bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chronic Appendicitis: Diagnostic Dilemma in Female Patient for Recurrent Lower Abdominal Pain
Authors: Nahar Khairun , Hossain SM Amjad , Khatun Ashia
Published: November 2018

Background: Many female patients presented to gynecologist with chronic lower abdominal pain, suspecting chronic PID or UTI, but found no improvement inspite of repeated treatment. It remains as diagnostic dilemma for gynaecologist. Proper diagnosis ultimately shows that it is a case of chronic appendicitis. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical feature of chronic appendicitis and its correlation with operative and histological findings & to create alertness of physicians and prevention of later complication.Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in female patients in private practice from January 2014 to December 2017.All patientswho complained frequent attacks of pain in their right lower abdomen were included in our study. The patient’s history, clinical and lab findings were closely evaluated. All the patients underwent appendectomy and all their appendices were histopathologically examined. Chronic appendicitis was ruled in with a positive pathology report confirming chronic inflammation. All the patients referred for their follow-up visits in a period of one year.Results: A total100 female patients were studied.66% patient were in age group 26 to35 years.87% patients were multiparous. Duration of pain varied from 2weeks to 2.5 years. Histopathology report confirmed chronic appendicitis in 96% cases. From them 94% cases expressed complete relief of pain following removal in the follow-up visit.Conclusion: Chronic appendicitis seems to be a cause of recurrent lower abdominal pain. The disease is easily cured by appendectomy.J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll, June 2018, Vol.10(1); 59-61
Christification of the Least: Potential for Christology and Discipleship
Authors: Miller Liam
Published: November 2018

This paper argues that the christification of the least should shape Christology and subsequently Christian discipleship. Christification is articulated as the process by which individuals or groups, inside or outside the church and marked by displacement, marginalisation or persecution, are recognised as bearing Christ's presence in a special way. Those christified share in Christ's revelatory, soteriological and sanctifying role for the community who encounter, serve and learn from them. This illuminates the ethical and missional impact of christification. Taking Jon Sobrino's argument that Christology must take into account the historically received texts about Christ and the reality of Christ in the present, I argue that Christology cannot be complete without a transformative encounter with the christified least. For those in places of privilege, Christologies employing christification have an immediate effect on discipleship, locating the presence of Christ in the least amongst their community. For the marginalised, christification grants agency; seen as the embodiment of Christ, they facilitate revelation and shape ethical engagement. Attention is paid throughout the paper to how christification, as modelled particularly by theologians writing from or for marginalised or migrant communities, could be applied to my own Australian context, particularly current debates around refugees and Indigenous peoples.
Unveiling the Enigmatic Structure of TdCMO Transcripts in Durum Wheat
Authors: Ciarmiello Loredana F. , Di Maro Antimo , Woodrow Pasqualina , Annunziata Maria Grazia , Kafantaris Ioannis , Mirto Antonio , Iannuzzi Federica , Fuggi Amodio , Carillo Petronia
Published: November 2018

Durum wheat is one of the oldest and most important edible cereal crops and its cultivation has considerable economic importance in many countries. However, adverse conditions, such as high irradiance and increasing salinity of soils, could lead to a decrease in productivity over the next few decades. Durum wheat plants under salinityare able toaccumulate glycine betaine to osmotically balance the cytosol and reduce oxidative stress, especially in young tissues. However, the synthesis of this fundamental osmolyte is inhibited by high light in T. durum even under salinity. Choline monooxygenase is the first enzyme involved in the glycine betaine biosynthetic pathway. Thus, to explain the glycine betaine inhibition, we analyzed the effect of both salinity and high light on the putative TdCMO gene expression. Thirty-eight TdCMO different transcripts were isolated in the young leaves of durum wheat grown in different stress conditions. All translated amino acid sequences, except for the TdCMO1a6 clone, showed a frame shift caused by insertions or deletions. The presence of different transcripts could depend on the presence of duplicated genes, different allelic forms, and alternative splicing events. TdCMO1a6 computational modeling of the 3D structure showed that in durum wheat, a putative CMO-like enzyme with a different Rieske type motif, is present and could be responsible for the glycine betaine synthesis.
Genotypic Variation in Anthocyanins, Phenolic Compounds, and Antioxidant Activity in Cob and Husk of Purple Field Corn
Authors: Khamphasan Ponsawan , Lomthaisong Khomsorn , Harakotr Bhornchai , Ketthaisong Danupol , Scott Marvin Paul , Lertrat Kamol , Suriharn Bhalang
Published: November 2018

