bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A phase-field damage model based on evolving microstructure
Authors: Hanke Hauke , Knees Dorothee
Published: January 2017

In this paper we discuss a damage model that is based on microstructure evolution. In the context of evolutionary Γ-convergence we derive a corresponding effective macroscopic model. In this model, the damage state of a given material point is related to a unit cell problem incorporating a specific microscopic defect. The size and shape of this underlying microscopic defect is determined by the evolution. According to the small intrinsic length scale inherent to the original models a numerical simulation of damage progression in a device of realistic size is hopeless. Due to the scale separation in the effective model, its numerical treatment seems promising.
Enhancing the capacity of community organizations to evaluate HIV/AIDS information outreach: A pilot experiment in expert consultation
Authors: Dancy-Scott Nicole , Williams-Livingston Arletha , Plumer Andrew , Dutcher Gale A. , Siegel Elliot R.
Published: January 2017

The National Library of Medicine’s AIDS Community Information Outreach Program (ACIOP) supports and enables access to health information on the Internet by community-based organizations. A technical assistance (TA) model was developed to enhance the capacity of ACIOP awardees to plan, evaluate, and report the results of their funded projects. This consisted of individual Consultation offered by an experienced evaluator to advise on the suitability of proposed project plans and objectives, improve measurement analytics, assist in problem resolution and outcomes reporting, and identify other improvement possibilities. Group webinars and a moderated blog for the exchange of project-specific information were also offered.

Structured data collections in the form of reports, online surveys, and key informant telephone interviews provided qualitative feedback on project progress, satisfaction with the TA, and the perceived impact of the interventions on evaluation capacity building. The Model was implemented in the 2013 funding cycle with seven organizations, and the level of reported satisfaction was uniformly high. One-on-one TA was requested by four awardee organizations, and was determined to have made a meaningful difference with three. Participation in the webinars was mandatory and high overall; and was deemed to be a useful means for delivering evaluation information. In subsequent funding cycles, submission of a Logic Model will be required of awardees as a new model intervention in the expectation that it will produce stronger proposals, and enable the evaluation consultant to identify earlier intervention opportunities leading to project improvements and evaluation capacity enhancements.
Effect of Spinal Anaesthesia in Children of 4-10 Years
Authors: Islam Md Ashraful , Khanum Easnem , Karim Md Rezaul , Rahman Nelufa Tahera , Haque Md Rezaul
Published: January 2017

Background: Though paediatric spinal anaesthesia has been used since early 20th century in developed countries even in neonates, still it is not common in our country. Spinal anaesthesia can be given in neonates and children for infraumbilical surgeries with an expert and experienced anaesthesiologist.Objective: The objective of this study was to establish spinal anaesthesia as a safe and effective regional anaesthetic procedure in children of 410 years.Materials and Methods: The study was done in the Department of Anaesthesiology & Intensive Care Unit of Enam Medical College & Hospital during the period of June 2012 to May 2014. A total of 102 patients aged from 4 to 10 years with American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA)-I and II were selected. After proper preoperative anaesthetic evaluation spinal anaesthesia was administered. All patients were premedicated with atropine, preloaded with crystalloid solution and sedated with ketamine 1 mg/kg or midazolam 0.03 mg/kg. 0.5% hyperberic bupivacaine was injected at L4/5 or L5/S1 level with spinocaine needle. After establishment of desired block, surgery was performed. All vital parameters, number of attempts for lumbar puncture, sensory and motor block were monitored and recorded.Results: Almost all patients achieved desired block (T8T10) within 5 to 10 minutes. The success rate in our study was 96.1% and remaining 3.9% were considered as failure. No remarkable changes were observed in vital parameters after spinal anaesthesia. Lumbar puncture was successful in first attempt in 60 (58.82%) cases and in second attempt in 42 (41.18%) cases. Hypotension occurred in 2%, shivering in 3% and 3% developed restlessness.Conclusion: Spinal anaesthesia produces a reliable, profound and uniformly distributed block with rapid onset, good muscle relaxation, complete control of cardiovascular and stress responses compared with epidural or GA. There is also rapid recovery and minimal complications without special drugs or expensive equipments. However, greater acceptance and experience are still desired for this technique to become more popular.J Enam Med Col 2017; 7(1): 10-14
Paradoxes of Pain: The Strategic Appropriation by Thomas More of Pico della Mirandola’s Spiritual Works
Authors: Foley Michael P.
Published: January 2017

Thomas More’s translations of the spiritual works of Pico della Mirandola are not simple transpositions from Latin to English; rather, More takes several liberties with the text. This essay argues that the most significant change that More makes to Pico’s content is the amplification of the theme of pleasure and pain. This amplification, in turn, is a part of More’s broader strategy of reaching a wider audience and with a greater impact.
Translation as Conversion: Thomas More’s Life of John Picus
Authors: Karlin Louis W.
Published: January 2017

