bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Publication Process for Teaching and Learning
Authors: Chodzinski Raymond
Published: July 2017

Over the past four years I have received many letters from individuals interested in submitting an article and have also received requests for information from several Promotion and Tenure Committees regarding our process. I have responded accordingly. Teaching and Learning is a nonprofit professional publication started in 2002 by myself, then Associate Dean of the Faculty of Education and the Brock-Golden Horseshoe Education Consortium which consists of ten school boards and the faculty of education, Brock University located in the greater Niagara Region of Ontario Canada. The publication is designed primarily to enhance the professional development of teachers and others interested in education in schools and communities. The topics for each issue are determined by an executive board and are decided at an annual meeting. Each board and the faculty contribute financially to the publication. And receive 600-700 copies of each issue three times a year. Subscribers contribute to the funding as do occasional selected advertisers and sales of single and multiple copies. The publication is perhaps more of a professional periodical and newsletter than a "formal" scholarly journal (meaning "blind" reviews, although that said most articles other than interviews and solicited lead articles are vetted by selected readers). The publication combines elements of both a professional publication and a journal and attracts authors and readers from all segments including applied research. Our readership is local, national and international. Articles are received in a variety of ways. They are usually in response to a formal call for papers printed in previous issues. In addition the editor solicits articles from key professionals and from time to time interviews selected individuals who have contributed significantly to the focus of the issue. Articles are received by the editor and read for content, relevance, appropriate writing style and clarity of thought and articulate communication of what is important in terms of the professional development interests highlighted in the issue at hand. Articles are then sent to selected readers (who have volunteered to adjudicate but who wish to remain anonymous) for readability and to determine if the article would be appropriate for inclusion in Teaching and Learning. I f the article is deemed acceptable then authors are advised and the editor works with the authors and the publisher to edit the article to fit the space, style and format of the publication (81/2x11, 3 column format 32-36 pages). This is a collaborative venture that involves communicating with authors and the publisher over several draft revisions and it is one that seems to work well .
If They Only Had the Words: What Boys Would Tell Us About Reading
Authors: Sullivan Michael
Published: July 2017

Do you ever wonder how to reach boys with books? Sometime, stop and listen to what they have to say.

You don't /flake girls read the books that I like, so why do you make me read the books the girls like?
A Simple Plan for Action Research (Part B)
Authors: Reed Carol
Published: July 2017

Teachers interested in Action Research Projects in schools should be aware that there is much speculation as to the transferability of the results to larger populations. But this should not necessarily detract teachers from in-class research because the primary purpose of the majority of teacher initiated research is most often directed at changing and improving what happens in the classroom or in a particular school rather than at a board or whole system level. Institutional constraints on what might be investigated and how the sharing of results might compromise existing policies regarding personal information sharing and confidentiality are always an issue within institutionalized contexts and could impede the novice researcher. Yet as Paula Friere argued action research, particularly that described as Participatory Action Research or (PAR) is best suited to those willing to critically analyze and make connections between learning and the act of transformational change within political realities. A paragraph taken from Theresa Thorkildsen book “Fundamentals of Measurement in Applied Research” Allyn and Bacon, 2005 pg. 423 sums up what is generally expected of those interested in pursuing action research projects.
Engaging 21st Century Learners and Differentiating Instruction with Technology
Authors: Figg Candace , Jaipal Jamani Kamini
Published: July 2017

Engagement is the key to student learning. Using activities that are relevant and differentiated for 21st century students includes using activities that incorporate technology tools that are a part of their everyday digital lives. The integration of digital technologies into teaching practices requires teachers to acquire new strategies and activities for differentiating instruction for 21st century learners. This paper highlights how technology can be used for differentiated instruction, and it describes six specific technologically-enhanced activities that are appropriate authentic uses of technology for differentiating instruction.
Creating Links between the School and the Community Beyond its Walls: What Teachers and Principals Do to Develop and Lead School-Community Partnerships
Authors: Hands Catherine
Published: July 2017

This paper is based on a qualitative case study examining the impact of social context on school-community partnerships. Sixty-four students and school personnel at one K-12 magnet school in southern California participated in 21 open-ended, 45-minute interviews. Observations were conducted, and documents were collected. Structural, cultural and agentive issues impacted partnership establishment. Teachers and the principal valued a school culture was conducive to community involvement. They collectively developed the school’s mission and vision with a focus on global citizenship, and initiated partnerships consistent with the vision. The stages of the partnership development process are discussed, and it is argued that they are broadly applicable to the establishment of collaborative activities. Funding and networks contributed to the professional development, resources and technology needed to support partnering. Findings extend research by identifying the educators’ leadership roles in partnering, and the structures and cultures that facilitate it.
A potential therapy for chordoma via antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity employing NK or high-affinity NK cells in combination with cetuximab
Authors: Fujii Rika , Schlom Jeffrey , Hodge James W.
Published: July 2017

OBJECTIVE

Chordoma is a rare bone tumor derived from the notochord and is resistant to conventional therapies such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeting therapeutics. Expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in a large proportion of chordoma specimens indicates a potential target for therapeutic intervention. In this study the authors investigated the potential role of the anti-EGFR antibody cetuximab in immunotherapy for chordoma.

