bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water and Oil Repellent Finishing of Textiles by UV Curing: Evaluation of the Influence of Scaled-Up Process Parameters
Authors: Ferrero Franco , Periolatto Monica , Tempestini Lorenzo
Published: April 2017

In this work, various textile fabrics were coated with silicone and fluorocarbon-based resins by photo-curing using ultraviolet irradiation. A great number of large fabric samples were impregnated by padding with commercial finishing agents and then irradiated in air with a high power, semi-industrial UV source. The add-on of various finishing agents was kept low to reduce the treatment cost. White and dyed samples of different textile composition were treated and evaluated in terms of conferred repellency, yellowing, or color changes. Most relevant process parameters were investigated, utilizing the thermal process normally adopted at industrial level as reference. The results were statistically evaluated by ANOVA using Minitab 16 software, in order to identify the most influential parameters and to evaluate the real possibility of replacing the thermal treatment with UV curing.
Validation of the Concurrent Atomistic-Continuum Method on Screw Dislocation/Stacking Fault Interactions
Authors: Xu Shuozhi , Xiong Liming , Chen Youping , McDowell David
Published: April 2017

Dislocation/stacking fault interactions play an important role in the plastic deformation of metallic nanocrystals and polycrystals. These interactions have been explored in atomistic models, which are limited in scale length by high computational cost. In contrast, multiscale material modeling approaches have the potential to simulate the same systems at a fraction of the computational cost. In this paper, we validate the concurrent atomistic-continuum (CAC) method on the interactions between a lattice screw dislocation and a stacking fault (SF) in three face-centered cubic metallic materials—Ni, Al, and Ag. Two types of SFs are considered: intrinsic SF (ISF) and extrinsic SF (ESF). For the three materials at different strain levels, two screw dislocation/ISF interaction modes (annihilation of the ISF and transmission of the dislocation across the ISF) and three screw dislocation/ESF interaction modes (transformation of the ESF into a three-layer twin, transformation of the ESF into an ISF, and transmission of the dislocation across the ESF) are identified. Our results show that CAC is capable of accurately predicting the dislocation/SF interaction modes with greatly reduced DOFs compared to fully-resolved atomistic simulations.
When the Map Is Better Than the Territory
Authors: Hoel Erik
Published: April 2017

The causal structure of any system can be analyzed at a multitude of spatial and temporal scales. It has long been thought that while higher scale (macro) descriptions may be useful to observers, they are at best a compressed description and at worse leave out critical information and causal relationships. However, recent research applying information theory to causal analysis has shown that the causal structure of some systems can actually come into focus and be more informative at a macroscale. That is, a macroscale description of a system (a map) can be more informative than a fully detailed microscale description of the system (the territory). This has been called “causal emergence.” While causal emergence may at first seem counterintuitive, this paper grounds the phenomenon in a classic concept from information theory: Shannon’s discovery of the channel capacity. I argue that systems have a particular causal capacity, and that different descriptions of those systems take advantage of that capacity to various degrees. For some systems, only macroscale descriptions use the full causal capacity. These macroscales can either be coarse-grains, or may leave variables and states out of the model (exogenous, or “black boxed”) in various ways, which can improve the efficacy and informativeness via the same mathematical principles of how error-correcting codes take advantage of an information channel’s capacity. The causal capacity of a system can approach the channel capacity as more and different kinds of macroscales are considered. Ultimately, this provides a general framework for understanding how the causal structure of some systems cannot be fully captured by even the most detailed microscale description.
A Case Study of I’ll Be Fine
Authors: Ferraiolo Angela
Published: April 2017

This case study of I’ll Be Fine describes my creation of a passively interactive, “playable” movie for networked screens, and outlines reasons why this story is an instance of a new genre of storytelling that might be called “playable narrative”. Although the piece is interactive, and while it seems to satisfy certain features of the activity of play, I’ll Be Fine does not offer opportunities for strategy, competition, or closure, and does not proceed towards goals or outcomes, but seeks to construct meaning cinematically, proceeding sequentially across planes or layers, and using a spatial design much like the cinematic compositional scheme of background, middle ground, and foreground. While a general model for the spatial construction of playable movies is outside the scope of this writing, the following description of my design concepts are meant to delineate certain aspects of working with spatiality and playability while constructing an interactive story.
Hyponatremia Is Associated with Worse Outcomes from Fall Injuries in the Elderly
Authors: Kuo Spencer , Kuo Pao-Jen , Rau Cheng-Shyuan , Wu Shao-Chun , Hsu Shiun-Yuan , Hsieh Ching-Hua
Published: April 2017

