bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Smoking with Metabolic Volatile Organic Compounds in Exhaled Breath
Authors: Chen Xing , Wang Fuyuan , Lin Liquan , Dong Hao , Huang Feifei , Ghulam Muhammad Kanhar , Chen Liying , Gorlova Olga
Published: October 2017

Lung cancer (LC) screening will be more efficient if it is applied to a well-defined high-risk population. Characteristics including metabolic byproducts may be taken into account to access LC risk more precisely. Breath examination provides a non-invasive method to monitor metabolic byproducts. However, the association between volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath and LC risk or LC risk factors is not studied. Exhaled breath samples from 122 healthy persons, who were given routine annual exam from December 2015 to December 2016, were analyzed using thermal desorption coupled with gas chromatography mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS). Smoking characteristics, air quality, and other risk factors for lung cancer were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate the relationship between VOCs and LC risk factors. 7, 7, 11, and 27 VOCs were correlated with smoking status, smoking intensity, years of smoking, and depth of inhalation, respectively. Exhaled VOCs are related to smoking and might have a potential to evaluate LC risk more precisely. Both an assessment of temporal stability and testing in a prospective study are needed to establish the performance of VOCs such as 2,5-dimethylfuranm and 4-methyloctane as lung cancer risk biomarkers.
A Mini-Review on the Effect of Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) on Cerulein-Induced and Hypertriglyceridemic Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Jeong Yoo Kyung , Kim Hyeyoung
Published: October 2017

Acute pancreatitis refers to the sudden inflammation of the pancreas. It is associated with premature activation and release of digestive enzymes into the pancreatic interstitium and systemic circulation, resulting in pancreatic tissue autodigestion and multiple organ dysfunction, as well as with increased cytokine production, ultimately leading to deleterious local and systemic effects. Although mechanisms involved in pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis have not been completely elucidated, oxidative stress is regarded as a major risk factor. In human acute pancreatitis, lipid peroxide levels in pancreatic tissues increase. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (C22:6n-3), exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on various cells. Previous studies have shown that DHA activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ and induces catalase, which inhibits oxidative stress-mediated inflammatory signaling required for cytokine expression in experimental acute pancreatitis using cerulein. Cerulein, a cholecystokinin analog, induces intra-acinar activation of trypsinogen in the pancreas, which results in human acute pancreatitis-like symptoms. Therefore, DHA supplementation may be beneficial for preventing or inhibiting acute pancreatitis development. Since DHA reduces serum triglyceride levels, addition of DHA to lipid-lowering drugs like statins has been investigated to reduce hypertriglyceridemic acute pancreatitis. However, high DHA concentrations increase cytosolic Ca2+, which activates protein kinase C and may induce hyperlipidemic acute pancreatitis. In this review, effect of DHA on cerulein-induced and hypertriglyceridemic acute pancreatitis has been discussed. The relation of high concentration of DHA to hyperlipidemic acute pancreatitis has been included.
Grinding Fluid Jet Characteristics and Their Effect on a Gear Profile Grinding Process
Authors: Geilert Philip , Heinzel Carsten , Wagner André
Published: October 2017

Profile gear grinding is characterized by a high level of achievable process performance and workpiece quality. However, the wide contact length between the workpiece and the grinding wheel is disadvantageous for the fluid supply to the contact zone and leads to the risk of locally burning the workpiece surface. For the reduction of both the thermal load and the risk of thermo-mechanical damage, the usage of a grinding fluid needs to be investigated and optimized. For this purpose, different kinds of grinding fluid nozzles were tested, which provide different grinding fluid jet characteristics. Through a specific design of the nozzles, it is possible to control the fluid flow inside the nozzle. It was found that this internal fluid flow directly influences the breakup of the coolant fluid jet. There are three groups of jet breakup (“droplet”, “wave & droplet”, and “atomization”). The first experimental results show that the influence of the jet breakup on the process performance is significant. The “wave & droplet” jet breakup can achieve a high process performance, in contrast to the “atomization” jet breakup. It can therefore be assumed that the wetting of the grinding wheel by the grinding fluid jet is significantly influenced by the jet breakup.
New Scientific Contribution on the 2-D Subdomain Technique in Polar Coordinates: Taking into Account of Iron Parts
Authors: Dubas Frédéric , Boughrara Kamel
Published: October 2017

This paper presents a new scientific contribution to the two-dimensional red(2-D) subdomain technique in polar coordinates taking into account the finite relative permeability of the ferromagnetic material. The constant relative permeability corresponds to the linear part of the nonlinear B ( H ) curve. As in the conventional technique, the separation of variables method and the Fourier series are used for the resolution of magnetostatic Maxwell equations in each region. The general solutions of the magnetic field in subdomains, as well as the boundary conditions (BCs) between regions are different from the conventional method. In the proposed method, the magnetic field solution in each subdomain is a superposition of two magnetic quantities in the two directions (i.e., r- and Θ -axis), and the BCs between two regions are also in both directions. For example, the scientific contribution has been applied to an air- or iron-cored coil supplied by a constant current. The distribution of local quantities (i.e., the magnetic vector potential and flux density) has been validated by a corresponding 2-D finite-element analysis (FEA). The obtained semi-analytical results are in very good agreement with those of the numerical method.
Hepatotoxicity Induced by Sophora flavescens and Hepatic Accumulation of Kurarinone, a Major Hepatotoxic Constituent of Sophora flavescens in Rats
Authors: Jiang Peng , Zhang Xiuwen , Huang Yutong , Cheng Nengneng , Ma Yueming
Published: October 2017

