bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carnosine Supplementation Improves Serum Resistin Concentrations in Overweight or Obese Otherwise Healthy Adults: A Pilot Randomized Trial
Authors: Baye Estifanos , Ukropec Jozef , De Courten Maximilian P. J. , Mousa Aya , Kurdiova Timea , Johnson Josphin , Wilson Kirsty , Plebanski Magdalena , Aldini Giancarlo , Ukropcova Barbara , De Courten Barbora
Published: September 2018

Adipokines play an important role in the regulation of glucose metabolism. We have previously shown that carnosine supplementation in overweight or obese non-diabetic individuals improves glucose metabolism but does not change adiponectin concentrations. However, its effect on other adipokines has not been investigated. Herein we further determined the effect of carnosine supplementation on serum adipsin, resistin and leptin. Twenty-two overweight or obese otherwise healthy adults were randomly assigned to receive either 2 g of carnosine (n = 13) or identically looking placebo (n = 9) for 12 weeks. Serum adipsin, leptin and resistin were analyzed using a bead-based multiplex assay. Carnosine supplementation decreased serum resistin concentrations compared to placebo (mean change from baseline: −35 ± 83 carnosine vs. 35 ± 55 ng/mL placebo, p = 0.04). There was a trend for a reduction in serum leptin concentrations after carnosine supplementation (−76 ± 165 ng/mL carnosine vs. 20 ± 28 ng/mL placebo, p = 0.06). The changes in leptin and resistin concentrations were inversely related to the change in concentration for urinary carnosine (r = −0.72, p = 0.0002; r = −0.67, p = 0.0009, respectively), carnosine-propanal (r = −0.56, p = 0.005; r = −0.63, p = 0.001, respectively) and carnosine-propanol (r = −0.61, p = 0.002; r = −0.60, p = 0.002, respectively). There were no differences between groups in change in adipsin concentrations. Our findings show carnosine supplementation may normalize some, but not all, of the serum adipokine concentrations involved in glucose metabolism, in overweight and obese individuals. Further clinical trials with larger samples are needed to confirm these results.
Low-Calorie Beverage Consumption, Diet Quality and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in British Adults
Authors: Patel Linia , Alicandro Gianfranco , La Vecchia Carlo
Published: September 2018

Low-calorie beverages (LCBs) are promoted as healthy alternatives to sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs); however, their effects on diet quality and cardiometabolic profile are debatable. This study aimed to verify the association between LCB consumption, diet quality and cardiometabolic risk factors in British adults. Data analysis from 5521 subjects aged 16 and older who participated in two waves of the National Diet and Nutrition Survey Rolling Programme (2008–2012 and 2013–2014) was carried out. Compared with SSB consumption, LCB consumption was associated with lower energy (mean difference: −173 kcal, 95% confidence interval, CI: −212; −133) and free sugar intake (−5.6% of energy intake, 95% CI: −6.1; −5.1), while intake of other nutrients was not significantly different across groups. The % difference in sugar intake was more pronounced among the young (16–24 years) (−7.3 of energy intake, 95% CI: −8.6; −5.9). The odds of not exceeding the UK-recommended free sugar intake were remarkably higher in the LCB as compared to the SSB group (OR: 9.4, 95% CI: 6.5–13.6). No significant differences were observed in plasma glucose, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL or triglycerides. Our findings suggest that LCBs are associated with lower free sugar intake without affecting the intake of other macronutrients or negatively impacting cardiometabolic risk factors.
Iontophoretic Transdermal Delivery of Human Growth Hormone (hGH) and the Combination Effect of a New Type Microneedle, Tappy Tok Tok®
Authors: Noh Gyubin , Keum Taekwang , Seo Jo-Eun , Bashyal Santosh , Eum Nyeon-Sik , Kweon Min Jung , Lee Sooyeun , Sohn Dong Hwan , Lee Sangkil
Published: September 2018

Transdermal drug administration presents several advantages and it is therefore favorable as an alternative drug delivery route. However, transdermal delivery of biopharmaceutical drugs is made difficult by the skin barrier. Microneedle application and iontophoresis are strategies which can be used to overcome this barrier. Therefore, recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) was used as a model macromolecular drug and was transdermally delivered using microneedle application and iontophoresis. Methylene blue staining, stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging were used to characterize the microchannels produced. To optimize the iontophoresis protocol, the effects of molecular charge and current density on transdermal delivery were evaluated in an in vitro permeation study using excised rat skin tissues. Using the optimized iontophoresis protocol, the combination effects of iontophoretic delivery via microchannels were evaluated in three different experimental designs. The flux obtained with anodal iontophoresis in citrate buffer was approximately 10-fold higher that that with cathodal iontophoresis in phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Flux also increased with current density in anodal iontophoresis. The combination of iontophoresis and microneedle application produced higher flux than single application. These results suggest that anodal iontophoresis with higher current density enhances the permeation of macromolecules through microchannels created by microneedles. In conclusion, the combination of iontophoresis and microneedles is a potential strategy for the enhancement of transdermal delivery of macromolecular drugs.
Conducting Copper(I/II)-Metallopolymer for the Electrocatalytic Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) with High Kinetic Current Density
Authors: Elmas Sait , Beelders Wesley , Pan Xun , Nann Thomas
Published: September 2018

