bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Social Support and Medication Adherence in Chinese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Gu Linni , Wu Shaomin , Zhao Shuliang , Zhou Huixuan , Zhang Shengfa , Gao Min , Qu Zhiyong , Zhang Weijun , Tian Donghua
Published: December 2017

The prevalence of diabetes is steadily increasing in China. When diabetes is uncontrolled, it generates dire consequences for health and well-being. Numerous studies have shown that health outcomes were associated with social support and medication adherence. Previous study confirmed that social support was associated with medication adherence in patients with heart failure, HIV diseases, and first-episode psychosis. However, the relationship between social support and medication adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is remains unclear. This study aims to examine whether social support is associated with medication adherence in patients with T2DM. This study was conducted in the First Affiliated Hospital of the General Hospital of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). In Beijing, a systematic random sample of 412 patients with T2DM over 18 years was recruited at baseline, and demographic characteristics, clinical data and their assessment of social support were collected from medical records and self-reported questionnaires. 330 of these patients completed a self-report measure of medication adherence at the sixth month after baseline data collection. Regression analysis showed that social support presented a positive effect on medication adherence, additionally, support utilization and the subscale of social support exhibited a significantly strong influence on medication adherence in patients with T2DM. Although medication adherence was influenced by multiple factors, this finding confirmed that social support must be recognized as a core element in interventions aimed at improving in the management of patients with T2DM.
Glucocorticoids Improve Myogenic Differentiation In Vitro by Suppressing the Synthesis of Versican, a Transitional Matrix Protein Overexpressed in Dystrophic Skeletal Muscles
Authors: McRae Natasha , Forgan Leonard , McNeill Bryony , Addinsall Alex , McCulloch Daniel , Van der Poel Chris , Stupka Nicole
Published: December 2017

In Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a dysregulated extracellular matrix (ECM) directly exacerbates pathology. Glucocorticoids are beneficial therapeutics in DMD, and have pleiotropic effects on the composition and processing of ECM proteins in other biological contexts. The synthesis and remodelling of a transitional versican-rich matrix is necessary for myogenesis; whether glucocorticoids modulate this transitional matrix is not known. Here, versican expression and processing were examined in hindlimb and diaphragm muscles from mdx dystrophin-deficient mice and C57BL/10 wild type mice. V0/V1 versican (Vcan) mRNA transcripts and protein levels were upregulated in dystrophic compared to wild type muscles, especially in the more severely affected mdx diaphragm. Processed versican (versikine) was detected in wild type and dystrophic muscles, and immunoreactivity was highly associated with newly regenerated myofibres. Glucocorticoids enhanced C2C12 myoblast fusion by modulating the expression of genes regulating transitional matrix synthesis and processing. Specifically, Tgfβ1, Vcan and hyaluronan synthase-2 (Has2) mRNA transcripts were decreased by 50% and Adamts1 mRNA transcripts were increased three-fold by glucocorticoid treatment. The addition of exogenous versican impaired myoblast fusion, whilst glucocorticoids alleviated this inhibition in fusion. In dystrophic mdx muscles, versican upregulation correlated with pathology. We propose that versican is a novel and relevant target gene in DMD, given its suppression by glucocorticoids and that in excess it impairs myoblast fusion, a process key for muscle regeneration.
Aberrant N-Glycosylation Profile of Serum Immunoglobulins is a Diagnostic Biomarker of Urothelial Carcinomas
Authors: Tanaka Toshikazu , Yoneyama Tohru , Noro Daisuke , Imanishi Kengo , Kojima Yuta , Hatakeyama Shingo , Tobisawa Yuki , Mori Kazuyuki , Yamamoto Hayato , Imai Atsushi , Yoneyama Takahiro , Hashimoto Yasuhiro , Koie Takuya , Tanaka Masakazu , Nishimura Shin-Ichiro , Kurauchi Shizuka , Takahashi Ippei , Ohyama Chikara
Published: December 2017

The aim of this study to determine whether the aberrant N-glycosylated serum immunoglobulins (Igs) can be applied as a diagnostic marker of urothelial carcinoma (UC). Between 2009 and 2016, we randomly obtained serum available from 237 UC and also 96 prostate cancer as other cancer controls from our serum bank and also obtained—from 339 healthy volunteers (HV)—controls obtained from community-dwelling volunteers in Iwaki Health Promotion Project. A total of 32 types of N-glycan levels on Igs were determined by high-throughput N-glycomics and analyzed by multivariable discriminant analysis. We found five UC-associated aberrant N-glycans changes on Igs and also found that asialo-bisecting GlcNAc type N-glycan on Igs were significantly accumulated in UC patients. The diagnostic N-glycan Score (dNGScore) established by combination of five N-glycans on Igs discriminated UC patients from HV and prostate cancer (PC) patients with 92.8% sensitivity and 97.2% specificity. The area under the curve (AUC) for of the dNGScore was 0.969 for UC detection that was much superior to that of urine cytology (AUC, 0.707) and hematuria (AUC, 0.892). Furthermore, dNGScore can detect hematuria and urine cytology negative patients. The dNGscore based on aberrant N-glycosylation signatures of Igs were found to be promising diagnostic biomarkers of UCs.
Expression Profiling of Autophagy Genes BxATG1 and BxATG8 under Biotic and Abiotic Stresses in Pine Wood Nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus
Authors: Wu Fan , Deng Li-Na , Wu Xiao-Qin , Liu Hong-Bin , Ye Jian-Ren
Published: December 2017

