bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Watermelon and Carbohydrate Beverage on Exercise-Induced Alterations in Systemic Inflammation, Immune Dysfunction, and Plasma Antioxidant Capacity
Authors: Shanely R. , Nieman David , Perkins-Veazie Penelope , Henson Dru , Meaney Mary , Knab Amy , Cialdell-Kam Lynn
Published: August 2016

Consuming carbohydrate- and antioxidant-rich fruits during exercise as a means of supporting and enhancing both performance and health is of interest to endurance athletes. Watermelon (WM) contains carbohydrate, lycopene, l-citrulline, and l-arginine. WM may support exercise performance, augment antioxidant capacity, and act as a countermeasure to exercise-induced inflammation and innate immune changes. Trained cyclists (n = 20, 48 ± 2 years) participated in a randomized, placebo controlled, crossover study. Subjects completed two 75 km cycling time trials after either 2 weeks ingestion of 980 mL/day WM puree or no treatment. Subjects drank either WM puree containing 0.2 gm/kg carbohydrate or a 6% carbohydrate beverage every 15 min during the time trials. Blood samples were taken pre-study and pre-, post-, 1 h post-exercise. WM ingestion versus no treatment for 2-weeks increased plasma l-citrulline and l-arginine concentrations (p < 0.0125). Exercise performance did not differ between WM puree or carbohydrate beverage trials (p > 0.05), however, the rating of perceived exertion was greater during the WM trial (p > 0.05). WM puree versus carbohydrate beverage resulted in a similar pattern of increase in blood glucose, and greater increases in post-exercise plasma antioxidant capacity, l-citrulline, l-arginine, and total nitrate (all p < 0.05), but without differences in systemic markers of inflammation or innate immune function. Daily WM puree consumption fully supported the energy demands of exercise, and increased post-exercise blood levels of WM nutritional components (l-citrulline and l-arginine), antioxidant capacity, and total nitrate, but without an influence on post-exercise inflammation and changes in innate immune function.
Thermal Imagery-Derived Surface Inundation Modeling to Assess Flood Risk in a Flood-Pulsed Savannah Watershed in Botswana and Namibia
Authors: Burke Jeri , Pricope Narcisa , Blum James
Published: August 2016

The Chobe River Basin (CRB), a sub-basin of the Upper Zambezi Basin shared by Namibia and Botswana, is a complex hydrologic system that lies at the center of the world’s largest transfrontier conservation area. Despite its regional importance for livelihoods and biodiversity, its hydrology, controlled by the timing and relative contributions of water from two regional rivers, remains poorly understood. An increase in the magnitude of flooding in this region since 2009 has resulted in significant displacements of rural communities. We use an innovative approach that employs time-series of thermal imagery and station discharge data to model seasonal flooding patterns, identify the driving forces that control the magnitude of flooding and the high population density areas that are most at risk of high magnitude floods throughout the watershed. Spatio-temporal changes in surface inundation determined using NASA Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) thermal imagery (2000–2015) revealed that flooding extent in the CRB is extremely variable, ranging from 401 km2 to 5779 km2 over the last 15 years. A multiple regression model of lagged discharge of surface contributor basins and flooding extent in the CRB indicated that the best predictor of flooding in this region is the discharge of the Zambezi River 64 days prior to flooding. The seasonal floods have increased drastically in magnitude since 2008 causing large populations to be displaced. Over 46,000 people (53% of Zambezi Region population) are living in high magnitude flood risk areas, making the need for resettlement planning and mitigation strategies increasingly important.
Mapping Decadal Land Cover Changes in the Woodlands of North Eastern Namibia from 1975 to 2014 Using the Landsat Satellite Archived Data
Authors: Wingate Vladimir , Phinn Stuart , Kuhn Nikolaus , Bloemertz Lena , Dhanjal-Adams Kiran
Published: August 2016

Woodlands and savannahs provide essential ecosystem functions and services to communities. On the African continent, they are widely utilized and converted to subsistence and intensive agriculture or urbanized. This study investigates changes in land cover over four administrative regions of North Eastern Namibia within the Kalahari woodland savannah biome, covering a total of 107,994 km2. Land cover is mapped using multi-sensor Landsat imagery at decadal intervals from 1975 to 2014, with a post-classification change detection method. The dominant change observed was a reduction in the area of woodland savannah due to the expansion of agriculture, primarily in the form of small-scale cereal and pastoral production. More specifically, woodland savannah area decreased from 90% of the study area in 1975 to 83% in 2004, and then increased to 86% in 2014, while agricultural land increased from 6% to 12% between 1975 and 2014. We assess land cover changes in relation to towns, villages, rivers and roads and find most changes occurred in proximity to these. In addition, we find that most land cover changes occur within land designated as communally held, followed by state protected land. With widespread changes occurring across the African continent, this study provides important data for understanding drivers of change in the region and their impacts on the distribution of woodland savannahs.
Comparison of Four Machine Learning Methods for Generating the GLASS Fractional Vegetation Cover Product from MODIS Data
Authors: Yang Linqing , Jia Kun , Liang Shunlin , Liu Jingcan , Wang Xiaoxia
Published: August 2016