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is still the most research-intensive aspect of a fuel cell. The sluggish kinetics of the electrocatalysts toward the ORR requires large amounts of platinum to be used as cathode material, which calls for alternatives to replace or minimize the amount of the noble metals used. This study describes the synthesis and complete characterization of a copper metallopolymer (Cu MP) based on a conducting polymer (CP) and single-site catalytic centers for the electrocatalytic ORR. The copper (II) catalyst, embedded in a redox-active and conducting polymeric environment, was pursued as a potential candidate to replace noble metals in fuel cell applications. Performance studies at a rotating disk electrode (RDE) showed that the metallopolymer exhibited a direct four-electron reduction at potentials between −150 and −350 mV vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) and high kinetic current densities of over 22.62 mA/cm2. The kinetic current densities obtained at the Cu MP electrode outperformed most of the reported state-of-the art electrocatalysts toward the ORR. Further analysis of the Cu/CP hybrid revealed the copper being largely reduced to the oxidation state +I.
Forest Variable Estimation Using a High Altitude Single Photon Lidar System
Authors: Wästlund André , Holmgren Johan , Lindberg Eva , Olsson Håkan
Published: September 2018

As part of the digitalization of the forest planning process, 3D remote sensing data is an important data source. However, the demand for more detailed information with high temporal resolution and yet still being cost efficient is a challenging combination for the systems used today. A new lidar technology based on single photon counting has the possibility to meet these needs. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the new single photon lidar sensor Leica SPL100 for area-based forest variable estimations. In this study, it was found that data from the new system, operated from 3800 m above ground level, could be used for raster cell estimates with similar or slightly better accuracy than a linear system, with similar point density, operated from 400 m above ground level. The new single photon counting lidar sensor shows great potential to meet the need for efficient collection of detailed information, due to high altitude, flight speed and pulse repetition rate. Further research is needed to improve the method for extraction of information and to investigate the limitations and drawbacks with the technology. The authors emphasize solar noise filtering in forest environments and the effect of different atmospheric conditions, as interesting subjects for further research.
Assessing L-Band GNSS-Reflectometry and Imaging Radar for Detecting Sub-Canopy Inundation Dynamics in a Tropical Wetlands Complex
Authors: Jensen Katherine , McDonald Kyle , Podest Erika , Rodriguez-Alvarez Nereida , Horna Viviana , Steiner Nicholas
Published: September 2018

Despite the growing number of remote-sensing products from satellite sensors, mapping of the combined spatial distribution and temporal variability of inundation in tropical wetlands remains challenging. An emerging innovative approach is offered by Global Navigation Satellite System reflectometry (GNSS-R), a concept that takes advantage of GNSS-transmitting satellites and independent radar receivers to provide bistatic radar observations of Earth’s surface with large-scale coverage. The objective of this paper is to assess the capability of spaceborne GNSS reflections to characterize surface inundation dynamics in a complex wetlands environment in the Peruvian Amazon with respect to current state-of-the-art methods. This study examines contemporaneous ALOS2 PALSAR-2 L-band imaging radar, CYGNSS GNSS reflections, and ground measurements to assess associated advantages and challenges to mapping inundation dynamics, particularly in regions under dense tropical forest canopies. Three derivatives of CYGNSS Delay-Doppler maps (1) peak signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), (2) leading edge slope, and (3) trailing edge slope, demonstrated statistically significant logarithmic relationships with estimated flooded area percentages determined from SAR, with SNR exhibiting the strongest association. Aggregated Delay-Doppler maps SNR time series data examined for inundated regions undetected by imaging radar suggests GNSS-R exhibits a potentially greater sensitivity to inundation state beneath dense forest canopies relative to SAR. Results demonstrate the capability for mapping extent and dynamic wetlands ecosystems in complex tropical landscapes, alone or in combination with other remote-sensing techniques such as those based on imaging radar, contributing to enhanced mapping of these regions. However, several aspects of GNSS-R observations such as noise level, spatial resolution, and signal coherence need to be further examined.
Mode-Splitting for Refractive Index Sensing in Fluorescent Whispering Gallery Mode Microspheres with Broken Symmetry
Authors: Kang Yvonne Q. , François Alexandre , Riesen Nicolas , Monro Tanya M.
Published: September 2018

Whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonators have become increasingly diverse in terms of both architecture and applications, especially as refractometric sensors, allowing for unprecedented levels of sensitivity. However, like every refractometric sensor, a single WGM resonator cannot distinguish temperature variations from changes in the refractive index of the surrounding environment. Here, we investigate how breaking the symmetry of an otherwise perfect fluorescent microsphere, by covering half of the resonator with a high-refractive-index (RI) glue, might enable discrimination of changes in temperature from variations in the surrounding refractive index. This novel approach takes advantage of the difference of optical pathway experienced by WGMs circulating in different equatorial planes of a single microsphere resonator, which induces mode-splitting. We investigated the influence of the surrounding RI of the microsphere on mode-splitting through an evaluation of the sphere’s WGM spectrum and quality factor (Q-factor). Our results reveal that the magnitude of the mode-splitting increases as the refractive index contrast between the high-refractive-index (RI) glue and the surrounding environment increases, and that when they are equal no mode-splitting can be seen. Investigating the refractive index sensitivity of the individual sub modes resulting from the mode-splitting unveils a new methodology for RI sensing, and enables discrimination between surrounding refractive index changes and temperature changes, although it comes at the cost of an overall reduced refractive index sensitivity.
PEDOT:PSS-Based Temperature-Detection Thread for Wearable Devices
Authors: Lee Jin-Woo , Han Dong-Cheul , Shin Han-Jae , Yeom Se-Hyeok , Ju Byeong-Kwon , Lee Wanghoon
Published: September 2018

In this research, we developed a wearable temperature-sensing element by dip dyeing threads in poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) (p-type conducting polymer) solution. The PEDOT:PSS was used to dye the textile and it exhibited negative temperature coefficient characteristics in which the resistance decreases as the temperature increases. The fabricated temperature-detection thread achieved a sensitivity of 167.1 Ω/°C with 99.8% linearity in the temperature range of −50 °C to 80 °C. We anticipate that temperature sensors that apply our technology will be made as stitch- or textile-type for wearable devices, and they will be widely adopted for different applications such as in fitness, leisure, healthcare, medical treatment, infotainment, industry, and military applications, among others.
A Novel Tri-Axial MEMS Gyroscope Calibration Method over a Full Temperature Range
Authors: Yang Haotian , Zhou Bin , Wang Lixin , Xing Haifeng , Zhang Rong
Published: September 2018

The micro-electro-mechanical inertial measurement unit (MEMS-IMU) has gradually become a research hotspot in the field of mid-low navigation, because of its advantages of low cost, small size, light weight, and low power consumption (CSWap). However, the performance of MEMS-IMUs can be severely degraded when subjected to temperature changes, especially gyroscopes. In order to make full use of the navigation accuracy, this paper proposes an optimized error calibration method for a tri-axial MEMS gyroscope across a full temperature range. First of all, a calibration error model is established which includes package misalignment error, sensor-to-sensor non-orthogonality error, scale factor, and bias. Then, a simple three-position positive/reversed test is undertaken by carrying out a single-axis temperature-controlled turntable at different reference temperature points. Lastly, the error compensation vector is obtained using the least squares method to establish an error matrix. It is worth mentioning that the error compensation vector at a known temperature point can be calculated through Lagrange interpolation; then, the outputs of the tri-axial MEMS gyroscope can be well compensated, eliminating the need for a recalibration step. The experimental results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method, which is feasible and operational in engineering applications, and has a certain reference value.
Potential Gastroprotective Activity of Rice Bran (Oryza sativa L.) Extracted by Ionic Liquid-Microwave-Assisted Extraction against Ethanol-Induced Acute Gastric Ulcers in Rat Model
Authors: Trinovita Elsa , Chany Saputri Fadlina , Mun’im Abdul
Published: September 2018

The presence of gamma-oryzanol in rice bran oil can be 10–20-fold higher than tocopherol and tocotrienol. Gamma-oryzanol has various pharmacological properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of rice bran extract as a gastroprotective in reducing lesions in ethanol-induced acute gastric ulcer models in rat, using the ionic liquid-microwave-assisted extraction (IL-MAE) method. Rice bran extract was obtained using the IL-MAE method with ionic liquid (IL), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate [BMIM]BF4 (concentration 0.7 M), and a ratio of solid/liquid of 15 g/mL, 15 min extraction time, and 10% microwave power. The rats were pretreated with rice bran extract at different doses (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight; BW) for seven days and subsequently exposed to acute gastric lesions induced by 80% ethanol. Omeprazole (36 mg/kg BW) was used as a standard anti-ulcer drug. The ulcer index, gastric juice acidity, and mucus levels were measured to assess the degree of gastroprotection. The results showed that the oral administration of rice bran extract at a dose of 400 mg/kg BW significantly inhibited the development of ulcer formation by 66.75% and reduced gastric acid levels. Moreover, gamma oryzanol and omeprazole protected the gastric mucosa from ethanol-induced gastric lesions by increasing the level of gastric mucus. Rice bran extract is effective as a gastroprotective therapy sourced from natural ingredients in treating the incidence of gastric ulcers. Most likely, this is related to gamma oryzanol as a bioactive compound contained in rice bran (Oryza sativa L.).
The Effect of Lease Accounting on Credit Rating and Cost of Debt: Evidence from Firms in Korea
Authors: Park Younghee , Na Kyunga
Published: September 2018

