bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Image reconstruction from few-view CT data by gradient-domain dictionary learning
Authors: Hu Zhanli , Liu Qiegen , Zhang Na , Zhang Yunwan , Peng Xi , Wu Peter Z. , Zheng Hairong , Liang Dong
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND: Decreasing the number of projections is an effective way to reduce the radiation dose exposed to patients in medical computed tomography (CT) imaging. However, incomplete projection data for CT reconstruction will result in artifacts and distortions.

OBJECTIVE: In this paper, a novel dictionary learning algorithm operating in the gradient-domain (Grad-DL) is proposed for few-view CT reconstruction. Specifically, the dictionaries are trained from the horizontal and vertical gradient images, respectively and the desired image is reconstructed subsequently from the sparse representations of both gradients by solving the least-square method.

METHODS: Since the gradient images are sparser than the image itself, the proposed approach could lead to sparser representations than conventional DL methods in the image-domain, and thus a better reconstruction quality is achieved.

RESULTS: To evaluate the proposed Grad-DL algorithm, both qualitative and quantitative studies were employed through computer simulations as well as real data experiments on fan-beam and cone-beam geometry.

CONCLUSIONS: The results show that the proposed algorithm can yield better images than the existing algorithms.
A spectral interior CT by a framelet-based reconstruction algorithm
Authors: Wang Yingmei , Wang Ge , Mao Shuwei , Cong Wenxiang , Ji Zhilong , Cai Jian-Feng , Ye Yangbo
Published: July 2016

Reducing radiation dose is an important goal in medical computed tomography (CT), for which interior tomography is an effective approach. There have been interior reconstruction algorithms for monochromatic CT, but in reality, X-ray sources are polychromatic. Using a polychromatic acquisition model and motivated by framelet-based image processing algorithms, in this paper, we propose an interior reconstruction algorithm to obtain an image with spectral information assuming only one scan with a current energy-integrating detector. This algorithm is a new nonlinear iterative method by minimizing a special functional under a polychromatic acquisition model for X-ray CT, where the attenuation coefficients are energy-dependent. Experimental results validate that our algorithm can effectively reduce the beam-hardening artifacts and metal artifacts. It also produces color overlays which are useful in tumor identification and quantification.
Theorizing Agri-Food Economies
Authors: Van der Ploeg Jan
Published: July 2016

This paper discusses agri-food economies and how they evolve over time. It also analyses how these economies, which often have contradictory dynamics, are theorized. A central thesis of the paper is that different theoretical representations not only reflect the differences in agro-economies and their developmental tendencies, but are also important drivers that actively shape the trajectories that they describe. The paper concludes by arguing that, more often than not, it is the newly emerging alternatives that are taking the initiative, responding to changing socio-economic demands while the hegemonic systems are merely reacting to the emerging alternatives. While it is possible that the alternatives might be appropriated and ‘conventionalized’ by the hegemonic systems, it is equally possible that the alternatives, especially when interconnected and rooted in democratic institutions, might induce a generalized crisis in the food systems that are currently dominant.
Impact of Climate Change on Cultivar Choice: Adaptation Strategies of Farmers and Advisors in German Cereal Production
Authors: Macholdt Janna , Honermeier Bernd
Published: July 2016

The objective of this study is to understand which requirements for cereal cultivars—with regard to climate change adaptation—are in demand by farmers and advisors, and to clarify whether there are any differences in their assessments. A comparative survey was used to collect data from 410 farmers and 114 advisors in Germany. The majority of both farmers and advisors reported perceivable effects of climatic change on plant production. The increase in droughts and hot spells, the increased incidence of torrential rain, and mild winters were mentioned as the main effects of climate change. For climate change adaptation, the farmers and advisors mostly relied on a locally-adapted cultivar selection. It is estimated that eco-stability, grain yield, resistance to lodging and drought tolerance are important cultivar properties. In the study, farmers and advisors equally pointed out the need for additional cultivar evaluation according to eco-stability. Finally, only minor differences regarding farmers’ and advisors’ assessments were found within the study. The outcome of this research points to the need of implementing farmers’ demands in cultivar recommendations. For example, an impartial assessment of cultivars’ eco-stability could help support the choice of cultivars and reduce the growing risks in cereal production with regard to climate change.
Exploiting Chemistry to Improve Performance of Screen-Printed, Bismuth Film Electrodes (SP-BiFE)
Authors: Dossi Carlo , Monticelli Damiano , Pozzi Andrea , Recchia Sandro
Published: July 2016

Mercury substitution is a big issue in electroanalysis, and the search for a suitable, and less toxic, replacement is still under development. Of all the proposed alternatives, bismuth films appear to be the most viable solution, although they are still suffering some drawbacks, particularly the influence of deposition conditions and linearity at low concentrations. In this paper, the most promising strategies for bismuth film deposition on screen-printed electrodes (surface modifications, polymeric film deposition, insoluble salt precursors) will be evaluated for trace metal analysis. Particular attention will be devoted to bismuth chemistry, aiming to rationalize their electroanalytic performance.
An Oxygen Reduction Study of Graphene-Based Nanomaterials of Different Origin
Authors: Lilloja Jaana , Kibena-Põldsepp Elo , Merisalu Maido , Rauwel Protima , Matisen Leonard , Niilisk Ahti , Cardoso Eduardo , Maia Gilberto , Sammelselg Väino , Tammeveski Kaido
Published: July 2016

