bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phylogenetic Prediction of Alternaria Leaf Blight Resistance in Wild and Cultivated Species of Carrots
Authors: Arbizu Carlos I. , Tas Pamela M. , Simon Philipp W. , Spooner David M.
Published: June 2017

Plant scientists make inferences and predictions from phylogenetic trees to solve scientific problems. Crop losses due to disease damage is an important problem that many plant breeders would like to solve, so the ability to predict traits like disease resistance from phylogenetic trees derived from diverse germplasm would be a significant approach to facilitate cultivar improvement. Alternaria leaf blight (ALB) is among the most devastating diseases of carrots (Daucus spp., Apiaceae) worldwide. Thus, new approaches to identify resistant germplasm to this disease are needed. In a study of 106 accessions of wild and cultivated Daucus and related genera, we determined plant height is the best explanatory variable to predict ALB resistance using a phylogenetic linear regression model. Using the estimated area under the disease progress curve, the most resistant species to ALB were the non‐carrot relative Ammi visnaga (L.) Lam. and the wild carrot relative D. crinitus Desf. A permutation tail probability test was conducted considering phylogenetic signal to evaluate the strength of association between the Daucus phylogeny and ALB resistance. We found that species belonging to clade A, which includes carrots and other Daucus possessing 2n = 18, 20, or 22 chromosomes, are slightly more resistant to ALB than members of other clades of the Daucus phylogeny.
Evaluation and Analysis of Pod Dehiscence Factors in Shatter‐Susceptible and Shatter‐Resistant Common Vetch
Authors: Dong Deke , Yan Longfeng , Dong Rui , Liu Wenxian , Wang Yanrong , Liu Zhipeng
Published: June 2017

Common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) is one of the most important annual forage legumes globally because of its multiple uses and high nutritional content. However, when it matures, the pod dehiscence can cause severe loss of seeds. In this research, we used eight shatter‐susceptible vetch accessions and 16 shatter‐resistant vetch accessions, which were evaluated and selected from 541 accessions, to compare and analyze the influencing factors related to pod dehiscence. We found that the shatter‐susceptible vetches all have abscission layers and that the shatter‐resistant vetches all lack abscission layers. External valve margin cells, which have not been reported in other plants to date, were located externally to the junction of the fruit valve where the valve margin exists, with the abscission layers below in the ventral suture. We found that shatter‐resistant vetches have significantly thicker external valve margin cell walls and obviously fewer pod wall torsion laps than shatter‐susceptible vetches, and there was no significant difference in the pod thickness to width ratio. In conclusion, abscission layers, external valve margin cells, and pod wall torsion laps are the main factors affecting pod dehiscence. Thus, this research lays the foundation for studying the mechanism of vetch pod dehiscence.
Development of a SWRO-PRO hybrid desalination system: pilot plant investigations
Authors: Park Y. G. , Chung K. , Yeo I. H. , Lee W. I. , Park T. S.
Published: June 2017

Seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) desalination technology accounted for 78% of annual new contracted desalination capacity from 2006 to 2012, due of its lower electrical power consumption (3–5 kWh/m3) versus thermal desalination technologies (up to 18 kWh/m3), such as multistage flash and multiple effects. However, the existing SWRO desalination process still needs further improvement to lower the energy consumption. Recently, a novel hybrid SWRO desalination system using pressure-retarded osmosis (PRO) technology has been studied, which can recover a large amount of osmotic power from the concentrated brine. In this study, GS Engineering & Construction Corp. (GS E&C) developed an advanced SWRO-PRO process to economically couple this PRO technology with a conventional SWRO desalination process. To investigate the SWRO-PRO process, pilot and demonstration plants, of 20 m3/d and 240 m3/d PRO treatment capacity, were constructed and thin-film composite spiral-wound PRO membrane modules (8 inches) were assessed. The operating parameters of the pilot plants, such as pressure, temperature, and flow rates of the draw solution and the feed solution, were found to be important factors determining the plant energy consumption and operating efficiency. An economic analysis of a large-scale SWRO-PRO hybrid desalination is also described.
ZRÓŻNICOWANIE NARCYZMU I MAKIAWELIZMU U OSÓB UZDOLNIONYCH PLASTYCZNIE I OSÓB O UZDOLNIENIACH PRZECIĘTNYCH
Authors: ŁOPUSZAŃSKA JULILA
Published: June 2017

Narcyzm i makiawelizm to dwie z trzech składowych Ciemnej Triady Osobowości, opisanej po raz pierwszy przez Paulhusa i Williamsa. Konstrukt ten charakteryzuje się wysokim nasileniem pewnych cech, m.in. egoizmem i tendencją do manipulowania innymi ludźmi. Przeprowadzone badania miały na celu udzielenie odpowiedzi na pytanie, czy osoby uzdolnione plastycznie różnią się od osób o przeciętnych uzdolnieniach pod względem nasilenia cech narcystycznych i makiawelistycznych.W badaniach wzięło udział 141 osób. Spośród nich 74 były studentami Akademii Sztuk Pięknych, 67 było studentami innych uczelni, niezwiązanych z dziedzinami artystycznymi. Badania przeprowadzono, wykorzystując Kwestionariusz Narcyzmu NPI Ruskina i Halla w polskiej adaptacji Bazińskiej i Drat-Ruszczak oraz skalę Mach IV Christiego i Geis, badającą postawę makiawelistyczną.Uzyskane wyniki pokazują, iż uzdolnienia plastyczne są czynnikiem istotnie różnicującym poziom badanych cech. Osoby uzdolnione plastycznie charakteryzują się wyższym poziomem makiawelizmu oraz narcyzmu w pewnym zakresie w porównaniu do osób o uzdolnieniach przeciętnych. Ponadto wyniki pokazały, iż znaczenie ma nie tylko fakt posiadania uzdolnień, lecz także przekonanie o własnym artyzmie.
Információ visszakeresésekor szöveg típusú állományoknál használt indexelési technikák
Authors: Princz Mária , Krausz Fanni
Published: June 2017

