bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Competitive Ability of Semileafless Field Pea Cultivars
Authors: Jacob Cory E. , Johnson Eric N. , Dyck Miles F. , Willenborg Christian J.
Published: September 2015

The inclusion of competitive crop cultivars in crop rotations is an important integrated weed management (IWM) tool. However, competitiveness is often not considered a priority for breeding or cultivar selection by growers. Field pea (Pisum sativumL.) is often considered a poor competitor with weeds, but it is not known whether competitiveness varies among semileafless cultivars. The objectives of this study were to determine if semileafless field pea cultivars vary in their ability to compete and/or withstand competition, as well as to identify aboveground trait(s) that may be associated with increased competitive ability. Field experiments were conducted in 2012 and 2013 at three locations in western Canada. Fourteen semileafless field pea cultivars were included in the study representing four different market classes. Cultivars were grown either in the presence or absence of model weeds (wheat and canola), and competitive ability of the cultivars was determined based on their ability to withstand competition (AWC) and their ability to compete (AC). Crop yield, weed biomass and weed fecundity varied among sites but not years. Cultivars exhibited inconsistent differences in competitive ability, although cv. Reward consistently exhibited the lowest AC and AWC. None of the traits measured in this study correlated highly with competitive ability. However, the highest-yielding cultivars generally were those that had the highest AC, whereas cultivars that ranked highest for AWC were associated with lower weed fecundity. Ranking the competitive ability of field pea cultivars could be an important IWM tool for growers and agronomists.
Control of Glyphosate-Resistant Horseweed in Winter Wheat with Pyrasulfotole Premixed with Bromoxynil
Authors: Mahoney Kris J. , Mcnaughton Kristen E. , Sikkema Peter H.
Published: September 2015

Five experiments were conducted over a 2-yr period (2013 and 2014) to evaluate POST herbicides in winter wheat fields with a history of glyphosate-resistant (GR) horseweed. Control 4 wk after treatment (WAT) with pyrasulfotole + bromoxynil was 95%. Control 8 WAT with 2,4-D, dicamba + MCPA + mecoprop, clopyralid, and pyrasulfotole + bromoxynil ranged from 89 to 97%; these herbicides also reduced GR horseweed density and biomass by 97 to 99%. Single mode of action herbicides like 2,4-D controlled GR horseweed; however, multiple modes of action should be used to prevent populations from becoming incrementally more resistant under repeated selection pressure.
Exploring Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Related to Breast and Cervical Cancers in Mongolia: A National Population-Based Survey
Authors: Yerramilli Pooja , Dugee Otgonduya , Enkhtuya Palam , Knaul Felicia M. , Demaio Alessandro R.
Published: September 2015

Background.

Mongolia bears the second-highest cancer burden in the world (5,214 disability-adjusted life years per 100,000 people, age standardized). To determine drivers of the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases, including breast and cervical cancers, a national knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) survey was implemented in 2010.

Methods.

This paper analyzed the results of the 2010 KAP survey, which sampled 3,450 households nationally. Reflecting Mongolian screening policies, women aged 30 and older were included in analyses of questions regarding breast and cervical cancer (n = 1,193). Univariate and multivariate odds ratios (MORs) were derived through logistic regression to determine associations between demographic covariables (residence, age, education, employment) and survey responses.

Results.

This study found that 25.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 23.3–28.3) and 22.1% (95% CI: 19.8–24.5) of female participants aged 30 years or older self-rated their knowledge of breast and cervical cancers, respectively, as “none.” Employment and education were associated with greater awareness of both cancers and participation in screening examinations (p < .05). Clinical breast examinations were more common among rural than urban participants (MOR: 1.492; 95% CI: 1.125–1.979). Of all female participants, 17% (95% CI: 15.3–18.5) knew that cervical cancer is vaccine preventable.

Conclusion.

Our results suggest that cancer control in Mongolia should emphasize health education, particularly among lower-educated, rural, and unemployed women. The health infrastructure should be strengthened to reflect rural to urban migration. Finally, although there is awareness that early detection improves outcomes, a significant proportion of women do not engage in screening. These trends warrant further research on barriers and solutions.

Implications for Practice:

The rising burden of breast and cervical cancers, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, necessitates the development of effective strategies for cancer control. This paper examines barriers to health service use in Mongolia, a country with a high cancer burden. The 2010 national knowledge, attitude and practices survey data indicate that cancer control efforts should focus on improving health education among lower-educated, rural, and unemployed populations, who display the least knowledge of breast and cervical cancers. Moreover, the findings support the need to emphasize individual risk for disease in cancer education and ensure that the health-care infrastructure reflects Mongolia's urbanization.
Validation of Serious Games
Authors: Van der Kooij Katinka , Hoogendoorn Evert , Spijkerman Renske , Visch Valentijn
Published: September 2015