The aim of this study is to compare the electrochemical behaviour of graphene-based materials of different origin, e.g., commercially available graphene nanosheets from two producers and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) towards the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) using linear sweep voltammetry, rotating disc electrode and rotating ring-disc electrode methods. We also investigate the effect of catalyst ink preparation using two different solvents (2-propanol containing OH− ionomer or N,N-dimethylformamide) on the ORR. The graphene-based materials are characterised by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Clearly, the catalytic effect depends on the origin of graphene material and, interestingly, the electrocatalytic activity of the catalyst material for ORR is lower when using the OH− ionomer in electrode modification. The graphene electrodes fabricated with commercial graphene show better ORR performance than rGO in alkaline solution.
The Reaction Mechanism of Acetaldehyde Ammoximation to Its Oxime in the TS-1/H2O2 System
Authors: Meng Chaoqun , Yang Suohe , He Guangxiang , Luo Guohua , Xu Xin , Jin Haibo
Published: July 2016

A qualitative analysis for the ammoximation of acetaldehyde to its oxime in the TS-1(Titanium Silicalite-1)/H2O2 system was investigated using an in situ infrared spectrometer (ReactIR15). NH3 is first oxidized to NH2OH by TS-1/H2O2; then, CH3CH=NOH forms after NH2OH reacts with CH3CHO. That means the intermediate of this reaction is NH2OH instead of CH3CH=NH. Experiments have been conducted to verify the mechanism, and the results are in good agreement with the infrared findings.
Dislocation Motion and the Microphysics of Flash Heating and Weakening of Faults during Earthquakes
Authors: Spagnuolo Elena , Plümper Oliver , Violay Marie , Cavallo Andrea , Di Toro Giulio
Published: July 2016

Earthquakes are the result of slip along faults and are due to the decrease of rock frictional strength (dynamic weakening) with increasing slip and slip rate. Friction experiments simulating the abrupt accelerations (>>10 m/s2), slip rates (~1 m/s), and normal stresses (>>10 MPa) expected at the passage of the earthquake rupture along the front of fault patches, measured large fault dynamic weakening for slip rates larger than a critical velocity of 0.01–0.1 m/s. The dynamic weakening corresponds to a decrease of the friction coefficient (defined as the ratio of shear stress vs. normal stress) up to 40%–50% after few millimetres of slip (flash weakening), almost independently of rock type. The microstructural evolution of the sliding interfaces with slip may yield hints on the microphysical processes responsible for flash weakening. At the microscopic scale, the frictional strength results from the interaction of micro- to nano-scale surface irregularities (asperities) which deform during fault sliding. During flash weakening, the visco-plastic and brittle work on the asperities results in abrupt frictional heating (flash heating) and grain size reduction associated with mechano-chemical reactions (e.g., decarbonation in CO2-bearing minerals such as calcite and dolomite; dehydration in water-bearing minerals such as clays, serpentine, etc.) and phase transitions (e.g., flash melting in silicate-bearing rocks). However, flash weakening is also associated with grain size reduction down to the nanoscale. Using focused ion beam scanning and transmission electron microscopy, we studied the micro-physical mechanisms associated with flash heating and nanograin formation in carbonate-bearing fault rocks. Experiments were conducted on pre-cut Carrara marble (99.9% calcite) cylinders using a rotary shear apparatus at conditions relevant to seismic rupture propagation. Flash heating and weakening in calcite-bearing rocks is associated with a shock-like stress release due to the migration of fast-moving dislocations and the conversion of their kinetic energy into heat. From a review of the current natural and experimental observations we speculate that this mechanism tested for calcite-bearing rocks, is a general mechanism operating during flash weakening (e.g., also precursory to flash melting in the case of silicate-bearing rocks) for all fault rock types undergoing fast slip acceleration due to the passage of the seismic rupture front.
Spatial Heterogeneity of Climate Change Effects on Dominant Height of Larch Plantations in Northern and Northeastern China
Authors: Zang Hao , Lei Xiangdong , Ma Wu , Zeng Weisheng
Published: July 2016

Determining the response of dominant height growth to climate change is important for understanding adaption strategies. Based on 550 permanent plots from a national forest inventory and climate data across seven provinces and three climate zones, we developed a climate-sensitive dominant height growth model under a mixed-effects model framework. The mean temperature of the wettest quarter and precipitation of the wettest month were found to be statistically significant explanatory variables that markedly improved model performance. Generally, future climate change had a positive effect on stand dominant height in northern and northeastern China, but the effect showed high spatial variability linked to local climatic conditions. The range in dominant height difference between the current climate and three future BC-RCP scenarios would change from −0.61 m to 1.75 m (−6.9% to 13.5%) during the period 2041–2060 and from −1.17 m to 3.28 m (−9.1% to 41.0%) during the period 2061–2080 across provinces. The impacts of climate change on stand dominant height decreased as stand age increased. Forests in cold and warm temperate zones had a smaller decrease in dominant height, owing to climate change, compared with those in the mid temperate zone. Overall, future climate change could impact dominant height growth in northern and northeastern China. As spatial heterogeneity of climate change affects dominant height growth, locally specific mitigation measures should be considered in forest management.
Prolonged Starvation Causes Up-Regulation of AQP1 in Adipose Tissue Capillaries of AQP7 Knock-Out Mice
Authors: Skowronski Mariusz , Skowronska Agnieszka , Rojek Aleksandra , Oklinski Michal , Nielsen Søren
Published: July 2016