Long-term global land surface fractional vegetation cover (FVC) products are essential for various applications. Currently, several global FVC products have been generated from medium spatial resolution remote sensing data. However, validation results indicate that there are inconsistencies and spatial and temporal discontinuities in the current FVC products. Therefore, the Global LAnd Surface Satellite (GLASS) FVC product algorithm using general regression neural networks (GRNNs), which achieves an FVC estimation accuracy comparable to that of the GEOV1 FVC product with much improved spatial and temporal continuities, was developed. However, the computational efficiency of the GRNNs method is low and unsatisfactory for generating the long-term GLASS FVC product. Therefore, the objective of this study was to discover an alternative algorithm for generating the GLASS FVC product that has both an accuracy comparable to that of the GRNNs method and adequate computational efficiency. Four commonly used machine learning methods, back-propagation neural networks (BPNNs), GRNNs, support vector regression (SVR), and multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS), were evaluated. After comparing its performance of training accuracy and computational efficiency with the other three methods, the MARS model was preliminarily selected as the most suitable algorithm for generating the GLASS FVC product. Direct validation results indicated that the performance of the MARS model (R2 = 0.836, RMSE = 0.1488) was comparable to that of the GRNNs method (R2 = 0.8353, RMSE = 0.1495), and the global land surface FVC generated from the MARS model had good spatial and temporal consistency with that generated from the GRNNs method. Furthermore, the computational efficiency of MARS was much higher than that of the GRNNs method. Therefore, the MARS model is a suitable algorithm for generating the GLASS FVC product from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data.
SAR Target Recognition via Supervised Discriminative Dictionary Learning and Sparse Representation of the SAR-HOG Feature
Authors: Song Shengli , Xu Bin , Yang Jian
Published: August 2016

Automatic target recognition (ATR) in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images plays an important role in both national defense and civil applications. Although many methods have been proposed, SAR ATR is still very challenging due to the complex application environment. Feature extraction and classification are key points in SAR ATR. In this paper, we first design a novel feature, which is a histogram of oriented gradients (HOG)-like feature for SAR ATR (called SAR-HOG). Then, we propose a supervised discriminative dictionary learning (SDDL) method to learn a discriminative dictionary for SAR ATR and propose a strategy to simplify the optimization problem. Finally, we propose a SAR ATR classifier based on SDDL and sparse representation (called SDDLSR), in which both the reconstruction error and the classification error are considered. Extensive experiments are performed on the MSTAR database under standard operating conditions and extended operating conditions. The experimental results show that SAR-HOG can reliably capture the structures of targets in SAR images, and SDDL can further capture subtle differences among the different classes. By virtue of the SAR-HOG feature and SDDLSR, the proposed method achieves the state-of-the-art performance on MSTAR database. Especially for the extended operating conditions (EOC) scenario “Training 17 ∘ —Testing 45 ∘ ”, the proposed method improves remarkably with respect to the previous works.
Best Accuracy Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) Classification to Derive Crop Types Using Multitemporal, Multisensor, and Multi-Polarization SAR Satellite Images
Authors: Hütt Christoph , Koppe Wolfgang , Miao Yuxin , Bareth Georg
Published: August 2016

When using microwave remote sensing for land use/land cover (LULC) classifications, there are a wide variety of imaging parameters to choose from, such as wavelength, imaging mode, incidence angle, spatial resolution, and coverage. There is still a need for further study of the combination, comparison, and quantification of the potential of multiple diverse radar images for LULC classifications. Our study site, the Qixing farm in Heilongjiang province, China, is especially suitable to demonstrate this. As in most rice growing regions, there is a high cloud cover during the growing season, making LULC from optical images unreliable. From the study year 2009, we obtained nine TerraSAR-X, two Radarsat-2, one Envisat-ASAR, and an optical FORMOSAT-2 image, which is mainly used for comparison, but also for a combination. To evaluate the potential of the input images and derive LULC with the highest possible precision, two classifiers were used: the well-established Maximum Likelihood classifier, which was optimized to find those input bands, yielding the highest precision, and the random forest classifier. The resulting highly accurate LULC-maps for the whole farm with a spatial resolution as high as 8 m demonstrate the beneficial use of a combination of x- and c-band microwave data, the potential of multitemporal very high resolution multi-polarization TerraSAR-X data, and the profitable integration and comparison of microwave and optical remote sensing images for LULC classifications.
Built-up Area Extraction from PolSAR Imagery with Model-Based Decomposition and Polarimetric Coherence
Authors: Xiang Deliang , Tang Tao , Hu Canbin , Fan Qinghui , Su Yi
Published: August 2016

Built-up area extraction from polarimetric SAR (PolSAR) imagery has a close relationship with urban planning, disaster management, etc. Since the buildings have complex geometries and may be misclassified as forests due to the significant cross-polarized scattering, built-up area extraction from PolSAR data is still a challenging problem. This paper proposes a new urban extraction method for PolSAR data. First, a multiple-component model-based decomposition method, which was previously proposed by us, is applied to detect the urban areas using the scattering powers. Second, with the sub-aperture decomposition, a new average polarimetric coherence coefficient ratio is proposed to discriminate the urban and natural areas. Finally, these two preliminary detection results are fused on the decision level to improve the overall detection accuracy. We validate our method using one dataset acquired with the Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR) system. Experimental results demonstrate that the decomposed scattering powers and the proposed polarimetric coherence coefficient ratio are both capable of distinguishing urban areas from natural areas with accuracy about 83.1% and 80.1%, respectively. The overall detection accuracy can further increase to 86.9% with the fusion of two detection results.
Methodology for Detection and Interpretation of Ground Motion Areas with the A-DInSAR Time Series Analysis
Authors: Bonì Roberta , Pilla Giorgio , Meisina Claudia
Published: August 2016