The application of games for behavioral change has seen a surge in popularity but evidence on the efficacy of these games is contradictory. Anecdotal findings seem to confirm their motivational value whereas most quantitative findings from randomized controlled trials (RCT) are negative or difficult to interpret. One cause for the contradictory evidence could be that the standard RCT validation methods are not sensitive to serious games’ effects. To be able to adapt validation methods to the properties of serious games we need a framework that can connect properties of serious game design to the factors that influence the quality of quantitative research outcomes. The Persuasive Game Design model [1] is particularly suitable for this aim as it encompasses the full circle from game design to behavioral change effects on the user. We therefore use this model to connect game design features, such as the gamification method and the intended transfer effect, to factors that determine the conclusion validity of an RCT. In this paper we will apply this model to develop guidelines for setting up validation methods for serious games. This way, we offer game designers and researchers handles on how to develop tailor-made validation methods.
A Model of Climate Policy Using Board Game Mechanics
Authors: Castronova Edward , Knowles Isaac
Published: September 2015

This paper provides a case study of how a board game can be modified to generate a serious game. We argue that board games are an interesting medium for serious games, especially when the goal is to teach players about particularly complex systems. In that case, the transparency of a board game makes it possible for players to “see the whole boards” – to see all of the various moving parts at work. That transparency also makes it very easy to modify board games. To demonstrate these claims, we present a modification to the board game CO2 that accurately models different policy options with regard to global warming. We show how a few major changes to the original game’s point systems, as well as removal of certain extraneous features, can significantly improve the game, adding an instructional value. The game allows players to experiment with several policy options, including carbon taxes, carbon emissions permit sales, and clean energy research support, and lets players see how these policies interact. We discuss ways that teachers, advocates, journalists, and others can the Climate Policy mod to more easily explain the incredibly complex interactions of power markets, carbon dioxide emissions, and public policy.
Encoding Systems and Evolved Message Processing: Pictures Enable Action, Words Enable Thinking
Authors: Lang Annie , Bailey Rachel L. , Connolly Sean Ryan
Published: September 2015

This paper, based on theories of ecological perception, embodied motivated cognition, and evolutionary psychology, proposes that pictures elicit evolved biologically imperative responses more quickly and thoroughly than do words. These biologically imperative responses are directly responsible for evolved automatic reactions away from biological threats (e.g. escaping predators, avoiding disease and noxious stimuli) and towards opportunities (e.g. consuming food, approaching mates, finding shelter) in the environment. When elicited, these responses take time to occur and may delay or interfere with other types of behavior. Thus, when environmental information is presented in pictures (which should elicit larger biological responses than words) biological responses should interfere more with higher order tasks like information processing and cognitive decision-making. To test this proposition we designed an experiment in which participants performed speeded categorizations of 60 pairs of matched pleasant and unpleasant environmental opportunities and threats. They categorized the items based on their form (is this a word or a picture?) or based on how the picture made them feel (is this pleasant or unpleasant to you?). If pictures do elicit greater biologically imperative responses than their word counterparts, participants should be able to make form decisions faster than feeling decisions, especially when presented with words rather than pictures and especially when the words and pictures have less biological relevance. This main proposition was supported. Implications for this proposition in terms of communication theory are discussed.
EU “Mobility” Partnerships: An Initial Assessment of Implementation Dynamics
Authors: Reslow Natasja
Published: September 2015

Cooperation with non-EU countries is a central migration policy priority for the EU, and since 2008 eight Mobility Partnerships have been signed. Given the importance attached to this policy area, it is essential that policy-makers understand how EU external migration policy works in practice. However, the literature on the implementation of EU external migration policy is very limited. This article addresses this deficit, by conducting a conceptual assessment of implementation dynamics in the Mobility Partnerships. At this stage in the implementation process, it is not yet possible to assess whether the Mobility Partnerships have contributed to mobility, which is their stated aim. Instead, the literature on implementation is applied in a “backward” fashion, starting with the implementation dynamics at play. The article concludes that standard analytical frameworks for assessing implementation processes will need to be adapted for “new” policy tools featuring elements of flexibility or voluntary participation, in order to accurately capture implementation processes. Future research should adopt a critical, human rights-centred approach to the issue of implementation of EU external migration policy.
Ecological restoration for river ecosystems: comparing the huangpu river in shanghai and the hudson river in new york
Authors: Wang Xiangrong , Wang Shixiong , Peng Guotao , S. w. katz Daniel , Ling Huanran
Published: September 2015

