bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Philosophy as Commitment to Reality
Authors: Dussel Enrique , Raynova Yvanka B.
Published: June 2017

An Interview with Enrique Dussel by Yvanka B. Raynova
Über-Setzung als diskursive Dominanz: Paul Ricœurs Übersetzungsparadigma neu gelesen
Authors: Raynova Yvanka B.
Published: June 2017

Über-Setzung as a discursive Dominance: A new Interpretation of Paul Ricoeur's Paradigm of TranslationPutting into question the idealized interpretations of translation as an ethical paradigm and model for Europe (Paul Ricoeur, Domenico Jervolino), the author aims to reveal some negative aspects related to the politics of translation, specially the use of translation as a transfer of a dominant discourse. This negative phenomenon is analyzed by mean of the neologism of Über-Setzung (superimposition) designating an overlap of a discourse or an idiom over another through the abuse of the linguistic hospitality of translation. On the base of diverse examples and narratives the author offers a descrip-tion of the eidetic structure of Über-Setzung, and argues that the dominating language and its dis-course intervene in the mother language and its culture by putting itself "on" and "over" them as something primary, absolute and universal. The dominant discourse, that is established by means of translation, requires mindfulness, comprehension and acceptance; however, because it is a kind of anti-giving, the dominator who use it refuses to recognize the dominated as a partner; he treats him as non-equal and even as "retarded". In conclusion the author displays the intercultural potentialities of hermeneutic phenomenology in regard of a new European ethos of translation.
Die Wertschätzung der Tradition und der Respekt vor dem Anderen: Herta Nagl-Docekal zum siebzigsten Geburtstag
Authors: Raynova Yvanka B.
Published: June 2017

The Valuation of the Tradition and the Respect of the Other: In Honor of Herta Nagl-Docekal (Editorial)
Herta Nagl-Docekal: Innere Freiheit. Grenzen der nachmetaphysischen Moralkonzeptionen
Authors: Buchhammer Brigitte
Published: June 2017

A Review of Herta-Nagl Docekal Book Innere Freiheit. Grenzen der nachmetaphysischen Moralkonzeptionen (Inner Freedom. The Limits of the postmetaphysical moral conceptions), 2014.
Wer hat Angst vor Jean-Paul Sartre?
Authors: Raynova Yvanka B.
Published: June 2017

Who is ffarid of Jean-Paul Sartre? - An Editorial by Yvanka B. Raynova
Feminism and Gender Studies dismantled? Critical Reflections on the Occasion of the 650th Jubilee of Vienna University
Authors: Raynova Yvanka B.
Published: June 2017

A Discussion about the Problems of Institutionalization of Feminist Theory and the Gender Studies at the University of Vienna.
"Pierre Loves Horranges": Sartre and Malabou on the Fantastic in Philosophy
Authors: Mui Constance L. , Murphy Julien S.
Published: June 2017

In "Pierre Loves Horranges ", a little noticed essay on Sartre's existential psychoanalysis, emerging French philosopher Catherine Malabou offers a new reading of "Doing and Having", in Sartre's Being and Nothingness for her philosophy of the fantastic. We compare Sartre and Malabou on the fantastic, focusing on their analyses of quality, viscosity and ontological difference. We argue that Malabou's reinterpretation of Sartre's symbolic schema, which serves to make visible the change and exchange in the ontological difference, is valuable for a psychoanalysis of the future, one that comes after metaphysics and deconstruction.Â
At the Sources of the Phenomenology of Life
Authors: Tymieniecka Ana-Teresa , Raynova Yvanka B.
Published: June 2017

An Interview with Ana-Teresa Tymieniecka by Yvanka B. Raynova realized in December 1994 at the World Phenomenology Institute. It was published firstly in Bulgarian, and thereafter in English, on the homepage of the World Phenomenology Institute.
Verantwortung im Spannungsfeld zwischen Machtentfaltung und Verletzlichkeit: Die Umkehr des Verantwortungsverständnisses bei Hans Jonas
Authors: Moser Susanne
Published: June 2017

The aim of this paper is to show how Has Jonas arrived to develop a completely new concept of responsibility by operating a sort of reversion of the classic theories of responsibility. If in the past the holder of power (God, the Sovereign, the Law) obligated the subjected to justify himself, in Jonas' conception it is the fragile and the vulnerable being that becomes the instance of justification for the powerful in face to which he has to respond. Thus, in The Principle of Responsibility the power relations are reversed in a way that the more power one holds, the more responsibility he has in regard to the fragile and the weak.
Das Selbst und die Gegenwart der Verantwortung. Über das Verantwortungskonzept in der hermeneutischen Phänomenologie von Paul Ricœur
Authors: Raynova Yvanka B.
Published: June 2017