Our previous study showed that kurarinone was the main hepatotoxic ingredient of Sophora flavescens, accumulating in the liver. This study characterized the mechanism of Sophora flavescens extract (ESF) hepatotoxicity and hepatic accumulation of kurarinone. ESF impaired hepatic function and caused fat accumulation in the liver after oral administration (1.25 and 2.5 g/kg for 14 days in rats). Serum metabolomics evaluation based on high-resolution mass spectrometry was conducted and real-time PCR was used to determine the expression levels of CPT-1, CPT-2, PPAR-α, and LCAD genes. Effects of kurarinone on triglyceride levels were evaluated in HL-7702 cells. Tissue distribution of kurarinone and kurarinone glucuronides was analyzed in rats receiving ESF (2.5 g/kg). Active uptake of kurarinone and kurarinone glucuronides was studied in OAT2-, OATP1B1-, OATP2B1-, and OATP1B3-transfected HEK293 cells. Our results revealed that after oral administration of ESF in rats, kurarinone glucuronides were actively transported into hepatocytes by OATP1B3 and hydrolyzed into kurarinone, which inhibited fatty acid β-oxidation through the reduction of l-carnitine and the inhibition of PPAR-α pathway, ultimately leading to lipid accumulation and liver injury. These findings contribute to understanding hepatotoxicity of kurarinone after oral administration of ESF.
Synthesis, Structure, Surface and Antimicrobial Properties of New Oligomeric Quaternary Ammonium Salts with Aromatic Spacers
Authors: Brycki Bogumił , Koziróg Anna , Kowalczyk Iwona , Pospieszny Tomasz , Materna Paulina , Marciniak Jędrzej
Published: October 2017

New dimeric, trimeric and tetrameric quaternary ammonium salts were accomplished by reaction of tertiary alkyldimethyl amines with appropriate bromomethylbenzene derivatives. A series of new cationic surfactants contain different alkyl chain lengths (C4–C18), aromatic spacers and different numbers of quaternary nitrogen atoms. The structure of the products was confirmed by spectral analysis (FT-IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and 2D-NMR), mass spectroscopy (ESI-MS), elemental analysis, as well as PM5 semiempirical methods. Compound (21) was also analyzed using X-ray crystallography. Critical micelle concentration (CMC) of 1,4-bis-[N-(1-alkyl)-N,N-dimethylammoniummethyl]benzene dibromides (3–9) was determined to characterize the aggregation behavior. The antimicrobial properties of novel QACs (Quaternary Ammonium Salts) were examined to set their minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values against fungi Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, Penicillium chrysogenum and bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Satellite Monitoring of Urban Land Change in the Middle Yangtze River Basin Urban Agglomeration, China between 2000 and 2016
Authors: Liu Dandan , Chen Nengcheng
Published: October 2017

Detailed studies on the spatiotemporal patterns of urban agglomeration in the Middle Yangtze River Basin (MYRB) are rare. This paper analyzed the spatiotemporal patterns of urbanization in the MYRB using multi-temporal remote sensing data circa 2000, 2008 and 2016 integrated with geographic information system (GIS) techniques and landscape analysis approaches. A multi-level analysis of the rate and intensity, type as well as the landscape changes of urban expansion at regional, prefectural and inner-city levels was performed. Results show that the MYRB experienced rapid urban expansion with an annual expansion rate of 3.199%, especially in the Chang-Zhu-Tan and Poyang Lake metropolitan areas. The small and medium cities presented faster urban expansion than the larger cities with annual growth rates three times the average level. Urban expansion within the three capital cities was further analyzed in detail. It is found that outlying expansion and edge-expansion were the dominant growth patterns at all the three levels. Although urbanization in the MYRB has a remarkable increase in the past sixteen years, its annual growth rate of urban land expansion has fallen behind the three other large urban agglomerations in China as a result. Finally, the spatial evolution of the socioeconomic structure of the MYRB was further explored. It indicated that urban land was distributed mainly along the “northwest-southeast” direction and that the economic spatial interactions among cities showed a pattern of “multi-polarization and fragmentation”, which illustrates the weak radiative driving forces of the central cities. The MYRB urban agglomeration faces a great challenge to manage trades-offs between narrowing the intra-regional disparity and maintaining synergetic development among cities.
Submesoscale Sea Surface Temperature Variability from UAV and Satellite Measurements
Authors: Castro Sandra , Emery William , Wick Gary , Tandy William
Published: October 2017

