bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epigenetic Mechanisms of Tamoxifen Resistance in Luminal Breast Cancer
Authors: Abdel-Hafiz Hany
Published: July 2017

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers and the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Estrogen receptor (ER)-positive cancer is the most frequent subtype representing more than 70% of breast cancers. These tumors respond to endocrine therapy targeting the ER pathway including selective ER modulators (SERMs), selective ER downregulators (SERDs) and aromatase inhibitors (AIs). However, resistance to endocrine therapy associated with disease progression remains a significant therapeutic challenge. The precise mechanisms of endocrine resistance remain unclear. This is partly due to the complexity of the signaling pathways that influence the estrogen-mediated regulation in breast cancer. Mechanisms include ER modifications, alteration of coregulatory function and modification of growth factor signaling pathways. In this review, we provide an overview of epigenetic mechanisms of tamoxifen resistance in ER-positive luminal breast cancer. We highlight the effect of epigenetic changes on some of the key mechanisms involved in tamoxifen resistance, such as tumor-cell heterogeneity, ER signaling pathway and cancer stem cells (CSCs). It became increasingly recognized that CSCs are playing an important role in driving metastasis and tamoxifen resistance. Understanding the mechanism of tamoxifen resistance will provide insight into the design of novel strategies to overcome the resistance and make further improvements in breast cancer therapeutics.
A Piecewise Bound Constrained Optimization for Harmonic Responsibilities Assessment under Utility Harmonic Impedance Changes
Authors: Zang Tianlei , He Zhengyou , Wang Yan , Fu Ling , Peng Zhiyu , Qian Qingquan
Published: July 2017

Considering the effect of the utility harmonic impedance variations on harmonic responsibility, a method based on piecewise bound constrained optimization is proposed in this paper to evaluate the load harmonic responsibilities. The wavelet packet transform is employed to determine the change times of the utility harmonic impedances. The harmonic monitoring data is divided into several segments where the utility harmonic impedances are considered as constants. Then, the problem of harmonic responsibility assessment under utility harmonic impedance changes are settled by the piecewise bound constrained optimization model. Furthermore, the interior point, the sequential quadratic programming and the active set algorithm are respectively adopted to calculate all the instantaneous harmonic responsibilities of harmonic loads. Finally, the weighted summation is used to calculate the total harmonic responsibility. To demonstrate the validity, simulation tests are carried out on an experimental circuit and the IEEE 13-bus distribution system.
A Novel Modular-Stator Outer-Rotor Flux-Switching Permanent-Magnet Motor
Authors: Zhao Jing , Zheng Yun , Zhu Congcong , Liu Xiangdong , Li Bin
Published: July 2017

A novel modular-stator outer-rotor flux-switching permanent-magnet (MSOR-FSPM) motor is proposed and studied in this paper. Structure, operation and design principles of the MSOR-FSPM motor are introduced and analyzed. Considering that the combination of different pole number and slot number has a great influence on the motor performance, the optimum rotor pole number for the 12-stator-slot MSOR-FSPM motor is researched to obtain good performance and make full use of the space in the MSOR-FSPM motor. The influences of rotor pole number on cogging torque, torque ripple and electromagnetic torque are analyzed and a 12-slot/10-pole MSOR-FSPM motor was chosen for further study. Then, several main parameters of the 12-slot/10-pole MSOR-FSPM motor were optimized to reduce the torque ripple. Finally, the utilization of permanent magnet (PM) in the MSOR-FSPM motor and a conventional outer-rotor flux-switching permanent-magnet (COR-FSPM) motor are compared and analyzed from the point of view of magnetic flux path, and verified by the finite element method (FEM). The FEM results show that the PM volume of MSOR-FSPM motor is only 54.04% of that in a COR-FSPM motor, but its average electromagnetic torque can reach more than 75% of the torque of COR-FSPM motor.
Food Identity, Authenticity and Fraud: The Full Spectrum
Authors: Ruth Saskia M. van , Granato Daniel
Published: July 2017

We are pleased to introduce this Special Issue of Foods dedicated to ‘Food Identity, Authenticity and Fraud: The Full Spectrum’.[...]
A Bioactive Hydrogel and 3D Printed Polycaprolactone System for Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Hernandez Ivan , Kumar Alok , Joddar Binata
Published: July 2017

In this study, a hybrid system consisting of 3D printed polycaprolactone (PCL) filled with hydrogel was developed as an application for reconstruction of long bone defects, which are innately difficult to repair due to large missing segments of bone. A 3D printed gyroid scaffold of PCL allowed a larger amount of hydrogel to be loaded within the scaffolds as compared to 3D printed mesh and honeycomb scaffolds of similar volumes and strut thicknesses. The hydrogel was a mixture of alginate, gelatin, and nano-hydroxyapatite, infiltrated with human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) to enhance the osteoconductivity and biocompatibility of the system. Adhesion and viability of hMSC in the PCL/hydrogel system confirmed its cytocompatibility. Biomineralization tests in simulated body fluid (SBF) showed the nucleation and growth of apatite crystals, which confirmed the bioactivity of the PCL/hydrogel system. Moreover, dissolution studies, in SBF revealed a sustained dissolution of the hydrogel with time. Overall, the present study provides a new approach in bone tissue engineering to repair bone defects with a bioactive hybrid system consisting of a polymeric scaffold, hydrogel, and hMSC.
Mapping Ground Instability in Areas of Geotechnical Infrastructure Using Satellite InSAR and Small UAV Surveying: A Case Study in Northern Ireland
Authors: Cigna Francesca , Banks Vanessa , Donald Alexander , Donohue Shane , Graham Conor , Hughes David , McKinley Jennifer , Parker Kieran
Published: July 2017