A peculiarity of Paul Ricoeur's philosophy is his effort to elaborate a hermeneutic phenomenology of the Self on the roots of reflexive philosophy. Thus, the problem of responsibility, which Ricoeur debated on different occasions, appears in the context of the Self as an acting, suffering and capable subject which is not only responsible for its own acts but has also duties in respect to others. Ricoeur's hermeneutics of "l’homme capable" (the capable human being) analyzes responsibility on different levels – historical, ethical, political, juridical etc. The main thesis of the author is, that this levels of responsibility constitute the different dimensions of the will of the Self "to engage itself with" which should be recomposed hermeneutically in order to capture responsibility as an integral phenomenon. At the difference of some authors who offer only a partial interpretation of the problem of responsibility in Ricoeur's work, the following article aims to give a holistic one by reconstructing it through the complex evolution of Ricoeur's philosophical writings.
The Conference "Phenomenologies: the legacies of Edmund Husserl" as a founding event of the Bulgarian Phenomenological Association
Authors: Nikolov Ivo
Published: June 2017

In cooperation with the Philosophical Faculty of Sofia University, the Bulgarian Philosophical Society (BFO) organized the conference "Phenomenologies: the legacies of Edmund Husserl," which took place on 6 and 7 November 2015, and became the founding event of BFO-Fenomenologia – the Phenomenological Association as a community of the Bulgarian Philosophical Society. The Association offers a new home for Bulgarian scholars and groups from different phenomenological currents.
The Influence of Herodotus on the Practical Philosophy of Aristotle
Authors: Gicheva-Gocheva Dimka
Published: June 2017

The approach of this paper is a retrospective one. It is an attempt to show that many important ideas of Herodotus, a great ancestor of Aristotle, have influenced his practical philosophy. The paper focuses specially on several topics from the Histories of Herodotus, which have found a resonance in the Nicomachean ethics and in the Politics of Aristotle. The main ones in respect of the ethical theory are: the different forms of justice and the just as for example the super-human justice, the just in the family relations, the judicial just and the just in the polis or the larger human community. Book Epsilon of the Nicomachean Ethics is indebted to Herodotus in several points. In respect of Aristotles' political theory, there are two topics in the History of Herodotus which deserve a special interest: firstly, the conversation of the three noble Persians, who discuss the six basic types of political order and organization of power-and-submission in a state or city-state (in book ІІІ, 80-82); this becomes a paradigm for the next typologies of Plato (in the Republic and the Statesman) and Aristotle (in the Politics); secondly, the importance of personal freedom, the equity of the speaking (discussing?) men on the agora, and the supremacy of law for the well-being of any community and its peaceful future. The legacy of Herodotus is obvious in many anthropological and ethical concepts of Aristotle, especially in his most read and quoted ethical writing and in his Politics
Assessment of arbuscular mycorrhizal association in some fruit and spice plants of Rangamati hill district
Authors: Bhuiyan MAH , Banu MB , Rahman M
Published: June 2017

Rhizosphere soils of some fruit and spice plants from the Hill Agricultural Research Station, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Raikhali, Rangamati were collected during 2011-12 and 2012-13 for counting Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) spore population, determining colonization (%) in their roots and studying AM structure. Assessment of spore population was done by following the Wet Sieving and Decanting Method. The percentage of AM infection was estimated by root slide technique. The spore number of 100g rhizosphere soil was recorded ranging from 120 in rhizosphere soil of Malta plant to a maximum of 410 in Atafal and Sofeda plants during 2011-12 and from 75 in rhizosphere soil of Phalsa plant to a maximum of 327 in Amlaki plant during 2012-13. Different fruit and spice plants showed different percentages of root colonization by AM fungi. Among the fruit and spice plants, the highest colonization (40%) was found in Jabotica, Phalsa and Sofeda plant, and the lowest colonization (6.6%) was found in Rambutan plant during 2011-12, but in 2012-13 the highest (61.3%) was result was observed in Bilatigab plant and the lowest (18.7%) was in Misti lebu, Malta and Tetul plant. The AM fungal structure in the root system of the selected fruit and spice plants varied in irrespective of fruit and spice species. Some plants had vesicles. Hyphae were present in most of the plants. Some plant species recorded Arbuscules. Both oval and spherical shape vesicles were found in this study.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 42(2): 221-232, June 2017
Translation of DASS 21 into Bangla and validation among medical students
Authors: Alim SM Abu Hena Mostafa , Kibria Syed Mahbub E , Lslam Md Jahurul , Uddin Md Zahir , Nessa Meherun , Wahab Md Abdul , Lslam Md Mesbahul
Published: June 2017

Standard scale to assess the symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress among MBBS students are essential to take necessary steps to treat or prevent any psychiatric morbidity. But there was no such convenient tool in Bangla to measure the stated symptoms. With an objective to obtain a convenient scale to measure severity of above symptoms, short version of Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS 21) was translated into Bangla and the study was carried out to validate this Bangla version with permission from the author of the original instrument. Two translations and back translations were carried out. A harmonized version was produced after meetings by persons involved in translation process in meetings. After pretesting on ten students and reviewing by panel of experts, finalized Bangla version of DASS 21 (DASS 21 -BV) was obtained. A cross sectional study was carried out among MBBS students of Pabna Medical College, Pabna using purposive sampling technique to validate this scale. They were given both Bangla and English version of the scale 3 to 7 days apart. Analysis was done on 15 samples. Correlation for depression subscale was 0.976, anxiety subscale was 0.917 and stress subscale was 0.931. Correlation was significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed). Cronbachs Alpha for Depression, Anxiety and Stress subscales were 0.987, 0.957, 0.964 respectively. This Validated Bangla version of DASS 21 can be used to measure severity of depression among medical students and persons having similar academic background treatable.Bang J Psychiatry Dec 2014; 28(2): 67-70
Seismic Signal Compression Using Nonparametric Bayesian Dictionary Learning via Clustering
Authors: Tian Xin , Li Song
Published: June 2017