Aquaporins (AQPs) are membrane proteins involved in the regulation of cellular transport and the balance of water and glycerol and cell volume in the white adipose tissue (WAT). In our previous study, we found the co-expression of the AQP1 water channel and AQP7 in the mouse WAT. In our present study, we aimed to find out whether prolonged starvation influences the AQP1 expression of AQP7 knock-out mice (AQP7 KO) in the WAT. To resolve this hypothesis, immunoperoxidase, immunoblot and immunogold microscopy were used. AQP1 expression was found with the use of immunohistochemistry and was confirmed by immunogold microscopy in the vessels of mouse WAT of all studied groups. Semi-quantitative immunoblot and quantitative immunogold microscopy showed a significant increase (by 2.5- to 3-fold) in the abundance of AQP1 protein expression in WAT in the 72 h starved AQP7 KO mice as compared to AQP7+/+ (p < 0.05) and AQP7−/− (p < 0.01) controls, respectively. In conclusion, the AQP1 water channel located in the vessels of WAT is up-regulated in response to prolonged starvation in the WAT of AQP7 KO mice. The present data suggest that an interaction of different AQP isoforms is required for maintaining proper water homeostasis within the mice WAT.
Morphological and Functional Aspects of Human Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Trovato Francesca , Imbesi Rosa , Conway Nerys , Castrogiovanni Paola
Published: July 2016

Skeletal muscle has multiple functions and is a key component of the locomotor system. It consists of carbohydrates and amino acids for different tissues such as skin, heart and brain. It contributes to the maintenance of blood glucose levels during periods of starvation. Skeletal muscle health is particularly important for the prevention of various diseases. This review discusses various aspects of skeletal muscle tissue including its development, structure, function and morphology, including the guidelines for histology methods. We have also discussed, sarcopenia, age-related muscle diseases and exercise. We hope this review will benefit readers of a clinical and non-clinical background.
Qingxuan Jiangya Decoction Reverses Vascular Remodeling by Inducing Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Apoptosis in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Xiao Fei , He Fei , Chen Hongwei , Lin Shan , Shen Aling , Chen Youqin , Chu Jianfeng , Peng Jun
Published: July 2016

Qingxuan Jiangya Decoction (QXJYD), a traditional Chinese medicine formula prescribed by academician Ke-ji Chen, has been used in China to clinically treat hypertension for decades of years. However, the molecular mechanisms of its action remain largely unknown. In this study, we examined the therapeutic efficacy of QXJYD against elevated systolic blood pressure in the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) model, and investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms. We found that oral administration of QXJYD significantly reduced the elevation of systolic blood pressure in SHR but had no effect on body weight change. Additionally, QXJYD treatment significantly decreased the media thickness and ratio of media thickness/lumen diameter in the carotid arteries of SHR. Moreover, QXJYD remarkably promoted apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells and reduced the expression of anti-apoptotic B-cell leukemia/lymphoma 2. Furthermore, QXJYD significantly decreased the plasma Angiotensin II level in SHR. Collectively, our findings suggest that reversing vascular remodeling via inducing VSMC apoptosis could be one of the mechanisms whereby QXJYD treats hypertension.
Chlorophyll a Covalently Bonded to Organo-Modified Translucent Silica Xerogels: Optimizing Fluorescence and Maximum Loading
Authors: García-Sánchez M. , Serratos I. , Sosa R. , Tapia-Esquivel T. , González-García F. , Rojas-González F. , Tello-Solís S. , Palacios-Enriquez A. , Esparza Schulz J. , Arrieta A.
Published: July 2016

Chlorophyll is a pyrrolic pigment with important optical properties, which is the reason it has been studied for many years. Recently, interest has been rising with respect to this molecule because of its outstanding physicochemical properties, particularly applicable to the design and development of luminescent materials, hybrid sensor systems, and photodynamic therapy devices for the treatment of cancer cells and bacteria. More recently, our research group has been finding evidence for the possibility of preserving these important properties of substrates containing chlorophyll covalently incorporated within solid pore matrices, such as SiO2, TiO2 or ZrO2 synthesized through the sol-gel process. In this work, we study the optical properties of silica xerogels organo-modified on their surface with allyl and phenyl groups and containing different concentrations of chlorophyll bonded to the pore walls, in order to optimize the fluorescence that these macrocyclic species displays in solution. The intention of this investigation was to determine the maximum chlorophyll a concentration at which this molecule can be trapped inside the pores of a given xerogel and to ascertain if this pigment remains trapped as a monomer, a dimer, or aggregate. Allyl and phenyl groups were deposited on the surface of xerogels in view of their important effects on the stability of the molecule, as well as over the fluorescence emission of chlorophyll; however, these organic groups allow the trapping of either chlorophyll a monomers or dimers. The determination of the above parameters allows finding the most adequate systems for subsequent in vitro or in vivo studies. The characterization of the obtained xerogels was performed through spectroscopic absorption, emission and excitation spectra. These hybrid systems can be employed as mimics of natural systems; the entrapment of chlorophyll inside pore matrices indicates that it is possible to exploit some of the most physicochemical properties of trapped chlorophyll for diverse technological applications. The data herein collected suggest the possibility of applying the developed methodology to other active, captive molecules in order to synthesize new hybrid materials with optimized properties, suitable to be applied in diverse technological fields.
Enhanced Deposition Uniformity via an Auxiliary Electrode in Massive Electrospinning
Authors: Wu Dezhi , Xiao Zhiming , Deng Lei , Sun Yu , Tan Qiulin , Dong Linxi , Huang Shaohua , Zhu Rui , Liu Yifang , Zheng Wanxi , Zhao Yang , Wang Lingyun , Sun Daoheng
Published: July 2016