Recent improvement to Advanced Differential Interferometric SAR (A-DInSAR) time series quality enhances the knowledge of various geohazards. Ground motion studies need an appropriate methodology to exploit the great potential contained in the A-DInSAR time series. Here, we propose a methodology to analyze multi-sensors and multi-temporal A-DInSAR data for the geological interpretation of areas affected by land subsidence/uplift and seasonal movements. The methodology was applied in the plain area of the Oltrepo Pavese (Po Plain, Italy) using ERS-1/2 and Radarsat data, processed using the SqueeSAR™ algorithm, and covering time spans, respectively, from 1992 to 2000 and from 2003 to 2010. The test area is a representative site of the Po Plain, affected by various geohazards and characterized by moderate rates of motion, ranging from −10 to 4 mm/yr. Different components of motion were recognized: linear, non-linear, and seasonal deformational behaviors. Natural and man-induced processes were identified such as swelling/shrinkage of clayey soils, land subsidence due to load of new buildings, moderate tectonic uplift, and seasonal ground motion due to seasonal groundwater level variations.
Polar Sea Ice Monitoring Using HY-2A Scatterometer Measurements
Authors: Li Mingming , Zhao Chaofang , Zhao Yong , Wang Zhixiong , Shi Lijian
Published: August 2016

A sea ice detection algorithm based on Fisher’s linear discriminant analysis is developed to segment sea ice and open water for the Ku-band scatterometer onboard the China’s Hai Yang 2A Satellite (HY-2A/SCAT). Residual classification errors are reduced through image erosion/dilation techniques and sea ice growth/retreat constraint methods. The arctic sea-ice-type classification is estimated via a time-dependent threshold derived from the annual backscatter trends based on previous HY-2A/SCAT derived sea ice extent. The extent and edge of the sea ice obtained in this study is compared with the Special Sensor Microwave Imager/Sounder (SSMIS) sea ice concentration data and the Sentinel-1 SAR imagery for verification, respectively. Meanwhile, the classified sea ice type is compared with a multi-sensor sea ice type product based on data from the Advanced Scatterometer (ASCAT) and SSMIS. Results show that HY-2A/SCAT is powerful in providing sea ice extent and type information, while differences in the sensitivities of active/passive products are found. In addition, HY-2A/SCAT derived sea ice products are also proved to be valuable complements for existing polar sea ice data products.
Measurement Matrix Optimization and Mismatch Problem Compensation for DLSLA 3-D SAR Cross-Track Reconstruction
Authors: Bao Qian , Jiang Chenglong , Lin Yun , Tan Weixian , Wang Zhirui , Hong Wen
Published: August 2016

With a short linear array configured in the cross-track direction, downward looking sparse linear array three-dimensional synthetic aperture radar (DLSLA 3-D SAR) can obtain the 3-D image of an imaging scene. To improve the cross-track resolution, sparse recovery methods have been investigated in recent years. In the compressive sensing (CS) framework, the reconstruction performance depends on the property of measurement matrix. This paper concerns the technique to optimize the measurement matrix and deal with the mismatch problem of measurement matrix caused by the off-grid scatterers. In the model of cross-track reconstruction, the measurement matrix is mainly affected by the configuration of antenna phase centers (APC), thus, two mutual coherence based criteria are proposed to optimize the configuration of APCs. On the other hand, to compensate the mismatch problem of the measurement matrix, the sparse Bayesian inference based method is introduced into the cross-track reconstruction by jointly estimate the scatterers and the off-grid error. Experiments demonstrate the performance of the proposed APCs’ configuration schemes and the proposed cross-track reconstruction method.
A Dielectric-Filled Waveguide Antenna Element for 3D Imaging Radar in High Temperature and Excessive Dust Conditions
Authors: Xu Ding , Li Zhiping , Chen Xianzhong , Wang Zhengpeng , Wu Jianhua
Published: August 2016

Three-dimensional information of the burden surface in high temperature and excessive dust industrial conditions has been previously hard to obtain. This paper presents a novel microstrip-fed dielectric-filled waveguide antenna element which is resistant to dust and high temperatures. A novel microstrip-to-dielectric-loaded waveguide transition was developed. A cylinder and cuboid composite structure was employed at the terminal of the antenna element, which improved the return loss performance and reduced the size. The proposed antenna element was easily integrated into a T-shape multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) imaging radar system and tested in both the laboratory environment and real blast furnace environment. The measurement results show that the proposed antenna element works very well in industrial 3D imaging radar.
Recognition of Daily Gestures with Wearable Inertial Rings and Bracelets
Authors: Moschetti Alessandra , Fiorini Laura , Esposito Dario , Dario Paolo , Cavallo Filippo
Published: August 2016