In this early literary effort, More refashioned into vibrant English his Latin source materials to create a highly original contemplative guide in the humanist mode. Neither a saint’s life nor a straightforward biography, More drew on the moral ambiguities of this brilliant and eccentric philosopher’s life with the aim of encouraging the reader to carefully assess the ways in which Pico could be viewed as a paragon of virtue – and the ways in which he fell short – as a means of helping his readers find their own paths to holiness. As readers come to appreciate the subtle and gentle irony in More’s translation, they discover how their superficial understanding of the text finds an analogue in Pico’s lack of self-knowledge. And, ultimately, it is the genius of More’s work that guides the discriminating reader toward achieving the humility needed for honest, scripture-based contemplation.
“His saints, that are in the land of Him”: Pico and More’s conceptions of the Afterlife
Authors: Phélippeau Marie-Claire
Published: January 2017

Freed from “the storms of this world”, Giovanni Pico’s soul was deemed to be spending some time “in the dark fire of purgatory,” before its final place of abode “in the country of heaven,” with its “blessed citizens.” According to Savonarola, Pico had avoided hell, “that other side deputed unto perpetual pain.” This paper examines Thomas More and Giovanni Pico’s conceptions of afterlife through the imaginary representations of the three eschatological places: heaven, hell and purgatory, and concludes on an evolution of the conception of heaven, from the Italian’s more medieval representation and the English author’s more modern conception.
Hydroxybenzoic Acids Are Significant Contributors to the Antioxidant Effect of Borututu Bark, Cochlospermum angolensis Welw. ex Oliv
Authors: Abourashed Ehab , Fu Hao
Published: January 2017

Borututu (Cochlospermum angolensis) is an African tree whose bark has recently emerged as a herbal dietary supplement with claims for antioxidant activity. In order to substantiate the claimed activity of borututu supplements, we performed an activity-guided fractionation of the total extract utilizing a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay. Subsequent flash and centrifugal chromatography resulted in the isolation of gallic acid (1) and protocatechuic acid (2) as the main antioxidant constituents. Two apocarotenoids and one flavonoid were also isolated from the chloroform fraction and were identified as cochloxanthin (3), dihydrocochloxanthin (4), and 7,4′-dimethyltaxifolin (5), respectively. A High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was also developed for fingerprinting borututu samples, with Compounds 1–4 suggested as chemical markers for quality control purposes.
The Association between Postgraduate Studies, Gender and Qualifying Dental School for Graduates Qualifying from UK Dental Schools between 2000 and 2009
Authors: Puryer James , Selby Joanna , Layton Joshua , Sandy Jonathan , Ireland Anthony
Published: January 2017

Various factors will influence a dental graduate’s decision to undertake postgraduate education and training, including encouragement from family, partners and staff at individual dental schools, although there is currently little information available regarding the number and distribution (by dental school) of recent dental graduates undertaking postgraduate studies. The aim of this study was to analyse data on postgraduate qualifications achieved by dentists who graduated from UK dental schools between 2000 and 2009 and relate this to graduate gender. Data were collected from the General Dental Council (GDC) in an anonymous electronic format, analysed and ordered by year of graduation, dental school, gender and type of postgraduate qualification. Nearly one-quarter (24%) of the dentists that graduated between 2000 and 2004 completed postgraduate studies, with more females (26%) than males (23%) obtaining further postgraduate qualifications. Overall, Bristol produced the largest proportion of graduates completing postgraduate study (39%) and of these the largest proportion of female graduates (45%). Glasgow produced the largest proportion of male graduates completing postgraduate study (37%). Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery (MFDS), one of the Royal Colleges, was the most popular postgraduate qualification obtained followed by Membership of the Faculty of General Dental Practitioners UK (MFGDP). This study provides insight into postgraduate studies undertaken by UK dental graduates. An increasing proportion of females are gaining Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) qualifications and therefore the number of female dental graduates obtaining postgraduate qualifications is likely to increase further. This also suggests the male domination of the dental profession is likely to decrease.
An N-k Analytic Method of Composite Generation and Transmission with Interval Load
Authors: Hong Shaoyun , Cheng Haozhong , Zeng Pingliang
Published: January 2017

N-k contingency estimation plays a very important role in the operation and expansion planning of power systems, the method of which is traditionally based on heuristic screening. This paper stringently analyzes the best and worst states of power systems given the uncertainties of N-k contingency and interval load. For the sake of simplification and tractable computation, an approximate direct current (DC) power flow model was used. Rigorous optimization models were established for identifying the worst and best scenarios considering the contingencies of generators and transmission lines together with their uncertain loads. It is very useful to identify the worst N-k contingencies with interval loads. If the worst existing scenario meets security standards, all scenarios must satisfy it. The mathematical model established for finding the worst N-k contingency with interval load is a bi-level optimization model. In this paper, strong duality theory and mathematical linearization were applied to the solution of bi-level optimization. The computational results of standard cases validate the effectiveness of the proposed method and illustrate that generator contingency has more impact on minimum load shedding than transmission line contingency.
Phenology-Based Method for Mapping Tropical Evergreen Forests by Integrating of MODIS and Landsat Imagery
Authors: Kou Weili , Liang Changxian , Wei Lili , Hernandez Alexander , Yang Xuejing
Published: January 2017