Satellite Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR), geological data and Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (SUAV) surveying was used to enhance our understanding of ground movement at five areas of interest in Northern Ireland. In total 68 ERS-1/2 images 1992–2000 were processed with the Small Baseline Subset (SBAS) InSAR technique to derive the baseline ground instability scenario of key areas of interest for five stakeholders: TransportNI, Northern Ireland Railways, Department for the Economy, Arup, and Belfast City Council. These stakeholders require monitoring of ground deformation across either their geotechnical infrastructure (i.e., embankments, cuttings, engineered fills and earth retaining structures) or assessment of subsidence risk as a result of abandoned mine workings, using the most efficient, cost-effective methods, with a view to minimising and managing risk to their businesses. The InSAR results provided an overview of the extent and magnitude of ground deformation for a 3000 km2 region, including the key sites of the disused salt mines in Carrickfergus, the Belfast–Bangor railway line, Throne Bend and Ligoniel Park in Belfast, Straidkilly and Garron Point along the Antrim Coast Road, plus other urbanised areas in and around Belfast. Tailored SUAV campaigns with a X8 airframe and generation of very high resolution ortho-photographs and a 3D surface model via the Structure from Motion (SfM) approach at Maiden Mount salt mine collapse in Carrickfergus in 2016 and 2017 also demonstrate the benefits of very high resolution surveying technologies to detect localised deformation and indicators of ground instability.
Community-Engaged Modeling of Geographic and Demographic Patterns of Multiple Public Health Risk Factors
Authors: Basra Komal , Fabian M. , Holberger Raymond , French Robert , Levy Jonathan
Published: July 2017

Many health risk factors are intervention targets within communities, but information regarding high-risk subpopulations is rarely available at a geographic resolution that is relevant for community-scale interventions. Researchers and community partners in New Bedford, Massachusetts (USA) collaboratively identified high-priority behaviors and health outcomes of interest available in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). We developed multivariable regression models from the BRFSS explaining variability in exercise, fruit and vegetable consumption, body mass index, and diabetes prevalence as a function of demographic and behavioral characteristics, and linked these models with population microdata developed using spatial microsimulation to characterize high-risk populations and locations. Individuals with lower income and educational attainment had lower rates of multiple health-promoting behaviors (e.g., fruit and vegetable consumption and exercise) and higher rates of self-reported diabetes. Our models in combination with the simulated population microdata identified census tracts with an elevated percentage of high-risk subpopulations, information community partners can use to prioritize funding and intervention programs. Multi-stressor modeling using data from public databases and microsimulation methods for characterizing high-resolution spatial patterns of population attributes, coupled with strong community partner engagement, can provide significant insight for intervention. Our methodology is transferrable to other communities.
Protecting Touch: Authenticated App-To-Server Channels for Mobile Devices Using NFC Tags
Authors: Carvalho Ota Fernando , Roland Michael , Hölzl Michael , Mayrhofer René , Manacero Aleardo
Published: July 2017

Traditional authentication methods (e.g., password, PIN) often do not scale well to the context of mobile devices in terms of security and usability. However, the adoption of Near Field Communication (NFC) on a broad range of smartphones enables the use of NFC-enabled tokens as an additional authentication factor. This additional factor can help to improve the security, as well as usability of mobile apps. In this paper, we evaluate the use of different types of existing NFC tags as tokens for establishing authenticated secure sessions between smartphone apps and web services. Based on this evaluation, we present two concepts for a user-friendly secure authentication mechanism for mobile apps, the Protecting Touch (PT) architectures. These two architectures are designed to be implemented with either end of the spectrum of inexpensive and widely-available NFC tags while maintaining a reasonable trade-off between security, availability and cost.
PZT-Actuated and -Sensed Resonant Micromirrors with Large Scan Angles Applying Mechanical Leverage Amplification for Biaxial Scanning
Authors: Gu-Stoppel Shanshan , Giese Thorsten , Quenzer Hans-Joachim , Hofmann Ulrich , Benecke Wolfgang
Published: July 2017

This article presents design, fabrication and characterization of lead zirconate titanate (PZT)-actuated micromirrors, which enable extremely large scan angle of up to 106° and high frequency of 45 kHz simultaneously. Besides the high driving torque delivered by PZT actuators, mechanical leverage amplification has been applied for the micromirrors in this work to reach large displacements consuming low power. Additionally, fracture strength and failure behavior of poly-Si, which is the basic material of the micromirrors, have been studied to optimize the designs and prevent the device from breaking due to high mechanical stress. Since comparing to using biaxial micromirror, realization of biaxial scanning using two independent single-axial micromirrors shows considerable advantages, a setup combining two single-axial micromirrors for biaxial scanning and the results will also be presented in this work. Moreover, integrated piezoelectric position sensors are implemented within the micromirrors, based on which closed-loop control has been developed and studied.
Proteomics Analysis Reveals an Important Role for the PPAR Signaling Pathway in DBDCT-Induced Hepatotoxicity Mechanisms
Authors: Li Yunlan , Liu Xinxin , Niu Lin , Li Qingshan
Published: July 2017

