bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anisotropic-Cyclicgraphene: A New Two-Dimensional Semiconducting Carbon Allotrope
Authors: Maździarz Marcin , Mrozek Adam , Kuś Wacław , Burczyński Tadeusz
Published: March 2018

A potentially new, single-atom thick semiconducting 2D-graphene-like material, called Anisotropic-cyclicgraphene , has been generated by the two stage searching strategy linking molecular and ab initio approach. The candidate was derived from the evolutionary-based algorithm and molecular simulations was then profoundly analysed using first-principles density functional theory from the structural, mechanical, phonon, and electronic properties point of view. The proposed polymorph of graphene (rP16-P1m1) is mechanically, dynamically, and thermally stable and can achieve semiconducting with a direct band gap of 0.829 eV.
A Reconstruction Method for the Estimation of Temperatures of Multiple Sources Applied for Nanoparticle-Mediated Hyperthermia
Authors: Steinberg Idan , Tamir Gil , Gannot Israel
Published: March 2018

Solid malignant tumors are one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Many times complete removal is not possible and alternative methods such as focused hyperthermia are used. Precise control of the hyperthermia process is imperative for the successful application of such treatment. To that end, this research presents a fast method that enables the estimation of deep tissue heat distribution by capturing and processing the transient temperature at the boundary based on a bio-heat transfer model. The theoretical model is rigorously developed and thoroughly validated by a series of experiments. A 10-fold improvement is demonstrated in resolution and visibility on tissue mimicking phantoms. The inverse problem is demonstrated as well with a successful application of the model for imaging deep-tissue embedded heat sources. Thereby, allowing the physician then ability to dynamically evaluate the hyperthermia treatment efficiency in real time.
β-Asarone Inhibits Invasion and EMT in Human Glioma U251 Cells by Suppressing Splicing Factor HnRNP A2/B1
Authors: Li Li , Wu Mingxia , Wang Chengqiang , Yu Zanyang , Wang Hongmei , Qi Hongyi , Xu Xiaoyu
Published: March 2018

β-asarone, the main component in the volatile oil of Acori tatarinowii Rhizoma, has been found to possess antitumor activity. However, its effect and mechanisms against tumor invasion and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) are still unclear. In this study, no or less cytotoxicity was caused by β-asarone within 0–120 μM in human glioma U251 cells for 48 h. β-asarone (30 and 60 μM) inhibited the migration of U251 cells in the wound healing assay, suppressed the invasion of U251 cells in the Boyden chamber invasion assay, and inhibited the adhesion of U251 cells onto the Matrigel. Moreover, β-asarone suppressed EMT with the up-regulation of E-cadherin and the down-regulation of vimentin. HnRNP A2/B1, a well-characterized oncogenic protein, was shown at a high basal level in U251 cells and β-asarone reduced hnRNP A2/B1 expression in a concentration and time-dependent way. Importantly, hnRNP A2/B1 overexpression significantly counteracted the inhibition of β-asarone on the migration, invasion, and adhesion of U251 cells and reversed the modulation of EMT markers by β-asarone. Additionally, β-asarone decreased the MMP-9 and p-STAT3 in U251 cells, which was also reversed by hnRNP A2/B1 overexpression. Together, our results suggest that hnRNP A2/B1 may be a potential molecular target underlying the inhibitory effect of β-asarone on invasion and EMT in glioma cells.
Cardiorespiratory Fitness as a Mediator of the Influence of Diet on Obesity in Children
Authors: Lahoz-García Noelia , García-Hermoso Antonio , Milla-Tobarra Marta , Díez-Fernández Ana , Soriano-Cano Alba , Martínez-Vizcaíno Vicente
Published: March 2018

The association between diet and obesity has been widely studied and it continues to be controversial; however, the extent to which cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) acts as a confounder or mediator in this relation has not been analyzed. The aim of this study is to examine if the relation between diet and obesity is mediated by CRF. In this cross-sectional study, fat mass (by electronic bioimpedance) was measured in 320 schoolchildren, aged 9–11 years. Diet was measured through two computerised 24-h dietary recalls and CRF was assessed by the 20-m shuttle run test. Simple mediation analyses were fitted. CRF acts as a partial mediator in the negative relationship between dietary factors (energy intake/weight, carbohydrate intake/weight, protein intake/weight, and fat intake/weight) and fat mass. The percentage of mediation ranged from 24.3 to 33.2%. Thus, Spanish schoolchildren with higher levels of energy and macronutrients intake had lower adiposity levels, especially when they had good levels of CRF.
The Effect of Vitamins on Glaucoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ramdas Wishal , Schouten Jan , Webers Carroll
Published: March 2018

Background: The aim of is to determine the association of vitamins with glaucoma by performing a systematic review and meta-analyses. Methods: Studies on the relation of vitamins and glaucoma published up to December 2017 were identified in the PubMed and Embase database. Data on vitamins (method of assessment), glaucoma (type and method of assessment), study characteristics and quality were recorded. In case of multiple studies for one nutrient a meta-analysis was performed. Results: A total of 629 articles were identified of which 36 were included in the systematic review. The meta-analysis included five of them (940 open-angle glaucoma (OAG) cases and 123,697 controls in total) and resulted in an odds ratio [95% confidence interval] (OR [95% CI]) of 0.58 [0.37–0.91] for dietary vitamin A, though heterogeneity was high (I2 = 51%). After omitting studies that contributed significantly to the heterogeneity, the pooled OR [95% CI] was 0.45 [0.30–0.68] for dietary vitamin A on OAG (I2 = 0%). For vitamin B1, C and E no significant association with OAG was found (OR [95% CI]: 0.84 [0.47–1.51]; 0.68 [0.38–1.22]; 0.95 [0.75–1.19]; respectively). However, after addressing heterogeneity, vitamin C showed a protective effect as well. Especially, foods high in these vitamins (e.g., dark green vegetables) were protective for OAG. Conclusions: Dietary intake of vitamin A and C showed a beneficial association with OAG; however, findings on blood levels of vitamins do not show a clear relation with OAG.
Protein for Life: Review of Optimal Protein Intake, Sustainable Dietary Sources and the Effect on Appetite in Ageing Adults
Authors: Lonnie Marta , Hooker Emma , Brunstrom Jeffrey , Corfe Bernard , Green Mark , Watson Anthony , Williams Elizabeth , Stevenson Emma , Penson Simon , Johnstone Alexandra
Published: March 2018

