bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discovery of High-Affinity Cannabinoid Receptors Ligands through a 3D-QSAR Ushered by Scaffold-Hopping Analysis
Authors: Floresta Giuseppe , Apirakkan Orapan , Rescifina Antonio , Abbate Vincenzo
Published: August 2018

Two 3D quantitative structure–activity relationships (3D-QSAR) models for predicting Cannabinoid receptor 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2) ligands have been produced by way of creating a practical tool for the drug-design and optimization of CB1 and CB2 ligands. A set of 312 molecules have been used to build the model for the CB1 receptor, and a set of 187 molecules for the CB2 receptor. All of the molecules were recovered from the literature among those possessing measured Ki values, and Forge was used as software. The present model shows high and robust predictive potential, confirmed by the quality of the statistical analysis, and an adequate descriptive capability. A visual understanding of the hydrophobic, electrostatic, and shaping features highlighting the principal interactions for the CB1 and CB2 ligands was achieved with the construction of 3D maps. The predictive capabilities of the model were then used for a scaffold-hopping study of two selected compounds, with the generation of a library of new compounds with high affinity for the two receptors. Herein, we report two new 3D-QSAR models that comprehend a large number of chemically different CB1 and CB2 ligands and well account for the individual ligand affinities. These features will facilitate the recognition of new potent and selective molecules for CB1 and CB2 receptors.
Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Ligustrazine-Flavonoid Derivatives as Potential Anti-Tumor Agents
Authors: Wang Hui , Zhang Wenxi , Cheng Yatao , Zhang Xinyu , Xue Nannan , Wu Gaorong , Chen Meng , Fang Kang , Guo Wenbo , Zhou Fei , Cui Herong , Ma Tao , Wang Penglong , Lei Haimin
Published: August 2018

In the clinic some anti-tumor drugs have shown damage to normal blood vessels, which could lead to vascular diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the effects of anti-tumor drugs on normal blood vessels at the beginning of the drug design process. In this study, ligustrazine (TMP) and flavonoids were selected as raw materials. Sixteen novel TMP-flavonoid derivatives were designed and synthesized. Interestingly, compounds 14 and 16 were obtained by hydrolysis of a dihydroflavone to a chalcone under alkaline conditions. The cytotoxicity of the TMP-flavonoid derivatives was evaluated on five human tumor cell lines and one classical type of normal endothelial cell lines (HUVEC-12) by an MTT assay. Part of the derivatives showed better anti-tumor activities than the corresponding raw materials. Among them, compound 14 exhibited the closest activity to the positive control against the Bel-7402 cell line (IC50 = 10.74 ± 1.12 μM; DDP IC50 = 6.73 ± 0.37 μM) and had no toxicity on HUVEC-12 (IC50 > 40 μM). Subsequently, fluorescence staining and flow cytometry analysis indicated that compound 14 could induce apoptosis of Bel-7402 cell lines. Moreover, the structure-activity relationships of these derivatives were briefly discussed.
Effect of A Polyphenol-Rich Canarium album Extract on the Composition of the Gut Microbiota of Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet
Authors: Zhang Ning-Ning , Guo Wen-Hui , Hu Han , Zhou A-Rong , Liu Qing-Pei , Zheng Bao-Dong , Zeng Shao-Xiao
Published: August 2018

This study investigated the influence of Canarium album extract (CAext) on intestinal microbiota composition of mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Kun Ming (KM) mice were fed either a normal chow diet or a HFD for six weeks. At the seventh week, HFD-fed mice were gavaged daily with saline, or a different dose of CAext for four weeks, respectively. Then, the composition of the gut microbiota was analyzed by high-throughput sequencing technology. Analysis of fecal microbial populations, grouped by phyla, showed significant increases of Firmicutes and Verrucomicrobia, but a decrease of Bacteroidetes in all CAext-fed mice. Particularly, CAext gavage in a low dose or a medium dose caused a significant increase in the proportion of Akkermansia. These findings suggested that CAext can alter the gut microbiota composition of HFD-fed mice, and had a potential prebiotic effects on Akkermansia.
Biofilm Inhibitory Abscisic Acid Derivatives from the Plant-Associated Dothideomycete Fungus, Roussoella sp.
Authors: Phukhamsakda Chayanard , Macabeo Allan Patrick G. , Yuyama Kamila Tomoko , Hyde Kevin David , Stadler Marc
Published: August 2018

Roussoella species are well recorded from both monocotyledons and dicotyledons. As part of a research program to discover biologically active compounds from plant-associated Dothideomycetes in Thailand, the strain Roussoella sp. (MFLUCC 17-2059), which represents an undescribed species, was isolated from Clematis subumbellata Kurz, fermented in yeast-malt medium and explored for its secondary metabolite production. Bioassay-guided fractionation of the crude extract yielded the new abscisic acid derivative, roussoellenic acid (1), along with pestabacillin B (2), a related congener, and the cyclodipeptide, cyclo(S-Pro-S-Ile) (3). The structure of 1 was determined by 2D NMR spectroscopy and HR-ESIMS data analysis. Compounds 1 and 2 showed inhibitory activity on biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus. The biofilm formation of S. aureus was reduced to 34% at 16 µg/mL by roussoellenic acid (1), while pestabacillin B (2) only showed 36% inhibition at 256 µg/mL. In addition, compound 1 also had weak cytotoxic effects on L929 murine fibroblasts and human KB3-1 cancer cells.
The Targeted Pesticides as Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors: Comprehensive Cross-Organism Molecular Modelling Studies Performed to Anticipate the Pharmacology of Harmfulness to Humans In Vitro
Authors: Mladenović Milan , Arsić Biljana B. , Stanković Nevena , Mihović Nezrina , Ragno Rino , Regan Andrew , Milićević Jelena S. , Trtić-Petrović Tatjana M. , Micić Ružica
Published: August 2018