A patented organotin di-n-butyl-di-(4-chlorobenzohydroxamato)tin (DBDCT) with high a antitumor activity was designed, however, its antitumor and toxic mechanisms have not yet been clearly illustrated. Hepatic proteins of DBDCT-treated rats were identified and analyzed using LC–MS/MS with label-free quantitative technology. In total, 149 differentially expressed proteins were successfully identified. Five protein and mRNA expressions were involved in the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway, including a scavenger receptor (CD36), adipocyte fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4), enoyl-CoA hydratase (EHHADH), acetyl-CoA acyltransferase 1 (ACAA1), and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) in DBDCT-treated Rat Liver (BRL) cells. PPAR-α and PPAR-λ were also significantly decreased at both protein and mRNA levels. Furthermore, compared with the DBDCT treatment group, a special blocking agent of PPAR-λ T0070907 was used to evaluate the relationship between PPAR-λ and its downstream genes. Our studies indicated that DBDCT may serve as a modulator of PPAR-λ, further up-regulating CD36, FABP4 and EHHADH on the PPAR signal pathway.
High Ultraviolet Absorption in Colloidal Gallium Nanoparticles Prepared from Thermal Evaporation
Authors: Nucciarelli Flavio , Bravo Iria , Catalan-Gomez Sergio , Vázquez Luis , Lorenzo Encarnación , Pau Jose
Published: July 2017

New methods for the production of colloidal Ga nanoparticles (GaNPs) are introduced based on the evaporation of gallium on expendable aluminum zinc oxide (AZO) layer. The nanoparticles can be prepared in aqueous or organic solvents such as tetrahydrofuran in order to be used in different sensing applications. The particles had a quasi mono-modal distribution with diameters ranging from 10 nm to 80 nm, and their aggregation status depended on the solvent nature. Compared to common chemical synthesis, our method assures higher yield with the possibility of tailoring particles size by adjusting the deposition time. The GaNPs have been studied by spectrophotometry to obtain the absorption spectra. The colloidal solutions exhibit strong plasmonic absorption in the ultra violet (UV) region around 280 nm, whose width and intensity mainly depend on the nanoparticles dimensions and their aggregation state. With regard to the colloidal GaNPs flocculate behavior, the water solvent case has been investigated for different pH values, showing UV-visible absorption because of the formation of NPs clusters. Using discrete dipole approximation (DDA) method simulations, a close connection between the UV absorption and NPs with a diameter smaller than ~40 nm was observed.
The Influence of Copolymer Composition on PLGA/nHA Scaffolds’ Cytotoxicity and In Vitro Degradation
Authors: Díaz Esperanza , Puerto Igor , Ribeiro Silvie , Lanceros-Mendez Senentxu , Barandiarán José Manuel
Published: July 2017

The influence of copolymer composition on Poly(Lactide-co-Glycolide)/nanohydroxyapatite (PLGA/nHA) composite scaffolds is studied in the context of bone tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The composite scaffolds are fabricated by thermally-induced phase separation and the effect of bioactive nanoparticles on their in vitro degradation in phosphate-buffered solution at 37 °C is analyzed over eight weeks. The indirect cytotoxicity evaluation of the samples followed an adaptation of the ISO 10993-5 standard test method. Based on the measurement of their molecular weight, molar mass, pH, water absorption and dimensions, the porous scaffolds of PLGA with a lower lactide/glycolide (LA/GA) molar ratio degraded faster due to their higher hydrophilicity. All of the samples without and with HA are not cytotoxic, demonstrating their potential for tissue engineering applications.
Reported Dietary Intake and Food Sources of Zinc, Selenium, and Vitamins A, E and C in the Spanish Population: Findings from the ANIBES Study
Authors: Olza Josune , Aranceta-Bartrina Javier , González-Gross Marcela , Ortega Rosa , Serra-Majem Lluis , Varela-Moreiras Gregorio , Gil Ángel
Published: July 2017