The pine wood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, is the pathogen of pine wilt disease (PWD) and causes huge economic losses in pine forests and shows a remarkable ability to survive under unfavorable and changing environmental conditions. This ability may be related to autophagy, which is still poorly understood in B. xylophilus. Our previous studies showed that autophagy exists in PWN. Therefore, we tested the effects of autophagy inducer rapamycin on PWN and the results revealed that the feeding rate and reproduction were significantly promoted on fungal mats. The gene expression patterns of BxATG1 and BxATG8 under the different stress were determined by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). We tested the effects of RNA interference on BxATG1 and BxATG8 in PWN during different periods of infection in Pinus thunbergii. The results revealed that BxATG1 and BxATG8 may play roles in allowing PWN to adapt to changing environmental conditions and the virulence of PWN was influenced by the silence of autophagy-related genes BxATG1 and BxATG8. These results provided fundamental information on the relationship between autophagy and PWN, and on better understanding of gene function of BxATG1 and BxATG8 in PWN.
Newly Emerging Immune Checkpoints: Promises for Future Cancer Therapy
Authors: Torphy Robert , Schulick Richard , Zhu Yuwen
Published: December 2017

Cancer immunotherapy has been a great breakthrough, with immune checkpoint inhibitors leading the way. Despite the clinical effectiveness of certain immune checkpoint inhibitors, the overall response rate remains low, and the effectiveness of immunotherapies for many tumors has been disappointing. There is substantial interest in looking for additional immune checkpoint molecules that may act as therapeutic targets for cancer. Recent advances during the last decade have identified several novel immune checkpoint targets, including lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3), B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA), programmed death-1 homolog (PD-1H), T-cell immunoglobulin and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif domain (TIM-3)/carcinoembryonic antigen cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1), and the poliovirus receptor (PVR)-like receptors. The investigations into these molecules have generated promising results in preclinical studies. Herein, we will summarize our current progress and understanding of these newly-characterized immune checkpoints and their potential application in cancer immunotherapy.
Generalized Fracture Toughness and Compressive Strength of Sustainable Concrete Including Low Calcium Fly Ash
Authors: Golewski Grzegorz
Published: December 2017

The paper presents the results of tests on the effect of the low calcium fly ash (LCFA) addition, in the amounts of: 0% (LCFA-00), 20% (LCFA-20) and 30% (LCFA-30) by weight of cement, on fracture processes in structural concretes. In the course of the experiments, compressive strength of concrete and fracture toughness for: I (tensile), II (in-plane shear) and III (anti-plane shear) models of cracking were measured. The tests determined the effect of age of concretes modified with LCFA on the analyzed parameters. The experiments were carried out after: 3, 7, 28, 90, 180 and 365 days of curing. Fracture toughness of concretes was determined in terms of the critical stress intensity factors: K I c S , K I I c , K I I I c and then a generalized fracture toughness K c was specified. The obtained results are significant for the analysis of concrete structures subjected to complex loading. The properties of composites with the additive of LCFA depend on the age of the concrete tested. Mature concretes exhibit high fracture toughness at 20% additive of LCFA, while the additive of LCFA in the amount of 30% weight of cement has a beneficial effect on the parameters of concrete only after half a year of curing.
Grain Refinement Kinetics in a Low Alloyed Cu–Cr–Zr Alloy Subjected to Large Strain Deformation
Authors: Morozova Anna , Borodin Elijah , Bratov Vladimir , Zherebtsov Sergey , Belyakov Andrey , Kaibyshev Rustam
Published: December 2017

This paper investigates the microstructural evolution and grain refinement kinetics of a solution-treated Cu–0.1Cr–0.06Zr alloy during equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) at a temperature of 673 K via route BC. The microstructural change during plastic deformation was accompanied by the formation of the microband and an increase in the misorientations of strain-induced subboundaries. We argue that continuous dynamic recrystallization refined the initially coarse grains, and discuss the dynamic recrystallization kinetics in terms of grain/subgrain boundary triple junction evolution. A modified Johnson–Mehl–Avrami–Kolmogorov relationship with a strain exponent of about 1.49 is used to express the strain dependence of the triple junctions of high-angle boundaries. Severe plastic deformation by ECAP led to substantial strengthening of the Cu–0.1Cr–0.06Zr alloy. The yield strength increased from 60 MPa in the initial state to 445 MPa after a total strain level of 12.
Chemical Stability between NiCr2O4 Material and Molten Calcium-Magnesium-Alumino-Silicate (CMAS) at High Temperature
Authors: Ma Zhuang , Li Xing , Liu Ling , Liu Yanbo
Published: December 2017

