect changes in the vegetation in 2014 and 2015. A positive difference was interpreted as an improvement, whereas a negative one was treated as a deterioration of the stand condition. The Shannon-Wiener species diversity was estimated using an iterative principal component analysis (PCA) algorithm based on aerial images. We observed a relationship between the species indices of the individual forest divisions and their response to drought. The highest correlation between the index differences and the Shannon-Wiener indices was found for the Green Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (GNDVI) index (+0.74). In addition, correlations were observed between the mean index difference and the percentage shares in the forest divisions of species such as Pinus sylvestris L. (P. sylvestris) (+0.67 ± 0.08) and Quercus robur L. (Q. robur) (−0.65 ± 0.10). Our results lead us to infer that forest management based on highly diverse habitats is more suitable to meet the challenges in the context of global climatic changes, characterized by increasingly frequent droughts.
Correction: Almeida-Dalmet, S.; et al. Differential Gene Expression in Response to Salinity and Temperature in a Haloarcula Strain from Great Salt Lake, Utah. Genes 2017, 9, 52
Authors: Almeida-Dalmet Swati , Litchfield Carol , Gillevet Patrick , Baxter Bonnie
Published: March 2018

The authors wish to make the following changes to their paper [1].[...]
Analysis of Occupational Accidents in Underground and Surface Mining in Spain Using Data-Mining Techniques
Authors: Sanmiquel Lluís , Bascompta Marc , Rossell Josep , Anticoi Hernán , Guash Eduard
Published: March 2018

An analysis of occupational accidents in the mining sector was conducted using the data from the Spanish Ministry of Employment and Social Safety between 2005 and 2015, and data-mining techniques were applied. Data was processed with the software Weka. Two scenarios were chosen from the accidents database: surface and underground mining. The most important variables involved in occupational accidents and their association rules were determined. These rules are composed of several predictor variables that cause accidents, defining its characteristics and context. This study exposes the 20 most important association rules in the sector—either surface or underground mining—based on the statistical confidence levels of each rule as obtained by Weka. The outcomes display the most typical immediate causes, along with the percentage of accidents with a basis in each association rule. The most important immediate cause is body movement with physical effort or overexertion, and the type of accident is physical effort or overexertion. On the other hand, the second most important immediate cause and type of accident are different between the two scenarios. Data-mining techniques were chosen as a useful tool to find out the root cause of the accidents.
Reducing Friction with a Liquid Film on the Body Surface
Authors: Klyuev Nikolay , Polyakov Konstantin , Krutovertseva Alyona
Published: March 2018

A flow of a thin layer of liquid is simulated on a flat surface of a body located in a stream of air. Liquid film on the surface of the body reduces frictional resistance and can be used as a boundary layer control element. The paper presents a mathematical model of the film flow on a half-plane, located at an angle to the horizon. The fluid flow is determined by the force of gravity and friction from the external air current. A model of an incompressible viscous fluid is used in the boundary-layer approximation. The terms of the motion equation are averaged over the film thickness according to the Leibniz rule. In the cross section of the film, a quadratic law is adopted for the distribution of the longitudinal velocity, taking into account friction on the film surface. An analytical solution of the problem is obtained in the form of series in powers of the small parameter for determining the film thickness and the average longitudinal velocity along the length of the plate. It is shown that the friction decreases with flow around a half-plane with a film of liquid on the surface.
Alloying and Properties of C14–NbCr2 and A15–Nb3X (X = Al, Ge, Si, Sn) in Nb–Silicide-Based Alloys
Authors: Tsakiropoulos Panos
Published: March 2018

