bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adjusting an Available Online Peer Support Platform in a Program to Supplement the Treatment of Perinatal Depression and Anxiety
Authors: Baumel Amit , Schueller Stephen M
Published: March 2016

Background

Perinatal depression and anxiety are common and debilitating conditions. Novel, cost effective services could improve the uptake and the impact of mental health resources among women who suffer from these conditions. E-mental health products are one example of such services. Many publically available e-mental health products exist, but these products lack validation and are not designed to be integrated into existing health care settings.

Objective

The objective of the study was to present a program to use 7 Cups of Tea (7Cups), an available technological platform that provides online peer (ie, listener) based emotional support, to supplement treatment for women experiencing perinatal depression or anxiety and to summarize patient’s feedback on the resultant program.

Methods

This study consisted of two stages. First, five clinicians specializing in the treatment of perinatal mood disorders received an overview of 7Cups. They provided feedback on the 7Cups platform and ways it could complement the existing treatment efforts to inform further adjustments. In the second stage, nine women with perinatal depression or anxiety used the platform for a single session and provided feedback.

Results

In response to clinicians’ feedback, guidelines for referring patients to use 7Cups as a supplement for treatment were created, and a training program for listeners was developed. Patients found the platform usable and useful and their attitudes toward the trained listeners were positive. Overall, patients noted a need for support outside the scheduled therapy time and believed that freely available online emotional support could help meet this need. Most patients were interested in receiving support from first time mothers and those who suffered in the past from perinatal mood disorders.

Conclusions

The study results highlight the use of 7Cups as a tool to introduce accessible and available support into existing treatment for women who suffer from perinatal mood disorders. Further research should focus on the benefits accrued from such a service. However, this article highlights how a publicly available eHealth product can be leveraged to create new services in a health care setting.
Modelling of cations retention in ion chromatography with methanesulfonic acid as eluent
Authors: Todorovic Zaklina , Rajakovic Ljubinka , Onjia Antonije
Published: March 2016

The two retention models, the linear solvent strength model (LSS) and the
quadratic relationship, in addition to artificial neural network (ANN)
approach, were compared in their ability to predict the retention behaviour
of common cations (Li, Na, NH4, K, Mg, and Ca) in isocratic ion
chromatography using the methanesulfonic acid (MSA) eluent. Over wide
variations in the MSA concentration, the quadratic model shows a quite good
prediction power. LSS can be used only for monovalent cations and in the
proximity of the experimental design point. ANN fails to predict the
retention for the data not included in the training set. To find the optimal
conditions in the experimental design, the normalized resolution product as a
chromatographic objective function was employed. The optimum MSA
concentration in the eluent on a Dionex CS12 column was found to be 18 mM,
with the total analysis time of less than 10 min.
Bone thickness of the anterior palate for orthodontic miniscrews
Authors: Holm Maike , Jost-Brinkmann Paul-Georg , Mah James , Bumann Axel
Published: March 2016

Objective: 

To determine the bone thickness in the anterior palate and to test whether there is any dependency between bone thickness and patient’s age or gender and whether there is any difference between left and right sides.

Materials and Methods: 

Cone beam computed tomographic (CBCT) evaluations (n  =  431; 229 females, 202 males) of healthy orthodontic patients aged 9–30 years were selected from the database of the imaging center network Mesantis. In each CBCT image, palatal bone thickness was determined as the median and 2, 4, 6, and 8 mm paramedian bilaterally. Bone height was measured perpendicularly to the bony surface at 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 mm from the cementoenamel junction of the maxillary central incisor in the sagittal plane.

Results: 

The greatest bone thickness was found in the lateral anterior palate. Palatal bone thickness of male patients was on average 1.2 mm greater than that of females. Bone height of 9–13-year-olds was less than that of older patients. No difference could be determined between the left and right side.

Conclusions: 

The lateral anterior palate offers the greatest bone thickness. Because there is considerable variation of bone thickness between individuals, a CBCT evaluation is recommended if maximum screw length is to be used.
Influence of pasture management on soil biological quality
Authors: Banerjee M. R. , Burton D. L. , McCaughey W. P. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

The long-term sustainability of pasture management systems, whether related to structural stability or nutrient dynamics, is dependent upon maintaining soil biological properties. This study investigates the extent to which the microbiological and biochemical properties of soil can change with season and pasture management system, including their likely value as indicators of soil quality. The experiment was conducted on a 30-ha pasture near Brandon, Manitoba. Seasonal fluctuations were observed in the soil microbial and biochemical properties. In general, these fluctuations were mainly independent of the small variations in soil organic matter content but were more closely related to soil water content. The data also suggests an impact of stocking rate and grazing system on soil microbial biomass C and on N mineralization potential. However, because duration of the investigation, limited number of replications and the high soil variability encountered, it is not yet possible to recommend any particular grazing system and/or stocking rate favorable for the maintenance of soil biological quality. The trends suggest that light, continuous grazing systems had the largest microbial biomass and nutrient mineralizing activity.
Spotted knapweed and grass response to herbicide treatments
Authors: Sheley R. L. , Duncan C. A. , Halstvedt M. B. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