Uniform deposition of nanofibers in the massive electrospinning process is critical in the industrial applications of nanofibers. Tip-Induced Electrospinning (TIE) is a cost-effective large-scale nanofiber-manufacturing method, but it has poor deposition uniformity. An auxiliary conductive electrode connected to the emitting electrode was introduced to improve the deposition uniformity of the nanofibers. The effects of the auxiliary electrode shape, the tilted angles and the position of the boat-like electrode on the electric field distribution, the diameter of the nanofibers, the jet control and the deposition uniformity were explored by using finite element analysis of the electric field and experiments. Experiments showed that the boat-like electrode at 20 mm above the reservoir bottom with a 5° tilted angle helped to decrease the relative deposition error of nanofibers in the greatest extent to about 5.66%, indicating such an auxiliary electrode is a good candidate method to greatly improve the deposition uniformity of nanofibers in massive electrospinning.
Hypocholesterolaemic Activity of Lupin Peptides: Investigation on the Crosstalk between Human Enterocytes and Hepatocytes Using a Co-Culture System Including Caco-2 and HepG2 Cells
Authors: Lammi Carmen , Zanoni Chiara , Ferruzza Simonetta , Ranaldi Giulia , Sambuy Yula , Arnoldi Anna
Published: July 2016

Literature indicates that peptic and tryptic peptides derived from the enzymatic hydrolysis of lupin protein are able to modulate cholesterol metabolism in human hepatic HepG2 cells and that part of these peptides are absorbed in a small intestine model based on differentiated human Caco-2 cells. In this paper, a co-culture system, including Caco-2 and HepG2 cells, was investigated with two objectives: (a) to verify whether cholesterol metabolism in HepG2 cells was modified by the peptides absorption through Caco-2 cells; (b) to investigate how lupin peptides influence cholesterol metabolism in Caco-2 cells. The experiments showed that the absorbed peptides, not only maintained their bioactivity on HepG2 cells, but that this activity was improved by the crosstalk of the two cells systems in co-culture. In addition, lupin peptides showed a positive influence on cholesterol metabolism in Caco-2 cells, decreasing the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) secretion.
Academic Publishing: Making the Implicit Explicit
Authors: Badenhorst Cecile , Xu Xiaolin
Published: July 2016

For doctoral students, publishing in peer-reviewed journals is a task many face with anxiety and trepidation. The world of publishing, from choosing a journal, negotiating with editors and navigating reviewers’ responses is a bewildering place. Looking in from the outside, it seems that successful and productive academic writers have knowledge that is inaccessible to novice scholars. While there is a growing literature on writing for scholarly publication, many of these publications promote writing and publishing as a straightforward activity that anyone can achieve if they follow the rules. We argue that the specific and situated contexts in which academic writers negotiate publishing practices is more complicated and messy. In this paper, we attempt to make explicit our publishing processes to highlight the complex nature of publishing. We use autoethnographic narratives to provide discussion points and insights into the challenges of publishing peer reviewed articles. One narrative is by a doctoral student at the beginning of her publishing career, who expresses her desires, concerns and anxieties about writing for publication. The other narrative focuses on the publishing practices of a more experienced academic writer. Both are international scholars working in the Canadian context. The purpose of this paper is to explore academic publishing through the juxtaposition of these two narratives to make explicit some of the more implicit processes. Four themes emerge from these narratives. To publish successfully, academic writers need: (1) to be discourse analysts; (2) to have a critical competence; (3) to have writing fluency; and (4) to be emotionally intelligent.
Reduced Graphene Oxide/Au Nanocomposite for NO2 Sensing at Low Operating Temperature
Authors: Zhang Hao , Li Qun , Huang Jinyu , Du Yu , Ruan Shuang
Published: July 2016