The oxidation of Nb–silicide-based alloys is improved with Al, Cr, Ge or Sn addition(s). Depending on addition(s) and its(their) concentration(s), alloyed C14-AB2 Laves and A15-A3X phases can be stable in the microstructures of the alloys. In both phases, A is the transition metal(s), and B and X respectively can be Cr, Al, Ge, Si or Sn, and Al, Ge, Si or Sn. The alloying, creep and hardness of these phases were studied using the composition weighted differences in electronegativity (∆χ), average valence electron concentrations (VEC) and atomic sizes. For the Laves phase (i) the VEC and ∆χ were in the ranges 4.976 < VEC < 5.358 and −0.503 < ∆χ < −0.107; (ii) the concentration of B (=Al + Cr + Ge + Si + Sn) varied from 50.9 to 64.5 at %; and (iii) the Cr concentration was in the range of 35.8 < Cr < 51.6 at %. Maps of ∆χ versus Cr, ∆χ versus VEC, and VEC versus atomic size separated the alloying behaviours of the elements. Compared with unalloyed NbCr2, the VEC decreased and ∆χ increased in Nb(Cr,Si)2, and the changes in both parameters increased when Nb was substituted by Ti, and Cr by Si and Al, or Si and Ge, or Si and Sn. For the A15 phase (i) the VEC and ∆χ were in the ranges 4.38 < VEC < 4.89 and 0.857 < ∆χ < 1.04, with no VEC values between 4.63 and 4.72 and (ii) the concentration of X (=Al + Ge + Si + Sn) varied from 16.3 to 22.7 at %. The VEC versus ∆χ map separated the alloying behaviours of elements. The hardness of A15-Nb3X was correlated with the parameters ∆χ and VEC. The hardness increased with increases in ∆χ and VEC. Compared with Nb3Sn, the ∆χ and hardness of Nb3(Si,Sn) increased. The substitution of Nb by Cr had the same effect on ∆χ and hardness as Hf or Ti. The ∆χ and hardness increased with Ti concentration. The addition of Al in Nb3(Si,Sn,Al) decreased the ∆χ and increased the hardness. When Ti and Hf, or Ti, Hf and Cr, were simultaneously present with Al, the ∆χ was decreased and the hardness was unchanged. The better creep of Nb(Cr,Si)2 compared with the unalloyed Laves phase was related to the decrease in the VEC and ∆χ parameters.
Highly Sensitive and Selective Potassium Ion Detection Based on Graphene Hall Effect Biosensors
Authors: Liu Xiangqi , Ye Chen , Li Xiaoqing , Cui Naiyuan , Wu Tianzhun , Du Shiyu , Wei Qiuping , Fu Li , Yin Jiancheng , Lin Cheng-Te
Published: March 2018

Potassium (K+) ion is an important biological substance in the human body and plays a critical role in the maintenance of transmembrane potential and hormone secretion. Several detection techniques, including fluorescent, electrochemical, and electrical methods, have been extensively investigated to selectively recognize K+ ions. In this work, a highly sensitive and selective biosensor based on single-layer graphene has been developed for K+ ion detection under Van der Pauw measurement configuration. With pre-immobilization of guanine-rich DNA on the graphene surface, the graphene devices exhibit a very low limit of detection (≈1 nM) with a dynamic range of 1 nM–10 μM and excellent K+ ion specificity against other alkali cations, such as Na+ ions. The origin of K+ ion selectivity can be attributed to the fact that the formation of guanine-quadruplexes from guanine-rich DNA has a strong affinity for capturing K+ ions. The graphene-based biosensors with improved sensing performance for K+ ion recognition can be applied to health monitoring and early disease diagnosis.
Iron Oxide and Gold Based Magneto-Plasmonic Nanostructures for Medical Applications: A Review
Authors: Nguyen Thi , Mammeri Fayna , Ammar Souad
Published: March 2018

Iron oxide and gold-based magneto-plasmonic nanostructures exhibit remarkable optical and superparamagnetic properties originating from their two different components. As a consequence, they have improved and broadened the application potential of nanomaterials in medicine. They can be used as multifunctional nanoprobes for magneto-plasmonic heating as well as for magnetic and optical imaging. They can also be used for magnetically assisted optical biosensing, to detect extreme traces of targeted bioanalytes. This review introduces the previous work on magneto-plasmonic hetero-nanostructures including: (i) their synthesis from simple “one-step” to complex “multi-step” routes, including seed-mediated and non-seed-mediated methods; and (ii) the characterization of their multifunctional features, with a special emphasis on the relationships between their synthesis conditions, their structures and their properties. It also focuses on the most important progress made with regard to their use in nanomedicine, keeping in mind the same aim, the correlation between their morphology—namely spherical and non-spherical, core-satellite and core-shell, and the desired applications.
Influence of Haem, Non-Haem, and Total Iron Intake on Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Dos Santos Vieira Diva , Hermes Sales Cristiane , Galvão Cesar Chester , Marchioni Dirce , Fisberg Regina
Published: March 2018

