bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploitation and Utilization of Oilfield Geothermal Resources in China
Authors: Wang Shejiao , Yan Jiahong , Li Feng , Hu Junwen , Li Kewen
Published: September 2016

Geothermal energy is a clean, green renewable resource, which can be utilized for power generation, heating, cooling, and could effectively replace oil, gas, and coal. In recent years, oil companies have put more efforts into exploiting and utilizing geothermal energy with advanced technologies for heat-tracing oil gathering and transportation, central heating, etc., which has not only reduced resource waste, but also improved large-scale and industrial resource utilization levels, and has achieved remarkable economic and social benefits. Based on the analysis of oilfield geothermal energy development status, resource potential, and exploitation and utilization modes, the advantages and disadvantages of harnessing oilfield geothermal resource have been discussed. Oilfield geothermal energy exploitation and utilization have advantages in resources, technical personnel, technology, and a large number of abandoned wells that could be reconstructed and utilized. Due to the high heat demand in oilfields, geothermal energy exploitation and utilization can effectively replace oil, gas, coal, and other fossil fuels, and has bright prospects. The key factors limiting oilfield geothermal energy exploitation and utilization are also pointed out in this paper, including immature technologies, lack of overall planning, lack of standards in resource assessment, and economic assessment, lack of incentive policies, etc.
Evaluation of Organic Matter Removal Efficiency and Microbial Enzyme Activity in Vertical-Flow Constructed Wetland Systems
Authors: Xu Qiaoling , Chen Shuona , Huang Zhujian , Cui Lihua , Wang Xiaomao
Published: September 2016

In this study, enzyme activities and their relationships to organics purification were investigated in three different vertical flow constructed wetlands, namely system A (planting Pennisetum sinese Roxb), system B (planting Pennisetum purpureum Schum.), and system C (no plant). These three wetland systems were fed with simulation domestic sewage at an influent flow rate of 20 cm/day. The results showed that the final removal efficiency of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) in these three systems was 87%, 85% and 63%, respectively. Planting Pennisetum sinese Roxb and Pennisetum purpureum Schum. could improve the amount of adsorption and interception for organic matter in the substrate, and the amount of interception of organic matter in planting the Pennisetum sinese Roxb system was higher than that in planting the Pennisetum purpureum Schum. system. The activities of enzymes (urease, phosphatase and cellulase) in systems A and B were higher than those in system C, and these enzyme activities in the top layer (0–30 cm) were significantly higher than in the other layers. The correlations between the activities of urease, phosphatase, cellulase and the COD removal rates were R = 0.815, 0.961 and 0.973, respectively. It suggests that using Pennisetum sinese Roxb and Pennisetum purpureum Schum. as wetland plants could promote organics removal, and the activities of urease, phosphatase and cellulase in those three systems were important indicators for COD purification from wastewater. In addition, 0–30 cm was the main function layer. This study could provide a theoretical basis for COD removal in the wetland system and supply new plant materials for selection.
Spatial Heterogeneity in Tree Diversity and Forest Structure of Evergreen Broadleaf Forests in Southern China along an Altitudinal Gradient
Authors: Cui Wei , Zheng Xiao-Xian
Published: September 2016

We studied the influence of altitude on the spatial heterogeneity of tree diversity and forest structure in a subtropical evergreen broadleaf forest in southern China. Significant positive correlation was found between tree species diversity, basal area and altitude, but negative correlation between slenderness of trunks and altitude. According to topography, tree species diversity, diameter at breast height, height and basal area increased from ridges to valleys, while slenderness and stem density did not differ significantly with topography. Redundancy analysis (RDA) was employed to clarify relationships between tree species diversity and environmental factors (topography and soil water holding capacity). Topography and water conditions jointly explained 57.8% of the diversity variation. Tree species diversity was significantly correlated with altitude, slope and bulk density (Monte Carlo permutation test with 999 permutations, p < 0.05). A positive relationship existed between altitude, soil non-capillary porosity and diversity, while slope, aspect and soil water content were the opposite. Our results show that soil water holding capacity has a positive effect on maintaining species diversity. When comparing with topographic factors—the main driving forces affecting the pattern of tree species diversity—the effect of soil water holding capacity was weak.
Fire Regime in Marginal Jack Pine Populations at Their Southern Limit of Distribution, Riding Mountain National Park, Central Canada
Authors: Tardif Jacques , Cornelsen Stephen , Conciatori France , Hodgin Eben , Pellatt Marlow
Published: September 2016