METHODS

Since cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody of the IgG1 isotype, it has the potential to mediate antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) employing natural killer (NK) cells as effectors. Polymorphisms in the CD16 allele expressed on NK cells have been shown to influence the degree of ADCC of tumor cells, with the high-affinity valine (V)/V allele being responsible for more lysis than the V/phenylalanine (F) or FF allele. Unfortunately, however, only approximately 10% of the population expresses the VV allele on NK cells. An NK cell line, NK-92, has now been engineered to endogenously express IL-2 and the high-affinity CD16 allele. These irradiated high-affinity (ha)NK cells were analyzed for lysis of chordoma cells with and without cetuximab, and the levels of lysis observed in ADCC were compared with those of NK cells from donors expressing the VV, VF, and FF alleles.

RESULTS

Here the authors demonstrate for the first time 1) that cetuximab in combination with NK cells can mediate ADCC of chordoma cells; 2) the influence of the NK CD16 polymorphism in cetuximab-mediated ADCC for chordoma cell lysis; 3) that engineered haNK cells—that is, cells transduced to express the CD16 V158 FcγRIIIa receptor—bind cetuximab with similar affinity to normal NK cells expressing the high-affinity VV allele; and 4) that irradiated haNK cells induce ADCC with cetuximab in chordoma cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These studies provide rationale for the use of cetuximab in combination with irradiated haNK cells for therapy for chordoma.
For a childhood story. Social representations, childhood memories and educational abuses
Authors: Borruso Francesca
Published: July 2017

The essay deals with the issue of violence against children between the Nineteenth and Twentieth centuries, by trying to intertwine - through a variety of historical sources - macro history with micro history, history of ideas with real educational practices, history of ruling classes with that of subordinate classes. The topic of "discovering the sense of childhood" - understood as awareness of the child life specificity that has become a "value" in the Western World - eventually seemed to have put into crisis the old way of thinking about childhood and education. However, this thorough renewal of educational thinking does not prevent the old interpretive paradigms of childhood - viewed as a season of defective life that should be corrected and suppressed - to survive in some scientific areas. From life histories violent educational practices emerged, making extensive use of corporal punishment and sophisticated psychological conditioning techniques. From these histories of real childhood it seems to emerge the gap - that always existed at all times - between ideas and real educational practices.
What can not be said: the failure of the ‘child's century'
Authors: Riva Maria Grazia
Published: July 2017

The author analyses the dramatic problem facing us today: on the one hand, laws, universal declarations on the rights of children and highly advanced theories and experiments in defending and protecting childhood have evolved but, on the other, we can observe with anguish the proliferation of violence in general and definitely great violence against children. The author asks why all the great theoretical and scientific progress, the increased awareness of the problems of childhood, the social and socio-educational services at the disposal of families, the supervision and constant training of operators, the spread of blogs and in general of websites on children, fail to have a sufficient impact on the constant violation of childhood. Our society moves in a deep-reaching and radical traumatization, which has to do with the violence that human beings have always perpetrated on one another, not only physically or sexually but also psychologically and with education. The traumatization has led to dissociation, through phenomena of negation and repression of pain in contemporary society. The author points out the need to proceed with a lucid although painful acknowledgement of the state of things, acting through educational practices aimed at repairing and empowerment.
The "subtle violence" Adultized children and educational challenges
Authors: Demozzi Silvia
Published: July 2017

The article focuses on the topic of "adultized" children seen as an expression of a "subtle violence" that Western society plays against new generations. After defining the concept of subtle violence, the article analyses those situations in which childhood risks its disappearance and in which children are treated as "little adults". What are the challenges this trend poses to the pedagogical thinking? And which are the trajectories that, starting from both micro and macro analysis, can be pursued so that adult society can guarantee the protection and respect of children rights, first of all, the right to have a childhood? Conclusions try to answer – albeit not exhaustively – to these questions, outlining some epistemological paths in order to overstep the great paradox of a ‘'dumb childhood" and for the recognition of its right to be respectfully cared.
Violence in the conflicts between parents and children
Authors: Novara Daniele
Published: July 2017

This article shows how violence against children happens every day, and everywhere, starting from the most common violence linked with educational methods in the family, which are punitive, physical and psychological. The article introduces new strategies to manage conflicts with children.
History of violence and other stressful life events in youth offenders
Authors: Gonzàlez Ruth Pinedo
Published: July 2017