Updated extent, area, and spatial distribution of tropical evergreen forests from inventory data provides valuable knowledge for research of the carbon cycle, biodiversity, and ecosystem services in tropical regions. However, acquiring these data in mountainous regions requires labor-intensive, often cost-prohibitive field protocols. Here, we report about validated methods to rapidly identify the spatial distribution of tropical forests, and obtain accurate extent estimates using phenology-based procedures that integrate the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and Landsat imagery. Firstly, an analysis of temporal profiles of annual time-series MODIS Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), and Land Surface Water Index (LSWI) was developed to identify the key phenology phase for extraction of tropical evergreen forests in five typical lands cover types. Secondly, identification signatures of tropical evergreen forests were selected and their related thresholds were calculated based on Landsat NDVI, EVI, and LSWI extracted from ground true samples of different land cover types during the key phenology phase. Finally, a map of tropical evergreen forests was created by a pixel-based thresholding. The developed methods were tested in Xishuangbanna, China, and the results show: (1) Integration of Landsat and MODIS images performs well in extracting evergreen forests in tropical complex mountainous regions. The overall accuracy of the resulting map of the case study was 92%; (2) Annual time series of high-temporal-resolution remote sensing images (MODIS) can effectively be used for identification of the key phenology phase (between Julian Date 20 and 120) to extract tropical evergreen forested areas through analysis of NDVI, EVI, and LSWI of different land cover types; (3) NDVI and LSWI are two effective metrics (NDVI ≥ 0.670 and 0.447 ≥ LSWI ≥ 0.222) to depict evergreen forests from other land cover types during the key phenology phase in tropical complex mountainous regions. This method can make full use of the Landsat and MODIS archives as well as their advantages for tropical evergreen forests geospatial inventories, and is simple and easy to use. This method is suggested for use with other similar regions.
Ultrafine and Fine Particulate Matter Inside and Outside of Mechanically Ventilated Buildings
Authors: Miller Shelly , Facciola Nick , Toohey Darin , Zhai John
Published: January 2017

The objectives of this study were to measure levels of particulate matter (PM) in mechanically ventilated buildings and to improve understanding of filtration requirements to reduce exposure. With the use of an Ultra High Sensitivity Aerosol Spectrometer and an Aerodyne Mass Spectrometer, ultrafine (0.055–0.1 μm) and fine (0.1–0.7 μm) indoor and outdoor PM was measured as a function of time in an office, a university building, and two elementary schools. Indoor particle levels were highly correlated with outdoor levels. Indoor and outdoor number concentrations in Denver were higher than those in Boulder, with the highest number concentrations occurring during summer and fall. The ratio of indoor-to-outdoor (I/O) PM was weakly but positively correlated with the amount of ventilation provided to the indoor environment, did not vary much with particle size (ranged between 0.48 and 0.63 for the entire size range), and was similar for each period of the week (weekend vs. weekday, night vs. day). Regression analyses showed that ultrafine indoor PM baseline concentrations were higher at night from nighttime infiltration. A lag time was observed between outdoor and indoor measurements. Weekday days had the shortest lag time of 11 min, and weekend nighttime lags when the HVAC was not in use were 50 to 148 min. Indoor-outdoor PM concentration plots showed ultrafine PM was more correlated compared to fine, and especially when the HVAC system was on. Finally, AMS data showed that most of the PM was organic, with occasional nitrate events occurring outdoors. During nitrate events, there were less indoor particles detected, indicating a loss of particulate phase nitrate. The results from this study show that improved filtration is warranted in mechanically ventilated buildings, particularly for ultrafine particles, and that nighttime infiltration is significant depending on the building design.
Similarities and Differences Matter: Considering the Influence of Gender on HIV Prevention Programs for Young Adults in an Urban HBCU
Authors: Lindong Ian , Edwards Lorece , Dennis Sabriya , Fajobi Olaoluwa
Published: January 2017

Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) disproportionately burdens African American youth and young adults. In studies conducted in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) settings, African American youth generally perceive themselves as having a low risk of contracting HIV and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) despite having higher rates of unprotected sexual encounters, multiple sex partners, and particularly low rates of HIV testing and awareness of HIV status. These findings position HBCUs in a pivotal role for theory-based research and practice to modify behaviors in order to decrease HIV acquisition risk. Get Students Mobilized and Retooled to Transform (SMART) is an interventional research project in an urban HBCU in a northeastern metropolitan area in the US. The project is designed to assess and then address irresponsible behavior among students on college campuses that leads to illicit drug use, excessive alcohol consumption and underage drinking, and risky sexual behaviors that increase the likelihood of acquiring HIV and STDs. As gender plays a critical role in interventions, this article explores gender similarities and differences to inform the planning and implementation of Get SMART and any subsequent projects that address substance and alcohol use and HIV in an HBCU setting. Survey research was conducted to find similar and different factors that may be valuable in implementing and tailoring evidence-based interventions in a predominantly African American campus setting. Survey results revealed that more young adult women consume alcohol and use marijuana than young adult men. Young adult men were also more likely to be tested for HIV when compared to young adult women.
α6 Integrin (α6high)/Transferrin Receptor (CD71)low Keratinocyte Stem Cells Are More Potent for Generating Reconstructed Skin Epidermis Than Rapid Adherent Cells
Authors: Metral Elodie , Bechetoille Nicolas , Demarne Frédéric , Rachidi Walid , Damour Odile
Published: January 2017