Starting in the 1960s, a great deal of effort and capital was invested in an endeavor to significantly improve the quality of surface water around the United States, particularly in metropolises like New York City, New York. The Hudson River has been at the forefront of these efforts and has benefited immensely from this campaign. In parts of the developing world, such as China, similar efforts are beginning to gather the same type of momentum. Within the past decade, the Huangpu River, which flows through Shanghai into the Yangtze Estuary of China, has been a target for ecological restoration and management. It is possible to draw parallels between the cleanup efforts involved in improving the environmental conditions of the Huangpu and Hudson Rivers. Using the methodologies of series comparison (SCM), water quality index (WQI) modeling, consideration of ecological engineering, and policy strategy design, we comparatively studied the topography, functions, environmental conditions, ecological engineering countermeasures, and management policies of the two rivers to assist future forecasting of ecological restoration efforts in China.
Factors affecting female space use in ten populations of prairie chickens
Authors: Winder Virginia L. , Carrlson Kaylan M. , Gregory Andrew J. , Hagen Christian A. , Haukos David A. , Kesler Dylan C. , Larsson Lena C. , Matthews Ty W. , McNew Lance B. , Patten Michael A. , Pitman Jim C. , Powell Larkin A. , Smith Jennifer A. , Thompson Tom , Wolfe Donald H. , Sandercock Brett K.
Published: September 2015

Conservation of wildlife depends on an understanding of the interactions between animal movements and key landscape factors. Habitat requirements of wide‐ranging species often vary spatially, but quantitative assessment of variation among replicated studies at multiple sites is rare. We investigated patterns of space use for 10 populations of two closely related species of prairie grouse: Greater Prairie‐Chickens (Tympanuchus cupido) and Lesser Prairie‐Chickens (T. pallidicinctus). Prairie chickens require large, intact tracts of native grasslands, and are umbrella species for conservation of prairie ecosystems in North America. We used resource utilization functions to investigate space use by female prairie chickens during the 6‐month breeding season from March through August in relation to lek sites, habitat conditions, and anthropogenic development. Our analysis included data from 382 radio‐marked individuals across a major portion of the extant range. Our project is a unique opportunity to study comparative space use of prairie chickens, and we employed standardized methods that facilitated direct comparisons across an ecological gradient of study sites. Median home range size of females varied ~10‐fold across 10 sites (3.6–36.7 km2), and home ranges tended to be larger at sites with higher annual precipitation. Proximity to lek sites was a strong and consistent predictor of space use for female prairie chickens at all 10 sites. The relative importance of other predictors of space use varied among sites, indicating that generalized habitat management guidelines may not be appropriate for these two species. Prairie chickens actively selected for prairie habitats, even at sites where ~90% of the land cover within the study area was prairie. A majority of the females monitored in our study (>95%) had activity centers within 5 km of leks, suggesting that conservation efforts can be effectively concentrated near active lek sites. Our data on female space use suggest that lek surveys of male prairie chickens can indirectly assess habitat suitability for females during the breeding season. Lek monitoring and surveys for new leks provide information on population trends, but can also guide management actions aimed at improving nesting and brood‐rearing habitats.
Colder rotifers grow larger but only in oxygenated waters
Authors: Czarnoleski Marcin , Ejsmont-Karabin Jolanta , Angilletta Michael J. , Kozlowski Jan
Published: September 2015

Why do colder ectotherms grow more slowly but mature at a larger size? Some researchers have argued that oxygen supply and demand play a crucial role in these processes, but many studies conflated the effects of oxygen and temperature. We studied the body sizes of rotifers (Keratella cochlearis) at different depths in 20 European lakes, taking advantage of gradients in oxygen and temperature during summer, when dense, cool waters sink to low depths and become hypoxic. Rotifers were larger in colder waters, but only in the presence of abundant oxygen. In hypoxic waters, rotifers remained small regardless of temperature. We propose that oxygen supply generates a ceiling for maximal possible body size, especially in environments that elevate metabolic demands. Under this condition, any of several processes—developmental plasticity, genetic divergence, size‐dependent mortality, or size‐dependent selection of microhabitats—could cause a wider range of body sizes in more oxygenated waters, where the maximal possible size exceeds the adaptive size at any temperature.
Malaria control and senescence: the importance of accounting for the pace and shape of aging in wild mosquitoes
Authors: Ryan Sadie J. , Ben-Horin Tal , Johnson Leah R.
Published: September 2015

The assumption that vector mortality remains constant with age is used widely to assess malaria transmission risk and predict the public health consequences of vector control strategies. However, laboratory studies commonly demonstrate clear evidence of senescence, or a decrease in physiological function and increase in vector mortality rate with age. Despite recognition of its importance, practical limitations have stifled definitive observations of mosquito senescence in the wild, where rates of extrinsic mortality are much higher than those observed under protected laboratory conditions. We developed methods to integrate available field data to understand mortality in wild Anopheles gambiae, the most import vector of malaria in sub‐Saharan Africa. We found evidence for an increase in rates of mortality with age. As expected, we also found that overall mortality is far greater in wild cohorts than commonly observed under protected laboratory conditions. The magnitude of senescence increases with An. gambiae lifespan, implying that most wild mosquitoes die long before cohorts can exhibit strong senescence. We reviewed available published mortality studies of Anopheles spp. to confirm this fundamental prediction of aging in wild populations. Senescence becomes most apparent in long‐living mosquito cohorts; cohorts with low extrinsic mortality, such as protected laboratory cohorts, suffer a relatively high proportion of senescent deaths. Imprecision in estimates of vector mortality and changes in mortality with age will severely bias models of vector borne disease transmission risk, such as malaria, and the sensitivity of transmission to bias increases as the extrinsic incubation period of the parasite decreases. While we focus here on malaria, we caution that future transmission models of anti‐vectorial interventions must incorporate both realistic mortality rates and age‐dependent changes in mortality.
Adjunctive Non‐Surgical Therapy of Inflamed Periodontal Pockets During Maintenance Therapy Using Diode Laser: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Nguyen Naomi‐Trang , Byarlay Matthew R. , Reinhardt Richard A. , Marx David B. , Meinberg Trudy A. , Kaldahl Wayne B.
Published: September 2015