Earlier studies of spatial variability in sea surface temperature (SST) using ship-based radiometric data suggested that variability at scales smaller than 1 km is significant and affects the perceived uncertainty of satellite-derived SSTs. Here, we compare data from the Ball Experimental Sea Surface Temperature (BESST) thermal infrared radiometer flown over the Arctic Ocean against coincident Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) measurements to assess the spatial variability of skin SSTs within 1-km pixels. By taking the standard deviation, σ, of the BESST measurements within individual MODIS pixels, we show that significant spatial variability of the skin temperature exists. The distribution of the surface variability measured by BESST shows a peak value of O(0.1) K, with 95% of the pixels showing σ < 0.45 K. Significantly, high-variability pixels are located at density fronts in the marginal ice zone, which are a primary source of submesoscale intermittency near the surface. SST wavenumber spectra indicate a spectral slope of −2, which is consistent with the presence of submesoscale processes at the ocean surface. Furthermore, the BESST wavenumber spectra not only match the energy distribution of MODIS SST spectra at the satellite-resolved wavelengths, they also span the spectral slope of −2 by ~3 decades, from wavelengths of 8 km to <0.08 km.
Linear Extended State Observer-Based Motion Synchronization Control for Hybrid Actuation System of More Electric Aircraft
Authors: Wang Xingjian , Liao Rui , Shi Cun , Wang Shaoping
Published: October 2017

Moving towards the more electric aircraft (MEA), a hybrid actuator configuration provides an opportunity to introduce electromechanical actuator (EMA) into primary flight control. In the hybrid actuation system (HAS), an electro-hydraulic servo actuator (EHSA) and an EMA operate on the same control surface. In order to solve force fighting problem in HAS, this paper proposes a novel linear extended state observer (LESO)-based motion synchronization control method. To cope with the problem of unavailability of the state signals required by the motion synchronization controller, LESO is designed for EHSA and EMA to observe the state variables. Based on the observed states of LESO, motion synchronization controllers could enable EHSA and EMA to simultaneously track the desired motion trajectories. Additionally, nonlinearities, uncertainties and unknown disturbances as well as the coupling term between EHSA and EMA can be estimated and compensated by using the extended state of the proposed LESO. Finally, comparative simulation results indicate that the proposed LESO-based motion synchronization controller could reduce significant force fighting between EHSA and EMA.
Recent Progress in Optical Biosensors Based on Smartphone Platforms
Authors: Geng Zhaoxin , Zhang Xiong , Fan Zhiyuan , Lv Xiaoqing , Su Yue , Chen Hongda
Published: October 2017

With a rapid improvement of smartphone hardware and software, especially complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) cameras, many optical biosensors based on smartphone platforms have been presented, which have pushed the development of the point-of-care testing (POCT). Imaging-based and spectrometry-based detection techniques have been widely explored via different approaches. Combined with the smartphone, imaging-based and spectrometry-based methods are currently used to investigate a wide range of molecular properties in chemical and biological science for biosensing and diagnostics. Imaging techniques based on smartphone-based microscopes are utilized to capture microscale analysts, while spectrometry-based techniques are used to probe reactions or changes of molecules. Here, we critically review the most recent progress in imaging-based and spectrometry-based smartphone-integrated platforms that have been developed for chemical experiments and biological diagnosis. We focus on the analytical performance and the complexity for implementation of the platforms.
A Robust Dynamic Heart-Rate Detection Algorithm Framework During Intense Physical Activities Using Photoplethysmographic Signals
Authors: Song Jiajia , Li Dan , Ma Xiaoyuan , Teng Guowei , Wei Jianming
Published: October 2017

Dynamic accurate heart-rate (HR) estimation using a photoplethysmogram (PPG) during intense physical activities is always challenging due to corruption by motion artifacts (MAs). It is difficult to reconstruct a clean signal and extract HR from contaminated PPG. This paper proposes a robust HR-estimation algorithm framework that uses one-channel PPG and tri-axis acceleration data to reconstruct the PPG and calculate the HR based on features of the PPG and spectral analysis. Firstly, the signal is judged by the presence of MAs. Then, the spectral peaks corresponding to acceleration data are filtered from the periodogram of the PPG when MAs exist. Different signal-processing methods are applied based on the amount of remaining PPG spectral peaks. The main MA-removal algorithm (NFEEMD) includes the repeated single-notch filter and ensemble empirical mode decomposition. Finally, HR calibration is designed to ensure the accuracy of HR tracking. The NFEEMD algorithm was performed on the 23 datasets from the 2015 IEEE Signal Processing Cup Database. The average estimation errors were 1.12 BPM (12 training datasets), 2.63 BPM (10 testing datasets) and 1.87 BPM (all 23 datasets), respectively. The Pearson correlation was 0.992. The experiment results illustrate that the proposed algorithm is not only suitable for HR estimation during continuous activities, like slow running (13 training datasets), but also for intense physical activities with acceleration, like arm exercise (10 testing datasets).
3-Axis Fully-Integrated Capacitive Tactile Sensor with Flip-Bonded CMOS on LTCC Interposer
Authors: Asano Sho , Muroyama Masanori , Nakayama Takahiro , Hata Yoshiyuki , Nonomura Yutaka , Tanaka Shuji
Published: October 2017