The epidermis basal layer is composed of two keratinocyte populations: Keratinocyte Stem cells (KSC) and Transitory Amplifying (TA) cells that arise from KSC division. Unfortunately, no specific marker exists to differ between KSC and TA cells. Here, we aimed at comparing two different methods that pretended to isolate these two populations: (i) the rapid adhesion method on coated substrate and (ii) the flow cytometry method, which is based on the difference in cell surface expressions of the α6 integrin and transferrin receptor (CD71). Then, we compared different parameters that are known to discriminate KSC and TA populations. Interestingly, we showed that both methods allow enrichment in stem cells. However, cell sorting by flow cytometry (α6high/CD71low) phenotype leads to a better enrichment of KSC since the colony forming efficiency is five times increased versus total cell suspension, whereas it is only 1.4 times for the adhesion method. Moreover, α6high/CD71low cells give rise to a thicker pluristratified epithelium with lower seeding density and display a low Ki67 positive cells number, showing that they have reached the balance between proliferation and differentiation. We clearly demonstrated that cells isolated by a rapid adherent method are not the same population as KSC isolated by flow cytometry following α6high/CD71low phenotype.
Adenosine Monophosphate (AMP)-Activated Protein Kinase: A New Target for Nutraceutical Compounds
Authors: Marín-Aguilar Fabiola , Pavillard Luis , Giampieri Francesca , Bullón Pedro , Cordero Mario
Published: January 2017

Abstract: Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an important energy sensor which is activated by increases in adenosine monophosphate (AMP)/adenosine triphosphate (ATP) ratio and/or adenosine diphosphate (ADP)/ATP ratio, and increases different metabolic pathways such as fatty acid oxidation, glucose transport and mitochondrial biogenesis. In this sense, AMPK maintains cellular energy homeostasis by induction of catabolism and inhibition of ATP-consuming biosynthetic pathways to preserve ATP levels. Several studies indicate a reduction of AMPK sensitivity to cellular stress during aging and this could impair the downstream signaling and the maintenance of the cellular energy balance and the stress resistance. However, several diseases have been related with an AMPK dysfunction. Alterations in AMPK signaling decrease mitochondrial biogenesis, increase cellular stress and induce inflammation, which are typical events of the aging process and have been associated to several pathological processes. In this sense, in the last few years AMPK has been identified as a very interesting target and different nutraceutical compounds are being studied for an interesting potential effect on AMPK induction. In this review, we will evaluate the interaction of the different nutraceutical compounds to induce the AMPK phosphorylation and the applications in diseases such as cancer, type II diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases or cardiovascular diseases.
Whole Exome Sequencing in Psoriasis Patients Contributes to Studies of Acitretin Treatment Difference
Authors: Zhou Xingchen , He Yijing , Kuang Yehong , Li Jie , Zhang Jianglin , Chen Mingliang , Chen Wangqing , Su Juan , Zhao Shuang , Liu Panpan , Chen Menglin , Shen Minxue , Chen Xiaoping , Zhu Wu , Chen Xiang
Published: January 2017

Psoriasis vulgaris is an immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease. Although acitretin is a widely used synthetic retinoid for moderate to severe psoriasis, little is known about patients’ genetics in response to this drug. In this study, 179 patients were enrolled in either the discovery set (13 patients) or replication set (166 patients). The discovery set was sequenced by whole exome sequencing and sequential validation was conducted in the replication set by MassArray assays. Four SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) (rs1105223T>C in CRB2, rs11086065A>G in ANKLE1, rs3821414T>C in ARHGEF3, rs1802073 T>G in SFRP4) were found to be significantly associated with acitretin response in either co-dominant or dominant models via multivariable logistic regression analysis, while CRB2 rs1105223CC (OR = 4.10, 95% CI = 1.46–11.5, p = 0.007) and ANKLE1 rs11086065AG/GG (OR = 2.76, 95% CI = 1.42–5.37, p = 0.003) were associated with no response to acitretin after 8-week treatment. Meanwhile, ARHGEF3 rs3821414CT/CC (OR = 0.25, 95% CI = 0.10–0.68, p = 0.006) and SFRP4 rs1802073GG/GT (OR = 2.40, 95% CI, 1.23–4.70, p = 0.011) were associated with a higher response rate. Four new genetic variations with potential influences on the response to acitretin were found in this study which may serve as genetic markers for acitretin in psoriasis patients.
Swept Mechanism of Micro-Milling Tool Geometry Effect on Machined Oxygen Free High Conductivity Copper (OFHC) Surface Roughness
Authors: Shi Zhenyu , Liu Zhanqiang , Li Yuchao , Qiao Yang
Published: January 2017