Information on phytochemicals in the cob and husk of field corn is important for the use of corn waste in the production of value-added corn products. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the variation in monomeric anthocyanin content (MAC), total phenolic content (TPC), and antioxidant activity, as determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) in 53 purple field corn genotypes, and to study the correlations of these traits with color parameters. Fifty-three corn genotypes were planted in a randomized complete block design with three replications in two locations in the dry season of 2015/2016. The effects of genotype, location, and the interaction between genotype and location were significant for most characters. Genotypic variation contributed to a large portion of the total variance for all traits, accounting for 63.9–86.9%. Corn genotypes were classified into six groups based on MAC, TPC, and antioxidant activity determined by the DPPH and the TEAC methods. The highest MAC, TPC, and antioxidant activity were obtained in TB/KND//PF3 and TB/KND//PF8 for husk, and only TB/KND//PF8 for cob. They should be used as parental lines to develop corn varieties with high phytochemicals. Chroma (C*) and hue (H°) of color parameters could potentially be used as an indirect selection criterion for improving MAC, TPC, and antioxidant activity in cob. The information is useful for the improvement of phytochemicals in cob and husk of field corn.
Teaching and Learning with Matter
Authors: Page Tara
Published: November 2018

Through bodies with matter, we are always making, performing and learning, so material pedagogy(ies) are embodied; they are intra-actions between bodies and matter, where with matter, bodies are being taught and are learning. But as learners, we are not always conscious of this intra-action or able to easily articulate it. The intention of this paper is to explore and share the creative acts of learning and teaching of bodies with matter and between spaces, where matter teaches us what it can and cannot do—a material pedagogy. Underpinned by new materialist scholarship, where socio-materiality is emphasised, this paper focuses on the relationalities of learning and teaching so that we can become conscious of our ways, materials and spaces of pedagogy. From this, we can then ensure that we explicitly acknowledge and support the creation of these places to enable a sustained pedagogic engagement for all learning environments that can be transformative and emancipatory.
Cinematic Amnesia as Remembering: Coming Home (2014) and Red Amnesia (2014)
Authors: Bao Ying
Published: November 2018

This article examines the trope of amnesia—the crisis of memory—in two recent Chinese-language films dealing with traumatic memories of the Cultural Revolution and its aftermath: Zhang Yimou’s Coming Home (Guilai, 2014) and Wang Xiaoshuai’s Red Amnesia (Chuangru zhe, 2014). Cinematic representation of real and symbolic amnesia, I argue, can be an affective way to overcome historical amnesia, both institutionalized by the Party-state and privatized by individuals. By exploring the dynamics between forgetting and remembering at both collective and individual levels, we can reach a deeper understanding of the profound impact of the Cultural Revolution and its present-day repercussions.
Self-Improving Robotic Brushstroke Replication
Authors: Gülzow Jörg Marvin , Grayver Liat , Deussen Oliver
Published: November 2018

Painting robots, like e-David, are currently unable to create precise strokes in their paintings. We present a method to analyse given brushstrokes and extract their trajectory and width using a brush behaviour model and photographs of strokes painted by humans. Within the process, the robot experiments autonomously with different brush trajectories to improve the reproduction results, which are precise within a few millimetres for strokes up to 100 millimetres length. The method can be generalised to other robotic tasks with imprecise tools and visible results, like polishing or milling.
Exponentially Harmonic Maps into Spheres
Authors: Dragomir Sorin , Esposito Francesco
Published: November 2018

We study smooth exponentially harmonic maps from a compact, connected, orientable Riemannian manifold M into a sphere S m ⊂ R m + 1 . Given a codimension two totally geodesic submanifold Σ ⊂ S m , we show that every nonconstant exponentially harmonic map ϕ : M → S m either meets or links Σ . If H 1 ( M , Z ) = 0 then ϕ ( M ) ∩ Σ ≠ ∅ .
The Next Generation Cognitive Security Operations Center: Network Flow Forensics Using Cybersecurity Intelligence
Authors: Demertzis Konstantinos , Kikiras Panayiotis , Tziritas Nikos , Sanchez Salvador Llopis , Iliadis Lazaros
Published: November 2018

A Security Operations Center (SOC) can be defined as an organized and highly skilled team that uses advanced computer forensics tools to prevent, detect and respond to cybersecurity incidents of an organization. The fundamental aspects of an effective SOC is related to the ability to examine and analyze the vast number of data flows and to correlate several other types of events from a cybersecurity perception. The supervision and categorization of network flow is an essential process not only for the scheduling, management, and regulation of the network’s services, but also for attacks identification and for the consequent forensics’ investigations. A serious potential disadvantage of the traditional software solutions used today for computer network monitoring, and specifically for the instances of effective categorization of the encrypted or obfuscated network flow, which enforces the rebuilding of messages packets in sophisticated underlying protocols, is the requirements of computational resources. In addition, an additional significant inability of these software packages is they create high false positive rates because they are deprived of accurate predicting mechanisms. For all the reasons above, in most cases, the traditional software fails completely to recognize unidentified vulnerabilities and zero-day exploitations. This paper proposes a novel intelligence driven Network Flow Forensics Framework (NF3) which uses low utilization of computing power and resources, for the Next Generation Cognitive Computing SOC (NGC2SOC) that rely solely on advanced fully automated intelligence methods. It is an effective and accurate Ensemble Machine Learning forensics tool to Network Traffic Analysis, Demystification of Malware Traffic and Encrypted Traffic Identification.
A Model Free Control Based on Machine Learning for Energy Converters in an Array
Authors: Thomas Simon , Giassi Marianna , Eriksson Mikael , Göteman Malin , Isberg Jan , Ransley Edward , Hann Martyn , Engström Jens
Published: November 2018