According to Law 5/2000, which regulates the criminal responsibility of minors, minor offenders are those who commit crimes or offenses established in the Penal Code or special criminal laws between 14 and 18 years. Those with judicial measures of internment present the most complex and disadvantaged situation. It has been evidenced the association between the experience of stressful life events in childhood and adolescence and a subsequent emotional and/or behavioral maladjustment, therefore, this study aims to know the stressful life events of a sample of youth offenders institutionalized in a minors center. For this purpose, the reports of 72 young people (79.2% men) were analyzed. The juvenile offenders presented a vital trajectory characterized by the experience of numerous stressful non-normative vital events typified as serious or very serious in the family, social, school, psychological and criminal domain. The findings are discussed in terms of prevention and treatment planning for antisocial and delinquent behavior in juvenile offenders.
Newly arrived pupils and violence: A CDA analysis of political advices regarding strategies and responsibilities for various actors in Swedish education
Authors: Edling Silvia , Francia Guadalupe
Published: July 2017

In the Convention of the right of the Child (CRC) it is stated that all children should be protected from all kinds of violence. However war, social conflicts and climatic catastrophes have placed immigrant children at risk to object for violence. The purpose of this paper is to study how Sweden politically advice actors within the educational field to approach newly arrived pupils in education by placing it in relation to research about violence. What is particularly payed attention to in the policy document is need to oppose the following risks: b) being in risk of exclusion, c) facing perceptions of assimilation, and f) a lack of clear responsibilities amongst the actors assisting the immigrant children. A fuzziness of responsibilities is at time created with concepts such as "the school should". Education for the Other is the most dominant strategy emphasizing that the newly arrived child's needs in education should be recognized as well as the importance to distribute what is lacking to promote the pupil's development. The advices do not say anything about the content of knowledge required amongst various actors in order to do analysis of processes. [1170]
Distribution of foot and mouth disease virus serotypes in cattle of Bangladesh
Authors: Islam MS , Habib MA , Saha PC , Das PM , Khan MAH NA
Published: July 2017

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral infection in cloven hoofed domestic and wild animals and endemic in many countries of the world including Bangladesh. Clinical investigation was carried out to identify natural cases of FMD and characteristics signs of FMD like salivation, ulceration in oral and pedal tissues and lameness was seen. The specific serotypes of FMD viruses involved in infected cattle were, therefore, identified using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Samples (N=97) from oral lesions was collected from infected cattle from seven divisions of Bangladesh during May to December, 2013. Viral RNA was extracted from the infected oral tissues and FMD virus specific uniplex RT-PCR was designed to detect FMD viruses. Multiplex RT-PCR was adapted to detect serotype specific amplicons. Out of 97 samples tested in uniplex and multiplex RT-PCR, 92 and 90 samples showed amplification reaction for FMD virus and viral serotypes respectively. Among the 90 FMD virus specific positive identification, single infectivity due to FMD viral Serotypes O, A and Asia 1 were seen in 56 (62.2%), 13 (14.4%) and 16 (17.8%) cases respectively. Three cattle (3.3%) were co-infected with FMD viral Serotypes O and Asia 1 and two (2.2%) with FMD viral Serotypes O and A. FMD viral serotype O was dominating all over the country followed by Asia1 and A. Cattle of Bangladesh were infected with FMD viral serotype O, A and Asia 1 alone or in combination. The RT-PCR protocols designed and adapted successfully detected FMD viruses and viral serotypes in a fraction of the time required for virus isolation and serological detection. These RT-PCR protocols can be used for rapid serotyping of FMD viruses from filed infectivity and selection of vaccine viruses.SAARC J. Agri., 15(1): 33-42 (2017)
Response of optimum nitrogen rate in maize with legume intercropping system
Authors: Naik MSP , Sumathi V , Kadiri L
Published: July 2017

A field experiment was conducted at S.V. Agricultural College farm (ANGRAU), Tirupati, India during rabi, 2009-10. The experiment was consisted of five system treatments (sole maize at 60 x 20 cm sowing, sole maize in skipped row sowing, maize in skipped row + greengram, maize in skipped row + blackgram and maize in skipped row + cluster bean) and three nitrogen doses (100, 75 and 50% recommended dose of nitrogen). The treatment combinations were laid out in factorial randomized block design with three replications. Yield attributes and grain yield of maize were maximum with sole maize at 60x20cm spacing but at par with maize + cluster bean, maize + blackgram and maize + greengram intercropping system. The lowest parameters were observed with sole maize sown in skipped rows. All the parameters were maximum with the application of 100% recommended dose of nitrogen to maize, but comparable with that of 75%. The maize equivalent yield, land equivalent ratio and benefit cost ratio were higher with maize + cluster bean intercropping as compared to other treatments. The result revealed that among the different maize intercropping systems tested, maize in skipped rows + cluster bean with 75% recommended dose of nitrogen to maize was found economically profitable.SAARC J. Agri., 15(1): 139-148 (2017)
Dairying in South Asian region: opportunities, challenges and way forward
Authors: Siddiky MNA
Published: July 2017