Cutting tool geometry should be very much considered in micro-cutting because it has a significant effect on the topography and accuracy of the machined surface, particularly considering the uncut chip thickness is comparable to the cutting edge radius. The objective of this paper was to clarify the influence of the mechanism of the cutting tool geometry on the surface topography in the micro-milling process. Four different cutting tools including two two-fluted end milling tools with different helix angles of 15° and 30° cutting tools, as well as two three-fluted end milling tools with different helix angles of 15° and 30° were investigated by combining theoretical modeling analysis with experimental research. The tool geometry was mathematically modeled through coordinate translation and transformation to make all three cutting edges at the cutting tool tip into the same coordinate system. Swept mechanisms, minimum uncut chip thickness, and cutting tool run-out were considered on modeling surface roughness parameters (the height of surface roughness Rz and average surface roughness Ra) based on the established mathematical model. A set of cutting experiments was carried out using four different shaped cutting tools. It was found that the sweeping volume of the cutting tool increases with the decrease of both the cutting tool helix angle and the flute number. Great coarse machined surface roughness and more non-uniform surface topography are generated when the sweeping volume increases. The outcome of this research should bring about new methodologies for micro-end milling tool design and manufacturing. The machined surface roughness can be improved by appropriately selecting the tool geometrical parameters.
Minor and Trace Elements in Natural Tetrahedrite-Tennantite: Effects on Element Partitioning among Base Metal Sulphides
Authors: George Luke , Cook Nigel , Ciobanu Cristiana
Published: January 2017

Minerals of the tetrahedrite isotypic series are widespread components of base metal ores, where they co-exist with common base metal sulphides (BMS) such as sphalerite, galena, and chalcopyrite. We used electron probe microanalysis and laser-ablation inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry to obtain quantitative multi-trace element data on tetrahedrite-tennantite in a suite of 37 samples from different deposits with the objective of understanding which trace elements can be incorporated, at what levels of concentration, and how the presence of tetrahedrite-tennantite influences patterns of trace element partitioning in base metal ores. Apart from Fe and Zn, Hg and Pb are the two most abundant divalent cations present in the analysed tetrahedrite-tennantite (up to 10.6 wt % Hg and 4 wt % Pb). Cadmium, Co and Mn are also often present at concentrations exceeding 1000 ppm. Apart from one particularly Te-rich tetrahedrite, most contained very little Te (around 1 ppm), irrespective of prevailing assemblage. Bismuth is a common minor component of tetrahedrite-tennantite (commonly > 1000 ppm). Tetrahedrite-tennantite typically hosts between 0.1 and 1000 ppm Se, while Sn concentrations are typically between 0.01 and 100 ppm. Concentrations of Ni, Ga, Mo, In, Au, and Tl are rarely, if ever, greater than 10 ppm in tetrahedrite-tennantite and measured W concentrations are consistently < 1 ppm. Taking into account the trace element concentrations in co-crystallizing BMS, the results presented allow the partitioning trends between co-crystallized sphalerite, galena, chalcopyrite, and tetrahedrite-tennantite to be defined. In co-crystallizing BMS assemblages, tetrahedrite-tennantite will always be the primary host of Ag, Fe, Cu, Zn, As, and Sb, and will be the secondary host of Cd, Hg, and Bi. In contrast, tetrahedrite-tennantite is a poor host for the critical metals Ga, In, and Sn, all of which prefer to partition to co-crystallizing BMS. This study shows that tetrahedrite-tennantite is a significant carrier of a range of trace elements at concentrations measurable using contemporary instrumentation. This should be recognized when establishing protocols for trace element analysis of tetrahedrite-tennantite, and when assessing the main hosts of trace elements in any given assemblage, e.g., for geometallurgical purposes.
Hyperuricaemia, Xanthine Oxidoreductase and Ribosome‐Inactivating Proteins from Plants: The Contributions of Fiorenzo Stirpe to Frontline Research
Authors: Bolognesi Andrea , Bortolotti Massimo , Battelli Maria , Polito Letizia
Published: January 2017

The enzymes called ribosome‐inactivating proteins (RIPs) that are able to depurinate nucleic acids and arrest vital cellular functions, including protein synthesis, are still a frontline research field, mostly because of their promising medical applications. The contributions of Stirpe to the development of these studies has been one of the most relevant. After a short biographical introduction, an overview is offered of the main results obtained by his investigations during last 55 years on his main research lines: hyperuricaemia, xanthine oxidoreductase and RIPs.
Evolution of Complex Target SELEX to Identify Aptamers against Mammalian Cell-Surface Antigens
Authors: Mallikaratchy Prabodhika
Published: January 2017

The demand has increased for sophisticated molecular tools with improved detection limits. Such molecules should be simple in structure, yet stable enough for clinical applications. Nucleic acid aptamers (NAAs) represent a class of molecules able to meet this demand. In particular, aptamers, a class of small nucleic acid ligands that are composed of single-stranded modified/unmodified RNA/DNA molecules, can be evolved from a complex library using Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment (SELEX) against almost any molecule. Since its introduction in 1990, in stages, SELEX technology has itself undergone several modifications, improving selection and broadening the repertoire of targets. This review summarizes these milestones that have pushed the field forward, allowing researchers to generate aptamers that can potentially be applied as therapeutic and diagnostic agents.
A2 Milk Enhances Dynamic Muscle Function Following Repeated Sprint Exercise, a Possible Ergogenic Aid for A1-Protein Intolerant Athletes?
Authors: Kirk Ben , Mitchell Jade , Jackson Matthew , Amirabdollahian Farzad , Alizadehkhaiyat Omid , Clifford Tom
Published: January 2017