With an ageing population, dietary approaches to promote health and independence later in life are needed. In part, this can be achieved by maintaining muscle mass and strength as people age. New evidence suggests that current dietary recommendations for protein intake may be insufficient to achieve this goal and that individuals might benefit by increasing their intake and frequency of consumption of high-quality protein. However, the environmental effects of increasing animal-protein production are a concern, and alternative, more sustainable protein sources should be considered. Protein is known to be more satiating than other macronutrients, and it is unclear whether diets high in plant proteins affect the appetite of older adults as they should be recommended for individuals at risk of malnutrition. The review considers the protein needs of an ageing population (>40 years old), sustainable protein sources, appetite-related implications of diets high in plant proteins, and related areas for future research.
Influence of Boiling, Steaming and Frying of Selected Leafy Vegetables on the In Vitro Anti-inflammation Associated Biological Activities
Authors: Gunathilake K. , Ranaweera K. , Rupasinghe H.
Published: March 2018

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of cooking (boiling, steaming, and frying) on anti-inflammation associated properties in vitro of six popularly consumed green leafy vegetables in Sri Lanka, namely: Centella asiatica, Cassia auriculata, Gymnema lactiferum, Olax zeylanica, Sesbania grnadiflora, and Passiflora edulis. The anti-inflammation associated properties of methanolic extracts of cooked leaves were evaluated using four in vitro biological assays, namely, hemolysis inhibition, proteinase inhibition, protein denaturation inhibition, and lipoxygenase inhibition. Results revealed that the frying of all the tested leafy vegetables had reduced the inhibition abilities of protein denaturation, hemolysis, proteinase, and lipoxygenase activities when compared with other food preparation methods. Steaming significantly increased the protein denaturation and hemolysis inhibition in O. zeylanica and P. edulis. Steaming of leaves increased inhibition activity of protein denaturation in G. lactiferum (by 44.8%) and P. edulis (by 44%); hemolysis in C. asiatica, C. auriculata, and S. grandiflora; lipoxygenase inhibition ability in P. edulis (by 50%), C. asiatica (by 400%), and C. auriculata leaves (by 250%); proteinase inhibition in C. auriculata (100%) when compared with that of raw leaves. In general, steaming and boiling in contrast to frying protect the health-promoting properties of the leafy vegetables.
Amphiphilic Quantum Dots with Asymmetric, Mixed Polymer Brush Layers: From Single Core-Shell Nanoparticles to Salt-Induced Vesicle Formation
Authors: Coleman Brian , Moffitt Matthew
Published: March 2018

A mixed micelle approach is used to produce amphiphilic brush nanoparticles (ABNPs) with cadmium sulfide quantum dot (QD) cores and surface layers of densely grafted (σ = ~1 chain/nm2) and asymmetric (fPS = 0.9) mixed polymer brushes that contain hydrophobic polystyrene (PS) and hydrophilic poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMAA) chains (PS/PMAA-CdS). In aqueous media, the mixed brushes undergo conformational rearrangements that depend strongly on prior salt addition, giving rise to one of two pathways to fluorescent and morphologically disparate QD-polymer colloids. (A) In the absence of salt, centrosymmetric condensation of PS chains forms individual core-shell QD-polymer colloids. (B) In the presence of salt, non-centrosymmetric condensation of PS chains forms Janus particles, which trigger anisotropic interactions and amphiphilic self-assembly into the QD-polymer vesicles. To our knowledge, this is the first example of an ABNP building block that can form either discrete core-shell colloids or self-assembled superstructures in water depending on simple changes to the chemical conditions (i.e., salt addition). Such dramatic and finely tuned morphological variation could inform numerous applications in sensing, biolabeling, photonics, and nanomedicine.
Challenges in Complementing Data from Ground-Based Sensors with Satellite-Derived Products to Measure Ecological Changes in Relation to Climate—Lessons from Temperate Wetland-Upland Landscapes
Authors: Gallant Alisa , Sadinski Walt , Brown Jesslyn , Senay Gabriel , Roth Mark
Published: March 2018

Assessing climate-related ecological changes across spatiotemporal scales meaningful to resource managers is challenging because no one method reliably produces essential data at both fine and broad scales. We recently confronted such challenges while integrating data from ground- and satellite-based sensors for an assessment of four wetland-rich study areas in the U.S. Midwest. We examined relations between temperature and precipitation and a set of variables measured on the ground at individual wetlands and another set measured via satellite sensors within surrounding 4 km2 landscape blocks. At the block scale, we used evapotranspiration and vegetation greenness as remotely sensed proxies for water availability and to estimate seasonal photosynthetic activity. We used sensors on the ground to coincidentally measure surface-water availability and amphibian calling activity at individual wetlands within blocks. Responses of landscape blocks generally paralleled changes in conditions measured on the ground, but the latter were more dynamic, and changes in ecological conditions on the ground that were critical for biota were not always apparent in measurements of related parameters in blocks. Here, we evaluate the effectiveness of decisions and assumptions we made in applying the remotely sensed data for the assessment and the value of integrating observations across scales, sensors, and disciplines.
The Role of the Institutional Environment in the Relationship between CSR and Operational Performance: An Empirical Study in Korean Manufacturing Industries
Authors: Lau Antonio , Lee Stacy , Jung Sojin
Published: March 2018