Commercially available pesticides were examined as Mus musculus and Homo sapiens acetylcholinesterase (mAChE and hAChE) inhibitors by means of ligand-based (LB) and structure-based (SB) in silico approaches. Initially, the crystal structures of simazine, monocrotophos, dimethoate, and acetamiprid were reproduced using various force fields. Subsequently, LB alignment rules were assessed and applied to determine the inter synaptic conformations of atrazine, propazine, carbofuran, carbaryl, tebufenozide, imidacloprid, diuron, monuron, and linuron. Afterwards, molecular docking and dynamics SB studies were performed on either mAChE or hAChE, to predict the listed pesticides’ binding modes. Calculated energies of global minima (Eglob_min) and free energies of binding (∆Gbinding) were correlated with the pesticides’ acute toxicities (i.e., the LD50 values) against mice, as well to generate the model that could predict the LD50s against humans. Although for most of the pesticides the low Eglob_min correlates with the high acute toxicity, it is the ∆Gbinding that conditions the LD50 values for all the evaluated pesticides. Derived pLD50 = f(∆Gbinding) mAChE model may predict the pLD50 against hAChE, too. The hAChE inhibition by atrazine, propazine, and simazine (the most toxic pesticides) was elucidated by SB quantum mechanics (QM) DFT mechanistic and concentration-dependent kinetic studies, enriching the knowledge for design of less toxic pesticides.
Organ-Specific Oxidative Events under Restrictive Versus Full Reperfusion Following Hemorrhagic Traumatic Shock in Rats
Authors: Penzenstadler Carina , Zifko Anna , Jafarmadar Mohammad , Schulte Janin , Struck Joachim , Stainer Michaela , Kozlov Andrey , Bahrami Soheyl
Published: August 2018

Background aim: Reperfusion after hemorrhagic traumatic shock (HTS) is often associated with complications that are partly ascribed to the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The aim of our study was to compare the effects of restrictive reperfusion (RR) to rapid full reperfusion (FR) on ROS formation and/or oxidative events. Materials and methods: Anesthetized male rats were randomly subjected to HTS followed by FR (75 mL/kg/h) or RR (30 mL/kg/h for 40 min, followed by 75 mL/kg/h) with Ringer’s solution (n = 8/group). Compartment-specific ROS formation was determined by infusion of ROS scavenger 1-hydroxy-3-carboxy-2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-pyrrolidine hydrochloride (CP-H) during resuscitation, followed by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Sham-operated animals (n = 8) served as controls. The experiment was terminated 100 min post-shock. Results: Mean arterial pressure was significantly higher in the FR compared to the RR group during early reperfusion. Only RR animals, not FR animals, showed significantly higher ROS concentrations in erythrocytes (1951 ± 420 vs. 724 ± 75 AU) and in liver (474 ± 57 vs. 261 ± 21 AU) compared to sham controls. This was accompanied by elevated alanine aminotransferase and creatinine levels in RR animals compared to both shams and FR animals, while lipid peroxidation products (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) were significantly increased only in the kidney in the FR group (p < 0.05). RR animals showed significantly higher plasma peroxiredoxin-4 values when compared to the FR group (20 ± 2 vs. 14 ± 0.5 RLU). Conclusion: Restrictive reperfusion after HTS is associated with increased ROS formation in erythrocytes and liver compared to sham controls. Moreover, the restrictive reperfusion is associated with a more pronounced injury to the liver and kidney, which is likely mediated by other than lipid peroxidation process and/or oxidative stress reactions.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Ultra-Light Coal-Based Graphene Oxide Aerogel for Efficient Removal of Dyes from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Lv You , Xing Baolin , Zheng Mingkun , Yi Guiyun , Huang Guangxu , Zhang Chuanxiang , Yuan Ruifu , Chen Zhengfei , Cao Yijun
Published: August 2018

A novel carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-supported graphene oxide aerogel (CGOA) was fabricated from a cost-effective and abundant bituminous coal by a mild hydrothermal process and freeze-drying treatment. Such an aerogel has cross-linked graphene oxide layers supported by CMC, and therefore, displays high mechanical strength while having ultra-low density (8.257 mg·cm−3). The CGOA has a 3D interconnected porous structure, beneficial graphene framework defects and abundant oxygen-containing functional groups, which offer favorable diffusion channels and effective adsorption sites for the transport and adsorption of dye molecules. The adsorption performance of rhodamine B by an optimized CGOA shows a maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of 312.50 mg·g−1, as determined by Langmuir isotherm parameters. This CGOA exhibited a better adsorption efficiency (99.99%) in alkaline solution, and satisfactory stability (90.60%) after three cycles. In addition, adsorption experiments on various dyes have revealed that CGOA have better adsorption capacities for cationic dyes than anionic dyes.
Development of Magnetically Active Scaffolds for Bone Regeneration
Authors: Díaz Esperanza , Valle Mᵃ , Ribeiro Sylvie , Lanceros-Mendez Senentxu , Barandiarán José
Published: August 2018