NiCr2O4 as a potential protection for thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) against the attack of molten calcium-magnesium-alumino-silicate (CMAS) was studied by a CMAS-contacting experiment. Atmospheric plasma sprayed coatings and sintered bulk materials were fabricated, covered with CMAS deposits, and exposed to 1200 °C for 24 h. Nano-sized CMAS-NiCr2O4 mixed powder was manufactured by ball milling and then conducted heat treatment under the same condition. The results show that no reacting product was found at the border between molten CMAS and NiCr2O4 and no element transportation occurred. It can be inferred that NiCr2O4 has outstanding chemical stability with the molten CMAS.
Isolation of Petrocidin A, a New Cytotoxic Cyclic Dipeptide from the Marine Sponge-Derived Bacterium Streptomyces sp. SBT348
Authors: Cheng Cheng , Othman Eman , Stopper Helga , Edrada-Ebel RuAngelie , Hentschel Ute , Abdelmohsen Usama
Published: December 2017

A new cyclic dipeptide, petrocidin A (1), along with three known compounds—2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2), 2,3-dihydroxybenzamide (3), and maltol (4)—were isolated from the solid culture of Streptomyces sp. SBT348. The strain Streptomyces sp. SBT348 had been prioritized in a strain collection of 64 sponge-associated actinomycetes based on its distinct metabolomic profile using liquid chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The absolute configuration of all α-amino acids was determined by HPLC analysis after derivatization with Marfey’s reagent and comparison with commercially available reference amino acids. Structure elucidation was pursued in the presented study by mass spectrometry and NMR spectral data. Petrocidin A (1) and 2,3-dihydroxybenzamide (3) exhibited significant cytotoxicity towards the human promyelocytic HL-60 and the human colon adenocarcinoma HT-29 cell lines. These results demonstrated the potential of sponge-associated actinomycetes for the discovery of novel and pharmacologically active natural products.
Analysis of Membrane Behavior of a Normally Closed Microvalve Using a Fluid-Structure Interaction Model
Authors: Natarajan Guru , Kim Sung-Jin , Kim Chang-Wan
Published: December 2017

In this paper, membrane deflection against fluid flow and opening membrane (threshold) pressure were studied using fluid-structure interaction (FSI) analysis, and compared with experimental data obtained by Jaemin et al. In the current analysis, two different models (I-shaped and V-shaped) were used to perform the FSI simulation. In microvalve modeling, in order to reduce external actuator usage, interconnections are made between two similar microvalves. This typical interconnection creates a pressure distribution in a local environment. Furthermore, to differentiate the volume factor in a microvalve, a length/width (L/W) ratio term was used. Compared with higher- and lower-L/W-ratio models, the higher-L/W model eventually initiates more deflection in a low-pressure regime than the lower-L/W-ratio model. FSI simulations were performed for 4 μL/min, 6 μL/min, 8 μL/min, 10 μL/min, and 12 μL/min flow rates against membrane behavior, and performance evaluations of the microvalves were conducted. It was observed during an FSI simulation that the gate pressure applied to the lower surface deflects the membrane upward, thereby making contact with the wall. Two important parameters (material properties of the structural membrane and the inlet region height) were selected for analysis to evaluate changes in microvalve performance. These results are presented in the current study.
Dietary Intake of Protein from Different Sources and Weight Regain, Changes in Body Composition and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors after Weight Loss: The DIOGenes Study
Authors: Van Baak Marleen , Larsen Thomas , Jebb Susan , Martinez Alfredo , Saris Wim , Handjieva-Darlenska Teodora , Kafatos Anthony , Pfeiffer Andreas , Kunešová Marie , Astrup Arne
Published: December 2017

An increase in dietary protein intake has been shown to improve weight loss maintenance in the DIOGenes trial. Here, we analysed whether the source of the dietary proteins influenced changes in body weight, body composition, and cardiometabolic risk factors during the weight maintenance period while following an energy-restricted diet. 489 overweight or obese participants of the DIOGenes trial from eight European countries were included. They successfully lost >8% of body weight and subsequently completed a six month weight maintenance period, in which they consumed an ad libitum diet varying in protein content and glycemic index. Dietary intake was estimated from three-day food diaries. A higher plant protein intake with a proportional decrease in animal protein intake did not affect body weight maintenance or cardiometabolic risk factors. A higher plant protein intake from non-cereal products instead of cereal products was associated with benefits for body weight maintenance and blood pressure. Substituting meat protein for protein from other animal sources increased insulin and HOMA-IR (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance). This analysis suggests that not only the amount of dietary proteins, but also the source may be important for weight and cardiometabolic risk management. However, randomized trials are needed to test the causality of these associations.
Comparative Analysis of the Nitrogen Effect of Common Agricultural Practices and Rotation Systems in a Rainfed Mediterranean Environment
Authors: Dalias Panagiotis , Neocleous Damianos
Published: December 2017

