bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Isolation and Identification of Bacteria on Feathers of Migratory Bird Species
Authors: Giorgio Antonella , De Bonis Salvatore , Balestrieri Rosario , Rossi Giovanni , Guida Marco
Published: December 2018

Worldwide, bacteria are the most ubiquitous microorganisms, and it has been extensively demonstrated that migratory wild birds can increase bacterial global scale dispersion through long-distance migration and dispersal. The microbial community hosted by wild birds can be highly diverse, including pathogenic strains that can contribute to infections and disease spread. This study focused on feather and plumage bacteria within bird microbial communities. Samples were collected during ornithological activities in a bird ringing station. Bacterial identification was carried out via DNA barcoding of the partial 16S rRNA gene. Thirty-seven isolates of bacteria were identified on the chest feathers of 60 migratory birds belonging to three trans-Saharan species: Muscicapa striata, Hippolais icterina, and Sylvia borin. Our results demonstrate the possibility of bacterial transfer, including pathogens, through bird migration between very distant countries. The data from the analysis of plumage bacteria can aid in the explanation of phenomena such as migratory birds’ fitness or the development of secondary sexual traits. Moreover, these results have deep hygienic–sanitary implications, since many bird species have synanthropic behaviors during their migration that increase the probability of disease spread.
Sequential Combined Effect of Phages and Antibiotics on the Inactivation of Escherichia coli
Authors: Lopes Ana , Pereira Carla , Almeida Adelaide
Published: December 2018

The emergence of antibiotic resistance in bacteria is a global concern. The use of bacteriophages (or phages) alone or combined with antibiotics is consolidating itself as an alternative approach to inactivate antibiotic-resistant bacteria. However, phage-resistant mutants have been considered as a major threat when phage treatment is employed. Escherichia coli is one of the main responsible pathogens for moderate and serious infections in hospital and community environments, being involved in the rapid evolution of fluoroquinolones and third-generation cephalosporin resistance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of combined treatments of phages and antibiotics in the inactivation of E. coli. For this, ciprofloxacin at lethal and sublethal concentrations was added at different times (0, 6, 12 and 18 h) and was tested in combination with the phage ELY-1 to inactivate E. coli. The efficacy of the combined treatment varied with the antibiotic concentration and with the time of antibiotic addition. The combined treatment prevented bacterial regrowth when the antibiotic was used at minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and added after 6 h of phage addition, causing less bacterial resistance than phage and antibiotic applied alone (4.0 × 10−7 for the combined treatment, 3.9 × 10−6 and 3.4 × 10−5 for the antibiotics and the phages alone, respectively). Combined treatment with phage and antibiotic can be effective in reducing the bacterial density and it can also prevent the emergence of resistant variants. However, the antibiotic concentration and the time of antibiotic application are essential factors that need to be considered in the combined treatment.
Structure-Based Drug Design Studies Toward the Discovery of Novel Chalcone Derivatives as Potential Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Inhibitors
Authors: Al-Anazi Menier , Al-Najjar Belal O. , Khairuddean Melati
Published: December 2018

Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-1 (EGFR), a transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor (RTK), has been associated with several types of cancer, including breast, lung, ovarian, and anal cancers. Thus, the receptor was targeted by a variety of therapeutic approaches for cancer treatments. A series of chalcone derivatives are among the most highly potent and selective inhibitors of EGFR described to date. A series of chalcone derivatives were proposed in this study to investigate the intermolecular interactions in the active site utilizing molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. After a careful analysis of docking results, compounds 1a and 1d were chosen for molecular dynamics simulation study. Extensive hydrogen bond analysis throughout 7 ns molecular dynamics simulation revealed the ability of compounds 1a and 1d to retain the essential interactions needed for the inhibition, especially MET 93. Finally, MM-GBSA calculations highlight on the capability of the ligands to bind strongly within the active site with binding energies of −44.04 and −56.6 kcal/mol for compounds 1a and 1d, respectively. Compound 1d showed to have a close binding energy with TAK-285 (−66.17 kcal/mol), which indicates a high chance for compound 1d to exhibit inhibitory activity, thus recommending to synthesis it to test its biological activity. It is anticipated that the findings reported here may provide very useful information for designing effective drugs for the treatment of EGFR-related cancer disease.
The Potential of South African Herbal Tisanes, Rooibos and Honeybush in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Ajuwon Olawale R. , Ayeleso Ademola O. , Adefolaju Gbenga A.
Published: December 2018

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease that can lead to high morbidity, mortality and long-term complications. Available treatment strategies, which are mainly based on treating hyperglycemia, with insulin and other pharmacological agents are not completely efficient and can even lead to development of unwanted side effects. Scientific evidence suggests that bioactive compounds from teas and other plant-based foods, which are known source of natural antioxidants, could be an attractive strategy to preferentially treat and manage type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and thus, have significant therapeutic implications. In this review, we attempt an in-depth analysis and discussion of the current progress in our understanding of the antidiabetic potential of two commercialized South Africa herbal tisanes—Rooibos and Honeybush and their polyphenols.
Physicochemical, Functional, and Nutraceutical Properties of Eggplant Flours Obtained by Different Drying Methods
Authors: Rodriguez-Jimenez Jenny R. , Amaya-Guerra Carlos A. , Baez-Gonzalez Juan G. , Aguilera-Gonzalez Carlos , Urias-Orona Vania , Nino-Medina Guillermo
Published: December 2018

