bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applying Lean-Engineering Principles to Agency Business Processes to Improve Collections Associated with Infrastructure Damaged by Motor Vehicle Crashes
Authors: Brassard Daniel L. , Bullock Darcy M. , Horton Deborah
Published: July 2017

State and local agencies have an enormous investment in roadway infrastructure that is routinely damaged by motor vehicle crashes and must be repaired in a timely manner. Recovering the costs associated with repairing damage to state property (DSP) from responsible parties can be difficult if careful business processes are not followed by state and local agencies. In 2009, the Indiana Department of Transportation (DOT) initiated a review of its DSP business processes; a survey of peer state DSP business processes was also conducted. Subsequently, the Indiana DOT implemented a series of improvements that have increased the amount invoiced for repair of damaged roadway infrastructure from $1.4 million in FY 2010 to $8.3 million in FY 2016. During this same time period, the number of DSP invoices issued to responsible parties increased from 1,352 to 4,405. In 2008 and 2009, the overall collection rate was 51% of the invoiced amounts. Twenty-four months after implementation of new processes, the Indiana DOT improved the collection to 88% for claims under $50,000, which constitute the majority of claims filed. This paper provides a summary of the evaluation process, implementation effort, and outcome assessment metrics that can guide agencies looking for improvement opportunities in repair and invoicing activities related to damage from motor vehicle crashes.
Monte Carlo Simulation–Based Assessment of Risks Associated with Public–Private Partnership Investments in Toll Highway Infrastructure
Authors: Han Zhe , Porras-Alvarado Juan Diego , Sun Jingran , Zhang Zhanmin
Published: July 2017

The demands for delivering highway services keep growing worldwide. However, funding from government and public agencies alone cannot cover the capital needed to operate and maintain existing highway systems, much less to construct new ones. Public–private partnerships (PPPs) are an innovative funding mechanism for highway agencies to use private capital and expertise in transportation infrastructure projects so as to increase funding options to bridge the budget gap. Even though parties involved in PPPs take different roles and responsibilities, there are still risks taken or shared by the public and private sectors. In particular, assessing risks associated with the potential returns of investments is of great importance to the private and public sectors. This paper presents a methodological framework for assessing the investment risks of PPP toll highway projects, which may help decision makers. The financial viability associated with the components of a project is considered and analyzed, and the Monte Carlo simulation technique is applied to evaluate the overall project risks. Finally, a numerical case study is conducted to demonstrate the application of the proposed method. The risk analysis provides statistical distribution of investment returns for the project under analysis, which will supply decision makers with direct information to estimate the project’s overall financial risks and develop corresponding risk control measures. The risk simulation results are interpreted so that quantitative information can be provided to agencies to establish investment decision criteria.
Using Congestion-Priced Road User Charges to Restore Metropolitan Mobility and Fund Highways
Authors: DeCorla-Souza Patrick
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this paper is to introduce and evaluate a congestion-pricing strategy that could be used in metropolitan areas to supplement revenue generation mechanisms such as mileage-based user fees and fuel taxes. Congestion charges would be applied with transponder-based technology only on limited access metropolitan highway facilities to pay for the costs of their reconstruction and maintenance. Since most of the worst congestion in metropolitan and state roadways occurs on limited access facilities, this strategy would address the goal of restoring mobility without raising the kinds of privacy concerns that appear with regard to other types of more comprehensive road user charging systems that use location-based technology, such as mileage-based user fees. Proceeds from congestion charges could be used to pay for new low-cost, part-time (dynamic) shoulder travel lane capacity and transit and carpooling enhancements. This approach can increase public acceptability by providing multimodal travel alternatives. The paper discusses the strategy in the context of the reconstruction of the freeway system in a hypothetical metropolitan area, with an availability payment public–private partnership project delivery model to design, finance, build, operate, and maintain the improved freeway network. The analysis presented in the paper suggests that the approach could be financially viable and more economically efficient than conventional transportation funding approaches.
Equity Effects of Congestion Charges: An Exploratory Analysis with MATSim
Authors: Meyer de Freitas Lucas , Schuemperlin Oliver , Balac Milos , Ciari Francesco
Published: July 2017