South Asian region is blessed with high diversity of dairy animal genetic resources. The role of dairying in livelihood, nutritional and food security of millions of people living in south Asian countries has been well understood. Among livestock, dairy animal assumes much significance since dairying is acknowledged as the major instrument in bringing about socio-economic transformation of rural poor and sustainable rural development. Dairying provides a stable, year-round income, which is an important economic incentive for the small holder farmers. Dairying directly enhance the household income by providing high value output from low value input besides acting as wealth for future investment. This region is home for about 745 Million of Dairy Animal Populations that accounts 21% of global daily animals. Besides, 25% of worlds cattle and buffaloes, 15% of the sheep and goat, and 7% of the camel are inhabitant in the region. South Asia is currently producing about 200 Million tons of milk that accounts around 20% of global production despite low productivity of the dairy animals. This study focused the data related to dairying in different countries of the region and situation analyses of input and delivery system for identifying the points of interventions to boosting dairy production and processing. In gist, this study documented the facts about the current dairying in the south Asia and envisages the priorities to make the dairying sustainable and more productive with the aim to cater the inclusive development of dairying in the region. It is hoped that this will provide a wealth of information to the researchers, planners, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders for upliftment of dairy industry in the region.SAARC J. Agri., 15(1): 173-187 (2017)
Pectoralis Minor Syndrome: Subclavicular Brachial Plexus Compression
Authors: Sanders Richard , Annest Stephen
Published: July 2017

The diagnosis of brachial plexus compression—either neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS) or neurogenic pectoralis minor syndrome (NPMS)—is based on old fashioned history and physical examination. Tests, such as scalene muscle and pectoralis minor muscle blocks are employed to confirm a diagnosis suspected on clinical findings. Electrodiagnostic studies can confirm a diagnosis of nerve compression, but cannot establish it. This is not a diagnosis of exclusion; the differential and associated diagnoses of upper extremity pain are always considered. Also discussed is conservative and surgical treatment options.
An Assessment of a Community-Based, Forest Restoration Programme in Durban (eThekwini), South Africa
Authors: Mugwedi Lutendo , Rouget Mathieu , Egoh Benis , Sershen  , Ramdhani Syd , Slotow Rob , Rentería Jorge
Published: July 2017

The restoration of degraded forests to enhance biodiversity, ecosystem services, as well as climate change mitigation and adaptation is now a major priority in cities around the world. This study evaluated the success of the Buffelsdraai Landfill Site Community Reforestation Project in Durban, South Africa, by assessing ecological attributes. Measures of plant richness, diversity, vegetation structure, invasive alien plants (IAPs) and ecological processes were contrasted across a chronosequence of habitats under restoration (0-year-old, 3-year-old and 5-year-old) and compared with a reference forest habitat (remnant natural forest). Native tree species recruitment and vegetation structure increased with restoration age. Ecological processes, represented by the composition of pollination and seed dispersal traits in all of the habitats under restoration, were similar to the reference habitat. However, low tree density and an increase in IAP cover with an increase in restoration age were identified as threats to reforestation success. We recommend enrichment planting and an effective IAP management strategy to promote more rapid habitat restoration while reducing site maintenance costs. Enrichment planting should not only focus on increasing tree species density and richness, but also on the inclusion of species with missing pollination and seed dispersal categories.
Uranium and Associated Heavy Metals in Ovis aries in a Mining Impacted Area in Northwestern New Mexico
Authors: Samuel-Nakamura Christine , Robbins Wendie , Hodge Felicia
Published: July 2017

The objective of this study was to determine uranium (U) and other heavy metal (HM) concentrations (As, Cd, Pb, Mo, and Se) in tissue samples collected from sheep (Ovis aries), the primary meat staple on the Navajo reservation in northwestern New Mexico. The study setting was a prime target of U mining, where more than 1100 unreclaimed abandoned U mines and structures remain. The forage and water sources for the sheep in this study were located within 3.2 km of abandoned U mines and structures. Tissue samples from sheep (n = 3), their local forage grasses (n = 24), soil (n = 24), and drinking water (n = 14) sources were collected. The samples were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry. Results: In general, HMs concentrated more in the roots of forage compared to the above ground parts. The sheep forage samples fell below the National Research Council maximum tolerable concentration (5 mg/kg). The bioaccumulation factor ratio was >1 in several forage samples, ranging from 1.12 to 16.86 for Mo, Cd, and Se. The study findings showed that the concentrations of HMs were greatest in the liver and kidneys. Of the calculated human intake, Se Reference Dietary Intake and Mo Recommended Dietary Allowance were exceeded, but the tolerable upper limits for both were not exceeded. Food intake recommendations informed by research are needed for individuals especially those that may be more sensitive to HMs. Further study with larger sample sizes is needed to explore other impacted communities across the reservation.
Neuroendocrine Differentiation in Metastatic Conventional Prostate Cancer Is Significantly Increased in Lymph Node Metastases Compared to the Primary Tumors
Authors: Genitsch Vera , Zlobec Inti , Seiler Roland , Thalmann George , Fleischmann Achim
Published: July 2017