In central Canada, long fire history reconstructions are rare. In a context where both anthropogenic and climate influences on fire regime have changed, Parks Canada has a mandate to maintain ecological integrity. Here we present a fire history derived from fire-scarred jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) trees growing at their southern distribution limit in Riding Mountain National Park (RMNP). In Lake Katherine Fire Management Unit (LKFMU), a subregion within the park, fire history was reconstructed from archival records, tree-ring records, and charcoal in lake sediment. From about 1450 to 1850 common era (CE) the fire return intervals varied from 37 to 125 years, according to models. During the period 1864–1930 the study area burned frequently (Weibull Mean Fire Intervals between 2.66 and 5.62 years); this period coincided with the end of First Nations occupation and the start of European settlement. Major recruitment pulses were associated with the stand-replacing 1864 and 1894 fires. This period nevertheless corresponded to a reduction in charcoal accumulation. The current fire-free period in LKFMU (1930–today) coincides with RMNP establishment, exclusion of First Nations land use and increased fire suppression. Charcoal accumulation further decreased during this period. In the absence of fire, jack pine exclusion in LKFMU is foreseeable and the use of prescribed burning is advocated to conserve this protected jack pine ecosystem, at the southern margins of its range, and in the face of potential climate change.
Soil CO2 Efflux and Root Productivity in a Switchgrass and Loblolly Pine Intercropping System
Authors: Shrestha Paliza , Seiler John , Strahm Brian , Sucre Eric , Leggett Zakiya
Published: September 2016

Switchgrass intercropped with loblolly pine plantations can provide valuable feedstock for bioenergy production while providing ancillary benefits like controlling competing vegetation and enhancing soil C. Better understanding of the impact of intercropping on pine and switchgrass productivity is required for evaluating the long-term sustainability of this agroforestry system, along with the impacts on soil C dynamics (soil CO2 efflux; RS). RS is the result of root respiration (RA) and heterotrophic respiration (RH), which are used to estimate net C ecosystem exchange. We measured RS in intercropped and monoculture stands of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.). The root exclusion core technique was used to estimate RA and RH. The results showed pure switchgrass had significantly higher RS rates (July, August and September), root biomass and length relative to intercropped switchgrass, while there were no significant changes in RS and roots between intercropped and monoculture loblolly pine stands. A significant decrease in switchgrass root productivity in the intercropped stands versus monoculture stands could account for differences in the observed RS. The proportions of RS attributed to RA in the intercropped stand were 31% and 22% in the summer and fall respectively, indicating that the majority of the RS was heterotrophic-driven. Ancillary benefits provided by planting switchgrass between unutilized pine rows can be considered unless the goal is to increase switchgrass production.
The Role of Family in a Dietary Risk Reduction Intervention for Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Schumacher Tracy , Burrows Tracy , Thompson Deborah , Callister Robin , Spratt Neil , Collins Clare
Published: September 2016

Diet is an essential strategy for the prevention of primary and secondary cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. The objectives were to examine: how families at increased risk of CVD perceived personal risk, their motivations to make dietary changes, their understanding of diet, and the influence of other family members. Individuals (>18 years) who completed an Australian family-based CVD risk reduction program were invited to a semi-structured telephone interview. Responses were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using a systematic deductive approach with coding derived from key concepts developed as part of the interview structure. Seventeen participants from eight families were interviewed (aged 18–70 years, 47% male, five with CVD diagnosis). Key themes indicated both intrinsic and extrinsic motivations to improve heart health, variations in risk perception, recognition of the role diet plays in heart health, and the extent of family influences on eating patterns. Discrepancies between perceived and actual CVD risk perception impacted on perceived “need” to modify current dietary patterns towards heart health recommendations. Therefore, strategies not reliant on risk perception are needed to engage those with low risk perception. This could involve identifying and accessing the family “ringleader” to influence involvement and capitalising on personal accountability to other family members.
Firefighters’ Physical Activity across Multiple Shifts of Planned Burn Work
Authors: Chappel Stephanie , Aisbett Brad , Vincent Grace , Ridgers Nicola
Published: September 2016

Little is currently known about the physical activity patterns of workers in physically demanding populations. The aims of this study were to (a) quantify firefighters’ physical activity and sedentary time within (2-h periods) and across planned burn shifts; and (b) examine whether firefighters’ activity levels during one shift or 2-h period was associated with their activity levels in the following shift or 2-h period. Thirty-four salaried firefighters (26 men, 8 women) wore an Actical accelerometer for 28 consecutive days. Time spent sedentary (SED) and in light- (LPA), moderate- (MPA) and vigorous-intensity physical activity (VPA) were derived using validated cut-points. Multilevel analyses (shift, participant) were conducted using generalised linear latent and mixed models. Firefighters spent the majority of a planned burn shift (average length 10.4 h) or 2-h period engaged in LPA (69% and 70%, respectively). No significant associations were observed between SED and physical activity levels between consecutive planned burned shifts or 2-h periods. The physical activity that a firefighter engaged in during one shift (or 2-h period) did not subsequently affect their physical activity levels in the subsequent shift (or 2-h period). Further research is needed to establish how workers in physically demanding populations are able to sustain their activity levels over long periods of time.
Non-Obese Diabetes and Its Associated Factors in an Underdeveloped Area of South China, Guangxi
Authors: Tang Zhenzhu , Fang Zhifeng , Huang Wei , Liu Zhanhua , Chen Yuzhu , Li Zhongyou , Zhu Ting , Wang Qichun , Simpson Steve , Taylor Bruce , Lin Rui
Published: September 2016