This work reports on the synthesis, with the thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) technique, of poly (l-lactide) (PLLA) scaffolds containing Fe-doped hydroxyapatite (FeHA) particles for bone regeneration. Magnetization curves and X-ray diffraction indicate two magnetic particle phases: FeHA and magnetite Fe3O4. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are approximately 30 ± 5 nm in width and 125 ± 25 nm in length, and show typical ferromagnetic properties, including coercivity and rapid saturation magnetization. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the magnetic scaffolds reveal their complex morphology changes with MNP concentration. Similarly, at compositions of approximately 20% MNPs, the phase separation changes, passing from solid–liquid to liquid–liquid as revealed by the hill-like structures, with low peaks that give the walls in the SEM images a surface pattern of micro-ruggedness typical of nucleation mechanisms and growth. In vitro degradation experiments, carried out for more than 28 weeks, demonstrated that the MNPs delay the scaffold degradation process. Cytotoxicity is appreciated for FeHA content above 20%.
Pharmacists’ Activities to Reduce Medication Waste: An International Survey
Authors: Bekker Charlotte L. , Gardarsdottir Helga , Egberts Antoine C. G. , Bouvy Marcel L. , Van den Bemt Bart J. F.
Published: August 2018

Aim: To identify activities that pharmacists undertake to reduce medication waste, and to assess the extent to which these activities are implemented, their importance for waste-reduction and feasibility for broad implementation. Methods: A two-phase survey was conducted among community and hospital pharmacists working in different developed countries. Phase one used an open-ended questionnaire to identify activities undertaken by pharmacists. Answers were thematically analysed to construct a list of medication waste-reducing activities. In phase two, a questionnaire was disseminated among pharmacists from different countries, to assess if these activities are implemented (yes/no), their importance and feasibility (1 to 5 ranking scale). Results: In phase one, 53 pharmacists participated and 14 activities were identified. These were categorized into the pharmaceutical supply chain: prescribing, dispensing (pharmacy/patient-related) and leftover stage. In phase two, 89 pharmacists participated. Most activities were implemented by a minority of pharmacists. Reducing medication amounts in stock was most frequently implemented (dispensing stage pharmacy-related; 86%), followed by collecting unused medications (leftover stage; 77%) and performing a medication review (dispensing stage; 68%). Waste-reducing activities in the dispensing stage activities were both considered most important and feasible (ranked 4). Overall, most activities scored higher on importance than on feasibility. Conclusions: Pharmacists have various opportunities to reduce medication waste throughout the pharmaceutical supply chain, however, not all are broadly implemented. Pharmacists consider waste-reducing activities important, but they are less certain about the feasibility for implementation in practice.
A Review of Ten-Year Advances of Multi-Baseline SAR Interferometry Using TerraSAR-X Data
Authors: Zhu Xiao Xiang , Wang Yuanyuan , Montazeri Sina , Ge Nan
Published: August 2018

Since its launch in 2007, TerraSAR-X has continuously provided spaceborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images of our planet with unprecedented spatial resolution, geodetic, and geometric accuracy. This has brought life to the once inscrutable SAR images, which deterred many researchers. Thanks to merits like higher spatial resolution and more precise orbit control, we are now able to indicate individual buildings, even individual floors, to pinpoint targets within centimeter accuracy. As a result, multi-baseline SAR interferometric (InSAR) techniques are flourishing, from point target-based algorithms, to coherent stacking techniques, to absolute positioning of the former techniques. This article reviews the recent advances of multi-baseline InSAR techniques using TerraSAR-X images. Particular focus was put on our own development of persistent scatterer interferometry, SAR tomography, robust estimation in distributed scatterer interferometry and absolute positioning using geodetic InSAR. Furthermore, by introducing the applications associated with these techniques, such as 3D reconstruction and deformation monitoring, this article is also intended to give guidance to wider audiences who would like to resort to SAR data and related techniques for their applications.
RDCRMG: A Raster Dataset Clean & Reconstitution Multi-Grid Architecture for Remote Sensing Monitoring of Vegetation Dryness
Authors: Ye Sijing , Liu Diyou , Yao Xiaochuang , Tang Huaizhi , Xiong Quan , Zhuo Wen , Du Zhenbo , Huang Jianxi , Su Wei , Shen Shi , Zhao Zuliang , Cui Shaolong , Ning Lixin , Zhu Dehai , Cheng Changxiu , Song Changqing
Published: August 2018