This paper shows an application of the multiagent, activity-based transport simulation MATSim to evaluate equity effects of a congestion charging scheme. A cordon pricing scheme was set up for a scenario of the city of Zurich, Switzerland, to conduct such an analysis. Equity is one of the most important barriers toward the implementation of a congestion charging system. After the challenges posed by equity evaluations are examined, it is shown that agent-based simulations with heterogeneous values of time allow for an increased level of detail in such evaluations. Such detail is achieved through a high level of disaggregation and with a 24-h simulation period. An important difference from traditional large-scale models is the low degree of correlation between travel time savings and welfare change. While traditional equity analysis is based on travel time savings, MATSim shows that choice dimensions not included in traditional models, such as departure time changes, can also play an important role in equity effects. The analysis of the results in light of evidence from the literature shows that agent-based models are a promising tool to conduct more complete equity evaluations not only of congestion charges but also of transport policies in general.
Evaluation of New High Oleic Virginia-Type Peanut Cultivars for Disease Tolerance, Yield, and Quality
Authors: Mehl H.L.
Published: July 2017

As new cultivars are developed and released by peanut breeding programs, their levels of tolerance to common diseases and the overall profitability of production needs to be determined. Virginia-type peanut cultivars were evaluated for disease resistance/tolerance, yield, and quality when grown under different fungicide programs and in locations varying in disease pressure. Cultivars included a disease susceptible (CHAMPS) and tolerant (Bailey) cultivar and two new high-oleic cultivars, Sullivan and Wynne. Fungicide programs consisted of a leaf spot program, a leaf spot plus Cylindrocladium black rot (CBR) program, a leaf spot plus Sclerotinia blight program, or an untreated check. Cultivars and fungicide programs were arranged in a randomized split-plot design with fungicide treatments in 16-row main plots and cultivars in 4-row subplots. Disease incidence and severity varied among growing seasons and the five fields where experiments were conducted. Overall, Sullivan had good leaf spot tolerance and both Sullivan and Bailey had Sclerotinia and CBR tolerance. All cultivars yielded well in the absence of disease pressure, but Sullivan was consistently the highest yielding cultivar. Grade characteristics varied among cultivars, but while fungicide treatments impacted yield, they had little effect on grade. Net value and profitability of different fungicide programs varied by experiment, but overall Sullivan had the highest net value regardless of fungicide program. Due to slightly higher disease tolerance compared to Bailey, good agronomic characteristics, high yield and quality under a variety of growing environments, and the presence of the high-oleic trait, Sullivan is an excellent cultivar for Virginia-type peanut production in the Virginia-Carolina region.
The Influence of Nozzle Type on Peanut Weed Control Programs
Authors: Carter O.W. , Prostko E.P. , Davis J.W.
Published: July 2017

The increase in herbicide-resistant weeds over the past decade has led to the introduction of crops that are resistant to auxin herbicides. Strict application procedures are required for the use of auxin herbicides in auxin-resistant crops to minimize off-target movement. One requirement for application is the use of nozzles that will minimize drift by producing coarse droplets. Generally, an increase in droplet size can lead to a reduction in coverage and efficacy depending upon the herbicide and weed species. In studies conducted in 2015 and 2016, two of the potential required auxin nozzle types [(AIXR11002 (coarse) and TTI11002 (ultra-coarse)] were compared to a conventional flat-fan drift guard nozzles [DG11002 (medium)] for weed control in peanut herbicide systems. Nozzle type did not influence annual grass or Palmer amaranth control in non-crop tests. Results from in-crop tests indicated that annual grass control was 5% to 6% lower when herbicides were applied with the TTI nozzle when compared to the AIXR or DG nozzles. However, Palmer amaranth control and peanut yield was not influenced by coarse-droplet nozzles. Peanut growers using the coarse-droplet nozzles need to be aware of potential reduced grass control.
Editorial Vol.8(2)
Authors: Talukder Md Humayun Kabir
Published: July 2017