The importance of consuming functional foods has led the food industry to look for alternative sources of ingredients of natural origin. Eggplants are a type of vegetable that is valued for its content in phytochemical compounds and it is due to the fact that this research is conducted towards the development of eggplant flour as a proposal to be used as a functional ingredient in the food industry. In this study, the eggplant fruits were divided into four groups, based on the drying method and the equipment used: Minced, drying oven (T1); sliced, drying oven (T2); sliced and frozen, drying tunnel (T3); and sliced, drying tunnel (T4). All the eggplant flours showed the same trend regarding their antioxidant capacity and phenolic content in the order T2 > T4 > T1 > T3. The freezing of eggplant was found to have a negative effect on functional and antioxidant properties. With respect to their nutritional composition, the flours did not change in their crude fiber, protein, and fat contents. In general terms, the T2 flour is a potential ingredient for the preparation of foods with functional properties since it is rich in phenolic compounds and antioxidants.
Synthesis of Novel ent-Kaurane-Type Diterpenoid Derivatives Effective for Highly Aggressive Tumor Cells
Authors: Hu Yu , Li Xiao-Nian , Ma Ze-Jin , Puno Pema-Tenzin , Zhao Yong , Zhao Yan , Xiao Ye-Zhi , Zhang Wei , Liu Jing-Ping
Published: December 2018

We have designed and synthesized 6 ent-Kaurane-type diterpenoid derivatives containing α,β-unsaturated ketone moieties. In vitro, activity was evaluated against three human tumor cell lines and a rat myogenic cell line (HepG2, NSCLC-H292, SNU-1040, L6) by MTT assay. All the tested compounds exhibited comparable or higher activity than DDP and eriocalyxin B. Compounds 16, 17 and 18 are promising anti-tumor leads due to their cytotoxic potencies and higher selectivity, with SI values of 161.06, 47.80 and 128.20, respectively.
Dietary Patterns, Bone Mineral Density, and Risk of Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Denova-Gutiérrez Edgar , Méndez-Sánchez Lucía , Muñoz-Aguirre Paloma , Tucker Katherine L. , Clark Patricia
Published: December 2018

The aim of this systematic review was to assess the evidence on the relation between dietary patterns, bone mineral density (BMD), and risk of fracture in different age groups. Medline and Embase were searched for articles that identified dietary patterns and related these to BMD or risk of fracture through May 2018. Multivariable adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) comparing the lowest and highest categories of dietary pattern were combined by using a random effects meta-analysis. In total, 31 studies were selected for review, including 18 cohorts, 1 case-control, and 12 cross-sectional studies, in the meta-analysis of Prudent/healthy and Western/unhealthy dietary pattern, BMD, and risk of fracture. There was evidence of a lower risk of fracture when intakes in the highest categories were compared with the lowest categories of Prudent/healthy dietary pattern (OR = 0.81; 95%CI: 0.69, 0.95; p = 0.01). In contrast, when intakes in the highest categories were compared with the lowest categories of Western/unhealthy dietary pattern, a greater risk of fracture (OR = 1.10; 95%CI: 1.02, 1.19; p = 0.01) was observed among men. The present systematic review and meta-analysis provides evidence of an inverse association between a Prudent/healthy dietary pattern and risk of low BMD and a positive relation between Western/unhealthy dietary pattern and risk of low BMD.
Protein, Amino Acid, Fatty Acid Composition, and in Vitro Digestibility of Bread Fortified with Oncorhynchus tschawytscha Powder
Authors: Desai Ajay S. , Beibeia Tang , Brennan Margaret A. , Guo Xinbo , Zeng Xin-An , Brennan Charles S.
Published: December 2018

This study investigated protein, amino acid, fatty acid composition, in vitro starch and protein digestibility, and phenolic and antioxidant composition of bread fortified with salmon fish (Oncorhynchus tschawytscha) powder (SFP). The proximate composition in control and SFP breads ranged between (34.00 ± 0.55–31.42 ± 0.73%) moisture, (13.91 ± 0.19–20.04 ± 0.10%) protein, (3.86 ± 0.02–9.13 ± 0.02%) fat, (2.13 ± 0.02–2.42 ± 0.09%) ash, (80.10 ± 0.018–68.42 ± 0.11%) carbohydrate, and (410.8 ± 0.18–435.96 ± 0.36 kcal) energy. The essential amino acids of the control and SFP breads ranged between 261.75 ± 9.23 and 306.96 ± 6.76 mg/g protein, which satisfies the score recommended by FAO/WHO/UNU (2007). Protein digestibility of the products was assessed using an in vitro assay. The protein digestibility, comma, amino acid score, essential amino acid index, biological value, and nutritional index ranged between 79.96 ± 0.65–80.80 ± 0.99%, 0.15 ± 0.06–0.42 ± 0.06%, 62.51 ± 1.15–76.68 ± 1.40%, 56.44 ± 1.05–71.68 ± 1.10%, 8.69 ± 0.10–15.36 ± 0.21%, respectively. Control and SFP breads contained 60.31 ± 0.21–43.60 ± 0.35 g/100 g total fatty acids (saturated fatty acids) and 13.51 ± 0.10–17.00 ± 0.09 g/100 g total fatty acids (polyunsaturated fatty acids), and SFP breads fulfil the ω-6/ω-3 score recommended by food authority. There was a significant effect of SFP on bread-specific volume, crumb color, and textural properties. The in vitro starch digestibility results illustrate that the incorporation of SFP into wheat bread decreased the potential glycemic response of bread and increased the antioxidant capacity of bread. In conclusion, this nutrient-rich SFP bread has the potential to be a technological alternative for the food industry.
Solid Dispersion of Resveratrol Supported on Magnesium DiHydroxide (Resv@MDH) Microparticles Improves Oral Bioavailability
Authors: Spogli Roberto , Bastianini Maria , Ragonese Francesco , Iannitti Rossana Giulietta , Monarca Lorenzo , Bastioli Federica , Nakashidze Irina , Brecchia Gabriele , Menchetti Laura , Codini Michela , Arcuri Cataldo , Mancinelli Loretta , Fioretti Bernard
Published: December 2018