Background: Hyponatremia has been proposed as a contributor to falls in the elderly, which have become a major global issue with the aging of the population. This study aimed to assess the clinical presentation and outcomes of elderly patients with hyponatremia admitted due to fall injuries in a Level I trauma center. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data obtained from the Trauma Registry System for trauma admissions from January 2009 through December 2014. Hyponatremia was defined as a serum sodium level <135 mEq/L, and only patients who had sustained a fall at ground level (<1 m) were included. We used Chi-square tests, Student t-tests, and Mann-Whitney U tests to compare elderly patients (age ≥65 years) with hyponatremia (n = 492) to those without (n = 2002), and to adult patients (age 20–64 years) with hyponatremia (n = 125). Results: Significantly more elderly patients with hyponatremia presented to the emergency department (ED) due to falls compared to elderly patients without hyponatremia (73.7% vs. 52.6%; OR: 2.5, 95% CI: 2.10–3.02; p < 0.001). Elderly patients with hyponatremia presented with a worse outcome, measured by significantly higher odds of intubation (OR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.15–4.83; p = 0.025), a longer in-hospital length of stay (LOS) (11 days vs. 9 days; p < 0.001), higher proportion of intensive care unit (ICU) admission (20.9% vs. 16.2%; OR: 1.4, 95% CI: 1.07–1.76; p = 0.013), and higher mortality (OR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.53–3.96; p < 0.001), regardless of adjustment by Injury Severity Scores (ISS) (AOR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.42–4.21; p = 0.001). Conclusions: Our results show that hyponatremia is associated with worse outcome from fall-related injuries in the elderly, with an increased ISS, longer LOS, and a higher risk of death.
Targeting the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Addition to Chemotherapy in Patients with Advanced Pancreatic Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chiramel Jaseela , Backen Alison , Pihlak Rille , Lamarca Angela , Frizziero Melissa , Tariq Noor-ul-Ain , Hubner Richard , Valle Juan , Amir Eitan , McNamara Mairéad
Published: April 2017

Overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) occurs in >90% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs) and is associated with a poorer prognosis. A systematic review of electronic databases identified studies exploring the addition of EGFR-targeted treatment to chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced (LA)/metastatic PDAC. Efficacy, safety and tolerability of EGFR-targeted therapy were explored using meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Meta-regression was utilised to explore factors associated with improved prognosis (all studies) and benefit from EGFR-targeted therapy (RCTs). Twenty-eight studies (7 RCTs and 21 cohort studies) comprising 3718 patients were included. The addition of EGFR-targeted treatment to chemotherapy did not improve progression-free (pooled hazard ratio (HR): 0.90, p = 0.15) or overall survival (HR: 0.94, p = 0.18). EGFR-targeted therapy was associated with increased treatment-related deaths (pooled odds ratio (OR): 5.18, p = 0.007), and grade (G)3/4 rash (OR: 4.82, p = 0.03). There was a borderline significant increase in G3/4 diarrhoea (OR: 1.75, p = 0.06), but no effect on treatment discontinuation without progression (OR: 0.87, p = 0.25). Neither G3/4 rash nor diarrhoea were associated with increased survival benefit from EGFR-targeted therapy. The effect of EGFR-targeted therapy on overall survival (OS) appeared greater in studies with a greater proportion of LA rather than metastatic patients (R = −0.69, p < 0.001). Further studies in unselected patients with advanced PDAC are not warranted. The benefit from EGFR inhibitors may be limited to patient subgroups not yet clearly defined.
NutrimiRAging: Micromanaging Nutrient Sensing Pathways through Nutrition to Promote Healthy Aging
Authors: Micó Víctor , Berninches Laura , Tapia Javier , Daimiel Lidia
Published: April 2017

Current sociodemographic predictions point to a demographic shift in developed and developing countries that will result in an unprecedented increase of the elderly population. This will be accompanied by an increase in age-related conditions that will strongly impair human health and quality of life. For this reason, aging is a major concern worldwide. Healthy aging depends on a combination of individual genetic factors and external environmental factors. Diet has been proved to be a powerful tool to modulate aging and caloric restriction has emerged as a valuable intervention in this regard. However, many questions about how a controlled caloric restriction intervention affects aging-related processes are still unanswered. Nutrient sensing pathways become deregulated with age and lose effectiveness with age. These pathways are a link between diet and aging. Thus, fully understanding this link is a mandatory step before bringing caloric restriction into practice. MicroRNAs have emerged as important regulators of cellular functions and can be modified by diet. Some microRNAs target genes encoding proteins and enzymes belonging to the nutrient sensing pathways and, therefore, may play key roles in the modulation of the aging process. In this review, we aimed to show the relationship between diet, nutrient sensing pathways and microRNAs in the context of aging.
Backbone-Substituted β-Ketoimines and Ketoiminate Clusters: Transoid Li2O2 Squares and D2-Symmetric Li4O4 Cubanes. Synthesis, Crystallography and DFT Calculations
Authors: Gietz Twyla , Boeré René
Published: April 2017

The preparation and crystal structures of four β-ketoimines with bulky aryl nitrogen substituents (2,6-diisopropylphenyl and 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl) and varying degrees of backbone methyl substitution are reported. Backbone substitution “pinches” the chelate ring. Deprotonation with n-butyllithium leads to dimeric Li2O2 clusters, as primary laddered units, with an open transoid geometry as shown by crystal structures of three examples. The coordination sphere of each lithium is completed by one tetrahydrofuran ligand. NMR spectra undertaken in either C6D6 or 1:1 C6D6/d8-THF show free THF in solution and the chemical shifts of ligand methyl groups experience significant ring-shielding which can only occur from aryl rings on adjacent ligands. Both features point to conversion to higher-order aggregates when the THF concentration is reduced. Recrystallization of the materials from hydrocarbon solutions results in secondary laddering as tetrameric Li4O4 clusters with a cuboidal core, three examples of which have been crystallographically characterised. These clusters are relatively insoluble and melt up to 250 °C; a consideration of the solid-state structures indicates that the clusters with 2,6-diisopropylphenyl substituents form very uniform ball-like molecular structures that will only be weakly solvated.
Extending the Performance of Hybrid NoCs beyond the Limitations of Network Heterogeneity
Authors: Opoku Agyeman Michael , Zong Wen , Yakovlev Alex , Tong Kin-Fai , Mak Terrence
Published: April 2017