Hyperaminoacidemia following ingestion of cows-milk may stimulate muscle anabolism and attenuate exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). However, as dairy-intolerant athletes do not obtain the reported benefits from milk-based products, A2 milk may offer a suitable alternative as it lacks the A1-protein. This study aimed to determine the effect of A2 milk on recovery from a sports-specific muscle damage model. Twenty-one male team sport players were allocated to three independent groups: A2 milk (n = 7), regular milk (n = 7), and placebo (PLA) (n = 7). Immediately following muscle-damaging exercise, participants consumed either A2 milk, regular milk or PLA (500 mL each). Visual analogue scale (muscle soreness), maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), countermovement jump (CMJ) and 20-m sprint were measured prior to and 24, 48, and 72 h post EIMD. At 48 h post-EIMD, CMJ and 20-m sprint recovered quicker in A2 (33.4 ± 6.6 and 3.3 ± 0.1, respectively) and regular milk (33.1 ± 7.1 and 3.3 ± 0.3, respectively) vs. PLA (29.2 ± 3.6 and 3.6 ± 0.3, respectively) (p < 0.05). Relative to baseline, decrements in 48 h CMJ and 20-m sprint were minimised in A2 (by 7.2 and 5.1%, respectively) and regular milk (by 6.3 and 5.2%, respectively) vs. PLA. There was a trend for milk treatments to attenuate decrements in MVIC, however statistical significance was not reached (p = 0.069). Milk treatments had no apparent effect on muscle soreness (p = 0.152). Following muscle-damaging exercise, ingestion of 500 mL of A2 or regular milk can limit decrements in dynamic muscle function in male athletes, thus hastening recovery and improving subsequent performance. The findings propose A2 milk as an ergogenic aid following EIMD, and may offer an alternative to athletes intolerant to the A1 protein.
Crystallization of Poly(ε-caprolactone) in Poly(vinylidene fluoride)/Poly(ε-caprolactone) Blend
Authors: Kong Yang , Ma Yangmin , Lei Lele , Wang Xuechuan , Wang Haijun
Published: January 2017

The crystallization behavior of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) in a poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/PCL blend as well as on a highly orientated PVDF substrate was studied by means of POM, DSC and TEM. The results show that the miscibility of the PVDF/PCL blend and the spherulitic morphology of PVDF varies with the blend ratio. For all the compositions, the pre-existing PVDF crystals accelerated the crystallization of PCL because the PVDF exhibits very strong nucleation ability toward PCL as reflected by the occurrence of heteroepitaxy and the transcrystallization of PBA on the PVDF substrate. This is associated with the perfect lattice matching between the PBA and PVDF crystals.
Study of Organosolv Lignins as Adhesives in Wood Panel Production
Authors: Koumba-Yoya Georges , Stevanovic Tatjana
Published: January 2017

Organosolv lignins obtained from sugar maple bark and wood were studied as adhesives for wood particleboard production. Organosolv pulping of sugar maple wood and bark was carried out in the presence of Lewis acid FeCl3 as a catalyst. The organosolv lignins recovered from this process were investigated by determination of Klason plus acid-soluble lignin content, of sugars by HPLC analysis, and of ash content. Structural characterizations of these lignins were performed by Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) and by 31P NMR. The results of the latter studies indicate that the content of free phenolic groups was more important in bark than in wood lignin. The gel permeation chromatography (GPC) analyses results suggested that the weight-average molecular mass of wood lignin was higher than that of bark lignin. The studied organosolv lignins were used for the preparation of particleboards as recovered and in combination with glyoxal or isocyanate. It was found that sugar maple bark lignin, as such or modified with isocyanate, was a more efficient adhesive than its wood counterpart. On the contrary, it was the organosolv wood lignin combined with glyoxal which was a more efficient adhesive than its bark counterpart. In combination with isocyanate, it was the sugar maple bark organosolv lignin which was determined to have the best adhesive performance of all studied lignins.
Cutbank Geophysics: A New Method for Expanding Magnetic Investigations to the Subsurface Using Magnetic Susceptibility Testing at an Awatixa Hidatsa Village, North Dakota
Authors: Dalan Rinita , Sturdevant Jay , Wallace Rebecca , Schneider Blair , Vore Steven
Published: January 2017