Background: Numerous studies have documented the clinical outcomes of laser therapy for untreated periodontitis, but very few have reported on lasers treating inflamed pockets during maintenance therapy. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of scaling and root planing (SRP) plus the adjunctive use of diode laser therapy to SRP alone on changes in the clinical parameters of disease and on the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) inflammatory mediator interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) in patients receiving regular periodontal maintenance therapy.

Methods: This single‐masked and randomized, controlled, prospective study includes 22 patients receiving regular periodontal maintenance therapy who had one or more periodontal sites with a probing depth (PD) ≥5 mm with bleeding on probing (BOP). Fifty‐six sites were treated with SRP and adjunctive laser therapy (SRP + L). Fifty‐eight sites were treated with SRP alone. Clinical parameters, including PD, clinical attachment level (CAL), and BOP, and GCF IL‐1β levels were measured immediately before treatment (baseline) and 3 months after treatment.

Results: Sites treated with SRP + L and SRP alone resulted in statistically significant reductions in PD and BOP and gains in CAL. These changes were not significantly different between the two therapies. Similarly, differences in GCF IL‐1β levels between SRP + L and SRP alone were not statistically significant.

Conclusion: In periodontal maintenance patients, SRP + L did not enhance clinical outcomes compared to SRP alone in the treatment of inflamed sites with ≥5 mm PD.
The Incremental Effects of Manual Therapy or Booster Sessions in Addition to Exercise Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Abbott J. Haxby , Chapple Catherine M. , Fitzgerald G. Kelley , Fritz Julie M. , Childs John D. , Harcombe Helen , Stout Kirsten
Published: September 2015

Study Design

A factorial randomized controlled trial.

Objectives

To investigate the addition of manual therapy to exercise therapy for the reduction of pain and increase of physical function in people with knee osteoarthritis (OA), and whether “booster sessions” compared to consecutive sessions may improve outcomes.

Background

The benefits of providing manual therapy in addition to exercise therapy, or of distributing treatment sessions over time using periodic booster sessions, in people with knee OA are not well established.

Methods

All participants had knee OA and were provided 12 sessions of multimodal exercise therapy supervised by a physical therapist. Participants were randomly allocated to 1 of 4 groups: exercise therapy in consecutive sessions, exercise therapy distributed over a year using booster sessions, exercise therapy plus manual therapy without booster sessions, and exercise therapy plus manual therapy with booster sessions. The primary outcome measure was the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC score; 0–240 scale) at 1-year follow-up. Secondary outcome measures were the numeric pain-rating scale and physical performance tests.

Results

Of 75 participants recruited, 66 (88%) were retained at 1-year follow-up. Factorial analysis of covariance of the main effects showed significant benefit from booster sessions (P = .009) and manual therapy (P = .023) over exercise therapy alone. Group analysis showed that exercise therapy with booster sessions (WOMAC score, −46.0 points; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −80.0, −12.0) and exercise therapy plus manual therapy (WOMAC score, −37.5 points; 95% CI: −69.7, −5.5) had superior effects compared with exercise therapy alone. The combined strategy of exercise therapy plus manual therapy with booster sessions was not superior to exercise therapy alone.

Conclusion

Distributing 12 sessions of exercise therapy over a year in the form of booster sessions was more effective than providing 12 consecutive exercise therapy sessions. Providing manual therapy in addition to exercise therapy improved treatment effectiveness compared to providing 12 consecutive exercise therapy sessions alone. Trial registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12612000460808).