Zinc, selenium, and the vitamins A, E and C, all have specific biological functions that are involved mainly in the antioxidant defence system, which has important implications for the development of chronic diseases. We aimed to assess the reported intake of those six nutrients, as well as the food that contributes to their sources of intakes. Data were obtained from the Spanish ANIBES (“Anthropometry, Intake and Energy Balance in Spain”) study, n = 2009 (9–75 years old). The analyses were performed in the whole population and in the plausible energy reporters after a misreporting analysis according to the European Food and Safety Authority (EFSA) protocol. A validated, photo-based three-day food record was used to collect the data. Mean (max−min) reported intake for the whole population of zinc was 8.1 ± 0.1 mg/day, (2.3–27.3 mg/day), selenium 75 ± 1 µg/day, (14–265 µg/day), vitamin A 668 µg RE/day (2–11,017 µg RE/day), retinol 364 ± 18 µg/day (0–10,881 µg/day), carotenes 1735 ± 35 µg/day (13–13,962 µg/day), vitamin E 7.0 ± 0.1 mg α-TE/day (0.7–55.2 mg α-TE/day) and vitamin C 84.4 ± 1.4 mg/day (5.0–802.7 mg/day). The main source intakes for zinc were meat and meat products, for selenium cereals and grains, for vitamin E oils and fat, and for vitamin A and C vegetables. There is an elevated percentage of the Spanish ANIBES population not meeting the EFSA recommended intakes for all analysed micronutrients: zinc (83%), vitamin A (60%), vitamin E (80%), vitamin C (36%) and selenium (25%).
Test-Retest Reliability and Convergent Validity of Two Brief Fruit and Vegetable Intake Questionnaires among School-Aged Children
Authors: Zhang Youjie , Reicks Marla
Published: July 2017

Reliable, valid, and easy-to-implement tools are required to assess children’s fruit and vegetable intake as part of behavior change-focused nutrition education programs; however, the availability of such instruments is limited. The purpose of this study was to examine the reproducibility and accuracy of two brief fruit and vegetable intake questionnaires among 8- to 12-year-old children. A total of 109 participants from diverse racial/ethnic groups were recruited from urban afterschool programs. The results of two short questionnaires (food web and plate activity) were reproducible between two repeated measures conducted one week apart. Compared to a reference 24-h dietary recall, the food web questionnaire had acceptable convergent validity for assessing children’s fruit intake (kappa: 0.51; r = 0.53, p < 0.001), but limited validity for assessing children’s vegetable intake (kappa: 0.43; r = 0.33, p < 0.003). Children tended to overestimate intake when visualizing fruit and vegetable consumption via the plate activity questionnaire, indicating that this questionnaire was not a valid tool to assess children’s fruit and vegetable consumption at dinner meals. Children’s report of fruit intake via the food web questionnaire may be a useful indicator of program success in improving fruit intake.
Pharmaceuticals: Impact Factor or CiteScore™
Authors: Vanden Eynde Jean Jacques
Published: July 2017

June 14, 2017: announcement by Clarivate Analytics of the 2016 impact factors for scientific journals.[...]
CO2-Philic Thin Film Composite Membranes: Synthesis and Characterization of PAN-r-PEGMA Copolymer
Authors: Karunakaran Madhavan , Kumar Mahendra , Shevate Rahul , Akhtar Faheem , Peinemann Klaus-Viktor
Published: July 2017

In this work, we report the successful fabrication of CO2-philic polymer composite membranes using a polyacrylonitrile-r-poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PAN-r-PEGMA) copolymer. The series of PAN-r-PEGMA copolymers with various amounts of PEG content was synthesized by free radical polymerization in presence of AIBN initiator and the obtained copolymers were used for the fabrication of composite membranes. The synthesized copolymers show high molecular weights in the range of 44–56 kDa. We were able to fabricate thin film composite (TFC) membranes by dip coating procedure using PAN-r-PEGMA copolymers and the porous PAN support membrane. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were applied to analyze the surface morphology of the composite membranes. The microscopy analysis reveals the formation of the defect free skin selective layer of PAN-r-PEGMA copolymer over the porous PAN support membrane. Selective layer thickness of the composite membranes was in the range of 1.32–1.42 μm. The resulting composite membrane has CO2 a permeance of 1.37 × 10−1 m3/m2·h·bar and an ideal CO2/N2, selectivity of 65. The TFC membranes showed increasing ideal gas pair selectivities in the order CO2/N2 > CO2/CH4 > CO2/H2. In addition, the fabricated composite membranes were tested for long-term single gas permeation measurement and these membranes have remarkable stability, proving that they are good candidates for CO2 separation.
Poly(lactic acid) Composites Containing Carbon-Based Nanomaterials: A Review
Authors: Gonçalves Carolina , Gonçalves Inês , Magalhães Fernão , Pinto Artur
Published: July 2017

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a green alternative to petrochemical commodity plastics, used in packaging, agricultural products, disposable materials, textiles, and automotive composites. It is also approved by regulatory authorities for several biomedical applications. However, for some uses it is required that some of its properties be improved, namely in terms of thermo-mechanical and electrical performance. The incorporation of nanofillers is a common approach to attain this goal. The outstanding properties of carbon-based nanomaterials (CBN) have caused a surge in research works dealing with PLA/CBN composites. The available information is compiled and reviewed, focusing on PLA/CNT (carbon nanotubes) and PLA/GBM (graphene-based materials) composites. The production methods, and the effects of CBN loading on PLA properties, namely mechanical, thermal, electrical, and biological, are discussed.
Principal Component Analysis of Process Datasets with Missing Values
Authors: Severson Kristen , Molaro Mark , Braatz Richard
Published: July 2017