This paper introduces a machine learning based control strategy for energy converter arrays designed to work under realistic conditions where the optimal control parameter can not be obtained analytically. The control strategy neither relies on a mathematical model, nor does it need a priori information about the energy medium. Therefore several identical energy converters are arranged so that they are affected simultaneously by the energy medium. Each device uses a different control strategy, of which at least one has to be the machine learning approach presented in this paper. During operation all energy converters record the absorbed power and control output; the machine learning device gets the data from the converter with the highest power absorption and so learns the best performing control strategy for each situation. Consequently, the overall network has a better overall performance than each individual strategy. This concept is evaluated for wave energy converters (WECs) with numerical simulations and experiments with physical scale models in a wave tank. In the first of two numerical simulations, the learnable WEC works in an array with four WECs applying a constant damping factor. In the second simulation, two learnable WECs were learning with each other. It showed that in the first test the WEC was able to absorb as much as the best constant damping WEC, while in the second run it could absorb even slightly more. During the physical model test, the ANN showed its ability to select the better of two possible damping coefficients based on real world input data.
New Strategies to Improve Sensorial Quality of White Wines by Wood Contact
Authors: Alañón M. Elena , Díaz-Maroto M. Consuelo , Pérez-Coello M. Soledad
Published: November 2018

Ageing wine is a common practice used in winemaking, since the quality and sensory profile increase due to the extractable compounds coming from wood, by means of barrels or chips. The quantitative and qualitative compounds of the wood depend on the species, its origins and the treatments applied in cooperages. Traditionally, oak wood species are most often used in cooperage, specifically Quercus alba (Q. alba), Known as American oak and Quercus robur (Q. robur) and Quercus petraea (Q. petraea), both known as French oak. Although this stage is very common for red wines, its use is still restricted in the case of white wines. However, this topic is particularly interesting, since due to the sensorial benefits of wood contact, the option for ageing white wines in barrels or chips could be chosen by winemakers. This review compiles the novel strategies applied to white wines by means of wood contact in recent years with the aim to increase wine quality and sensorial features.
The German Wine Market: A Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Analysis
Authors: Dressler Marc
Published: November 2018

Even though it is famous for beer, Germany offers one of the most attractive wine markets, exemplified by being the fourth biggest wine consumption market and a world champion in sparkling wine consumption as well as in wine imports. Still, fragmentation, intensive competition, lack of growth, and a changing environment speak to a challenging market for suppliers. In the absence of a comprehensive investigation on the market, this article aspires to deliver an economic and strategic market analysis. The statistical data is therefore complemented by the primary market research, notably online surveys on strategy and innovation, a proprietary database on wineries’ reputation, and an international expert survey on export success factors. The following market study aims to provide a concise overview covering the relevant market data, and to disclose strategic information about the German wine industry beyond pure market statistics. The German wine market, in the stable wine volume sold, shows dynamism underneath “the tip of the iceberg”, with industry specific environmental forces. Indeed, as the wine industry deals with agricultural products of a high emotional utility, players need to address the world of commodities and of differentiation. Structural changes are visible in the drive-out of players. Moreover, diverse and even restricting environmental factors motivate supplier´s innovation. The key is the changing consumer. Adaptive and innovative suppliers seize market opportunities and expand, despite a lack of market growth. Although the overall price level of wine in the German market is comparatively low, a voluminous premium market exists, where consumers search for experience. Sustainability has been gaining ground, and in cases of appealing offerings and strategic profiling, wineries outperform intensive rivalries and are not limited by missing growth perspectives. Expenditures for marketing will further increase, and cost management is indispensable. Success in the German wine business requires an in-depth knowledge of the complex market and its evolution.
Technical Report—Applying Physics and Sensory Sciences to Spirits Nosing Vessel Design to Improve Evaluation Diagnostics and Drinking Enjoyment
Authors: Manska George F.
Published: November 2018

Ethanol is the direct by-product of distillation. The vast majority of straight spirit beverages are bottled at 40%+ ABV (alcohol by volume). Aficionados, critics, spirits judges, and a significant percentage of drinkers choose to drink and evaluate spirits at bottled strength from traditional vessels. Olfactory perceptions are quickly compromised by abundant ethanol, numbing olfactory sensors and severely inhibiting aroma detection during evaluation. Traditional vessel redesigns have concentrated on minor styling changes, ignoring olfactory and physical sciences. Consumers’ continued search for value and quality and increased dependency on spirits competitions as a primary source of ratings emphasizes the need for a functional diagnostic vessel which displays and delivers aromas unobscured by ethanol olfactory numbing. The application of olfactory and physical science creates an engineered tasting vessel which eliminates severe ethanol olfactory numbing, optimizes aroma definition, and significantly improves diagnostics for those who evaluate, judge, rate, distill, and enjoy flavor nuances of spirits.
Point-of-Care Compatibility of Ultra-Sensitive Detection Techniques for the Cardiac Biomarker Troponin I—Challenges and Potential Value
Authors: Regan Brian , O’Kennedy Richard , Collins David
Published: November 2018