Resveratrol, because of its low solubility in water and its high membrane permeability, is collocated in the second class of the biopharmaceutical classification system, with limited bioavailability due to its dissolution rate. Solid dispersion of resveratrol supported on Magnesium DiHydroxide (Resv@MDH) was evaluated to improve solubility and increase bioavailability of resveratrol. Fluorimetric microscopy analysis displays three types of microparticles with similar size: Type 1 that emitted preferably fluorescence at 445 nm with bandwidth of 50 nm, type 2 that emitted preferably fluorescence at 605 nm with bandwidth of 70 nm and type 3 that is non-fluorescent. Micronized pure resveratrol displays only microparticles type 1 whereas type 3 are associated to pure magnesium dihydroxide. Dissolution test in simulated gastric environment resveratrol derived from Resv@MDH in comparison to resveratrol alone displayed better solubility. A 3-fold increase of resveratrol bioavailability was observed after oral administration of 50 mg/kg of resveratrol from Resv@MDH in rabbits. We hypothesize that type 2 microparticles represent magnesium dihydroxide microparticles with a resveratrol shell and that they are responsible for the improved resveratrol solubility and bioavailability of Resv@MDH.
Macrophages from Mice Administered Rhus verniciflua Stokes Extract Show Selective Anti-Inflammatory Activity
Authors: Kim Bo-Geun , Song Youngju , Lee Mi-Gi , Ku Jin-Mo , Jin So-Jung , Hong Joung-Woo , Lee SeungGwan , Kang Hee
Published: December 2018

The bark of Rhus verniciflua Stokes (RVS) is used as a food additive and herbal medicine for various inflammatory disorders and cancer in Eastern Asia. RVS has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory effects in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages in vitro, but whether oral administration of RVS affects the inflammatory response of macrophage needs to be verified. RVS was given orally to mice for ten days. For isolation of macrophages, intraperitoneal injection of thioglycollate was performed. For determination of serum inflammatory response, intraperitoneal injection of LPS was applied. RVS stimulated monocyte differentiation in thioglycollate-induced peritonitis by increasing the population of cells expressing CD11b and class A scavenger receptors. These monocyte-derived macrophages showed an increased uptake of acetylated low-density lipoprotein. When peritoneal macrophages from the RVS group were stimulated with LPS, the levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 in the supernatant decreased, but the level of IL-12 increased. The surface expression of CD86 was reduced, but surface expression of class II major histocompatibility complex molecules was increased. RVS suppressed the serum levels of LPS-induced TNF-α and IL-6. Collectively, RVS promoted monocyte differentiation upon inflammatory insults and conferred selective anti-inflammatory activity without causing overall inhibitory effects on immune cells.
Optimized Extraction by Response Surface Methodology Used for the Characterization and Quantification of Phenolic Compounds in Whole Red Grapes (Vitis vinifera)
Authors: Iglesias-Carres Lisard , Mas-Capdevila Anna , Sancho-Pardo Lucía , Bravo Francisca Isabel , Mulero Miquel , Muguerza Begoña , Arola-Arnal Anna
Published: December 2018

Scientific research has focused on the characterization of bioactive polyphenols from grape seeds and skins, and the pulp has often been overlooked. However, since the beneficial properties of grapes are associated with the consumption of whole fruit, a full extraction and posterior characterization of the phenolic compounds in whole grapes is required to identify the involved bioactive compounds. Such methodologies are not currently available for the whole edible parts of red grapes. This study aimed to determine the best polyphenol extraction conditions of whole red grapes, and apply the method to characterize and quantify the polyphenol composition of three different grapes. The optimized conditions were 80 mL/g, 65% methanol (1% formic acid), 72 °C, and 100 min under agitation of 500 rpm. Also, methanol and ethanol were compared as extraction solvents, and methanol achieved statistically higher extraction rates for anthocyanins. The results of this work suggest a higher quantification of phenolic compounds when red grapes are analyzed whole, including the seeds, pulp, and skin.
Trends in Pharmacy Practice Communication Research
Authors: Kälvemark Sporrong Sofia , Kaae Susanne
Published: December 2018