This paper reports a 3-axis fully integrated differential capacitive tactile sensor surface-mountable on a bus line. The sensor integrates a flip-bonded complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) with capacitive sensing circuits on a low temperature cofired ceramic (LTCC) interposer with Au through vias by Au-Au thermo-compression bonding. The CMOS circuit and bonding pads on the sensor backside were electrically connected through Au bumps and the LTCC interposer, and the differential capacitive gap was formed by an Au sealing frame. A diaphragm for sensing 3-axis force was formed in the CMOS substrate. The dimensions of the completed sensor are 2.5 mm in width, 2.5 mm in length, and 0.66 mm in thickness. The fabricated sensor output coded 3-axis capacitive sensing data according to applied 3-axis force by three-dimensional (3D)-printed pins. The measured sensitivity was as high as over 34 Count/mN for normal force and 14 to 15 Count/mN for shear force with small noise, which corresponds to less than 1 mN. The hysteresis and the average cross-sensitivity were also found to be less than 2% full scale and 11%, respectively.
Using a Spatial Interaction Model to Assess the Accessibility of District Parks in Hong Kong
Authors: Tian Yuhong , Jim C. , Liu Yiqing
Published: October 2017

Urban parks are key elements of the urban landscape. They provide important ecological, environmental, and social value as well as spaces for outdoor activities to contribute to urban sustainability. Reasonable accessibility is fundamental for people to take full advantage of the benefits of parks. Spatial interaction models are useful in many fields, especially in static systems. The proposed model has been validated for analyzing the accessibility of district parks in Hong Kong. The accessibility index was calculated using the population in catchment zones lying within a walking distance of 400 m, considering the population that the parks serve, the distance between residential areas and parks, the park area, and the facilities and current condition of green spaces in the parks. The results indicate that the index is strongly related to the spatial pattern of residential areas and the shape and spatial pattern of district parks. High accessibility is always associated with parks located in centers of population concentration rather than in the geographical centers of built-up areas. The catchment zones of district parks within walking distance only cover one-fourth of residential areas, and most residents do not have convenient access to reach parks on foot. The district parks were established without much concern for increasing accessibility. No districts have enough district parks to meet the needs of their residents. Future parks should preferably be elongated to serve more nearby residents, especially in extremely compact cities like Hong Kong.
Thermal Inertia Performance Evaluation of Light-Weighted Construction Space Envelopes Using Phase Change Materials in Mexico City’s Climate
Authors: Lira-Oliver Adriana , Vilchis-Martínez S.
Published: October 2017

The present study’s main objective was to determine the applicability of organic phase change materials (PCMs) in a building’s envelope construction system for the passive provision of comfortable indoor thermal conditions over one year based on thermal inertia in Mexico City. Research on PCMs relate mainly to their use in building envelope construction systems to reduce energy consumption for mechanical indoor thermal conditioning—not in passive systems. Computer simulation results of mean indoor temperature variations are presented with the objective of evaluating these construction systems’ thermal inertia properties. In the present study, dynamic thermal simulations (DTS), using EnergyPlus software, of ten 1 m3 test units with envelope construction systems combining organic PCMs of different fusion temperatures with conventional materials were performed. Based on the results, it is concluded that the implementation of organic PCMs with a fusion temperature around 25 °C in combination with aerated concrete in a space envelope results in the highest number of hours the indoor temperatures remain within the comfort range throughout a typical year, due to the decrement of indoor temperature oscillations and, to a large extent, to thermal lag.
Shiga Toxin—A Model for Glycolipid-Dependent and Lectin-Driven Endocytosis
Authors: Johannes Ludger
Published: October 2017

The cellular entry of the bacterial Shiga toxin and the related verotoxins has been scrutinized in quite some detail. This is due to their importance as a threat to human health. At the same time, the study of Shiga toxin has allowed the discovery of novel molecular mechanisms that also apply to the intracellular trafficking of endogenous proteins at the plasma membrane and in the endosomal system. In this review, the individual steps that lead to Shiga toxin uptake into cells will first be presented from a purely mechanistic perspective. Membrane-biological concepts will be highlighted that are often still poorly explored, such as fluctuation force-driven clustering, clathrin-independent membrane curvature generation, friction-driven scission, and retrograde sorting on early endosomes. It will then be explored whether and how these also apply to other pathogens, pathogenic factors, and cellular proteins. The molecular nature of Shiga toxin as a carbohydrate-binding protein and that of its cellular receptor as a glycosylated raft lipid will be an underlying theme in this discussion. It will thereby be illustrated how the study of Shiga toxin has led to the proposal of the GlycoLipid-Lectin (GL-Lect) hypothesis on the generation of endocytic pits in processes of clathrin-independent endocytosis.
Can Inhibitors of Snake Venom Phospholipases A2 Lead to New Insights into Anti-Inflammatory Therapy in Humans? A Theoretical Study
Authors: Sales Thaís , Marcussi Silvana , Da Cunha Elaine , Kuca Kamil , Ramalho Teodorico
Published: October 2017