Background: Little research has been conducted on the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in underdeveloped areas in China, especially stratified into obesity and non-obese diabetes. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of non-obese diabetes in an underdeveloped area in South China, Guangxi. Methods: Data derived from the Chinese Health and Nutrition Survey 2010–2012 involved a sample of 3874 adults from Guangxi. Questionnaires and oral glucose-tolerance tests were conducted, and fasting and 2-h glucose levels and serum lipids were measured. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess associated factors for non-obese diabetes. Results: 68.2% and 62.2% of instances of newly detected diabetes were those of non-obese diabetes based on BMI (NODB) and based on WC (NODW), respectively. The male sex, an age older than 50 years, lower education, hypertension, and hypertriglyceridemia were significantly associated with a higher risk of both NODB and NODW, while some associated factors for NODB were found different from those associated with NODW, and an interaction effect was found to increase the risk of NODW. Conclusions: Our study indicated that non-obese diabetes was highly prevalent in an underdeveloped area of South China. Non-obese diabetes should be considered for increased public attention in these areas.
Forecasting Public Transit Use by Crowdsensing and Semantic Trajectory Mining: Case Studies
Authors: Zhang Ningyu , Chen Huajun , Chen Xi , Chen Jiaoyan
Published: September 2016

With the growing development of smart cities, public transit forecasting has begun to attract significant attention. In this paper, we propose an approach for forecasting passenger boarding choices and public transit passenger flow. Our prediction model is based on mining common user behaviors for semantic trajectories and enriching features using knowledge from geographic and weather data. All the experimental data comes from the Ridge Nantong Limited bus company and Alibaba platform which is also open to the public. We evaluate our approach using various data sources, including point of interest (POI), weather condition, and public bus information in Guangzhou to demonstrate its effectiveness. Experimental results show that our proposal performs better than baselines in the prediction of passenger boarding choices and public transit passenger flow.
Construction and Characterization of a Cellulolytic Consortium Enriched from the Hindgut of Holotrichia parallela Larvae
Authors: Sheng Ping , Huang Jiangli , Zhang Zhihong , Wang Dongsheng , Tian Xiaojuan , Ding Jiannan
Published: September 2016

Degradation of rice straw by cooperative microbial activities is at present the most attractive alternative to fuels and provides a basis for biomass conversion. The use of microbial consortia in the biodegradation of lignocelluloses could reduce problems such as incomplete synergistic enzymes, end-product inhibition, and so on. In this study, a cellulolytic microbial consortium was enriched from the hindgut of Holotrichia parallela larvae via continuous subcultivation (20 subcultures in total) under static conditions. The degradation ratio for rice straw was about 83.1% after three days of cultivation, indicating its strong cellulolytic activity. The diversity analysis results showed that the bacterial diversity and richness decreased during the consortium enrichment process, and the consortium enrichment process could lead to a significant enrichment of phyla Proteobacteria and Spirochaetes, classes Clostridia, Epsilonproteobacteria, and Betaproteobacteria, and genera Arcobacter, Treponema, Comamonas, and Clostridium. Some of these are well known as typical cellulolytic and hemicellulolytic microorganisms. Our results revealed that the microbial consortium identified herein is a potential candidate for use in the degradation of waste lignocellulosic biomass and further highlights the hindgut of the larvae as a reservoir of extensive and specific cellulolytic and hemicellulolytic microbes.
Detection and Characterization of Circulating Tumor Associated Cells in Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Mu Zhaomei , Benali-Furet Naoual , Uzan Georges , Znaty Anaëlle , Ye Zhong , Paolillo Carmela , Wang Chun , Austin Laura , Rossi Giovanna , Fortina Paolo , Yang Hushan , Cristofanilli Massimo
Published: September 2016

The availability of blood-based diagnostic testing using a non-invasive technique holds promise for real-time monitoring of disease progression and treatment selection. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have been used as a prognostic biomarker for the metastatic breast cancer (MBC). The molecular characterization of CTCs is fundamental to the phenotypic identification of malignant cells and description of the relevant genetic alterations that may change according to disease progression and therapy resistance. However, the molecular characterization of CTCs remains a challenge because of the rarity and heterogeneity of CTCs and technological difficulties in the enrichment, isolation and molecular characterization of CTCs. In this pilot study, we evaluated circulating tumor associated cells in one blood draw by size exclusion technology and cytological analysis. Among 30 prospectively enrolled MBC patients, CTCs, circulating tumor cell clusters (CTC clusters), CTCs of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer associated macrophage-like cells (CAMLs) were detected and analyzed. For molecular characterization of CTCs, size-exclusion method for CTC enrichment was tested in combination with DEPArray™ technology, which allows the recovery of single CTCs or pools of CTCs as a pure CTC sample for mutation analysis. Genomic mutations of TP53 and ESR1 were analyzed by targeted sequencing on isolated 7 CTCs from a patient with MBC. The results of genomic analysis showed heterozygous TP53 R248W mutation from one single CTC and pools of three CTCs, and homozygous TP53 R248W mutation from one single CTC and pools of two CTCs. Wild-type ESR1 was detected in the same isolated CTCs. The results of this study reveal that size-exclusion method can be used to enrich and identify circulating tumor associated cells, and enriched CTCs were characterized for genetic alterations in MBC patients, respectively.
µXRF Elemental Mapping of Bioresorbable Magnesium-Based Implants in Bone
Authors: Turyanskaya Anna , Rauwolf Mirjam , Grünewald Tilman , Meischel Martin , Stanzl-Tschegg Stefanie , Löffler Jörg , Wobrauschek Peter , Weinberg Annelie , Lichtenegger Helga , Streli Christina
Published: September 2016