Cardiac biomarkers are frequently measured to provide guidance on the well-being of a patient in relation to cardiac health with many assays having been developed and widely utilised in clinical assessment. Effectively treating and managing cardiovascular disease (CVD) relies on swiftly responding to signs of cardiac symptoms, thus providing a basis for enhanced patient management and an overall better health outcome. Ultra-sensitive cardiac biomarker detection techniques play a pivotal role in improving the diagnostic capacity of an assay and thus enabling a better-informed decision. However, currently, the typical approach taken within healthcare depends on centralised laboratories performing analysis of cardiac biomarkers, thus restricting the roll-out of rapid diagnostics. Point-of-care testing (POCT) involves conducting the diagnostic test in the presence of the patient, with a short turnaround time, requiring small sample volumes without compromising the sensitivity of the assay. This technology is ideal for combatting CVD, thus the formulation of ultra-sensitive assays and the design of biosensors will be critically evaluated, focusing on the feasibility of these techniques for point-of-care (POC) integration. Moreover, there are several key factors, which in combination, contribute to the development of ultra-sensitive techniques, namely the incorporation of nanomaterials for sensitivity enhancement and manipulation of labelling methods. This review will explore the latest developments in cardiac biomarker detection, primarily focusing on the detection of cardiac troponin I (cTnI). Highly sensitive detection of cTnI is of paramount importance regarding the rapid rule-in/rule-out of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Thus the challenges encountered during cTnI measurements are outlined in detail to assist in demonstrating the drawbacks of current commercial assays and the obstructions to standardisation. Furthermore, the added benefits of introducing multi-biomarker panels are reviewed, several key biomarkers are evaluated and the analytical benefits provided by multimarkers-based methods are highlighted.
Using Pupillometry to Assess the Atypical Pupillary Light Reflex and LC-NE System in ASD
Authors: Lynch Georgina
Published: November 2018

With recent advances in technology, there has been growing interest in use of eye-tracking and pupillometry to assess the visual pathway in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Within emerging literature, an atypical pupillary light reflex (PLR) has been documented, holding potential for use as a clinical screening biomarker for ASD. This review outlines dominant theories of neuropathology associated with ASD and integrates underlying neuroscience associated with the atypical PLR through a reciprocal model of brainstem involvement and cortical underconnectivity. This review draws from animal models of ASD demonstrating disruption of cranial motor nuclei and brain imaging studies examining arousal and the influence of the locus coeruleus norepinephrine (LC-NE) system on the pupillary response. Pupillometry methods are explained in relation to existing data examining the PLR in ASD and pupillary parameters of constriction latency and tonic pupil diameter as key parameters for investigation. This focused review provides preliminary data toward future work developing pupillometry metrics and offers direction for studies aimed at rigorous study replication using pupillometry with the ASD population. Experimental conditions and testing protocol for capturing pupil parameters with this clinical population are discussed to promote clinical research and translational application.
Network Pharmacology to Unveil the Biological Basis of Health-Strengthening Herbal Medicine in Cancer Treatment
Authors: Zheng Jiahui , Wu Min , Wang Haiyan , Li Shasha , Wang Xin , Li Yan , Wang Dong , Li Shao
Published: November 2018