Picloram at 0.28 kg ai ha(-1), clopyralid plus 2,4-D at 0.21 kg ai ha(-1) plus 1.12 kg ai ha(-1), or dicamba plus 2,4-D at 0.56 kg ai ha(-1) plus 1.12 kg ai ha(-1) were applied to spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa Lam.) at the spring-rosette, bolt, bud, flower, or fall-rosette growth stages in 1991 on 2 sites in Montana. Treatments (3 herbicide treatments, 5 growth stages) were applied in a randomized-complete-block design and replicated 3 times at each site. Effects of herbicides on mature and seedling spotted knapweed density depended upon spotted knapweed growth stage at the time of application and the number of years after application. Picloram consistently reduced mature spotted knapweed density to low levels (5 plants m(-2)), regardless of growth stage, and its effect persisted through 1994. Clopyralid plus 2,4-D applied at the bolt or bud stage reduced spotted knapweed densities similar to that of picloram (95%) at the Avon site, while providing about 50% reduction in density 3 years after application at Missoula. This treatment may provide an alternative to picloram in environmentally sensitive areas. Dicamba plus 2,4-D was most effective when applied during the bud and bolt growth stages, and least effective when applied during the spring- and fall-rosette stages. In most situations, picloram and clopyralid plus 2,4-D provided greater control of spotted knapweed than dicamba plus 2,4-D. Herbicide treatments increased perennial grass biomass from 173 kg ha(-1) in the nontreated controls to 494,880, and 1,309 kg ha(-1) for dicamba plus 2,4-D, clopyralid plus 2,4-D and picloram, respectively.
Grass response to seasonal burns in experimental plantings
Authors: Howe H. F. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

A 6-year experiment examined the effects of spring and summer fires on grasses in southern Wisconsin. Synthetic communities of C3 and C4 grasses were seeded (100 seeds m-2 species-1) in 1992 and subjected to prescribed burns in May and August of 1995 and 1997, or left unburned. By 1994 all plots were virtual monocultures of the C3 reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.). By the second post-season sample in 1998, total productivity of plots burned in May was higher (781 +/- 212 se g m-2 year-1) than those burned in August (362 +/- 28 g m-2 year-1) or left unburned (262 +/- 43 g m-2 year-1) due to the incursions of either the C4 grasses big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L), or both. These large late-season grasses are much more productive per area covered than P. arundinacea or the other two C3 grasses present, Elymus virginicus L. and Poa pratensis L. Even at this early stage of succession, C4 production in plots burned in May was 5 to 6 times that in the other 2 treatments. August burns produced a mix of C3 and C4 grasses but did not strongly favor the pre-treatment C3 dominant P. arundinacea. Unburned plots most resembled those burned in August in species composition, but differed in having 4 times the accumulated litter, perhaps foretelling divergence in C3 and C4 composition as succession proceeds.
Evaluating breeding seasons for cows grazing winter range and bahiagrass
Authors: Pate F. , Kalmbacher R. , Martin F. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

Florida native range is grazed in winter and cows are moved to bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge) pasture in March for breeding and calf rearing. Winter weight loss of cows is a major problem, and one possibility to reduce it is to alter the breeding season. This 4-year study evaluated October-February range grazing with movement of cows to bahiagrass in late February for breeding and calf rearing beginning in March (spring-bred cows) vs. December-April range grazing with movement of cows to bahiagrass in May (summer-bred cows). Spring-bred cows weighed less coming off range (439 kg) than summer-bred cows (459 kg), but spring-bred cows gained more weight on bahiagrass (38 kg) by the time calves were weaned than summer-bred cows (1 kg). At weaning, there were no differences in weights of cows. Weight loss of cows on range was related to weight going onto range in the fall (r = -0.62 and -0.49 for spring- and summer-bred cows). Declining nutritive value of bahiagrass and heavy rains in the late summer and early fall appeared to lead to the inability of summer-bred cows to regain weight on bahiagrass. In 2 years, rain interfered with range burning in October which was needed to improve the palatability and nutritive value of forages for spring-bred cows, but this appeared to have no effect on cow performance. Weaning weight of calves from the spring-bred cows (205 kg) tended to be higher than that of calves from summer-bred cows (181 kg). There were no differences in pregnancy rates (74.5%). A March-May breeding season is recommended over a May-July breeding season for cows using a combination of range and bahiagrass.
Vegetation response to late growing-season wildfire on Nebraska Sandhills rangeland
Authors: Volesky J. D. , Connot S. B. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