This study investigated the distribution of the elemental constituents of Mg-based implants at various stages of the degradation process in surrounding bone tissue, with a focus on magnesium (Mg), as the main component of the alloy, and yttrium (Y), due to its potential adverse health effects. The measurements were performed on the implant-bearing thin sections of rat bone in a time series of implant degradation between one and 18 months. Micro X-ray fluorescence analysis (μXRF) with a special spectrometer meeting the requirements for the measurements of low-Z elements was used. It was found that the migration and accumulation behaviour of implant degradation products is element-specific. A sharp decrease in Mg was observed in the immediate vicinity of the interface and no specific accumulation or aggregation of Mg in the adjacent bone tissue was detected. By contrast, Y was found to migrate further into the bone over time and to remain in the tissue even after the complete degradation of the implant. Although the nature of Y accumulations must still be clarified, its potential health impact should be considered.
Re-188 Enhances the Inhibitory Effect of Bevacizumab in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Xiao Jie , Xu Xiaobo , Li Xiao , Li Yanli , Liu Guobing , Tan Hui , Shen Hua , Shi Hongcheng , Cheng Dengfeng
Published: September 2016

The malignant behaviors of solid tumors such as growth, infiltration and metastasis are mainly nourished by tumor neovascularization. Thus, anti-angiogenic therapy is key to controlling tumor progression. Bevacizumab, a humanized anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibody, plus chemotherapy or biological therapy can prolong survival for cancer patients, but treatment-related mortality is a concern. To improve inhibitory effect and decrease side-effects on non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), we used Re-188, which is a β emitting radionuclide, directly labeled with bevacizumab for radioimmunotherapy in a human A549 tumor model. Cytotoxic assay data showed that, after 188ReO4− or 188Re-bevacizumab at different concentration for 4 and 24 h, a time- and radioactivity does-dependent reduction in cell viability occurred. Also, an apoptosis assay conformed great apoptosis in the 188Re-bevacizumab group compared with controls and other treatment groups. In vivo, tumor volumes in the 188Re-bevacizumab (11.1 MBq/mice) group were not reduced but growth was delayed compared with other groups. Thus, 188Re-bevacizumab enhanced the therapeutic effect of bevacizumab, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for NSCLC treatment.
A Set of 20 New SSR Markers Developed and Evaluated in Mandevilla Lindl.
Authors: Oder Alev , Lannes Robert , Viruel Maria
Published: September 2016

Mandevilla is an ornamental crop with a bright future worldwide because of its high commercial acceptance and added value. However, as with most ornamental species, there are few molecular tools to support cultivar breeding and innovation. In this work, we report the development and analysis of 20 new Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers in Mandevilla. Microsatellites were isolated from two enriched small-insert genomic libraries of Mandevilla × amabilis. The diversity parameters estimated after their amplification in a group of 11 commercial genotypes illustrate the effect of two opposite drifts: the high relatedness of cultivars belonging to the same commercial group and the high divergence of other cultivars, especially M. × amabilis. Based on their different band patterns, six genotypes were uniquely distinguished, and two groups of sport mutations remained undistinguishable. The amplification of the SSRs in three wild species suggested the existence of unexploited diversity available to be introgressed into the commercial pool. This is the first report of available microsatellites in Mandevilla. The development process has provided some clues concerning the genome structure of the species, and the SSRs obtained will help to create new products and to protect existing and upcoming plant innovations.
Growing and Etching MoS2 on Carbon Nanotube Film for Enhanced Electrochemical Performance
Authors: Xu Weiyu , Fang Qi , Liu Daobin , Zhang Ke , Habib Muhammad , Wu Chuanqiang , Zheng Xusheng , Liu Hengjie , Chen Shuangming , Song Li
Published: September 2016

In this work we directly synthesized molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets on carbon nanotube film (MoS2@CNT) via a two-step chemical vapor deposition method (CVD). By etching the obtained MoS2@CNT into 10% wt HNO3, the morphology of MoS2 decorated on CNT bundles was modulated, resulting in more catalytic active MoS2 edges being exposed for significantly enhanced electrochemical performance. Our results revealed that an 8 h acid etching sample exhibited the best performance for the oxygen evolution reaction, i.e., the current density reached 10 mA/cm2 under 375 mV over-potential, and the tafel slope was as low as 94 mV/dec. The enhanced behavior was mainly originated from the more catalytic sites in MoS2 induced by the acid etching treatment and the higher conductivity from the supporting CNT films. Our study provides a new route to produce two-dimensional layers on CNT films with tunable morphology, and thus may open a window for exploring its promising applications in the fields of catalytic-, electronic-, and electrochemical-related fields.
Regulation of the U3-, U8-, and U13snoRNA Expression by the DEAD Box Proteins Ddx5/Ddx17 with Consequences for Cell Proliferation and Survival
Authors: Ismael Hala , Altmeyer Simone , Stahl Hans
Published: September 2016

Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) in cooperation with their associated proteins (snoRNPs) contribute to the maturation of ribosomal RNA, transfer RNA, and other transcripts. Most snoRNPs mediate chemical base modifications of their RNA substrates, and a few others, like those formed by the C/D snoRNAs U3, U8, and U13, are needed for the structural organization and maturation of primary transcripts. The U3-, U8-, and U13snoRNAs are encoded by autonomous genes, and our knowledge about their expression regulation is limited. In this study, a significant increase in the concentrations of U3-, U8-, and U13snoRNA after a knockdown of DEAD box proteins Ddx5/Ddx17 in HeLa cells is observed. These alterations are shown to be caused by transcriptional suppression mediated by Ddx5/Ddx17 via histone deacetylase 1 in a promoter-dependent way. The biological function of this expression control may be related to the role of Ddx5/Ddx17 in cell proliferation. The U3snoRNA is shown here to be essential for the proliferation and viability of human cells. Moreover, it was found that U3snoRNA interacts with Argonaute 2 in the RNA-induced silencing complexes (RISC), pointing to a microRNA-like function. For this reason, the 3′ untranslated region of the A-kinase anchor protein 9 (AKAP9)-mRNA could be identified as a potential target.
Correction: Greffeuille, V.; et al. Persistent Inequalities in Child Undernutrition in Cambodia from 2000 Until Today. Nutrients 2016, 8, 297
Authors: Greffeuille Valérie , Sophonneary Prak , Laillou Arnaud , Gauthier Ludovic , Hong Rathmony , Hong Rathavuth , Poirot Etienne , Dijkhuizen Marjoleine , Wieringa Frank , Berger Jacques
Published: September 2016

We would like to submit the following as a correction to our recently published paper [1] because of the use of the wrong cut-off for overweight.[...]
Plasma Carotenoids, Tocopherols, and Retinol in the Age-Stratified (35–74 Years) General Population: A Cross-Sectional Study in Six European Countries
Authors: Stuetz Wolfgang , Weber Daniela , Dollé Martijn , Jansen Eugène , Grubeck-Loebenstein Beatrix , Fiegl Simone , Toussaint Olivier , Bernhardt Juergen , Gonos Efstathios , Franceschi Claudio , Sikora Ewa , Moreno-Villanueva María , Breusing Nicolle , Grune Tilman , Bürkle Alexander
Published: September 2016

Blood micronutrient status may change with age. We analyzed plasma carotenoids, α-/γ-tocopherol, and retinol and their associations with age, demographic characteristics, and dietary habits (assessed by a short food frequency questionnaire) in a cross-sectional study of 2118 women and men (age-stratified from 35 to 74 years) of the general population from six European countries. Higher age was associated with lower lycopene and α-/β-carotene and higher β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, α-/γ-tocopherol, and retinol levels. Significant correlations with age were observed for lycopene (r = −0.248), α-tocopherol (r = 0.208), α-carotene (r = −0.112), and β-cryptoxanthin (r = 0.125; all p < 0.001). Age was inversely associated with lycopene (−6.5% per five-year age increase) and this association remained in the multiple regression model with the significant predictors (covariables) being country, season, cholesterol, gender, smoking status, body mass index (BMI (kg/m2)), and dietary habits. The positive association of α-tocopherol with age remained when all covariates including cholesterol and use of vitamin supplements were included (1.7% vs. 2.4% per five-year age increase). The association of higher β-cryptoxanthin with higher age was no longer statistically significant after adjustment for fruit consumption, whereas the inverse association of α-carotene with age remained in the fully adjusted multivariable model (−4.8% vs. −3.8% per five-year age increase). We conclude from our study that age is an independent predictor of plasma lycopene, α-tocopherol, and α-carotene.
A Generalized Image Scene Decomposition-Based System for Supervised Classification of Very High Resolution Remote Sensing Imagery
Authors: Lv ZhiYong , He Haiqing , Benediktsson Jón , Huang Hong
Published: September 2016

Very high resolution (VHR) remote sensing images are widely used for land cover classification. However, to the best of our knowledge, few approaches have been shown to improve classification accuracies through image scene decomposition. In this paper, a simple yet powerful observational scene scale decomposition (OSSD)-based system is proposed for the classification of VHR images. Different from the traditional methods, the OSSD-based system aims to improve the classification performance by decomposing the complexity of an image’s content. First, an image scene is divided into sub-image blocks through segmentation to decompose the image content. Subsequently, each sub-image block is classified respectively, or each block is processed firstly through an image filter or spectral–spatial feature extraction method, and then each processed segment is taken as the feature input of a classifier. Finally, classified sub-maps are fused together for accuracy evaluation. The effectiveness of our proposed approach was investigated through experiments performed on different images with different supervised classifiers, namely, support vector machine, k-nearest neighbor, naive Bayes classifier, and maximum likelihood classifier. Compared with the accuracy achieved without OSSD processing, the accuracy of each classifier improved significantly, and our proposed approach shows outstanding performance in terms of classification accuracy.
Discernibility of Burial Mounds in High-Resolution X-Band SAR Images for Archaeological Prospections in the Altai Mountains
Authors: Balz Timo , Caspari Gino , Fu Bihong , Liao Mingsheng
Published: September 2016