In recent years, remote sensing (RS) research on crop growth status monitoring has gradually turned from static spectrum information retrieval in large-scale to meso-scale or micro-scale, timely multi-source data cooperative analysis; this change has presented higher requirements for RS data acquisition and analysis efficiency. How to implement rapid and stable massive RS data extraction and analysis becomes a serious problem. This paper reports on a Raster Dataset Clean & Reconstitution Multi-Grid (RDCRMG) architecture for remote sensing monitoring of vegetation dryness in which different types of raster datasets have been partitioned, organized and systematically applied. First, raster images have been subdivided into several independent blocks and distributed for storage in different data nodes by using the multi-grid as a consistent partition unit. Second, the “no metadata model” ideology has been referenced so that targets raster data can be speedily extracted by directly calculating the data storage path without retrieving metadata records; third, grids that cover the query range can be easily assessed. This assessment allows the query task to be easily split into several sub-tasks and executed in parallel by grouping these grids. Our RDCRMG-based change detection of the spectral reflectance information test and the data extraction efficiency comparative test shows that the RDCRMG is reliable for vegetation dryness monitoring with a slight reflectance information distortion and consistent percentage histograms. Furthermore, the RDCGMG-based data extraction in parallel circumstances has the advantages of high efficiency and excellent stability compared to that of the RDCGMG-based data extraction in serial circumstances and traditional data extraction. At last, an RDCRMG-based vegetation dryness monitoring platform (VDMP) has been constructed to apply RS data inversion in vegetation dryness monitoring. Through actual applications, the RDCRMG architecture is proven to be appropriate for timely vegetation dryness RS automatic monitoring with better performance, more reliability and higher extensibility. Our future works will focus on integrating more kinds of continuously updated RS data into the RDCRMG-based VDMP and integrating more multi-source datasets based collaborative analysis models for agricultural monitoring.
Remote Sensing Derived Built-Up Area and Population Density to Quantify Global Exposure to Five Natural Hazards over Time
Authors: Ehrlich Daniele , Melchiorri Michele , Florczyk Aneta , Pesaresi Martino , Kemper Thomas , Corbane Christina , Freire Sergio , Schiavina Marcello , Siragusa Alice
Published: August 2018

Exposure is reported to be the biggest determinant of disaster risk, it is continuously growing and by monitoring and understanding its variations over time it is possible to address disaster risk reduction, also at the global level. This work uses Earth observation image archives to derive information on human settlements that are used to quantify exposure to five natural hazards. This paper first summarizes the procedure used within the global human settlement layer (GHSL) project to extract global built-up area from 40 year deep Landsat image archive and the procedure to derive global population density by disaggregating population census data over built-up area. Then it combines the global built-up area and the global population density data with five global hazard maps to produce global layers of built-up area and population exposure to each single hazard for the epochs 1975, 1990, 2000, and 2015 to assess changes in exposure to each hazard over 40 years. Results show that more than 35% of the global population in 2015 was potentially exposed to earthquakes (with a return period of 475 years); one billion people are potentially exposed to floods (with a return period of 100 years). In light of the expansion of settlements over time and the changing nature of meteorological and climatological hazards, a repeated acquisition of human settlement information through remote sensing and other data sources is required to update exposure and risk maps, and to better understand disaster risk and define appropriate disaster risk reduction strategies as well as risk management practices. Regular updates and refined spatial information on human settlements are foreseen in the near future with the Copernicus Sentinel Earth observation constellation that will measure the evolving nature of exposure to hazards. These improvements will contribute to more detailed and data-driven understanding of disaster risk as advocated by the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
Reduced Volume ‘Daily Max’ Training Compared to Higher Volume Periodized Training in Powerlifters Preparing for Competition—A Pilot Study
Authors: Androulakis-Korakakis Patroklos , Fisher James , Kolokotronis Panagiotis , Gentil Paulo , Steele James
Published: August 2018

The present study looked to examine reduced volume ‘daily max’ (near max loads) training compared to higher volume periodized training in powerlifters preparing for competition. Ten competitive powerlifters were split into 2 groups (MAX group and PER group) and participated in a 10-week training intervention either following a “daily max” training protocol or a traditional periodized training protocol while preparing for competition. All participants underwent 1RM testing for squat (SQ), bench press (BP) and deadlift (DL) prior to the 10-week intervention. The MAX group performed single sets of single repetitions using a load equating to an RPE rating of 9–9.5 while the PER group performed higher volume periodized training with loads ranging from 70%1RM up to 93%1RM as well as a taper at the final weeks of the training intervention. Both groups were tested after the 10-week training intervention at the Greek IPF-affiliate National Championships. In the PER group, powerlifting (PL) total increased for P1 and P3 by 2% and 6.5% respectively while P2 experienced no change. In the MAX group PL total increased for P1 and P2 by 4.8% and 4.2% respectively while it decreased by 0.5%, 3.4% and 5% for P3, P4 and P5 respectively. In the MAX group peri PL total increased for P1–4 by 3.6%, 4.2%, 4.5% and 1.8% respectively while it decreased by 1.2% for P5. The results of this pilot study show that single-set, single-rep, RPE based ‘daily max’ training may be a favorable strategy for some beginner-intermediate powerlifters preparing for competition while it may lead to performance decreases for others. Further, it suggests that performance may be comparable to traditional periodized training during shorter training cycles, though future work with larger samples is needed to further test this. Practically ‘daily max’ training may be useful for PL athletes looking to maintain strength during periods with limited training time available.
The Potential Role of Genetic Markers in Talent Identification and Athlete Assessment in Elite Sport
Authors: Jacob Ysabel , Spiteri Tania , Hart Nicolas , Anderton Ryan
Published: August 2018