A jellemzően nem, vagy kevéssé strukturált szöveges dokumentumokból való információ-visszakeresés az Internet elterjedésével vált különösen fontossá. Különböző módszerek állnak rendelkezésre. Ezek közül az egyik az invertált fájlok alkalmazása, amely a web tartalmában való kereséskor általános. E dolgozat a strukturálatlan szöveges dokumentumok közötti keresés eszközeit tekinti át
‘Intellectual Acid’: Cultural Resistance, Cultural Citizenship, and Emotional (Counter)Community in the Freewoman
Authors: Milo M. Sage
Published: June 2017

This article explores the Freewoman’s relation to culture, as well as its role as a countercultural periodical — one that resisted hegemonic ideas and styles — and in the creation of an emotional (counter)community. It follows Raymond Williams’s understanding of culture as having two senses: one is ‘a whole way of life’ — everyday practices — the other arts and other creative endeavours. The Freewoman was cultivating a view of feminism as a way of life that encompassed both these meanings, as its editor, Dora Marsden, encouraged the expression of both traditional and novel perspectives, working to connect everyday life to a vision of a feminist, perhaps utopian, future. My focus here is on three main ideas of culture and community under Williams’s general framework of ‘culture’: cultural resistance and counterculture, cultural citizenship, and emotional countercommunity. These aspects of the Freewoman were central to its feminist politics, and I offer that attention to emotions and emotional communities can enrich our understanding of periodicals and their political workings.
La Revue des marraines (1916–17): A Journal for War Godmothers and their Godchildren
Authors: Demoor Marysa , Van Puymbroeck Birgit , Van Remoortel Marianne
Published: June 2017

This article is situated at the crossroads of First World War and periodical studies. It sheds light on the phenomenon of ‘war godmothers’ [‘marraines’], women who supported soldiers at the front by sending them parcels and letters. The so-called godmothers made use of the mainstream press to advertise their services, and founded periodicals of their own. In this article, we examine the representation of war godmothers in the periodical press and uncover La Revue des marraines, a handwritten journal created by the Melles Picard in Paris. The analysis addresses the little-known phenomenon of the war godmothers, the relation between godmother and godson, and changing gender roles. It further questions the importance of handwritten journals during the war, when paper and other means were scarce.
Review of Yvette Bürki and Henriette Partzsch (eds), Redes de Comunicación: Estudios sobre la Prensa en el Mundo Hispanohablante (2016)
Authors: Bezari Christina
Published: June 2017

Review of Yvette Bürki and Henriette Partzsch, eds, Redes de Comunicación: Estudios sobre la Prensa en el Mundo Hispanohablante (Berlin: Frank & Timme, 2016). 390 pp. ISBN 978-3-7329-0129-6.
Review of Andrea Korda, Printing and Painting the News in Victorian London: The Graphic and Social Realism, 1869–1891 (2015)
Authors: Smits Thomas
Published: June 2017

Review of Andrea Korda, Printing and Painting the News in Victorian London: The Graphic and Social Realism, 1869–1891 (Farnham: Ashgate, 2015). 205 pp. ISBN 978-1-4724-3298-8.
Editorial
Authors: Philpotts Matthew , Van Remoortel Marianne , Ewins Kristin , Koffeman Maaike , Smits Thomas
Published: June 2017

In the opening number of our new journal twelve months ago, Laurel Brake invited us to consider the terms we use in our scholarship and the constitutive function they have in different fields of research. The move from the ‘article’ to the ‘essay’ as the common designation for a prose contribution to a periodical, she argued, was an assertion of the literary over the journalistic, with all the attendant connotations of authority and value. There is much more to say here, of course, and we are still some way from an agreed terminology for the diversity of items we find in the periodical press. But there is a further complicating factor that remained unspoken in that discussion point in our first issue, namely that of linguistic difference outside the Anglophone context.
Use of New Technologies in the Prevention of Suicide in Europe: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Muñoz-Sánchez Juan-Luis , Delgado Carmen , Sánchez-Prada Andrés , Pérez-López Mercedes , Franco-Martín Manuel A
Published: June 2017

Background

New technologies are an integral component of today’s society and can complement existing suicide prevention programs. Here, we analyzed the use of new technologies in the prevention of suicide in 8 different European countries.

Objective

The aim of this paper was to assess the opinions of professionals in incorporating such resources into the design of a suicide prevention program for the region of Zamora in Spain. This investigation, encompassed within the European project entitled European Regions Enforcing Actions against Suicide (EUREGENAS), includes 11 regions from 8 different countries and attempts to advance the field of suicide prevention in Europe.

Methods

Using a specifically designed questionnaire, we assessed the opinions of 3 different groups of stakeholders regarding the use, frequency of use, facilitators, content, and format of new technologies for the prevention of suicide. The stakeholders were comprised of policy and public management professionals, professionals working in the area of mental health, and professionals related to the social area and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). A total of 416 participants were recruited in 11 regions from 8 different European countries.