Recognition of activities of daily living plays an important role in monitoring elderly people and helping caregivers in controlling and detecting changes in daily behaviors. Thanks to the miniaturization and low cost of Microelectromechanical systems (MEMs), in particular of Inertial Measurement Units, in recent years body-worn activity recognition has gained popularity. In this context, the proposed work aims to recognize nine different gestures involved in daily activities using hand and wrist wearable sensors. Additionally, the analysis was carried out also considering different combinations of wearable sensors, in order to find the best combination in terms of unobtrusiveness and recognition accuracy. In order to achieve the proposed goals, an extensive experimentation was performed in a realistic environment. Twenty users were asked to perform the selected gestures and then the data were off-line analyzed to extract significant features. In order to corroborate the analysis, the classification problem was treated using two different and commonly used supervised machine learning techniques, namely Decision Tree and Support Vector Machine, analyzing both personal model and Leave-One-Subject-Out cross validation. The results obtained from this analysis show that the proposed system is able to recognize the proposed gestures with an accuracy of 89.01% in the Leave-One-Subject-Out cross validation and are therefore promising for further investigation in real life scenarios.
Monitoring of Grouting Compactness in a Post-Tensioning Tendon Duct Using Piezoceramic Transducers
Authors: Jiang Tianyong , Kong Qingzhao , Wang Wenxi , Huo Linsheng , Song Gangbing
Published: August 2016

A post-tensioning tendon duct filled with grout can effectively prevent corrosion of the reinforcement, maintain bonding behavior between the reinforcement and concrete, and enhance the load bearing capacity of concrete structures. In practice, grouting of the post-tensioning tendon ducts always causes quality problems, which may reduce structural integrity and service life, and even cause accidents. However, monitoring of the grouting compactness is still a challenge due to the invisibility of the grout in the duct during the grouting process. This paper presents a stress wave-based active sensing approach using piezoceramic transducers to monitor the grouting compactness in real time. A segment of a commercial tendon duct was used as research object in this study. One lead zirconate titanate (PZT) piezoceramic transducer with marble protection, called a smart aggregate (SA), was bonded on the tendon and installed in the tendon duct. Two PZT patch sensors were mounted on the top outside surface of the duct, and one PZT patch sensor was bonded on the bottom outside surface of the tendon duct. In the active sensing approach, the SA was used as an actuator to generate a stress wave and the PZT sensors were utilized to detect the wave response. Cement or grout in the duct functions as a wave conduit, which can propagate the stress wave. If the cement or grout is not fully filled in the tendon duct, the top PZT sensors cannot receive much stress wave energy. The experimental procedures simulated four stages during the grout pouring process, which includes empty status, half grouting, 90% grouting, and full grouting of the duct. Experimental results show that the bottom PZT sensor can detect the signal when the grout level increases towards 50%, when a conduit between the SA and PZT sensor is formed. The top PZT sensors cannot receive any signal until the grout process is completely finished. The wavelet packet-based energy analysis was adopted in this research to compute the total signal energy received by PZT sensors. Experimental results show that the energy levels of the PZT sensors can reflect the degree of grouting compactness in the duct. The proposed method has the potential to be implemented to monitor the tendon duct grouting compactness of the reinforced concrete structures with post tensioning.
Grain Output and Cultivated Land Preservation: Assessment of the Rewarded Land Conversion Quotas Trading Policy in China’s Zhejiang Province
Authors: Li Xuewen , Zhang Weiwen , Peng Yi
Published: August 2016

Although it is difficult, many countries are attempting to balance economic development and cultivated land preservation for various reasons. China’s experience is a good illustration of such challenges during rapid economic development and urbanization. The central government of China emphasized the high self-sufficiency ratio of grain and therefore set a bottom-line for the area of cultivated land in order to ensure food security. The State Council of China requires that the area of cultivated land should not be less than 120,000,000 hectares until 2020 through strict land management measures. In view of such stringent regulations, various alternative practices, such as rewarded land conversion quota (RLCQ) trading in Zhejiang Province, have been proposed to satisfy the construction demand while preserving cultivated land. This study empirically investigates the impact of RLCQ trading on cultivated land preservation in terms of grain output. Results showed that RLCQ trading leads to decreased grain production, measured in both total grain output and grain output per hectare, for both buyers and sellers. Furthermore, buyers of land quotas experience a more severe grain reduction than sellers. The findings suggest that RLCQ trading is unfavorable to cultivated land preservation in terms of grain output. Recognizing this dilemma, local governments should improve the land market mechanism to motivate intensive use of existing construction land and consolidation for improving quality of cultivated land.
Striving for Sustainable Development and the Coordinating Role of the Central Government: Lessons from Swedish Housing Policy
Authors: Söderholm Kristina , Wihlborg Elin
Published: August 2016