The Altai Mountains are a heritage-rich archaeological landscape with monuments in almost every valley. Modern nation state borders dissect the region and limit archaeological landscape analysis to intra-national areas of interest. Remote sensing can help to overcome these limitations. Due to its high precision, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data can be a very useful tool for supporting archaeological prospections, but compared to optical imagery, the detectability of sites of archaeological interest is limited. We analyzed the limitations of SAR using TerraSAR-X images in different modes. Based on ground truth, the discernibility of burial mounds was analyzed in different SAR acquisition modes. We show that very-high-resolution TerraSAR-X staring spotlight images are very well suited for the task, with >75% of the larger mounds being discernible, while in images with a lower spatial resolution only a few large sites can be detected, at rates below 50%.
Analysis of Aggregation Delay for Multisource Sensor Data with On-Off Traffic Pattern in Wireless Body Area Networks
Authors: Kim Un-Ha , Kong Eutteum , Choi Hyun-Ho , Lee Jung-Ryun
Published: September 2016

Data aggregation plays an important role to improve the transmission efficiency in wireless body area networks (WBANs); however, it inherently induces additional aggregation delay. Therefore, the effect of packet aggregation on WBAN applications, which are vulnerable to delay, must be analyzed rigorously. In this paper, we analyze the packet aggregation delay for multisource sensor data with an on-off traffic pattern in WBANs. Considering two operational parameters of the aggregation threshold and aggregation timer, we calculate the probability that a packet aggregation occurs during a unit time and then derive the average aggregation delay in closed-form. The analysis results show that the aggregation delay increases as the aggregation timer or aggregation threshold increases, but is bounded below a certain level according to the number of active sensors and their on-off traffic attribute. This implies that the data aggregation technique can maximize the transmission efficiency while satisfying a given delay requirement in the WBAN system.
Amplitude Dispersion Compensation for Damage Detection Using Ultrasonic Guided Waves
Authors: Zeng Liang , Lin Jing , Huang Liping , Zhao Ming
Published: September 2016

Besides the phase and group velocities, the amplitude of guided wave mode is also frequency dependent. This amplitude dispersion also influences the performance of guided wave methods in nondestructive evaluation (NDE) and structural health monitoring (SHM). In this paper, the effects of amplitude dispersion to the spectrum and waveform of a propagating wave-packet are investigated. It is shown that the amplitude dispersion results in distortion in the spectrum of guided wave response, and thus influences the waveform of the wave-packet. To remove these effects, an amplitude dispersion compensation method is established on the basis of Vold–Kalman filter and Taylor series expansion. The performance of that method is then investigated by experimental examples. The results show that with the application of the amplitude dispersion compensation, the time reversibility could be preserved, which ensures the applicability of the time reversal method for damage detection. Besides, through amplitude dispersion compensation, the testing resolution of guided waves could be improved, so that the structural features located in the close proximity may be separately identified.
A Missile-Borne Angular Velocity Sensor Based on Triaxial Electromagnetic Induction Coils
Authors: Li Jian , Wu Dan , Han Yan
Published: September 2016

Aiming to solve the problem of the limited measuring range for angular motion parameters of high-speed rotating projectiles in the field of guidance and control, a self-adaptive measurement method for angular motion parameters based on the electromagnetic induction principle is proposed. First, a framework with type bent “I-shape” is used to design triaxial coils in a mutually orthogonal way. Under the condition of high rotational speed of a projectile, the induction signal of the projectile moving across a geomagnetic field is acquired by using coils. Second, the frequency of the pulse signal is adjusted self-adaptively. Angular velocity and angular displacement are calculated in the form of periodic pulse counting and pulse accumulation, respectively. Finally, on the basis of that principle prototype of the sensor is researched and developed, performance of measuring angular motion parameters are tested on the sensor by semi-physical and physical simulation experiments, respectively. Experimental results demonstrate that the sensor has a wide measuring range of angular velocity from 1 rps to 100 rps with a measurement error of less than 0.3%, and the angular displacement measurement error is lower than 0.2°. The proposed method satisfies measurement requirements for high-speed rotating projectiles with an extremely high dynamic range of rotational speed and high precision, and has definite value to engineering applications in the fields of attitude determination and geomagnetic navigation.
The Effect of Water Injection on the Control of In-Cylinder Pressure and Enhanced Power Output in a Four-Stroke Spark-Ignition Engine
Authors: Wei Mingrui , Nguyen Thanh , Turkson Richard , Guo Guanlun , Liu Jinping
Published: September 2016