Health-strengthening (Fu-Zheng) herbs is a representative type of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) widely used for cancer treatment in China, which is in contrast to pathogen eliminating (Qu-Xie) herbs. However, the commonness in the biological basis of health-strengthening herbs remains to be holistically elucidated. In this study, an innovative high-throughput research strategy integrating computational and experimental methods of network pharmacology was proposed, and 22 health-strengthening herbs were selected for the investigation. Additionally, 25 pathogen-eliminating herbs were included for comparison. First, based on network-based, large-scale target prediction, we analyzed the target profiles of 1446 TCM compounds. Next, the actions of 166 compounds on 420 antitumor or immune-related genes were measured using a unique high-throughput screening strategy by high-throughput sequencing, referred to as HTS2. Furthermore, the structural information and the antitumor activity of the compounds in health-strengthening and pathogen-eliminating herbs were compared. Using network pharmacology analysis, we discovered that: (1) Functionally, the predicted targets of compounds from health strengthening herbs were enriched in both immune-related and antitumor pathways, similar to those of pathogen eliminating herbs. As a case study, galloylpaeoniflorin, a compound in a health strengthening herb Radix Paeoniae Alba (Bai Shao), was found to exert antitumor effects both in vivo and in vitro. Yet the inhibitory effects of the compounds from pathogen eliminating herbs on tumor cells proliferation as a whole were significantly stronger than those in health-strengthening herbs (p < 0.001). Moreover, the percentage of assay compounds in health-strengthening herbs with the predicted targets enriched in the immune-related pathways (e.g., natural killer cell mediated cytotoxicity and antigen processing and presentation) were significantly higher than that in pathogen-eliminating herbs (p < 0.05). This finding was supported by the immune-enhancing effects of a group of compounds from health-strengthening herbs indicated by differentially expressed genes in the HTS2 results. (2) Compounds in the same herb may exhibit the same or distinguished mechanisms in cancer treatment, which was demonstrated as the compounds influence pathway gene expressions in the same or opposite directions. For example, acetyl ursolic acid and specnuezhenide in a health-strengthening herb Fructus Ligustri lucidi (Nv Zhen Zi) both upregulated gene expressions in T cell receptor signaling pathway. Together, this study suggested greater potentials in tumor immune microenvironment regulation and tumor prevention than in direct killing tumor cells of health-strengthening herbs generally, and provided a systematic strategy for unveiling the commonness in the biological basis of health-strengthening herbs in cancer treatment.
mTOR Activation in Liver Tumors Is Associated with Metabolic Syndrome and Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis in Both Mouse Models and Humans
Authors: Okuno Takahiro , Kakehashi Anna , Ishii Naomi , Fujioka Masaki , Gi Min , Wanibuchi Hideki
Published: November 2018

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) can cause liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, with final progression to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in some cases. Various factors have been suggested to be involved in the development of NASH. Considering the many possible contributing factors, we postulated that mechanisms of progression from NASH to HCC could differ depending on the risk factors. In the present study, we applied two mouse models of NASH–HCC and performed histopathological and proteome analyses of mouse liver tumors. Furthermore, to compare the mechanisms of NASH–HCC progression in mice and humans, we investigated HCCs in humans with a background of metabolic syndrome and NASH, as well as HCCs associated with hepatitis virus infection by immunohistochemistry. It was demonstrated that upstream regulators associated with the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway were altered in liver tumors of mice with metabolic syndrome characteristics (TSOD mice) using proteome analysis. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that mTOR was characteristically phosphorylated in liver tumors of TSOD mice and HCCs from metabolic syndrome cases in humans. These results indicated that the mTOR pathway is characteristically activated in liver tumors with metabolic syndrome and NASH, unlike liver tumors with other etiologies.
Carbon-Black-Supported Ru Catalysts for the Valorization of Cellulose through Hydrolytic Hydrogenation
Authors: Adsuar-García Maria Dolores , Flores-Lasluisa Jhony Xavier , Azar Fatima Zahra , Román-Martínez M. Carmen
Published: November 2018

The one-pot hydrolytic hydrogenation of cellulose (HHC) with heterogeneous catalysts is an interesting method for the synthesis of fuels and chemicals from a renewable resource like lignocellulosic biomass. Supported metal catalysts are interesting for this application because they can contain the required active sites for the two catalytic steps of the HHC reaction (hydrolysis and hydrogenation). In this work, Ru catalysts have been prepared using a commercial carbon black that has been modified by sulfonation and oxidation treatments with H2SO4 and (NH4)S2O8, respectively, in order to create acidic surface sites. The correlation between the catalysts’ properties and catalytic activity has been addressed after detailed catalyst characterization. The prepared catalysts are active for cellulose conversion, being that prepared with the carbon black treated with sulfuric acid the most selective to sorbitol (above 40%). This good behavior can be mainly explained by the suitable porous structure and surface chemistry of the carbon support together with the low content of residual chlorine.
Recurrent Kawasaki Disease: A Case Report of Three Separate Episodes at >4-Year Intervals
Authors: Goswami Nikita , Marzan Katherine , De Oliveira Elizabeth , Wagner-Lees Sharon , Szmuszkovicz Jacqueline
Published: November 2018

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a self-limited systemic vasculitis, most often occurring in children 1–5 years old. It has a 2% recurrence rate and is associated with coronary aneurysms (CA), which can develop within two weeks of onset. A 25% increased risk is noted in patients who are recalcitrant to treatment. We describe a patient with recurrence of KD three times, approximately four years apart. A 10-year-old female with two previous episodes of KD, at 11 months and five years of age), in which she met five out of five criteria for KD and had no coronary involvement, presented with 15 days of fever, conjunctivitis and mucocutaneous changes. Infectious work-up was negative, and she was diagnosed with incomplete KD meeting three out of five criteria. An echocardiogram (ECHO) on day 12 revealed dilation of the right coronary artery (RCA) and left coronary artery (LCA). Treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and high-dose aspirin was started at an outside hospital. After transfer, serial ECHOs showed evolving coronary aneurysms, left anterior descending (LAD) z-score + 8.2 and RCA z-score + 4.0. She received 10 mg/kg infliximab (day 18) and began clopidogrel. A cardiac MRI (day 20) demonstrated progression of the LAD aneurysm, with a z-score + 13, and warfarin was started. To our knowledge, this is the first report of recurrent KD occurring three times at ~5 year intervals.
A Novel Multi-Risk Assessment Web-Tool for Evaluating Future Impacts of Global Change in Mountainous Areas
Authors: Grandjean Gilles , Thomas Loïc , Bernardie Séverine , The SAMCO Team
Published: November 2018