Datasets with missing values arising from causes such as sensor failure, inconsistent sampling rates, and merging data from different systems are common in the process industry. Methods for handling missing data typically operate during data pre-processing, but can also occur during model building. This article considers missing data within the context of principal component analysis (PCA), which is a method originally developed for complete data that has widespread industrial application in multivariate statistical process control. Due to the prevalence of missing data and the success of PCA for handling complete data, several PCA algorithms that can act on incomplete data have been proposed. Here, algorithms for applying PCA to datasets with missing values are reviewed. A case study is presented to demonstrate the performance of the algorithms and suggestions are made with respect to choosing which algorithm is most appropriate for particular settings. An alternating algorithm based on the singular value decomposition achieved the best results in the majority of test cases involving process datasets.
An NDVI-Based Vegetation Phenology Is Improved to be More Consistent with Photosynthesis Dynamics through Applying a Light Use Efficiency Model over Boreal High-Latitude Forests
Authors: Wang Siheng , Zhang Lifu , Huang Changping , Qiao Na
Published: July 2017

Remote sensing of high-latitude forests phenology is essential for understanding the global carbon cycle and the response of vegetation to climate change. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) has long been used to study boreal evergreen needleleaf forests (ENF) and deciduous broadleaf forests. However, the NDVI-based growing season is generally reported to be longer than that based on gross primary production (GPP), which can be attributed to the difference between greenness and photosynthesis. Instead of introducing environmental factors such as land surface or air temperature like previous studies, this study attempts to make VI-based phenology more consistent with photosynthesis dynamics through applying a light use efficiency model. NDVI (MOD13C2) was used as a proxy for both fractional of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (APAR) and light use efficiency at seasonal time scale. Results show that VI-based phenology is improved towards tracking seasonal GPP changes more precisely after applying the light use efficiency model compared to raw NDVI or APAR, especially over ENF.
Micro-Doppler Estimation and Analysis of Slow Moving Objects in Forward Scattering Radar System
Authors: Abdullah Raja Syamsul Azmir Raja , Alnaeb Ali , Salah Asem Ahmad , Rashid Nur Emileen Abdul , Sali Aduwati , Pasya Idnin
Published: July 2017

Micro-Doppler signature can convey information of detected targets and has been used for target recognition in many Radar systems. Nevertheless, micro-Doppler for the specific Forward Scattering Radar (FSR) system has yet to be analyzed and investigated in detail; consequently, information carried by the micro-Doppler in FSR is not fully understood. This paper demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of FSR in detecting and extracting micro-Doppler signature generated from a target’s micro-motions. Comprehensive theoretical analyses and simulation results followed by experimental investigations into the feasibility of using the FSR for detecting micro-Doppler signatures are presented in this paper. The obtained results verified that the FSR system is capable of detecting micro-Doppler signature of a swinging pendulum placed on a moving trolley and discriminating different swinging speeds. Furthermore, human movement and micro-Doppler from hand motions can be detected and monitored by using the FSR system which resembles a potential application for human gait monitoring and classification.
Single Carrier with Frequency Domain Equalization for Synthetic Aperture Underwater Acoustic Communications
Authors: He Chengbing , Xi Rui , Wang Han , Jing Lianyou , Shi Wentao , Zhang Qunfei
Published: July 2017

Phase-coherent underwater acoustic (UWA) communication systems typically employ multiple hydrophones in the receiver to achieve spatial diversity gain. However, small underwater platforms can only carry a single transducer which can not provide spatial diversity gain. In this paper, we propose single-carrier with frequency domain equalization (SC-FDE) for phase-coherent synthetic aperture acoustic communications in which a virtual array is generated by the relative motion between the transmitter and the receiver. This paper presents synthetic aperture acoustic communication results using SC-FDE through data collected during a lake experiment in January 2016. The performance of two receiver algorithms is analyzed and compared, including the frequency domain equalizer (FDE) and the hybrid time frequency domain equalizer (HTFDE). The distances between the transmitter and the receiver in the experiment were about 5 km. The bit error rate (BER) and output signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) performances with different receiver elements and transmission numbers were presented. After combining multiple transmissions, error-free reception using a convolution code with a data rate of 8 kbps was demonstrated.
Implications of Articulating Machinery on Operator Line of Sight and Efficacy of Camera Based Proximity Detection Systems
Authors: Schwabe Nicholas , Godwin Alison
Published: July 2017

The underground mining industry, and some above ground operations, rely on the use of heavy equipment that articulates to navigate corners in the tight confines of the tunnels. Poor line of sight (LOS) has been identified as a problem for safe operation of this machinery. Proximity detection systems, such as a video system designed to provide a 360 degree view around the machine have been implemented to improve the available LOS for the operator. A four-camera system was modeled in a computer environment to assess LOS on a 3D cad model of a typical, articulated machine. When positioned without any articulation, the system is excellent at removing blind spots for a machine driving straight forward or backward in a straight tunnel. Further analysis reveals that when the machine articulates in a simulated corner section, some camera locations are no longer useful for improving LOS into the corner. In some cases, the operator has a superior view into the corner, when compared to the best available view from the camera. The work points to the need to integrate proximity detection systems at the design, build, and manufacture stage, and to consider proper policy and procedures that would address the gains and limits of the systems prior to implementation.
Towards Sustainable Clothing Disposition: Exploring the Consumer Choice to Use Trash as a Disposal Option
Authors: Norum Pamela
Published: July 2017