This paper presents the results for liquid water injection (WI) into a cylinder during the compression and expansion strokes of an internal combustion engine (ICE), with the aim of achieving an optimal in-cylinder pressure and improving power output using CFD simulation. Employing WI during the compression stroke at 80° of crank angle (CA) before top dead centre (bTDC) resulted in the reduction of compression work due to a reduction in peak compression pressure by a margin of about 2%. The decreased peak compression pressure also yielded the benefit of a decrease in NOx emission by a margin of 34% as well as the prevention of detonation. Using WI during the expansion stroke (after top dead centre–aTDC) revealed two stages of the in-cylinder pressure: the first stage involved a decrease in pressure by heat absorption, and the second stage involved an increase in the pressure as a result of an increase in the steam volume via expansion. For the case of water addition (WA 3.0%) and a water temperature of 100 °C, the percentage decrease of in-cylinder pressure was 2.7% during the first stage and a 2.5% pressure increase during the second stage. Water injection helped in reducing the energy losses resulting from the transfer of heat to the walls and exhaust gases. At 180° CA aTDC, the exhaust gas temperature decreased by 42 K, 89 K, and 136 K for WA 1.0, WA 2.0, and WA 3.0, respectively. Increasing the WI temperature to 200 °C resulted in a decrease of the in-cylinder pressure by 1.0% during the first stage, with an increase of approximately 4.0% in the second stage. The use of WI in both compression and expansion strokes resulted in a maximum increase of in-cylinder pressure of about 7%, demonstrating the potential of higher power output.
Enkomi : The Notebook in the British Museum
Authors: Tatton-Brown Veronica
Published: September 2016

En 1896, les fouilles du British Museum révélaient l'importance du site d'Enkomi pour la connaissance du Bronze Récent chypriote. Mais les 100 tombes ouvertes entre les mois de mars et septembre n'ont fait l'objet que d'une brève publication par A. S. Murray en 1900, dans le volume Excavations in Cyprus ; il a donc paru important de faire connaître l'ensemble des notes prises par les fouilleurs, dont les carnets sont conservés au British Museum. Les textes sont transcrits intégralement, en essayant de respecter aussi précisément que possible la mise en page originale, mais seule une petite partie des dessins qui les accompagnent a pu être reproduite ici. La description de chacune des tombes est suivie d'une présentation comparative du texte de Murray dans Excavations in Cyprus.
Idalion, capitale économique des rois phéniciens de Kition et d'Idalion
Authors: Sznycer Maurice
Published: September 2016

The first part of this article deals with the first regnal years of king Milkyaton, at the beginning of the 4th century B.C., just after his accession to the throne (ca. 392-391), all events which I was able to reconstitue, basing my arguments mainly on the newly discovered Phoenician inscription, the so-called "Trophy Inscription", and on other, already known, inscriptions.

It appears that whereas Kition was the political and administrative capital, Idalion, the second city of the kingdom, was certainly the economical capital of the Phoenician kings of Kition and Idalion. This is now confirmed by the very numerous economical inscriptions (ostraca) retrieved by Maria Hadjicosti during her excavations, some examples of which will be presented below.
Peintres, potiers et coroplathes à Salamine. A propos d'une tête de statue archaïque en terre cuite
Authors: Yon Marguerite
Published: September 2016

The head of a large Archaic terracotta statue acquired by the Musée de Toulouse fits by type, style and manufacturing technique into the series of sculptures found in 1890 by the British expedition at Salamis (Toumba). The painted decoration revealed by restoration confirms its relationship not only to the statues themselves (e.g. decoration of tunics) but also to pottery decorated in the "style fleuri " (floral style) which typifies the products of the Salamis workshops in the Cypro-Archaic period (Bichrome IV and V classes). This leads to some thoughts on the operations of the craftsmen and the organisation of the workshops.
Towards a fuller history of the Cyprus Museum
Authors: Merrillees Robert Stuart
Published: September 2016

L'histoire définitive du Cyprus Museum à Nicosie reste à faire, mais une lacune peut maintenant être comblée, pour la période ancienne, par un rapport inédit daté de 1909. Son auteur était Wilfrid Jerome Farrell, membre associé de la British School à Athènes, qui, à la suite d'une visite à Chypre, avait décrit avec une franchise hors du commun le laxisme de l'action archéologique contemporaine dans l'île. Cette situation peu satisfaisante, qui découlait du manque d'intérêt, de l'insuffisance du personnel et des crédits mis à la disposition du Cyprus Museum par l'administration britannique, a suscité une vive réaction chez les savants intéressés en Angleterre et a provoqué des démarches auprès des responsables gouvernementaux à Londres, ce qui amènera peu à peu une amélioration de l'attitude officielle face à la question de la sauvegarde du patrimoine culturel chypriote.
Le tirage au sort des provinces divines chez Homère (Iliade 15, 185-199) et ses antécédents mésopotamiens : un état de la question
Authors: Gysembergh Victor
Published: September 2016

In the Iliad (O 185-199), Zeus, Hades and Poseidon draw lots to divide the world into divine provinces. This myth is attested for the first time in Greek in the Iliad, and finds several parallels in later Greek tradition. However, these parallels are not sufficient to account for its exceptional nature in the context of Homeric epic. Another, non-Greek, parallel seems to offer a key to the solution of this problem – namely a similar myth of Mesopotamian origin, which appears in Atram-Hasis, an Akkadian cuneiform text. This article reconstructs the possible ways in which the Mesopotamian myth reached the Greek-speaking world at the time the Homeric epics were being composed. Through a systematic study of the affinities and differences between the two texts, the article goes on to interpret the Homeric myth as a refraction of ancient Near Eastern cosmological conceptions. An appendix summarizes two important functions of lot-drawing in ancient Mesopotamia : the settling of inheritances and the designation of “ eponyms” (limmu).
Armadillo Repeat-Containing Protein 8 (ARMC8) Silencing Inhibits Proliferation and Invasion in Osteosarcoma Cells
Authors: Jiang Feng , Shi Yan , Lu Hong , Li Guojun
Published: September 2016