Human phospholipase A2 (hPLA2) of the IIA group (HGIIA) catalyzes the hydrolysis of membrane phospholipids, producing arachidonic acid and originating potent inflammatory mediators. Therefore, molecules that can inhibit this enzyme are a source of potential anti-inflammatory drugs, with different action mechanisms of known anti-inflammatory agents. For the study and development of new anti-inflammatory drugs with this action mechanism, snake venom PLA2 (svPLA2) can be employed, since the svPLA2 has high similarity with the human PLA2 HGIIA. Despite the high similarity between these secretory PLA2s, it is still not clear if these toxins can really be employed as an experimental model to predict the interactions that occur with the human PLA2 HGIIA and its inhibitors. Thus, the present study aims to compare and evaluate, by means of theoretical calculations, docking and molecular dynamics simulations, as well as experimental studies, the interactions of human PLA2 HGIIA and two svPLA2s, Bothrops toxin II and Crotoxin B (BthTX-II and CB, respectively). Our theoretical findings corroborate experimental data and point out that the human PLA2 HGIIA and svPLA2 BthTX-II lead to similar interactions with the studied compounds. From our results, the svPLA2 BthTX-II can be used as an experimental model for the development of anti-inflammatory drugs for therapy in humans.
Deep Sequencing Data and Infectivity Assays Indicate that Chickpea Chlorotic Dwarf Virus is the Etiological Agent of the “Hard Fruit Syndrome” of Watermelon
Authors: Zaagueri Takoua , Miozzi Laura , Mnari-Hattab Monia , Noris Emanuela , Accotto Gian , Vaira Anna
Published: October 2017

Chickpea chlorotic dwarf virus (CpCDV), a polyphagous mastrevirus, family Geminiviridae, has been recently linked to the onset of the “hard fruit syndrome” of watermelon, first described in Tunisia, that makes fruits unmarketable due to the presence of white hard portions in the flesh, chlorotic mottling on the rind, and an unpleasant taste. To investigate the etiological agent of this disease, total RNA extracted from symptomatic watermelon fruits was subjected to small RNA sequencing through next generation sequencing (NGS) techniques. Data obtained showed the presence of CpCDV and two other viral species. However, following validation through polymerase chain reaction (PCR), CpCDV was the only viral species consistently detected in all samples. Watermelon seedlings were then challenged by an agroinfectious CpCDV clone; several plants proved to be CpCDV-infected, and were able to produce fruits. CpCDV infected and replicated in watermelon fruits and leaves, leading to abnormality in fruits and in seed production, similar to those described in field. These results indicate that CpCDV is the etiological agent of the “hard fruit syndrome” of watermelon.
Tourist Photographs and Destination Imagery on Social Media: Reading the Stellenbosch Winelands Through a Tourist Lens
Authors: Bordelon Louise A. , Ferreira Sanette L. A.
Published: October 2017

Tourists tend to visit the same places as other tourists where they focus their activity and spending on recognized iconic landscapes. This study analyzed user-generated images of the Stellenbosch winelands found on two social media platforms, namely Flickr and Instagram, and compared
the images with promotional material of the same area. The research covered image locations, user origins, as well as the content and genre of the photographic representations. The research methods were detailed cataloguing, mapping, and analyses of over 1,500 photographic images found on
Flickr and Instagram. To gain an understanding of the destination imagery used by the Stellenbosch winelands marketing fraternity, interviews were conducted with relevant stakeholders to garner information about supply-side perceptions and marketing strategies. Results show that certain elements
of the tourist experience are overlooked and a number of opportunities exist for destination marketers to create a more inclusive Stellenbosch winelands experience.
X-Ray Timing Analysis of Cyg X-3 Using AstroSat/LAXPC: Detection of Milli-hertz Quasi-periodic Oscillations during the Flaring Hard X-Ray State
Authors: Pahari Mayukh , Antia H M , Yadav J S , Chauhan Jai Verdhan , Agrawal P C , Misra Ranjeev , Chitnis V R , Dedhia Dhiraj , Katoch Tilak , Madhwani P , Manchanda R K , Paul B , Shah Parag
Published: October 2017

We present here results from the X-ray timing and spectral analysis of the X-ray binary Cyg X-3 using observations from the Large Area X-ray proportional Counter on board AstroSat. Consecutive light curves observed over a period of one year show the binary orbital period of 17253.56 ± 0.19 s. Another low-amplitude, slow periodicity of the order of 35.8 ± 1.4 days is observed, which may be due to the orbital precession as suggested earlier by Molteni et al. During the rising binary phase, power density spectra from different observations during the flaring hard X-ray state show quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) at ∼5–8 mHz, ∼12–14 mHz, and ∼18–24 mHz frequencies at the minimum confidence of 99%. However, during the consecutive binary decay phase, no QPO is detected up to 2σ significance. Energy-dependent time-lag spectra show soft lag (soft photons lag hard photons) at the mHz QPO frequency and the fractional rms of the QPO increases with the photon energy. During the binary motion, the observation of mHz QPOs during the rising phase of the flaring hard state may be linked to the increase in the supply of the accreting material in the disk and corona via stellar wind from the companion star. During the decay phase, the compact source moves in the outer wind region causing the decrease in supply of material for accretion. This may cause weakening of the mHz QPOs below the detection limit. This is also consistent with the preliminary analysis of the orbital phase-resolved energy spectra presented in this paper.
Implications of Binary Black Hole Detections on the Merger Rates of Double Neutron Stars and Neutron Star–Black Holes
Authors: Gupta Anuradha , Arun K. G. , Sathyaprakash B. S.
Published: October 2017