We introduce a seismic signal compression method based on nonparametric Bayesian dictionary learning method via clustering. The seismic data is compressed patch by patch, and the dictionary is learned online. Clustering is introduced for dictionary learning. A set of dictionaries could be generated, and each dictionary is used for one cluster’s sparse coding. In this way, the signals in one cluster could be well represented by their corresponding dictionaries. A nonparametric Bayesian dictionary learning method is used to learn the dictionaries, which naturally infers an appropriate dictionary size for each cluster. A uniform quantizer and an adaptive arithmetic coding algorithm are adopted to code the sparse coefficients. With comparisons to other state-of-the art approaches, the effectiveness of the proposed method could be validated in the experiments.
Effect of Different Gradings of Lightweight Aggregates on the Properties of Concrete
Authors: Chung Sang-Yeop , Abd Elrahman Mohamed , Stephan Dietmar
Published: June 2017

Lightweight aggregate concrete is a material with very low density and good thermal insulation, and several types of lightweight aggregates have been used for lightweight concrete. Since the characteristics of lightweight aggregates strongly affect the properties of lightweight concrete, a proper consideration for the use of lightweight aggregate is very important for development of lightweight materials. In particular, the sizes and spatial distributions of lightweight aggregates can influence the material responses of lightweight concrete, such as compressive strength and thermal conductivity. In this study, different types of gradings of lightweight aggregates are adopted to investigate the effect of gradings on the material properties. Liaver ® , an expanded glass granulate, is used as a lightweight aggregate for the specimens. Virtual models of the lightweight specimens with different gradings are numerically generated, and both mechanical and thermal properties are evaluated using experimental and numerical approaches for more detailed investigation. The obtained results can be utilized to suggest an optimal grading that satisfies both the mechanical and thermal properties of lightweight concrete specimen.
Photon Propagation through Linearly Active Dimers
Authors: Huerta Morales José , Rodríguez-Lara Blas
Published: June 2017

We provide an analytic propagator for non-Hermitian dimers showing linear gain or losses in the quantum regime. In particular, we focus on experimentally feasible realizations of the PT -symmetric dimer and provide their mean photon number and second order two-point correlation. We study the propagation of vacuum, single photon spatially-separable, and two-photon spatially-entangled states. We show that each configuration produces a particular signature that might signal their possible uses as photon switches, semi-classical intensity-tunable sources, or spatially entangled sources to mention a few possible applications.
Stochastic Model Predictive Control for Urban Traffic Networks
Authors: Ye Bao-Lin , Wu Weimin , Gao Huimin , Lu Yixia , Cao Qianqian , Zhu Lijun
Published: June 2017

This paper proposes a stochastic model predictive control (MPC) framework for traffic signal coordination and control in urban traffic networks. One of the important features of the proposed stochastic MPC model is that uncertain traffic demands and stochastic disturbances are taken into account. Aiming to effectively model the uncertainties and avoid queue spillback in traffic networks, we develop a stochastic expected value model with chance constraints for the objective function of the stochastic MPC model. The objective function is defined to minimize the queue length and the oscillation of green time between any two control steps. Furthermore, by embedding the stochastic simulation and neural networks into a genetic algorithm, we propose a hybrid intelligent algorithm to solve the stochastic MPC model. Finally, numerical results by means of simulation on a road network are presented, which illustrate the performance of the proposed approach.
Striatal Vulnerability in Huntington’s Disease: Neuroprotection Versus Neurotoxicity
Authors: Morigaki Ryoma , Goto Satoshi
Published: June 2017

Huntington’s disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease caused by the expansion of a CAG trinucleotide repeat encoding an abnormally long polyglutamine tract (PolyQ) in the huntingtin (Htt) protein. In HD, striking neuropathological changes occur in the striatum, including loss of medium spiny neurons and parvalbumin-expressing interneurons accompanied by neurodegeneration of the striosome and matrix compartments, leading to progressive impairment of reasoning, walking and speaking abilities. The precise cause of striatal pathology in HD is still unknown; however, accumulating clinical and experimental evidence suggests multiple plausible pathophysiological mechanisms underlying striatal neurodegeneration in HD. Here, we review and discuss the characteristic neurodegenerative patterns observed in the striatum of HD patients and consider the role of various huntingtin-related and striatum-enriched proteins in neurotoxicity and neuroprotection.
Immobilization of Lipases on Magnetic Collagen Fibers and Its Applications for Short-Chain Ester Synthesis
Authors: He Shengsheng , Song Dewei , Chen Min , Cheng Haiming
Published: June 2017