Studies suggest that haem, non-haem iron and total iron intake may be related to non-communicable diseases, especially metabolic syndrome. This study was undertaken to investigate the association of haem, non-haem iron and total iron intake with metabolic syndrome and its components. A cross-sectional population-based survey was performed in 2008, enrolling 591 adults and elderly adults living in São Paulo, Brazil. Dietary intake was measured by two 24 h dietary recalls. Metabolic syndrome was defined as the presence of at least three of the following: hypertension, hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia and central obesity. The association between different types of dietary iron and metabolic syndrome was evaluated using multiple logistic regression. After adjustment for potential confounders, a higher haem iron intake was positively associated with metabolic syndrome and with elevated triglyceride levels. A higher total iron intake was positively associated with hyperglycaemia. Non-haem iron intake was positively associated with hyperglycaemia in the fourth quintile. In conclusion, this study suggests that the different types of dietary iron are associated with metabolic syndrome, elevated triglyceride levels and hyperglycaemia. In addition, it emphasises the importance of investigating the roles of dietary iron in health outcomes, since its consumption may have different impacts on health.
Effects of an Intermittent Grape-Seed Proanthocyanidin (GSPE) Treatment on a Cafeteria Diet Obesogenic Challenge in Rats
Authors: Ginés Iris , Gil-Cardoso Katherine , Serrano Joan , Casanova-Martí Àngela , Blay MTeresa , Pinent Montserrat , Ardévol Anna , Terra Ximena
Published: March 2018

Obesity is highly associated with the pathologies included in the concept of the Metabolic Syndrome. Grape-seed proanthocyanins (GSPE) have showed very positive effects against all these metabolic disruptions; however, there is, as yet, no consensus about their effectiveness against an obesogenic challenge, such as a cafeteria diet. We determined the effectiveness of a dose of 500 mg GSPE/kg b.w. (body weight) against the obesogenic effects of a 17-week cafeteria diet, administered as a sub-chronic treatment, 10–15 days before, intermittently and at the end of the diet, in Wistar rats. Body weight, adiposity, indirect calorimetry and plasma parameters were analyzed. GSPE pre-treatment showed a long-lasting effect on body weight and adiposity that was maintained for seven weeks after the last dose. A corrective treatment was administered for the last two weeks of the cafeteria diet intervention; however, it did not effectively correct any of the parameters assessed. The most effective treatment was an intermittent GSPE dosage, administered every second week during the cafeteria diet. This limited body weight gain, adiposity and most lipotoxic effects. Our results support the administration of this GSPE dose, keeping an intermittent interval between dosages longer than every second week, to improve obesogenic disruptions produced by a cafeteria diet.
Adherence to the Caffeine Intake Guideline during Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Peacock Amy , Hutchinson Delyse , Wilson Judy , McCormack Clare , Bruno Raimondo , Olsson Craig , Allsop Steve , Elliott Elizabeth , Burns Lucinda , Mattick Richard
Published: March 2018