In elite sporting codes, the identification and promotion of future athletes into specialised talent pathways is heavily reliant upon objective physical, technical, and tactical characteristics, in addition to subjective coach assessments. Despite the availability of a plethora of assessments, the dependence on subjective forms of identification remain commonplace in most sporting codes. More recently, genetic markers, including several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), have been correlated with enhanced aerobic capacity, strength, and an overall increase in athletic ability. In this review, we discuss the effects of a number of candidate genes on athletic performance, across single-skilled and multifaceted sporting codes, and propose additional markers for the identification of motor skill acquisition and learning. While displaying some inconsistencies, both the ACE and ACTN3 polymorphisms appear to be more prevalent in strength and endurance sporting teams, and have been found to correlate to physical assessments. More recently, a number of polymorphisms reportedly correlating to athlete performance have gained attention, however inconsistent research design and varying sports make it difficult to ascertain the relevance to the wider sporting population. In elucidating the role of genetic markers in athleticism, existing talent identification protocols may significantly improve—and ultimately enable—targeted resourcing in junior talent pathways.
The Negative Influence of Air Travel on Health and Performance in the National Basketball Association: A Narrative Review
Authors: Huyghe Thomas , Scanlan Aaron T. , Dalbo Vincent J. , Calleja-González Julio
Published: August 2018

Air travel requirements are a concern for National Basketball Association (NBA) coaches, players, and owners, as sport-based research has demonstrated short-haul flights (≤6 h) increase injury risk and impede performance. However, examination of the impact of air travel on player health and performance specifically in the NBA is scarce. Therefore, we conducted a narrative review of literature examining the influence of air travel on health and performance in team sport athletes with suggestions for future research directions in the NBA. Prominent empirical findings and practical recommendations are highlighted pertaining to sleep, nutrition, recovery, and scheduling strategies to alleviate the negative effects of air travel on health and performance in NBA players.
Investigation of Mineral-Processing Wastewater Recycling Processes: A Pilot Study
Authors: Park Jin Hee , Han Young-Soo , Ji Sang-Woo
Published: August 2018

Mineral processing requires large amounts of water, but, often in the remote locations of many mines, sufficient fresh water frequently cannot be supplied. Therefore, recycling of water is important in mineral processing and enhancing the efficiency of the liquid-solid separation and dewatering steps in mineral processing wastewater treatment is critical. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the effect of anionic flocculant dosage and sludge recycling (SR) on solid removal and sludge dewaterability. Different combinations of the flocculant dosage with and without SR were applied in a mineral-processing wastewater treatment pilot plant. Increasing the amount of flocculant dose of 1.1% v/v (flocculant solution to wastewater) did not significantly decrease the turbidity of the treated water, while the combination of a flocculant with SR increased the zeta potential. Increasing flocculant dose adversely affected dewaterability, although the dewaterability of the 0.6% v/v flocculant-treated sludge significantly increased after aging of the sludge. Sludge recycling was effective for increasing the dewaterability, and a flocculant dose of 1.1% v/v with SR led to formation of large flocs that were stable during aging and sonication.
The New Similarity Measure and Distance Measure of a Hesitant Fuzzy Linguistic Term Set Based on a Linguistic Scale Function
Authors: Liu Donghai , Liu Yuanyuan , Chen Xiaohong
Published: August 2018

The existing cosine similarity measure for hesitant fuzzy linguistic term sets (HFLTSs) has an impediment as it does not satisfy the axiom of similarity measure. Due to this disadvantage, a new similarity measure combining the existing cosine similarity measure and the Euclidean distance measure of HFLTSs is proposed, which is constructed based on a linguistic scale function; the related properties are also given. According to the relationship between the distance measure and the similarity measure, a corresponding distance measure between HFLTSs is obtained. Furthermore, we generalize the technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS) method to the obtained distance measure of the HFLTSs. The principal advantages of the proposed method are that it cannot only effectively transform linguistic information in different semantic environments, but it can also avoid the shortcomings of existing the cosine similarity measure. Finally, a case study is conducted to illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method, which is compared to the existing methods.
A Risk Assessment of Aflatoxin M1 Exposure in Low and Mid-Income Dairy Consumers in Kenya
Authors: Ahlberg Sara , Grace Delia , Kiarie Gideon , Kirino Yumi , Lindahl Johanna
Published: August 2018

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), a human carcinogen, is found in milk products and may have potentially severe health impacts on milk consumers. We assessed the risk of cancer and stunting as a result of AFM1 consumption in Nairobi, Kenya, using worst case assumptions of toxicity and data from previous studies. Almost all (99.5%) milk was contaminated with AFM1. Cancer risk caused by AFM1 was lower among consumers purchasing from formal markets (0.003 cases per 100,000) than for low-income consumers (0.006 cases per 100,000) purchasing from informal markets. Overall cancer risk (0.004 cases per 100,000) from AFM1 alone was low. Stunting is multifactorial, but assuming only AFM1 consumption was the determinant, consumption of milk contaminated with AFM1 levels found in this study could contribute to 2.1% of children below three years in middle-income families, and 2.4% in low-income families, being stunted. Overall, 2.7% of children could hypothetically be stunted due to AFM1 exposure from milk. Based on our results AFM1 levels found in milk could contribute to an average of −0.340 height for age z-score reduction in growth. The exposure to AFM1 from milk is 46 ng/day on average, but children bear higher exposure of 3.5 ng/kg bodyweight (bw)/day compared to adults, at 0.8 ng/kg bw/day. Our paper shows that concern over aflatoxins in milk in Nairobi is disproportionate if only risk of cancer is considered, but that the effect on stunting children might be much more significant from a public health perspective; however, there is still insufficient data on the health effects of AFM1.
Determining Factors for Slum Growth with Predictive Data Mining Methods
Authors: Friesen John , Rausch Lea , Pelz Peter F. , Fürnkranz Johannes
Published: August 2018