This study examined the effects of late growing-season (September) wildfire on the subsequent production and species composition of upland Nebraska Sandhills prairie vegetation. Three paired-plots (burn and control), 0.5 ha in size were established in 1995 on sands range sites on each of 3 replications in west-central Nebraska. Soil temperature data were collected the following growing season and herbage standing crop and species composition data were collected for 3 growing seasons following the burn. During March through May of the 1996 growing season, soil temperature in the burn treatment was an average of 1.6 degrees C higher at both 15 and 30 cm depths compared to the control (P < 0.05). This small increase in spring soil temperature under the burn treatment did not appear to result in earlier growth or to increase herbage standing crop in May. Total herbage standing crop in August averaged 143, 142, and 185 g m-2 in 1996, 1997, and 1998, respectively, and did not differ between the burn treatment and control (P > 0.05). Little bluestem [Schizchyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash] was the species most adversely affected by burning. Percentage composition by weight of little bluestem in August 1996 averaged 8% under the burn treatment compared to 47% in the control. Other species and species groups, however, were more abundant in burned plots, thus offsetting the lesser amounts of little bluestem. Little bluestem exhibited a marked recovery during the second and third growing seasons after the burn. During the third growing season, percent composition of little bluestem averaged 46% and was not different between treatments (P > 0.05). Forbs were more abundant under the burn treatment compared to the control only during the first growing season following the burn (P < 0.05).
Tracked vehicle effects on vegetation and soil characteristics
Authors: Prosser C. W. , Sedivec K. K. , Barker W. T. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

A 3-year experiment to evaluate tracked vehicle effects on vegetation and soil characteristics was established on the Gilbert C.Grafton South State Military Reservation (CGS) in North Dakota. Study objectives were to evaluate the effects of 3 tracked vehicle use intensity treatments on plant species cover and frequency, and soil compaction. The 3 treatments evaluated include heavy use (74 passes), moderate use (37 passes) and no use. The moderate use treatment represents a typical use of 1 battalion unit at CGS with the heavy use treatment classified as 2 battalion units. This land area comprised a 50 by 150 meter block subdivided into three, 50 by 50 meter blocks. Each 50 by 50 meter block was subdivided into three, 16.7 by 50 meter blocks with each block treated with 1 of the 3 treatments. Soil bulk density increased (P < 0.05) on the moderate and heavy use treatments in the 0 to 15, 30 to 45, and 45 to 60 cm soil depths. Kentucky blue-grass (Poa pratensis L.) cover (P < 0.05) decreased in 1996 on both the moderate and heavy use treatments but was not (P >0.05) different among all treatments in 1997. The tracked vehicle use on the heavy and moderate treatments did not change species composition or litter amounts after 2 years; however, bulk density and bare ground increased on both treatments in 1996 and 1997.
Restoration of communities dominated by false hellebore
Authors: Cosgriff Rachel , Anderson Val Jo , Monson Stephen ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

False hellebore (Veratrum californicum Durand) is a native component of high-elevation, meadow-riparian areas of the mountain West that has increased due to historic heavy grazing. In 1991, a study was established in dense stands of false hellebore to evaluate mechanical and chemical control methods to reduce false hellebore and increase the abundance of the other native herbaceous species in these tall-forb communities. Four control methods consisting of the herbicide glyphosate (N-phenophonomethylglycine), mow, mowing in 2 consecutive years (remow), and tillage were used in 1991-1992. Each method was evaluated based on (1) reduction of false hellebore stem densities; (2) response of residual understory species; and (3) effectiveness of seeding a perennial grass and forb mixture to sustain initial treatment control. Stem density of false hellebore and nested frequency data for all species were collected in 1991, 1992, 1995, and 1999. The glyphosate treatment was effective in reducing false hellebore stem density which allowed for recovery of the remnant tall-forb community. The till treatment, while effectively reducing false hellebore stem density, also eliminated the other species in the community, leaving it open to invasive weeds. The mow and remow treatments did not reduce false hellebore stem density, but did allow for recovery of other components of the tall-forb community. Seeding following control treatments had no effect on false hellebore stem densities due to poor establishment. The mechanical treatments were generally more cumbersome in application and limited to gentle topography and well-drained sites without surface rocks. The application of herbicides is much easier and is adaptable to all types of terrain. The use of the herbicide glyphosate gave the best balance of false hellebore control and recovery of the tall-forb community.
Adoption of range management innovations by Utah ranchers
Authors: Didier Elizabeth A. , Brunson Mark W. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

Improving the sustainability of grazed rangelands requires that landowners adopt management innovations. We interviewed Utah ranchers to better understand innovation adoption among range livestock operators, and ultimately to suggest improvements in content and delivery of outreach activities. A 2-phase, qualitative social science research method was used to encourage discovery of information unlikely to be revealed via surveys and to expand the application of adoption theory to range livestock production. In line with previous research, innovation was related to full-time ranch operation, dependence on ranch income, anticipated future of the ranch, and extent of social networks. Barriers to innovation included inadequate time and resources, peer influences, and perceived drawbacks of potential innovations (e.g., difficulty of pilot-testing new grazing systems, or poor cost-benefit ratios of vegetation treatments). In contrast to previous studies, innovators were motivated by a desire to demonstrate stewardship to land managers and the public. Previously unidentified barriers included spatial characteristics of the ranch enterprise and perceptions about political/legal constraints.
Late summer protein supplementation for yearling cattle
Authors: Grings E. E. , Short R. E. , Haferkamp M. R. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