A reduced grapheme oxide (rGO)/Au hybrid nanocomposite has been synthesized by hydrothermal treatment using graphite and HAuCl4 as the precursors. Characterization, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectra, X-ray photoelecton spectroscopy (XPS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), indicates the formation of rGO/Au. A gas sensor fabricated with rGO/Au nanocomposite was applied for NO2 detection at 50 °C. Compared with pure rGO, rGO/Au nanocomposite exhibits higher sensitivity, a more rapid response–recovery process and excellent reproducibility.
Applying Limestone or Basalt in Combination with Bio-Fertilizer to Sustain Rice Production on an Acid Sulfate Soil in Malaysia
Authors: Panhwar Qurban , Naher Umme , Shamshuddin Jusop , Othman Radziah , Ismail Mohd
Published: July 2016

A study was conducted to determine the efficacy of applying ground magnesium limestone (GML) or ground basalt in combination with bio-fertilizer to sustain rice production on an acid sulfate soil in Malaysia. Soils from Kelantan Plains, Malaysia, were treated with GML, ground basalt, bio-fertilizer, GML + bio-fertilizer, and ground basalt + bio-fertilizer (4 t·ha−1 each). Results showed that soil fertility was improved by applying the soil amendments. GML and basalt contain some Zn and Cu; thus, application of these amendments would increase their contents in the soil needed for the healthy growth of rice. Basalt applied in combination with bio-fertilizer appeared to be the best agronomic option to improve the fertility of acid sulfate soils for sustainable rice production in the long run. In addition to increasing Ca, Mg, Zn, and Cu reserves in the soil, water pH increased and precipitated Al3+ and/or Fe2+. Ground basalt is cheaper than GML, but basalt dissolution in the acidic soil was slow. As such, its ameliorative effects could only be seen significantly from the second season onwards. The specially-formulated bio-fertilizer for alleviating the infertility of acid sulfate soil could also enhance rice growth. The use of the bio-fertilizer fortified with N2-fixing bacteria is a green technology that would help reduce NO3− and/or NO2− pollution and reduce the cost of rice production. The phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) present in the bio-fertilizer not only increased the available P, but also helped release organic acids that would inactivate Al3+ and/or Fe2+ via the process of chelation.
Inactivation of RNA Viruses by Gamma Irradiation: A Study on Mitigating Factors
Authors: Hume Adam , Ames Joshua , Rennick Linda , Duprex W. , Marzi Andrea , Tonkiss John , Mühlberger Elke
Published: July 2016

Effective inactivation of biosafety level 4 (BSL-4) pathogens is vital in order to study these agents safely. Gamma irradiation is a commonly used method for the inactivation of BSL-4 viruses, which among other advantages, facilitates the study of inactivated yet morphologically intact virions. The reported values for susceptibility of viruses to inactivation by gamma irradiation are sometimes inconsistent, likely due to differences in experimental protocols. We analyzed the effects of common sample attributes on the inactivation of a recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus expressing the Zaire ebolavirus glycoprotein and green fluorescent protein. Using this surrogate virus, we found that sample volume and protein content of the sample modulated viral inactivation by gamma irradiation but that air volume within the sample container and the addition of external disinfectant surrounding the sample did not. These data identify several factors which alter viral susceptibility to inactivation and highlight the usefulness of lower biosafety level surrogate viruses for such studies. Our results underscore the need to validate inactivation protocols of BSL-4 pathogens using “worst-case scenario” procedures to ensure complete sample inactivation.
Characterization of a Flood Event through a Sediment Analysis: The Tescio River Case Study
Authors: Di Francesco Silvia , Biscarini Chiara , Manciola Piergiorgio
Published: July 2016

This paper presents the hydrological analysis and grain size characteristics of fluvial sediments in a river basin and their combination to characterize a flood event. The overall objective of the research is the development of a practical methodology based on experimental surveys to reconstruct the hydraulic history of ungauged river reaches on the basis of the modifications detected on the riverbed during the dry season. The grain size analysis of fluvial deposits usually requires great technical and economical efforts and traditional sieving based on physical sampling is not appropriate to adequately represent the spatial distribution of sediments in a wide area of a riverbed with a reasonable number of samples. The use of photographic sampling techniques, on the other hand, allows for the quick and effective determination of the grain size distribution, through the use of a digital camera and specific graphical algorithms in large river stretches. A photographic sampling is employed to characterize the riverbed in a 3 km ungauged reach of the Tescio River, a tributary of the Chiascio River, located in central Italy, representative of many rivers in the same geographical area. To this end, the particle size distribution is reconstructed through the analysis of digital pictures of the sediments taken on the riverbed in dry conditions. The sampling has been performed after a flood event of known duration, which allows for the identification of the removal of the armor in one section along the river reach under investigation. The volume and composition of the eroded sediments made it possible to calculate the average flow rate associated with the flood event which caused the erosion, by means of the sediment transport laws and the hydrological analysis of the river basin. A hydraulic analysis of the river stretch under investigation was employed to verify the validity of the proposed procedure.
Treatment of painful bone metastases in prostate and breast cancer patients with the therapeutic radiopharmaceutical rhenium-188-HEDP
Authors: Overbeek Floor , de Klerk John , Pasker-de Jong Pieternel , van den Berk Alexandra , ter Heine Rob , Rodenburg Cees , Kooistra Anko , Hendrikse N. Harry , Bloemendal Haiko , Lange Rogier
Published: July 2016