Armadillo repeat-containing protein 8 (ARMC8) plays an important role in regulating cell migration, proliferation, tissue maintenance, signal transduction, and tumorigenesis. However, the expression pattern and role of ARMC8 in osteosarcoma are still unclear. In this study, our aims were to examine the effects of ARMC8 on osteosarcoma and to explore its underlying mechanism. Our results demonstrated that ARMC8 was overexpressed in osteosarcoma cell lines. Knockdown of ARMC8 significantly inhibited osteosarcoma cell proliferation in vitro and markedly inhibited xenograft tumor growth in vivo. ARMC8 silencing also suppressed the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype, as well as inhibited the migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells. Furthermore, knockdown of ARMC8 obviously inhibited the expression of β-catenin, c-Myc, and cyclin D1 in MG-63 cells. In conclusion, this report demonstrates that ARMC8 silencing inhibits proliferation and invasion of osteosarcoma cells. Therefore, ARMC8 may play an important role in the development and progression of human osteosarcoma and may represent a novel therapeutic target in the treatment of osteosarcoma.
Effectiveness of tipranavir versus darunavir as a salvage therapy in HIV-1 treatment-experienced patients
Authors: Domínguez-Hermosillo Juan Carlos , Mata-Marin José Antonio , Herrera-González Norma Estela , Chávez-García Marcelino , Huerta-García Gloria , Nuñez-Rodríguez Nohemí , García-Gámez José Gerardo , Jiménez-Romero Anai , Gaytán-Martínez Jesús Enrique
Published: September 2016

Introduction: Although both tipranavir (TPV) and darunavir (DRV) represent important options for the management of patients with multi-protease inhibitor (PI)-resistant human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), currently there are no studies comparing the effectiveness and safety of these two drugs in the Mexican population. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of TPV versus DRV as a salvage therapy in HIV-1 treatment-experienced patients. Methodology: This was a comparative, prospective, cohort study. Patients with HIV and triple-class drug resistance evaluated at the Hospital de Infectología “La Raza”, National Medical Center, were included. All patients had the protease and retrotranscriptase genotype; resistance mutation interpretation was done using the Stanford database. Results: A total of 35 HIV-1 triple-class drug-resistant patients were analyzed. All of them received tenofovir and raltegravir, 22 received darunavir/ritonavir (DRV/r), and 13 received tipranavir/ritonavir (TPV/r) therapies. The median baseline RNA HIV-1 viral load and CD4+ cell count were 4.34 log (interquartile range [IQR], 4.15–4.72) and 267 cells/mm3 (IQR, 177–320) for the DRV/r group, and 4.14 log (IQR, 3.51–4.85) and 445 cells/mm3 (IQR, 252–558) for the TPV/r group. At week 24 of treatment, 91% of patients receiving DRV/r and 100% of patients receiving TPV/r had an RNA HIV-1 viral load < 50 copies/mL and a CD4+ cell count of 339 cells/mm3 (IQR, 252–447) and 556 cells/mm3 (IQR, 364–659), respectively. Conclusions: No significant difference was observed between DRV/r and TPV/r in terms of virological suppression in HIV-1 patients who were highly experienced in antiretroviral therapy.
Biofilm-forming and antimicrobial resistance traits of staphylococci isolated from goat dairy plants
Authors: Lira Myrella Cariry , Givisiez Paricia Emília Naves , De Sousa Francisca Geovânia Canafístula , Magnani Marciane , De Souza Evandro Leite , Spricigo Denis Augusto , Gebreyes Wondwossen Abebe , De Oliveira Celso José Bruno
Published: September 2016

Introduction: Biofilm-associated antimicrobial resistance is of increasing importance to the maintenance and spread of foodborne pathogens in the food industry. This study aimed to investigate the ability to form biofilm and the antimicrobial resistance of staphylococci contaminating small-scale goat milk dairy plants. Methodology: Sixty isolates were tested for antimicrobial resistance against 20 drugs by the microdilution method. Biofilm-forming traits were assessed by the microtiter plate method (MtP), Congo red agar method (CRA), and icaD gene detection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: High antimicrobial resistance to ampicillin (60/60; 100%), penicillin G (21/60; 35%), and erythromycin (15/60; 25%) was observed, but all isolates were susceptible to amoxicillin/K-clavulanate, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, levofloxacin, linezolid, and moxifloxacin. No resistance to oxacillin or vancomycin was seen among Staphylococcus aureus. Twenty-seven isolates (27/60; 45%) were considered to form biofilm according to MtP, and similar biofilm-producing frequencies were observed in coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) (20/44; 45.4%) and S. aureus (7/16; 43.7%). The icaD gene was observed only in S. aureus isolates. There was no association between biofilm production and antimicrobial resistance. A higher frequency of biofilm-producing staphylococci was found in isolates from bulk tank milk and hand swabs. On the other hand, isolates from pasteurized milk showed lower frequency of biofilm formation. Conclusions: Staphylococci contaminating goat dairy plants are potential biofilm producers. The results suggest no association between the ability to form biofilm and antimicrobial resistance.