We show that the inferred merger rate and chirp masses of binary black holes (BBHs) detected by advanced LIGO (aLIGO) can be used to constrain the rate of double neutron star (DNS) and neutron star–black hole (NSBH) mergers in the universe. We explicitly demonstrate this by considering a set of publicly available population synthesis models of Dominik et al. and show that if all the BBH mergers, GW150914, LVT151012, GW151226, and GW170104, observed by aLIGO arise from isolated binary evolution, the predicted DNS merger rate may be constrained to be 2.3–471.0 Gpc−3 yr−1 and that of NSBH mergers will be constrained to 0.2–48.5 Gpc−3 yr−1. The DNS merger rates are not constrained much, but the NSBH rates are tightened by a factor of ∼4 as compared to their previous rates. Note that these constrained DNS and NSBH rates are extremely model-dependent and are compared to the unconstrained values 2.3–472.5 Gpc−3 yr−1 and 0.2–218 Gpc−3 yr−1, respectively, using the same models of Dominik et al. (2012a). These rate estimates may have implications for short Gamma Ray Burst progenitor models assuming they are powered (solely) by DNS or NSBH mergers. While these results are based on a set of open access population synthesis models, which may not necessarily be the representative ones, the proposed method is very general and can be applied to any number of models, thereby yielding more realistic constraints on the DNS and NSBH merger rates from the inferred BBH merger rate and chirp mass.
Extinction Ratios in the Inner Galaxy as Revealed by the VVV Survey
Authors: Alonso-García Javier , Minniti Dante , Catelan Márcio , Contreras Ramos Rodrigo , Gonzalez Oscar A. , Hempel Maren , Lucas Philip W. , Saito Roberto K. , Valenti Elena , Zoccali Manuela
Published: October 2017

Interstellar extinction toward the Galactic Center (GC) is large and significantly differential. Its reddening and dimming effects in red clump (RC) stars in the Galactic Bulge can be exploited to better constrain the extinction law toward the innermost Galaxy. By virtue of a deep and complete catalog of more than 30 million objects at

and

obtained from VVV survey observations, we apply the RC method to infer the selective-to-total extinction ratios in the Z, Y, J, H, and K

s
broadband near-infrared filters. The measured values are smaller than previously reported, and are not constant, with mean values of, e.g.,

and

. We also obtain a ratio A

Z
:A

Y
:A

J
:A

H
:

of 7.74:5.38:3.30:1.88:1.0, implying extinction toward the GC to follow a distribution as a function of wavelength steeper than previously reported, consistent with a power law

in the near-infrared.
Bifidobacterium longum BB536 alleviated upper respiratory illnesses and modulated gut microbiota profiles in Malaysian pre-school children
Authors: Lau A.S.-Y. , Yanagisawa N. , Hor Y.-Y. , Lew L.-C. , Ong J.-S. , Chuah L.-O. , Lee Y.-Y. , Choi S.-B. , Rashid F. , Wahid N. , Sugahara H. , Xiao J.-Z. , Liong M.-T.
Published: October 2017

This 10-months randomised, double-blind, parallel and placebo-controlled study evaluated the effects of Bifidobacterium longum BB536 on diarrhoea and/or upper respiratory illnesses in 520 healthy Malaysian pre-school children aged 2-6 years old. The subjects randomly received a one-gram sachet containing either BB536 (5×109 cfu) or placebo daily. Data analysis was performed on 219 subjects who fully complied over 10-months (placebo n=110, BB536 n=109). While BB536 did not exert significant effects against diarrhoea in children, Poisson regression with generalised estimating equations model indicated significant intergroup difference in the mean number of times of respiratory illnesses over 10 months. The duration of sore throat was reduced by 46% (P=0.018), with marginal reduction for duration of fever (reduced by 27%, P=0.084), runny nose (reduced by 15%, P=0.087) and cough (reduced by 16%, P=0.087) as compared to the placebo. Principal coordinate analysis at genus level of the gut microbiota revealed significant differences between 0 and 10 months in the BB536 group (P<0.01) but not in placebo group (P>0.05). The abundance of the genus Faecalibacterium which is associated with anti-inflammatory and immuno-modulatory properties was significantly higher in the BB536 group (P<0.05) compared to the placebo group. Altogether, our present study illustrated the potential protective effects of BB536 against upper respiratory illnesses in pre-school Malaysian children, with gut microbiota modulating properties.
Orchestrating Role of Apoptosis Inhibitor of Macrophage in the Resolution of Acute Lung Injury
Authors: Kimura Hiroki , Suzuki Masaru , Konno Satoshi , Shindou Hideo , Shimizu Takao , Nagase Takahide , Miyazaki Toru , Nishimura Masaharu
Published: October 2017

Appropriate resolution of inflammation is known to be essential in tissue homeostasis. In this study, we evaluated the significance of a macrophage-derived soluble protein, apoptosis inhibitor of macrophage (AIM), in LPS-induced lung injury in mice. After oropharyngeal administration of LPS, the level of free-form serum AIM increased on days 2–4, accompanied by the resolution of inflammation, which was observed in the cellular profile of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. In an experiment using wild-type (WT) and AIM−/− mice, the resolution of inflammation was accelerated in AIM−/− mice when compared with the WT mice, which was reversed when recombinant AIM protein was administered. The changes in the histopathological findings and inflammatory mediators followed similar trends, and the ratio of apoptotic cells was increased in AIM−/− mice when compared with the WT mice. In vitro analysis showed that macrophage phagocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils was suppressed in the presence of AIM, indicating that anti-resolution property of AIM involves efferocytosis inhibition. In lipidomic analysis of lung tissues, the levels of several lipid mediators increased markedly when LPS was given to WT mice. However, in AIM−/− mice, the concentrations of these lipid mediators were not significantly upregulated by LPS. These data reflect the significant role of AIM in lipid metabolism; it may suppress lipid metabolites at baseline, and then produce an inflammatory/pathologic pattern in the event of LPS-induced lung injury. Taken together, AIM may play an orchestrating role in the resolution process of inflammation by altering the profile of pulmonary lipid mediators in mice.
Article Commentary: Integral Healthcare: The Benefits and Challenges of Integrating Complementary and Alternative Medicine with a Conventional Healthcare Practice
Authors: Ross Christina L.
Published: October 2017