Level of Evidence

Therapy, level 1b-. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2015;45(12):975–983. Epub 28 Sep 2015. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.6015
Health Status of Children of Chepang and Other Communities of Nepal
Authors: Ghimire MN
Published: September 2015

Background: The study was conducted among the children and parents of Chepang community to know their health status in comparison with other communities. Chepang is an indigenous ethnic group living in Central and Southern Nepal especially in Chitawan, Gorkha and Dhading districts and also known as one of the isolated tribal groups of Nepal. They have their own language known as Chepang but is called Chyo-bang by the people themselves. The Chepang settlement is often on very steep land, unfertile and not easily accessible.Methods: The study was cross-sectional descriptive design. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the 38 children and their parents from the Brahmin/Chhetri, Ethnic groups, Chepang and Dalit.Result: Only 42% respondents had reported that they had visited hospital for checkups during the time of pregnancy. Among them only 11% Chepang had visited hospital. Similarly, 79% reported the use of iron tablets during the pregnancy and after post-delivery periods. In the same way, 95% reported that they had given birth to a child at home. In an average, 17% children of Chepang had better height, weight and thickness of arm than other communities' children.Conclusion: Chepang are found back in health seeking practices than the other communities. Cent percent mother had reported that they had given the birth of 1st baby before 20 years of her age. Though, health status of Chepang children found better than other communities' children.Journal of Advanced Academic Research Vol.1(1) 2014: 24-28
Window-Dressing Objectives of Nepalese Non-Government Organizations: Reasons and Implications
Authors: Shrestha Keshav Prasad
Published: September 2015

Non-government organizations in Nepal upped their profile significantly during the deepening armed socio-political conflict in Nepal from 1996 to 2006. New non-government organizations came into being at an increasable speed and the established ones expanded their working profile. As stipulated in Nepalese law, the NGOs are supposed to be purely social organization with not-for-profit motive. This study, however, finds out most of the non-government organizations in Nepal are working to meet vested interest, mainly to satisfy livelihood needs of the non-government organization operators. The window-dressing objectives of Nepalese non-government organization workers have manifold forms ranging from seeking employment to satisfying political interests. The Nepalese government is suggested to tighten up the manipulative operations of non-government organizations by implementing rigid monitoring of non-government organizations operations or open up a policy gateway to register non-government organizations with “earn, survive and serve” objectives.Journal of Advanced Academic Research Vol.1(1) 2014: 36-42
International Marketing Strategy as Determinants of Export Performance in Nepalese Handicraft Sector
Authors: Lingden Binod
Published: September 2015

Increased globalization of trade has led to a growing number of firm's focus on high-growth export market. The spotlight on activity export has also attracted the attention of academics. This study aims at explaining the marketing strategy as determinants of export performance in Nepalese handicraft sector.Journal of Advanced Academic Research Vol.1(1) 2014: 85-87
Analysis of Losses in Open Circuit Voltage for an 18-μm Silicon Solar Cell
Authors: Wang Lu , Han Jianshu , Lochtefeld Anthony , Gerger Andrew , Barnett Allen
Published: September 2015

An 18 μm thin crystalline silicon solar cell was demonstrated, and its best open circuit voltage is 642.3 mV. However, this value is far from the cell’s theoretical upper limit in an ideal case. This paper explores the open circuit voltage losses of the thin silicon solar cell, starting from the ideal case, through first principle calculation and experiments. The open circuit voltage losses come from the introduced recombination due to the non-ideal surface passivation and contacts integration on front and rear surfaces, and edge isolation. This paper presents a roadmap of the open circuit voltage reduction from an ideal case of 767.0 mV to the best measured value of 642.3 mV.
The Scalp Confounds Near-Infrared Signal from Rat Brain Following Innocuous and Noxious Stimulation
Authors: He Ji-Wei , Liu Hanli , Peng Yuan
Published: September 2015

Functional near-infrared imaging (fNIRI) is a non-invasive, low-cost and highly portable technique for assessing brain activity and functions. Both clinical and experimental evidence suggest that fNIRI is able to assess brain activity at associated regions during pain processing, indicating a strong possibility of using fNIRI-derived brain activity pattern as a biomarker for pain. However, it remains unclear how, especially in small animals, the scalp influences fNIRI signal in pain processing. Previously, we have shown that the use of a multi-channel system improves the spatial resolution of fNIRI in rats (without the scalp) during pain processing. Our current work is to investigate a scalp effect by comparing with new data from rats with the scalp during innocuous or noxious stimulation (n = 6). Results showed remarkable stimulus-dependent differences between the no-scalp and intact-scalp groups. In conclusion, the scalp confounded the fNIRI signal in pain processing likely via an autonomic mechanism; the scalp effect should be a critical factor in image reconstruction and data interpretation.
Clinical Implications of Hedgehog Pathway Signaling in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Suzman Daniel , Antonarakis Emmanuel
Published: September 2015

Activity in the Hedgehog pathway, which regulates GLI-mediated transcription, is important in organogenesis and stem cell regulation in self-renewing organs, but is pathologically elevated in many human malignancies. Mutations leading to constitutive activation of the pathway have been implicated in medulloblastoma and basal cell carcinoma, and inhibition of the pathway has demonstrated clinical responses leading to the approval of the Smoothened inhibitor, vismodegib, for the treatment of advanced basal cell carcinoma. Aberrant Hedgehog pathway signaling has also been noted in prostate cancer with evidence suggesting that it may render prostate epithelial cells tumorigenic, drive the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and contribute towards the development of castration-resistance through autocrine and paracrine signaling within the tumor microenvironment and cross-talk with the androgen pathway. In addition, there are emerging clinical data suggesting that inhibition of the Hedgehog pathway may be effective in the treatment of recurrent and metastatic prostate cancer. Here we will review these data and highlight areas of active clinical research as they relate to Hedgehog pathway inhibition in prostate cancer.
The Mesothelial Origin of Carcinoma Associated-Fibroblasts in Peritoneal Metastasis
Authors: Rynne-Vidal Angela , Jiménez-Heffernan José , Fernández-Chacón Concepción , López-Cabrera Manuel , Sandoval Pilar
Published: September 2015