Three studies were conducted to evaluate late summer protein supplementation for growing steers on Northern Great Plains rangeland. In Experiment 1, crossbred yearling steers (N = 80 per year, mean initial live-weight = 275 kg) were allotted to 1 of 2 treatments replicated in 3 pastures in each of 3 years. Treatments were summer-long grazing with or without protein supplementation in late summer. Protein supplement (26% crude protein) was fed at a rate of 1.68 kg (dry matter basis) every third day. In 1995, a third treatment was added to additional pastures consisting of 1.62 kg (dry matter basis) of a 40% crude protein supplement fed every third day. There was no weight gain response to protein supplementation. In Experiment 2, yearling steers grazing rangeland from May to September were fed either no supplement, 1.5 kg of a 22% crude protein safflower meal-based supplement, 1.2 kg of 26% soybean meal-based supplement or 1.2 kg of a 26% safflower and soybean meal-based supplement every third day in late summer. Live-weight gain, forage intake, and digestibility were not affected by supplementation. A third experiment using ruminally cannulated steers fed grass hay and the 3 protein supplements based on safflower and soybean meals showed an increase in ruminal ammonia concentrations but no other appreciable change in ruminal fermentation with protein supplementation. Supplementation with as much as 648 grams of protein every third day was not a viable means to increase gains of steers grazing Northern Great Plains rangelands during late summer under the conditions of this experiment.
Grazing and soil carbon along a gradient of Alberta rangelands
Authors: Henderson Darcy C. , Ellert Ben H. , Naeth M. Anne ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

The regional scale response of soil carbon mass to long-term grazing exclusion was investigated in the Canadian Great Plains. Vegetation, litter, macro-organic matter and soil were sampled in paired grazed and ungrazed treatments from 9 independent locations along an environmental gradient in southern Alberta. Vegetation and litter carbon mass were greater on ungrazed treatments, but no consistent grazing effect was observed for macro-organic matter (roots, subsurface litter) or soil (fine particles 2mm) carbon mass per equivalent soil mass. Soil carbon in mixed grass prairie was positively correlated with clay content, but no grazing effect could be detected when this subset (n = 7) was analyzed by ANCOVA. Comparison of multiple sites with a consistent sampling and reporting method revealed no general trend in the response of soil carbon to grazing. Current range management practices to maintain range types in good to poor condition appear to be consistent with maintaining the soil organic matter pool in the northern Great Plains.
Integrating 2,4-D and sheep grazing to rehabilitate spotted knapweed infestations
Authors: Sheley Roger L. , Jacobs James S. , Martin John M. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

Effective integrated weed management requires understanding the impacts of management strategies applied alone and in combination. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of 2,4-D and repeated sheep (Ovis aries) grazing applied alone and in combination on spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa Lam.) and perennial grasses. We hypothesized that integrating a single spring 2,4-D application would remove the adult plants, repeated sheep grazing would control rosettes, and spotted knapweed density, cover and biomass would decrease, allowing residual grasses to reoccupy the sites. A single spring 2,4-D application at 2.1 kg a.iha-1, repeated annual sheep grazing of 95% spotted knapweed or 60% grass utilization, and repeated sheep grazing and 2,4-D combined were applied to small pastures at 2 sites in western Montana beginning in 1997 and continued through 2001. Spotted knapweed rosette and flowering plant density, and spotted knapweed and perennial grass cover and biomass were sampled from 1998 through 2001. Spotted knapweed rosette density was 61.7, 34.3, 44.3, and 0.3 m-2 in the control, sheep grazing, 2,4-D, and combined sheep grazing and 2,4-D treatments, respectively, at 1 site in 2001. Spotted knapweed flowering plant density increased from 3.7 in 1998 to 10.7 m-2 in 2002 in the 2,4-D treatment whereas there was no increase in the 2,4-D combined with sheep grazing treatment from 1998 to 2002. Perennial grass biomass was 6.9, 8.4, 25.7, and 19.7 in the control, sheep grazing, 2,4-D, and combined sheep grazing and 2,4-D treatments, respectively, averaged for both sites and 4 years of sampling. Herbicides released perennial grasses from weed competition and changed the weed population from mature, less palatable plants to juvenile plants that were preferred by sheep.
The Journal of Scholarly Publishing in the Ecosystem of Scholarly Communications
Authors: Holzman Alex , Brown Robert
Published: March 2016

The new co-editors give thanks to their predecessors and outline their vision for the journal going forward.
The ‘Thing’ in Martin Heidegger and Georges Bataille: Method, Ritual and Prostitution
Authors: Golob Sacha
Published: March 2016