The nitrogen (N) effect of legumes is one of the main reasons for their inclusion in rotation systems and their success in rainfed agriculture of Mediterranean areas. The comparative analysis of this effect in relation to alternative systems or practices is essential for a comprehensive appreciation in their merit. This field experiment was comprised of four three-year rotation cycles. Wheat (Triticum turgidum durum) was seeded for two consecutive years after common vetch (Vicia sativa L.), treated in three different ways, and after fallow and compared with three wheat monocultures: the conventional one, the continuous straw incorporation, and the sewage sludge incorporation once every three years. Wheat grain and straw yields and N uptake were compared among treatments. Results showed that rotation systems that included vetch were the most promising for improving sustainability. Maximum N uptake and the greatest yield surpluses were obtained when wheat followed vetch incorporated during flowering. When vetch in the rotation was cut for hay or left to fill grains subsequent wheat showed also enhanced yields. Fallow affected the rotation system’s fertility due to the incorporation of volunteer plants into the soil. Sewage sludge sustained production without the need for inorganic fertilization during three years. Straw incorporation always gave the smallest yields and N harvests, presumably due to soil N immobilization.
A Porous Cobalt (II) Metal–Organic Framework with Highly Efficient Electrocatalytic Activity for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Meng Qingguo , Yang Jianjian , Ma Shixuan , Zhai Mujun , Lu Jitao
Published: December 2017

A 3D porous framework ([Co1.5(tib)(dcpna)]·6H2O) (1) with a Wei topology has been synthesized by solvothermal reaction of 1,3,5-tris(1-imidazolyl)-benzene (tib), 5-(3′,5′-dicarboxylphenyl)nicotinic acid (H3dcpna) and cobalt nitrate. The electrocatalytic activity for water oxidation of 1 has been investigated in alkaline solution. Compound 1 exhibits good oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activities in alkaline solution, exhibiting 10 mA·cm−2 at η = 360 mV with a Tafel slope of 89 mV·dec−1. The high OER activity can be ascribe to 1D open channels along b axis of 1, which expose more activity sites and facilitate the electrolyte penetration.
Fatigue Damage Evaluation of Short Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics Based on Phase Information of Thermoelastic Temperature Change
Authors: Shiozawa Daiki , Sakagami Takahide , Nakamura Yu , Nonaka Shinichi , Hamada Kenichi
Published: December 2017

Carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) is widely used for structural members of transportation vehicles such as automobile, aircraft, or spacecraft, utilizing its excellent specific strength and specific rigidity in contrast with the metal. Short carbon fiber composite materials are receiving a lot of attentions because of their excellent moldability and productivity, however they show complicated behaviors in fatigue fracture due to the random fibers orientation. In this study, thermoelastic stress analysis (TSA) using an infrared thermography was applied to evaluate fatigue damage in short carbon fiber composites. The distribution of the thermoelastic temperature change was measured during the fatigue test, as well as the phase difference between the thermoelastic temperature change and applied loading signal. Evolution of fatigue damage was detected from the distribution of thermoelastic temperature change according to the thermoelastic damage analysis (TDA) procedure. It was also found that fatigue damage evolution was more clearly detected than before by the newly developed thermoelastic phase damage analysis (TPDA) in which damaged area was emphasized in the differential phase delay images utilizing the property that carbon fiber shows opposite phase thermoelastic temperature change.
A “Skylight” Simulator for HWIL Simulation of Hyperspectral Remote Sensing
Authors: Zhao Huijie , Cui Bolun , Jia Guorui , Li Xudong , Zhang Chao , Zhang Xinyang
Published: December 2017

Even though digital simulation technology has been widely used in the last two decades, hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) simulation is still an indispensable method for spectral uncertainty research of ground targets. However, previous facilities mainly focus on the simulation of panchromatic imaging. Therefore, neither the spectral nor the spatial performance is enough for hyperspectral simulation. To improve the accuracy of illumination simulation, a new dome-like skylight simulator is designed and developed to fit the spatial distribution and spectral characteristics of a real skylight for the wavelength from 350 nm to 2500 nm. The simulator’s performance was tested using a spectroradiometer with different accessories. The spatial uniformity is greater than 0.91. The spectral mismatch decreases to 1/243 of the spectral mismatch of the Imagery Simulation Facility (ISF). The spatial distribution of radiance can be adjusted, and the accuracy of the adjustment is greater than 0.895. The ability of the skylight simulator is also demonstrated by comparing radiometric quantities measured in the skylight simulator with those in a real skylight in Beijing.
Microwave Non-Destructive Inspection and Prediction of Modulus of Rupture and Modulus of Elasticity of Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECCs) Using Dual-Frequency Correlation
Authors: Chung Kwok , Zhang Chunwei , Li Yuanyuan , Sun Li , Ghannam Mohamed
Published: December 2017

This research article presents dual-frequency correlation models for predicting the growth of elasticity and flexural strength of engineered cementitious composites (ECCs) using microwave nondestructive inspection technique. Parallel measurements of microwave properties and mechanical properties of ECC specimens were firstly undertaken in the sense of cross-disciplinary experiments. Regression models were developed via means of nonlinear regression to the measured data. The purpose of the study is: (i) to monitor the flexural strength and elasticity growth; and (ii) to predict their mature values under the influence of different initial water contents, via microwave effective conductance at early ages. It has been demonstrated that both the modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) can be accurately modeled and correlated by microwave conductance using exponential functions. The moduli developed as a function of conductance whereas the regression coefficient exhibited a linear relation with water-to-binder ratio. These findings have highlighted the effectiveness of the microwave non-destructive technique in inspecting the variation of liquid phase morphology of ECCs. The dual-frequency correlation can be used for structural health monitoring, which is not only for prediction but also provides a means of verification.
The Effect of Electrical Impedance Matching on the Electromechanical Characteristics of Sandwiched Piezoelectric Ultrasonic Transducers
Authors: Yang Yuan , Wei Xiaoyuan , Zhang Lei , Yao Wenqing
Published: December 2017