Abstract not availableBangladesh Journal of Medical Education Vol.8(2) 2017: 1
Current status of faculty development in under graduate medical education of Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Shamima , Khatoon Soofia , Sultana Mossammat Nigar , Noman Farhana , Samdani Sayed Golam
Published: July 2017

This descriptive cross sectional study was carried out to determine the current status of faculty development in undergraduate medical education of Bangladesh. This study was carried out in eight (four Government and four Non- Government) medical colleges in Bangladesh over a period from July 2015 to June 2016. The present study had a semi-structured self-administered questionnaire for individual teacher. Total 181 teachers responded to the questionnaire. 56% of teachers said that faculty development activities were regularly conducted. About duration of faculty development activity 74% of teachers said it was 1-3 days duration. 42% of the teachers said faculty development activity conducted once in a week and 39% said occasional conduction of faculty development activity in their institute About the type of faculty development activity clinical meeting was commonest (65%), related to medical education (48%) and related to research (53%). About the topics of medical education related activities were teaching methodology (46%), assessment (32%). Research related activities were journal club (91%) and research methodology (67%). Faculty development activity was conducted through teachers association (53%) and medical education unit (50%). In conclusion some parts of FD activity are present in most of the colleges like clinical meeting, few medical education related session, and research related activity. For upgrading of medical education faculty development programme should be conducted regularly, monitoring of present programme and development of qualified resource person should be ensured.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Education Vol.8(2) 2017: 2-6
Influence of Socio-Demographic Characteristics on Academic Performance of Medical Students
Authors: Salahuddin Sheikh , Talukder Md Humayun Kabir
Published: July 2017

This descriptive cross sectional study was conducted to explore the influence of socio-demographic characteristics on academic performance of medical students. The study period was from July 2015 to June 2016. Total 627 final year MBBS students of 11 (6 government and 5 non-government) medical colleges were selected through convenient sampling technique. A self-administered semi structured questionnaire and an interview schedule were used. Study revealed that family income did not have any influence on the academic performance of medical students. Location of parental stay did not show any influence on students' academic performance. Respondents' previous medium of study had little influence on their academic performance. Students who were regular in passing formative assessment also had better performance in professional examinations. Students who failed in professional examinations mostly failed in oral portions (more than 80%). Father's educational qualification did not have any influence on the performance of students but mother's educational qualification had positive relation on it. Performance of those students who were willing to study MBBS were better than unwilling ones. Respondents who were satisfied with the money provided by the parents/guardians were more regular in passing professional examinations. Many of the findings of this study are aligned with findings of the study conducted by Ali S, Haider Z et al.1Bangladesh Journal of Medical Education Vol.8(2) 2017: 18-23
Evaluation of an undergraduate occupational health program in Iran based on alumni perceptions: a structural
equation model
Authors: Mehralizadeh Semira , Dehdashti Alireza , Kashani Masoud Motalebi
Published: July 2017

Purpose: Evaluating educational programs can improve the quality of education. The present study evaluated the undergraduate occupational health program at the Semnan University of Medical Sciences in Semnan, Iran, with a focus on the associations between alumni perceptions of the learning environment and the outcomes of the occupational health program. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among alumni of the undergraduate occupational health program. We asked alumni to rate their perceptions of the items using a 4-point Likert scale. The associations between alumni perceptions of the educational program and curriculum, faculty, institutional resources, and learning outcomes were modeled and described using structural equation modeling procedures. Results: A descriptive analysis of alumni perceptions indicated low evaluations for the administrative system, practical and research-based courses, and the number of faculty members. We found that a structural model of the evaluation variables of curriculum, faculty qualifications, and institutional resources significantly predicted undergraduate educational outcomes. The curriculum had direct and indirect effects on learning outcomes, mediated by faculty. Conclusion: The findings of our study highlight the usefulness of the structural equation modeling approach for examining links between variables related to the learning process and learning outcomes. Surveys of alumni can provide data for reassessing the learning environment in the light of the professional competencies needed for occupational health graduates.
A New Meta-Heuristics of Optimization with Dynamic Adaptation of Parameters Using Type-2 Fuzzy Logic for Trajectory Control of a Mobile Robot
Authors: Caraveo Camilo , Valdez Fevrier , Castillo Oscar
Published: July 2017