Communication is a crucial aspect of pharmacy practice—in community pharmacies and in other health care settings. [...]
Boron Trifluoride Anionic Side Groups in Polyphosphazene Based Polymer Electrolyte with Enhanced Interfacial Stability in Lithium Batteries
Authors: Schmohl Sebastian , He Xuan , Wiemhöfer Hans-Dieter
Published: December 2018

A modified polyphosphazene was synthesized using a mixed substitution at phosphorus consisting of 2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy side groups and anionic trifluoroborate groups. The primary goal was to increase the low lithium ion conductivities of the conventional lithium salt containing poly[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy-phosphazene] (MEEP) by the immobilized anionic groups. As in previous studies, the mechanical stability was stabilized by UV induced radiation cross linking. By variation of the molar ratio between different side groups, mechanical and electrochemical properties are controllable. The polymer demonstrated large electrochemical stability windows ranging between 0 and 4.5 V versus the Li/Li+ reference. Total and lithium conductivities of 3.6 × 10−4 S·cm−1 and 1.8 × 10−5 S·cm−1 at 60 °C were revealed for the modified MEEP. When observed in special visualization cells, dendrite formation onset time and short-circuit time were determined as 21 h and 90 h, respectively, under constant current polarization (16 h and 65 h for MEEP, both with 15 wt % LiBOB), which hints to a more stable Li/polymer interface compared to normal MEEP. The enhanced dendrite suppression ability can be explained by the formation of a more conductive solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and the existence of F-contained SEI components (such as LiF). With the addition of ethylene carbonate–dimethyl carbonate (EC/DMC) to form MEE-co-OBF3P gel polymer, both total and lithium conductivity were enhanced remarkably, and the lithium transference numbers reached reasonable values (σtotal = 1.05 mS·cm−1, σLi+ = 0.22 mS·cm−1, t Li + = 0.18 at 60 °C).
Overdispersed-Poisson Model in Claims Reserving: Closed Tool for One-Year Volatility in GLM Framework
Authors: Strascia Stefano Cavastracci , Tripodi Agostino
Published: December 2018

The aim of this paper is to carry out a closed tool to estimate the one-year volatility of the claims reserve, calculated through the generalized linear models (GLM), notably the overdispersed- Poisson model. Up to now, this one-year volatility has been estimated through the well-known bootstrap methodology that demands the use of the Monte Carlo method with a re-reserving technique. Nonetheless, this method is time consuming under the calculation point of view; therefore, approximation techniques are often used in practice, such as an emergence pattern based on the link between the one-year volatility—resulting from the Merz–Wüthrich method—and the ultimate volatility—resulting from the Mack method.
Testing for Seasonal Affective Disorder on Selected CEE and SEE Stock Markets
Authors: Škrinjarić Tihana
Published: December 2018

Effects of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) are explored on several selected Central and South East European markets in this study for the period 2010–2018. Both return and risk sensitivities on the SAD effect are examined for 11 markets in total (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Romania and Ukraine). SAD effects are based upon psychiatric and behavioural theories, and are rarely observed on the stock markets today. Thus, this research provides empirical evaluation of the mentioned effects for some of the markets for the first time in the literature. The results indicate that 6 out of 11 markets exhibit SAD effects to some extent, meaning that investors’ risk aversion does change over the year, depending upon the season of the year. Such results have consequences in finance theory modelling and practical usage in investment strategies on stock markets as well.
Automated Aerial Triangulation for UAV-Based Mapping
Authors: He Fangning , Zhou Tian , Xiong Weifeng , Hasheminnasab Seyyed , Habib Ayman
Published: December 2018

Accurate 3D reconstruction/modelling from unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based imagery has become the key prerequisite in various applications. Although current commercial software has automated the process of image-based reconstruction, a transparent system, which can be incorporated with different user-defined constraints, is still preferred by the photogrammetric research community. In this regard, this paper presents a transparent framework for the automated aerial triangulation of UAV images. The proposed framework is conducted in three steps. In the first step, two approaches, which take advantage of prior information regarding the flight trajectory, are implemented for reliable relative orientation recovery. Then, initial recovery of image exterior orientation parameters (EOPs) is achieved through either an incremental or global approach. Finally, a global bundle adjustment involving Ground Control Points (GCPs) and check points is carried out to refine all estimated parameters in the defined mapping coordinate system. Four real image datasets, which are acquired by two different UAV platforms, have been utilized to evaluate the feasibility of the proposed framework. In addition, a comparative analysis between the proposed framework and the existing commercial software is performed. The derived experimental results demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed framework in providing an accurate 3D model, especially when dealing with acquired UAV images containing repetitive pattern and significant image distortions.
Climate Data Records from Meteosat First Generation Part I: Simulation of Accurate Top-of-Atmosphere Spectral Radiance over Pseudo-Invariant Calibration Sites for the Retrieval of the In-Flight Visible Spectral Response
Authors: Govaerts Yves M. , Rüthrich Frank , John Viju O. , Quast Ralf
Published: December 2018