Neuroendocrine serum markers released from prostate cancers have been proposed for monitoring disease and predicting survival. However, neuroendocrine differentiation (NED) in various tissue compartments of metastatic prostate cancer is poorly described and its correlation with specific tumor features is unclear. NED was determined by Chromogranin A expression on immunostains from a tissue microarray of 119 nodal positive, hormone treatment-naïve prostate cancer patients who underwent radical prostatectomy and extended lymphadenectomy. NED in the primary cancer and in the metastases was correlated with tumor features and survival. The mean percentage of NED cells increased significantly (p < 0.001) from normal prostate glands (0.4%), to primary prostate cancer (1.0%) and nodal metastases (2.6%). In primary tumors and nodal metastases, tumor areas with higher Gleason patterns tended to display a higher NED, although no significance was reached. The same was observed in patients with a larger primary tumor volume and higher total size and number of metastases. NED neither in the primary tumors nor in the metastases predicted outcome significantly. Our data suggest that (a) increasing levels of neuroendocrine serum markers in the course of prostate cancer might primarily derive from a poorly differentiated metastatic tumor component; and (b) NED in conventional hormone-naïve prostate cancers is not significantly linked to adverse tumor features.
Comparative In Vitro Controlled Release Studies on the Chronobiotic Hormone Melatonin from Cyclodextrins-Containing Matrices and Cyclodextrin: Melatonin Complexes
Authors: Vlachou Marilena , Papamichael Marianna , Siamidi Angeliki , Fragouli Irene , Afroudakis Pandelis , Kompogennitaki Rodanthi , Dotsikas Yannis
Published: July 2017

A series of hydrophilic matrix tablets was prepared and tested with respect to their ability to release the hormone melatonin in a controlled manner, in order to alleviate sleep onset and sleep maintenance dysfunctions. Besides the active ingredient, the tablets were comprised of combinations of the following: HPMC K 15M, low viscosity sodium alginate, microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel PH 102), magnesium stearate, and the cyclodextrins, α-CD, β-CD, γ-CD, HP-β-CD, sulfated β-CD, HP-α-CD and HP-γ-CD, and MLT (guest):CD (host) complexes of the above cyclodextrins, in 1:1 ratio. The controlled release studies were conducted in two aqueous dissolution media at pH 1.2 and 7.4. The stoichiometry of the formed complexes was examined by applying the continuous variation method (Job plot), while the stability constants were calculated by monitoring the spectrophotometric properties of free and CD-encapsulated melatonin (UV-Vis). Host-guest interactions were studied by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The dissolution data suggest that melatonin is released faster from the MLT:CD complexes than from the rest matrix systems. This enhancement in the dissolution rate and the % release of melatonin from the complexes is due to the increased solubility of the MLT:CD complexes.
High-Temperature Wide Thermal Hysteresis of an Iron(II) Dinuclear Double Helicate
Authors: Hora Shiori , Hagiwara Hiroaki
Published: July 2017

Two new dinuclear iron(II) complexes (1·PF6 and 1·AsF6) of the general formula [FeII2(L2C3)2](X)4·nH2O·mMeCN (X = PF6, n = m = 1.5 for 1·PF6 and X = AsF6, n = 3, m = 1 for 1·AsF6) have been prepared and structurally characterized, where L2C3 is a bis-1,2,3-triazolimine type Schiff-base ligand, 1,1′-[propane-1,3-diylbis(1H-1,2,3-triazole-1,4-diyl)]bis{N-[2-(pyridin-2-yl)ethyl]methanimine}. Single crystal X-ray structure analyses revealed that 1·PF6 and 1·AsF6 are isostructural. The complex-cation [FeII2(L2C3)2]4+ of both has the same dinuclear double helicate architecture, in which each iron(II) center has an N6 octahedral coordination environment. Neighboring helicates are connected by intermolecular π–π interactions to give a chiral one-dimensional (1D) structure, and cationic 1D chains with the opposite chirality exist in the crystal lattice to give a heterochiral crystal. Magnetic and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies were performed only for 1·AsF6, since the thermal stability in a high-temperature spin crossover (SCO) region of 1·PF6 is poorer than that of 1·AsF6. 1·AsF6 shows an unsymmetrical hysteretic SCO between the low-spin–low-spin (LS–LS) and high-spin–high-spin (HS–HS) states at above room temperature. The critical temperatures of warming (Tc↑) and cooling (Tc↓) modes in the abrupt spin transition area are 485 and 401 K, respectively, indicating the occurrence of 84 K-wide thermal hysteresis in the first thermal cycle.
Influence of Microencapsulated Phase Change Material (PCM) Addition on (Micro) Mechanical Properties of Cement Paste
Authors: Šavija Branko , Zhang Hongzhi , Schlangen Erik
Published: July 2017