Solid tumors are complex and unstructured organs that, in addition to cancer cells, also contain other cell types. Carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) represent an important population in the tumor microenviroment and participate in several stages of tumor progression, including cancer cell migration/invasion and metastasis. During peritoneal metastasis, cancer cells detach from the primary tumor, such as ovarian or gastrointestinal, disseminate through the peritoneal fluid and colonize the peritoneum. Tumor cells metastasize by attaching to and invading through the mesothelial cell (MC) monolayer that lines the peritoneal cavity, then colonizing the submesothelial compact zone where CAFs accumulate. CAFs may derive from different sources depending on the surrounding metastatic niche. In peritoneal metastasis, a sizeable subpopulation of CAFs originates from MCs through a mesothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (MMT), which promotes adhesion, invasion, vascularization and subsequent tumor growth. The bidirectional communication between cancer cells and MC-derived CAFs via secretion of a wide range of cytokines, growth factors and extracellular matrix components seems to be crucial for the establishment and progression of the metastasis in the peritoneum. This manuscript provides a comprehensive review of novel advances in understanding how peritoneal CAFs provide cancer cells with a supportive microenvironment, as well as the development of future therapeutic approaches by interfering with the MMT in the peritoneum.
Thermodynamic Analysis of Closed Steady or Cyclic Systems
Authors: McGovern Jim
Published: September 2015

Closed, steady or cyclic thermodynamic systems, which have temperature variations over their boundaries, can represent an extremely large range of plants, devices or natural objects, such as combined heating, cooling and power plants, computers and data centres, and planets. Energy transfer rates can occur across the boundary, which are characterized as heat or work. We focus on the finite time thermodynamics aspects, on energy-based performance parameters, on rational efficiency and on the environmental reference temperature. To do this, we examine the net work rate of a closed, steady or cyclic system bounded by thermal resistances linked to isothermal reservoirs in terms of the first and second laws of thermodynamics. Citing relevant references from the literature, we propose a methodology that can improve the thermodynamic analysis of an energy-transforming or an exergy-destroying plant. Through the reflections and analysis presented, we have found an explanation of the second law that clarifies the link between the Clausius integral of heat over temperature and the reference temperature of the Gouy–Stodola theorem. With this insight and approach, the specification of the environmental reference temperature in exergy analysis becomes more solid. We have explained the relationship between the Curzon Ahlborn heat engine and an irreversible Carnot heat engine. We have outlined the nature of subsystem rational efficiencies and have found Rant’s anergy to play an important role. We postulate that heat transfer through thermal resistance is the sole basis of irreversibility.
Sustainable Power Supply Solutions for Off-Grid Base Stations
Authors: Aris Asma , Shabani Bahman
Published: September 2015

The telecommunication sector plays a significant role in shaping the global economy and the way people share information and knowledge. At present, the telecommunication sector is liable for its energy consumption and the amount of emissions it emits in the environment. In the context of off-grid telecommunication applications, off-grid base stations (BSs) are commonly used due to their ability to provide radio coverage over a wide geographic area. However, in the past, the off-grid BSs usually relied on emission-intensive power supply solutions such as diesel generators. In this review paper, various types of solutions (including, in particular, the sustainable solutions) for powering BSs are discussed. The key aspects in designing an ideal power supply solution are reviewed, and these mainly include the pre-feasibility study and the thermal management of BSs, which comprise heating and cooling of the BS shelter/cabinets and BS electronic equipment and power supply components. The sizing and optimization approaches used to design the BSs’ power supply systems as well as the operational and control strategies adopted to manage the power supply systems are also reviewed in this paper.
WIND-STORM: A Decision Support System for the Strategic Management of Windthrow Crises by the Forest Community
Authors: Riguelle Simon , Hébert Jacques , Jourez Benoit
Published: September 2015