Few studies have been conducted to explore the role of the institutional environment on the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and operational performance in Korea’s manufacturing industry. Therefore, this study investigates the moderating effects of four institutional uncertainties—law enforcement, regulatory uncertainty, market turbulence and competition intensity—on the relationship between CSR and operational performance. Empirical survey data from 209 Korean manufacturers was collected online and then analyzed through moderated multiple regression analyses. The results show that CSR can significantly affect operational performance, positively moderated by law enforcement and competition intensity, but not by regulatory uncertainty and market turbulence. These results advise that the different institutional environments in which CSR is implemented are particularly important to consider for optimal business operations.
Investigating radical cation chain processes in the electrocatalytic Diels–Alder reaction
Authors: Imada Yasushi , Okada Yohei , Chiba Kazuhiro
Published: March 2018

Single electron transfer (SET)-triggered radical ion-based reactions have proven to be powerful options in synthetic organic chemistry. Although unique chain processes have been proposed in various photo- and electrochemical radical ion-based transformations, the turnover number, also referred to as catalytic efficiency, remains unclear in most cases. Herein, we disclose our investigations of radical cation chain processes in the electrocatalytic Diels–Alder reaction, leading to a scalable synthesis. A gram-scale synthesis was achieved with high current efficiency of up to 8000%. The reaction monitoring profiles showed sigmoidal curves with induction periods, suggesting the involvement of intermediate(s) in the rate determining step.
Evidence of a configurational structure in Meskwaki
Authors: Morris Paul A.
Published: March 2018

Meskwaki, like many polysynthetic Algonquian languages, is often analyzed as having a non-configurational structure because it exhibits the three core characteristics of non-configurationality: free word order, discontinuous expressions, and null anaphora (Hale 1983). While free surface form word order is attributed to a preverbal discourse-based hierarchy, non-topic/focus NPs are in a post-verbal, non-hierarchical XP structure (Dahlstrom in progress). This paper posits that Meskwaki has an underlying configurational syntactic structure based on novel and prior data showing (1) discontinuous NP ordering restrictions with locality constraints, (2) superiority effects in multiple wh-phrases, and (3) long-distance movement and island effects.
The Longitudinal Evolution of Equatorial Coronal Holes
Authors: Krista Larisza D. , McIntosh Scott W. , Leamon Robert J.
Published: March 2018

In 2011, three satellites—the Solar-Terrestrial RElations Observatory A & B, and the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO)—were in a unique spatial alignment that allowed a 360° view of the Sun. This alignment lasted until 2014, the peak of solar cycle 24. Using extreme ultraviolet images and Hovmöller diagrams, we studied the lifetimes and propagation characteristics of coronal holes (CHs) in longitude over several solar rotations. Our initial results show at least three distinct populations of “low-latitude” or “equatorial” CHs (below

latitude). One population rotates in retrograde direction and coincides with a group of long-lived (over sixty days) CHs in each hemisphere. These are typically located between 30° and

, and display velocities of ∼55 m s−1 slower than the local differential rotation rate. A second, smaller population of CHs rotate prograde, with velocities between ∼20 and 45 m s−1. This population is also long-lived, but observed ±10° from the solar equator. A third population of CHs are short-lived (less than two solar rotations), and they appear over a wide range of latitudes (±65°) and exhibit velocities between −140 and 80 m s−1. The CH “butterfly diagram” we developed shows a systematic evolution of the longer-lived holes; however, the sample is too short in time to draw conclusions about possible connections to dynamo-related phenomena. An extension of the present work to the 22 years of the combined SOHO–SDO archives is necessary to understand the contribution of CHs to the decadal-scale evolution of the Sun.
Common Occurrence of Explosive Hydrogen Burning in Type II Supernovae
Authors: Liu Nan , Stephan Thomas , Boehnke Patrick , Nittler Larry R. , Meyer Bradley S. , Alexander Conel M. O’D. , Davis Andrew M. , Trappitsch Reto , Pellin Michael J.
Published: March 2018

We report Mo isotopic data for 16 15N-rich presolar SiC grains of type AB (14N/15N < solar, AB1) and their correlated Sr and Ba isotope ratios when available. Of the 16 AB1 grains, 8 show s-process Mo isotopic compositions, together with s-process Ba and/or Sr isotopic compositions. We found that a higher percentage of AB1 grains show anomalous isotopic compositions than that of AB2 grains (14N/15N > solar), thus providing further support to the division of the two AB subgroups recently proposed by Liu et al., who showed that AB1 grains most likely originated from Type II supernovae (SNe) with explosive H burning. Comparison of the Sr, Mo, and Ba isotopic compositions of the AB1 grains with SN model predictions indicates that the s-process isotopic compositions of AB1 grains resulted from neutron-capture processes occurring during the progenitor massive stars’ pre-SN evolution rather than from an explosive neutron-capture process. In addition, the observations of (1) explosive H burning occurring in the C-rich regions of the progenitor SNe of X grains as suggested by the isotopic compositions of X grains, and (2) explosive H burning occurring both at the bottom of the He/C zone and at the top of the He/N zone as suggested by model simulations, imply that explosive H burning is a common phenomenon in outer SN zones.
The Next Generation Fornax Survey (NGFS). II. The Central Dwarf Galaxy Population
Authors: Eigenthaler Paul , Puzia Thomas H. , Taylor Matthew A. , Ordenes-Briceño Yasna , Muñoz Roberto P. , Ribbeck Karen X. , Alamo-Martínez Karla A. , Zhang Hongxin , Ángel Simón , Capaccioli Massimo , Côté Patrick , Ferrarese Laura , Galaz Gaspar , Grebel Eva K. , Hempel Maren , Hilker Michael , Lançon Ariane , Mieske Steffen , Miller Bryan , Paolillo Maurizio , Powalka Mathieu , Richtler Tom , Roediger Joel , Rong Yu , Sánchez-Janssen Ruben , Spengler Chelsea
Published: March 2018