Excessive cracking can be a serious durability problem for reinforced concrete structures. In recent years, addition of microencapsulated phase change materials (PCMs) to concrete has been proposed as a possible solution to crack formation related to temperature gradients. However, the addition of PCM microcapsules to cementitious materials can have some drawbacks, mainly related to strength reduction. In this work, a range of experimental techniques has been used to characterize the microcapsules and their effect on properties of composite cement pastes. On the capsule level, it was shown that they are spherical, enabling good distribution in the material during the mixing process. Force needed to break the microcapsules was shown to depend on the capsule diameter and the temperature, i.e., whether it is below or above the phase change temperature. On the cement paste level, a marked drop of compressive strength with increasing PCM inclusion level was observed. The indentation modulus has also shown to decrease, probably due to the capsules themselves, and to a lesser extent due to changes in porosity caused by their inclusion. Finally, a novel micro-cube splitting technique was used to characterize the tensile strength of the material on the micro-meter length scale. It was shown that the strength decreases with increasing PCM inclusion percentage, but this is accompanied by a decrease in measurement variability. This study will contribute to future developments of cementitious composites incorporating phase change materials for a variety of applications.
Construction and Characterization of a Chitosan-Immobilized-Enzyme and β-Cyclodextrin-Included-Ferrocene-Based Electrochemical Biosensor for H2O2 Detection
Authors: Dong Wenbo , Wang Kaiyin , Chen Yu , Li Weiping , Ye Yanchun , Jin Shaohua
Published: July 2017

An electrochemical detection biosensor was prepared with the chitosan-immobilized-enzyme (CTS-CAT) and β-cyclodextrin-included-ferrocene (β-CD-FE) complex for the determination of H2O2. Ferrocene (FE) was included in β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) to increase its stability. The structure of the β-CD-FE was characterized. The inclusion amount, inclusion rate, and electrochemical properties of inclusion complexes were determined to optimize the reaction conditions for the inclusion. CTS-CAT was prepared by a step-by-step immobilization method, which overcame the disadvantages of the conventional preparation methods. The immobilization conditions were optimized to obtain the desired enzyme activity. CTS-CAT/β-CD-FE composite electrodes were prepared by compositing the CTS-CAT with the β-CD-FE complex on a glassy carbon electrode and used for the electrochemical detection of H2O2. It was found that the CTS-CAT could produce a strong reduction peak current in response to H2O2 and the β-CD-FE could amplify the current signal. The peak current exhibited a linear relationship with the H2O2 concentration in the range of 1.0 × 10−7–6.0 × 10−3 mol/L. Our work provided a novel method for the construction of electrochemical biosensors with a fast response, good stability, high sensitivity, and a wide linear response range based on the composite of chitosan and cyclodextrin.
Interfacial Electric Effects on a Non-Isothermal Electroosmotic Flow in a Microcapillary Tube Filled by Two Immiscible Fluids
Authors: Matías Andrés , Méndez Federico , Bautista Oscar
Published: July 2017

In this work, a non-isothermal electroosmotic flow of two immiscible fluids within a uniform microcapillary is theoretically studied. It is considered that there is an annular layer of a non-Newtonian liquid, whose behavior follows the power-law model, adjacent to the inside wall of the capillary, which in turn surrounds an inner flow of a second conducting liquid that is driven by electroosmosis. The inner fluid flow exerts an interfacial force, dragging the annular fluid due to shear and Maxwell stresses at the interface between the two fluids. Because the Joule heating effect may be present in electroosmotic flow (EOF), temperature gradients can appear along the microcapillary, making the viscosity coefficients of both fluids and the electrical conductivity of the inner fluid temperature dependent. The above makes the variables of the flow field in both fluids, velocity, pressure, temperature and electric fields, coupled. An additional complexity of the mathematical model that describes the electroosmotic flow is the nonlinear character due to the rheological behavior of the surrounding fluid. Therefore, based on the lubrication theory approximation, the governing equations are nondimensionalized and simplified, and an asymptotic solution is determined using a regular perturbation technique by considering that the perturbation parameter is associated with changes in the viscosity by temperature effects. The principal results showed that the parameters that notably influence the flow field are the power-law index, an electrokinetic parameter (the ratio between the radius of the microchannel and the Debye length) and the competition between the consistency index of the non-Newtonian fluid and the viscosity of the conducting fluid. Additionally, the heat that is dissipated trough the external surface of the microchannel and the sensitivity of the viscosity to temperature changes play important roles, which modify the flow field.
Chemical Synthesis of Sulfated Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) Glucans and Their In Vivo Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Zhang Hua , Zhang Jing , Fan Ziluan , Zhou Xintao , Geng Lin , Wang Zhenyu , Regenstein Joe M. , Xia Zhiqiang
Published: July 2017