Results

The utility of the new technologies was valued positively in all 8 countries, despite these resources being seldom used in those countries. In all the countries, the factors that contributed most to facilitating the use of new technologies were accessibility and free of charge. Regarding the format of new technologies, the most widely preferred formats for use as a tool for the prevention of suicide were websites and email. The availability of information about signs of alarm and risk factors was the most relevant content for the prevention of suicide through the use of new technologies. The presence of a reference mental health professional (MHP) was also considered to be a key aspect. The countries differed in the evaluations given to the different formats suggesting that the cultural characteristics of the country should be taken into account.

Conclusions

New technologies are much appreciated resources; however they are not often underused in the field of suicide prevention. The results of this exploratory study show that new technologies are indeed useful resources and should be incorporated into suicide prevention programs.
GC-MS vs. GC-MS-MS analysis of pentacyclic terpanes in crude oils from Libya and Serbia - a comparison of two methods
Authors: Faraj Musbah , Solevic-Knudsen Tatjana , Stojanovic Ksenija , Ivkovic-Pavlovic Sonja , Nytoft Hans , Jovancicevic Branimir
Published: June 2017

The values of parameters calculated from distribution and abundance of the selected pentacyclic terpanes in crude oils from Libya and Serbia, which were originally derived from gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC?MS) were compared with results of quantification based on gas chromatography? ?mass spectrometry-mass spectrometry (GC?MS-MS). The parameters analyzed are the most often used terpane source and maturity parameters, which were applied to a large sample set of 70 oils, originating from five oil fields. The aim of the paper was to investigate to which extent the measurements of the selected parameters by these two instrumental techniques agree and to determine the influence of differences between parameter values on geochemical interpretation. For that purpose two methods, concordance correlation coefficient and mean-difference plot were used. The obtained results indicate that calculation of C2718?(H)-22,29,30-trisnorneohopane/(C2718?(H)-22,29,30- -trisnorneohopane + C2717?(H)-22,29,30-trisnorhopane), C2918?(H)-30-norneohopane/ C2917?(H)21?(H)-30-norhopane and C2917?(H)21?(H)-30-norhopane/ C3017?(H)21?(H)-hopane ratios either by GC?MS or GC?MS-MS do not significantly influence interpretation. On the other hand, the determination of C3017?(H)21?(H)-moretane/C3017?(H)21?(H)-hopane ratio, gammacerane index and oleanane index by GC?MS vs. GC-MS-MS could notably affect interpretation. These differences can be explained by the co-elution and the peak overlapping in GC?MS but also by better separation, higher precision and better selectivity of the GC?MS-MS. Deviation of the almost all studied parameters from the line of equality was similar for the oils from the same oil field but some differences were observed for the oils from different oil fields. Therefore, when GC?MS-MS results are to be used in organic geochemical interpretations, a regional calibration of GC?MS vs. GC-MS-MS relationship for each petroleum system is highly recommended.
Conservative management and health-related quality of life in end-stage renal disease: a systematic review
Authors: Tsai Hung-Bin , Chao Chia-Ter , Chang Ray-E , Hung Kuan-Yu , Study Group COGENT
Published: June 2017

Purpose: Few studies have addressed health-related quality of life (QoL) in patients who chose conservative management over dialysis. This systematic review aims to better define the role of conservative management in improving health-related QoL in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Methods: Medline, Cochrane and EMBASE were searched for prospective or retrospective studies published until June 30, 2016, that examined QoL of ESRD patients. The primary outcome was health-related QoL.

Results: Four studies were included (405 patients received dialysis and 332 received conservative management). Two studies that used the Short Form-36 Survey (SF-36) showed that the dialysis group had higher physical component scores, but the conservative management group had similar, or better, mental component scores at the end of intervention. Another study using the SF-36 showed that the physical and mental component scores of the dialysis group did not significantly change after intervention. In the conservative management group, the physical component scores did not change, but the mental component scores increased significantly over time (0.12 ± 0.32, p < 0.05). One study, which used the Kidney Disease Quality of Life-Short Form (KD QoL-SF), found no change after intervention in either physical or mental component scores in the dialysis group; however, the physical component score declined (p = 0.047) and the mental component score increased (p = 0.033) in the conservative management group.

Conclusion: Although there are only a limited number of published articles, ESRD patients who receive conservative management may have improved mental health-related QoL when compared with those who receive dialysis.
Estimation of Far-field Coseismic Deformation Caused by the Recent Giant Earthquakes
Authors: Duong Nguyen Anh , Tuan Vu Minh , Duan Bui Van
Published: June 2017

Abstract: In this paper, we estimate coseismic displacements in Vietnam caused by the 2004 Sumatra and the 2011 Tohoku earthquakes using static fault models in a layered spherical earth model. We find that the 2004 Sumatra earthquake caused southwestward movement of about 56 mm in Southern Vietnam and gradually decreasing to the north. While the 2011 Tohoku earthquake moved the area in the opposite direction, by about 0.9 mm to the east and about 0.4 mm to the north. The difference in amplitude of coseismic displacements is due to the distance from each source fault to the study area and the compact slip region of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake affected to the size of coseismic deformation area. Our results indicate that it is necessary to take into consideration of the coseismic deformation induced by the giant earthquakes on discussion of tectonic deformation in Vietnam.
Nghiên cứu một số thay đổi của van ba lá trên bệnh nhân trước và sau cấy máy tạo nhịp tim vĩnh viễn
Authors: Ha Cham Thuy , Pham Dem Van , Pham Hung Manh
Published: June 2017