Magnetic susceptibility investigations were conducted at an Awatixa Hidatsa village (32ME11, also known as Sakakawea Village) along a cutbank at the Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site (KNRI) in central North Dakota, USA. This extensive exposure provided a superb opportunity to correlate magnetic susceptibility measurements with a variety of subsurface features. These features were visible in the cutbank, and also recorded in cutbank profiles completed in the late 1970s in work supervised by Robert Nickel and Stanley Ahler. The susceptibility studies are part of a larger program of geophysics at KNRI that commenced with pioneering surveys of John Weymouth and Robert Nickel, also in the 1970s, and continued with extensive surface-based magnetic surveys over the interior portion of the site in 2012 by the National Park Service. Our magnetic susceptibility study differs from other geophysical efforts in that measurements were collected from the vertical cutbank, not from the surface, to investigate different feature types within their stratigraphic context and to map small-scale vertical changes in susceptibility. In situ measurements of volume magnetic susceptibility were accomplished on the cutbank at six areas within the village and a control location off-site. Samples were collected for use in soil magnetic studies aimed at providing an understanding of susceptibility contrasts in terms of magnetic mineralogy, grain size, and concentration. Distinctive susceptibility signatures for natural and cultural soils, different feature types, and buried soils, suggest that down-hole susceptibility surveys could be usefully paired with surface-based geophysics and soil magnetic studies to explore interior areas of this and other KNRI sites, mapping vertical and horizontal site limits, activity areas, features, and perhaps even earlier occupations. This study showcases the potential of cutbank studies for future geophysical survey design and interpretation, and also underscores the importance of information gained through pioneering studies of the past.
Reply to Lofgren, B.M.: Comment on Hicham Bahi, et al. Effects of Urbanization and Seasonal Cycle on the Surface Urban Heat Island Patterns in the Coastal Growing Cities: ACase Study of Casablanca, Morocco. Remote Sens. 2016, 8, 829
Authors: Bahi Hicham , Rhinane Hassan , Bensalmia Ahmed , Fehrenbach Ute , Scherer Dieter
Published: January 2017

First, we would like to thank Lofgren [1] for his comments [2].[...]
An Information Retrieval Approach for Robust Prediction of Road Surface States
Authors: Park Jae-Hyung , Kim Kwanho
Published: January 2017

Recently, due to the increasing importance of reducing severe vehicle accidents on roads (especially on highways), the automatic identification of road surface conditions, and the provisioning of such information to drivers in advance, have recently been gaining significant momentum as a proactive solution to decrease the number of vehicle accidents. In this paper, we firstly propose an information retrieval approach that aims to identify road surface states by combining conventional machine-learning techniques and moving average methods. Specifically, when signal information is received from a radar system, our approach attempts to estimate the current state of the road surface based on the similar instances observed previously based on utilizing a given similarity function. Next, the estimated state is then calibrated by using the recently estimated states to yield both effective and robust prediction results. To validate the performances of the proposed approach, we established a real-world experimental setting on a section of actual highway in South Korea and conducted a comparison with the conventional approaches in terms of accuracy. The experimental results show that the proposed approach successfully outperforms the previously developed methods.
A Kalman Filter for SINS Self-Alignment Based on Vector Observation
Authors: Xu Xiang , Xu Xiaosu , Zhang Tao , Li Yao , Tong Jinwu
Published: January 2017

In this paper, a self-alignment method for strapdown inertial navigation systems based on the q-method is studied. In addition, an improved method based on integrating gravitational apparent motion to form apparent velocity is designed, which can reduce the random noises of the observation vectors. For further analysis, a novel self-alignment method using a Kalman filter based on adaptive filter technology is proposed, which transforms the self-alignment procedure into an attitude estimation using the observation vectors. In the proposed method, a linear psuedo-measurement equation is adopted by employing the transfer method between the quaternion and the observation vectors. Analysis and simulation indicate that the accuracy of the self-alignment is improved. Meanwhile, to improve the convergence rate of the proposed method, a new method based on parameter recognition and a reconstruction algorithm for apparent gravitation is devised, which can reduce the influence of the random noises of the observation vectors. Simulations and turntable tests are carried out, and the results indicate that the proposed method can acquire sound alignment results with lower standard variances, and can obtain higher alignment accuracy and a faster convergence rate.
Classification of Multiple Chinese Liquors by Means of a QCM-based E-Nose and MDS-SVM Classifier
Authors: Li Qiang , Gu Yu , Jia Jing
Published: January 2017

Chinese liquors are internationally well-known fermentative alcoholic beverages. They have unique flavors attributable to the use of various bacteria and fungi, raw materials, and production processes. Developing a novel, rapid, and reliable method to identify multiple Chinese liquors is of positive significance. This paper presents a pattern recognition system for classifying ten brands of Chinese liquors based on multidimensional scaling (MDS) and support vector machine (SVM) algorithms in a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM)-based electronic nose (e-nose) we designed. We evaluated the comprehensive performance of the MDS-SVM classifier that predicted all ten brands of Chinese liquors individually. The prediction accuracy (98.3%) showed superior performance of the MDS-SVM classifier over the back-propagation artificial neural network (BP-ANN) classifier (93.3%) and moving average-linear discriminant analysis (MA-LDA) classifier (87.6%). The MDS-SVM classifier has reasonable reliability, good fitting and prediction (generalization) performance in classification of the Chinese liquors. Taking both application of the e-nose and validation of the MDS-SVM classifier into account, we have thus created a useful method for the classification of multiple Chinese liquors.
Urban Growth and Flood Disasters in the Coastal River Basin of South-Central Chile (1943–2011)
Authors: Rojas Octavio , Mardones María , Rojas Carolina , Martínez Carolina , Flores Luis
Published: January 2017