The effects of sulfation of yeast glucans was optimized using response surface methodology. The degree of sulfation was evaluated from 0.11 to 0.75 using ion-chromatography. The structural characteristics of SYG (sulfation of yeast glucans) with a DS = 0.75 were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography/gel-permeation chromatography and finally by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry. The SYG had lower viscosity and greater solubility than the native yeast glucans, suggesting that the conformation of the SYG had significantly changed. The results also showed that SYG had a significantly greater antioxidant activity in vivo compared to native yeast glucans.
Consuming Almonds vs. Isoenergetic Baked Food Does Not Differentially Influence Postprandial Appetite or Neural Reward Responses to Visual Food Stimuli
Authors: Sayer R. , Dhillon Jaapna , Tamer Gregory , Cornier Marc-Andre , Chen Ningning , Wright Amy , Campbell Wayne , Mattes Richard
Published: July 2017

Nuts have high energy and fat contents, but nut intake does not promote weight gain or obesity, which may be partially explained by their proposed high satiety value. The primary aim of this study was to assess the effects of consuming almonds versus a baked food on postprandial appetite and neural responses to visual food stimuli. Twenty-two adults (19 women and 3 men) with a BMI between 25 and 40 kg/m2 completed the current study during a 12-week behavioral weight loss intervention. Participants consumed either 28 g of whole, lightly salted roasted almonds or a serving of a baked food with equivalent energy and macronutrient contents in random order on two testing days prior to and at the end of the intervention. Pre- and postprandial appetite ratings and functional magnetic resonance imaging scans were completed on all four testing days. Postprandial hunger, desire to eat, fullness, and neural responses to visual food stimuli were not different following consumption of almonds and the baked food, nor were they influenced by weight loss. These results support energy and macronutrient contents as principal determinants of postprandial appetite and do not support a unique satiety effect of almonds independent of these variables.
Neuroprotective Actions of Dietary Choline
Authors: Blusztajn Jan , Slack Barbara , Mellott Tiffany
Published: July 2017

Choline is an essential nutrient for humans. It is a precursor of membrane phospholipids (e.g., phosphatidylcholine (PC)), the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, and via betaine, the methyl group donor S-adenosylmethionine. High choline intake during gestation and early postnatal development in rat and mouse models improves cognitive function in adulthood, prevents age-related memory decline, and protects the brain from the neuropathological changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and neurological damage associated with epilepsy, fetal alcohol syndrome, and inherited conditions such as Down and Rett syndromes. These effects of choline are correlated with modifications in histone and DNA methylation in brain, and with alterations in the expression of genes that encode proteins important for learning and memory processing, suggesting a possible epigenomic mechanism of action. Dietary choline intake in the adult may also influence cognitive function via an effect on PC containing eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids; polyunsaturated species of PC whose levels are reduced in brains from AD patients, and is associated with higher memory performance, and resistance to cognitive decline.
Diabetogenic Potential of Ancestral and Modern Wheat Landraces
Authors: Aguayo-Patrón Sandra , Mejía-León María , Calderón de la Barca Ana
Published: July 2017

Dear Editor, We read with interest the article by Gorelick et al. [1], who assayed the diabetogenic potential of two ancestral wheat landraces (Triticum turgidum ssp. dicoccoides and spp. dicoccum), compared to a modern wheat cultivar (T. aestivum) in NOD mice. [...]
Wall-to-Wall Tree Type Mapping from Countrywide Airborne Remote Sensing Surveys
Authors: Waser Lars , Ginzler Christian , Rehush Nataliia
Published: July 2017

Although wall-to-wall, accurate, and up-to-date forest composition maps at the stand level are a fundamental input for many applications, ranging from global environmental issues to local forest management planning, countrywide mapping approaches on the tree type level remain rare. This paper presents and validates an innovative remote sensing based approach for a countrywide mapping of broadleaved and coniferous trees in Switzerland with a spatial resolution of 3 m. The classification approach incorporates a random forest classifier, explanatory variables from multispectral aerial imagery and a Digital Terrain Model (DTM) from Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS) data, digitized training polygons and independent validation data from the National Forest Inventory (NFI). The methodological workflow was optimized for an area of 41,285 km2 that is characterized by temperate forests within a complex topography. Whereas high model overall accuracies (0.99) and kappa (0.98) were achieved, the comparison of the tree type map with independent NFI data revealed significant deviations that are related to underestimations of broadleaved trees (median of −3.17%). Constraints of the tree type mapping approach are mostly related to the acquisition date and time of the imagery and the topographic (negative) effects on the prediction. A comparison with the most recent High Resolution Layers (HRL) forest 2012 from the European Environmental Agency revealed that the tree type map is superior regarding spatial resolution, level of detail and accuracy. The high-quality map achieved with the approach presented here is of great value for optimizing forest management and planning activities and is also an important information source for applications outside the forestry sector.
Improving Super-Resolution Mapping by Combining Multiple Realizations Obtained Using the Indicator-Geostatistics Based Method
Authors: Shi Zhongkui , Li Peijun , Jin Huiran , Tian Yugang , Chen Yan , Zhang Xianfeng
Published: July 2017