Aim: Rhenium-188-HEDP (188Re-HEDP) is an effective radiopharmaceutical for the palliative treatment of osteoblastic bone metastases. However, only limited data on its routine use are available and its effect on quality of life (QoL) has not been studied. Therefore, we evaluated the clinical benefit of 188Re-HEDP in routine clinical care. Patients and methods: Prostate or breast cancer patients with painful bone metastases receiving 188Re-HEDP as a routine clinical procedure were eligible for evaluation. Clinical benefit was assessed in terms of efficacy and toxicity. Pain palliation and QoL were monitored using the visual analogue scale (VAS), corrected for opioid intake, and the EORTC QLQ-C30 Global health status/QoL-scale. Thrombocyte and leukocyte nadirs were used to assess haematological toxicity. Results: 45 and 47 patients were evaluable for pain palliation and QoL, respectively. After a single injection of 188Re-HEDP, the overall pain response rate was 69% and mean VAS-scores decreased relevantly and significantly (p < 0.05). Repeated treatment resulted in similar pain response. The overall QoL response rate was 68% and mean Global health status/QoL-scores increased relevantly and significantly. Haematological side effects were mild and transient. Conclusion: The clinically relevant response on pain and quality of life and the limited adverse events prove clinical benefit of treatment with 188Re-HEDP and support its use in routine clinical care. Its effectiveness appears comparable to that of external beam radiotherapy.
Role of solvents in the electronic transport properties of single-molecule junctions
Authors: Luka-Guth Katharina , Hambsch Sebastian , Bloch Andreas , Ehrenreich Philipp , Briechle Bernd Michael , Kilibarda Filip , Sendler Torsten , Sysoiev Dmytro , Huhn Thomas , Erbe Artur , Scheer Elke
Published: July 2016

We report on an experimental study of the charge transport through tunnel gaps formed by adjustable gold electrodes immersed into different solvents that are commonly used in the field of molecular electronics (ethanol, toluene, mesitylene, 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene, isopropanol, toluene/tetrahydrofuran mixtures) for the study of single-molecule contacts of functional molecules. We present measurements of the conductance as a function of gap width, conductance histograms as well as current–voltage characteristics of narrow gaps and discuss them in terms of the Simmons model, which is the standard model for describing transport via tunnel barriers, and the resonant single-level model, often applied to single-molecule junctions. One of our conclusions is that stable junctions may form from solvents as well and that both conductance–distance traces and current–voltage characteristics have to be studied to distinguish between contacts of solvent molecules and of molecules under study.
IRAS 16253–2429: THE FIRST PROTO-BROWN DWARF BINARY CANDIDATE IDENTIFIED THROUGH THE DYNAMICS OF JETS*
Authors: Hsieh Tien-Hao , Lai Shih-Ping , Belloche Arnaud , Wyrowski Friedrich
Published: July 2016

The formation mechanism of brown dwarfs (BDs) is one of the long-standing problems in star formation because the typical Jeans mass in molecular clouds is too large to form these substellar objects. To answer this question, it is crucial to study a BD in the embedded phase. IRAS 16253–2429 is classified as a very low-luminosity object (VeLLO) with an internal luminosity of <0.1 L
⊙. VeLLOs are believed to be very low-mass protostars or even proto-BDs. We observed the jet/outflow driven by IRAS 16253–2429 in CO (2–1), (6–5), and (7–6) using the IRAM 30 m and Atacama Pathfinder Experiment telescopes and the Submillimeter Array (SMA) in order to study its dynamical features and physical properties. Our SMA map reveals two protostellar jets, indicating the existence of a proto-binary system as implied by the precessing jet detected in H2 emission. We detect a wiggling pattern in the position–velocity diagrams along the jet axes, which is likely due to the binary orbital motion. Based on this information, we derive the current mass of the binary as ∼0.032 M⊙. Given the low envelope mass, IRAS 16253–2429 will form a binary that probably consist of one or two BDs. Furthermore, we found that the outflow force as well as the mass accretion rate are very low based on the multi-transition CO observations, which suggests that the final masses of the binary components are at the stellar/substellar boundary. Since IRAS 16253 is located in an isolated environment, we suggest that BDs can form through fragmentation and collapse, similar to low-mass stars.
GALAXY INFALL BY INTERACTING WITH ITS ENVIRONMENT: A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF 340 GALAXY CLUSTERS
Authors: Gu Liyi , Wen Zhonglue , Gandhi Poshak , Inada Naohisa , Kawaharada Madoka , Kodama Tadayuki , Konami Saori , Nakazawa Kazuhiro , Xu Haiguang , Makishima Kazuo
Published: July 2016