Mục tiêu: Mô tả một số thay đổi của van ba lá trên bệnh nhân trước và sau cấy máy tạo nhịp tim vĩnh viễn. Đối tượng và phương pháp nghiên cứu: Nghiên cứu tiến cứu trên 50 bệnh nhân được cấy máy tạo nhịp tim vĩnh viễn tại Viện Tim mạch Quốc gia Việt Nam, trong thời gian từ tháng 01 năm 2015 tháng 09 năm 2016. Bệnh nhân có chỉ đinh cấy MTNVV được khám lâm sàng và làm các xét nghiệm cơ bản; ghi điện tim 12 chuyển đạo; siêu âm tim        tại các thời điểm trước cấy, sau cấy 1 tuần, 1 tháng và 3 tháng để đánh giá những thay đổi của van ba lá. Kết quả: Sau cấy MTNVV 3 tháng, đường kính tâm tâm trương thất trái nhỏ hơn so với trước cấy, (47,04 ± 5,60mm sau cấy so với 47,82 ± 5,53mm trước cấy với p <0,05. Tăng tần số tim (72 ± 3 lần/phút, ba tháng sau cấy so với 47±7 trước cấy với p = 0,001). MTNVV làm tăng diện tích dòng hở van ba lá (sau cấy 1 tuần là 3,48 ± 2,50, 1 tháng là 4,04 ± 2,72, 3 tháng là 4,82 ± 2,94 so với trước cấy là 2,93 ± 2,21 với p<0,003), tăng tỷ lệ HoBL mức độ nhẹ từ 0,0% trước cấy lên 32,00% sau cấy 3 tháng. Kết luận: MTNVV làm tăng nhịp tim cho bệnh nhân có nhịp chậm nhưng cungx làm tăng mức độ hở van ba lá và tăng diện tích dòng hở van ba lá một cách đáng kể.
Pedro Páramo o el libro como rizoma
Authors: Aladino Edison
Published: June 2017

El siguiente artículo analiza la estructura narrativa de la novela Pedro Páramo de Juan Rulfo, a partir del enfoque filosófico de Gilles Deleuze y Félix Guattari sobre el concepto de rizoma. El libro-rizoma es heterogéneo, se conecta a partir de un punto con otro, presenta un ensamblaje de tallos sin ninguna linealidad o uniformidad. La novela de Rulfo se inscribe en este plano rizomático, avanza bajo una multiplicidad, sin un sentido unidireccional, sino como un conjunto de ramificaciones, de líneas que se interconectan ampliando sus dimensiones, sus espacios de significación
Editorial
Authors: Bautista-Cabrera Álvaro
Published: June 2017

Nota editorial
Ebranler la marge dan Moi, Tituba sorcière... noire de Salem (1986) et Memorial de Maria Moura (1992) de Rachel de Queiroz
Authors: Brugier Julie
Published: June 2017

Dans un effort de comparaison de Yo, Tituba la bruja negra de Salem (1986) de Maryse Condé et de Memorial de María Moura (1992) de Rachel de Queiroz, cet article veut montrer de quelle façon ces auteurs envisagent la dichotomie entre la marge et le centre. Bien qu’appartenant à des contextes historiques et culturels différents, nos deux romanciers semblent être conscients du fait que leurs créations seront reçues comme une expression de voix venues d’espaces marginaux ; de ce fait, ils créent des stratégies afin de destabiliser leurs lecteurs et de questionner le concept de marge à l’intérieur de leurs fictions, neutralisant toute tentative d’interprétation essencialiste
Sentimentos Vastos: liminaridade e foco narrativo na literatura brasileira contemporanea
Authors: Ruggiero Nor Gabriela
Published: June 2017

As obras Rútilo nada, de Hilda Hilst, Teatro, de Bernardo Carvalho e Acenos e afagos, de João Gilberto Noll apresentam narradores protagonistas em situações-limite, em confronto com a morte de diferentes maneiras. As três narrativas têm em comum a suspensão de categorias, inserindo os protagonistas num espaço liminar, onde se produz discurso repleto de indeterminações. Neste artigo, procurase verificar alguns desdobramentos da presença de liminaridade e situações-limite nas narrativas, principalmente a respeito da construção do foco narrativo, afastado do discurso hegemônico, patriarcal e heteronormativo que constitui grande parte do cânone da literatura brasileira
El no-lugar de la teoría literaria
Authors: Subirats Eduardo
Published: June 2017

En el siguiente documento se presenta un crítica a la cultura literaria contemporánea partiendo del análisis de la obra O lugar da teoría literaria (Andre Cechinel), en la que se plantea el mercado de la cultura como caso de " la servidumbre intelectual voluntaria", instaurada a partir de la auto-negación de la conciencia reflexiva. Todo lo anterior a partir tres obras ejemplares de la conciencia intelectual del siglo veinte: Molloy, Der Process y Pedro Páramo. Se centrará en la categoría subjetiva y ontológica de voluntad, teniendo en cuenta la voluntad artística como la esencia de la obra de arte. Así las cosas, la teoría, asunto central dentro de esta crítica, sería un devenir consciente de la voluntad artística de comprender y transformar el mundo.
El Chamán en "La Saga de los Confines" de Liliana Bodoc
Authors: París Felipe
Published: June 2017