Currently, more than half of the world’s population lives in cities. Out of these more than four billion people, almost one quarter live in slums or informal settlements. In order to improve living conditions and provide possible solutions for the major problems in slums (e.g., insufficient infrastructure), it is important to understand the current situation of this form of settlement and its development. There are many different models that attempt to simulate the development of slums. In this paper, we present data mining models that correlate information about the temporal development of slums with other economic, ecologic, and demographic factors in order to identify dependencies. Different learning algorithms, such as decision rules and decision trees, are used to learn descriptive models for slum development from data, and the results are evaluated with commonly used attribute evaluation methods known from data mining. The results confirm various previously made statements about slum development in a quantitative way, such as the fact that slum development is very strongly linked to the demographic development of a country. Applying the introduced classification models to the most recent data for different regions, it can be shown that the slum development in Africa is expected to be above average.
The Virology of Taterapox Virus In Vitro
Authors: Parker Scott , Camilo de Oliveira Leonardo , Lefkowitz Elliot J. , Hendrickson Robert Curtis , Bonjardim Cláudio A. , Wold William S. M. , Hartzler Hollyce , Crump Ryan , Buller Robert Mark
Published: August 2018

Taterapox virus (TATV) is phylogenetically the closest related virus to variola—the etiological agent of smallpox. Despite the similarity, few studies have evaluated the virus. In vivo, TATV can infect several animals but produces an inapparent infection in wild-type mice; however, TATV does cause morbidity and mortality in some immunocompromised strains. We employed in vitro techniques to compare TATV to ectromelia (ECTV) and vaccinia (VACV) viruses. Both ECTV and TATV replicate efficiently in primate cell lines but TATV replicates poorly in murine cells lines. Furthermore, TATV induces cytopathic effects, but to a lesser extent than ECTV, and changes cytoskeletal networks differently than both ECTV and VACV. Bioinformatic studies revealed differences in several immunomodulator open reading frames that could contribute to the reduced virulence of TATV, which were supported by in vitro cytokine assays.
Virucidal and Synergistic Activity of Polyphenol-Rich Extracts of Seaweeds against Measles Virus
Authors: Morán-Santibañez Karla , Peña-Hernández Mario A. , Cruz-Suárez Lucia Elizabeth , Ricque-Marie Denis , Skouta Rachid , Vasquez Abimael H. , Rodríguez-Padilla Cristina , Trejo-Avila Laura M.
Published: August 2018

Although preventable by vaccination, Measles still causes thousands of deaths among young children worldwide. The discovery of new antivirals is a good approach to control new outbreaks that cause such death. In this study, we tested the antiviral activity against Measles virus (MeV) of Polyphenol-rich extracts (PPs) coming from five seaweeds collected and cultivated in Mexico. An MTT assay was performed to determine cytotoxicity effect, and antiviral activity was measured by syncytia reduction assay and confirmed by qPCR. PPs from Ecklonia arborea (formerly Eisenia arborea, Phaeophyceae) and Solieria filiformis (Rhodophyta) showed the highest Selectivity Index (SI), >3750 and >576.9 respectively. Both PPs extracts were selected to the subsequent experiments owing to their high efficacy and low cytotoxicity compared with ribavirin (SI of 11.57). The combinational effect of PPs with sulphated polysaccharides (SPs) and ribavirin were calculated by using Compusyn software. Synergistic activity was observed by combining both PPs with low concentrations of Solieria filiformis SPs (0.01 µg/mL). The antiviral activity of the best combinations was confirmed by qPCR. Virucidal assay, time of addition, and viral penetration evaluations suggested that PPs act mainly by inactivating the viral particle. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the virucidal effect of Polyphenol-rich extracts of seaweeds.
Development of a Field Laboratory for Monitoring of Fecal-Sludge Treatment Plants
Authors: Bousek Johannes , Skodak Marco , Bäuerl Magdalena , Ecker Georg , Spit Jan , Hayes Adam , Fuchs Werner
Published: August 2018

In urban humanitarian-aid operations, safe treatment of fecal sludge is highly important. While currently field-deployable fecal-sludge treatment plants are being developed, field-ready analytical equipment for process-control and public health monitoring is missing. Within the Microbial Sludge Quality project, a field laboratory was developed. A minimum set of parameters for the considered processes was developed through literature research. The analytical methods were tested on their field applicability and, if necessary, modified. The following methods were modified for field use: bacteriological analysis (sample homogenization and counting), chemical oxygen demand (sample digestion), volatile fatty acid–alkalinity titration (redesigned test setup), total solids (redesigned test setup), and ammonia determination (redesigned test setup). For bacteriological analysis, chemical oxygen demand, and total solids the modifications lead to highly comparable analytical results. The results obtained by the field methodology for volatile fatty acid–alkalinity titration and ammonia determination were sufficient for field-process monitoring; however, they did not correlate as well. To enable rapid startup of the laboratory during humanitarian-aid missions, it was developed to include analytical and support equipment. The usage of the developed laboratory should allow close-in-time process monitoring and public-health assessments of fecal-sludge treatment plants.
Application of the 2D Depth-Averaged Model, FLATModel, to Pumiceous Debris Flows in the Amalfi Coast
Authors: Papa Maria Nicolina , Sarno Luca , Vitiello Francesco Saverio , Medina Vicente
Published: August 2018