The textile and apparel supply chain plays an integral role in providing consumers with a continuous supply of apparel that must ultimately be discarded. Viewing the consumer as a player in the process between the supply chain and the post-consumer textile waste stream, this study was designed to explore the consumer apparel disposition process with an eye towards understanding how both supply chain members and post-consumer waste entities can interact with consumers to reduce the amount of apparel discarded in landfills. Hanson’s Consumer Product Disposition Process framework was used to help guide the research. Using a qualitative research approach, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with twenty-four female consumers in the United States to address three main research questions. The findings revealed several themes: use of both “compensatory” and “non-compensatory” choice heuristics in decision making; a “usable life” and the “personal nature” of garments as barriers to non-trash disposal options; and the need to “create awareness” and “provide assurance” to encourage alternative disposal modes. Implications for apparel producers and retailers, secondhand stores and textile recyclers are discussed.
Implementing Environmental Practices for Accomplishing Sustainable Green Supply Chain Management
Authors: Kim Minkyun , Chai Sangmi
Published: July 2017

With the emergence of environmental protection as a global issue, implementing environmental practices for sustaining green supply chain management (GSCM) has received a lot of attention. This study investigates the impact of integration with suppliers and supply disruption risk on environmental practices. It also examines the role of supplier integration and supply disruption risk on performance. Finally, it investigates the relationship between environmental practices and performance in order to sustain green supply chains. Based on 272 survey responses from supply and purchase managers, our research results support the positive impact of integration with suppliers and the negative impact of supply disruption risk on the adoption of environmental practices. Furthermore, they provide empirical evidence that environmental practices and integration with suppliers are positively associated with performance, while supply disruption risk is negatively associated with performance. This study identifies antecedents and establishes a research framework of GSCM. More importantly, it provides meaningful insights to managers regarding the implementation of environmental practices related to other supply chain practices for sustaining green supply chains.
Etherington’s Distance Duality with Birefringence
Authors: Schuller Frederic , Werner Marcus
Published: July 2017

We consider light propagation in a spacetime whose kinematics allow weak birefringence, and whose dynamics have recently been derived by gravitational closure. Revisiting the definitions of luminosity and angular diameter distances in this setting, we present a modification of the Etherington distance duality relation in a weak gravitational field around a point mass. This provides the first concrete example of how the non-metricities implied by gravitational closure of birefringent electrodynamics affect observationally testable relations.
Application of Transtheoretical (Stages of Change) Model in Studying Attitudes and Behaviors of Adults with Hearing Loss: A Descriptive Review
Authors: Manchaiah Vinaya , Hernandez Barbara Michiels , Beck Douglas L.
Published: July 2017

Background:Health Behavior Change (HBC) refers to facilitating changes to habits and/or behaviors related to health. There are a number of models/theories of HBC, which provide a structured framework to better understand the HBCs of individuals. The Transtheoretical Model (TTM,
aka “the Stages of Change” model) is an integrative model used to conceptualize the process of intentional behavior change and is applied to a variety of behaviors, populations, and settings. In the last few years, use of TTM by the profession of audiology has been increasing.Purpose:This
descriptive literature review was aimed at identifying and presenting a summary of research studies, which use TTM to study the attitudes and behaviors of adults with hearing loss.Research Design:A literature review was conducted.Study Sample:This review included 13 empirical
studies.Data Collection and Analysis:A literature review was conducted using the EBSCOhost and included the databases Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO.Results:The review suggests TTM is useful in studying the attitudes and behaviors
of adults with hearing loss. There are positive associations between stages of change and help-seeking, intervention uptake, and hearing rehabilitation outcome (i.e., benefit and satisfaction). However, associations with intervention decisions and intervention use were not evident. It appears
help-seeking, intervention uptake, and successful outcomes are usually displayed in people in the later stages of change as those with greater hearing loss are often in the later stages of change.Conclusions:Understanding the readiness toward help-seeking and uptake of intervention
in people with hearing loss based on TTM may help clinicians develop more focused management strategies. However, additional longitudinal and interventional studies are needed to further test the predictive validity of the stages of change model.
Listening Effort and Speech Recognition with Frequency Compression Amplification for Children and Adults with Hearing Loss
Authors: Brennan Marc A. , Lewis Dawna , McCreery Ryan , Kopun Judy , Alexander Joshua M.
Published: July 2017