We present a photometric study of the dwarf galaxy population in the core region (≲r
vir/4) of the Fornax galaxy cluster based on deep u′g′i′ photometry from the Next Generation Fornax Cluster Survey. All imaging data were obtained with the Dark Energy Camera mounted on the 4 m Blanco telescope at the Cerro Tololo Interamerican Observatory. We identify 258 dwarf galaxy candidates with luminosities −17 ≲ M

g′ ≲ −8 mag, corresponding to typical stellar masses of

, reaching ∼3 mag deeper in point-source luminosity and ∼4 mag deeper in surface brightness sensitivity compared to the classic Fornax Cluster Catalog. Morphological analysis shows that the dwarf galaxy surface-brightness profiles are well represented by single-component Sérsic models with average Sérsic indices of

and average effective radii of

. Color–magnitude relations indicate a flattening of the galaxy red sequence at faint galaxy luminosities, similar to the one recently discovered in the Virgo cluster.  A comparison with population synthesis models and the galaxy mass–metallicity relation reveals that the average faint dwarf galaxy is likely older than ∼5 Gyr. We study galaxy scaling relations between stellar mass, effective radius, and stellar mass surface density over a stellar mass range covering six orders of magnitude. We find that over the sampled stellar mass range several distinct mechanisms of galaxy mass assembly can be identified: (1) dwarf galaxies assemble mass inside the half-mass radius up to

, (2) isometric mass assembly occurs in the range

, and (3) massive galaxies assemble stellar mass predominantly in their halos at

and above.
New Parallaxes of Galactic Cepheids from Spatially Scanning the Hubble Space Telescope: Implications for the Hubble Constant
Authors: Riess Adam G. , Casertano Stefano , Yuan Wenlong , Macri Lucas , Anderson Jay , MacKenty John W. , Bowers J. Bradley , Clubb Kelsey I. , Filippenko Alexei V. , Jones David O. , Tucker Brad E.
Published: March 2018

We present new measurements of the parallax of seven long-period (≥10 days) Milky Way (MW) Cepheid variables (SS CMa, XY Car, VY Car, VX Per, WZ Sgr, X Pup, and S Vul) using one-dimensional astrometric measurements from spatial scanning of Wide-Field Camera 3 on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). The observations were obtained at ∼6 month intervals over 4 years. The distances are 1.7–3.6 kpc, with a mean precision of 45 μas (signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) ≈ 10) and a best precision of 29 μas (S/N = 14). The accuracy of the parallaxes is demonstrated through independent analyses of >100 reference stars. This raises to 10 the number of long-period Cepheids with significant parallax measurements, 8 obtained from this program. We also present high-precision mean F555W, F814W, and F160W magnitudes of these Cepheids, allowing a direct, zeropoint-independent comparison to >1800 extragalactic Cepheids in the hosts of 19 SNe Ia. This sample addresses two outstanding systematic uncertainties affecting prior comparisons of MW and extragalactic Cepheids used to calibrate the Hubble constant (H
0): their dissimilarity of periods and photometric systems. Comparing the new parallaxes to their predicted values derived from reversing the distance ladder gives a ratio (or independent scale for H
0) of 1.037 ± 0.036, consistent with no change and inconsistent at the 3.5σ level with a ratio of 0.91 needed to match the value predicted by Planck cosmic microwave background data in concert with ΛCDM. Using these data instead to augment the Riess et al. measurement of H
0 improves the precision to 2.3%, yielding 73.48 ± 1.66 km s−1 Mpc−1, and the tension with Planck + ΛCDM increases to 3.7σ. The future combination of Gaia parallaxes and HST spatial scanning photometry of 50 MW Cepheids can support a <1% calibration of H
0.
Formation of the UV Spectrum of Molecular Hydrogen in the Sun
Authors: Jaeggli S. A. , Judge P. G. , Daw A. N.
Published: March 2018