Housing plays an important role in the development of welfare policies and also often in achieving sustainability goals. There exists, however, implementation gaps between policies and practices in urban development and housing. Here it should be possible to draw lessons from policy implementations in the past. In this article we explore the strategies of the Swedish central government in implementing a social housing policy in the mid-20th century. The policy was successfully implemented in that it resulted in the rapid expansion and modernisation of the Swedish apartment stock in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and acute housingshortages and poor housing standards were overcome. The main lesson learned from the Swedish case study is the critical role of the central government in implementation throughthe strategic coordination of policy aims, instruments, stakeholders and interests throughout the implementation process. Although the central government could have used hard, almost authoritarian policy instruments to force the realisation of the new policy, it mainly used soft policy tools and focused on coordination. In the contemporary networked governance setting, the central government, like no other player, still has the potential to guide and coordinate implementation processes for the realization of sustainable housing visions.
The Role of Policy Makers and Institutions in the Energy Sector: The Case of Energy Infrastructure Governance in Nigeria
Authors: Edomah Norbert , Foulds Chris , Jones Aled
Published: August 2016

This paper focuses on investigating the linkages and consequences of the policy decision process in the governance of energy infrastructure in Nigeria. It attempts to gain a better understanding of the role of policy makers and institutions in the provision of energy infrastructure in Nigeria. Using a combination of semi-structured interviews and documentary evidences from published literature, this study reveals three essential areas where the policy-making processes (and therefore policy makers) intervene in the provision of energy infrastructure. These are: (1) granting access to historical data; (2) regulations; and (3) permitting/issuance of licenses. This study also reveals three major unintended consequences of the policy decision processes and institutions in the governance of energy infrastructure provisions in Nigeria, which are: (1) government financing corruption in the energy sector; (2) economic delusion; and (3) uncontrolled growth in energy demand driven more by export and not local internal demand.
Influenza NA and PB1 Gene Segments Interact during the Formation of Viral Progeny: Localization of the Binding Region within the PB1 Gene
Authors: Gilbertson Brad , Zheng Tian , Gerber Marie , Printz-Schweigert Anne , Ong Chi , Marquet Roland , Isel Catherine , Rockman Steven , Brown Lorena
Published: August 2016

The influenza A virus genome comprises eight negative-sense viral RNAs (vRNAs) that form individual ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes. In order to incorporate a complete set of each of these vRNAs, the virus uses a selective packaging mechanism that facilitates co-packaging of specific gene segments but whose molecular basis is still not fully understood. Recently, we used a competitive transfection model where plasmids encoding the A/Puerto Rico/8/34 (PR8) and A/Udorn/307/72 (Udorn) PB1 gene segments were competed to show that the Udorn PB1 gene segment is preferentially co-packaged into progeny virions with the Udorn NA gene segment. Here we created chimeric PB1 genes combining both Udorn and PR8 PB1 sequences to further define the location within the Udorn PB1 gene that drives co-segregation of these genes and show that nucleotides 1776–2070 of the PB1 gene are crucial for preferential selection. In vitro assays examining specific interactions between Udorn NA vRNA and purified vRNAs transcribed from chimeric PB1 genes also supported the importance of this region in the PB1-NA interaction. Hence, this work identifies an association between viral genes that are co-selected during packaging. It also reveals a region potentially important in the RNP-RNP interactions within the supramolecular complex that is predicted to form prior to budding to allow one of each segment to be packaged in the viral progeny. Our study lays the foundation to understand the co-selection of specific genes, which may be critical to the emergence of new viruses with pandemic potential.
From Cells to Virus Particles: Quantitative Methods to Monitor RNA Packaging
Authors: Ferrer Mireia , Henriet Simon , Chamontin Célia , Lainé Sébastien , Mougel Marylène
Published: August 2016

In cells, positive strand RNA viruses, such as Retroviridae, must selectively recognize their full-length RNA genome among abundant cellular RNAs to assemble and release particles. How viruses coordinate the intracellular trafficking of both RNA and protein components to the assembly sites of infectious particles at the cell surface remains a long-standing question. The mechanisms ensuring packaging of genomic RNA are essential for viral infectivity. Since RNA packaging impacts on several essential functions of retroviral replication such as RNA dimerization, translation and recombination events, there are many studies that require the determination of RNA packaging efficiency and/or RNA packaging ability. Studies of RNA encapsidation rely upon techniques for the identification and quantification of RNA species packaged by the virus. This review focuses on the different approaches available to monitor RNA packaging: Northern blot analysis, ribonuclease protection assay and quantitative reverse transcriptase-coupled polymerase chain reaction as well as the most recent RNA imaging and sequencing technologies. Advantages, disadvantages and limitations of these approaches will be discussed in order to help the investigator to choose the most appropriate technique. Although the review was written with the prototypic simple murine leukemia virus (MLV) and complex human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in mind, the techniques were described in order to benefit to a larger community.
Evaluation of the Cross-Protective Efficacy of a Chimeric Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Constructed Based on Two Field Strains
Authors: Shabir Nadeem , Khatun Amina , Nazki Salik , Kim Bumseok , Choi Eun-Jin , Sun Dong , Yoon Kyoung-Jin , Kim Won-Il
Published: August 2016