To meet the performance and scalability demands of the fast-paced technological growth towards exascale and big data processing with the performance bottleneck of conventional metal-based interconnects (wireline), alternative interconnect fabrics, such as inhomogeneous three-dimensional integrated network-on-chip (3D NoC) and hybrid wired-wireless network-on-chip (WiNoC), have emanated as a cost-effective solution for emerging system-on-chip (SoC) design. However, these interconnects trade off optimized performance for cost by restricting the number of area and power hungry 3D routers and wireless nodes. Moreover, the non-uniform distributed traffic in a chip multiprocessor (CMP) demands an on-chip communication infrastructure that can avoid congestion under high traffic conditions while possessing minimal pipeline delay at low-load conditions. To this end, in this paper, we propose a low-latency adaptive router with a low-complexity single-cycle bypassing mechanism to alleviate the performance degradation due to the slow 2D routers in such emerging hybrid NoCs. The proposed router transmits a flit using dimension-ordered routing (DoR) in the bypass datapath at low-loads. When the output port required for intra-dimension bypassing is not available, the packet is routed adaptively to avoid congestion. The router also has a simplified virtual channel allocation (VA) scheme that yields a non-speculative low-latency pipeline. By combining the low-complexity bypassing technique with adaptive routing, the proposed router is able to balance the traffic in hybrid NoCs to achieve low-latency communication under various traffic loads. Simulation shows that the proposed router can reduce applications’ execution time by an average of 16.9% compared to low-latency routers, such as SWIFT. By reducing the latency between 2D routers (or wired nodes) and 3D routers (or wireless nodes), the proposed router can improve the performance efficiency in terms of average packet delay by an average of 45 % (or 50 % ) in 3D NoCs (or WiNoCs).
Effect of Surface-Modified TiO2 Nanoparticles on the Anti-Ultraviolet Aging Performance of Foamed Wheat Straw Fiber/Polypropylene Composites
Authors: Xuan Lihui , Han Guangping , Wang Dong , Cheng Wanli , Gao Xun , Chen Feng , Li Qingde
Published: April 2017

Surface modification and characterization of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles and their roles in thermal, mechanical, and accelerated aging behavior of foamed wheat straw fiber/polypropylene (PP) composites are investigated. To improve the dispersion of nanoparticles and increase the possible interactions between wheat straw fiber and the PP matrix, the surface of the TiO2 nanoparticles was modified with ethenyltrimethoxy silane (A171), a silane coupling agent. The grafting of A171 on the TiO2 nanoparticles’ surface was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The wheat straw fibers treated with A171 and modified TiO2 nanoparticles were characterized by FTIR and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). FTIR spectra confirmed that the organic functional groups of A171 were successfully grafted onto the TiO2 nanoparticles and wheat straw fibers, and the modified TiO2 nanoparticles were adsorbed onto the wheat straw fibers. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that a higher thermal stability of the wheat straw fiber was obtained with the modified TiO2 nanoparticles. The flexural, tensile, and impact properties were improved. A higher ultraviolet (UV) stability of the samples treated with modified TiO2 nanoparticles was exhibited by the study of the color change and loss in mechanical properties.
A Review Study on Macrolides Isolated from Cyanobacteria
Authors: Wang Mengchuan , Zhang Jinrong , He Shan , Yan Xiaojun
Published: April 2017

Cyanobacteria are rich sources of structurally-diverse molecules with promising pharmacological activities. Marine cyanobacteria have been proven to be true producers of some significant bioactive metabolites from marine invertebrates. Macrolides are a class of bioactive compounds isolated from marine organisms, including marine microorganisms in particular. The structural characteristics of macrolides from cyanobacteria mainly manifest in the diversity of carbon skeletons, complexes of chlorinated thiazole-containing molecules and complex spatial configuration. In the present work, we systematically reviewed the structures and pharmacological activities of macrolides from cyanobacteria. Our data would help establish an effective support system for the discovery and development of cyanobacterium-derived macrolides.
Modeling of MEMS Mirrors Actuated by Phase-Change Mechanism
Authors: Torres David , Zhang Jun , Dooley Sarah , Tan Xiaobo , Sepúlveda Nelson
Published: April 2017