This study examines the effect of capital lease and operating lease options in accounting on credit ratings and the cost of debt using data for 13 years (2001 to 2013) on 6133 listed and unlisted domestic firms in Korea that recognize leases on financial statements. We use the Heckman two-stage model to control for sample selection bias from lease selection. The first stage is the probit regression in which the dependent variable is a dummy variable on the lease selection and the explanatory variables are factors known to affect lease selection. The second stage consists of the ordered probit regression model and the ordinary least square regression model where the dependent variables are credit rating and cost of debt, respectively. The results show that lease selection does not significantly affect corporate credit ratings—however, in terms of the cost of debt, enterprises that adopt operating leases spend considerably less than firms that engage in capital leases. Further analysis suggests that the results for credit ratings do not differ by listing status. However, the cost of debt for listed companies does not seem to differ by lease selection, while unlisted firms see a sharp decline in their cost of debt when they choose operating leases over capital leases.
Short-Term Wind Power Forecasting: A New Hybrid Model Combined Extreme-Point Symmetric Mode Decomposition, Extreme Learning Machine and Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Zhou Jianguo , Yu Xuechao , Jin Baoling
Published: September 2018

The nonlinear and non-stationary nature of wind power creates a difficult challenge for the stable operation of the power system when it accesses the grid. Improving the prediction accuracy of short-term wind power is beneficial to the power system dispatching department in formulating a power generation plan, reducing the rotation reserve capacity and improving the safety and reliability of the power grid operation. This paper has constructed a new hybrid model, named the ESMD-PSO-ELM model, which combines Extreme-point symmetric mode decomposition (ESMD), Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) and Particle swarm optimization (PSO). Firstly, the ESMD is applied to decompose wind power into several intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) and one residual(R). Then, the PSO-ELM is applied to predict each IMF and R. Finally, the predicted values of these components are assembled into the final forecast value compared with the original wind power. To verify the predictive performance of the proposed model, this paper selects actual wind power data from 1 April 2016 to 30 April 2016 with a total of 2880 observation values located in Yunnan, China for the experimental sample. The MAPE, NMAE and NRMSE values of the proposed model are 4.76, 2.23 and 2.70, respectively, and these values are lower than those of the other eight models. The empirical study demonstrates that the proposed model is more robust and accurate in forecasting short-term wind power compared with the other eight models.
Risk Scenario Generation Based on Importance Measure Analysis
Authors: Pan Xing , Hu Lunhu , Xin Ziling , Zhou Shenghan , Lin Yanmei , Wu Yong
Published: September 2018

A risk scenario is a combination of risk events that may result in system failure. Risk scenario analysis is an important part of system risk assessment and avoidance. In engineering activity-based systems, important risk scenarios are related to important events. Critical activities, meanwhile, mean risk events that may result in system failure. This article proposes these definitions of risk event and risk scenario based on the characteristics of risk in engineering activity-based systems. Under the proposed definitions, a risk scenario framework generated based on importance measure analysis is given, in which critical activities analysis, risk event identification, and risk scenario generation are the three main parts. Important risk events are identified according to activities’ uncertain importance measure and important risk scenarios are generated on the basis of a system’s critical activities analysis. In the risk scenario generation process based on importance analysis, the importance degrees of network activities are ranked to identify the subject of risk events, so that risk scenarios can be combined and generated by risk events and the importance of scenarios is analyzed. Critical activities are analyzed by Taguchi tolerance design, mathematical analysis, and Monte Carlo simulation methods. Then the degrees of uncertain importance measure of activities are solved by the three methods and these results are compared. The comparison results in the example show that the proposed method of uncertain importance measure is very effective for distinguishing the importance level of activities in systems. The calculation and simulation results also verify that the risk events composed of critical activities can generate risk scenarios.
Development of an Ex-Ante Sustainability Assessment Methodology for Municipal Solid Waste Management Innovations
Authors: Wang Jing , Maier Stephanie , Horn Rafael , Holländer Robert , Aschemann Ralf
Published: September 2018

Various municipal solid waste management (MSWM) innovations have emerged in developing countries in face of the challenges posed by increasing waste generation and poor MSWM practice. We present a methodology to assess the potential sustainability impact of MSWM innovations in a holistic manner. The Life Cycle Sustainability Analysis (LCSA) framework and the United Nations (UN) sustainable development goals (SDGs) facilitated the methodology development. The result of applying the methodology to the case of waste bank (WB) in Bandung City shows that WB potentially generates the greatest sustainability impact in the resource recovery phase and the smallest impact in the collection and final disposal phase. All negative impacts could arise in the economic dimension. Surprisingly, WB as a national strategy to achieve 3Rs would not effectively solve Bandung City’s landfill problem. Almost all SDGs would benefit from the WB program under the assumed conditions. This methodology will facilitate the decision-making in MSWM by (1) comparing available innovations to find the optimal solution, (2) identifying the hot spots and taking measures to combat the negative impacts, (3) providing the basis for monitoring the implementation process and the ex-post performance assessment.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Investment in Human Capital in E-Business Enterprise in the Context of Sustainability
Authors: Kucharčíková Alžbeta , Mičiak Martin , Hitka Miloš
Published: September 2018