Ultraviolet (UV) lines of molecular hydrogen have been observed in solar spectra for almost four decades, but the behavior of the molecular spectrum and its implications for solar atmospheric structure are not fully understood. Data from the High-Resolution Telescope Spectrometer (HRTS) instrument revealed that H2 emission forms in particular regions, selectively excited by a bright UV transition region and chromospheric lines. We test the conditions under which H2 emission can originate by studying non-LTE models, sampling a broad range of temperature stratifications and radiation conditions. Stratification plays the dominant role in determining the population densities of H2, which forms in greatest abundance near the continuum photosphere. However, opacity due to the photoionization of Si and other neutrals determines the depth to which UV radiation can penetrate to excite the H2. Thus the majority of H2 emission forms in a narrow region, at about 650 km in standard one-dimensional (1D) models of the quiet Sun, near the τ = 1 opacity surface for the exciting UV radiation, generally coming from above. When irradiated from above using observed intensities of bright UV emission lines, detailed non-LTE calculations show that the spectrum of H2 seen in the quiet-Sun Solar Ultraviolet Measurement of Emitted Radiation atlas spectrum and HRTS light-bridge spectrum can be satisfactorily reproduced in 1D stratified atmospheres, without including three-dimensional or time-dependent thermal structures. A detailed comparison to observations from 1205 to 1550 Å is presented, and the success of this 1D approach to modeling solar UV H2 emission is illustrated by the identification of previously unidentified lines and upper levels in HRTS spectra.
Extinction Maps and Dust-to-gas Ratios in Nearby Galaxies with LEGUS
Authors: Kahre L. , Walterbos R. A. , Kim H. , Thilker D. , Calzetti D. , Lee J. C. , Sabbi E. , Ubeda L. , Aloisi A. , Cignoni M. , Cook D. O. , Dale D. A. , Elmegreen B. G. , Elmegreen D. M. , Fumagalli M. , Gallagher J. S. , Gouliermis D. A. , Grasha K. , Grebel E. K , Hunter D. A. , Sacchi E. , Smith L. J. , Tosi M. , Adamo A. , Andrews J. E. , Ashworth G. , Bright S. N. , Brown T. M. , Chandar R. , Christian C. , de Mink S. E. , Dobbs C. , Evans A. S. , Herrero A. , Johnson K. E. , Kennicutt R. C. , Krumholz M. R. , Messa M. , Nair P. , Nota A. , Pellerin A. , Ryon J. E. , Schaerer D. , Shabani F. , Van Dyk S. D. , Whitmore B. C. , Wofford A.
Published: March 2018

We present a study of the dust-to-gas ratios in five nearby galaxies: NGC 628 (M74), NGC 6503, NGC 7793, UGC 5139 (Holmberg I), and UGC 4305 (Holmberg II). Using Hubble Space Telescope broadband WFC3/UVIS UV and optical images from the Treasury program Legacy ExtraGalactic UV Survey (LEGUS) combined with archival HST/Advanced Camera for Surveys data, we correct thousands of individual stars for extinction across these five galaxies using an isochrone-matching (reddening-free Q) method. We generate extinction maps for each galaxy from the individual stellar extinctions using both adaptive and fixed resolution techniques and correlate these maps with neutral H i and CO gas maps from the literature, including the H i Nearby Galaxy Survey and the HERA CO-Line Extragalactic Survey. We calculate dust-to-gas ratios and investigate variations in the dust-to-gas ratio with galaxy metallicity. We find a power-law relationship between dust-to-gas ratio and metallicity, consistent with other studies of dust-to-gas ratio compared to metallicity. We find a change in the relation when H2 is not included. This implies that underestimation of

N

H

2

in low-metallicity dwarfs from a too-low CO-to-H2 conversion factor X
CO could have produced too low a slope in the derived relationship between dust-to-gas ratio and metallicity. We also compare our extinctions to those derived from fitting the spectral energy distribution (SED) using the Bayesian Extinction and Stellar Tool for NGC 7793 and find systematically lower extinctions from SED fitting as compared to isochrone matching.
Empirical Modeling of the Redshift Evolution of the
[
N
II
]
/Hα Ratio for Galaxy Redshift Surveys
Authors: Faisst Andreas L. , Masters Daniel , Wang Yun , Merson Alexander , Capak Peter , Malhotra Sangeeta , Rhoads James E.
Published: March 2018

We present an empirical parameterization of the [N ii]/Hα flux ratio as a function of stellar mass and redshift valid at 0 < z < 2.7 and

8.5
<
log
(
M

/

M

⊙

)
<
11.0

. This description can (i) easily be applied to simulations for modeling [N ii]λ6584 line emission, (ii) deblend [N ii] and Hα in current low-resolution grism and narrow-band observations to derive intrinsic Hα fluxes, and (iii) reliably forecast the number counts of Hα emission-line galaxies for future surveys, such as those planned for Euclid and the Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST). Our model combines the evolution of the locus on the Baldwin, Phillips & Terlevich (BPT) diagram measured in spectroscopic data out to z ∼ 2.5 with the strong dependence of [N ii]/Hα on stellar mass and [O iii]/Hβ observed in local galaxy samples. We find large variations in the [N ii]/Hα flux ratio at a fixed redshift due to its dependency on stellar mass; hence, the assumption of a constant [N ii] flux contamination fraction can lead to a significant under- or overestimate of Hα luminosities. Specifically, measurements of the intrinsic Hα luminosity function derived from current low-resolution grism spectroscopy assuming a constant 29% contamination of [N ii] can be overestimated by factors of ∼8 at