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNp) Fe3O4 were prepared by chemical coprecipitation, and introduced onto collagen fibers to form magnetic collagen support (MNp-Col) for enzyme immobilization. Candida rugosa lipase has been successfully immobilized on MNp-Col supports by a covalent bond cross-linking agent, glutaraldehyde. The characteristics of MNp-Col and the immobilized lipase were investigated. The immobilized lipase displayed sound magnetic separation abilities in both aqueous and organic media. The activity of the immobilized lipase reached 2390 U/g under optimal conditions. The MNp-Col immobilized lipase shows broadened temperature and pH ranges for hydrolysis of olive oil emulsion. For synthesis of butyrate esters in an n-hexane medium, the yield changes through use of different alcohols, among which, butyric butyrate showed the highest yield. The prepared magnetic collagen fiber provides separation support for enzyme immobilization and has the potential to be used in other biotechnology fields.
Self-Organized Patterns Induced by Neimark-Sacker, Flip and Turing Bifurcations in a Discrete Predator-Prey Model with Lesie-Gower Functional Response
Authors: Zhang Feifan , Zhang Huayong , Ma Shengnan , Meng Tianxiang , Huang Tousheng , Yang Hongju
Published: June 2017

The formation of self-organized patterns in predator-prey models has been a very hot topic recently. The dynamics of these models, bifurcations and pattern formations are so complex that studies are urgently needed. In this research, we transformed a continuous predator-prey model with Lesie-Gower functional response into a discrete model. Fixed points and stability analyses were studied. Around the stable fixed point, bifurcation analyses including: flip, Neimark-Sacker and Turing bifurcation were done and bifurcation conditions were obtained. Based on these bifurcation conditions, parameters values were selected to carry out numerical simulations on pattern formation. The simulation results showed that Neimark-Sacker bifurcation induced spots, spirals and transitional patterns from spots to spirals. Turing bifurcation induced labyrinth patterns and spirals coupled with mosaic patterns, while flip bifurcation induced many irregular complex patterns. Compared with former studies on continuous predator-prey model with Lesie-Gower functional response, our research on the discrete model demonstrated more complex dynamics and varieties of self-organized patterns.
Information Distances versus Entropy Metric
Authors: Hu Bo , Bi Lvqing , Dai Songsong
Published: June 2017

Information distance has become an important tool in a wide variety of applications. Various types of information distance have been made over the years. These information distance measures are different from entropy metric, as the former is based on Kolmogorov complexity and the latter on Shannon entropy. However, for any computable probability distributions, up to a constant, the expected value of Kolmogorov complexity equals the Shannon entropy. We study the similar relationship between entropy and information distance. We also study the relationship between entropy and the normalized versions of information distances.
Digital Storytelling in a Flipped Classroom for Effective Learning
Authors: Bechter Clemens , Swierczek Fredric
Published: June 2017

Conclusive empirical evidence on whether virtual classrooms result in higher performance, satisfaction, or an improvement in problem solving skills when compared with traditional face-to-face lecturing does not exist. Various studies point in different directions. However, blended learning outperforms the traditional classroom in student performance and satisfaction. A flipped classroom is one type of blended learning. For more than 20 years, this approach has been used at a European executive MBA (EMBA) program delivering online content combined with six residential weeks where students collaborate and reflect upon their online learning. Our research examined the overall setup of this program, and assessed one course in depth. As part of the course—International Management—an intercultural negotiation project was chosen to highlight the integration of online and offline activities. The flipped classroom is a demonstration of the reform-based teaching approach. The power of reform-based learning in executive education is the engaging combination of practice and theory, which improves the performance of executives. The participants considered the flipped approach exciting, dynamic, and insightful. The emphasis on a negotiation process involving classmates from around the world increased their global understanding. Beginning with a negotiation experience in the digital story project gave them a better appreciation of the relevant theories, techniques, and applications. Focusing on the practice of international negotiation and a cross-cultural analysis with reflection on cultural intelligence improved the competencies of the participants both during the course and after it.
DC Thermal Plasma Design and Utilization for the Low Density Polyethylene to Diesel Oil Pyrolysis Reaction
Authors: Gabbar Hossam , Aboughaly Mohamed , Stoute C.A.
Published: June 2017

The exponential increase of plastic production produces 100 million tonnes of waste plastics annually which could be converted into hydrocarbon fuels in a thermal cracking process called pyrolysis. In this research work, a direct current (DC) thermal plasma circuit is designed and used for conversion of low density polyethylene (LDPE) into diesel oil in a laboratory scale pyrolysis reactor. The experimental setup uses a 270 W DC thermal plasma at operating temperatures in the range of 625 °C to 860 °C for a low density polyethylene (LDPE) pyrolysis reaction at pressure = −0.95, temperature = 550 °C with τ = 30 min at a constant heating rate of 7.8 °C/min. The experimental setup consists of a vacuum pump, closed system vessel, direct current (DC) plasma circuit, and a k-type thermocouple placed a few millimeters from the reactant sample. The hydrocarbon products are condensed to diesel oil and analyzed using flame ionization detector (FID) gas chromatography. The analysis shows 87.5% diesel oil, 1,4-dichlorobenzene (Surr), benzene, ethylbenzene and traces of toluene and xylene. The direct current (DC) thermal plasma achieves 56.9 wt. % of diesel range oil (DRO), 37.8 wt. % gaseous products and minimal tar production. The direct current (DC) thermal plasma shows reliability, better temperature control, and high thermal performance as well as the ability to work for long operation periods.
Characterization and Effects of the Shock Losses in a Parallel Fan Station in the Underground Mine
Authors: Gou Yonggang , Shi Xiuzhi , Zhou Jian , Qiu Xianyang , Chen Xin
Published: June 2017