The enterprises operating in the e-business area represent an example of a sustainable entrepreneurship. These enterprises belong to those for which the people are the most valuable assets. Human capital management (HCM) represents a modern concept of people management that is based on the business strategy. Via measurement and assessment of the effectiveness of the utilization of human capital and effectiveness of investment in its development, this concept leads to the increase of performance and competitiveness of the enterprise within the context of sustainability. As part of the questionnaire survey, we found that enterprises in Slovakia have little use of the HCM concept. Despite the fact that they consider investing in education or training as the main form of investment in human capital, they do not evaluate the effectiveness of this investment in practice. By analyzing foreign studies, we have found that e-business enterprises consider IT education to be very important for their performance, competitiveness, and sustainability. The aim of the article is to explain the nature of HCM and to propose an approach to assess the effectiveness of investment in education as a part of the HCM process. Implementation of the approach was implemented in a fast-growing medium-sized IT and e-business enterprise where education is mainly implemented in the IT field. We also used an internal enterprise data analysis. The proposed example of HCM implementation in the part of evaluating the effectiveness of investment in education and the article can serve as a theoretical and practical aid to human resources managers in implementing the HCM concept.
Analysing the Institutional Setting of Local Renewable Energy Planning and Implementation in the EU: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Lammers Imke , Hoppe Thomas
Published: September 2018

Due to the liberalisation of the European Union’s (EU) electricity sector, stakeholders’ roles and responsibilities in local energy planning and implementation are not well-defined in legislation anymore. To investigate what local energy planning and implementation processes look like in the post-liberalisation era we conduct a systematic literature review by addressing the question ‘which institutional settings of local renewable energy planning and implementation in the EU’s post-liberalisation area has prior empirical research identified?’ For this systematic analysis we conceptualised the analytic concept ‘action situation’ (as developed by Elinor Ostrom), from an energy governance and energy policy perspective. The literature review was conducted in two cycles: A systematic database search and snowballing. Four clusters of search terms were used to search two databases. The selected articles were coded using Atlas.ti. Our in-depth qualitative analysis revealed the institutional arrangements used in the reported local energy planning processes were found to not be ideal for the introduction of renewable energy technologies. No type of actor group seems actively to support the realisation of renewable energy projects. Moreover, a high dependence on financial subsidies was found. These results are useful for practitioners and policy-makers as they show which possibilities and limitations stakeholders encounter in the changed level playing field of local energy planning. The article also presents propositions for future research.
White-Tailed Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) Die-Off Due to Infection with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus, Subtype H5N8, in Germany
Authors: Krone Oliver , Globig Anja , Ulrich Reiner , Harder Timm , Schinköthe Jan , Herrmann Christof , Gerst Sascha , Conraths Franz J. , Beer Martin
Published: September 2018

In contrast to previous incursions of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAIV) H5 viruses, H5N8 clade 2.3.4.4b viruses caused numerous cases of lethal infections in white-tailed sea eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla) affecting mainly young eagles (younger than five years of age) in Germany during winter 2016/2017. Until April 2017, 17 HPAIV H5N8-positive white-tailed sea eagles had been detected (three found alive and 14 carcasses) by real-time RT-PCR and partial nucleotide sequence analyses. Severe neurological clinical signs were noticed which were corroborated by immunohistopathology revealing mild to moderate, oligo- to multifocal necrotizing virus-induced polioencephalitis. Lethal lead (Pb) concentrations, a main factor of mortality in sea eagles in previous years, could be ruled out by atomic absorption spectrometry. HPAIV H5 clade 2.3.4.4b reportedly is the first highly pathogenic influenza virus known to induce fatal disease in European white-tailed see eagles. This virus strain may become a new health threat to a highly protected species across its distribution range in Eurasia. Positive cloacal swabs suggest that eagles can spread the virus with their faeces.
Macroinvertebrate Biodiversity Trends and Habitat Relationships within Headwater Rivers of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Authors: Xu Mengzhen , Zhao Na , Zhou Xiongdong , Pan Baozhu , Liu Wei , Tian Shimin , Wang Zhaoyin
Published: September 2018

Highland running-water biodiversity has gained growing interest around the world, because of the more pristine conditions and higher sensitivity to environmental changes of highland rivers compared to the lowland rivers. This study presents the findings of systematic investigations and analyses on running-water biodiversity of macroinvertebrate assemblages in the most important headwater streams in the Yalutsangpo and Sanjiangyuan River basins in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the lowland headwaters of the Songhua River, Juma River, and East River during the non-flood seasons of 2012 to 2016. The results indicated that the headwaters on the plateau had a higher regional biodiversity compared to the lowland rivers with the similar flow and substrate conditions. Even though the local diversity of the highland rivers was not significantly different at each single site, the taxonomic composition was significantly different with several rarely seen species scattering among the different sites, resulting in a high regional biodiversity. The biodiversity and composition of macroinvertebrates were strongly affected by the altitude gradient and the environmental variables associated with altitude. To be specific, for the Yalutsangpo River, canonical correspondence analyses of the macroinvertebrate assemblages and their environmental variables indicated that altitude, stream condition (represented by river pattern, riverbed structures, substrate composition), and water temperature influence macroinvertebrate taxa composition. Because of the restrictive plateau conditions including low water temperature, poor aquatic and riparian vegetation, and low runoff, the macroinvertebrate assemblages showed low biodiversity and were vulnerable to potential human disturbance/climate change. Therefore, it is essential to conserve suitable conditions of the determinative environmental variables to protect the unique and high regional biodiversity of the headwaters on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
Catalyst-free synthesis of 4-acyl-NH-1,2,3-triazoles by water-mediated cycloaddition reactions of enaminones and tosyl azide
Authors: Yang Lu , Wu Yuwei , Yang Yiming , Wen Chengping , Wan Jie-Ping
Published: September 2018