Fuzzy logic is a soft computing technique that has been very successful in recent years when it is used as a complement to improve meta-heuristic optimization. In this paper, we present a new variant of the bio-inspired optimization algorithm based on the self-defense mechanisms of plants in the nature. The optimization algorithm proposed in this work is based on the predator-prey model originally presented by Lotka and Volterra, where two populations interact with each other and the objective is to maintain a balance. The system of predator-prey equations use four variables (α, β, λ, δ) and the values of these variables are very important since they are in charge of maintaining a balance between the pair of equations. In this work, we propose the use of Type-2 fuzzy logic for the dynamic adaptation of the variables of the system. This time a fuzzy controller is in charge of finding the optimal values for the model variables, the use of this technique will allow the algorithm to have a higher performance and accuracy in the exploration of the values.
Adaptation: An Agricultural Challenge
Authors: Fan Xinxin , Fei Chengcheng , McCarl Bruce
Published: July 2017

Agriculture is quite sensitive to climate change and to date it has been impacted in many ways. In turn, adaptation to lessen the impacts has attracted increasing attention. Here we discuss private and public roles in adaptation, as well as procedures for the evaluation of adaptation projects. Additionally, we discuss adaptation realities and limits that constrain the practical ability of adaptation actions to cope with climate effects.
Avalanching Systems with Longer Range Connectivity: Occurrence of a Crossover Phenomenon and Multifractal Finite Size Scaling
Authors: Benella Simone , Consolini Giuseppe , Giannattasio Fabio , Chang Tom , Echim Marius
Published: July 2017

Many out-of-equilibrium systems respond to external driving with nonlinear and self-similar dynamics. This near scale-invariant behavior of relaxation events has been modeled through sand pile cellular automata. However, a common feature of these models is the assumption of a local connectivity, while in many real systems, we have evidence for longer range connectivity and a complex topology of the interacting structures. Here, we investigate the role that longer range connectivity might play in near scale-invariant systems, by analyzing the results of a sand pile cellular automaton model on a Newman–Watts network. The analysis clearly indicates the occurrence of a crossover phenomenon in the statistics of the relaxation events as a function of the percentage of longer range links and the breaking of the simple Finite Size Scaling (FSS). The more complex nature of the dynamics in the presence of long-range connectivity is investigated in terms of multi-scaling features and analyzed by the Rank-Ordered Multifractal Analysis (ROMA).
A Comparative Study of the Effect of Turbocompounding and ORC Waste Heat Recovery Systems on the Performance of a Turbocharged Heavy-Duty Diesel Engine
Authors: Mahmoudzadeh Andwari Amin , Pesiridis Apostolos , Esfahanian Vahid , Salavati-Zadeh Ali , Karvountzis-Kontakiotis Apostolos , Muralidharan Vishal
Published: July 2017