El presente texto analiza la representación literaria del chaman en La Saga de los Confines, de Liliana Bodoc, como un sujeto de resistencia cultural vinculado al pueblo Mapuche. De igual manera, hace un rastreo de algunos antecedentes de la figura de la Machi, así como los simbolismos en dicha narración que presentan los Brujos de la Tierra y su representación en otros pueblos originarios del continente americano.
Entrevista con Pablo Neruda
Authors: Karacoban Aytekin
Published: June 2017

Aytekin Karacoban es poeta y traductor, nacido en Turquía en 1958. Karacoban trabajó en la Facultad de Educación de Dicle en Diyarbakir. Después de haber finalizado sus estudios en esta Universidad, en 1985, obtuvo el Diploma de Estudios Superiores en la Universidad de Rouen (Francia), para lo cual investigó sobre la poesía de la Resistencia francesa. Aytekin vive en Francia desde 1990. Karacoban ha publicado desde 1978 poemas y artículos en numerosas revistas literarias de su país de origen. Ha traducido poemas, artículos y libros de poetas y escritores contemporáneos. Publica igualmente en revistas literarias en Francia. Sus obras son Ben Gülün Kardeşiyim (Yo soy hermano de la rosa), Ankara, 1988; Pablo Neruda’yla Söyleşi (Entrevista con Pablo Neruda), Stockholm. 1995; Anlık Görüntüler (Imágenes instantáneas), Ankara, 1998; Kavuşma Tadında (En el gusto de los encuentros), Ankara, 2000; Yüksek Gerilim Hattı (Línea de alta tensión), Ankara, 2015
Removal of metal ions from aqueous solutions by chitosan-g-itaconic acid/hydrophilic nanoclay nanocomposites
Authors: Dönmez Arzu Torlakoğlu , Özyürek Mustafa , Güçlü Gamze
Published: June 2017

In this work, chitosan- g-itaconic acid copolymer nanocomposites containing nanoclay (1–5%, weight ratio) were synthesized using cerium (IV) ammonium nitrate as initiator. The optimum reaction conditions were identified as chitosan/itaconic acid monomer weight ratio of 3/9 and initiator concentration of 0.003 mol/L. These reaction conditions were used as preparation of chitosan- g-itaconic acid copolymer nanocomposites. XRD analysis and grafting percentage determination were used for characterization of nanocomposites. XRD patterns of nanocomposites indicate that clay sheets are exfoliated. Grafting percentages of chitosan- g-itaconic acid copolymers were determined as about 30%. Chitosan- g-itaconic acid nanocomposites were used for the removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions. The results showed that the second-order kinetic model was suitable for the adsorption of Cu(II) and Pb(II) onto chitosan- g-itaconic acid nanocomposites. The equilibrium adsorption data have been evaluated using Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, Dubinin-Raduskevich and Redlich–Peterson models. Langmuir isotherm model (Type 1) and Redlich–Peterson isotherms are the best-fit models forthe adsorption process in this study.
Evaluating Modern Techniques for the Extraction and Characterisation of Sunflower (Hellianthus annus L.) Seeds Phenolics
Authors: Zoumpoulakis Panagiotis , Sinanoglou Vassilia , Siapi Eleni , Heropoulos George , Proestos Charalampos
Published: June 2017

Recently there is a great interest in using high energy techniques (HET) which involve microwave or ultrasound-assisted extraction (MAE and UAE) for isolation of natural bioactive compounds from plant foods. Such bioactive compounds are phenolics which were determined from sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) kernels and hulls (defatted) utilising two different high energy extraction techniques, ultrasound and microwave assisted solvent extraction. All samples were characterised by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-MS). The effect of parameters such as the nature of the solvent, volume of solvent, temperature and time is discussed. It is proved that the techniques applied had reduced solvent consumption and shorter extraction times, and extraction yields of the analytes were equal to or to some extent higher than those obtained with conventional techniques. Total Phenolic Composition (TPC) of samples examined was studied by the Folin-Ciocalteu method and results were presented in μg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g dry extract. Kernels proved to have the higher amount of TPC while the press residues had shown comparable TPC results. The antioxidant activity of samples was spectrophotometrically determined by 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay using Butylated hydroxyl toluene (BHT) as reference compound to compare with samples. Sunflower seeds (kernels) showed again the highest antiradical efficiency (AE) compared to hulls and press-residue extract. Afterwards, ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assays were used for measuring the antioxidant capacity of samples. Press residue, a by-product of sunflower oil extraction, contained phenolics as shown by UHPLC-ESI-MS analysis. Hence, later on these compounds can be possibly utilised by food or neutraceutical industries. Phenolic substances characterised in hulls, kernels, and press residue were phenolic acids, mainly chlorogenic, caffeic, cinnamic, 4-hydroxybenzoic and p-coumaric.
Fractal Prediction of Grouting Volume for Treating Karst Caverns along a Shield Tunneling Alignment
Authors: Cheng Wen-Chieh , Cui Qing-Long , Shen Jack , Arulrajah Arul , Yuan Da-Jun
Published: June 2017