The synthesis of 4-acyl-NH-1,2,3-triazoles has been accomplished with high efficiency through the cycloaddition reactions between N,N-dimethylenaminones and tosyl azide. This method is featured with extraordinary sustainability by employing water as the sole medium, free of any catalyst or additive, authentically mild conditions (40 °C stirring) as well as practical scalability.
The Effect of Magnetic Variability on Stellar Angular Momentum Loss. I. The Solar Wind Torque during Sunspot Cycles 23 and 24
Authors: Finley Adam J. , Matt Sean P. , See Victor
Published: September 2018

The rotational evolution of cool stars is governed by magnetized stellar winds that slow the stellar rotation during their main sequence lifetimes. Magnetic variability is commonly observed in Sun-like stars, and the changing strength and topology of the global field is expected to affect the torque exerted by the stellar wind. We present three different methods for computing the angular momentum loss in the solar wind. Two are based on MHD simulations from Finley & Matt (2018), with one using the open flux measured in the solar wind, and the other using remotely observed surface magnetograms. Both methods agree in the variation of the solar torque seen through the solar cycle and show a 30%–40% decrease from cycles 23 to 24. The two methods calculate different average values, 2.9 × 1030 erg (open flux) and 0.35 × 1030 erg (surface field). This discrepancy results from the already well-known difficulty of reconciling the magnetograms with the observed open flux, which is currently not understood, leading to an inability to discriminate between these two calculated torques. The third method is based on the observed spin rates of Sun-like stars, which decrease with age, directly probing the average angular momentum loss. This method gives 6.2 × 1030 erg for the solar torque, larger than the other methods. This may be indicative of further variability in the solar torque on timescales much longer than the magnetic cycle. We discuss the implications for applying the formula to other Sun-like stars, where only surface field measurements are available, and where the magnetic variations are ill-constrained.
Effectiveness of 8 Weeks of Ledipasvir/Sofosbuvir for Hepatitis C in HCV–HIV-Coinfected Patients
Authors: Vega Ana D , Hynicka Lauren M , Claeys Kimberly , Chua Joel V , Heil Emily L
Published: September 2018

Background

Data is limited on the use of 8 weeks of therapy with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) for special populations such as HCV–HIV-coinfected patients. The primary objective of this analysis was to compare sustained virological response at 12 weeks after end of therapy (SVR12) rates among HCV-monoinfected and HCV–HIV-coinfected patients in a real-world clinical setting. Additionally, we compared SVR12 rates among patients receiving 8 versus 12 weeks of therapy.

Methods

This was a single-centre, retrospective study of HCV-infected patients prescribed LDV/SOF at ambulatory clinics associated with the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) from May 2015 to May 2016. Data were obtained from UMMC electronic medical records and outpatient pharmacy claims database. Comparisons between groups were made using χ2 or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables and Student's t-test or Wilcoxon rank-sum for continuous variables. All analyses were per-protocol; patients missing SVR12 data (25.2%) could not be evaluated for our stated objectives.

Results

A total of 274 patients were included. Median age was 58 years; 62.8% were male; 82.5% were Black. SVR12 data was available for 65 HCV–HIV-coinfected patients, of which 62 (95.4%) achieved SVR12. There was no difference in SVR12 rate between HCV–HIV-coinfected patients and HCV-monoinfected patients (86/90; 95.6%; P=0.959). Additionally, there was no difference in SVR12 attainment between HIV–HCV-coinfected patients who received 8 versus 12 weeks of therapy ( P=0.101).

Conclusions

8 weeks of LDV/SOF was effective for treatment-naive, non-cirrhotic, HCV genotype-1 patients in this real-world setting, regardless of HIV status. Increased uptake of the 8-week regimen can decrease costs for patients and payers without compromising outcomes.
La négociation du traité de Versailles : exactement ce qu’il ne faut pas faire
Authors: Soutou Georges-Henri
Published: September 2018

Les négociations du traité de Versailles ne se sont pas passées comme prévu. Les Allemands se sont vu imposer un texte perçu comme un Diktat . La paix de Versailles ne fut pas seulement unilatérale, elle fut aussi contradictoire, dans le sens où les principes du wilsonisme se sont heurtés à des considérations géopolitiques plus traditionnelles. Le traité, nourri par les travaux d’experts, était complexe et difficile à maîtriser. Il ouvrait en outre la voie à une révision future.
« Le chant, lui, s’échappera... »
Authors: Lyon-Caen Judith
Published: September 2018