Indicator-geostatistics based super-resolution mapping (IGSRM) is a popular super-resolution mapping (SRM) method. Unlike most existing SRM methods that produce only one SRM result each, IGSRM generates multiple equally plausible super-resolution realizations (i.e., SRM results). However, multiple super-resolution realizations are not desirable in many applications, where only one SRM result is usually required. These super-resolution realizations may have different strengths and weaknesses. This paper proposes a novel two-step combination method of generating a single SRM result from multiple super-resolution realizations obtained by IGSRM. In the first step of the method, a constrained majority rule is proposed to combine multiple super-resolution realizations generated by IGSRM into a single SRM result under the class proportion constraint. In the second step, partial pixel swapping is proposed to further improve the SRM result obtained in the previous step. The proposed combination method was evaluated for two study areas. The proposed method was quantitatively compared with IGSRM and Multiple SRM (M-SRM), an existing multiple SRM result combination method, in terms of thematic accuracy and geometric accuracy. Experimental results show that the proposed method produces SRM results that are better than those of IGSRM and M-SRM. For example, in the first example, the overall accuracy of the proposed method is 7.43–10.96% higher than that of the IGSRM method for different scale factors, and 1.09–3.44% higher than that of the M-SRM, while, in the second example, the improvement in overall accuracy is 2.42–4.92%, and 0.08–0.90%, respectively. The proposed method provides a general framework for combining multiple results from different SRM methods.
An Ensemble Deep Convolutional Neural Network Model with Improved D-S Evidence Fusion for Bearing Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Li Shaobo , Liu Guokai , Tang Xianghong , Lu Jianguang , Hu Jianjun
Published: July 2017

Intelligent machine health monitoring and fault diagnosis are becoming increasingly important for modern manufacturing industries. Current fault diagnosis approaches mostly depend on expert-designed features for building prediction models. In this paper, we proposed IDSCNN, a novel bearing fault diagnosis algorithm based on ensemble deep convolutional neural networks and an improved Dempster–Shafer theory based evidence fusion. The convolutional neural networks take the root mean square (RMS) maps from the FFT (Fast Fourier Transformation) features of the vibration signals from two sensors as inputs. The improved D-S evidence theory is implemented via distance matrix from evidences and modified Gini Index. Extensive evaluations of the IDSCNN on the Case Western Reserve Dataset showed that our IDSCNN algorithm can achieve better fault diagnosis performance than existing machine learning methods by fusing complementary or conflicting evidences from different models and sensors and adapting to different load conditions.
A Long-Distance RF-Powered Sensor Node with Adaptive Power Management for IoT Applications
Authors: Pizzotti Matteo , Perilli Luca , Del Prete Massimo , Fabbri Davide , Canegallo Roberto , Dini Michele , Masotti Diego , Costanzo Alessandra , Franchi Scarselli Eleonora , Romani Aldo
Published: July 2017

We present a self-sustained battery-less multi-sensor platform with RF harvesting capability down to −17 dBm and implementing a standard DASH7 wireless communication interface. The node operates at distances up to 17 m from a 2 W UHF carrier. RF power transfer allows operation when common energy scavenging sources (e.g., sun, heat, etc.) are not available, while the DASH7 communication protocol makes it fully compatible with a standard IoT infrastructure. An optimized energy-harvesting module has been designed, including a rectifying antenna (rectenna) and an integrated nano-power DC/DC converter performing maximum-power-point-tracking (MPPT). A nonlinear/electromagnetic co-design procedure is adopted to design the rectenna, which is optimized to operate at ultra-low power levels. An ultra-low power microcontroller controls on-board sensors and wireless protocol, to adapt the power consumption to the available detected power by changing wake-up policies. As a result, adaptive behavior can be observed in the designed platform, to the extent that the transmission data rate is dynamically determined by RF power. Among the novel features of the system, we highlight the use of nano-power energy harvesting, the implementation of specific hardware/software wake-up policies, optimized algorithms for best sampling rate implementation, and adaptive behavior by the node based on the power received.
A Novel Detection Method for Underwater Moving Targets by Measuring Their ELF Emissions with Inductive Sensors
Authors: Wang Jinhong , Li Bin , Chen Lianping , Li Li
Published: July 2017

In this article, we propose a novel detection method for underwater moving targets by detecting their extremely low frequency (ELF) emissions with inductive sensors. The ELF field source of the targets is modeled by a horizontal electric dipole at distances more than several times of the targets’ length. The formulas for the fields produced in air are derived with a three-layer model (air, seawater and seafloor) and are evaluated with a complementary numerical integration technique. A proof of concept measurement is presented. The ELF emissions from a surface ship were detected by inductive electronic and magnetic sensors as the ship was leaving a harbor. ELF signals are of substantial strength and have typical characteristic of harmonic line spectrum, and the fundamental frequency has a direct relationship with the ship’s speed. Due to the high sensitivity and low noise level of our sensors, it is capable of resolving weak ELF signals at long distance. In our experiment, a detection distance of 1300 m from the surface ship above the sea surface was realized, which shows that this method would be an appealing complement to the usual acoustic detection and magnetic anomaly detection capability.