Deep underground mines are highly energy consuming due to the need to overcome the growing airflow resistance. The multi-fan station ventilation system (MFSVS), formed by several parallel fans at different locations in an underground mine generally, has greatly reduced energy costs by using high-quantity and low-pressure energy-saving fans. However, experimental data still indicates that 30–70% of the fan pressure is used to overcome the severe shock losses in a parallel fan station (PFS), in spite of more than 80% operating efficiency, and the shock losses greatly weaken the superiority and the service capacity of PFS. Based on the investigation and measured data of several PFSs in a MFSVS in an underground mine, a three-dimensional PFS model was developed by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to demonstrate airflow performance and variation characteristics of velocity, pressure and turbulence. First, the fan characteristic in the PFS was discussed and compared with the fan operating performance under standard conditions; the shock losses were then presented from both sides of the inlet shock losses and the outlet shock losses in the PFS; meanwhile, the effects of blade angle variation and airflow mutual interference were conducted to determine whether they exert a significant influence on the shock losses. The results show that the shock losses are primarily generated in the range of 0 to 3.0 m from the fans’ exits, due to the intensely change in air velocity in the PFS. The study also provides several directions and references for recovering air pressure and reducing energy consumption in the parallel fans’ structure.
Analysis and Prevention of Geo-Environmental Hazards with High-Intensive Coal Mining: A Case Study in China’s Western Eco-Environment Frangible Area
Authors: Sun Qiang , Zhang Jixiong , Zhang Qiang , Zhao Xu
Published: June 2017

This study seeks to address the problems of major geo-environmental hazards caused by high-intensive coal mining in China’s western eco-environment frangible area including strong mining pressure, surface subsidence, soil and water loss, and land desertification. Using the high-intensive mining at the Xiao-jihan Coal Mine, this paper investigates the compaction characteristics of aeolian sand-based backfilling materials, and then the evolution of water-conducting fractures and surface deformation laws with different backfill material’s compression ratios (BMCRs) by using physical simulation and numerical simulation analysis methods. This study presents the technical system of water-preserved and environmental protection with rapid-backfilling methods in China’s western eco-environment frangible area. The backfill coal mining technique and application prospects are assessed and discussed. The results will be helpful for coordinated development of coal resources exploitation and environmental protection in China’s western eco-environment frangible area.
Assembly Pathways and the Growth of Massive Early-Type Galaxies
Authors: Forbes Duncan
Published: June 2017

Based on data from the SAGES Legacy Unifying Globulars and GalaxieS (SLUGGS) survey, I present results on the assembly pathways, dark matter content and halo growth of massive early-type galaxies. Using galaxy starlight information we find that such galaxies had an early dissipative phase followed by a second phase of halo growth from largely minor mergers (and in rare cases major mergers). Thus our result fits in well with the two-phase scenario of galaxy formation. We also used globular cluster radial velocities to measure the enclosed mass within 5 effective radii. The resulting dark matter fractions reveal a few galaxies with very low dark matter fractions that are not captured in the latest cosmological models. Multiple solutions are possible, but none yet is convincing. Translating dark matter fractions into epochs of halo assembly, we show that low mass galaxies tend to grow via gas-rich accretion, while high mass galaxies grow via gas-poor mergers.
Advancing Understanding of the Surface Water Quality Regime of Contemporary Mixed-Land-Use Watersheds: An Application of the Experimental Watershed Method
Authors: Kellner Elliott , Hubbart Jason
Published: June 2017

A representative watershed was instrumented with five gauging sites (n = 5), partitioning the catchment into five nested-scale sub-watersheds. Four physiochemical variables were monitored: water temperature, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), and dissolved oxygen (DO). Data were collected four days per week from October 2010–May 2014 at each gauging site. Statistical analyses indicated significant differences (p < 0.05) between nearly every monitoring site pairing for each physiochemical variable. The water temperature regime displayed a threshold/step-change condition, with an upshifted and more variable regime attributable to the impacts of urban land uses. TDS, pH, and DO displayed similar spatiotemporal trends, with increasing median concentrations from site #1 (agriculture) to #3 (mixed-use urban) and decreasing median concentrations from site #3 to #5 (suburban). Decreasing concentrations and increasing streamflow volume with stream distance, suggest the contribution of dilution processes to the physiochemical regime of the creek below urban site #3. DO concentrations exceeded water quality standards on an average of 31% of observation days. Results showed seasonal trends for each physiochemical parameter, with higher TDS, pH, and DO during the cold season (November–April) relative to the warm season (May–October). Multivariate modeling results emphasize the importance of the pH/DO relationship in these systems, and demonstrate the potential utility of a simple two factor model (water temperature and pH) in accurately predicting DO. Collectively, results highlight the interacting influences of natural (autotrophic photosynthesis, organic detritus loading) and anthropogenic (road salt application) factors on the physiochemical regime of mixed-land-use watersheds.
Studying Water Quality Using Socio-Environmental Synthesis Approach: A Case Study in Baltimore’s Watershed
Authors: Jiru Mintesinot , North-Kabore Janette , Roth Tatiana
Published: June 2017