Urban flooding is an increasing problem in developing countries, thus understanding flood dynamics is necessary to establish guidelines on urban development and flood management. This paper studied the lower reaches of the Andalien River basin, situated on the coast of the Greater Concepcion Metropolitan Area (CMA), the second most urbanized area in Chile. This basin experienced a record 21 flood events in the last 50 years. Patterns in the evolution of urban growth were evaluated using a historical analysis (1943–2011) that specifically focused on how these patterns interact with zones that are prone to flooding over different return periods. Our model applied to the CMA, but is sufficiently transversal to be applied in similar areas. It was determined that the built-up area increased by 1457 ha and had an urban form vulnerable to future flooding due to its location on landforms exposed to flood risk, with altitudes of <8 m and slopes of <0.5°. The bankfull channel of the Andalien River lost 18.4% of its area. Upstream, management of the river decreased smaller floods for a return period of two, five, and 10 years; however, for a return period of 500 years, risk remained at high levels. These findings help to rethink and improve urban planning and the response of Chilean cities in relation to flood hazard.
p-Cresyl Sulfate
Authors: Gryp Tessa , Vanholder Raymond , Vaneechoutte Mario , Glorieux Griet
Published: January 2017

If chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with an impairment of kidney function, several uremic solutes are retained. Some of these exert toxic effects, which are called uremic toxins. p-Cresyl sulfate (pCS) is a prototype protein-bound uremic toxin to which many biological and biochemical (toxic) effects have been attributed. In addition, increased levels of pCS have been associated with worsening outcomes in CKD patients. pCS finds its origin in the intestine where gut bacteria metabolize aromatic amino acids, such as tyrosine and phenylalanine, leading to phenolic end products, of which pCS is one of the components. In this review we summarize the biological effects of pCS and its metabolic origin in the intestine. It appears that, according to in vitro studies, the intestinal bacteria generating phenolic compounds mainly belong to the families Bacteroidaceae, Bifidobacteriaceae, Clostridiaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcaceae, Eubacteriaceae, Fusobacteriaceae, Lachnospiraceae, Lactobacillaceae, Porphyromonadaceae, Staphylococcaceae, Ruminococcaceae, and Veillonellaceae. Since pCS remains difficult to remove by dialysis, the gut microbiota could be a future target to decrease pCS levels and its toxicity, even at earlier stages of CKD, aiming at slowing down the progression of the disease and decreasing the cardiovascular burden.
Water Savings of Crop Redistribution in the United States
Authors: Davis Kyle , Seveso Antonio , Rulli Maria , D’Odorico Paolo
Published: January 2017

Demographic growth, changes in diet, and reliance on first-generation biofuels are increasing the human demand for agricultural products, thereby enhancing the human pressure on global freshwater resources. Recent research on the food-water nexus has highlighted how some major agricultural regions of the world lack the water resources required to sustain current growth trends in crop production. To meet the increasing need for agricultural commodities with limited water resources, the water use efficiency of the agricultural sector must be improved. In this regard, recent work indicates that the often overlooked strategy of changing the crop distribution within presently cultivated areas offers promise. Here we investigate the extent to which water in the United States could be saved while improving yields simply by replacing the existing crops with more suitable ones. We propose crop replacement criteria that achieve this goal while preserving crop diversity, economic value, nitrogen fixation, and food protein production. We find that in the United States, these criteria would greatly improve calorie (+46%) and protein (+34%) production and economic value (+208%), with 5% water savings with respect to the present crop distribution. Interestingly, greater water savings could be achieved in water-stressed agricultural regions of the US such as California (56% water savings), and other western states.
Un autel de Dionysos à Délos
Authors: Moretti Jean-Charles , Fincker Myriam
Published: January 2017

An altar of Dionysos at Delos

The monument which, at Delos, has obtain notoriety through the restoration on its two sides of two bases supporting phalluses has been variously interpreted. Niche for some, altar or chapel of Dionysos for others, it is designated as a "Podest for choregic monuments" in the Ph. Bruneau and J. Ducat edition of the Guide de Délos which appeared in 2005. An analysis of the remains leads to recognizing an altar, dedicated to Dionysos in the first decennies of Independence, or, more precisely, around 280 BC. Derived from the altar type with antae, it has been associated with various statues consecrated to the god. The identification permits a better grasp of the history of the cult-site dedicated to Dionysos to the north-east of the sanctuary of Apollon.
La moisson et les pigeons. Note sur l’assise sommitale du pilier de Prusias à Delphes
Authors: Perrier Amélie
Published: January 2017

Les vestiges du pilier de Prusias, près du temple d'Apollon à Delphes, ont prêté à beaucoup de commentaires. En effet, l'assise qui supportait la statue équestre du roi de Bithynie présente cent douze mortaises, en dehors des traces d'encastrement de la statue. Jusqu'à présent, on a pensé que ces cavités étaient destinées à recevoir des éléments végétaux, épis de blé fauchés par un laboureur ou, après l'identification de la base comme appartenant au pilier de Prusias, champ de blé signifiant l'évergésie du roi. Mais un faisceau d'indices textuels et archéologiques invite à interpréter différemment ce dispositif énigmatique. Les mortaises auraient reçu des pointes en bronze (obeloi ou meniskoi) formant un système de protection contre les dégradations dues aux oiseaux, comme c'est parfois le cas en sculpture et dans l'architecture des temples.