For achieving the power maximum transmission, the electrical impedance matching (EIM) for piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers is highly required. In this paper, the effect of EIM networks on the electromechanical characteristics of sandwiched piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers is investigated in time and frequency domains, based on the PSpice model of single sandwiched piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer. The above-mentioned EIM networks include, series capacitance and parallel inductance (I type) and series inductance and parallel capacitance (II type). It is shown that when I and II type EIM networks are used, the resonance and anti-resonance frequencies and the received signal tailing are decreased; II type makes the electro-acoustic power ratio and the signal tailing smaller whereas it makes the electro-acoustic gain ratio larger at resonance frequency. In addition, I type makes the effective electromechanical coupling coefficient increase and II type makes it decrease; II type make the power spectral density at resonance frequency more dramatically increased. Specially, the electro-acoustic power ratio has maximum value near anti-resonance frequency, while the electro-acoustic gain ratio has maximum value near resonance frequency. It can be found that the theoretically analyzed results have good consistency with the measured ones.
Effective Disclosure in the Fast-Fashion Industry: from Sustainability Reporting to Action
Authors: Garcia-Torres Sofia , Rey-Garcia Marta , Albareda-Vivo Laura
Published: December 2017

This work, set in the context of the apparel industry, proposes an action-oriented disclosure tool to help solve the sustainability challenges of complex fast-fashion supply chains (SCs). In a search for effective disclosure, it focusses on actions towards sustainability instead of the measurements and indicators of its impacts. We applied qualitative and quantitative content analysis to the sustainability reporting of the world’s two largest fast-fashion companies in three phases. First, we searched for the challenges that the organisations report they are currently facing. Second, we introduced the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework to overcome the voluntary reporting drawback of ‘choosing what to disclose’, and revealed orphan issues. This broadened the scope from internal corporate challenges to issues impacting the ecosystems in which companies operate. Third, we analysed the reported sustainability actions and decomposed them into topics, instruments, and actors. The results showed that fast-fashion reporting has a broadly developed analysis base, but lacks action orientation. This has led us to propose the ‘Fast-Fashion Sustainability Scorecard’ as a universal disclosure framework that shifts the focus from (i) reporting towards action; (ii) financial performance towards sustainable value creation; and (iii) corporate boundaries towards value creation for the broader SC ecosystem.
Prophylactic Sublingual Immunization with Mycobacterium tuberculosis Subunit Vaccine Incorporating the Natural Killer T Cell Agonist Alpha-Galactosylceramide Enhances Protective Immunity to Limit Pulmonary and Extra-Pulmonary Bacterial Burden in Mice
Authors: Khan Arshad , Singh Shailbala , Galvan Gloria , Jagannath Chinnaswamy , Sastry K.
Published: December 2017

Infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) remains a major global concern and the available Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine is poorly efficacious in adults. Therefore, alternative vaccines and delivery strategies focusing on Mtb antigens and appropriate immune stimulating adjuvants are needed to induce protective immunity targeted to the lungs, the primary sites of infections and pathology. We present here evidence in support of mucosal vaccination by the sublingual route in mice using the subunit Mtb antigens Ag85B and ESAT-6 adjuvanted with the glycolipid alpha-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer), a potent natural killer T (NKT) cell agonist. Vaccinated animals exhibited strong antigen-specific CD4 and CD8 T cells responses in the spleen, cervical lymph nodes and lungs. In general, inclusion of the α-GalCer adjuvant significantly enhanced these responses that persisted over 50 days. Furthermore, aerosolized Mtb infection of vaccinated mice resulted in a significant reduction of bacterial load of the lungs and spleens as compared to levels seen in naïve controls or those vaccinated with subunit proteins, adjuvant , or BCG alone. The protection induced by the Mtb antigens and-GalCer vaccine through sublingual route correlated with a TH1-type immunity mediated by antigen-specific IFN-γ and IL-2 producing T cells.
Estimating Aquifer Transmissivity Using the Recession-Curve-Displacement Method in Tanzania’s Kilombero Valley
Authors: Senkondo William , Tuwa Jamila , Koutsouris Alexander , Tumbo Madaka , Lyon Steve
Published: December 2017

Information on aquifer processes and characteristics across scales has long been a cornerstone for understanding water resources. However, point measurements are often limited in extent and representativeness. Techniques that increase the support scale (footprint) of measurements or leverage existing observations in novel ways can thus be useful. In this study, we used a recession-curve-displacement method to estimate regional-scale aquifer transmissivity (T) from streamflow records across the Kilombero Valley of Tanzania. We compare these estimates to local-scale estimates made from pumping tests across the Kilombero Valley. The median T from the pumping tests was 0.18 m2/min. This was quite similar to the median T estimated from the recession-curve-displacement method applied during the wet season for the entire basin (0.14 m2/min) and for one of the two sub-basins tested (0.16 m2/min). On the basis of our findings, there appears to be reasonable potential to inform water resource management and hydrologic model development through streamflow-derived transmissivity estimates, which is promising for data-limited environments facing rapid development, such as the Kilombero Valley.
Assessment of Intimate Partner Violence and the Battered Woman Syndrome
Authors: Paradis Cheryl
Published: December 2017