This article juxtaposes two of the most influential thinkers of the previous century, Georges Bataille and Martin Heidegger: my overarching claim will be that a contrastive approach allows a better understanding of two central dynamics within their work. First, I show that both were deeply troubled by a certain methodological anxiety; namely, that the practice of writing might distort and deform their insights. By employing a comparative strategy, I suggest that we can gain a better understanding of the very specific form this fear takes in them: in each case, it is articulated and justified in terms of the ‘chose’ or ‘Ding’ (‘thing’) or the ‘objet’ or ‘Objekt’ (‘object’). Second, I argue that close textual comparison allows us to identify an important, new dimension in their reactions to this shared anxiety: the thing or object which was originally the site of the anxiety gradually becomes, through a series of ontological and textual shifts, the solution to it. I track this transformation across a range of case studies including Heidegger's later work on the term ‘Ding’ and Bataille's treatment of prostitution. I close by indicating how these results might create avenues for further research.
Climate Change Vulnerabilities and Adaptation Options for Forest Vegetation Management in the Northwestern USA
Authors: Halofsky Jessica , Peterson David
Published: March 2016

Recent vulnerability assessments, conducted in diverse regions in the northwestern United States, indicate that many commonalities exist with respect to projected vulnerabilities to climate change. Dry forests are projected to have significant changes in distribution and abundance of species, partially in response to higher temperature and lower soil moisture, but mostly in response to projected increases in extreme events and disturbances—drought, wildfire, and insect outbreaks. Wildfire and mountain pine beetles have caused extensive mortality across millions of hectares in this region during the past decade, and wildfire area burned is projected to increase 200%–300% by mid-21st century. Science–management partnerships associated with recent assessments have identified an extensive list of adaptation options, including both strategies (general planning) and tactics (on-the-ground projects). Most of the options focus on increasing resilience to disturbances and on reducing current stressors to resource conditions. Adaptation options are generally similar across the biogeographically diverse region covered by assessments, suggesting that there may be a limit on the number of feasible responses to climate change. Federal agencies in the northwestern United States are now using these assessments and adaptation approaches to inform sustainable resource management and planning, mostly through fine tuning of existing practices and policies.
Comparison of Land-Use Regression Modeling with Dispersion and Chemistry Transport Modeling to Assign Air Pollution Concentrations within the Ruhr Area
Authors: Hennig Frauke , Sugiri Dorothea , Tzivian Lilian , Fuks Kateryna , Moebus Susanne , Jöckel Karl-Heinz , Vienneau Danielle , Kuhlbusch Thomas , De Hoogh Kees , Memmesheimer Michael , Jakobs Hermann , Quass Ulrich , Hoffmann Barbara
Published: March 2016

Two commonly used models to assess air pollution concentration for investigating health effects of air pollution in epidemiological studies are Land Use Regression (LUR) models and Dispersion and Chemistry Transport Models (DCTM). Both modeling approaches have been applied in the Ruhr area, Germany, a location where multiple cohort studies are being conducted. Application of these different modelling approaches leads to differences in exposure estimation and interpretation due to the specific characteristics of each model. We aimed to compare both model approaches by means of their respective aims, modeling characteristics, validation, temporal and spatial resolution, and agreement of residential exposure estimation, referring to the air pollutants PM2.5, PM10, and NO2. Residential exposure referred to air pollution exposure at residences of participants of the Heinz Nixdorf Recall Study, located in the Ruhr area. The point-specific ESCAPE (European Study of Cohorts on Air Pollution Effects)-LUR aims to temporally estimate stable long-term exposure to local, mostly traffic-related air pollution with respect to very small-scale spatial variations (≤100 m). In contrast, the EURAD (European Air Pollution Dispersion)-CTM aims to estimate a time-varying average air pollutant concentration in a small area (i.e., 1 km2), taking into account a range of major sources, e.g., traffic, industry, meteorological conditions, and transport. Overall agreement between EURAD-CTM and ESCAPE-LUR was weak to moderate on a residential basis. Restricting EURAD-CTM to sources of local traffic only, respective agreement was good. The possibility of combining the strengths of both applications will be the next step to enhance exposure assessment.
Parameters Influencing Zinc in Experimental Systems in Vivo and in Vitro
Authors: Ollig Johanna , Kloubert Veronika , Weßels Inga , Haase Hajo , Rink Lothar
Published: March 2016

In recent years, the role of zinc in biological systems has been a subject of intense research. Despite wide increase in our knowledge and understanding of zinc homeostasis, numerous questions remain to be answered, encouraging further research. In particular, the quantification of intracellular zinc ions and fluctuation, as well as the function of zinc in signaling processes are being intensely investigated. The determination of free intracellular zinc ions is difficult and error-prone, as concentrations are extremely low (in the pico- to nanomolar range), but techniques exist involving fluorescent probes and sensors. In spite of zinc deficiency being accepted as a global problem, causing death and disease worldwide, to date there are no markers to reliably assess a person’s zinc status. This review summarizes the difficulties and major pitfalls when working with zinc in in vitro and in vivo research. Additionally, it specifies important aspects for zinc substitution and supplementation, including the bioavailability of zinc and its intestinal absorption. In particular, it is intended to help researchers with yet minor experience working with zinc efficiently set up experiments and avoid commonly occurring mistakes, starting with the choice and preparation of reagents and instrumentation, and concluding with possibilities for measuring the status of zinc in humans.
Fluidized Bed Membrane Reactors for Ultra Pure H2 Production—A Step forward towards Commercialization
Authors: Helmi Arash , Fernandez Ekain , Melendez Jon , Pacheco Tanaka David , Gallucci Fausto , Van Sint Annaland Martin
Published: March 2016