One of the major hurdles to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) vaccinology is the limited or no cross-protection conferred by current vaccines. To overcome this challenge, a PRRS chimeric virus (CV) was constructed using an FL12-based cDNA infectious clone in which open reading frames (ORFs) 3–4 and ORFs 5–6 were replaced with the two Korean field isolates K08-1054 and K07-2273,respectively. This virus was evaluated as a vaccine candidate to provide simultaneous protection against two genetically distinct PRRS virus (PRRSV) strains. Thirty PRRS-negative three-week-old pigs were divided into five groups and vaccinated with CV, K08-1054, K07-2273, VR-2332, or a mock inoculum. At 25 days post-vaccination (dpv), the pigs in each group were divided further into two groups and challenged with either K08-1054 or K07-2273. All of the pigs were observed until 42 dpv and were euthanized for pathological evaluation. Overall, the CV-vaccinated group exhibited higher levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and interleukin-12 (IL-12) expression and of serum virus-neutralizing antibodies compared with the other groups after vaccination and also demonstrated better protection levels against both viruses compared with the challenge control group. Based on these results, it was concluded that CV might be an effective vaccine model that can confer a broader range of cross-protection to various PRRSV strains.
An Iterated Local Search Algorithm for Multi-Period Water Distribution Network Design Optimization
Authors: De Corte Annelies , Sörensen Kenneth
Published: August 2016

Water distribution networks consist of different components, such as reservoirs and pipes, and exist to provide users (households, agriculture, industry) with high-quality water at adequate pressure and flow. Water distribution network design optimization aims to find optimal diameters for every pipe, chosen from a limited set of commercially available diameters. This combinatorial optimization problem has received a lot of attention over the past forty years. In this paper, the well-studied single-period problem is extended to a multi-period setting in which time varying demand patterns occur. Moreover, an additional constraint—which sets a maximum water velocity—is imposed. A metaheuristic technique called iterated local search is applied to tackle this challenging optimization problem. A full-factorial experiment is conducted to validate the added value of the algorithm components and to configure optimal parameter settings. The algorithm is tested on a broad range of 150 different (freely available) test networks.
Bridgehead vicinal diallylation of norbornene derivatives and extension to propellane derivatives via ring-closing metathesis
Authors: Kotha Sambasivarao , Gunta Rama
Published: August 2016

Here, we report a simple synthetic strategy to the bridgehead vicinal diallylation of norbornene derivatives. These substrates are useful to generate propellanes via ring-closing metathesis. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of four compounds led to the realization of configurational correction of earlier reported molecules.
THE DISTURBANCE OF A MILLISECOND PULSAR MAGNETOSPHERE
Authors: Shannon R. M. , Lentati L. T. , Kerr M. , Bailes M. , Bhat N. D. R. , Coles W. A. , Dai S. , Dempsey J. , Hobbs G. , Keith M. J. , Lasky P. D. , Levin Y. , Manchester R. N. , Osłowski S. , Ravi V. , Reardon D. J. , Rosado P. A. , Spiewak R. , van Straten W. , Toomey L. , Wang J.-B. , Wen L. , You X.-P. , Zhu X.-J.
Published: August 2016

Pulsar timing has enabled some of the strongest tests of fundamental physics. Central to the technique is the assumption that the detected radio pulses can be used to accurately measure the rotation of the pulsar. Here, we report on a broadband variation in the pulse profile of the millisecond pulsar J1643−1224. A new component of emission suddenly appears in the pulse profile, decays over four months, and results in a permanently modified pulse shape. Profile variations such as these may be the origin of timing noise observed in other millisecond pulsars. The sensitivity of pulsar-timing observations to gravitational radiation can be increased by accounting for this variability.
Acute Leg Ischaemia in an HIV-Infected Patient Receiving Antiretroviral Treatment
Authors: Navarro Jordi , Curran Adrian , Burgos Joaquin , Torrella Ariadna , Ocaña Inma , Falcó Vicenç , Crespo Manuel , Ribera Esteban
Published: August 2016

An HIV-infected patient treated with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine/elvitegravir/cobicistat developed severe acute ischaemia of both legs during a migraine episode. After being interrogated he admitted taking an ergotamine-containing preparation. Ergotism due to interaction between ergotics and cobicistat was diagnosed. We describe the first reported case of this interaction.
The Association between Malnutrition and Pressure Ulcers in Elderly in Long-Term Care Facility
Authors: Neloska Lenche , Damevska Katerina , Nikolchev Andjelka , Pavleska Lidija , Petreska-Zovic Biljana , Kostov Milenko
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is common in elderly and is a risk factor for pressure ulcers.AIM: The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of malnutrition in geriatric and palliative patients hospitalised in long-term care facility, and to examine the influence of nutritional status on the prevalence of pressure ulcers (PU).MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive, observational and cross-sectional study including 2099 patients admitted to the Hospital during a 24 month period (January 2013 to December 2014). We recorded: demographic data, body mass index (BMI), Braden score, laboratory parameters of interest (albumin, total protein, RBC count, haemoglobin and iron levels) and presence or absence of malnutrition and pressure ulcers.RESULTS: The pressure ulcer prevalence was 12.9% (256 out of 2099). Based on the BMI classification, 61.7% of patients had a good nutritional status, 27.4% were undernourished, and 2.1% were considered malnourished. Nutritional status was statistically significantly different between patients with and without PU (p < 0.0001). This study also showed that hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia, low RBC was positively associated with PU prevalence.CONCLUSION: The results highlight the impact of nutritional status on the prevalence of pressure ulcers in hospitalised geriatric and palliative population. It is of paramount importance to correctly evaluate the presence of malnutrition in patients at risk of pressure ulcers.
Baseline Predictors of Vitreomacular Adhesion/Traction Resolution Following an Intravitreal Injection of Ocriplasmin
Authors: Jackson Timothy L. , Regillo Carl D. , Girach Aniz , Dugel Pravin U. ,   on behalf of the MIVI-TRUST Study Group
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To determine factors predicting response to ocriplasmin (Jetrea; ThromboGenics, Iselin, NJ) response in patients with symptomatic vitreomacular adhesion (VMA).