Today's medicine is in the midst of an undeniable crisis. Calls to reform healthcare are in the forefront of economic and political discussions worldwide. Economic pressures reduce the amount of time physicians can spend with patients contributing to burnout among medical staff and endangering the patient iatrogenically. Politicians are getting involved as the public is calling for more affordable healthcare. A new paradigm must be embraced in order to address all aspects of this dilemma. It is clear that science and technology have resulted in vastly improved understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, but the emphasis on science and technology to the exclusion of other elements of healing has also served to limit the development of a model that humanizes healthcare. The healing of a patient must include more than the biology and chemistry of their physical body; by necessity, it must include the mental, emotional and spiritual aspects. Because of these challenges, the development of an integral healthcare system that is rooted in appropriate regulation and supported by rigorous scientific evidence is the direction that many models of integrative healthcare are moving towards in the 21st century.
Multi-Component Structure of Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RDQ), a Lumbago-Specific QOL (Quality of Life) Measure
Authors: Yoh K. , Yoshizawa M. , Kuwabara A. , Tanaka K.
Published: October 2017

Lumbago is one of the most prevalent symptoms in patients with osteoporotic vertebral fracture. Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RDQ) is a quality of life (QOL) questionnaire targeted for evaluating lumbago. Although total score is the usual way of analysis, we have tried to make more use of it by subscale analysis. Forty-four osteoporotic patients were evaluated for their QOL using RDQ and SF-8; a widely accepted generic (non disease-specific) QOL questionnaire. Subscales and summary scores of SF-8 were significantly lower than Japanese norm. Patients with fracture had significantly lower scores including RDQ. Multiple regression analysis has shown that total score of RDQ was significantly contributed by bodily pain as well as other subscales of SF-8. Principal component analysis has revealed that RDQ consists of two components representing general, and mental or social aspect of lumbago. Defining the component structure and determining the procedure to obtain the subscales would make the most use of RDQ, and contribute to the better evaluation of patients with lumbago.
Relative Discrete Series Representations for Two Quotients ofp-adic GLn
Authors: Smith Jerrod Manford
Published: October 2017

We provide an explicit construction of representations in the discrete spectrum of twop-adic symmetric spaces. We consider GLn(F) × GLn(F)\GL2n(F) and GLn(F)\GLn(E), whereEis a quadratic Galois extension of a nonarchimedean local fieldFof characteristic zero and odd residual characteristic. The proof of the main result involves an application of a symmetric space version of Casselman’s Criterion for square integrability due to Kato and Takano.
Affect Citizens’ Satisfaction with Councillors?
Authors: Denters Bas
Published: October 2017

Scholarly knowledge about considerations underlying citizens’ evaluations of the role of municipal councillors as democratic representatives is scant. In this paper we begin filling this gap. On the basis of a representative survey amongst 500 Dutch citizens we first establish what citizens feel that representatives should do (normative expectations). Subsequently, we analyse how such expectations affect citizens’ satisfaction with the actual performance of councillors as representatives. This paper’s results help in understanding the reasons why people are (dis)satisfied with their local democratic representatives and the backgrounds of confidence in municipal councils.
The International Cooperation of Businesses in order to Improve Local Public Services
Authors: Sandoval Hamón Leyla Angélica , Casani Fernando
Published: October 2017

Changes in local government policies about the management of public services has been the focus of many investigations all around the world. However, what has not been studies is how some of the new models have relied upon international business alliances in order to improve the public services provided. A qualitative analysis, based on case studies of alliances between Colombian and Spanish companies, have been performed to help address this question. The results indicate that the changes in local policies have not only improved the public services but, with the agreements signed, a strong and agile partnership has been achieved.
“Tendencias y guerrillas en la arquitectura española”. Arquitectura y Prensa
Authors: Ruiz Colmenar Alberto
Published: October 2017

Architecture critique has historically used specialised publications as a dissemination channel. These publications, written by and for architects, have been of seminal importance in the creation of architectural culture in Spain. Nevertheless, this type of publication leaves out the non-specialised public, mistakenly considering them alien to these matters. In this case, the mass media has filled this space, carrying out a very important educational role. Its task has not been that of a mere dissemination of contents, but it has also provided a platform for criticism and analysis of some of the main events in Spanish architecture over the course of the 20th Century. In this study we analyse the years preceding and following the Spanish Civil War. A review of the issues that the main papers addressed—ABC and La Vanguardia—allows us to grasp what the general reader perceived during a key period in our history of architecture.
Ritmos alterados. Fachadas urbanas en el Milán de la postguerra
Authors: Mària Serrano Magda , Musquera Felip Silvia
Published: October 2017