In our study, we present a proactive decision support tool able to compute the impacts of different possible scenarios for territories impacted by mountain risks. The objective of this work was to develop and test various hazard and risk assessment methods, and to implement them into a web-application platform able to show possible risks induced by global change on ecosystems and society. Four case studies were selected for their representativeness: One located in a Pyrenean valley, others in the French Alps. Methodology addressed several points. The first one was on the identification of the impacts of global environmental changes (climatic situations, land use, and socio-economic systems) on identified hazards. The second one was on the analysis of these impacts in terms of vulnerability (e.g., the places and the physical modifications of impacted stakes, as well as levels of perturbation). The third one was on the integration of developed methodologies in a single coherent framework in order to investigate and map indicators of vulnerability. The last one was on the development of a demonstration platform with GIS (Geographic Information System) capabilities and usable on the web. The architecture and the main features of the web-platform are detailed within several cases for which hazard and impact assessments are evaluated for not only past and present, but also future periods. This web-tool, mostly dedicated to stakeholders, has proven its usefulness to test various socio-economical pathways, because multiple scenarios, considered as probable in inhabited valleys, can be benchmarked, analyzed, and compared.
Investigating the Sanding Process of Medium-Density Fiberboard and Korean Pine for Material Removal and Surface Creation
Authors: Zhang Jian , Ying Junhua , Cheng Feng , Liu Hongguang , Luo Bin , Li Li
Published: November 2018

As an important fine machining method, sanding operation is widely used in most engineered materials. In wood sanding, high material removal rate and surface quality are expected. Clarifying the material deformation in the sanding process is the key to improving sanding efficiency. In this study, a single grit scratching method is used to investigate the material removal and surface creation of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and Korean Pine (Pinus koraiensis Sieb.et Zucc). It is found that there are some differences in the material deformation during scratching Korean Pine and MDF, compared with grinding metals. A mechanism based on the anatomical cavities absorbing effect was proposed to account for the differences. This mechanism helps to explain why tiny, or even no, “pile-up” (like swelling ridges created by the ploughing effect) occurs during scratching Korean Pine, especially in longitudinal direction. MDF as a densified wood composite presented more pile-up and the variation of pile-up ratio was investigated. The porosity and wood grain direction exert great influence on material removal and surface creation in wood sanding. At the rubbing stage, a new method was developed to confirm the elastic spring back effect both in MDF and Korean Pine scratching. The results obtained and the approaches used in this paper could provide insights into the material removal and surface creation research of other wood species and wood composites to finally improve sanding efficiency and surface quality.
Seaweeds as Source of Bioactive Substances and Skin Care Therapy—Cosmeceuticals, Algotheraphy, and Thalassotherapy
Authors: Pereira Leonel
Published: November 2018

Riverine, estuarine, and coastal populations have always used algae in the development of home remedies that were then used to treat diverse health problems. The empirical knowledge of various generations originated these applications, and their mechanism of action is, in most cases, unknown, that is, few more scientific studies would have been described beyond simple collection and ethnographic recording. Nevertheless, recent investigations, carried out with the purpose of analyzing the components and causes that alter the functioning and the balance of our organism, are already giving their first results. Water, and especially sea water is considered as essential to life on our planet. It sings all the substances necessary and conducive to the development of the living being (minerals, catalysts, vitamins, amino acids, etc.). Oceans cover over 70% of Earth, being home to up to 90% of the organisms in the planet. Many rich resources and unique environments are provided by the ocean. Additionally, bioactive compounds that multiple marine organisms have a great potential to produce can be used as nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and cosmeceuticals. Both primary and secondary metabolites are produced by algae. The first ones are directly implicated in development, normal growth, or reproduction conditions to perform physiological functions. Stress conditions, like temperature changes, salinity, environmental pollutants, or UV radiation exposure cause the performance of secondary metabolites. In algae, proteins, polysaccharides, fatty acids, and amino acids are primary metabolites and phenolic compounds, pigments, vitamins, sterols, and other bioactive agents, all produced in algae tissues, are secondary metabolites. These algal active constituents have direct relevance in cosmetics.
DOPS Adjuvant Confers Enhanced Protection against Malaria for VLP-TRAP Based Vaccines
Authors: Cabral-Miranda Gustavo , M. Salman Ahmed , O. Mohsen Mona , L. Storni Federico , S. Roesti Elisa , A. Skinner Murray , D. Heath Matthew , F. Kramer Matthias , M. Khan Shahid , J. Janse Chris , V. S. Hill Adrian , F. Bachmann Martin
Published: November 2018