While almost 87% of the world’s population now has access to an improved drinking water source, the risk of water pollution remains, often due to environmental factors such as increasing urbanization and industrialization. Last year, as the country watched the tragic Flint, Michigan tap water quality deterioration unfold, the issue was brought closer to home: How good is Baltimore’s water system? Baltimore’s water source is primarily surface water, which feeds into the Liberty, Loch Raven and Prettyboy reservoirs. The Socio-Environmental Synthesis (SES) approach was used to investigate the factors that contribute to water quality impairment. SES is a research method that integrates existing knowledge and data from natural and social sciences to advance understanding of socio-environmental systems. The study found out that while the quality of the drinking water is generally good, there is a growing concern with the quality of water in the watersheds. The high levels of nitrate-nitrogen and increased concentrations of carbon dioxide are especially alarming. The high levels of Biological Oxygen Demand are also good indicators of the intensity of agriculture and urbanization in the watersheds. This study believes that maximizing the current watershed conservation and restoration efforts would reduce the treatment costs and safeguard the urban water supplies.
Volatile Organic Compounds in Anatomical Pathology Wards: Comparative and Qualitative Assessment of Indoor Airborne Pollution
Authors: Cipolla Massimo , Izzotti Alberto , Ansaldi Filippo , Durando Paolo , Piccardo Maria
Published: June 2017

The impact of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) on indoor air quality and on human health is widely recognized. However, VOC contamination in hospital indoor air is rarely studied and chemical compounds that singularly do not show high toxicity are not submitted to any regulation. This study aimed to compare VOC contamination in two different anatomical pathology wards in the same hospital. Hydrocarbons, alcohols, and terpenes were sampled by passive diffusive samplers. Analytical tests were performed by thermal desorption coupled with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry detector. Results highlighted a different VOC pollution in the two wards, due to the structural difference of the buildings and different organizational systems. The scarcity of similar data in the literature shows that the presence of VOCs in pathology wards is an underestimated problem. We believe that, because of the adverse effects that VOCs may have on the human health, this topic is worth exploring further.
Pan-Sharpening of Landsat-8 Images and Its Application in Calculating Vegetation Greenness and Canopy Water Contents
Authors: Rahaman Khan , Hassan Quazi , Ahmed M.
Published: June 2017

Pan-sharpening is the process of fusing higher spatial resolution panchromatic (PAN) with lower spatial resolution multispectral (MS) imagery to create higher spatial resolution MS images. Here, our overall objective was to pan-sharpen Landsat-8 images and calculate vegetation greenness (i.e., normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI)), canopy structure (i.e., enhanced vegetation index (EVI)), and canopy water content (i.e., normalized difference water index (NDWI))-related variables. Our proposed methods consisted of: (i) evaluating the relationships between PAN band (0.503–0.676 µm) with a spatial resolution of 15 m and individual MS bands of Landsat-8 from blue (i.e., acquiring in the range 0.452–0.512 µm), green (i.e., 0.533–0.590 µm), red (i.e., 0.636–0.673 µm), near infrared (NIR: 0.851–0.879 µm), shortwave infrared-I (SWIR-I: 1.566–1.651 µm), and SWIR-II (2.107–2.294 µm) bands with a spatial resolution of 30 m; (ii) determining the suitable individual MS bands to be enhanced into the spatial resolution of the PAN band; and (iii) calculating several vegetation greenness and canopy moisture indices (i.e., NDVI, EVI, NDWI-I, and NDWI-II) at 15 m spatial resolution and subsequent validation using their equivalent-values at a spatial resolution of 30 m. Our analysis revealed that strong linear relationships existed between the PAN and most of the MS individual bands of interest except NIR. For example, r2 values were 0.86–0.89 for blue band; 0.89–0.95 for green band; 0.84–0.96 for red band; 0.71–0.79 for SWIR-I band; and 0.71–0.83 for SWIR-II band. As a result, we performed smoothing filter-based intensity modulation method of pan-sharpening to enhance the spatial resolution of 30 m to 15 m. In calculating the vegetation indices, we used the enhanced MS images and resampled the NIR to 15 m. Finally, we evaluated these indices with their equivalents at 30 m spatial resolution and observed strong relationships (i.e., r2 values in the range 0.98–0.99 for NDVI, 0.95–0.98 for EVI, 0.98–1.00 for NDWI).
Tdrd12 Is Essential for Germ Cell Development and Maintenance in Zebrafish
Authors: Dai Xiangyan , Shu Yuqin , Lou Qiyong , Tian Qiang , Zhai Gang , Song Jia , Lu Suxiang , Yu Hong , He Jiangyan , Yin Zhan
Published: June 2017