In this research the performance of a fluidized bed membrane reactor for high temperature water gas shift and its long term stability was investigated to provide a proof-of-concept of the new system at lab scale. A demonstration unit with a capacity of 1 Nm3/h of ultra-pure H2 was designed, built and operated over 900 h of continuous work. Firstly, the performance of the membranes were investigated at different inlet gas compositions and at different temperatures and H2 partial pressure differences. The membranes showed very high H2 fluxes (3.89 × 10−6 mol·m−2·Pa−1·s−1 at 400 °C and 1 atm pressure difference) with a H2/N2 ideal perm-selectivity (up to 21,000 when integrating five membranes in the module) beyond the DOE 2015 targets. Monitoring the performance of the membranes and the reactor confirmed a very stable performance of the unit for continuous high temperature water gas shift under bubbling fluidization conditions. Several experiments were carried out at different temperatures, pressures and various inlet compositions to determine the optimum operating window for the reactor. The obtained results showed high hydrogen recovery factors, and very low CO concentrations at the permeate side (in average <10 ppm), so that the produced hydrogen can be directly fed to a low temperature PEM fuel cell.
Quorum Sensing Inhibitory Activity of Giganteone A from Myristica cinnamomea King against Escherichia coli Biosensors
Authors: Sivasothy Yasodha , Krishnan Thiba , Chan Kok-Gan , Abdul Wahab Siti , Othman Muhamad , Litaudon Marc , Awang Khalijah
Published: March 2016

Malabaricones A–C (1–3) and giganteone A (4) were isolated from the bark of Myristica cinnamomea King. Their structures were elucidated and characterized by means of NMR and MS spectral analyses. These isolates were evaluated for their anti-quorum sensing activity using quorum sensing biosensors, namely Escherichia coli [pSB401] and Escherichia coli [pSB1075], whereby the potential of giganteone A (4) as a suitable anti-quorum sensing agent was demonstrated.
Trapa japonica Pericarp Extract Reduces LPS-Induced Inflammation in Macrophages and Acute Lung Injury in Mice
Authors: Kim Yon-Suk , Hwang Jin-Woo , Jang Jae-Hyuk , Son Sangkeun , Seo Il-Bok , Jeong Jae-Hyun , Kim Ee-Hwa , Moon Sang-Ho , Jeon Byong-Tae , Park Pyo-Jam
Published: March 2016

In this study, we found that chloroform fraction (CF) from TJP ethanolic extract inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of nitric oxide (NO) and intracellular ROS in RAW264.7 cells. In addition, expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) genes was reduced, as evidenced by western blot. Our results indicate that CF exerts anti-inflammatory effects by down-regulating expression of iNOS and COX-2 genes through inhibition of MAPK (ERK, JNK and p38) and NF-κB signaling. Similarly we also evaluated the effects of CF on LPS-induced acute lung injury. Male Balb/c mice were pretreated with dexamethasone or CF 1 h before intranasal instillation of LPS. Eight hours after LPS administration, the inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were determined. The results indicated that CF inhibited LPS-induced TNF-α and IL-6 production in a dose dependent manner. It was also observed that CF attenuated LPS-induced lung histopathologic changes. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that the protective effect of CF on LPS-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in mice might relate to the suppression of excessive inflammatory responses in lung tissue. Thus, it can be suggested that CF might be a potential therapeutic agent for ALI.
Monitoring Grassland Seasonal Carbon Dynamics, by Integrating MODIS NDVI, Proximal Optical Sampling, and Eddy Covariance Measurements
Authors: Nestola Enrica , Calfapietra Carlo , Emmerton Craig , Wong Christopher , Thayer Donnette , Gamon John
Published: March 2016

This study evaluated the seasonal productivity of a prairie grassland (Mattheis Ranch, in Alberta, Canada) using a combination of remote sensing, eddy covariance, and field sampling collected in 2012–2013. A primary objective was to evaluate different ways of parameterizing the light-use efficiency (LUE) model for assessing net ecosystem fluxes at two sites with contrasting productivity. Three variations on the NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index), differing by formula and footprint, were derived: (1) a narrow-band NDVI (NDVI680,800, derived from mobile field spectrometer readings); (2) a broad-band proxy NDVI (derived from an automated optical phenology station consisting of broad-band radiometers); and (3) a satellite NDVI (derived from MODIS AQUA and TERRA sensors). Harvested biomass, net CO2 flux, and NDVI values were compared to provide a basis for assessing seasonal ecosystem productivity and gap filling of tower flux data. All three NDVIs provided good estimates of dry green biomass and were able to clearly show seasonal changes in vegetation growth and senescence, confirming their utility as metrics of productivity. When relating fluxes and optical measurements, temporal aggregation periods were considered to determine the impact of aggregation on model accuracy. NDVI values from the different methods were also calibrated against fAPARgreen (the fraction of photosynthetically active radiation absorbed by green vegetation) values to parameterize the APARgreen (absorbed PAR) term of the LUE (light use efficiency) model for comparison with measured fluxes. While efficiency was assumed to be constant in the model, this analysis revealed hysteresis in the seasonal relationships between fluxes and optical measurements, suggesting a slight change in efficiency between the first and second half of the growing season. Consequently, the best results were obtained by splitting the data into two stages, a greening phase and a senescence phase, and applying separate fits to these two periods. By incorporating the dynamic irradiance regime, the model based on APARgreen rather than NDVI best captured the high variability of the fluxes and provided a more realistic depiction of missing fluxes. The strong correlations between these optical measurements and independently measured fluxes demonstrate the utility of integrating optical with flux measurements for gap filling, and provide a foundation for using remote sensing to extrapolate from the flux tower to larger regions (upscaling) for regional analysis of net carbon uptake by grassland ecosystems.
Development of a Tri-Axial Cutting Force Sensor for the Milling Process
Authors: Li Yingxue , Zhao Yulong , Fei Jiyou , Zhao You , Li Xiuyuan , Gao Yunxiang
Published: March 2016