To study systematically the evolution of the angular extents of the galaxy, intracluster medium (ICM), and dark matter components in galaxy clusters, we compiled the optical and X-ray properties of a sample of 340 clusters with redshifts <0.5, based on all the available data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and Chandra/XMM-Newton. For each cluster, the member galaxies were determined primarily with photometric redshift measurements. The radial ICM mass distribution, as well as the total gravitational mass distribution, was derived from a spatially resolved spectral analysis of the X-ray data. When normalizing the radial profile of galaxy number to that of the ICM mass, the relative curve was found to depend significantly on the cluster redshift; it drops more steeply toward the outside in lower-redshift subsamples. The same evolution is found in the galaxy-to-total mass profile, while the ICM-to-total mass profile varies in an opposite way. The behavior of the galaxy-to-ICM distribution does not depend on the cluster mass, suggesting that the detected redshift dependence is not due to mass-related effects, such as sample selection bias. Also, it cannot be ascribed to various redshift-dependent systematic errors. We interpret that the galaxies, the ICM, and the dark matter components had similar angular distributions when a cluster was formed, while the galaxies traveling in the interior of the cluster have continuously fallen toward the center relative to the other components, and the ICM has slightly expanded relative to the dark matter although it suffers strong radiative loss. This cosmological galaxy infall, accompanied by an ICM expansion, can be explained by considering that the galaxies interact strongly with the ICM while they are moving through it. The interaction is considered to create a large energy flow of 1044−45 erg s−1 per cluster from the member galaxies to their environment, which is expected to continue over cosmological timescales.
A CAUTIONARY NOTE ABOUT COMPOSITE GALACTIC STAR FORMATION RELATIONS
Authors: Parmentier G.
Published: July 2016

We explore the pitfalls that affect the comparison of the star formation relation for nearby molecular clouds with that for distant compact molecular clumps. We show that both relations behave differently in the (

,

) space, where

and

are, respectively, the gas and star formation rate surface densities, even when the physics of star formation is the same. This is because the star formation relation of nearby clouds relates the gas and star surface densities measured locally, that is, within a given interval of gas surface density, or at a given protostar location. We refer to such measurements as local measurements, and the corresponding star formation relation as the local relation. In contrast, the stellar content of a distant molecular clump remains unresolved. Only the mean star formation rate can be obtained, e.g., from the clump infrared luminosity. One clump therefore provides one single point to the (

,

) space, that is, its mean gas surface density and star formation rate surface density. We refer to this star formation relation as a global relation since it builds on the global properties of molecular clumps. Its definition therefore requires an ensemble of cluster-forming clumps. We show that although the local and global relations have different slopes, this cannot per se be taken as evidence for a change in the physics of star formation with gas surface density. It therefore appears that great caution should be taken when physically interpreting a composite star formation relation, that is, a relation combining local and global relations.
NUSTAR, SWIFT, AND GROND OBSERVATIONS OF THE FLARING MEV BLAZAR PMN J0641−0320
Authors: Ajello M. , Ghisellini G. , Paliya V. S. , Kocevski D. , Tagliaferri G. , Madejski G. , Rau A. , Schady P. , Greiner J. , Massaro F. , Baloković M. , Bühler R. , Giomi M. , Marcotulli L. , D’Ammando F. , Stern D. , Boggs S. E. , Christensen F. E. , Craig W. W. , Hailey C. J. , Harrison F. A. , Zhang W. W.
Published: July 2016

MeV blazars are a sub-population of the blazar family, exhibiting larger-than-average jet powers, accretion luminosities, and black hole masses. Because of their extremely hard X-ray continua, these objects are best studied in the X-ray domain. Here, we report on the discovery by the Fermi Large Area Telescope and subsequent follow-up observations with NuSTAR, Swift, and GROND of a new member of the MeV blazar family: PMN J0641−0320. Our optical spectroscopy provides confirmation that this is a flat-spectrum radio quasar located at a redshift of z = 1.196. Its very hard NuSTAR spectrum (power-law photon index of ∼1 up to ∼80 keV) indicates that the emission is produced via inverse Compton scattering off of photons coming from outside the jet. The overall spectral energy distribution of PMN J0641−0320 is typical of powerful blazars and, using a simple one-zone leptonic emission model, we infer that the emission region is located either inside the broad line region or within the dusty torus.
CATALOG OF ULTRA-DIFFUSE GALAXIES IN THE COMA CLUSTERS FROM SUBARU IMAGING DATA*
Authors: Yagi Masafumi , Koda Jin , Komiyama Yutaka , Yamanoi Hitomo
Published: July 2016

We present a catalog of ultra-diffuse galaxies (UDGs) in the Coma cluster. UDGs are a subset of low surface brightness (SB) galaxies with very large effective radii defined by van Dokkum et al. We surveyed the Subaru data archive for deep Suprime-Cam/Subaru R-band images, and used data covering the 1.°7 × 2.°7 region of the Coma cluster. The data are ∼1 magnitude deeper than the data of van Dokkum et al (2015a) in limiting SB. This paper explains the details of our sample selection procedure. This UDG catalog includes positions, magnitudes, effective radii, mean and central SBs, and colors (when available). Comparisons with previous galaxy catalogs in the literature are performed, and we show that the current catalog is the largest for UDGs. We also discuss that most of the UDGs are members of the Coma cluster, and the major axis of the UDGs tends to align toward the cluster center (radial alignment).
GLOBAL EXPLICIT PARTICLE-IN-CELL SIMULATIONS OF THE NONSTATIONARY BOW SHOCK AND MAGNETOSPHERE
Authors: Yang Zhongwei , Huang Can , Liu Ying D. , Parks George K. , Wang Rui , Lu Quanming , Hu Huidong
Published: July 2016