Karst geology is common in China, and buried karst formations are widely distributed in Guangdong province. In the process of shield tunneling, the abundant water resources present in karst caverns could lead to the potential for high water ingress, and a subsequent in situ stress change-induced stratum collapse. The development and distribution of karst caverns should therefore be identified and investigated prior to shield tunnel construction. Grouting is an efficient measure to stabilize karst caverns. The total volume of karst caverns along the shield tunneling alignment, and its relationship with the required volume of grouts, should be evaluated in the preliminary design phase. Conventionally, the total volume of karst caverns is empirically estimated based on limited geological drilling hole data; however, accurate results are rarely obtained. This study investigates the hydrogeology and engineering geology of Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province, and determines the fractal characteristics of the karst caverns along the tunnel section of Guangzhou metro line no. 9. The karst grouting coefficients (VR) were found to vary from 0.11 in the case of inadequate drilling holes to 1.1 in the case where adequate drilling holes are provided. A grouting design guideline was furthermore developed in this study for future projects in karst areas.
Selective Hydrogenolysis of Glycerol and Crude Glycerol (a By-Product or Waste Stream from the Biodiesel Industry) to 1,2-Propanediol over B2O3 Promoted Cu/Al2O3 Catalysts
Authors: Nanda Malaya , Yuan Zhongshun , Shui Hengfu , Xu Chunbao
Published: June 2017

The performance of boron oxide (B2O3)-promoted Cu/Al2O3 catalyst in the selective hydrogenolysis of glycerol and crude glycerol (a by-product or waste stream from the biodiesel industry) to produce 1,2-propanediol (1,2-PDO) was investigated. The catalysts were characterized using N2-adsorption-desorption isotherm, Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), X-ray diffraction (XRD), ammonia temperature programmed desorption (NH3-TPD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), temperature programmed reduction (TPR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Incorporation of B2O3 to Cu/Al2O3 was found to enhance the catalytic activity. At the optimum condition (250 °C, 6 MPa H2 pressure, 0.1 h−1 WHSV (weight hourly space velocity), and 5Cu-B/Al2O3 catalyst), 10 wt% aqueous solution of glycerol was converted into 1,2-PDO at 98 ± 2% glycerol conversion and 98 ± 2% selectivity. The effects of temperature, pressure, boron addition amount, and liquid hourly space velocity were studied. Different grades of glycerol (pharmaceutical, technical, or crude glycerol) were used in the process to investigate the stability and resistance to deactivation of the selected 5Cu-B/Al2O3 catalyst.
Towards Recognising Learning Evidence in Collaborative Virtual Environments: A Mixed Agents Approach
Authors: Felemban Samah , Gardner Michael , Callaghan Victor
Published: June 2017

Three-dimensional (3D) virtual environments bring people together in real time irrespective of their geographical location to facilitate collaborative learning and working together in an engaging and fulfilling way. However, it can be difficult to amass suitable data to gauge how well students perform in these environments. With this in mind, the current study proposes a methodology for monitoring students’ learning experiences in 3D virtual worlds (VWs). It integrates a computer-based mechanism that mixes software agents with natural agents (users) in conjunction with a fuzzy logic model to reveal evidence of learning in collaborative pursuits to replicate the sort of observation that would normally be made in a conventional classroom setting. Software agents are used to infer the extent of interaction based on the number of clicks, the actions of users, and other events. Meanwhile, natural agents are employed in order to evaluate the students and the way in which they perform. This is beneficial because such an approach offers an effective method for assessing learning activities in 3D virtual environments.
Effective Pattern Intensity Artifacts Treatment for Electron Diffractive Imaging
Authors: Scattarella Francesco , De Caro Liberato , Siliqi Dritan , Carlino Elvio
Published: June 2017

We present a method to treat spurious intensities in electron diffraction experiments. Coherent electron diffraction imaging requires proper data reduction before the application of phase retrieval algorithms. The presence of spurious intensities in the electron diffraction patterns makes the data reduction complicated and time consuming and jeopardizes the application of mathematical constraints to maximize the information that can be extracted from the experimental data. Here we show how the experimental diffraction patterns can be treated to remove the unwanted artifacts without corrupting the genuine intensities scattered by the specimen. The resulting diffraction patterns are suitable for the application of further processes and constraints aimed at deriving fundamental structural information by applying phase retrieval algorithms or other approaches capable of deriving quantitative atomic resolution information about the specimen structure.
Transparency of Semi-Insulating, n-Type, and p-Type Ammonothermal GaN Substrates in the Near-Infrared, Mid-Infrared, and THz Spectral Range
Authors: Kucharski Robert , Janicki Łukasz , Zajac Marcin , Welna Monika , Motyka Marcin , Skierbiszewski Czesław , Kudrawiec Robert
Published: June 2017

GaN substrates grown by the ammonothermal method are analyzed by Fast Fourier Transformation Spectroscopy in order to study the impact of doping (both n- and p-type) on their transparency in the near-infrared, mid-infrared, and terahertz spectral range. It is shown that the introduction of dopants causes a decrease in transparency of GaN substrates in a broad spectral range which is attributed to absorption on free carriers (n-type samples) or dopant ionization (p-type samples). In the mid-infrared the transparency cut-off, which for a semi-insulating GaN is at ~7 µm due to an absorption on a second harmonic of optical phonons, shifts towards shorter wavelengths due to an absorption on free carriers up to ~1 µm at n ~ 1020 cm−3 doping level. Moreover, a semi-insulating GaN crystal shows good transparency in the 1–10 THz range, while for n-and p-type crystal, the transparency in this spectral region is significantly quenched below 1%. In addition, it is shown that in the visible spectral region n-type GaN substrates with a carrier concentration below 1018 cm−3 are highly transparent with the absorption coefficient below 3 cm−1 at 450 nm, a satisfactory condition for light emitting diodes and laser diodes operating in this spectral range.
Experimental and Theoretical Evidence for Surface-Induced Carbon and Nitrogen Fractionation during Diamond Crystallization at High Temperatures and High Pressures
Authors: Reutsky Vadim , Kowalski Piotr , Palyanov Yury ,   EIMF, Wiedenbeck Michael
Published: June 2017