Given the multiple applications for micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) mirror devices, most of the research efforts are focused on improving device performance in terms of tilting angles, speed, and their integration into larger arrays or systems. The modeling of these devices is crucial for enabling a platform, in particular, by allowing for the future control of such devices. In this paper, we present the modeling of a MEMS mirror structure with four actuators driven by the phase-change of a thin film. The complexity of the device structure and the nonlinear behavior of the actuation mechanism allow for a comprehensive study that encompasses simpler electrothermal designs, thus presenting a general approach that can be adapted to most MEMS mirror designs based on this operation principle. The MEMS mirrors presented in this work are actuated by Joule heating and tested using optical techniques. Mechanical and thermal models including both pitch and roll displacements are developed by combining theoretical analysis (using both numerical and analytical tools) with experimental data and subsequently verifying with quasi-static and dynamic experiments.
Micronutrient Status among Pregnant Women in Zinder, Niger and Risk Factors Associated with Deficiency
Authors: Wessells K. , Ouédraogo Césaire , Young Rebecca , Faye M. , Brito Alex , Hess Sonja
Published: April 2017

Anemia and micronutrient (MN) deficiencies in pregnant women are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. In Niger, 58.6% of pregnant women are anemic; however, MN statuses are unknown. The study objectives were to estimate the prevalence of MN deficiencies among pregnant women in Zinder, Niger and explore associated risk factors. Pregnant women living in randomly selected rural villages (n = 88) were included. Capillary and venous blood samples (n = 770) were analyzed for hemoglobin (Hb) and plasma ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), zinc (pZn), retinol binding protein (RBP), folate and vitamin B12. C-reactive protein and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein were measured to adjust for inflammation. The prevalence of MN deficiencies in pregnant woman was high, indicative of a severe public health problem. Prevalence of iron deficiency was 20.7% and 35.7%, by ferritin (<15 µg/L) and sTfR (>8.3 mg/L), respectively. In total, 40.7% of women had low pZn (<50 µg/dL), 79.7% had marginal RBP (<1.32 µmol/L), 44.3% of women had low folate (<10 nmol/L) and 34.8% had low B12 concentrations (<148 pmol/L). Common risk factors associated with MN status included gravidity, mid-upper-arm circumference, geophagy, malaria, and result of the woman’s last pregnancy. Interventions to promote the strengthening of antenatal care, and access and adherence to nutrition and health interventions are critical among pregnant women in this population.
An ML-Based Radial Velocity Estimation Algorithm for Moving Targets in Spaceborne High-Resolution and Wide-Swath SAR Systems
Authors: Jin Tingting , Qiu Xiaolan , Hu Donghui , Ding Chibiao
Published: April 2017

Multichannel synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is a significant breakthrough to the inherent limitation between high-resolution and wide-swath (HRWS) compared with conventional SAR. Moving target indication (MTI) is an important application of spaceborne HRWS SAR systems. In contrast to previous studies of SAR MTI, the HRWS SAR mainly faces the problem of under-sampled data of each channel, causing single-channel imaging and processing to be infeasible. In this study, the estimation of velocity is equivalent to the estimation of the cone angle according to their relationship. The maximum likelihood (ML) based algorithm is proposed to estimate the radial velocity in the existence of Doppler ambiguities. After that, the signal reconstruction and compensation for the phase offset caused by radial velocity are processed for a moving target. Finally, the traditional imaging algorithm is applied to obtain a focused moving target image. Experiments are conducted to evaluate the accuracy and effectiveness of the estimator under different signal-to-noise ratios (SNR). Furthermore, the performance is analyzed with respect to the motion ship that experiences interference due to different distributions of sea clutter. The results verify that the proposed algorithm is accurate and efficient with low computational complexity. This paper aims at providing a solution to the velocity estimation problem in the future HRWS SAR systems with multiple receive channels.
Spring and Autumn Phenological Variability across Environmental Gradients of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA
Authors: Norman Steven , Hargrove William , Christie William
Published: April 2017

Mountainous regions experience complex phenological behavior along climatic, vegetational and topographic gradients. In this paper, we use a MODIS time series of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to understand the causes of variations in spring and autumn timing from 2000 to 2015, for a landscape renowned for its biological diversity. By filtering for cover type, topography and disturbance history, we achieved an improved understanding of the effects of seasonal weather variation on land surface phenology (LSP). Elevational effects were greatest in spring and were more important than site moisture effects. The spring and autumn NDVI of deciduous forests were found to increase in response to antecedent warm temperatures, with evidence of possible cross-seasonal lag effects, including possible accelerated green-up after cold Januarys and early brown-down following warm springs. Areas that were disturbed by the hemlock woolly adelgid and a severe tornado showed a weaker sensitivity to cross-year temperature and precipitation variation, while low severity wildland fire had no discernable effect. Use of ancillary datasets to filter for disturbance and vegetation type improves our understanding of vegetation’s phenological responsiveness to climate dynamics across complex environmental gradients.
Sea Ice Concentration Estimation during Freeze-Up from SAR Imagery Using a Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Wang Lei , Scott K. , Clausi David
Published: April 2017

In this study, a convolutional neural network (CNN) is used to estimate sea ice concentration using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) scenes acquired during freeze-up in the Gulf of St. Lawrence on the east coast of Canada. The ice concentration estimates from the CNN are compared to those from a neural network (multi-layer perceptron or MLP) that uses hand-crafted features as input and a single layer of hidden nodes. The CNN is found to be less sensitive to pixel level details than the MLP and produces ice concentration that is less noisy and in closer agreement with that from image analysis charts. This is due to the multi-layer (deep) structure of the CNN, which enables abstract image features to be learned. The CNN ice concentration is also compared with ice concentration estimated from passive microwave brightness temperature data using the ARTIST sea ice (ASI) algorithm. The bias and RMS of the difference between the ice concentration from the CNN and that from image analysis charts is reduced as compared to that from either the MLP or ASI algorithm. Additional results demonstrate the impact of varying the input patch size, varying the number of CNN layers, and including the incidence angle as an additional input.
Molecular Diode Studies Based on a Highly Sensitive Molecular Measurement Technique
Authors: Iwane Madoka , Fujii Shintaro , Kiguchi Manabu
Published: April 2017