The aims of this study were to identify: (i) the proportion of women exceeding the caffeine intake guideline (>200 mg/day) during each trimester, accounting for point of pregnancy awareness; (ii) guideline adherence trajectories across pregnancy; (iii) maternal characteristics associated with trajectories; and (iv) association between adherence and growth restriction birth outcomes. Typical and maximal intake per consumption day for the first trimester (T1; pre- and post-pregnancy awareness), second (T2), and third trimester (T3) were recorded for a prospective cohort of pregnant Australian women with singleton births (n = 1232). Birth outcomes were birth weight, small for gestational age, and head circumference. For each period, participants were classified as abstinent, within (≤200 mg), or in excess (>200 mg). Latent class growth analyses identified guideline adherence trajectories; regression analyses identified associations between adherence in each trimester and birth outcomes. The percentage of participants who reported caffeine use declined between T1 pre- and post-pregnancy awareness (89% to 68%), and increased in T2 and T3 (79% and 80%). Trajectories were: ‘low consumption’ (22%): low probability of any use; ‘within-guideline’ (70%): high probability of guideline adherence; and ‘decreasing heavy use’ (8%): decreasing probability of excess use. The latter two groups were more likely to report alcohol and tobacco use, and less likely to report planning pregnancy and fertility problems. Exceeding the guideline T1 pre-pregnancy awareness was associated with lower birth weight after covariate control (b = −143.16, p = 0.011). Overall, high caffeine intake pre-pregnancy awareness occurs amongst a significant minority of women, and continued excess use post-pregnancy awareness is more common where pregnancy is unplanned. Excess caffeine consumption pre-pregnancy awareness may increase the risk for lower birth weight. Increasing awareness of the guideline in pregnancy and preconception health care may be warranted.
Effect of Cationic Surface Modification on the Rheological Behavior and Microstructure of Nanocrystalline Cellulose
Authors: Tang Yanjun , Wang Xiaoyu , Huang Biaobiao , Wang Zhanbin , Zhang Nan
Published: March 2018

In the present work, the microstructure and rheological behavior of nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) and cationically modified NCC (CNCC) were comparatively studied. The resultant CNCC generally showed improved dispersion and higher thermal stability in comparison to the un-modified NCC. The rheological behavior demonstrated that the viscosity of the NCC suspension substantially decreased with the increasing shear rate (0.01–100 s−1), showing the typical characteristics of a pseudoplastic fluid. In contrast, the CNCC suspensions displayed a typical three-region behavior, regardless of changes in pH, temperature, and concentration. Moreover, the CNCC suspensions exhibited higher shear stress and viscosity at a given shear rate (0.01–100 s−1) than the NCC suspension. Meanwhile, the dynamic viscoelasticity measurements revealed that the CNCC suspensions possessed a higher elastic (G′) and loss modulus (G″) than NCC suspensions over the whole frequency range (0.1–500 rad·s−1), providing evidence that the surface cationization of NCC makes it prone to behave as a gel-like structure.
Optical Fiber Sensors Based on Polymeric Sensitive Coatings
Authors: Rivero Pedro , Goicoechea Javier , Arregui Francisco
Published: March 2018

Polymer technology is one of the fastest growing fields of contemporary research due to the possibility of using a wide variety of synthetic chemical routes for obtaining a polymeric network with a well-defined structure, resulting in materials with outstanding macroscopic properties. Surface engineering techniques based on the implementation of polymeric structures can be used as an interesting tool for the design of materials with functional properties. In this sense, the use of fabrication techniques for the design of nanostructured polymeric coatings is showing an important growth due to the intrinsic advantages of controlling the structure at a nanoscale level because physical, chemical, or optical properties can be considerably improved in comparison with the bulk materials. In addition, the presence of these sensitive polymeric coatings on optical fiber is a hot topic in the scientific community for its implementation in different market niches because a wide variety of parameters can be perfectly measured with a high selectivity, sensitivity, and fast response time. In this work, the two main roles that a polymeric sensitive matrix can play on an optical fiber for sensing applications are evaluated. In a first section, the polymers are used as a solid support for the immobilization of specific sensitive element, whereas in the second section the polymeric matrix is used as the chemical transducer itself. Additionally, potential applications of the optical fiber sensors in fields as diverse as biology, chemistry, engineering, environmental, industry or medicine will be presented in concordance with these two main roles of the polymeric sensitive matrices.
Modification of Local Urban Aerosol Properties by Long-Range Transport of Biomass Burning Aerosol
Authors: Stachlewska Iwona , Samson Mateusz , Zawadzka Olga , Harenda Kamila , Janicka Lucja , Poczta Patryk , Szczepanik Dominika , Heese Birgit , Wang Dongxiang , Borek Karolina , Tetoni Eleni , Proestakis Emmanouil , Siomos Nikolaos , Nemuc Anca , Chojnicki Bogdan , Markowicz Krzysztof , Pietruczuk Aleksander , Szkop Artur , Althausen Dietrich , Stebel Kerstin , Schuettemeyer Dirk , Zehner Claus
Published: March 2018