Few studies about modelling pumice debris flows are available in literature. An integrated approach based on field surveys and numerical modelling is here proposed. A pumiceous debris flow, which occurred in the Amalfi Coast (Italy), is reconstructed by the numerical code, FLATModel, consisting of a two-dimensional shallow-water model written in curvilinear coordinates. The morphological evolution of the gully and of the alluvial fan was monitored by terrestrial laser scanner and photo-modelling aerial surveys, providing, in a cost-effective way, data otherwise unavailable, for the implementation, calibration and validation of the model. The most suitable resistance law is identified to be the Voellmy model, which is found capable of correctly describing the friction-collisional resistance mechanisms of pumiceous debris flows. The initial conditions of the numerical simulations are assumed to be of dam-break type: i.e., they are given by the sudden release of masses of pumice, whose shape and depths are obtained by reconstruction of the pre-event slopes. The predicted depths and shape of deposits are compared with the measured ones, where a good agreement (average error smaller than 10 cm) is observed for several dam-break scenarios. The proposed cost-effective integrated approach can be straightforwardly employed for the description of other debris flows of the same kind and for better designing risk mitigation measures.
Battery Health Monitoring and Degradation Prognosis in Fleet Management Systems
Authors: Nuhic Adnan , Bergdolt Jonas , Spier Bernd , Buchholz Michael , Dietmayer Klaus
Published: August 2018

Today, fleet management systems with battery health monitoring capabilities are in the focus more than ever. This paper addresses the development of a novel battery health monitoring algorithm with a degradation prognosis feasibility particularly adapted for usage in fleet management systems. Moreover, the chosen degradation prognosis approach adapts itself continuously on varying environmental conditions or utilization modes by identifying the impact factors which lead to a certain degradation trend. Such findings, when accessible with a fleet management system, offer various possibilities for fleet analysis techniques e.g., to identify an imminent battery failure.
Chemical Compositions of Field and Globular Cluster RR Lyrae Stars. I. NGC 3201∗
Authors: Magurno D. , Sneden C. , Braga V. F. , Bono G. , Mateo M. , Persson S. E. , Dall’Ora M. , Marengo M. , Monelli M. , Neeley J. R.
Published: August 2018

We present a detailed spectroscopic analysis of horizontal branch stars in the globular cluster NGC 3201. We collected optical (4580–5330 Å), high-resolution (∼34,000), high signal-to-noise ratio (∼200) spectra for 11 RR Lyrae stars and one red horizontal branch star with the multifiber spectrograph M2FS with the 6.5 m Magellan telescope at the Las Campanas Observatory. From measured equivalent widths, we derived atmospheric parameters and abundance ratios for α (Mg, Ca, and Ti), iron-peak (Sc, Cr, Ni, and Zn), and s-process (Y) elements. We found that NGC 3201 is a homogeneous, monometallic ([Fe/H] = −1.47 ± 0.04), α-enhanced ([α/Fe] = 0.37 ± 0.04) cluster. The relative abundances of the iron-peak and s-process elements were found to be consistent with solar values. In comparison with other large stellar samples, NGC 3201 RR Lyraes have similar chemical enrichment histories as do those of other old (t ≥ 10 Gyr) Halo components (globular clusters; red giants; blue and red horizontal branch stars; and RR Lyraes). We also provided a new average radial velocity estimate for NGC 3201 by using a template velocity curve to overcome the limit of single-epoch measurements of variable stars: Vrad = 494 ± 2 km s−1 (σ = 8 km s−1).
Restrictions on the Growth of Gas Giant Cores via Pebble Accretion
Authors: Rosenthal M. M. , Murray-Clay R. A.
Published: August 2018

We apply an order-of-magnitude model of gas-assisted growth, known as pebble accretion, in a turbulent medium to suggest a reason why some systems form wide orbital separation gas giants while others do not. In contrast to traditional growth by ballistic collisions with planetesimals, growth by pebble accretion is not necessarily limited by doubling times at the highest core mass. Turbulence, in particular, can cause growth to bottleneck at lower core masses. We demonstrate how a combination of growth by planetesimal and pebble accretion limits the maximum semimajor axis where gas giants can form. We find that, for fiducial disk parameters, strong turbulence (α ≳ 10−2) restricts gas giant cores to form interior to a ≲ 40 au, while for weak turbulence, gas giants can form out to a ≲ 70 au. The correspondence between α and semimajor axis depends on the sizes of small bodies available for growth. This dependence on turbulence and small-body size distribution may explain the paucity of wide orbital separation gas giants. We also show that while lower levels of turbulence (α ≲ 10−4) can produce gas giants far out in the disk, we expect these gas giants to be low-mass (M ≲ 1 M