Cet article propose d’interroger la question des éventuelles sources littéraires de l’histoire de la Shoah en revenant sur les premières entreprises de publication de poèmes des camps et des ghettos, en Pologne, au lendemain de la guerre. Ces premières entreprises incitent à changer l’approche habituelle de la littérature comme témoignage et à s’intéresser plutôt au recours à l’écriture, et en particulier à la littérature, comme un fait spécifique de l’histoire de la Shoah. L’itinéraire de Michel Borwicz, poète résistant et rescapé devenu historien, sert de point d’appui à la démonstration.
Debates sobre enseñanza de la historia: identidad canadiense, pensamiento histórico y conciencia histórica
Authors: Clark Penney
Published: September 2018

Este artículo profundiza en los debates históricos y actuales en Canadá sobre la historia nacional y la enseñanza de la historia en el complicado escenario de trece jurisdicciones educativas de Canadá. En este trabajo se analizan los debates sobre los contenidos en la enseñanza de la historia y en los libros de texto, así como los enfoques en la escuela. Se analizan las formas en que un enfoque de pensamiento histórico está consolidándose en todo el país en el período actual, con una mayor atención a la investigación en la enseñanza de la historia y su difusión y su mayor presencia en los planes provinciales. Se considera el papel del gobierno federal en estos cambios, las organizaciones privadas sin fines de lucro, y los proyectos financiados por el gobierno nacional, tales como el Historical Thinking Project y The History Education Network.
Actitudes ante la diversidad cultural de progenitores y descendientes. Eficiencia de la influencia por su grado de confluencia
Authors: Rodríguez Fuentes Antonio , Fernández Fernández Alejandro Daniel
Published: September 2018

La diversidad cultural en la sociedad y en las aulas es una realidad patente que hay que tener en cuenta y no obviar. La investigación en el campo de las actitudes desarrolladas por parte de los agentes educativos se hace inexorablemente pertinente y necesaria para la construcción de una sociedad futura libre de conflictos innecesarios. En este estudio se han analizado las actitudes familiares mediante entrevista semiestructurada. Se realizó un análisis cualitativo y cuantitativo, obteniendo el perfil sobre pensamiento en torno a la diversidad cultural de progenitores e hijos. El grado de concordancia de dichas actitudes queda reflejado en el análisis de los resultados, apreciando desconocimiento de grupos culturalmente diversos, ventajas de enriquecimiento personal, convicción sobre la necesidad de integrar tanto a los estudiantes como a sus familias, preparación del profesorado y fomento de unas relaciones óptimas entre alumnos, docentes y familias. No obstante, existen divergencias en la función de la escuela con relación a las conductas, creencias, tradiciones y dificultades, y a la formación de los docentes para superarlas y para el tratamiento de la diversidad.
Transparência, desempenho e risco: uma análise do comércio eletrônico
Authors: Alves Leandro De Carvalho , Barboza Flavio Luiz de Moraes , Ribeiro Kárem Cristina de Sousa
Published: September 2018

Dentre os mecanismos de Governança Corporativa propostos pela Teoria da Agência, aquele que potencialmente proporciona maior redução da assimetria informacional é a transparência. Assim, utilizando-se de regressões com dados em painéis e de testes paramétrico e não paramétrico de diferenças de médias, os resultados significantes dessa pesquisa indicam que as empresas de comércio eletrônico negociadas na NASDAQ são mais transparentes e apresentam maior desempenho e menor risco que empresa similar listada na BM&FBOVESPA. Esses resultados também apontam que as empresas mais transparentes apresentam, na média, maiores desempenhos e maiores riscos. Nos períodos de crise, observa-se o aumento tanto no desempenho quanto no risco. Entretanto, a interação entre crise e transparência indica que as empresas mais transparentes são menos arriscadas e, também, reportam menores desempenhos, visto que gerenciam menos os seus resultados.
Speech recording in stuttering therapy
Authors: Stern Erica
Published: September 2018

No abstract available.
The relation between speech therapy and psychotherapy
Authors: Philips John
Published: September 2018

No abstract available.
Transport of short-lived halocarbons to the
stratosphere over the Pacific Ocean
Authors: Filus Michal T. , Atlas Elliot L. , Navarro Maria A. , Meneguz Elena , Thomson David , Ashfold Matthew J. , Carpenter Lucy J. , Andrews Stephen J. , Harris Neil R. P.
Published: September 2018