During August 2016, a quasi-stationary high-pressure system spreading over Central and North-Eastern Europe, caused weather conditions that allowed for 24/7 observations of aerosol optical properties by using a complex multi-wavelength PollyXT lidar system with Raman, polarization and water vapour capabilities, based at the European Aerosol Research Lidar Network (EARLINET network) urban site in Warsaw, Poland. During 24–30 August 2016, the lidar-derived products (boundary layer height, aerosol optical depth, Ångström exponent, lidar ratio, depolarization ratio) were analysed in terms of air mass transport (HYSPLIT model), aerosol load (CAMS data) and type (NAAPS model) and confronted with active and passive remote sensing at the ground level (PolandAOD, AERONET, WIOS-AQ networks) and aboard satellites (SEVIRI, MODIS, CATS sensors). Optical properties for less than a day-old fresh biomass burning aerosol, advected into Warsaw’s boundary layer from over Ukraine, were compared with the properties of long-range transported 3–5 day-old aged biomass burning aerosol detected in the free troposphere over Warsaw. Analyses of temporal changes of aerosol properties within the boundary layer, revealed an increase of aerosol optical depth and Ångström exponent accompanied by an increase of surface PM10 and PM2.5. Intrusions of advected biomass burning particles into the urban boundary layer seem to affect not only the optical properties observed but also the top height of the boundary layer, by moderating its increase.
A Quadruped Micro-Robot Based on Piezoelectric Driving
Authors: Su Qi , Quan Qiquan , Deng Jie , Yu Hongpeng
Published: March 2018

Inspired by a way of rowing, a new piezoelectric driving quadruped micro-robot operating in bending-bending hybrid vibration modes was proposed and tested in this work. The robot consisted of a steel base, four steel connecting pins and four similar driving legs, and all legs were bonded by four piezoelectric ceramic plates. The driving principle is discussed, which is based on the hybrid of first order vertical bending and first order horizontal bending vibrations. The bending-bending hybrid vibration modes motivated the driving foot to form an elliptical trajectory in space. The vibrations of four legs were used to provide the driving forces for robot motion. The proposed robot was fabricated and tested according to driving principle. The vibration characteristics and elliptical movements of the driving feet were simulated by FEM method. Experimental tests of vibration characteristics and mechanical output abilities were carried out. The tested resonance frequencies and vibration amplitudes agreed well with the FEM calculated results. The size of robot is 36 mm × 98 mm × 14 mm, its weight is only 49.8 g, but its maximum load capacity achieves 200 g. Furthermore, the robot can achieve a maximum speed of 33.45 mm/s.
A Framework Based on Sustainability, Open Innovation, and Value Cocreation Paradigms—A Case in an Italian Maritime Cluster
Authors: Rupo Daniela , Perano Mirko , Centorrino Giovanna , Vargas-Sanchez Alfonso
Published: March 2018

The paper deals with a case study in an Italian maritime cluster seen through a multiple paradigms framework, based on Sustainability (SUS), Open Innovation (OI), and Value Co-creation (VCc). The proposed theoretical framework helps to interpret a true phenomenon consisting of the design of a new product with a prototype created in a network of multiple actors. The approach adopted stems in part from recent writings in qualitative research methodology and is quite apt in this context considering the qualitative, confirmatory nature of this work. The prototype named “TESEO I” was realized through open innovation aimed at sustainability, not only directed at environmental aspects but synergistically with value cocreation, which emerged from interaction among the actors, while also including social and economic aspects. The work concludes with a discussion of theoretical implications related to the proposed framework and the results that emerged from the case study, with both referring to sustainability, open innovation, and value cocreation.
Characterization of the Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Products Program in the Context of Eco-labels and Environmental Declarations
Authors: Minkov Nikolay , Bach Vanessa , Finkbeiner Matthias
Published: March 2018