log
(
L
)
>
43.0

for galaxies at redshifts z ∼ 1.5. This has implications for the prediction of Hα emitters for Euclid and WFIRST. We also study the impact of blended Hα and [N ii] on the accuracy of measured spectroscopic redshifts.
Physiotherapy Effects in Gait Speed in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Tani Klejda , Kola Irena , Dhamaj Fregen , Shpata Vjollca , Zallari Kiri
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative disease, known as the most common cause of difficulty walking in older adults and subsequently is associated with slow walking. Also one of the main symptoms is a degenerative and mechanics type of pain. Pain is very noticeable while walking in rugged terrain, during ascent and descent of stairs, when changing from sitting to standing position as well as staying in one position for a long time. Many studies have shown that the strength of the quadriceps femoris muscle can affect gait, by improving or weakening it. Kinesio Tape is a physiotherapeutic technique, which reduces pain and increases muscular strength by irritating the skin receptors.AIM: The aims of this study was first to verify if the application of Kinesio Tape on quadriceps femoris muscle increases gait speed in patients with knee osteoarthritis and secondly if applying Kinesio Tape on quadriceps femoris muscle reduces pain while walking.METHOD: Seventy-four patients with primary knee osteoarthritis, aged 50 - 73 years, participated in this study. Firstly we observed the change of gait speed, while walking for 10 meters at normal speed for each patient, before, one day and three days after the application of Kinesio Tape on quadriceps femoris muscle, with the help of the 10 - meter walk test. Secondly, we observed the change of pain, while walking for 10 meters at normal speed for each patient, before, one day and three days after the application, with the help of Numerical Pain Rating Scale - NRS.RESULTS: Our results indicated that there was a significant increase in gait speed while walking for 10 meters one day and also three days after application of Kinesio Tape on quadriceps femoris muscle. Also, there was a significant reduction of pain level 1 and 3 days after application of Kinesio Tape, compared to the level of pain before its application.CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that there was a significant decrease in pain and increase of gait speed while walking for 10 meters. Kinesio Tape can be used in patients with knee osteoarthritis, especially when changing walking stereotypes is a long-term goal of the treatment.
Pharmacotherapy Evaluation and Utilization in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Patients in Kosovo during the Period 2016-2017
Authors: Daci Armond , Bozalija Adnan , Cavolli Raif , Alaj Rama , Beretta Giangiacomo , Krasniqi Shaip
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND: Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) is realized in patients with critical or advanced disease of coronary arteries. There are different pharmacotherapeutic approaches which are used as management, treatment and preventive therapy in cardiovascular disease or related comorbidities. Performing a successful surgery, pharmacotherapy, and increase of bypass patency rate still remains a serious challenge.AIM: The aim of this study is to analyze the patient characteristics undergoing CABG and eval-uation of their drug utilization rate and daily dosages in the perioperative period.MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data were collected from 102 patients in the period 2016-2017 and detailed therapeutic prescription and dosages, patient characteristics were analyzed before the operation, after the operation and visit after operation in the Clinic of Cardiac surgery-University Clinical Center of Kosovo.RESULTS: Our findings have shown that patients provided to have normal biochemical parameters in the clinic before the operation, and were related to cardiovascular diseases and comorbidities and risk factors with mainly elective intervention. However higher utilization of cardiovascular drugs such as beta blockers, diuretics, anticoagulants, statins and lower calcium blockers, ACEi, ARBs, hydrochlorothiazide, amiodarone were founded. ARBs, beta blockers, statins, nitrates and nadroparin utilization decreased after operation and visit after the operation, whereas amiodarone only in the visit after the operation. Diuretics are increased after the operation which decreases in the visit after the operation. Regarding the daily dosage, only metoprolol was increased in the visit after operation (P < 0.001) and visit after operation (P < 0.05) whereas losartan and furosemide were increased (P < 0.01) and (P < 0.05) respectively.CONCLUSION: The study showed that beta blockers, statins, aspirin, nitrates (before the operation), furosemide and spironolactone are the most utilized drugs. However, we found low utilization rate for ACEi, ARBs, clopidogrel, nadroparin, warfarin, xanthines, amiodarone, calcium blockers. Daily dosages were different compared to before CABG only in metoprolol, losartan, and furosemide.
Ambrosia artemisiifolia control in agricultural areas: effect of grassland seeding and herbivory by the exotic leaf beetle Ophraella communa
Authors: Cardarelli Elisa , Musacchio Arianna , Montagnani Chiara , Bogliani Giuseppe , Citterio Sandra , Gentili Rodolfo
Published: March 2018

Ambrosiaartemisiifolia(common ragweed) is an invasive species native to North America and was accidentally introduced to Europe in the 19thcentury. Widespread in disturbed habitats, it is a major weed in spring-sown crops and it causes serious allergic rhinitis and asthma due to its allergenic pollen. The aim of this research was to analyse the effects of both competitive vegetation and herbivory byOphraellacommunato controlA.artemisiifoliain an agricultural area of north-western Italy. Hayseed mixtures, both over-seeded over the resident plant community or after ploughing, when seeded before the winter season, were able to suppress the establishment ofA.artemisiifoliaas well as to reduce its growth in terms of plant height and inflorescence size. Defoliation ofA.artemisiifoliabyO.communaat the end of the growing season was conspicuous but most of the plants still produced flowers and seeds. However, significantO.communaattack was recorded for reproductive structures. As for non-target species,O.communawas mainly recorded on Asteraceae, with low density and low degree of damage. Reduction of inflorescence size due to competitive vegetation and damage to male flowers byO.communamay diminish the amount of available pollen. The results of this study may be useful for the implementation of management measures to controlA.artemisiifoliain agricultural areas using mixtures of native species.
Ecosystem services are inclusive and deliver multiple values. A comment on the concept of nature's contributions to people
Authors: Maes Joachim , Burkhard Benjamin , Geneletti Davide
Published: March 2018

A recent policy forum article in Science by Díaz et al. (2018) introduces nature's contributions to people (NCP) as an innovative approach to inform policy and decision-making. According to the authors, the NCP concept extends beyond the notion of ecosystem services by incorporating a more inclusive and interdisciplinary approach. Here this claim is challenged. Based on our experiences in Europe, we argue that the science, policy and practice of ecosystem services have progressed much beyond a mere economic and ecological rationale.
Description of Longidorus cheni sp. n. (Nematoda, Longidoridae) from China
Authors: Barsalote Eda Marie , Pham Hoa Thi , Lazarova Stela , Peneva Vlada , Zheng Jingwu
Published: March 2018