Forensic experts are often retained to conduct an evaluation of the mental state at the time of the offense of women charged with assaulting or killing spouses or partners. Many of these women report histories of intimate partner violence and a cluster of psychiatric/psychological symptoms that researchers have termed the battered woman syndrome (BWS). The clinical picture is similar to posttraumatic stress disorder. Expert testimony on BWS has become more accepted in the legal system during the past 30 years. Testimony can be mitigating and, at times, sufficient for the trier of fact to conclude that the defendant acted in self-defense. This article reviews research on BWS and describes the forensic expert's role in these cases. In addition to assessing mental state at the time of the offense, the expert often dispels myths associated with BWS and describes how each defendant did or did not fit the stereotype of the battered woman.[Psychiatr Ann. 2017;47(12):593–597.]
Sonic territorialisation in motion. Reporting from the homeless occupation of public space in Grenoble
Authors: Croce Nicola Di
Published: December 2017

This research explores the political dimension of sonic environments within public space, with special attention on marginal stakeholders and their sonic behaviour. The aim is to investigate how public policies can relate to issues around the sonic environment and, more generally, how institutions can deal with social conflicts originated by a plurality of sonic perceptions. In order to do so, the paper presents the outcomes of field research developed in Grenoble in 2015, focusing on the “sonic deterritorialisation” of groups of homeless people in the inner city. The case study shows how certain kinds of everyday practices shape and affect sonic and public space and, in particular, the way in which sonic traces reveal social conflict. Homeless people’s occupation of public space often involves a sonic challenge to the status quo, which pits marginal stakeholders, citizens, and city users against one another – reflecting the necessity to establish new forms of coexistence. “Sonic marginality” is thus the consequence of a lack of understanding. It constitutes a ground upon which a new sonic acknowledgment of “otherness” might develop, and points up the necessary role of sonic studies in better implementing political awareness, and to propose innovative resolutions for social conflict.
Danse, la cité. Infiltration chorégraphique d’une place publique
Authors: Massiani Léna
Published: December 2017

Danse, la cité est une action artistique urbaine qui interroge la relation entre les habitants d’un quartier et une place publique. C’est donc en leur présence qu’elle s’élabore. Ceux-ci sont invités à observer leur environnement quotidiennement traversé, ils sont invités à l’éprouver par un geste expérimental, pour enfin l’investir grâce à une performance dansée. La recherche qui a été mise en œuvre avec les habitants est issue de l’observation sensible que tous les participants ont réalisé au préalable. Celle-ci utilise les caractéristiques du chorégraphique comme un moyen d’identifier l’effet d’un espace sur le corps. En filigrane, le projet ouvre la voie d’une démarche singulière : lire et comprendre l’espace urbain par le corps sensible.
Walking and standing in Athinas Street: Encountering pedestrian life in Athens’ historical centre
Authors: Kanellopoulou Dimitra
Published: December 2017

Over the last three decades the centre of Athens has been the site of numerous pedestrianisation projects, transforming the image and function of Athenian public space within a four square kilometre zone around Acropolis Hill. Local authorities largely promote pedestrianisation as a means of boosting the cultural tourist profile of the Greek capital. Surrounded by streets that are replete with tourist and commercial activities, Athinas Street has been the focus of discussions on future pedestrianisation since 2009. In the context of a growing debate on the need of radical gestures in order to stimulate life in public space, the paper aims to stimulate discussion about the forms and triggers of animation of street life that do not depend on traditional planning or event management. By means of close observation of walkers’ itineraries, the study seeks to reveal the ways in which street life flourishes within a blend of pedestrians’ different types of presence in public associated with the permeable boundaries between private and public space usage. The author, who takes an urban planning and ethnographic perspective, aims to contribute to the current growing debate in Europe on the transformation of public space through the promotion of environments that promote walking. The article suggests that the enlivening of public space thrives in Athinas Street thanks to a heterogeneous walkscape characterised by a diversity of practices, trajectories and profiles of walkers, all of whom contribute to enlivening the place and creating a local identity.
Traverser la ville ininterrompue : sentir et se figurer à l’aveugle. À propos de Walk, Hands, Eyes (a city) de Myriam Lefkowitz
Authors: Perrin Julie
Published: December 2017

Dans Walk, Hands, Eyes (a city), l’artiste chorégraphique Myriam Lefkowitz propose à un seul spectateur à la fois une balade urbaine silencieuse, les yeux fermés. Cet article examine la dimension spatiale, imaginaire, sensorielle et kinesthésique de l’expérience artistique, pour interroger la façon dont les savoirs sensibles propres à la danse contemporaine invitent à parcourir et considérer la ville autrement.
La mémoire partagée de « la vie de café » dans les quartiers populaires centraux d’immigration
Authors: Gauthier Catherine
Published: December 2017