Vaccination remains the most effective and essential prophylactic tool against infectious diseases. Enormous efforts have been made to develop effective vaccines against malaria but successes remain so far limited. Novel adjuvants may offer a significant advantage in the development of malaria vaccines, in particular if combined with inherently immunogenic platforms, such as virus-like particles (VLP). Dioleoyl phosphatidylserine (DOPS), which is expressed on the outer surface of apoptotic cells, represents a novel adjuvant candidate that may confer significant advantage over existing adjuvants, such as alum. In the current study we assessed the potential of DOPS to serve as an adjuvant in the development of a vaccine against malaria either alone or combined with VLP using Plasmodium falciparum thrombospondin-related adhesive protein (TRAP) as a target antigen. TRAP was chemically coupled to VLPs derived from the cucumber mosaic virus fused to a universal T cell epitope of tetanus toxin (CuMVtt). Mice were immunized with TRAP alone or formulated in alum or DOPS and compared to TRAP coupled to CuMVtt formulated in PBS or DOPS. Induced immune responses, in particular T cell responses, were assessed as the major protective effector cell population induced by TRAP. The protective capacity of the various formulations was assessed using a transgenic Plasmodium berghei expressing PfTRAP. All vaccine formulations using adjuvants and/or VLP increased humoral and T cell immunogenicity for PfTRAP compared to the antigen alone. Display on VLPs, in particular if formulated with DOPS, induced the strongest and most protective immune response. Thus, the combination of VLP with DOPS may harness properties of both immunogenic components and optimally enhance induction of protective immune responses.
Power Transformer Diagnostics, Monitoring and Design Features
Authors: Fofana Issouf , Hadjadj Yazid
Published: November 2018

The reliability of the power grid system directly contributes to the economic well-being and the quality of life of citizens in any country. [...]
The Soil Water Condition of a Typical Agroforestry System under the Policy of Northwest China
Authors: Zhang Jing , Wang Li , Su Jingyuan
Published: November 2018

The number of mixed cropland—apple orchard system has gradually increased in the Changwu Tableland region of the Loess Plateau, China. However, the soil water content (SWC) is not sufficient to maintain the sustainable development of apple trees in this agroforestry system. It is unclear whether the growing fruit trees would compete with crops for soil water. To systematically analyze the temporal and spatial distribution of soil moisture and to understand the effect of orchard hydrology in that cropland, the SWC was measured at different depths at different locations on cropland and in an apple orchard. The results show that: (1) The SWC of each soil layer in the cropland (0–20, 20–60, 60–100, 100–200, 200–300 cm) is higher than that of the orchard. The soil moisture changes dramatically in the 0–200 cm soil layer. (2) As the soil moisture monitoring distance from the apple orchard increases, the SWC gradually increases, the loss of soil water storage gradually decreases, and the drying effect gradually disappears. This is related to the different distribution ranges of the roots of apple trees and crops. Therefore, the government should control the proportion of the orchard and cropland, and then adjust the planting period of the orchard in the appropriate range to keep the green use of water in the region.
Why the Armenian Genocide Lives in Me
Authors: Erysian Barbara
Published: November 2018

Little has been taught about the Armenian Genocide of 1915 when approximately 1.5 million Armenians were brutally slaughtered. Moreover, the events are still being denied today. Community College Math Professor Barbara Erysian, an unlikely candidate to tell the story, carries the memories and sorrow of her people. She has dedicated herself to telling the story of how her grandmother survived the genocide. The story, repeatedly told to her as a child, is very much a part of her identity. Her essay describes some of the terrors of 1915. She believes the memory and pain of the Armenian Genocide must be told so that these crimes are never forgotten.
Host Tree Identity Influences Leaf Nutrient Relations of the Epiphyte Dendrobium guamense Ames.
Authors: Marler Thomas E.
Published: November 2018

Epiphytic orchid species grow in stressful conditions that include nutrient deficiency. A greater understanding of the factors that influence epiphytic orchid nutrition may benefit conservationists and horticulturists. Green and senesced leaf nutrient concentrations of the epiphytic Dendrobium guamense were quantified among six host tree species to more fully understand the role of contrasting host identity. Green leaves for D. guamense plants on species with vertical stems contained greater nitrogen, calcium, iron, manganese, zinc, and boron concentrations. Green leaves for D. guamense plants on species with horizontal stems contained greater phosphorus, magnesium, and copper concentrations. Senesced D. guamense leaves followed similar patterns among the host species for all elements except calcium, manganese, and boron. The stoichiometry among green leaf macronutrients indicated nitrogen was most limiting, and the limitation was more severe for plants on horizontal stems. Carbon:nitrogen of senesced leaves indicated D. guamense plants on vertical stems produced higher quality leaf litter, predicting slower decomposition of orchid leaf litter from plants growing on hosts with horizontal stems. The results may improve horticultural decisions to support conservation efforts and show that host identity is a variable that should be more fully studied to understand epiphyte biology.
Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium and Escherichia coli Survival in Estuarine Bank Sediments
Authors: Siddiqee Mahbubul H. , Henry Rebekah , Coulthard Rebecca , Schang Christelle , Williamson Richard , Coleman Rhys , Rooney Graham , Deletic Ana , McCarthy David
Published: November 2018