(1) Background: The Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Products Program (C2C Certified for short) is a scheme for the certification of products that meet the criteria and principles of the Cradle to Cradle® design approach. The objective of this paper is to characterize C2C Certified as an instrument for external communication in the context of environmental labeling and declarations. (2) Method: An eco-label characterization scheme consisting of 22 attributes was used to analyze C2C Certified. In addition, it was compared with the established standardization labeling typologies, namely Type I and Type III. This was further illustrated in an example within the building and construction sector. (3) Results: C2C Certified can be classified neither as a Type I, nor a Type III label. The main weaknesses of C2C Certified from a labeling perspective are: the generic, but not product-specific focus of the awarding criteria, the lack of a life cycle perspective, and the incompletely transparent stakeholder involvement procedure. Nevertheless, for certain attributes (e.g., the awarding format), C2C Certified provides practical solutions and goes beyond a Type I eco-label. Substantial similarities between Type III declarations and C2C Certified cannot be identified. (4) Conclusions: The main advantages and shortcomings of C2C Certified from a labeling perspective are pointed out. The approach shows similarities to a Type I eco-label, and efforts toward conformance with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) labelling standards would result in improving its comparability, recognition, and robustness.
The LHC Higgs Boson Discovery: Updated Implications for Finite Unified Theories and the SUSY Breaking Scale
Authors: Heinemeyer Sven , Mondragón Myriam , Patellis Gregory , Tracas Nicholas , Zoupanos George
Published: March 2018

Finite Unified Theories (FUTs) are

N
=
1

supersymmetric Grand Unified Theories, which can be made finite to all orders in perturbation theory, based on the principle of the reduction of couplings. The latter consists of searching for renormalization group invariant relations among parameters of a renormalizable theory holding to all orders in perturbation theory. FUTs have proven very successful so far. In particular, they predicted the top quark mass one and half years before its experimental discovery, while around five years before the Higgs boson discovery, a particular FUT was predicting the light Higgs boson in the mass range ∼121–126 GeV, in striking agreement with the discovery at LHC. Here, we review the basic properties of the supersymmetric theories and in particular finite theories resulting from the application of the method of reduction of couplings in their dimensionless and dimensionful sectors. Then, we analyze the phenomenologically-favored FUT, based on SU(5). This particular FUT leads to a finiteness constrained version of the Minimal SUSY Standard Model (MSSM), which naturally predicts a relatively heavy spectrum with colored supersymmetric particles above 2.7 TeV, consistent with the non-observation of those particles at the LHC. The electroweak supersymmetric spectrum starts below 1 TeV, and large parts of the allowed spectrum of the lighter might be accessible at CLIC. The FCC-hhwill be able to fully test the predicted spectrum.
Fungal Cytochrome P450s and the P450 Complement (CYPome) of Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Shin Jiyoung , Kim Jung-Eun , Lee Yin-Won , Son Hokyoung
Published: March 2018

Cytochrome P450s (CYPs), heme-containing monooxygenases, play important roles in a wide variety of metabolic processes important for development as well as biotic/trophic interactions in most living organisms. Functions of some CYP enzymes are similar across organisms, but some are organism-specific; they are involved in the biosynthesis of structural components, signaling networks, secondary metabolisms, and xenobiotic/drug detoxification. Fungi possess more diverse CYP families than plants, animals, or bacteria. Various fungal CYPs are involved in not only ergosterol synthesis and virulence but also in the production of a wide array of secondary metabolites, which exert toxic effects on humans and other animals. Although few studies have investigated the functions of fungal CYPs, a recent systematic functional analysis of CYP genes in the plant pathogen Fusarium graminearum identified several novel CYPs specifically involved in virulence, asexual and sexual development, and degradation of xenobiotics. This review provides fundamental information on fungal CYPs and a new platform for further metabolomic and biochemical studies of CYPs in toxigenic fungi.
Upregulation of Glucose Uptake and Hexokinase Activity of Primary Human CD4+ T Cells in Response to Infection with HIV-1
Authors: Kavanagh Williamson Maia , Coombes Naomi , Juszczak Florian , Athanasopoulos Marios , Khan Mariam , Eykyn Thomas , Srenathan Ushani , Taams Leonie , Dias Zeidler Julianna , Da Poian Andrea , Huthoff Hendrik
Published: March 2018