Étudiant la mémoire de l’immigration dans les quartiers populaires des centres anciens de Saint Etienne, Catherine Gauthier, accompagnée de la photographe Sandrine Binoux, saisit ambiances et portraits dans les cafés cosmopolites de cinq quartiers. Il en résulte un film photographique de 35 minutes, retraçant souvenirs et ambiances actuelles de ces établissements. L’article montre comment la rue, l’usine, la vie migratoire les ont façonnés, puis comment leur activité déborde à son tour sur l’espace public par une animation très spontanée. D’abord ressource urbaine pour les primo-arrivants, les cafés peuvent devenir aujourd’hui des emblèmes de la mémoire locale. Enquête et film permettent de visiter l’histoire des centralités commerciales en déclin et de rendre compte des traces encore vivantes d’une culture vernaculaire de la mixité socio-culturelle.
L’entrepreneurialisme urbain comme mode d’animation : l’espace public madrilène disputé
Authors: Clavé-Mercier Valentin
Published: December 2017

Cet article vise à questionner l’entrepreneurialisme urbain comme mode d’animation hégémonique de l’espace public en observant la réalité quotidienne, sociale, politique et matérielle de deux places publiques du centre-ville de Madrid : la plaza del Dos de Mayo et la plaza Luna. Étudiant les pratiques spontanées et ritualisées, légales et a-légales ou illégales, politisées et quotidiennes, cet article met en évidence les conflits existants autour de l’animation entrepreneuriale de l’espace public. Grâce à l’analyse de plusieurs sens du lieu, construits et expérimentés par les divers groupes étudiés, l’auteur ébauche ici les contours d’une confrontation ayant pour objet la re-signification des places publiques en question. Sont exposées tout d’abord les différentes dynamiques entrepreneuriales présentes sur le territoire étudié et liées à la gestion de l’espace public, interrogeant les objectifs qui les motivent. Il s’agira ensuite de reconstruire les sens du lieu existants autour des deux places étudiées, exposant ainsi des imaginaires urbains confrontés et diverses formes de contestation du mode d’animation entrepreneurial. Finalement, cet article rend compte des conséquences du développement exponentiel de pratiques entrepreneuriales présentes sur deux places publiques madrilènes, ainsi que des enjeux qu’elles représentent pour l’urbanité, la gouvernance et la vie urbaine du centre-ville de la capitale espagnole.
Innovative Solid Rocket Propellant Formulations for Space Propulsion
Authors: DeLuca Luigi T. , Bohn Manfred A. , Gettwert Volker , Weiser Volker , Tagliabue Claudio
Published: December 2017

Solid rocket propulsion enjoys unique properties favoring its use in space exploration and military missions still for decades to come. Yet, it also suffers a limited performance especially in terms of gravimetric specific impulse. Although new high-energy materials have been identified, most of them are far from being practically usable in the short range. Presently, no integrated vehicle designs make use of these new ingredients. A broad overview is discussed in this paper and attention is paid to Ammonium Dinitramide, ADN to overcome the current limitations of Ammonium Perchlorate, AP. The latter imply not only a limited gravimetric specific impulse but also a negative impact on the environment and personal health. ADN-based dual-oxidizer formulations, with Al-based dual-metal fuels and inert or energetic binders, are promising solutions for a variety of solid rocket propulsion missions aiming respectively at minimizing environmental impact (ADN + AN) or maximizing performance (ADN + AP).
Sniffers Over Cloud Environment
Authors: Thangavel M  , Narmadha N  , Deepika B
Published: December 2017

Cloud computing is a technology for complex computing, it eliminates the need to have computing hardware, storage space and software. Multi tenancy is considered as important element in which same resources will be shared by multiple users. The users are named as tenants in the cloud environment. The tenants may run their applications in their own cloud environment which will have some vulnerability. These vulnerabilities will cause some attacks to the tenant virtual machine. In general, the cloud providers will not provide that much security to the cloud tenants. So, it is the duty of the tenant to make some countermeasures to avoid these attacks. In a cloud environment, there may be multiple tenants in that there is a possible of malicious tenant also present in the cloud environment. The attacker will do sniffing attack by monitoring all the user traffic. In the cloud, it is a fact that all the user data will resides in same hardware so the attacker monitor the activities of all the user and observes the type of traffic.
Optimal Designs by Means of Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Nautiyal Lata , Shivach Preeti , Ram Mangey
Published: December 2017

With the advancement in contemporary computational and modeling skills, engineering design completely depends upon on variety of computer modeling and simulation tools to hasten the design cycles and decrease the overall budget. The most difficult design problem will include various design parameters along with the tables. Finding out the design space and ultimate solutions to those problems are still biggest challenges for the area of complex systems. This chapter is all about suggesting the use of Genetic Algorithms to enhance maximum engineering design problems. The chapter recommended that Genetic Algorithms are highly useful to increase the High-Performance Areas for Engineering Design. This chapter is established to use Genetic Algorithms to large number of design areas and delivered a comprehensive conversation on the use, scope and its applications in mechanical engineering.
Analyzing Sustainable Food Supply Chain Management Challenges in India
Authors: Sharma Yogesh Kumar , Mangla Sachin Kumar , Patil Pravin P. , Uniyal Surbhi
Published: December 2017