J
). These planets are not luminous enough to have been observed with the current generation of direct-imaging surveys, which could explain why wide orbital separation gas giants are currently observed only around A stars.
Near-infrared Spectroscopy of Supernova 2017eaw in 2017: Carbon Monoxide and Dust Formation in a Type II-P Supernova
Authors: Rho J. , Geballe T. R. , Banerjee D. P. K. , Dessart L. , Evans A. , Joshi V.
Published: August 2018

The origin of dust in the early universe has been the subject of considerable debate. Core-collapse supernovae (ccSNe), which occur several million years after their massive progenitors form, could be a major source of that dust, as in the local universe several ccSNe have been observed to be copious dust producers. Here we report nine near-infrared (0.8–2.5 μm) spectra, obtained with GNIRS on Gemini North, of the Type II-P supernova (SN) 2017eaw in NGC 6946, spanning the time interval 22–205 days after discovery. The spectra show the onset of CO formation and continuum emission at wavelengths greater than 2.1 μm from newly formed hot dust, in addition to numerous lines of hydrogen and metals, which reveal the change in ionization as the density of much of the ejecta decreases. The observed CO masses estimated from a local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) model are typically 10−4
M
⊙ during days 124–205, but could be an order of magnitude larger if non-LTE conditions are present in the emitting region. The timing of the appearance of CO is remarkably consistent with the chemically controlled dust models of Sarangi & Cherchneff.
Formation of LISA Black Hole Binaries in Merging Dwarf Galaxies: The Imprint of Dark Matter
Authors: Tamfal Tomas , Capelo Pedro R. , Kazantzidis Stelios , Mayer Lucio , Potter Douglas , Stadel Joachim , Widrow Lawrence M.
Published: August 2018

Theoretical models for the expected merger rates of intermediate-mass black holes (IMBHs) are vital for planned gravitational-wave detection experiments such as the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA). Using collisionless N-body simulations of dwarf galaxy (DG) mergers, we examine how the orbital decay of IMBHs and the efficiency of IMBH binary formation depend on the central dark matter (DM) density profile of the merging DGs. Specifically, we explore various asymptotic inner slopes γ of the DG’s DM density distribution, ranging from steep cusps (γ = 1) to shallower density profiles (γ < 1), motivated by well-known baryonic-feedback effects as well as by DM models that differ from cold DM at the scales of DGs. We find that the inner DM slope is crucial for the formation (or lack thereof) of an IMBH binary; only mergers between DGs with cuspy DM profiles (γ = 1) are favorable to forming a hard IMBH binary, whereas when γ < 1 the IMBHs stall at a separation of 50–100 pc. Consequently, the rate of LISA signals from IMBH coalescence will be determined by the fraction of DGs with a cuspy DM profile. Conversely, the LISA event rates at IMBH mass scales offer in principle a novel way to place constraints on the inner structure of DM halos in DGs and address the core–cusp controversy. We also show that, with spatial resolutions of ∼0.1 kpc, as often adopted in cosmological simulations, all IMBHs stall, independent of γ. This suggests caution should be taken when employing cosmological simulations of galaxy formation to study BH dynamics in DGs.
The Effectiveness of Multimedia in Education for Special Education (MESE) to Improve Reading Ability and Memorizing for Children with Intellectual Disability
Authors: Munir Munir , Setiawan Wawan , Nugroho Eddy Prasetyo , Kusnendar Jajang , Wibawa Aji Prasetya
Published: August 2018

The difference between learning using one sensory ability (e.g. reading text or hearing or looking at the pictures only) and two or more (e.g. reading text equipped by sound and visualized by animation; and even allows children to get involved directly in the process of learning) was that the low ability in memorizing. MESE (Multimedia in Education for Special Education) was a multimedia application developed for reading for children with intellectual disability. This research aimed to find out MESE effectiveness in learning related to reading skills and memorizing. MESE was very attractive and had interactive ability that provided opportunity to learners for independent study. The method used was SSR (Single Subject Research). The results showed that learning by using MESE application enhanced reading skill and memorizing. The analysis of the student’s worksheet of reading ability and memorizing showed positive result though several sessions showed a decline and or a stable.
Prior Experience and Student Satisfaction with E-Tandem Language Learning of Spanish and English
Authors: Mary Frances Litzler , Huguet-Jérez Marimar , Bakieva Margarita
Published: August 2018

Recent literature in the field of foreign language learning has indicated that classroom learning is not necessarily enough for students to acquire proficiency in a foreign language. Learners who achieve a high level in the target language often combine work in the classroom with activities outside it. At the same time, a number of studies indicate that, when foreign language learners do work with their target language beyond the classroom, it is often to practice the receptive skills of reading and listening as opposed to the productive ones of speaking and writing. For this reason, students at The College of New Jersey in the United States and Universidad de Alcalá in Spain were paired up to work in tandem to practice Spanish and English through a private Facebook© page and Skype calls©. This paper discusses the impressions of 195 participating students on both sides of the Atlantic to the activities as determined through a questionnaire. The overall objective was to determine if prior experience with the two applications and in using the foreign language in conversation has an impact on student satisfaction. The results indicate prior experience with the applications and with the target language correlates with a positive estimation of the activities. Additional variations were also found. Language instructors who wish to set up an e-tandem experience are advised to assist students with less experience so that they can benefit from the activity.