In 1974, molecular electronics pioneers Mark Ratner and Arieh Aviram predicted that a single molecule could act as a diode, in which electronic current can be rectified. The electronic rectification property of the diode is one of basic functions of electronic components and since then, the molecular diode has been investigated as a first single-molecule device that would have a practical application. In this review, we first describe the experimental fabrication and electronic characterization techniques of molecular diodes consisting of a small number of molecules or a single molecule. Then, two main mechanisms of the rectification property of the molecular diode are discussed. Finally, representative results for the molecular diode are reviewed and a brief outlook on crucial issues that need to be addressed in future research is discussed.
Multispectral LiDAR Data for Land Cover Classification of Urban Areas
Authors: Morsy Salem , Shaker Ahmed , El-Rabbany Ahmed
Published: April 2017

Airborne Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) systems usually operate at a monochromatic wavelength measuring the range and the strength of the reflected energy (intensity) from objects. Recently, multispectral LiDAR sensors, which acquire data at different wavelengths, have emerged. This allows for recording of a diversity of spectral reflectance from objects. In this context, we aim to investigate the use of multispectral LiDAR data in land cover classification using two different techniques. The first is image-based classification, where intensity and height images are created from LiDAR points and then a maximum likelihood classifier is applied. The second is point-based classification, where ground filtering and Normalized Difference Vegetation Indices (NDVIs) computation are conducted. A dataset of an urban area located in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, is classified into four classes: buildings, trees, roads and grass. An overall accuracy of up to 89.9% and 92.7% is achieved from image classification and 3D point classification, respectively. A radiometric correction model is also applied to the intensity data in order to remove the attenuation due to the system distortion and terrain height variation. The classification process is then repeated, and the results demonstrate that there are no significant improvements achieved in the overall accuracy.
Structure-Function Model for Kissing Loop Interactions That Initiate Dimerization of Ty1 RNA
Authors: Gamache Eric , Doh Jung , Ritz Justin , Laederach Alain , Bellaousov Stanislav , Mathews David , Curcio M.
Published: April 2017

The genomic RNA of the retrotransposon Ty1 is packaged as a dimer into virus-like particles. The 5′ terminus of Ty1 RNA harbors cis-acting sequences required for translation initiation, packaging and initiation of reverse transcription (TIPIRT). To identify RNA motifs involved in dimerization and packaging, a structural model of the TIPIRT domain in vitro was developed from single-nucleotide resolution RNA structural data. In general agreement with previous models, the first 326 nucleotides of Ty1 RNA form a pseudoknot with a 7-bp stem (S1), a 1-nucleotide interhelical loop and an 8-bp stem (S2) that delineate two long, structured loops. Nucleotide substitutions that disrupt either pseudoknot stem greatly reduced helper-Ty1-mediated retrotransposition of a mini-Ty1, but only mutations in S2 destabilized mini-Ty1 RNA in cis and helper-Ty1 RNA in trans. Nested in different loops of the pseudoknot are two hairpins with complementary 7-nucleotide motifs at their apices. Nucleotide substitutions in either motif also reduced retrotransposition and destabilized mini- and helper-Ty1 RNA. Compensatory mutations that restore base-pairing in the S2 stem or between the hairpins rescued retrotransposition and RNA stability in cis and trans. These data inform a model whereby a Ty1 RNA kissing complex with two intermolecular kissing-loop interactions initiates dimerization and packaging.
Radioactivity of Soil, Rock and Water in a Shale Gas Exploitation Area, SW China
Authors: Huang Tianming , Hao Yinlei , Pang Zhonghe , Li Zhenbin , Yang Shuo
Published: April 2017

Studies have been carried out to investigate the baseline radioactivity level (gross alpha, gross beta and 226Ra) of soil, rocks and groundwater in the Fuling block, Chongqing, the largest shale gas exploitation area of China. The results show that there is a general activity concentration trend of gross alpha, gross beta and 226Ra: shale > soil > limestone due to the high content of uranium, thorium and potassium in shale and low content in limestone. The average activities of shallow groundwater from a limestone aquifer are 0.14, 0.13 and <0.008 Bq/L for gross alpha, gross beta and 226Ra, respectively. The radioactivity concentrations of gross alpha, gross beta and 226Ra (4.37, 1.40 and 0.395 Bq/L, respectively) of the formation water were far lower than those of formation water in the Marcellus shale in the USA (with ranges of 86–678, 23–77 and 16–500 Bq/L, respectively). One polluted shallow groundwater source and its associated stream sediments had been polluted due to leakage of drilling fluid with relatively high radioactivity levels and high concentration of main ions. Overall, this study provides an important baseline radioactivity level to assess the impact of shale gas exploitation on a shallow environment.
Vapor-phase-synthesized fluoroacrylate polymer thin films: thermal stability and structural properties
Authors: Christian Paul , Coclite Anna Maria
Published: April 2017