Estuarine bank sediments have the potential to support the survival and growth of fecal indicator organisms, including Escherichia coli. However, survival of fecal pathogens in estuarine sediments is not well researched and therefore remains a significant knowledge gap regarding public health risks in estuaries. In this study, simultaneous survival of Escherichia coli and a fecal pathogen, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, was studied for 21 days in estuarine bank sediment microcosms. Observed growth patterns for both organisms were comparable under four simulated scenarios; for continuous-desiccation, extended-desiccation, periodic-inundation, and continuous-inundation systems, logarithmic decay coefficients were 1.54/day, 1.51/day, 0.14/day, and 0.20/day, respectively, for E. coli, and 1.72/day, 1.64/day, 0.21/day, and 0.24/day for S. Typhimurium. Re-wetting of continuous-desiccated systems resulted in potential re-growth, suggesting survival under moisture-limited conditions. Key findings from this study include: (i) Bank sediments can potentially support human pathogens (S. Typhimurium), (ii) inundation levels influence the survival of fecal bacteria in estuarine bank sediments, and (iii) comparable survival rates of S. Typhimurium and E. coli implies the latter could be a reliable fecal indicator in urban estuaries. The results from this study will help select suitable monitoring and management strategies for safer recreational activities in urban estuaries.
Water Regime Evolution of Large Seasonal Lakes: Indicators for Characterization and an Application in Poyang Lake, China
Authors: Huang Feng , Yan Bo , Zhang Xiao , Zhao Dayong , Guo Lidan , Wang Yuankun , Xia Ziqiang
Published: November 2018

Impacted by ongoing climate change and anthropogenic activities, large seasonal lakes experience water regime evolution, which raises challenges for the management of water resources and environment. The water regime evolution refers to the spatial and temporal alterations in the hydrological features of lakes. Characterizing the lake water regime and its alteration may help policymakers design effective adaption strategies. Therefore, total 47 hydrological indicators were proposed, considering intra-annual fluctuations, flood and drought features, and rate and frequency of water level variations. Combined with Mann-Kendall algorithm and Sen’s slope, the indicators were applied in Poyang Lake, a typically large seasonal lake in China, as a case study. The results revealed temporal and spatial variations in different hydrological indicators. The most dramatic alteration was the water level decline in October and November over the entire study phase, especially over the past 30 years. This was an urgent environmental problem that Poyang Lake faced, partially caused by the increased hydraulic gradient between southern and northern lake. It could trigger the drought occurring earlier, prolong the drought duration, and impair the wetland ecosystem. Environmental water requirements of both Poyang Lake and Yangtze River were suggested for regional sustainable development. The application in Poyang Lake showed the practicability and reliability of the indicators, which are applicable in international seasonal lakes. The series of indicators can be used in whole or in part, determined by the ecohydrological characters of a specific lake and the research objectives.
The Association between Children’s and Parents’ Co-TV Viewing and Their Total Screen Time in Six European Countries: Cross-Sectional Data from the Feel4diabetes-Study
Authors: Latomme Julie , Van Stappen Vicky , Cardon Greet , Morgan Philip J. , Lateva Mina , Chakarova Nevena , Kivelä Jemina , Lindström Jaana , Androutsos Odysseas , González-Gil Esther M. , De Miguel-Etayo Pilar , Nánási Anna , Kolozsvári László R. , Manios Yannis , De Craemer Marieke
Published: November 2018

In many European children, high levels of screen time can be found, which is associated with several adverse health outcomes. Therefore, there is a need for identifying effective intervention strategies that reduce screen time in children. A factor that may contribute to excessive screen time in children may be “co-TV viewing” (i.e., the time that parents and children spend on watching TV together), as parents often recognize the importance of limiting children’s (individual) screen time, but often encourage TV viewing as a family because of its perceived benefits (e.g., educational purposes). The primary aim of this study was to investigate the (sex-specific) association between co-TV viewing and both children’s and parents’ screen time, and these associations were investigated across and within six European countries. In total, 10,969 parents (Meanage = 40.7 ± 5.3 years, MeanBMI = 24.4 ± 4.6) of primary school children (Meanage = 8.2 ± 1.0 years, 49.0% boys, MeanBMI = 17.3 ± 2.8) completed a questionnaire assessing co-TV viewing and screen time. Multilevel regression analyses were conducted. Across countries, positive associations were found between co-TV viewing and both children’s (β = 11.85, SE = 3.69, p < 0.001) and parents’ screen time (β = 14.47, SE = 4.43, p = 0.001). Similar associations were found in most (but not all) countries. The results suggest that targeting co-TV viewing might be a promising intervention strategy because of its potential to limit screen time of both children and parents.