Isotopic and trace element variations within single diamond crystals are widely known from both natural stones and synthetic crystals. A number of processes can produce variations in carbon isotope composition and nitrogen abundance in the course of diamond crystallization. Here, we present evidence of carbon and nitrogen fractionation related to the growing surfaces of a diamond. We document that difference in the carbon isotope composition between cubic and octahedral growth sectors is solvent-dependent and varies from 0.7‰ in a carbonate system to 0.4‰ in a metal-carbon system. Ab initio calculations suggest up to 4‰ instantaneous 13C depletion of cubic faces in comparison to octahedral faces when grown simultaneously. Cubic growth sectors always have lower nitrogen abundance in comparison to octahedral sectors within synthetic diamond crystals in both carbonate and metal-carbon systems. The stability of any particular growth faces of a diamond crystal depends upon the degree of carbon association in the solution. Octahedron is the dominant form in a high-associated solution while the cube is the dominant form in a low-associated solution. Fine-scale data from natural crystals potentially can provide information on the form of carbon, which was present in the growth media.
Test of the Pauli Exclusion Principle in the VIP-2 Underground Experiment
Authors: Curceanu Catalina , Shi Hexi , Bartalucci Sergio , Bertolucci Sergio , Bazzi Massimiliano , Berucci Carolina , Bragadireanu Mario , Cargnelli Michael , Clozza Alberto , De Paolis Luca , Di Matteo Sergio , Egger Jean-Pierre , Guaraldo Carlo , Iliescu Mihail , Marton Johann , Laubenstein Matthias , Milotti Edoardo , Miliucci Marco , Pichler Andreas , Pietreanu Dorel , Piscicchia Kristian , Scordo Alessandro , Sirghi Diana , Sirghi Florin , Sperandio Laura , Vazquez Doce Oton , Widmann Eberhard , Zmeskal Johann
Published: June 2017

The validity of the Pauli exclusion principle—a building block of Quantum Mechanics—is tested for electrons. The VIP (violation of Pauli exclusion principle) and its follow-up VIP-2 experiments at the Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso search for X-rays from copper atomic transitions that are prohibited by the Pauli exclusion principle. The candidate events—if they exist—originate from the transition of a 2 p orbit electron to the ground state which is already occupied by two electrons. The present limit on the probability for Pauli exclusion principle violation for electrons set by the VIP experiment is 4.7 × 10 − 29 . We report a first result from the VIP-2 experiment improving on the VIP limit, which solidifies the final goal of achieving a two orders of magnitude gain in the long run.
Performance Evaluation of a Modular Design of Wind Tower with Wetted Surfaces
Authors: Khani Sajad , Bahadori Mehdi , Dehghani-Sanij Alireza , Nourbakhsh Ahmad
Published: June 2017

Wind towers or wind catchers, as passive cooling systems, can provide natural ventilation in buildings located in hot, arid regions. These natural cooling systems can provide thermal comfort for the building inhabitants throughout the warm months. In this paper, a modular design of a wind tower is introduced. The design, called a modular wind tower with wetted surfaces, was investigated experimentally and analytically. To determine the performance of the wind tower, air temperature, relative humidity (RH) and air velocity were measured at different points. Measurements were carried out when the wind speed was zero. The experimental results were compared with the analytical ones. The results illustrated that the modular wind tower can decrease the air temperature significantly and increase the relative humidity of airflow into the building. The average differences for air temperature and air relative humidity between ambient air and air exiting from the wind tower were approximately 10 °C and 40%, respectively. The main advantage of the proposed wind tower is that it is a modular design that can reduce the cost of wind tower construction.
Incorporating Air Quality Improvement at a Local Level into Climate Policy in the Transport Sector: A Case Study in Bandung City, Indonesia
Authors: Gunawan Helmi , Bressers Hans , Mohlakoana Nthabiseng , Hoppe Thomas
Published: June 2017

Climate policy has a strong influence on policy processes at national levels in Indonesia, while other policies with a focus on air quality improvement are being implemented at local levels. Indonesia as a developing country has committed to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 29 percent by the year 2030. This calls into question the extent to which cities and local governments can cope with the challenges of climate change mitigation. The purpose of the research is to find out the extent to which local air pollution reduction policies can contribute to the climate change mitigation program. The research design involved an empirical case study on governance and policy relevant to climate change efforts to lower GHG in Bandung City, Indonesia. The study evaluated the air quality improvement and the climate change mitigation programs using the actor-based framework of the Contextual Interaction Theory (CIT). The governance and stakeholder characteristic of climate change mitigation were also analysed using the structural context part of the CIT framework. The result shows that air quality improvement policy is implemented separately from climate policy; the latter operates at the national level and the former at the local level. By looking at the actor interaction analysis, the study concludes that a more holistic environmental policy approach would be more efficient at reducing local air pollution and contributing to the mitigation of climate change.
Vitality Assessment of Visually Healthy Trees in Estonia
Authors: Allikmäe Eneli , Laarmann Diana , Korjus Henn
Published: June 2017