In this study, the thermal, chemical and structural stability of 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyl acrylate polymers (p-PFDA) synthetized by initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) were investigated. PFDA polymers are known for their interesting crystalline aggregation into a lamellar structure that induces super-hydrophobicity and oleophobicity. Nevertheless, when considering applications which involve chemical, mechanical and thermal stresses, it is important to know the limits under which the crystalline aggregation and the resulting polymer properties are stable. For this, chemical, morphological and structural properties upon multiple heating/cooling cycles were investigated both for linear PFDA polymers and for differently strong cross-linked alterations thereof. Heat treatment leaves the chemical composition of the linear PFDA polymers largely unchanged, while a more ordered crystalline structure with smoother morphology is observed. At the same time, the hydrophobicity and the integrity of the polymer deteriorate upon heating. The integrity and hydrophobicity of cross-linked p-PFDA films was preserved likely because of the lack of internal strain due to the coexistence of both crystalline and amorphous phases. The possibility to finely tune the degree of cross-linking can therefore expand the application portfolio in which PFDA polymers can be utilized.
Cyclodextrins tethered with oligolactides – green synthesis and structural assessment
Authors: Peptu Cristian , Balan-Porcarasu Mihaela , Šišková Alena , Škultéty Ľudovít , Mosnáček Jaroslav
Published: April 2017

Biodegradable oligolactide derivatives based on α-, β- and γ-cyclodextrins (CDs) were synthesized by a green procedure in which CDs play the role of both the initiator and the catalyst. The synthetic procedure in which CDs and L-lactide (L-LA) are reacting in bulk at relatively high temperature of 110 °C was investigated considering the structural composition of the products. The obtained products were thoroughly characterized via mass spectrometry methods with soft ionization like matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) and electrospray ionization (ESI). Liquid chromatography (LC) separation with evaporative light scattering detection (ELSD) and NMR analysis were employed in order to elucidate the structural profiles of the obtained mixtures. The results clearly demonstrate that the cyclodextrins were tethered with more than one short oligolactate chain per CD molecule, predominantly at the methylene group, through ring opening of L-LA initiated by primary OH groups.
Acceptability of biscuits containing 10% cricket (Acheta domesticus) compared to milk biscuits among 5-10-year-old Kenyan schoolchildren
Authors: Homann A.M. , Ayieko M.A. , Konyole S.O. , Roos N.
Published: April 2017

Children in Kenya are at risk of undernutrition. Milk powder is the ‘golden standard’ in products to prevent undernutrition but is expensive and cannot be produced locally. House crickets (Acheta domesticus) are rich in nutrients important for growth and development. The cricket biscuit contains protein, unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin A and B12, iron, and zinc. Furthermore, cricket powder can be an economically better substitute for milk powder and can create revenue for the local population. Including crickets in products for school feeding could optimise growth and learning. The objective of the study was to develop a recipe for cricket biscuits suitable for school feeding programmes and test acceptability of the biscuits in Kenyan schoolchildren, in comparison with a similar biscuit with milk. The study was randomised and parallel. Fifty-four children aged 5-10 years were served 100 g (range 98-102 g) biscuits containing either 10% cricket powder or 10% milk powder during school days for four weeks. At baseline anthropometry (weight, height, mid upper arm circumference) was measured and information on insect consumption and allergies collected. Daily, weight of biscuits eaten and hesitation and refusal to eat were noted. Weekly, hedonic ratings were performed. Consumption was 96.9% and 94.2% for cricket and milk biscuits (P=0.14), respectively. Hedonic ratings were significantly lower in cricket biscuits for looks (P=0.006), smell (P=0.04), texture (P=0.02), and overall (P=0.01) compared to milk biscuits, but all ratings were above average (2.5). The biscuits contribute with macro- and micronutrients important for a child in Western Kenya. The acceptability of the cricket biscuits was high and long-term based on set criteria (>75% eaten >75% of the study days). Organoleptic properties were rated above average for cricket biscuits but lower than milk biscuits in most aspects.
Airport level of service: A model according to departing passengers’ perceptions at a small-sized airport
Authors: Gonçalves Max Well Elias , Caetano Mauro
Published: April 2017

Purpose: This study proposes a conceptual model of level of service evaluation to a small-sized airport with a focus on departing passengers.Design/Methodology: The variables selected to compose the model were chosen according to their adequacy to departing passengers and the airport’s characteristics. A survey was conducted, and, posteriorly, exploratory factor analysis was used in order to verify the adequacy of the conceptual model proposed and also to improve it according to the results obtained.Findings: The results show that the level of service of the airport is composed of three dimensions: airport characteristics, passenger processing, and prices. The relative importance of the dimensions according to their contribution to the composition of the airport’s overall level of service was also determined.Originality/value: The paper combines theoretical and practical findings in a model for level of service evaluation to a small-sized airport from an air transportation management perspective.
UNA NUOVA STRAORDINARIA SPECIE DEL GENERE DYSDERA DELL’ITALIA MERIDIONALE (ARANEAE, DYSDERIDAE)
Authors: Gasparo Fulvio
Published: April 2017