Storms are one of the most damaging agents for European forests and can cause huge and long-term economic impacts on the forest sector. Recent events and research haves contributed to a better understanding and management of destructive storms, but public authorities still lack appropriate decision-support tools for evaluating their strategic decisions in the aftermath of a storm. This paper presents a decision support system (DSS) that compares changes in the dynamics of the regional forest-based sector after storm events under various crisis management options. First, the development and implementation of a regional forest model is addressed; then, the potential application of the model-based DSS WIND-STORM is illustrated. The results of simulated scenarios reveal that this DSS type is useful for designing a cost-effective regional strategy for storm-damage management in the context of scarce public resources and that public strategies must encompass the whole forest-based sector to be efficient. Additional benefits of such a DSS is to bring together decision-makers and forest stakeholders for a common objective and therefore to enhance participatory approaches to crisis management.
An Uneven Playing Field: Regulatory Barriers to Communities Making a Living from the Timber from Their Forests–Examples from Cambodia, Nepal and Vietnam
Authors: Gritten David , Greijmans Martin , Lewis Sophie , Sokchea Tol , Atkinson Julian , Quang Tan , Poudyal Bishnu , Chapagain Binod , Sapkota Lok , Mohns Bernhard , Paudel Naya
Published: September 2015

Community forestry (CF) is widely viewed as the solution to many of the challenges facing forest management and governance in the Asia-Pacific region. However, it is often felt that CF is not delivering on its potential. This paper focuses on one possible limitation: the role of regulations in curbing communities’ ability to make a living from their timber resources. The work covers Cambodia, Nepal and Vietnam, using policy analyses, national level experts’ workshops, and focus group discussions in two CF sites in each country. The results highlight the fact that there are numerous, often prohibitive, regulations in place. One challenge is the regulations’ complexity, often requiring a level of capacity far beyond the ability of community members and local government staff. The paper puts forward various recommendations including simplifying regulations and making them more outcome-based, and facilitating key stakeholders, including government and community based organizations, working together on the design and piloting of forest monitoring based on mutually agreed forest management outcomes. The recommendations reflect the belief that for CF to succeed, communities must be allowed to make a meaningful living from their forests, a result of which would be increased investment in sustainable forest management.
Evolution of Decisions in Population Games with Sequentially Searching Individuals
Authors: Priklopil Tadeas , Chatterjee Krishnendu
Published: September 2015

In many social situations, individuals endeavor to find the single best possible partner, but are constrained to evaluate the candidates in sequence. Examples include the search for mates, economic partnerships, or any other long-term ties where the choice to interact involves two parties. Surprisingly, however, previous theoretical work on mutual choice problems focuses on finding equilibrium solutions, while ignoring the evolutionary dynamics of decisions. Empirically, this may be of high importance, as some equilibrium solutions can never be reached unless the population undergoes radical changes and a sufficient number of individuals change their decisions simultaneously. To address this question, we apply a mutual choice sequential search problem in an evolutionary game-theoretical model that allows one to find solutions that are favored by evolution. As an example, we study the influence of sequential search on the evolutionary dynamics of cooperation. For this, we focus on the classic snowdrift game and the prisoner’s dilemma game.
Gut Microbiota: A Modulator of Brain Plasticity and Cognitive Function in Ageing
Authors: Leung Katherine , Thuret Sandrine
Published: September 2015

Gut microbiota have recently been a topic of great interest in the field of microbiology, particularly their role in normal physiology and its influence on human health in disease. A large body of research has supported the presence of a pathway of communication between the gut and the brain, modulated by gut microbiota, giving rise to the term “microbiota-gut-brain” axis. It is now thought that, through this pathway, microbiota can affect behaviour and modulate brain plasticity and cognitive function in ageing. This review summarizes the evidence supporting the existence of such a connection and possible mechanisms of action whereby microbiota can influence the function of the central nervous system. Since normalisation of gut flora has been shown to prevent changes in behaviour, we further postulate on possible therapeutic targets to intervene with cognitive decline in ageing. The research poses various limitations, for example uncertainty about how this data translates to broad human populations. Nonetheless, the microbiota-gut-brain axis is an exciting field worthy of further investigation, particularly with regards to its implications on the ageing population.
Temporal and Spatial Simulation of Atmospheric Pollutant PM2.5 Changes and Risk Assessment of Population Exposure to Pollution Using Optimization Algorithms of the Back Propagation-Artificial Neural Network Model and GIS
Authors: Zhang Ping , Hong Bo , He Liang , Cheng Fei , Zhao Peng , Wei Cailiang , Liu Yunhui
Published: September 2015