Root rots are considered the most important forest diseases in Estonia, causing serious concern in forest management. The majority of trees infected by forest pathogens lack easily-detectable visual symptoms, making it difficult to detect decay in a tree. We assessed the general health condition of visually healthy trees in intensively managed Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst.) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stands with resistography in order to identify trees infected by root rot. We found that 8.0% of Norway spruces and 1.6% of Scots pines had well-developed internal decay on the root collar regardless of having no external symptoms of root rot. Visually healthy trees growing on permanent forest land experienced more decay than trees growing on former agricultural land. The radial proportion of decay of damaged trees was 61% in Norway spruces and 35% in Scots pines. The results suggest that resistography can be used as a reliable method for tree vitality assessment.
A Novel Iterative Thresholding Algorithm Based on Plug-and-Play Priors for Compressive Sampling
Authors: Liu Lingjun , Xie Zhonghua , Yang Cui
Published: June 2017

We propose a novel fast iterative thresholding algorithm for image compressive sampling (CS) recovery using three existing denoisers—i.e., TV (total variation), wavelet, and BM3D (block-matching and 3D filtering) denoisers. Through the use of the recently introduced plug-and-play prior approach, we turn these denoisers into CS solvers. Thus, our method can jointly utilize the global and nonlocal sparsity of images. The former is captured by TV and wavelet denoisers for maintaining the entire consistency; while the latter is characterized by the BM3D denoiser to preserve details by exploiting image self-similarity. This composite constraint problem is then solved with the fast composite splitting technique. Experimental results show that our algorithm outperforms several excellent CS techniques.
Fexofenadine Suppresses Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity in the Murine Model of Palladium Allergy
Authors: Matsubara Ryota , Kumagai Kenichi , Shigematsu Hiroaki , Kitaura Kazutaka , Nakasone Yasunari , Suzuki Satsuki , Hamada Yoshiki , Suzuki Ryuji
Published: June 2017

Palladium is frequently used in dental materials, and sometimes causes metal allergy. It has been suggested that the immune response by palladium-specific T cells may be responsible for the pathogenesis of delayed-type hypersensitivity in study of palladium allergic model mice. In the clinical setting, glucocorticoids and antihistamine drugs are commonly used for treatment of contact dermatitis. However, the precise mechanism of immune suppression in palladium allergy remains unknown. We investigated inhibition of the immune response in palladium allergic mice by administration of prednisolone as a glucocorticoid and fexofenadine hydrochloride as an antihistamine. Compared with glucocorticoids, fexofenadine hydrochloride significantly suppressed the number of T cells by interfering with the development of antigen-presenting cells from the sensitization phase. Our results suggest that antihistamine has a beneficial effect on the treatment of palladium allergy compared to glucocorticoids.
5-(3′,4′-Dihydroxyphenyl-γ-valerolactone), a Major Microbial Metabolite of Proanthocyanidin, Attenuates THP-1 Monocyte-Endothelial Adhesion
Authors: Lee Charles C. , Kim Jong Hun , Kim Ji Seung , Oh Yun Sil , Han Seung Min , Park Jung Han Yoon , Lee Ki Won , Lee Chang Yong
Published: June 2017

Several metabolomics of polymeric flavan-3-ols have reported that proanthocyanidins are extensively metabolized by gut microbiota. 5-(3′,4′-dihydroxyphenyl)-γ-valerolactone (DHPV) has been reported to be the major microbial metabolite of proanthocyanidins. We demonstrated that DHPV has stronger prevention effect on tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-stimulated adhesion of THP-1 human monocytic cells to human umbilical vein endothelial cells compared to its potential precursors such as procyanidin A1, A2, B1 and B2, (+)catechin, (−)epicatechin and its microbial metabolites such as 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)propionic acid and 2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)acetic acid. Mechanism study showed that DHPV prevents THP-1 monocyte-endothelial cell adhesion by downregulating TNF-α-stimulated expressions of the two biomarkers of atherosclerosis such as vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1, activation of nuclear factor kappa B transcription and phosphorylation of I kappa-B kinase and IκBα. We suggested that DHPV has higher potentiality in prevention of atherosclerosis among the proanthocyanidin metabolites.
Novel Thiazolo[5,4-b]phenothiazine Derivatives: Synthesis, Structural Characterization, and In Vitro Evaluation of Antiproliferative Activity against Human Leukaemia
Authors: Brem Balazs , Gal Emese , Găină Luiza , Silaghi-Dumitrescu Luminiţa , Fischer-Fodor Eva , Tomuleasa Ciprian Ionuţ , Grozav Adriana , Zaharia Valentin , Filip Lorena , Cristea Castelia
Published: June 2017

The molecular frame of the reported series of new polyheterocyclic compounds was intended to combine the potent phenothiazine and benzothiazole pharmacophoric units. The synthetic strategy applied was based on oxidative cyclization of N-(phenothiazin-3-yl)-thioamides and it was validated by the preparation of new 2-alkyl- and 2-aryl-thiazolo[5,4-b]phenothiazine derivatives. Optical properties of the series were experimentally emphasized by UV-Vis absorption/emission spectroscopy and structural features were theoretically modelled using density functional theory (DFT). In vitro activity as antileukemic agents of thiazolo[5,4-b]phenothiazine and N-(phenothiazine-3-yl)-thioamides were comparatively evaluated using cultivated HL-60 human promyelocytic and THP-1 human monocytic leukaemia cell lines. Some representatives proved selectivity against tumour cell lines, cytotoxicity, apoptosis induction, and cellular metabolism impairment capacity. 2-Naphthyl-thiazolo[5,4-b]phenothiazine was identified as the most effective of the series by displaying against THP-1 cell lines a cytotoxicity close to cytarabine antineoplastic agent.