Dysdera aberrans n. sp. (♂♀) viene descritta su esemplari raccolti presso Casacalenda (Campobasso). La nuova specie presenta caratteristiche assolutamente peculiari, in particolare per quanto riguarda la morfologia degli organi genitali maschili, che non ne consentono la collocazione in alcuno dei gruppi istituiti per ospitare le 250 specie congeneri sinora conosciute.
UNA NUOVA SPECIE DI HOPLIA DELLA TOSCANA (COLEOPTERA, MELOLONTHIDAE)
Authors: Leo Piero , Liberto Andrea , Rattu Andrea , Sechi Daniele
Published: April 2017

Viene descritta Hoplia (Hoplia) maremmana n. sp. della Toscana (locus typicus: Capalbio, Riserva Naturale Lago di Burano). La nuova specie viene comparata con le altre del genere feneticamente più simili, tutte endemiche italiane. Vengono inoltre fornite sintetiche notizie sulla fenologia e l’etologia degli adulti della nuova specie.
Nares transform motion and Eurekan compression along the northeast coast of Ellesmere Island
Authors: Tessensohn F , von Gosen W , Piepjohn K , Saalmann K , Mayr U
Published: April 2017

The Wegener Fault is a sinistral continental transform fault between spreading areas in the Labrador Sea/Baffi n Bay and the Arctic Ocean. It separates Greenland from Arctic Canada and is inferred to run through the straight seaway of Nares Strait between
Ellesmere Island and North Greenland. Analysis and distinction of tectonic structures formed by the postulated Nares Strait transform movement and by the Eurekan compressive event were the main objectives for fi eldwork on Ellesmere Island along the coast of Nares Strait. In the south, the Paleozoic
units are fairly regularly arranged in the form of long, continuous Ellesmerian anticlines and synclines as part of major thrust sheets. In contrast, the geological picture becomes irregu- lar and broken up in the northern part of the area. There, the Ellesmerian structures are overprinted by a
younger, brittle system of strike-slip faults.
Ricoeur on time: From Husserl to Augustine
Authors: Malan Gert J.
Published: April 2017

The development in Ricoeur’s concept of time did not receive as much attention as his move from eidetic to hermeneutic phenomenology and his  Time and Narrative, with which it coincided. This paper attends to the lacuna, specifically departing from Ricoeur’s Husserlian eidetics and moving towards the influence of Augustine’s discussion of the main aporias of time. Initially, Paul Ricoeur’s philosophic approach can be described as a Husserlian eidetic phenomenology, which influenced the way in which he understood time. This changed somewhat when Ricoeur moved from eidetic to hermeneutic phenomenology. Ricoeur has developed his understanding of the concept of time since his initial writings up to the end of his academic career of 70 years. This article focusses on Ricoeur’s initial eidetic approach in Freedom and Nature and, in more existential terms, in Fallible man, but also focusses on the initial phase of his turn to hermeneutics in Volume 1 of Time and Narrative with his exposition of Augustine’s views on time. His eidetic approach stems from his appreciation for and extension of the work of Husserl, Marcel and Kant, while he also drew much from Heidegger and Gadamer after his hermeneutic turn. His initial arguments on the hermeneutic phenomenology of time flow from Augustine’s discussions of the aporias of time. The later extension of his understanding of time to include emplotment was a logical next step.
The experiences of African Roman Catholic Church seminarians
Authors: Juma James O. , Van der Merwe Karen , Du Toit Danie
Published: April 2017

This qualitative study describes and interprets the lived experiences of African RomanCatholic Church seminarians (priests-in-training). The interpretive lens employed was worldview, a conceptual tool extensively used in African-centred psychology. Sixteen Africanseminarians (age range 21–31 years) were purposely selected and interviewed in depthAdditional sources of data were reflexive notes and observation notes. Data were subjected tovarious iterative cycles of analysis. Participants described their difficulty in adjusting in theseminaries where teaching and living predominantly reflects a Western world view. Theyevidenced cognitive dissonance, emotional discomfort and feelings of marginalisation. Thefindings point to the importance of acknowledging the world views and cultural heritage ofseminarians in their training.
Herbal slimming formulations or remedies interact with antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Dheda Mukesh
Published: April 2017

No abstract available.
Creation retold: Use of Scripture and tradition in Sirach 16:24�17:14
Authors: Ramantswana Hulisani
Published: April 2017

This article examines the use of Scripture and tradition in Sirach 16:24�17:14, which is a retelling of the creation stories. Ben Sira as an interpreter of Scripture utilised interpretive traditions or exegetical motifs that were in circulation during his time to provide instruction for his generation. His indebtedness to Scripture is evident from the quotations from Scripture and his use of scriptural language. In his retelling of the creation stories, he made use of the exegetical motifs that were in circulation, adapting them within the wisdom interpretive framework. He also rejected the tendency to blame evil on external agencies such as fallen angels and downplayed the gap between the creation process and the giving of the law at Sinai.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: The article is an exegetical inquiry of the extra-biblical text of Ben Sira in dialogue with Scripture and with other exegetical traditions which were in circulation in the Second Temple period. The article highlights the indebtedness of Ben Sira to both Scripture and tradition, and also noting Ben Sira�s own creativity in the use of Scripture and tradition in his retelling of creation story
Операторы с орбитами, плотными относительно нетривиальных подпространств
Authors: Rezaei H
Published: April 2017