Meteosat First-Generation satellites have acquired more than 30 years of observations that could potentially be used for the generation of a Climate Data Record. The availability of harmonized and accurate a Fundamental Climate Data Record is a prerequisite to such generation. Meteosat Visible and Infrared Imager radiometers suffer from inaccurate pre-launch spectral function characterization and spectral ageing constitutes a serious limitation to achieve such prerequisite. A new method was developed for the retrieval of the pre-launch instrument spectral function and its ageing. This recovery method relies on accurately simulated top-of-atmosphere spectral radiances matching observed digital count values. This paper describes how these spectral radiances are simulated over pseudo-invariant targets such as open ocean, deep convective clouds and bright desert surface. The radiative properties of these targets are described with a limited number of parameters of known uncertainty. Typically, a single top-of-atmosphere radiance spectrum can be simulated with an estimated uncertainty of about 5%. The independent evaluation of the simulated radiance accuracy is also addressed in this paper. It includes two aspects: the comparison with narrow-band well-calibrated radiometers and a spectral consistency analysis using SEVIRI/HRVIS band on board Meteosat Second Generation which was accurately characterized pre-launch. On average, the accuracy of these simulated spectral radiances is estimated to be about ±2%.
A Novel Connectivity-Based LEACH-MEEC Routing Protocol for Mobile Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Ahmad Muqeet , Li Tianrui , Khan Zahid , Khurshid Faisal , Ahmad Mushtaq
Published: December 2018

In mobile wireless sensor network (MWSN), the lifetime of the network largely depends on energy efficient routing protocol. In the literature, cluster leader (CL) is selected based on remaining energy of mobile sensor nodes to enhance sensor network lifetime. In this study, a novel connectivity-based Low-Energy Adaptive Clustering Hierarchy-Mobile Energy Efficient and Connected (LEACH-MEEC) routing protocol was proposed, where CL is selected based on connectivity among neighboring nodes and the remaining energy of mobile sensor nodes. Consequently, it improves data delivery, network lifetime and balances the energy consumption. We studied various performance metrics including the number of alive nodes (NAN), remaining energy (RE) and packet delivery ratio (PDR). Our proposed LEACH-MEEC outperforms all other algorithms due to the connectivity metric. Moreover, the performance of mobility models was investigated through graphical and statistically tabulated results. The results show that Reference Point Group Mobility model (RPGM) is better than other mobility models.
Abandoned Object Detection in Video-Surveillance: Survey and Comparison
Authors: Luna Elena , San Miguel Juan Carlos , Ortego Diego , Martínez José María
Published: December 2018

During the last few years, abandoned object detection has emerged as a hot topic in the video-surveillance community. As a consequence, a myriad of systems has been proposed for automatic monitoring of public and private places, while addressing several challenges affecting detection performance. Due to the complexity of these systems, researchers often address independently the different analysis stages such as foreground segmentation, stationary object detection, and abandonment validation. Despite the improvements achieved for each stage, the advances are rarely applied to the full pipeline, and therefore, the impact of each stage of improvement on the overall system performance has not been studied. In this paper, we formalize the framework employed by systems for abandoned object detection and provide an extensive review of state-of-the-art approaches for each stage. We also build a multi-configuration system allowing one to select a range of alternatives for each stage with the objective of determining the combination achieving the best performance. This multi-configuration is made available online to the research community. We perform an extensive evaluation by gathering a heterogeneous dataset from existing data. Such a dataset allows considering multiple and different scenarios, whereas presenting various challenges such as illumination changes, shadows, and a high density of moving objects, unlike existing literature focusing on a few sequences. The experimental results identify the most effective configurations and highlight design choices favoring robustness to errors. Moreover, we validated such an optimal configuration on additional datasets not previously considered. We conclude the paper by discussing open research challenges arising from the experimental comparison.
The Ability of Soil Pore Network Metrics to Predict Redox Dynamics Is Scale Dependent
Authors: Wanzek Thomas , Keiluweit Marco , Varga Tamas , Lindsley Adam , Nico Peter S. , Fendorf Scott , Kleber Markus
Published: December 2018

Variations in microbial community structure and metabolic efficiency are governed in part by oxygen availability, which is a function of water content, diffusion distance, and oxygen demand; for this reason, the volume, connectivity, and geometry of soil pores may exert primary controls on spatial metabolic diversity in soil. Here, we combine quantitative pore network metrics derived from X-ray computed tomography (XCT) with measurements of electromotive potentials to assess how the metabolic status of soil depends on variations of the overall pore network architecture. Contrasting pore network architectures were generated using a Mollisol—A horizon, and compared to intact control samples from the same soil. Mesocosms from each structural treatment were instrumented with Pt-electrodes to record available energy dynamics during a regimen of varying moisture conditions. We found that volume-based XCT-metrics were more frequently correlated with metrics describing changes in available energy than medial-axis XCT-metrics. An abundance of significant correlations between pore network metrics and available energy parameters was not only a function of pore architecture, but also of the dimensions of the sub-sample chosen for XCT analysis. Pore network metrics had the greatest power to statistically explain changes in available energy in the smallest volumes analyzed. Our work underscores the importance of scale in observations of natural systems.
Individual Motivations, Motivational Climate, Enjoyment, and Physical Competence Perceptions in Finnish Team Sport Athletes: A Prospective and Retrospective Study
Authors: Zanatta Thaís , Rottensteiner Christoph , Konttinen Niilo , Lochbaum Marc
Published: December 2018