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Combined analysis of two multicenter, prospective, randomized, double-masked trials of intravitreal ocriplasmin 125 µg injection versus placebo. Patients had vitreomacular traction with or without a full-thickness macular hole (FTMH). Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine factors influencing treatment response (complete VMA release [day 28] and non-surgical FTMH closure [month 6]).

RESULTS:

Younger age, presence of FTMH (odds ratio [OR] = 2.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1–3.7), VMA diameter of 1,500 µm or less (OR = 4.9; 95% CI, 2.0–12.4), phakic lens status (OR = 2.8; 95% CI, 1.5–5.2), and absence of epiretinal membrane (OR = 4.1; 95% CI, 2.2–7.9) predicted VMA resolution. FTMHs with apical diameter of 250 µm or less were more likely to close than larger holes (58.3% vs. 24.6%;
P
= .013). Both FTMH size groups had significantly greater chance of VMA resolution and FTMH closure versus controls.

CONCLUSION:

Ocriplasmin is most effective in younger patients with focal VMA and without an epiretinal membrane.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2016;47:716–723.]
Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Documentation of Transsynaptic Retinal Degeneration
Authors: Schwartz Stephen G. , Pasol Joshua , Lam Byron L. , Flynn Harry W.
Published: August 2016

Patients with post-geniculate neurologic disease and corresponding visual field loss may have ophthalmologic abnormalities detectable by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), presumably by transsynaptic retrograde retinal degeneration. Here, three such patients (ages 13 years through 75 years) illustrate thinning of the macula and ganglion cell complex corresponding to zones of visual field loss. Thinning of the retinal nerve fiber layer is not notable in these patients. SD-OCT may be a useful technique in diagnosing and following patients with post-geniculate neurologic disease.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2016;47:768–772.]
Una revisión crítica de la hipótesis del cerebro social de Dunbar
Authors: Acedo-Carmona Cristina , Gomila Antoni
Published: August 2016

La hipótesis del cerebro social de Dunbar constituye una posición influyente entre aquellas que relacionan la evolución de la cognición y la socialidad humanas. En este trabajo, tras presentar los puntos esenciales de su teoría, discutimos las evidencias paleo-antropológicas y sociales en las que se sustenta. También señalamos algunas limitaciones. Tales limitaciones tienen que ver con la estrategia general de buscar relaciones lineales entre diferentes rasgos, la insuficiente atención a las capacidades mentales que hacen posible la vida social humana, y a la diversidad de las estructuras sociales efectivas. Presentamos nuestra forma de complementar el enfoque de Dunbar al centrarnos en el papel que juega la confianza como cemento de la sociedad y para explicar la diversidad
Vendiendo soluciones. Campañas tradicionales y profesionalizadas en Chile
Authors: De Cea Maite , Fuentes Saavedra Claudio
Published: August 2016

En este artículo se analiza el vínculo entre candidatos y electores a partir de un estudio en profundidad de tres campañas políticas de diputados en Chile desarrolladas entre septiembre y noviembre de 2013. Confirmando lo que la literatura ha venido sosteniendo recientemente, este estudio muestra el predominio de vínculos no programáticos (clientelares) y que implica transacción de información, recursos materiales, e influencia a cambio de votos. Se distinguen además nítidamente dos estrategias de campaña, una tradicional fundada en históricas redes de intermediación y otra profesionalizada que racionaliza y hace más eficiente la colocación de recursos. El estudio constituye un aporte empírico y conceptual al estudio de patrones de intermediación política en contextos de creciente desafección política.
Ewe maternal behavior score to estimate lamb survival and performance during lactation
Authors: Moraes Andreia Barros de , Poli Cesar Henrique Espírito Candal , Fischer Vivian , Fajardo Neuza Maria , Aita Marta Farias , Porciuncula Gabriela Caillava da
Published: August 2016

Mortality of perinatal lambs and low weight at weaning cause huge liabilities to farmers. Current study describes maternal-filial behavior and evaluates the use of maternal behavior score (MBS) to estimate the behavior of ewes and lambs soon after birth, and correlate it with lamb mortality and performance during lactation. Thirty-seven Corriedale ewes were used in a completely randomized design. MBS was assessed up to 24 hours after birth, taking into consideration the distance of the ewe from the lamb at the approach of a person. Maternal behavior, placental weight, weight gain of the lambs until weaning and their survival rate were also evaluated until two hours after lambing. More than 90% of the ewes had adequate maternal behavior, with parental care, even though ewes were very sensitive to the presence of people. There was no significant correlation between MBS and maternal behavior, lamb mortality rate and live weight gain. Under these conditions, MBS was not a useful tool to estimate maternal behavior and performance of lambs.
Economic viability of including palm kernel cake in diets for feedlot lactating cows
Authors: Pimentel Leidiane Reis , Silva Fabiano Ferreira da , Silva Robério Rodrigues , Schio Alex Resende , Rodrigues Eli Santana de Oliveira , Costa Lucas Teixeira
Published: August 2016