The demand of food is increasing day by day, innovative agricultural practices and sustainable food supply chain management (SFSCM) has gained an emergent importance. Food industries across the globe mainly focus on the manufacturing of their own products to achieve sustainability. The importance of sustainable food supply chain management is to overcome the wastage in food manufacturing industries. In the present research, we identified eleven challenges in the SFSCM on the basis of literature review and expert opinion. The approach is an integration of fuzzy with DEMATEL which can be used for dividing the challenges into cause and effect group. Fuzzy DEMATEL method has continuously been used for the analysis of challenges and is the novel approach for decision making. Thus, this method can be implemented in many fields including automobiles, food industries, retail market etc. From the fuzzy DEMATEL results, it can be confirmed that the Safety and Security is one of the most influencing challenge and has the strongest association with other challenges.
Electrical Discharge Coating by Copper-Tungsten Composite Electrode Prepared by Powder Metallurgy Route
Authors: Sahu Anshuman Kumar , Mahapatra Siba Sankar
Published: December 2017

Electrical discharge machining (EDM), a thermo-mechanical machining process, is used in producing complicated intrinsic cavity in difficult-to- machine materials with excellent surface finish. One of the major disadvantage of EDM process is the tool wear, which can be used advantageously for coating purpose. Coating is a unique method of EDM process by the use of electrode prepared via powder metallurgy route. Copper and tungsten powders in weight percentage of 30 and 70 respectively are used for the preparation of the tool electrode by varying the PM process parameters like compaction pressure and sintering temperature. The substrate on which coating is made is chosen as AISI 1040 stainless steel with EDM oil as the dielectric fluid. During coating, influence of parameters like discharge current, duty cycle and pulse-on-time on material deposition rate, tool wear rate and radial under deposition are studied. To find out the best parametric combination Grey Relational Analysis method combined with Harmony Search algorithm has been employed.
Some Aspects of Natural Resource Exploitation and Management in Nigeria
Authors: Fasona Mayowa , Ogunkunle Olatunde J.
Published: December 2017

Natural resources provide the all-important basis for human existence and civilization. Natural resources management has several implications for human security and public safety. A quality environment supports virile natural resources, which provide the necessary goods and services to satisfy life quality needs and mitigate famine and food shortages and their concomitant effects, including food riots and public disorder. Poorly managed and severely degraded natural resources systems will interfere with other systems, such as the climate, to produce resource conflicts and exacerbate human insecurity and undermine public safety. Africa is highly vulnerable to natural resource degradation and its concomitant impacts, a situation that has deepened the existing poverty-environment-human security linkages. This chapter explores the dimension of natural resources and natural resource management, its implications on livelihoods and conflicts, human security and public safety, and its contexts in Africa in general with particular reference to Nigeria.
Digital Marketing in Online Education Services
Authors: Singh Surabhi
Published: December 2017

Digital activities are compulsorily required to include when online education services are concerned. The digital marketing strategy need to be defined if customer satisfaction has to be maintained. Digital activities are an increasingly important part of any marketing and sales strategy. The strong inclination of digital platforms for delivering courses online cannot be denied. The organization has to be focused on simple act of providing digital course and innovative strategies through which they interact with students and create learning environment. The marketing via digital media is significant for delivery of educational services online. We need to be updated in the area of online education services and for the same digital marketing strategies are critical.
Entertainment Media
Authors: Cordeiro Paula , Mendes António , Mascarenhas José , Lameira Sofia
Published: December 2017

This chapter examines the hybridization of entertainment in media through the emergence of new advertising formats in radio, new forms of revenue and sponsoring for television shows, and the hybridization of press content, with monthly magazines portraying more promotional than editorial content. It is focused on media as entertainment industry to study marketing strategies developed by brands towards an approach to entertainment as part of branding strategies, focusing as well on innovative advertising formats. Thinking about these might affect the consumer perception of media and brands. This chapter relates media studies with technology and marketing studies rooted in the idea that lifestyle media may transform practices and routines with media as well as audiences' media relations.
The Role of Loyalty Program (LP) and Brand Attachment in Establishing Word-of-Mouth Intentions
Authors: Bahri-Ammari Nedra
Published: December 2017

The focus of this study is to examine jointly the impact of the Loyalty Program Quality and brand attachment on W-O-M intentions through: satisfaction and loyalty. Exploratory and confirmatory analyses were adopted give a new measurements' structures. The authors used the structural equation method to confirm the different relationships. The results show that LPQ affect positively the satisfaction, and negatively the loyalty. LPQ has an indirectly effect on WOM intentions but through satisfaction. The mediating effect of satisfaction in the relationship between LPQ and Loyalty is rejected. This finding can be explained by the nature of mobile sector in Tunisia. Operators must listen to customers and better communicate with them to develop programs based on their expectations. The brand attachment reinforces the customer loyalty by helping operators to develop an efficient loyalty program. The results gave explanations to their model but they also showed the possibility of integrating other concepts which can improve the quality of contributions. These are particularly related to trust, consumer retention, personal interaction quality.