Background:Nonlinear frequency compression (NFC) can improve the audibility of high-frequency sounds by lowering them to a frequency where audibility is better; however, this lowering results in spectral distortion. Consequently, performance is a combination of the effects of
increased access to high-frequency sounds and the detrimental effects of spectral distortion. Previous work has demonstrated positive benefits of NFC on speech recognition when NFC is set to improve audibility while minimizing distortion. However, the extent to which NFC impacts listening
effort is not well understood, especially for children with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL).Purpose:To examine the impact of NFC on recognition and listening effort for speech in adults and children with SNHL.Research Design:Within-subject, quasi-experimental study. Participants
listened to amplified nonsense words that were (1) frequency-lowered using NFC, (2) low-pass filtered at 5 kHz to simulate the restricted bandwidth (RBW) of conventional hearing aid processing, or (3) low-pass filtered at 10 kHz to simulate extended bandwidth (EBW) amplification.Study Sample:Fourteen
children (8‐16 yr) and 14 adults (19‐65 yr) with mild-to-severe SNHL.Intervention:Participants listened to speech processed by a hearing aid simulator that amplified input signals to fit a prescriptive target fitting procedure.Data Collection and Analysis:Participants
were blinded to the type of processing. Participants' responses to each nonsense word were analyzed for accuracy and verbal-response time (VRT; listening effort). A multivariate analysis of variance and linear mixed model were used to determine the effect of hearing-aid signal processing on
nonsense word recognition and VRT.Results:Both children and adults identified the nonsense words and initial consonants better with EBW and NFC than with RBW. The type of processing did not affect the identification of the vowels or final consonants. There was no effect of age on recognition
of the nonsense words, initial consonants, medial vowels, or final consonants. VRT did not change significantly with the type of processing or age.Conclusion:Both adults and children demonstrated improved speech recognition with access to the high-frequency sounds in speech. Listening
effort as measured by VRT was not affected by access to high-frequency sounds.
A Survey for Planetary-mass Brown Dwarfs in the Chamaeleon I Star-forming Region∗
Authors: Esplin T. L. , Luhman K. L. , Faherty J. K. , Mamajek E. E. , Bochanski J. J.
Published: July 2017

We have performed a search for planetary-mass brown dwarfs in the Chamaeleon I star-forming region using proper motions and photometry measured from optical and infrared images from the Spitzer Space Telescope, the Hubble Space Telescope, and ground-based facilities. Through near-IR spectroscopy at Gemini Observatory, we have confirmed six of the candidates as new late-type members of Chamaeleon I (≥M8). One of these objects, Cha J11110675−7636030, has the faintest extinction-corrected M

K
among known members, which corresponds to a mass of 3–6

according to evolutionary models. That object and two other new members have redder mid-IR colors than young photospheres at ≤M9.5, which may indicate the presence of disks. However, since those objects may be later than M9.5 and the mid-IR colors of young photospheres are ill-defined at those types, we cannot determine conclusively whether color excesses from disks are present. If Cha J11110675−7636030 does have a disk, it would be a contender for the least-massive known brown dwarf with a disk. Since the new brown dwarfs that we have found extend below our completeness limit of 6–10 M

, deeper observations are needed to measure the minimum mass of the initial mass function in Chamaeleon I.
Scattering Properties of the Venusian Clouds Observed by the UV Imager on board Akatsuki
Authors: Lee Y. J. , Yamazaki A. , Imamura T. , Yamada M. , Watanabe S. , Sato T. M. , Ogohara K. , Hashimoto G. L. , Murakami S.
Published: July 2017

We analyze the albedo of Venus obtained from the UV Imager on board Akatsuki. A relative global mean albedo over phase angle is used in this study, and we confirm the glory feature at 283 and 365 nm in the data acquired in 2016 May. We successfully simulate the observation using a radiative transfer model. Our results show that cloud aerosols of

 μm and

(mode 2) can explain the glory, consistent with a property of aerosols previously suggested by using the Venus Monitoring Camera on board Venus Express. We find that SO2 and the unknown UV absorber are necessary factors to explain the decreasing trend of the observed relative albedo at phase angles larger than 10°. We suggest a range of possible SO2 abundance from 80 to 400 ppbv at the cloud top level, depending on atmospheric conditions assumed.
Massive Star Cluster Formation and Destruction in Luminous Infrared Galaxies in GOALS
Authors: Linden S. T. , Evans A. S. , Rich J. , Larson K. L. , Armus L. , Díaz-Santos T. , Privon G. C. , Howell J. , Inami H. , Kim D.-C. , Chien L.-H. , Vavilkin T. , Mazzarella J. M. , Modica F. , Surace J. A. , Manning S. , Abdullah A. , Blake A. , Yarber A. , Lambert T.
Published: July 2017

We present the results of a Hubble Space Telescope ACS/HRC FUV, ACS/WFC optical study into the cluster populations of a sample of 22 Luminous Infrared Galaxies in the Great Observatories All-Sky LIRG Survey. Through integrated broadband photometry, we have derived ages and masses for a total of 484 star clusters contained within these systems. This allows us to examine the properties of star clusters found in the extreme environments of LIRGs relative to lower luminosity star-forming galaxies in the local universe. We find that by adopting a Bruzual & Charlot simple stellar population model and Salpeter initial mass function, the age distribution of the clusters declines as

, consistent with the age distribution derived for the Antennae Galaxies, and interpreted as evidence for rapid cluster disruption occurring in the strong tidal fields of merging galaxies. The large number of

young clusters identified in the sample also suggests that LIRGs are capable of producing more high-mass clusters than what is observed to date in any lower luminosity star-forming galaxy in the local universe. The observed cluster mass distribution of

is consistent with the canonical −2 power law used to describe the underlying initial cluster mass function (ICMF) for a wide range of galactic environments. We interpret this as evidence against mass-dependent cluster disruption, which would flatten the observed CMF relative to the underlying ICMF distribution.
ALMA Images of the Orion Hot Core at 349 GHz
Authors: Wright M. C. H. , Plambeck R. L.
Published: July 2017