This study aimed to evaluate the inclusion of palm kernel cake in the diet for lactating crossbred cows in feedlot system, and its implications on economic viability. We used 12 crossbred Holstein x Zebu cows assigned to three 4 x 4 Latin Squares, in the following treatments: control (without inclusion of palm kernel cake in the diet); inclusion of 50, 100 or 150 g palm kernel cake (PKC) per kg in the total dry matter (TDM). Earnings per animal showed a reduction in values, this decrease in profitability is related to the increase in feed costs, specifically, and the costs with concentrate, which increased as the palm kernel cake was included in the treatments, 0, 50, 100 and 150 g kg-1 TDM. The effect observed for profitability affected the internal rate of return, which decreased with the inclusion of palm kernel cake levels in the diet. However, it was positive in all treatments, demonstrating the feasibility of investment in palm kernel cake. Data on the economic viability evidenced that treatment with 100 g palm kernel cake per kg TDM is the most financially viable under the conditions of this study.
How does the dietary cottonseed hull affect the carcass characteristics and meat quality of young bulls finished in a high-concentrate diet?
Authors: Eiras Carlos Emanuel , Ornaghi Mariana Garcia , Valero Maribel Velandia , Rivaroli Dayane Cristina , Guerrero Ana , Prado Ivanor Nunes do
Published: August 2016

This study evaluated the effects of diets composed by cottonseed hull and meat aging on carcass characteristics and meat quality from young bulls fed on a high-concentrate system. Thirty crossbred bulls were assigned in a complete randomized experimental factorial design with three diets (CH21: cottonseed hull 210 g kg-1on a DM basis, CH27: cottonseed hull 270 g kg-1on a DM basis and CH33: cottonseed hull 330 g kg-1on a DM basis) and different aging times (24 hours and 3, 7 and 14 days). Meat from CH27 diets presented smaller LM moisture content (p < 0.05). Total lipids were smaller in CH33 diet (p <0.05). At 24 hours, CH21 diet presented smaller LM cooking loss than other diets. The increasing aging time reduced the shear force (p < 0.001) on the LM. Meat from CH27 diet presented the highest luminosity (p < 0.05) and yellowness values (p < 0.001). Three or seven aging days presented smaller values of LM luminosity. Likewise, the increasing aging time presented greater (p < 0.05) yellowness within the LM. Lipid oxidation was lower from CH21 diet (p < 0.001). The fatty acid composition on LM was similar among diets. The use of cottonseed hull could be useful strategies to improve the meat quality and lean beef production.
A relação entre psicologia e educação: ofícios entrelaçados
Authors: Maia Filho Osterne Nonato , Chaves Hamilton Viana
Published: August 2016

A clássica tese de que as ciências psicológica e educacional têm uma história bem recente parece não ter um consenso entre os estudiosos da epistemologia dessas áreas. Quando se averígua a relação entre psicologia e educação, só recentemente se percebeu o quanto esses campos do conhecimento estão entrelaçados como ofícios e disciplinas. O objetivo deste trabalho é demostrar como a psicologia e a educação, outrora saberes relativamente independentes, tornaram-se disciplinas, ofícios e profissões interdependentes e de enorme reconhecimento e aplicação social. Nosso debate está dividido em três seções: a discussão inicial sobre educação e psicologia, na busca das leis da formação humana; a constituição histórica e contextual desses saberes; e a transição de uma psicologia do escolar para uma visão mais ampla entre psicologia e educação. Ao longo da discussão, tentamos deixar patente a tese de que a fonte de uma relação tão estreita entre esses saberes responde não só a uma necessidade humana mais ou menos universal e sincrônica, mas que, paradoxalmente, foram certas condições do desenvolvimento histórico da sociabilidade humana e da economia e da cultura modernas, especialmente nas sociedades capitalistas ocidentais, que cunharam tal entrelaçamento.
Editorial
Authors: Oliveira Terezinha
Published: August 2016

Acta Scientiarum Education, volume 38, n. 3, 2016
Synthesis of TiO2-Modified Hydroxyapatite with Various Morphology by Urea-Assisted Hydrothermal Method
Authors: Goto Tomoyo , Sekino Tohru
Published: August 2016

In this study, we synthesized the TiO2-modified hydroxyapatite (HAp) with various morphologies by hydrothermal treatment using urea decomposition, at 160 oC for 6 h. After hydrothermal treatment, carbonate-substituted HAp and TiO2 (anatase) phases were formed in products using 1.0-0.1 M urea solution. The morphology of synthesized HAp changed from small plate-shaped to long needle-shaped crystals with decreasing the urea concentration. The photocatalytic property for samples was investigated by decoloration test using 25 ppm methylene blue solution. In comparison with HAp samples without TiO2, the TiO2-modified HAp clearly showed the photocatalytic decomposition of methylene blue by UV irradiation.