Longidoruschenisp. n., an amphimictic species recovered from the rhizosphere ofLarixprincipis-rupprechtiiandPyracanthafortuneanain Shanxi and Beijing, China, is described and illustrated. The taxonomic position ofL.chenisp. n.among other species within the genus was elucidated using morphometric and molecular data, and phylogenetic relationships were inferred using D2–D3 expansion domains of 28S and 18S rRNA genes by Bayesian Inference (BI) method. The new species is characterised by females with a medium body size (L = 4.9–6.6 mm), a lip region slightly expanded, broadly rounded frontally and laterally, the amphidial fovea broad and symmetrically bilobed at base, odontostyle long and slender (143–168 μm), odonthophore slightly swollen at the base, tail short bluntly conoid to rounded. Guide ring located far posterior from the oral aperture (70–93 μm). Males with two ad-cloacal pairs of supplements preceded by a row of 10–14 ventromedian supplements, with robust spicules measuring 111–126 μm along the median line. Three juvenile stages were present, tail shape of J1 elongate conoid while in J2 and J3 the tail gradually becomes bluntly rounded. Codes for identifying the new species are: A6-B3-C5-D2-E2-F3-G1-H1-I2-J2-K2.Longidoruschenisp. n.belongs to a group of species with a guide ring at the mid-odontostyle position that have a predominantly Asiatic origin. It differs from all of them by a combination of morphological characters and unique sequences of partial 18S and D2–D3 region of 28S rRNA genes. The percentage dissimilarities in partial 18S and D2–D3 28S rRNA genes ofL.chenito the closest species (L.litchii,L.fangi,L.jonesiandL.juglans) were 1.5 %–1.8 % and 16.8–18.3 %, respectively.
"The 100" and the social contract of social TV
Authors: McNutt Myles
Published: March 2018

I explore how the controversy surrounding an LGBT story line on The 100 (2014–) points to the shifting social contracts of social media engagement between fans and the TV industry, as well as the challenges faced by fans and critics who attempted to solidify that contract in the wake of said controversy.
Social TV fandom and the media industries
Authors: McNutt Myles
Published: March 2018

Editorial for special issue, "Social TV Fandom and the Media Industries," Transformative Works and Cultures, no. 26 (March 15, 2018).
Regeneración de los pinsapares béticos. Análisis de tendencia interanual y estacional del NDVI
Authors: Gutiérrez-Hernández Oliver , Cámara Artigas Rafael , García Luis V.
Published: March 2018

El pinsapo es una reliquia botánica del Terciario que persiste en un singular ecosistema de montaña. Es una especie endémica e insólita en el paisaje andaluz, por lo que se halla muy protegida y es objeto de una estrategia de conservación activa que pretende mitigar los efectos negativos del cambio global. En este artículo utilizamos 180 imágenes del sensor MODIS para desarrollar un análisis interanual y de tendencia estacional del NDVI promedio mensual, desde 2002 hasta 2016, de las superficies cubiertas por pinsapos. De acuerdo con los resultados obtenidos, se ha producido un incremento generalizado del NDVI en las masas forestales con presencia del pinsapo. La tendencia fue significativa en casi todos los tipos de formaciones y grados de cobertura. Esto sugiere una regeneración de los pinsapares en el marco de la estrategia de conservación activa. Sin embargo, detectamos un adelanto del Green up, hecho que podría estar relacionado con el calentamiento global.
In situ et alibi, dallo scavo integrato alla cultura dell’abitare: Vesuviana a Ercolano
Authors: Coralini Antonella
Published: March 2018

Le projet Domus Herculanensis Rationes (DHER) que l’Université de Bologne conduit depuis 2005 a le but de contribuer à la tradition et à la réception de l’ancient Herculaneum. Au centre de l’attention, l’investigation et la restitution de la culture de l’habiter, prise en examen en tous ses composantes et à l’aide d’un approche intégré et contextuel, à partir des “fouilles” alibi, dans les archives et dans les réserves, jusqu’à la documentation de l’évidence matérielle conservée soit in situ soit alibi. Pour gagner ses objectifs, le projet DHER a entamé deux pistes de recherche, dediées/consacrées l’une, à échelle urbaine, à la réalisation d’un Atlante degli apparati decorativi di Ercolano, sur la base d’une nouvelle et systématique documentation fotogrammétrique, l’autre à l’étude de détail d’unités habitatives, à échelle d’édifice et d’insula. Les espaces bâtis, décorés et vécus sont l’objet d’une analyse à tout camp, à la forte vocation diacronique, qui essaye de remonter du constat de l’état actuel, compris et évalué en sa nature hybride, entre antique et moderne, à une restitution soutenable (voir vérifiable) des situations de découverte jusqu’aux hypothèses sur les réalités antiques, soit le 79 d.C. soit dans leur histoire précédente.
I documenti settecenteschi come strumenti per lo studio degli scavi ercolanesi
Authors: Allroggen-Bedel Agnes
Published: March 2018