Abstract. The effectiveness of transport of short-lived halocarbons to the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere remains an important unknown in quantifying the supply of ozone-depleting substances to the stratosphere. In early 2014, a major field campaign in Guam in the West Pacific, involving UK and US research aircraft, sampled the tropical troposphere and lower stratosphere. The resulting measurements of CH3I, CHBr3 and CH2Br2 are compared here with calculations from a Lagrangian model. This methodology benefits from an updated convection scheme which improves simulation of the effect of deep convective motions on particle distribution within the tropical troposphere. We find that the observed CH3I, CHBr3 and CH2Br2 mixing ratios in the Tropical Tropopause Layer (TTL) are consistent with those in the boundary layer when the new convection scheme is used to account for convective transport. Particularly, comparisons between modelled estimates and observations of shortest-lived CH3I indicates that the NAME convection scheme is realistic up to the lower TTL but less good at reproducing the small number of extreme convective events in the upper TTL. This study consolidates our understanding of the transport of short-lived halocarbons to the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere by using improved model calculations to confirm consistency between observations in the boundary layer, observations in the TTL, and atmospheric transport processes. Our results support recent estimates of the contribution of short-lived bromocarbons to the stratospheric bromine budget.
Modeling freshwater quality scenarios with ecosystem-based adaptation in the headwaters of the Cantareira system, Brazil
Authors: Taffarello Denise , Srinivasan Raghavan , Mohor Guilherme Samprogna , Guimarães João Luis Bittencourt , do Carmo Calijuri Maria , Mendiondo Eduardo Mario
Published: September 2018

Abstract. Although hydrologic models provide hypothesis testing of complex
dynamics occurring at catchments, freshwater quality modeling is
still incipient at many subtropical headwaters. In Brazil, a few
modeling studies assess freshwater nutrients, limiting policies on
hydrologic ecosystem services. This paper aims to compare freshwater
quality scenarios under different land-use and land-cover (LULC) change,
one of them related to ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA), in
Brazilian headwaters. Using the spatially semi-distributed Soil and
Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model, nitrate, total phosphorous (TP) and
sediment were modeled in catchments ranging from 7.2 to
1037 km2. These headwaters were eligible areas of the
Brazilian payment for ecosystem services (PES) projects in the
Cantareira water supply system, which had supplied water to
9 million people in the São Paulo metropolitan region (SPMR). We considered
SWAT modeling of three LULC scenarios: (i) recent past scenario
(S1), with historical LULC in 1990; (ii) current land-use
scenario (S2), with LULC for the period 2010–2015 with field
validation; and (iii) future land-use scenario with PES
(S2 + EbA). This latter scenario proposed forest cover
restoration through EbA following the river basin plan by
2035. These three LULC scenarios were tested with a selected record
of rainfall and evapotranspiration observed in 2006–2014, with the
occurrence of extreme droughts. To assess hydrologic services, we
proposed the hydrologic service index (HSI), as a new composite
metric comparing water pollution levels (WPL) for reference
catchments, related to the grey water footprint (greyWF) and water
yield. On the one hand, water quality simulations allowed for the
regionalization of greyWF at spatial scales under LULC
scenarios. According to the critical threshold, HSI identified areas
as less or more sustainable catchments. On the other hand,
conservation practices simulated through the S2 + EbA scenario
envisaged not only additional and viable best management practices (BMP),
but also preventive decision-making at the headwaters of water
supply systems.
Assessing proxy signatures of temperature, salinity, and hypoxia in the Baltic Sea through foraminifera-based geochemistry and faunal assemblages
Authors: Groeneveld Jeroen , Filipsson Helena L. , Austin William E. N. , Darling Kate , McCarthy David , Quintana Krupinski Nadine B. , Bird Clare , Schweizer Magali
Published: September 2018

Abstract. Current climate and environmental changes strongly affect shallow marine and coastal areas like the Baltic Sea. This has created a need for a context to understand the severity and potential outcomes of such changes. The context can be derived from paleoenvironmental records during periods when comparable events happened in the past. In this study, we explore how varying bottom water conditions across a large hydrographic gradient in the Baltic Sea affect benthic foraminiferal faunal assemblages and the geochemical composition of their calcite tests. We have conducted both morphological and molecular analyses of the faunas and we evaluate how the chemical signatures of the bottom waters are recorded in the tests of several species of benthic foraminifera. We focus on two locations, one in the Kattegat (western Baltic Sea) and one in Hanö Bay (southern Baltic Sea). We show that seawater Mn∕Ca, Mg∕Ca, and Ba∕Ca (Mn∕Casw, Mg∕Casw, and Ba∕Casw) variations are mainly controlled by dissolved oxygen concentration and salinity. Their respective imprints on the foraminiferal calcite demonstrate the potential of Mn∕Ca as a proxy for hypoxic conditions, and Ba∕Ca as a proxy for salinity in enclosed basins such as the Baltic Sea. The traditional use of Mg∕Ca as a proxy to reconstruct past seawater temperatures is not recommended in the region, as it may be overprinted by the large variations in salinity (specifically on Bulimina marginata), Mg∕Casw, and possibly also the carbonate system. Salinity is the main factor controlling the faunal assemblages: a much more diverse fauna occurs in the higher-salinity (∼32) Kattegat than in the low-salinity (∼15) Hanö Bay. Molecular identification shows that only Elphidium clavatum occurs at both locations, but other genetic types of both genera Elphidium and Ammonia are restricted to either low- or high-salinity locations. The combination of foraminiferal geochemistry and environmental parameters demonstrates that in a highly variable setting like the Baltic Sea, it is possible to separate different environmental impacts on the foraminiferal assemblages and therefore use Mn∕Ca, Mg∕Ca, and Ba∕Ca to reconstruct how specific conditions may have varied in the past.