This paper presents a three-component fixed dynamometer based on a strain gauge, which reduces output errors produced by the cutting force imposed on different milling positions of the workpiece. A reformative structure of tri-layer cross beams is proposed, sensitive areas were selected, and corresponding measuring circuits were arranged to decrease the inaccuracy brought about by positional variation. To simulate the situation with a milling cutter moving on the workpiece and validate the function of reducing the output errors when the milling position changes, both static calibration and dynamic milling tests were implemented on different parts of the workpiece. Static experiment results indicate that with standard loads imposed, the maximal deviation between the measured forces and the standard inputs is 4.87%. The results of the dynamic milling test illustrate that with identical machining parameters, the differences in output variation between the developed sensor and standard dynamometer are no larger than 6.61%. Both static and dynamic experimental results demonstrate that the developed dynamometer is suitable for measuring milling force imposed on different positions of the workpiece, which shows potential applicability in machining a monitoring system.
Physiological Signal Monitoring Bed for Infants Based on Load-Cell Sensors
Authors: Lee Won , Yoon Heenam , Han Chungmin , Joo Kwang , Park Kwang
Published: March 2016

Ballistocardiographs (BCGs), which record the mechanical activity of the heart, have been a subject of interest for several years because of their advantages in providing unobtrusive physiological measurements. BCGs could also be useful for monitoring the biological signals of infants without the need for physical confinement. In this study, we describe a physiological signal monitoring bed based on load cells and assess an algorithm to extract the heart rate and breathing rate from the measured load-cell signals. Four infants participated in a total of 13 experiments. As a reference signal, electrocardiogram and respiration signals were simultaneously measured using a commercial device. The proposed automatic algorithm then selected the optimal sensor from which to estimate the heartbeat and respiration information. The results from the load-cell sensor signals were compared with those of the reference signals, and the heartbeat and respiration information were found to have average performance errors of 2.55% and 2.66%, respectively. The experimental results verify the positive feasibility of BCG-based measurements in infants.
Paradise Islands? Island States and Environmental Performance
Authors: Jagers Sverker , Povitkina Marina , Sjöstedt Martin , Sundström Aksel
Published: March 2016

Island states have been shown to outperform continental states on a number of large-scale coordination-related outcomes, such as levels of democracy and institutional quality. The argument developed and tested in this article contends that the same kind of logic may apply to islands’ environmental performance, too. However, the empirical analysis shows mixed results. Among the 105 environmental outcomes that we analyzed, being an island only has a positive impact on 20 of them. For example, island states tend to outcompete continental states with respect to several indicators related to water quality but not in aspects related to biodiversity, protected areas, or environmental regulations. In addition, the causal factors previously suggested to make islands outperform continental states in terms of coordination have weak explanatory power in predicting islands’ environmental performance. We conclude the paper by discussing how these interesting findings can be further explored.
Building Damage Assessment Using Scenario Based Tsunami Numerical Analysis and Fragility Curves
Authors: Rehman Khawar , Cho Yong-Sik
Published: March 2016

A combination of a deterministic approach and fragility analysis is applied to assess tsunami damage caused to buildings. The area selected to validate the model is Imwon Port in Korea. The deterministic approach includes numerical modeling of tsunami propagation in the East Sea following an earthquake on the western coast of Japan. The model is based on the linear shallow-water equations (LSWE) augmented with Boussinesq approximation to account for dispersion effects in wave propagation, and coastal wave run-up is modeled by non-linear shallow-water equations (NLSWE). The output from the deterministic model comprises inundation depth. The numerical output is used to perform fragility analysis for buildings vulnerable to flooding by tsunamis in the port area. Recently developed fragility curves—based on the ordinal regression method—are used for damage probability estimates. The extent of structural damage in the areas under a tsunami hazard is identified by the numerical modeling of tsunami features. Our numerical model offers high bathymetric resolution, which enables us to capture flow features at the individual structure level and results in improved estimation of damage probability. This approach can serve as a measure of assessing structure vulnerability for areas with little or no records of tsunami damage and provide planners with a better understanding of structure behavior when a tsunami strikes.
Les apaiseurs de Lille à la fin de l'Ancien Régime.
Authors: Clémens-Denys Catherine
Published: March 2016

La ville de Lille a conservé jusqu'en 1790 une institution judiciaire d'origine médiévale : le tribunal des apaiseurs. Cette petite juridiction est une cour d'arbitrage familière et accessible, ayant pour but la réconciliation entre voisins qui se sont querellés. Les plaignants qui s'y adressent sont des Lillois de condition sociale moyenne, les juges sont des bourgeois ordinaires, choisis chaque année par les curés.