Despite the high rates of participation in sports clubs among Finnish youth, only a few reach elite levels. This study investigated a number of motivational factors, enjoyment, and perceived physical competence perceptions of Finnish youth athletes in their adolescence and then four years later to help understand determinants of elite level attainment. The sample consisted of 824 young athletes born in 1995, who were playing soccer, ice hockey, or basketball in the Finnish sports club system. As youths, participants completed measurements of the perceived task and ego climates, task and ego goal orientations, autonomous and controlled motivations, amotivation, sport enjoyment, and perceived physical competence. Retrospectively, the same participants completed measurements of task, ego, social relatedness, and autonomy supportive climates four years later. All variables were compared to self-reported elite status attainment. Additionally, we examined some demographic characteristics. Prospectively, the self-reported elite athletes (n = 79) reported significantly (p < 0.05) higher perceptions of a task climate, perceived physical competence, sport enjoyment, and autonomous motivation and a lower level of amotivation compared to nonelite athletes. The meaningfulness (Hedges’ g) of the significant differences ranged from small to moderate. Retrospectively, elite athletes indicated significantly (p < 0.05) higher perception of a task climate and a social relatedness climate during their sporting career. Hedges’ g ranged from moderate to large in meaningfulness. The findings highlighted the importance of focusing on the positive aspects surrounding elite athletes’ perceptions to promote youth athletes’ development, while not discounting the importance of physical size and talent.
Determination of the Optimal Size of Photovoltaic Systems by Using Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Methods
Authors: Guerrero-Liquet Guido C. , Oviedo-Casado Santiago , Sánchez-Lozano J. M. , García-Cascales M. Socorro , Prior Javier , Urbina Antonio
Published: December 2018

The diverse socio-economic and environmental impacts related to the setup of a new photovoltaic installation must be weighed carefully in order to reach the best possible solution. Among the different photovoltaic systems, there are several classification criteria, depending on the technology, application, and size of the modules that define them. The size (installed nominal capacity) stands out as an impartial and critical measure in the decision-making process. In this article, we use a multi-criteria decision-making method to analyze the responses of five experts to a detailed questionnaire in which several different criteria are correlated with various photovoltaic installation sizes. The limitation associated with a low number of experts is addressed with a robustness and sensitivity analysis. With this study, we seek first to apply and demonstrate the feasibility of a methodology that combines technical information with multi-criteria decision-making methods. Second, we obtain a clear result that increases the benefits of a forthcoming photovoltaic installation of modules in distributed generation, adding up to one GW total peak power in standard conditions. We observe a consistent result in which smaller photovoltaic modules provide the ideal solution, as this format maximizes the socio-economic benefits of any installation. If a decision has to be taken about the type of photovoltaic plant to be installed, the conclusion is clear: given a certain size, small, easily scalable installations are the best solution for stakeholders, the inhabitants, and the environment.
The What, Where, and Why of Airbnb Price Determinants
Authors: Perez-Sanchez V. Raul , Serrano-Estrada Leticia , Marti Pablo , Mora-Garcia Raul-Tomas
Published: December 2018

Breakthrough changes in the rental market have occurred with the introduction of peer-to-peer accommodation services such as Airbnb. This phenomenon is attracting tourists who contribute to the sustainability of local trade and the economic development of the city. This research enriches the current debate on the range of factors that influence Airbnb accommodation prices. To that end, a method was developed to understand the relationship between Airbnb accommodation attributes and listing prices; and to consider variables related to the properties’ location and surrounding urban environment, considering the touristic characteristics of the four Spanish Mediterranean Arc cities selected as case study. A multivariable analysis technique is used for estimating a hedonic price model that adopts the ordinary least squares and the quantile regression methods. The findings obtained for the impact of location on listing prices are contrary to previous studies. In fact, accommodation prices increase incrementally by 1.3% per kilometer from the tourist area, which in all four cases are situated in the historic area of the city. However, at the same time, accommodation prices decrease incrementally as distance from the coastline increases. Lastly, results related to how the listings’ accommodation, host, and advertising characteristics impact Airbnb prices concur with previous studies.
Artificial Combined Model Based on Hybrid Nonlinear Neural Network Models and Statistics Linear Models—Research and Application for Wind Speed Forecasting
Authors: Liu Yuewei , Zhang Shenghui , Chen Xuejun , Wang Jianzhou
Published: December 2018

The use of wind power is rapidly increasing as an important part of power systems, but because of the intermittent and random nature of wind speed, system operators and researchers urgently need to find more reliable methods to forecast wind speed. Through research, it is found that the time series of wind speed demonstrate not only linear features but also nonlinear features. Hence, a combined forecasting model based on an improved cuckoo search algorithm optimizes weight, and several single models—linear model, hybrid nonlinear neural network, and fuzzy forecasting model—are developed in this paper to provide more trend change for time series of wind speed forecasting besides improving the forecasting accuracy. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the proposed model is proved by wind speed data from four wind farm sites and the results are more reliable and accurate than comparison models.
RAFFIA: Short-term Forest Fire Danger Rating Prediction via Multiclass Logistic Regression
Authors: Wang Lei , Zhao Qingjian , Wen Zuomin , Qu Jiaming
Published: December 2018