The regularity of Piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA) biogenesis is crucial to germline development. Functioning as Piwi-interacting proteins, Tudor domain-related proteins (Tdrds) have been demonstrated to be involved in spermatogenesis and the piRNA pathway. In this study, zebrafish tdrd12 was identified, and the maternal and germ cell-specific expression patterns of zebrafish tdrd12 were observed. Utilizing TALEN (transcription activator-like effector nuclease) techniques, two independent tdrd12 mutant zebrafish lines were generated. Although no defects were found during the generation of the primordial germ cells (PGCs) in the tdrd12-null fish progenies obtained from the heterozygous tdrd12 mutant parents, all Tdrd12-deficient fish developed into infertile males. The reduced numbers and eventually loss of the germ cells by 35 days post fertilization (dpf) led to masculinization and infertility of the Tdrd12-deficient fish. Meiosis defects of the germ cells in the tdrd12 mutants during the gonad-transitioning period were observed, revealing the indispensable functions of Tdrd12 in gametogenesis. Our studies demonstrated that zebrafish Tdrd12 is essential for germ cell development and maintenance.
The Spleen: A Hub Connecting Nervous and Immune Systems in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases
Authors: Lori Andrea , Perrotta Marialuisa , Lembo Giuseppe , Carnevale Daniela
Published: June 2017

Metabolic disorders have been identified as major health problems affecting a large portion of the world population. In addition, obesity and insulin resistance are principal risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases. Altered immune responses are common features of both hypertension and obesity and, moreover, the involvement of the nervous system in the modulation of immune system is gaining even more attention in both pathophysiological contexts. For these reasons, during the last decades, researches focused their efforts on the comprehension of the molecular mechanisms connecting immune system to cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. On the other hand, it has been reported that in these pathological conditions, central neural pathways modulate the activity of the peripheral nervous system, which is strongly involved in onset and progression of the disease. It is interesting to notice that neural reflex can also participate in the modulation of immune functions. In this scenario, the spleen becomes the crucial hub allowing the interaction of different systems differently involved in metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Here, we summarize the major findings that dissect the role of the immune system in disorders related to metabolic and cardiovascular dysfunctions, and how this could also be influenced by neural reflexes.
Machine-Learned Data Structures of Lipid Marker Serum Concentrations in Multiple Sclerosis Patients Differ from Those in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Lötsch Jörn , Thrun Michael , Lerch Florian , Brunkhorst Robert , Schiffmann Susanne , Thomas Dominique , Tegder Irmgard , Geisslinger Gerd , Ultsch Alfred
Published: June 2017

Lipid signaling has been suggested to be a major pathophysiological mechanism of multiple sclerosis (MS). With the increasing knowledge about lipid signaling, acquired data become increasingly complex making bioinformatics necessary in lipid research. We used unsupervised machine-learning to analyze lipid marker serum concentrations, pursuing the hypothesis that for the most relevant markers the emerging data structures will coincide with the diagnosis of MS. Machine learning was implemented as emergent self-organizing feature maps (ESOM) combined with the U*-matrix visualization technique. The data space consisted of serum concentrations of three main classes of lipid markers comprising eicosanoids (d = 11 markers), ceramides (d = 10), and lyosophosphatidic acids (d = 6). They were analyzed in cohorts of MS patients (n = 102) and healthy subjects (n = 301). Clear data structures in the high-dimensional data space were observed in eicosanoid and ceramides serum concentrations whereas no clear structure could be found in lysophosphatidic acid concentrations. With ceramide concentrations, the structures that had emerged from unsupervised machine-learning almost completely overlapped with the known grouping of MS patients versus healthy subjects. This was only partly provided by eicosanoid serum concentrations. Thus, unsupervised machine-learning identified distinct data structures of bioactive lipid serum concentrations. These structures could be superimposed with the known grouping of MS patients versus healthy subjects, which was almost completely possible with ceramides. Therefore, based on the present analysis, ceramides are first-line candidates for further exploration as drug-gable targets or biomarkers in MS.
mtDNA as a Mediator for Expression of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1α and ROS in Hypoxic Neuroblastoma Cells
Authors: Kuo Chung-Wen , Tsai Meng-Han , Lin Tsu-Kung , Tiao Mao-Meng , Wang Pei-Wen , Chuang Jiin-Haur , Chen Shang-Der , Liou Chia-Wei
Published: June 2017

Mitochondria consume O2 to produce ATP and are critical for adaption of hypoxia, but the role of mitochondria in HIF-1α pathway is as yet unclear. In this study, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) enriched (SK-N-AS) and depleted (ρ0) cells of neuroblastoma were cultured in a hypoxic chamber to simulate a hypoxic condition and then the major components involved in mitochondrial related pathways, hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured. The results showed that hypoxia-stimulated exposure elevated expression of HIF-1α, which was additionally influenced by level of generated ROS within the cytosol. Moreover, elevation of HIF-1α also resulted in increases of lactate dehydrogenase A (LDH-A) and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1) in both hypoxic cells. The expression of mitochondrial biogenesis related proteins and metabolic components were noted to increase significantly in hypoxic SK-N-AS cells, indicating that mtDNA was involved in mitochondrial retrograde signaling and metabolic pathways. An analysis of dynamic proteins found elevated levels of HIF-1α causing an increased expression of dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1) during hypoxia; further, the existence of mtDNA also resulted in higher expression of DRP1 during hypoxia. By using siRNA of HIF-1α or DRP1, expression of DRP1 decreased after suppression of HIF-1α; moreover, the expression of HIF-1α was also affected by the suppression of DRP1. In this study, we demonstrated that mtDNA is a mediator of HIF-1α in eliciting metabolic reprogramming, and mitochondrial biogenesis. Identification of a mutual relationship between HIF-1α and DRP1 may be a critical tool in the future development of clinical applications.
Melatonin and Fertoprotective Adjuvants: Prevention against Premature Ovarian Failure during Chemotherapy
Authors: Jang Hoon , Hong Kwonho , Choi Youngsok
Published: June 2017