En lisant les différents rapports – partiellement publiés – des fouilles conduites à Herculanum au XVIIIe siècle, on cherche à savoir dans quelle partie de la cité et dans quel édifice les ouvriers étaient en train de travailler. Il n’est pas facile d’identifier les structures et objets mentionnés dans les rapports, et décrits de manière assez approximative, et même parfois impossible… En dépit de cette difficulté, les documents du XVIIIe siècle offrent des informations précieuses pour l’étude de l’histoire des fouilles, pour la reconstitution des contextes picturaux et pour la recontextualisation des objets provenant des cités vésuviennes. Afin d’illustrer les problèmes, les méthodes, les possibilités et les limites de telles études, seront présentés ici quelques exemples caractéristiques.
L’inspiration et l’imprudence : poésie de l'anticomanie dans la critique d'art du second xixe siècle
Authors: Le Pape Yannick
Published: March 2018

Quand il s’agissait de commenter la peinture qui, du milieu à la fin du xixe siècle, prenait l’Antiquité comme thème, il n’était pas rare que les journalistes ou les historiens d’art convoquent l’autorité de la poésie. On réclamait alors des peintres une habileté comparable à celle d’Eschyle ou de Théocrite et on les félicitait lorsqu’ils parvenaient à atteindre une profonde « distinction poétique » (Paul de Saint-Victor). Les critiques ne furent cependant pas univoques sur cette exigence : indispensable pour les uns, elle restait pour les autres à manier avec parcimonie tant elle pouvait être le signe d’une sensiblerie inadaptée à la peinture d’histoire. La question était aussi de savoir si l’Antiquité pouvait conserver ce monopole de la grâce en plein essor du naturalisme et de cette poésie du réel que l’opinion découvrait. On comprend alors combien la peinture anticomane, loin d’être anachronique, s’inscrivait bel et bien dans une réflexion générale sur l’évolution des arts et la modernité.
La non-vocation d’André Schwarz-Bart
Authors: Kaufmann Francine
Published: March 2018

L’attribution du prix Goncourt 1959 au Dernier des Justes, œuvre d’un jeune inconnu dont c’était le premier roman, suscita un intérêt inhabituel pour la personnalité de l’auteur : André Schwarz-Bart. La presse se nourrit d’interviews, s’étonnant qu’un ouvrier autodidacte, fils d’immigrants parlant yiddish, contraint par la guerre à quitter les bancs de l’école à onze ans, produise spontanément un chef d’œuvre sans avoir été formé à la littérature. Le « cas Schwarz-Bart » défraya la chronique. Cette étude veut mettre en lumière la lente maturation d’un talent littéraire chez un homme que rien ne destinait à être écrivain et qui proclamait qu’il n’avait pas répondu à une vocation irrésistible, mais à une nécessité : exprimer, sous peine d’étouffer, la douleur indicible provoquée par l’extermination de ses parents et d’une grande partie de son peuple. Nous montrerons que « l’ouvrier » Schwarz-Bart avait entamé des études et fréquenté assidûment les milieux étudiants, plus encore après son désenchantement du communisme à partir de l’Affaire Slansky (1951). Enfin, nous étudierons les traces de la biographie de l’écrivain dans un roman qui se voulait œuvre de fiction et témoignage pour un peuple tout entier.
SEGMENTATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF ISCHEMIC STROKE USING OPTIMIZED FEATURES IN BRAIN MRI
Authors: Subudhi Asit , Sahoo Sanatnu , Biswal Pradyut , Sabut Sukanta
Published: March 2018

Detection of ischemic stroke using brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images is vital and a challenging task in clinical practice. We propose a novel method based on optimization technique to identify stroke lesion in diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) MRI sequences of the brain. The algorithm was tested in a specific slice having large area of stroke region from a series of 292 real-time images obtained from different stroke affected subjects from IMS and SUM Hospital. The proposed method consists of pre-processing, segmentation, extraction of important features and classification of stroke type. The particle swarm optimization (PSO) and Darwinian particle swarm optimization (DPSO) algorithms were applied in segmenting the stroke lesions. The important features were extracted with the gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) algorithm and in decision making process, the feature set is classified into three types of stroke according to The Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project (OCSP) classification using support vector machine (SVM) classifier. The lesion area was segmented effectively with DPSO process with classification weighted accuracy of 90.23%, which is higher than PSO method having weighted accuracy of 85.19%. Similarly, the values of different measured parameters were high in DPSO technique, the computational time was also higher in DPSO method for segmenting the stroke lesions. These results confirm that the DPSO-based approach with SVM classifier is an effective way to identify the decision making process of ischemic stroke lesion in MRI images of the brain.
HYBRID BRAIN–COMPUTER INTERFACE PARADIGM — A STUDY
Authors: Singla Rajesh
Published: March 2018

The advancements in the field of brain–computer interface (BCI) are driven by the underlying motive of improving quality of life for both healthy as well as locked in subjects. Since BCI’s are based on the response of the human brain to training or external stimuli, the improvement in terms of performance can be achieved by either enhancing the subject training procedure or by improving the external stimuli to produce maximized event related potential (ERP). P300 and steady-state visually evoked potential (SSVEP) approaches have been the most common paradigms used for stimulus-based BCI’s world over. But recently, a large number of researchers are facing a problem of BCI illiteracy in subjects, where some of the subjects showed ineffective results while training with these BCI as independent stimuli. The concept of hybrid brain–computer interface (hBCI) is a step towards eradicating this problem. Our research deals with external stimuli-based ERP generation where we discuss and compare with experimentation, three different options of visual stimulus: conventional SSVEP stimulus, P300-SSVEP hybrid stimulus, distinct target colors for P300-SSVEP-based hybrid stimulus. This paper introduces a novel hBCI paradigm and discusses the validation of improved results by comparing with the already existing stimuli options. The parameters of comparison that were considered to validate our proposal were decision accuracy (Acc), information transfer rate (ITR) and false activation rate (FAR).