We carry out two-dimensional global particle-in-cell simulations of the interaction between the solar wind and a dipole field to study the formation of the bow shock and magnetosphere. A self-reforming bow shock ahead of a dipole field is presented by using relatively high temporal-spatial resolutions. We find that (1) the bow shock and the magnetosphere are formed and reach a quasi-stable state after several ion cyclotron periods, and (2) under the B

z
southward solar wind condition, the bow shock undergoes a self-reformation for low β

i
and high M

A
. Simultaneously, a magnetic reconnection in the magnetotail is found. For high β

i
and low M

A
, the shock becomes quasi-stationary, and the magnetotail reconnection disappears. In addition, (3) the magnetopause deflects the magnetosheath plasmas. The sheath particles injected at the quasi-perpendicular region of the bow shock can be convected downstream of an oblique shock region. A fraction of these sheath particles can leak out from the magnetosheath at the wings of the bow shock. Hence, the downstream situation is more complicated than that for a planar shock produced in local simulations.
Neck Circumference in Overweight/Obese Subjects who Visited the Binjai Supermall in Indonesia
Authors: Lindarto Dharma , Shierly Shierly , Syafril Santi
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND: Neck circumference (NC) is a simple screening measure for identifying overweight and obesity, it reflects upper-body fat distribution and central obesity.AIM: To determine whether a single measure of NC might be used to identify overweight/obesity.MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational, analytical, cross-sectional study was done. The subjects consisted of all consecutive subjects who visited Binjai Supermall (North Sumatera Province, Indonesia) between 23rd and 29th September 2015 and agreed to participate in the study. NC, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC) were measured. Overweight and obesity were defined as BMIs of 23.0â€“24.9 and â‰¥ 25 kg/m2, respectively.RESULTS: In total, 1554 subjects participated. Of these, 1238 (79.7%) were overweight/obese. NC correlated significantly with weight, height, BMI, and WC. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that for all men and women, the area under the curve of overweight/obesity for NC was 0.83 and 0.79, respectively. The best NC cutoff points for males and females that indicated overweight/obesity were â‰¥ 37 cm (sensitivity, 78.3% and specificity, 75.5%) and â‰¥ 33.5 cm (sensitivity, 76.6% and specificity, 66.7%), respectively.CONCLUSION: The NC cutoffs that were identified may be useful for screening for overweight/obesity and related co-morbidities.
La perception de l'accent lexical néerlandais par les apprenants francophones
Authors: Michaux Marie-Catherine
Published: July 2016

Cette contribution rapporte les résultats de deux études de perception de l'accent lexical néerlandais par les apprenants francophones dans le but de contribuer à la discussion autour du concept de « surdité accentuelle ». La première étude est un test de discrimination AXB basé sur des mots néerlandais et des non-mots, et la seconde une tâche d'identification de la place de l'accent dans ces mêmes (non-)mots. Les résultats montrent que les francophones sont en général moins performants et moins rapides que les néerlandophones quand il s'agit de percevoir et traiter des contrastes prosodiques. Cependant, et de façon assez inattendue, les deux groupes montrent également un comportement similaire dans certaines conditions. Le but de ces études est de mieux différencier l'aspect « phonétique » et « phonologique » de ce qui est appelé la « stress deafness » et d'évaluer la pertinence de l'usage de ce terme.
Norme d'internalité, attractivité physique et évaluation scolaire
Authors: Tarquinia Cyril , Tarquinia Pascale
Published: July 2016

L'objet de cet article est de s'interroger sur les effets conjoints de l'attractivité physique d'élèves (élèves attractifs vs non-attractifs), de leurs résultats scolaires (moyens vs moyens-faibles) et de l'orientation (externe vs interne) d'un questionnaire d'internalité, sur les décisions de passage en classe de 6e, ainsi que sur les jugements portés sur ces élèves par des enseignants. Les participants de cette étude sont des professeurs des écoles en formation (n = 400). La présentation des élèves s'est faite dans le cadre du paradigme des juges à partir de portraits fictifs. Les résultats montrent que lorsque les élèves sont d'un niveau scolaire moyen l'effet positif de l'attractivité n'est observé que pour les externes. Dans cette condition lorsque le passage peut être envisagé tous les internes qu'ils soient attractifs ou non sont jugés capables de passer dans la classe supérieure. En ce qui concerne les élèves de niveau moyen-faible, les résultats diffèrent: les élèves les moins attractifs sont toujours favorisés qu'ils soient ou non internes. On peut considérer qu'il existe des attentes de correspondance entre le niveau scolaire et l'attractivité et que celles-ci vont jouer le rôle de biais dans l'évaluation scolaire.
Document Clustering
Authors: Patil Harsha , Thakur R. S.
Published: July 2016

As we know use of Internet flourishes with its full velocity and in all dimensions. Enormous availability of Text documents in digital form (email, web pages, blog post, news articles, ebooks and other text files) on internet challenges technology to appropriate retrieval of document as a response for any search query. As a result there has been an eruption of interest in people to mine these vast resources and classify them properly. It invigorates researchers and developers to work on numerous approaches of document clustering. Researchers got keen interest in this problem of text mining. The aim of this chapter is to summarised different document clustering algorithms used by researchers.