Le tribunal a rendu 356 sentences de 1783 à 1790, déployant une activité modeste, mais régulière, un peu plus soutenue l'été. Ses jugements visent beaucoup plus à la réconciliation (75 %) qu'à la répression (25 %). Le plus souvent, les apaiseurs exigent simplement des excuses publiques pour effacer les injures. Les peines prononcées sont de petites amendes et des pèlerinages expiatoires aux sanctuaires proches.

Par sa proximité et son action conciliatrice, le tribunal des apaiseurs constitue donc une des pièces mineures mais utiles de l'encadrement politico-religieux des sociétés urbaines des Flandres à l'époque moderne, même si des signes de déclin révèlent son inadaptation progressive aux mutations socioculturelles de la fin d'Ancien Régime.
Instant Blood-Mediated Inflammatory Reaction in Hepatocyte Transplantation: Current Status and Future Perspectives
Authors: Lee Charlotte A. , Dhawan Anil , Smith Richard A. , Mitry Ragai R. , Fitzpatrick Emer
Published: March 2016

Hepatocyte transplantation (HT) is emerging as a promising alternative to orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in patients with certain liver-based metabolic disease and acute liver failure. Hepatocytes are generally infused into the portal venous system, from which they migrate into the liver cell plates of the native organ. One of the major hurdles to the sustained success of this therapy is early cell loss, with up to 70% of hepatocytes lost immediately following infusion. This is largely thought to be due to the instant blood-mediated inflammatory reaction (IBMIR), resulting in the activation of complement and coagulation pathways. Transplanted hepatocytes produce and release tissue factor (TF), which activates the coagulation pathway, leading to the formation of thrombin and fibrin clots. Thrombin can further activate a number of complement proteins, leading to the activation of the membrane attack complex (MAC) and subsequent hepatocyte cell death. Inflammatory cells including granulocytes, monocytes, Kupffer cells, and natural killer (NK) cells have been shown to cluster around transplanted hepatocytes, leading to their rapid clearance shortly after transplantation. Current research aims to improve cell engraftment and prevent early cell loss. This has been proven successful in vitro using pharmacological interventions such as melagatran, low-molecular-weight dextran sulphate, and N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Effective inhibition of IBMIR would significantly improve hepatocyte engraftment, proliferation, and function, providing successful treatment for patients with liver-based metabolic diseases.
POROUS PERMEABLE HIGH-ALUMINA CERAMIC MATERIALS FOR MACRO- AND MICROFILTRATION
Authors: Pauliukevich Yurij G. , Kizinievič Olga , Klimash Yurij A. , Hundzilovich Mikalai M. , Girskas Giedrius
Published: March 2016

Designed composition of ceramic mass for high-alumina porous permeable ceramic material for disperse micro hydro systems. The filler used alumina fraction 100–250 microns, as a binder system studied refractory clay Veselovskaya–medicalglass–gibbsite. Formation of material carried by dry pressing at a pressure 60 MPa, the temperature of synthesis was 1250–1350 °C, holding at the maximum temperature – 1 h. The processes occurring in the binder during sintering was investigated. The effect of the sintering temperature of the material, the amount of binder composition on the acid resistance, mechanical strength, porosity and permeability of open high-alumina permeable porous material was investigated. The structure and phase composition of the submissions received, the average pore diameter was 10 mm, it can be used for microfiltration of liquids and gases, the material is homogeneous at the macro level, the structure is represented by an extensive network of channels of pores. Phase composition is represented mainly corundum and mullite.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF A PUBLIC BUILDING RENOVATION AND RECONSTRUCTION USING BASE MODEL PASSIVE HOUSE AND BIM TECHNOLOGY
Authors: Rasiulis Romas , Ustinovichius Leonas , Migilinskas Darius , Cepurnaite Jovita , Virbickas Arvydas
Published: March 2016

Modern constructions, either private houses or public buildings, nowadays must be built meeting all the requirements of the European Union [EU] standards and must be highly energy efficient. Still, there are a lot of old inefficient buildings with high energy costs that require renovation. These buildings can be renovated applying a passive house model that helps to minimize buildings’ heating and cooling energy expenses. Moreover, the decisions made in the stages of early design and preconstruction are essential for the sustainability in a building facility. It is possible to perform various analyses with Building Information Modeling (BIM) in order to have an optimized sustainable building design. BIM system can be used to evaluate and control the costs (e.g. renovation, efficiency) as well as to monitor the conditions during the life-cycle of the building.