Forest fire prevention is important because of human communities near forests or in the wildland-urban interfaces. Short-term forest fire danger rating prediction is an effective way to provide early guidance for forest fire managers. It can therefore effectively protect the forest resources and enhance the sustainability of the forest ecosystem. However, relevant existing forest fire danger rating prediction models operate well only when applied to distinct climates and fuel types separately. There are desires for an effective methodology, which can construct a specific short-term prediction model according to an evaluation of the data from that specific region. Moreover, a suitable method for prediction model construction needs to deal with some big data related computing challenges (i.e., data diversity coupled with complexity of solution space, and the requirement of real-time forest fire prevention application) when massively observed heterogeneous parameters are available for prediction (e.g., meteorology factor, the amount of litter in the area, soil moisture, etc.). To capture the influences of multiple prediction factors on the prediction results and effectively learn from fast cumulative historical big data, artificial intelligence methods are investigated in this paper, yielding a short-term Ratings of Forest Fire Danger Prediction via Multiclass Logistic Regression (or RAFFIA) model for forest fire danger rating online prediction. Experimental evaluations conducted on a sensor-based forest fire prevention experimental station show that RAFFIA (with 98.71% precision and 0.081 root mean square error) is more effective than the Least Square Fitting Regression (LSFR) and Random Forests (RF) prediction models.
Correlation between Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), Land Use Catchment Areas, and Local Environmental Transformation
Authors: Tong Xin , Wang Yaowu , Chan Edwin H. W. , Zhou Qingfeng
Published: December 2018

Transit-oriented development (TOD) has been recognised as a sustainable planning approach and that is typically designed for a whole city. Individual land use characteristics and the causations have often been ignored. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to explore the factors that influence the land use catchment area (LCA) characteristics at a station neighborhood level. First, it contributes a methodology to measure the LCA by introducing a new concept. The density gradient was introduced to generate the scale and compactness degree of each station. Second, it provides a theoretical framework for understanding the causes of different LCAs. The partial least squares (PLS) regression model was employed to explore the accessibility effects. By analysing density gradient curves, it reveals that stations grew to fit the negative exponential function. Regarding the scale and form degree of LCAs, the impact of accessibility before and after a station construction have been corroborated. Moreover, the effects of facilities function before construction, distance from main roads, and elevated stations have been emphasized. The results provide support for a more sophisticated concept of catchment area relating to land use at the level of an individual TOD station, while shedding light on the benefits of those engaged in the future design of TOD with due consideration of the local physical environments.
Khovanov Homology of Three-Strand Braid Links
Authors: Kwun Young Chel , Nizami Abdul Rauf , Munir Mobeen , Iqbal Zaffar , Arshad Dishya , Min Kang Shin
Published: December 2018

Khovanov homology is a categorication of the Jones polynomial. It consists of graded chain complexes which, up to chain homotopy, are link invariants, and whose graded Euler characteristic is equal to the Jones polynomial of the link. In this article we give some Khovanov homology groups of 3-strand braid links Δ 2 k + 1 = x 1 2 k + 2 x 2 x 1 2 x 2 2 x 1 2 ⋯ x 2 2 x 1 2 x 1 2 , Δ 2 k + 1 x 2 , and Δ 2 k + 1 x 1 , where Δ is the Garside element x 1 x 2 x 1 , and which are three out of all six classes of the general braid x 1 x 2 x 1 x 2 ⋯ with n factors.
Alternative Splicing of the Aflatoxin-Associated Baeyer–Villiger Monooxygenase from Aspergillus flavus: Characterisation of MoxY Isoforms
Authors: Tolmie Carmien , Smit Martha S. , Opperman Diederik J.
Published: December 2018

Aflatoxins are carcinogenic mycotoxins that are produced by the filamentous fungus Aspergillus flavus, a contaminant of numerous food crops. Aflatoxins are synthesised via the aflatoxin biosynthesis pathway, with the enzymes involved encoded by the aflatoxin biosynthesis gene cluster. MoxY is a type I Baeyer–Villiger monooxygenase (BVMO), responsible for the conversion of hydroxyversicolorone (HVN) and versicolorone (VN) to versiconal hemiacetal acetate (VHA) and versiconol acetate (VOAc), respectively. Using mRNA data, an intron near the C-terminus was identified that is alternatively spliced, creating two possible MoxY isoforms which exist in vivo, while analysis of the genomic DNA suggests an alternative start codon leading to possible elongation of the N-terminus. These four variants of the moxY gene were recombinantly expressed in Escherichia coli, and their activity evaluated with respect to their natural substrates HVN and VN, as well as surrogate ketone substrates. Activity of the enzyme is absolutely dependent on the additional 22 amino acid residues at the N-terminus. Two MoxY isoforms with alternative C-termini, MoxYAltN and MoxYAltNC, converted HVN and VN, in addition to a range of ketone substrates. Stability and flavin-binding data suggest that MoxYAltN is, most likely, the dominant isoform. MoxYAltNC is generated by intron splicing, in contrast to intron retention, which is the most prevalent type of alternative splicing in ascomycetes. The alternative C-termini did not alter the substrate acceptance profile, or regio- or enantioselectivity of the enzyme, but did significantly affect the solubility and stability.
Toll-Like Receptor 3 Is Involved in Detection of Enterovirus A71 Infection and Targeted by Viral 2A Protease
Authors: Chen Kuan-Ru , Yu Chun-Keung , Kung Szu-Hao , Chen Shun-Hua , Chang Chuan-Fa , Ho Tzu-Chuan , Lee Yi-Ping , Chang Hung-Chuan , Huang Lan-Yin , Lo Shih-Yen , Chang Jui-Chung , Ling Pin
Published: December 2018

Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) has emerged as a major pathogen causing hand, foot, and mouth disease, as well as neurological disorders. The host immune response affects the outcomes of EV-A71 infection, leading to either resolution or disease progression. However, the mechanisms of how the mammalian innate immune system detects EV-A71 infection to elicit antiviral immunity remain elusive. Here, we report that the Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) is a key viral RNA sensor for sensing EV-A71 infection to trigger antiviral immunity. Expression of TLR3 in HEK293 cells enabled the cells to sense EV-A71 infection, leading to type I, IFN-mediated antiviral immunity. Viral double-stranded RNA derived from EV-A71 infection was a key ligand for TLR3 detection. Silencing of TLR3 in mouse and human primary immune cells impaired the activation of IFN-β upon EV-A71 infection, thus reinforcing the importance of the TLR3 pathway in defending against EV-A71 infection. Our results further demonstrated that TLR3 was a target of EV-A71 infection. EV-A71 protease 2A was implicated in the downregulation of TLR3. Together, our results not only demonstrate the importance of the TLR3 pathway in response to EV-A71 infection, but also reveal the involvement of EV-A71 protease 2A in subverting TLR3-mediated antiviral defenses.
La motte d'Olivet à Grimbosq (Calvados). Résidence seigneuriale du XIe siècle
Authors: Decaëns Joseph
Published: December 2018

Le château d'Olivet est situé dans la forêt de Grimbosq (Calvados), il se trouve sur un éperon formé par deux vallées aux flancs escarpés. La motte occupe une place centrale dans l'ensemble de la fortification : elle est précédée à l'extrémité de l'éperon, vers le nord, par une étroite basse-cour, tandis qu'une autre basse-cour, plus large, s'étend, au sud, en direction du plateau. Les ouvrages de terre, motte et remparts, étaient les seuls vestiges visibles avant les fouilles entreprises par le Centre de recherches archéologiques médiévales de l'Université entre 1975 et 1978. Ces recherches ont bien mis en évidence le caractère résidentiel du château à motte : la basse-cour nord contenait les éléments essentiels d'une résidence seigneuriale : grand bâtiment d'habitation, chapelle, cuisine ; toutes ces constructions étaient en charpente de bois reposant sur des solins en pierre sèche. Une petite tour maçonnée donnait accès à une passerelle permettant de rejoindre le sommet de la motte. Sur la plate-forme de celle-ci, devait s'élever une tour de bois, sans doute un simple poste d'observation. Dans la basse-cour sud enfin, on n'a pas mis au jour de bâtiment important, mais seulement une petite forge et la fouille a livré quantité de fers à cheval et des pièces de harnais. On en a conclu que cette basse-cour était un enclos réservé aux chevaux. La présence de cet animal ainsi que celle de quelques objets caractéristiques comme des pièces de jeux renforcent encore l'impression générale de résidence aristocratique. Aucun élément de datation absolue n'a été recueilli. Seul le contexte historique permet de replacer l'existence assez courte de ce château dans l'histoire des rivalités territoriales et politiques qui opposèrent les branches aînée et cadette de la famille Taisson, peu avant le milieu du XIe siècle. L'analyse pollinique des échantillons de sols montre que cet habitat s'est accompagné d'une entreprise de défrichement.
Le prélèvement des crânes dans l'est de la France à l'époque mérovingienne
Authors: Simmer Alain
Published: December 2018

Alain Simmer, The removal of skulls in Eastern France during the Merovingian era.

Although the funerary rites of the Merovingian era are often though to be well-known today, the question of the removal of skulls remains problematical. Numerous examples have been recorded in the East of France, both in the case of old digs as well as in digs more recently worked. Although it is not possible to advance the hypothesis of decapitation, it is nonetheless possible to speak of a real ritual removal of the skull, this appearing either in the absence of the skull or in the skull's unusual position, when the skull hasn't simply been buried separately.

Although it is too early to say how such practices were carried out, it is possible to put forward the theory that at work here was a resurgence of a cult of skulls that was thriving in the prehistoric era and which would continue long after the Merovingian era, as shown in the presence of ossuaries in Lorraine. The same worship of skulls, under a veneer of Christianity, is evident there down through the beginning of the 19th century.
Ring-closing-metathesis-based synthesis of annellated coumarins from 8-allylcoumarins
Authors: Schultze Christiane , Schmidt Bernd
Published: December 2018

8-Allylcoumarins are conveniently accessible through a microwave-promoted tandem Claisen rearrangement/Wittig olefination/cyclization sequence. They serve as a versatile platform for the annellation of five- to seven-membered rings using ring-closing olefin metathesis (RCM). Furano-, pyrano-, oxepino- and azepinocoumarins were synthesized from the same set of precursors using Ru-catalyzed double bond isomerizations and RCM in a defined order. One class of products, pyrano[2,3-f]chromene-2,8-diones, were inaccessible through direct RCM of an acrylate, but became available from the analogous allyl ether via an assisted tandem catalytic RCM/allylic oxidation sequence.