В работе рассматриваются ограниченные линейные операторы, орбиты которых плотны относительно нетривиальных подпространств. Приведены нетривиальные примеры таких операторов и установлен ряд их основных свойств. Приведен пример оператора, который имеет орбиту, плотную относительно некоторого подпространства, но, в свою очередь, не является подпространственно гиперциклическим для этого подпространстве. Это дает новый ответ на вопрос, поставленный в [18]. Рассмотрены также другие свойства операторов, схожие с гиперцикличностью.
Urbanidad subterránea: del carrefour à étages multiples a la ‘calle interior’
Authors: Clua Alvaro
Published: April 2017

As Manuel de Solà-Morales noted, urbanity relies on the variety and quality of relations between things, materials and human beings. Considered as such, how are we to achieve an underground urbanity? This paper seeks to address this question through a focussed reading of a number of European urban projects from the 20th century; all of which put special care into ensuring the quality of their subterranean passageways. We begin with the carrefour à giration, which was designed by Eugène Hénard in 1906, in order to identify four fundamental attributes of this kind of urbanity: legibility, spatiality, accessibility and activity. We then continue with a qualitative analysis of the 1933 Blå Bodarna passageway designed by Tage William-Olsson and Holger Blom in Slussen (Stockholm). Looking ahead some decades later, the sequence of passages under the Vienna Ring, built during the mayoralty of Franz J. Jonas, provides a good example of how fundamental the connectivity to the underground public transport system was to the success of these spaces. Finally, the article closes with a review of those underground places found in Santiago Calatrava’s Stadelhofen Station and the Stationsplein by Manuel de Solà-Morales: from the carrefour à étages multiples to the ‘inner street’.
The oxic degradation of sedimentary organic matter 1400 Ma constrains atmospheric oxygen levels
Authors: Zhang Shuichang , Wang Xiaomei , Wang Huajian , Hammarlund Emma U. , Su Jin , Wang Yu , Canfield Donald E.
Published: April 2017

Abstract. We studied sediments from the ca. 1400 million-year-old Xiamaling Formation from the North China block. The upper unit of this formation (unit 1) deposited mostly below storm wave base and contains alternating black and green-gray shales with very distinct geochemical characteristics. The black shales are enriched in redox-sensitive trace metals, have high concentrations of total organic carbon (TOC), high hydrogen index (HI) and iron speciation indicating deposition under anoxic conditions. In contrast, the green-gray shales show no trace metal enrichments, have low TOC, low HI and iron speciation consistent with an oxygenated depositional setting. Altogether, unit 1 displays alternations between oxic and anoxic depositional environments, driving differences in carbon preservation consistent with observations from the modern ocean. We combined our TOC and HI results to calculate the differences in carbon mineralization and carbon preservation by comparing the oxygenated and anoxic depositional environments. Through comparisons of these results with modern sedimentary environments, and by use of a simple diagenetic model, we conclude that the enhanced carbon mineralization under oxygenated conditions in unit 1 of the Xiamaling Formation required a minimum of 4 to 8 % of present-day atmospheric levels (PAL) of oxygen. These oxygen levels are higher than estimates based on chromium isotopes and reinforce the idea that the environment contained enough oxygen for animals long before their evolution.
Topography- and nightlight-based national flood risk assessment in Canada
Authors: Elshorbagy Amin , Bharath Raja , Lakhanpal Anchit , Ceola Serena , Montanari Alberto , Lindenschmidt Karl-Erich
Published: April 2017

Abstract. In Canada, flood analysis and water resource management, in general, are tasks conducted at the provincial level; therefore, unified national-scale approaches to water-related problems are uncommon. In this study, a national-scale flood risk assessment approach is proposed and developed. The study focuses on using global and national datasets available with various resolutions to create flood risk maps. First, a flood hazard map of Canada is developed using topography-based parameters derived from digital elevation models, namely, elevation above nearest drainage (EAND) and distance from nearest drainage (DFND). This flood hazard mapping method is tested on a smaller area around the city of Calgary, Alberta, against a flood inundation map produced by the city using hydraulic modelling. Second, a flood exposure map of Canada is developed using a land-use map and the satellite-based nightlight luminosity data as two exposure parameters. Third, an economic flood risk map is produced, and subsequently overlaid with population density information to produce a socioeconomic flood risk map for Canada. All three maps of hazard, exposure, and risk are classified into five classes, ranging from very low to severe. A simple way to include flood protection measures in hazard estimation is also demonstrated using the example of the city of Winnipeg, Manitoba. This could be done for the entire country if information on flood protection across Canada were available. The evaluation of the flood hazard map shows that the topography-based method adopted in this study is both practical and reliable for large-scale analysis. Sensitivity analysis regarding the resolution of the digital elevation model is needed to identify the resolution that is fine enough for reliable hazard mapping, but coarse enough for computational tractability. The nightlight data are found to be useful for exposure and risk mapping in Canada; however, uncertainty analysis should be conducted to investigate the effect of the overglow phenomenon on flood risk mapping.