We present ALMA images of the dust and molecular line emission in the Orion Hot Core at 349 GHz. At 0.″2 angular resolution the images reveal multiple clumps in an arc ∼1″ east of Orion Source I, the protostar at the center of the Kleinmann–Low Nebula, and another chain of peaks from IRc7 toward the southwest. The molecular line images show narrow filamentary structures at velocities >10 km s−1 away from the heavily resolved ambient cloud velocity ∼5 km s−1. Many of these filaments trace the SiO outflow from Source I, and lie along the edges of the dust emission. Molecular line emission at excitation temperatures 300–2000 K, and velocities >10 km s−1 from the ambient cloud, suggest that the Hot Core may be heated in shocks by the outflow from Source I or from the Becklin–Neugebauer (BN)/SrcI explosion. The spectral line observations also reveal a remarkable molecular ring, ∼2″ south of SrcI, with a diameter ∼600 au. The ring is seen in high-excitation transitions of HC3N, HCN v2 = 1, and SO2. An impact of ejecta from the BN/SrcI explosion with a dense dust clump could result in the observed ring of shocked material.
The NuSTAR View of the Seyfert 2 Galaxy NGC 4388
Authors: Kamraj N. , Rivers E. , Harrison F. A. , Brightman M. , Baloković M.
Published: July 2017

We present an analysis of NuSTAR X-ray observations in the 3–79 keV energy band of the Seyfert 2 galaxy NGC 4388, taken in 2013. The broadband sensitivity of NuSTAR, covering the Fe Kα line and Compton reflection hump, enables tight constraints to be placed on reflection features in AGN X-ray spectra, thereby providing insight into the geometry of the circumnuclear material. In this observation, we found the X-ray spectrum of NGC 4388 to be well described by a moderately absorbed power law with non-relativistic reflection. We fit the spectrum with phenomenological reflection models and a physical torus model and find the source to be absorbed by Compton-thin material (N
H = (6.5 ± 0.8) × 1023 cm−2) with a very weak Compton reflection hump (R < 0.09) and an exceptionally large Fe Kα line

eV) for a source with weak or no reflection. Calculations using a thin-shell approximation for the expected Fe Kα EW indicate that an Fe Kα line originating from Compton-thin material presents a possible explanation.
Magnetic Helicities and Dynamo Action in Magneto-rotational Turbulence
Authors: Bodo G. , Cattaneo F. , Mignone A. , Rossi P.
Published: July 2017

We examine the relationship between magnetic flux generation, taken as an indicator of large-scale dynamo action, and magnetic helicity, computed as an integral over the dynamo volume, in a simple dynamo. We consider dynamo action driven by magneto-rotational turbulence (MRT) within the shearing-box approximation. We consider magnetically open boundary conditions that allow a flux of helicity in or out of the computational domain. We circumvent the problem of the lack of gauge invariance in open domains by choosing a particular gauge—the winding gauge—that provides a natural interpretation in terms of the average winding number of pairwise field lines. We use this gauge precisely to define and measure the helicity and the helicity flux for several realizations of dynamo action. We find in these cases that the system as a whole does not break reflectional symmetry and that the total helicity remains small even in cases when substantial magnetic flux is generated. We find no particular connection between the generation of magnetic flux and the helicity or the helicity flux through the boundaries. We suggest that this result may be due to the essentially nonlinear nature of the dynamo processes in MRT.
The Dynamics of Truncated Black Hole Accretion Disks. I. Viscous Hydrodynamic Case
Authors: Hogg J. Drew , Reynolds Christopher S.
Published: July 2017

Truncated accretion disks are commonly invoked to explain the spectro-temporal variability in accreting black holes in both small systems, i.e., state transitions in galactic black hole binaries (GBHBs), and large systems, i.e., low-luminosity active galactic nuclei (LLAGNs). In the canonical truncated disk model of moderately low accretion rate systems, gas in the inner region of the accretion disk occupies a hot, radiatively inefficient phase, which leads to a geometrically thick disk, while the gas in the outer region occupies a cooler, radiatively efficient phase that resides in the standard geometrically thin disk. Observationally, there is strong empirical evidence to support this phenomenological model, but a detailed understanding of the dynamics of truncated disks is lacking. We present a well-resolved viscous, hydrodynamic simulation that uses an ad hoc cooling prescription to drive a thermal instability and, hence, produce the first sustained truncated accretion disk. With this simulation, we perform a study of the dynamics, angular momentum transport, and energetics of a truncated disk. We find that the time variability introduced by the quasi-periodic transition of gas from efficient cooling to inefficient cooling impacts the evolution of the simulated disk. A consequence of the thermal instability is that an outflow is launched from the hot/cold gas interface, which drives large, sub-Keplerian convective cells into the disk atmosphere. The convective cells introduce a viscous θ − ϕ stress that is less than the generic r − ϕ viscous stress component, but greatly influences the evolution of the disk. In the truncated disk, we find that the bulk of the accreted gas is in the hot phase.