Infection of primary CD4+ T cells with HIV-1 coincides with an increase in glycolysis. We investigated the expression of glucose transporters (GLUT) and glycolytic enzymes in human CD4+ T cells in response to infection with HIV-1. We demonstrate the co-expression of GLUT1, GLUT3, GLUT4, and GLUT6 in human CD4+ T cells after activation, and their concerted overexpression in HIV-1 infected cells. The investigation of glycolytic enzymes demonstrated activation-dependent expression of hexokinases HK1 and HK2 in human CD4+ T cells, and a highly significant increase in cellular hexokinase enzyme activity in response to infection with HIV-1. HIV-1 infected CD4+ T cells showed a marked increase in expression of HK1, as well as the functionally related voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) protein, but not HK2. The elevation of GLUT, HK1, and VDAC expression in HIV-1 infected cells mirrored replication kinetics and was dependent on virus replication, as evidenced by the use of reverse transcription inhibitors. Finally, we demonstrated that the upregulation of HK1 in HIV-1 infected CD4+ T cells is independent of the viral accessory proteins Vpu, Vif, Nef, and Vpr. Though these data are consistent with HIV-1 dependency on CD4+ T cell glucose metabolism, a cellular response mechanism to infection cannot be ruled out.
The Bacteriophage Lambda CII Phenotypes for Complementation, Cellular Toxicity and Replication Inhibition Are Suppressed in cII-oop Constructs Expressing the Small RNA OOP
Authors: Rajamanickam Karthic , Hayes Sidney
Published: March 2018

The temperate bacteriophage lambda (λ) CII protein is a positive regulator of transcription from promoter pE, a component of the lysogenic response. The expression of cII was examined in vectors devoid of phage transcription-modulating elements. Their removal enabled evaluating if the expression of the small RNA OOP, on its own, could suppress CII activities, including complementing for a lysogenic response, cell toxicity and causing rapid cellular loss of ColE1 plasmids. The results confirm that OOP RNA expression from the genetic element pO-oop-to can prevent the ability of plasmid-encoded CII to complement for a lysogenic response, suggesting that it serves as a powerful regulatory pivot in λ development. Plasmids with a pO promoter sequence of 45 nucleotides (pO45), containing the −10 and −35 regions for oop, were non-functional; whereas, plasmids with pO94 prevented CII complementation, CII-dependent plasmid loss and suppressed CII toxicity, suggesting the pO promoter has an extended DNA sequence. All three CII activities were eliminated by the deletion of the COOH-terminal 20 amino acids of CII. Host mutations in the hflA locus, in pcnB and in rpoB influenced CII activities. These studies suggest that the COOH-terminal end of CII likely interacts with the β-subunit of RNA polymerase.
Assessment of Meteorological Drought Indices in Korea Using RCP 8.5 Scenario
Authors: Jang Dongwoo
Published: March 2018

Diverse drought indices have been developed and used across the globe to assess and monitor droughts. Among them, the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and Reconnaissance Drought Index (RDI) are drought indices that have been recently developed and are being used in the world’s leading countries. This study took place in Korea’s major observatories for drought prediction until 2100, using the Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 8.5 scenario. On the basis of the drought index measured by SPI, future climates were forecast to be humid, as the index would rise over time. In contrast, the RDI, which takes evapotranspiration into account, anticipated dry climates, with the drought index gradually falling over time. From the analysis of the drought index through the RCP 8.5 scenario, extreme drought intensity will be more likely to occur due to rising temperatures. To obtain the diversity of drought prediction, the evapotranspiration was deemed necessary for calculating meteorological droughts.
Long Noncoding RNA FEZF1-AS1 Promotes Osteosarcoma Progression by Regulating the miR-4443/NUPR1 Axis
Authors: Zhou Chengwei , Xu Jianxiang , Lin Jinti , Lin Renjin , Chen Kai , Kong Jianzhong , Shui Xiaolong
Published: March 2018