PM2.5 pollution has become of increasing public concern because of its relative importance and sensitivity to population health risks. Accurate predictions of PM2.5 pollution and population exposure risks are crucial to developing effective air pollution control strategies. We simulated and predicted the temporal and spatial changes of PM2.5 concentration and population exposure risks, by coupling optimization algorithms of the Back Propagation-Artificial Neural Network (BP-ANN) model and a geographical information system (GIS) in Xi’an, China, for 2013, 2020, and 2025. Results indicated that PM2.5 concentration was positively correlated with GDP, SO2, and NO2, while it was negatively correlated with population density, average temperature, precipitation, and wind speed. Principal component analysis of the PM2.5 concentration and its influencing factors’ variables extracted four components that accounted for 86.39% of the total variance. Correlation coefficients of the Levenberg-Marquardt (trainlm) and elastic (trainrp) algorithms were more than 0.8, the index of agreement (IA) ranged from 0.541 to 0.863 and from 0.502 to 0.803 by trainrp and trainlm algorithms, respectively; mean bias error (MBE) and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) indicated that the predicted values were very close to the observed values, and the accuracy of trainlm algorithm was better than the trainrp. Compared to 2013, temporal and spatial variation of PM2.5 concentration and risk of population exposure to pollution decreased in 2020 and 2025. The high-risk areas of population exposure to PM2.5 were mainly distributed in the northern region, where there is downtown traffic, abundant commercial activity, and more exhaust emissions. A moderate risk zone was located in the southern region associated with some industrial pollution sources, and there were mainly low-risk areas in the western and eastern regions, which are predominantly residential and educational areas.
Comparison of Hourly PM2.5 Observations Between Urban and Suburban Areas in Beijing, China
Authors: Yao Ling , Lu Ning , Yue Xiafang , Du Jia , Yang Cundong
Published: September 2015

Hourly PM2.5 observations collected at 12 stations over a 1-year period are used to identify variations between urban and suburban areas in Beijing. The data demonstrates a unique monthly variation form, as compared with other major cities. Urban areas suffer higher PM2.5 concentration (about 92 μg/m3) than suburban areas (about 77 μg/m3), and the average PM2.5 concentration in cold season (about 105 μg/m3) is higher than warm season (about 78 μg/m3). Hourly PM2.5 observations exhibit distinct seasonal, diurnal and day-of-week variations. The diurnal variation of PM2.5 is observed with higher concentration at night and lower value at daytime, and the cumulative growth of nighttime (22:00 p.m. in winter) PM2.5 concentration maybe due to the atmospheric stability. Moreover, annual average PM2.5 concentrations are about 18 μg/m3 higher on weekends than weekdays, consistent with driving restrictions on weekdays. Additionally, the nighttime peak in weekdays (21:00 p.m.) is one hour later than weekends (20:00 p.m.) which also shows the evidence of human activity. These observed facts indicate that the variations of PM2.5 concentration between urban and suburban areas in Beijing are influenced by complex meteorological factors and human activities.
Ultimate Aims and Prospects of Inventions
Authors: Liu Chien-Hung , Chang Shoou-Jinn
Published: September 2015

Scholars from academic units and research personnel from company research departments are welcome to contribute research papers which are innovative and inventive to the journal Inventions, the founding of which has been embodied with three very important aims: The first is the timely publication, spread and promotion of innovative and inventive research papers. [...]
Strong Static Magnetic Fields Increase the Gel Signal in Partially Hydrated DPPC/DMPC Membranes
Authors: Tang Jennifer , Alsop Richard , Schmalzl Karin , Epand Richard , Rheinstädter Maikel
Published: September 2015

It was recently reported that static magnetic fields increase lipid order in the hydrophobic membrane core of dehydrated native plant plasma membranes [Poinapen, Soft Matter 9:6804-6813, 2013]. As plasma membranes are multicomponent, highly complex structures, in order to elucidate the origin of this effect, we prepared model membranes consisting of a lipid species with low and high melting temperature. By controlling the temperature, bilayers coexisting of small gel and fluid domains were prepared as a basic model for the plasma membrane core. We studied molecular order in mixed lipid membranes made of dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC) and dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) using neutron diffraction in the presence of strong static magnetic fields up to 3.5 T. The contribution of the hydrophobic membrane core was highlighted through deuterium labeling the lipid acyl chains. There was no observable effect on lipid organization in fluid or gel domains at high hydration of the membranes. However, lipid order was found to be enhanced at a reduced relative humidity of 43%: a magnetic field of 3.5 T led to an increase of the gel signal in the diffraction patterns of 5%. While all biological materials have weak diamagnetic properties, the corresponding energy is too small to compete against thermal disorder or viscous effects in the case of lipid molecules. We tentatively propose that the interaction between the fatty acid chains’ electric moment and the external magnetic field is driving the lipid tails in the hydrophobic membrane core into a better ordered state.
Hydrophilic Surface Modification of PDMS Microchannel for O/W and W/O/W Emulsions
Authors: Bashir Shazia , Bashir Muhammad , Solvas Xavier , Rees Julia , Zimmerman William
Published: September 2015

A surface modification method for bonded polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microchannels is presented herein. Polymerization of acrylic acid was performed on the surface of a microchannel using an inline atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier microplasma technique. The surface treatment changes the wettability of the microchannel from hydrophobic to hydrophilic. This is a challenging task due to the fast hydrophobic recovery of the PDMS surface after modification. This modification allows the formation of highly monodisperse oil-in-water (O/W) droplets. The generation of water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) double emulsions was successfully achieved by connecting in series a hydrophobic microchip with a modified hydrophilic microchip. An original channel blocking technique to pattern the surface wettability of a specific section of a microchip using a viscous liquid comprising a mixture of honey and glycerol, is also presented for generating W/O/W emulsions on a single chip.