Urban façades are the outward manifestation of the character of a city, and are composed of elements that respond to rhythmic sequences in consonance with the internal order of the rooms behind them. In post-war Milan, façades were used as a field of experimentation by a group of architects, some of whom were also artists and designers, who saw themselves and can be seen as ambassadors for the future modernity of a city devastated by war. This article explains how the urban façades of Milan, based as they were on the themes drawn from the Italian compositional tradition, offer a wide variety of elements, figures and rhythms, altering and transgressing the compositional canons through the use of mechanisms that in some cases are closer to painting or sculpture than to architecture.
Facts of society and new spatialities
Authors: Eleb Monique , Bendimérad Sabri
Published: October 2017

New spatial devices appear when society changes. Today families are restructuring, the domestic group is recomposing, practices are evolving and housing should follow. How can it be transformed to adapt to the life conditions and the lifestyle desired by singles of any age, families -either monoparental or blended-, by the elderly? Experiences in many countries are described here, showing the diversity of the devices proposed and their underlying ideals. They range from a simple practical solution to live in a contemporary way, particularly because of the porosity between habitat and work, to the ambition to change life starting with housing. Built in several countries, they also have very different scales. A simple house shared by friends in Japan or Holland, they can also gather very large groups in Sweden or Switzerland. A long survey on cohabitation in France helps to feed the authors’ reflection.
Size distribution and ionic composition of marine summer aerosol at
the continental Antarctic site Kohnen
Authors: Weller Rolf , Legrand Michel , Preunkert Susanne
Published: October 2017

Abstract. We measured aerosol size distributions and conducted bulk as well as size segregated aerosol sampling during two summer campaigns in January 2015 and January 2016 at the continental Antarctic station Kohnen (Dronning Maud Land). Physical and chemical aerosol properties differ conspicuously during the episodic impact of an outstanding low pressure system in 2015 (LPS15) compared to the prevailing clear sky conditions: The about three days persisting LPS15, located in the eastern Weddell Sea, was associated with marine boundary layer air mass intrusion, enhanced condensation particle concentrations (1400±700 cm−3 compared to 250±120 cm−3 under clear sky conditions; mean ± SD), occurrence of a new particle formation event exhibiting a continuous growth of particle diameters (Dp) from 12 nm to 43 nm over 44 hours (growth rate 0.6 nm h−1), peaking methane sulfonate (MS−), non-sea salt sulfate (nss-SO42−) and Na+ concentrations (190 ng m−3 MS−, 137 ng m−3 nss-SO42−, and 53 ng m−3 Na+ compared to 24±15 ng m−3, 107±20 ng m−3 and 4.1±2.2 ng m−3, respectively, during clear sky conditions, and finally an increased MS-/nss-SO42− mass ratio ßMS of 0.4 up to 2.3 (0.21±0.1 under clear sky conditions) comparable to typical values found at coastal Antarctic sites. Throughout the observation period a larger part of MS− could be found in super micron aerosol compared to nss-SO42−, i.e. (10±2) % by mass compared to (3.2±2) %, respectively. On the whole, under clear sky conditions aged aerosol characterized by an usually mono-modal size distribution around Dp = 60 nm was observed. Although our observations indicate that sporadic impacts of coastal cyclones were associated with enhanced marine aerosol entry, at large aerosol deposition on-site during austral summer should be dominated by the typical steady clear sky conditions.
Observational Analyses of Dramatic Developments of A Severe Air Pollution Event in the Beijing Area
Authors: Li Ju , Sun Jielun , Zhou Mingyu , Cheng Zhigang , Li Qingchun , Cao Xiaoyan , Zhang Jingjiang
Published: October 2017

Abstract. A rapid development of a severe air pollution event at Beijing, China at the end of November 2015 was investigated with observations collected during the Study of Urban Rainfall and Fog/Haze (SURF-15). The analyses indicate that the major pollution source associated with particulate matter of diameter 2.5 μm (PM2.5) was from south of Beijing. On the night of 29 November, the surface stable boundary layer (SBL) was formed northwest of Beijing due to the northwesterly wind downslope of the mountains surrounding Beijing. This relatively cold and less polluted air also diluted the surface air northwest of Beijing while in the southeast of Beijing, the PM2.5 concentration increased continuously through the transport of the surface southwest flow. Around the midnight, the wind above the SBL switched from northerly to southwesterly and transported the heavy polluted air over Beijing. As the daytime convective turbulent mixing developed in the morning of 30 November, turbulent mixing transported the upper polluted air downward, leading to the dramatic increase of the PM2.5 concentration in the urban area. Meanwhile, the daytime weakly northeast-east surface wind led to the horizontal transport of the high PM2.5 air westwards towards Beijing, which further enhanced the PM2.5 increase at Beijing. As a result of both turbulent mixing and advection with possible aerosol growth from secondary aerosol formation under the low wind and high humidity conditions, the PM2.5 concentration reached over 700 μg m−3 at Beijing by the end of 30 November. Contributions of the two transporting processes to the PM2.5 oscillations prior to this dramatic event were also analyzed.