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) FEZF1-AS1 was demonstrated to facilitate cell proliferation and migration in some cancers. However, the functions of FEZF1-AS1 and its molecular mechanism in osteosarcoma remain to be elucidated. In our study, we found that the expression of FEZF1-AS1 was
upregulated in osteosarcoma samples and cell lines compared with normal tissues or cells. Besides, we showed that the expression levels of FEZF1-AS1 in osteosarcoma patients were positively correlated with tumor metastasis and TNM stage. Additionally, FEZF1-AS1 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation,
migration, and invasion in U2OS and MG63 cells, while upregulation had the opposite effects in vitro. Moreover, FEZF1-AS1 depletion inhibited tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. We found that FEZF1-AS1 sponged miR-4443 to promote NUPR1 expression in U2OS and MG63 cells. Furthermore, knockdown
of miR-4443 abrogated FEZF1-AS1 silencing-induced inhibition of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in osteosarcoma. Finally, we found that restoration of NUPR1 rescued the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of FEZF1-AS1-depleted U2OS and MG63 cells. Our study indicated
that FEZF1-AS1 could promote osteosarcoma progression by sponging miR-4443 to promote NUPR1 expression. The FEZF1-AS1/miR-4443/NUPR1 axis may act as a novel therapeutic strategy for osteosarcoma treatment.
Copper-catalyzed asymmetric methylation of fluoroalkylated pyruvates with dimethylzinc
Authors: Aikawa Kohsuke , Yabuuchi Kohei , Torii Kota , Mikami Koichi
Published: March 2018

The catalytic asymmetric methylation of fluoroalkylated pyruvates is shown with dimethylzinc as a methylating reagent in the presence of a copper catalyst bearing a chiral phosphine ligand. This is the first catalytic asymmetric methylation to synthesize various α-fluoroalkylated tertiary alcohols with CF3, CF2H, CF2Br, and n-CnF2n+1 (n = 2, 3, 8) groups in good-to-high yields and enantioselectivities. Axial backbones and substituents on phosphorus atoms of chiral phosphine ligands critically influence the enantioselectivity. Moreover, the methylation of simple perfluoroalkylated ketones is found to be facilitated by only chiral phosphines without copper.
Four new species of the Glyphiulus javanicus group from southern China (Diplopoda, Spirostreptida, Cambalopsidae)
Authors: Jiang Xuankong , Guo Xuan , Chen Huiming , Xie Zhicai
Published: March 2018

Hitherto, 24 species of the Glyphiulus javanicus group have been recorded, all endemic to Southeast Asia, including 14 in China. Nevertheless, this species group needs further exploration. In this context, four new species of this group are described, all collected from limestone caves in Southern China: G. calceus sp. n., G. foetidus sp. n., G. guangnanensis sp. n., and G. impletus sp. n. They can be separated easily from each other and other congeners by their carinotaxic formulae, the structures of male legs I, and the gonopods. Due to the absence of any troglomorphic traits in our specimens, they may be troglophilic only.
L’Amérique. Nord et Sud
Authors: Sarmiento Domingo F. , Moallic Benjamin
Published: March 2018

Discours prononcé par Sarmiento en 1865 devant la Société Historique de Rhode-Island, ce texte est d’abord une réflexion sur l’unité des deux Amériques. D’une modernisation impulsée par le génie nord-américain au partage d’une destinée commune, Sarmiento rappelle ce qui rapproche ces deux parts du continent. Ainsi replacé dans une même histoire européenne et américaine, le devenir du continent est relu à la lumière des thèmes chers à l’auteur : le procès de civilisation, le poids des religions, l’éducation et la lutte contre les tyrannies. Texte d’histoire et d’historien, il est aussi un plaidoyer à l’adresse des États-Unis pour soutenir le développement de l’Amérique du Sud et découvrir aussi bien ses richesses que sa civilisation.
Liberté et Néo-Fascisme en Amérique latine
Authors: Arciniegas German
Published: March 2018

Huit ou dix des nations latino-américaines vivent en 1950 sous le régime de dictatures néo-fascistes, largement inspirées par l’Espagne du Général Franco. La séduction exercée par le communisme sur les classes populaires latino-américaines a toujours été mineure. Mais en soutenant toute dictature se présentant comme un rempart contre l’expansion soviétique, les Etats-Unis favorisent très paradoxalement son expansion. En pleine transformation du fait de leur urbanisation et de leur industrialisation croissantes, les pays latino-américain représentent un défi majeur pour les Etats Unis qui doivent comprendre que leur intérêt stratégique est d’y favoriser le surgissement de régimes démocratiques et modernisateurs.