Premature ovarian failure is one of the side effects of chemotherapy in pre-menopausal cancer patients. Preservation of fertility has become increasingly important in improving the quality of life of completely recovered cancer patients. Among the possible strategies for preserving fertility such as ovarian tissue cryopreservation, co-treatment with a pharmacological adjuvant is highly effective and poses less of a burden on the human body. Melatonin is generally produced in various tissues and acts as a universally acting antioxidant in cells. Melatonin is now more widely used in various biological processes including treating insomnia and an adjuvant during chemotherapy. In this review, we summarize the information indicating that melatonin may be useful for reducing and preventing premature ovarian failure in chemotherapy-treated female patients. We also mention that many adjuvants other than melatonin are developed and used to inhibit chemotherapy-induced infertility. This information will give us novel insights on the clinical use of melatonin and other agents as fertoprotective adjuvants for female cancer patients.
Reclassifying Anaphylaxis to Neuromuscular Blocking Agents Based on the Presumed Patho-Mechanism: IgE-Mediated, Pharmacological Adverse Reaction or “Innate Hypersensitivity”?
Authors: Spoerl David , Nigolian Haig , Czarnetzki Christoph , Harr Thomas
Published: June 2017

Approximately 60% of perioperative anaphylactic reactions are thought to be immunoglobulin IgE mediated, whereas 40% are thought to be non-IgE mediated hypersensitivity reactions (both considered non-dose-related type B adverse drug reactions). In both cases, symptoms are elicited by mast cell degranulation. Also, pharmacological reactions to drugs (type A, dose-related) may sometimes mimic symptoms triggered by mast cell degranulation. In case of hypotension, bronchospasm, or urticarial rash due to mast cell degranulation, identification of the responsible mechanism is complicated. However, determination of the type of the underlying adverse drug reaction is of paramount interest for the decision of whether the culprit drug may be re-administered. Neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBA) are among the most frequent cause of perioperative anaphylaxis. Recently, it has been shown that NMBA may activate mast cells independently from IgE antibodies via the human Mas-related G-protein-coupled receptor member X2 (MRGPRX2). In light of this new insight into the patho-mechanism of pseudo-allergic adverse drug reactions, in which as drug-receptor interaction results in anaphylaxis like symptoms, we critically reviewed the literature on NMBA-induced perioperative anaphylaxis. We challenge the dogma that NMBA mainly cause IgE-mediated anaphylaxis via an IgE-mediated mechanism, which is based on studies that consider positive skin test to be specific for IgE-mediated hypersensitivity. Finally, we discuss the question whether MRGPRX2 mediated pseudo-allergic reactions should be re-classified as type A adverse reactions.
Synthesis of LiAlH4 Nanoparticles Leading to a Single Hydrogen Release Step upon Ti Coating
Authors: Wang Lei , Aguey-Zinsou Kondo-Francois
Published: June 2017

Lithium aluminum hydride (LiAlH4) is an interesting high capacity hydrogen storage material with fast hydrogen release kinetics when mechanically activated with additives. Herein, we report on a novel approach to produce nanoscale LiAlH4 via a bottom-up synthesis. Upon further coating of these nanoparticles with Ti, the composite nanomaterial was found to decompose at 120 °C in one single and extremely sharp exothermic event with instant hydrogen release. This finding implies a significant thermodynamic alteration of the hydrogen properties of LiAlH4 induced by the synergetic effects of the Ti catalytic coating and nanosizing effects. Ultimately, the decomposition path of LiAlH4 was changed to LiAlH4 → Al + LiH + 3/2H2.
Memory Efficient VLSI Implementation of Real-Time Motion Detection System Using FPGA Platform
Authors: Singh Sanjay , Mandal Atanendu , Shekhar Chandra , Vohra Anil
Published: June 2017

Motion detection is the heart of a potentially complex automated video surveillance system, intended to be used as a standalone system. Therefore, in addition to being accurate and robust, a successful motion detection technique must also be economical in the use of computational resources on selected FPGA development platform. This is because many other complex algorithms of an automated video surveillance system also run on the same platform. Keeping this key requirement as main focus, a memory efficient VLSI architecture for real-time motion detection and its implementation on FPGA platform is presented in this paper. This is accomplished by proposing a new memory efficient motion detection scheme and designing its VLSI architecture. The complete real-time motion detection system using the proposed memory efficient architecture along with proper input/output interfaces is implemented on Xilinx ML510 (Virtex-5 FX130T) FPGA development platform and is capable of operating at 154.55 MHz clock frequency. Memory requirement of the proposed architecture is reduced by 41% compared to the standard clustering based motion detection architecture. The new memory efficient system robustly and automatically detects motion in real-world scenarios (both for the static backgrounds and the pseudo-stationary backgrounds) in real-time for standard PAL (720 × 576) size color video.