In this study the influence of utilization of two Waste Heat Recovery (WHR) strategies, namely organic Rankine cycle (ORC) and turbocompounding, have been investigated based on the performance of a heavy-duty diesel engine using 1-D simulation engine code (GT-Power) in terms of Brake Specific Fuel Consumptions (BSFC) at various engine speeds and Brake Mean Effective Pressures (BMEP). The model of a 6-cylinder turbocharged engine (Holset HDX55V) was calibrated using an experimental BSFC map to predict engine exhaust thermodynamic conditions such as exhaust mass flow rate and exhaust temperature under various operating conditions. These engine exhaust conditions were then utilized to feed the inlet conditions for both the ORC and turbocompounding models, evaluating the available exhaust energy to be recovered by each technology. Firstly the ORC system model was simulated to obtain the power that can be generated from the system. Having this additional power converted to useful work, the BSFC was observed to reduce around 2–5% depending upon engine’s speed and BMEP. The initial model of the engine was then modified by considering a second turbine representing turbocompounding heat recovery system. The BSFC was increased due to the back-pressure from the second turbine, but the energy generated from the turbine was sufficient to reduce the BSFC further. However, by application of turbocompounding no improvement in BSFC was achieved at low engine’s speeds. It is concluded that ORC heat recovery system produces a satisfactory results at low engine speeds with both low and high loads whereas at medium and high engine speeds turbocompounding heat recovery system causes higher BSFC reduction.
An Improved Time-Frequency Analysis Method for Hydrocarbon Detection Based on EWT and SET
Authors: Chen Hui , Kang Jiaxing , Chen Yuanchun , Xu Dan , Hu Ying
Published: July 2017

Oil and gas reservoirs can cause increased attenuation of seismic waves, which can be revealed by time-frequency analysis for direct detection of hydrocarbons. In this paper, a new method applying the empirical wavelet transform (EWT) in association with the synchroextracting transform (SET), named EWT-SET, is proposed as an improved time-frequency analysis method for hydrocarbon detection. The SET is a novel time-frequency analysis method which can be considered as a post-processing procedure of short-time Fourier transform and can improve the energy concentration of the time-frequency representation by retaining only the time-frequency information most related to the signal time-varying features. Given the potential limitations of SET for broadband nonstationary seismic signals, using the EWT-SET method which applies SET to the signal after EWT decomposition, not only effectively extracts time-varying features of seismic signals but also improves the performance of SET in concentrating instantaneous energy. The preliminary model tests demonstrate that EWT-SET can effectively depict the location and extent of attenuation anomalies related to hydrocarbons with changing thicknesses of the gas-bearing layer. Application to field data further confirms the capacity for hydrocarbon detection of the presented method. Thus, the EWT-SET method shows significant application prospects and promotion value for hydrocarbon detection.
Nonlinear Synergetic Governor Controllers for Steam Turbine Generators to Enhance Power System Stability
Authors: Ju Xingbao , Zhao Ping , Sun Haishun , Yao Wei , Wen Jinyu
Published: July 2017

This paper proposes a decentralized nonlinear synergetic governor controller (NSGC) for turbine generators to enhance power system stability by using synergetic control theory and the feedback linearization technique. The precise feedback linearization model of a turbine-generator with a steam valve control is obtained, at first, by using a feedback linearization technique. Then based on this model, a manifold is defined as a linear combination of the deviation of the rotor angle, speed deviation, and speed derivative. The control law of the proposed NSGC is deduced and the stability condition of the whole closed-loop system is subsequently analyzed. According to the requirement of the primary frequency regulation, an additional proportional integral (PI) controller is designed to dynamically track the steady-state value of the rotor angle. Case studies are undertaken based on a single-machine infinite-bus system and the New England system, respectively. Simulation results show that the proposed NSGC can suppress the power oscillations and improve transient stability more effectively in comparison with the conventional proportional-integral-derivative (PID) governor controller. Moreover, the proposed NSGC is robust to the variations of the system operating conditions.
A Predictive Power Control Strategy for DFIGs Based on a Wind Energy Converter System
Authors: Yang Xiaoliang , Liu Guorong , Li Anping , Dai Le Van
Published: July 2017

A feasible control strategy is proposed to control a doubly fed induction generator based on the wind energy converter system (DFIG-WECS). The main aim is to enhance the steady state and dynamic performance under the condition of the parameter perturbations and external disturbances and to satisfy the stator power response of the system. Within the proposed control method, the control scheme for the rotor side converter (RSC) is developed on the model predictive control. Firstly, the self-adaptive reference trajectory is established from the deduced discrete state-space equation of the generator. Then, the rotor voltage is calculated by minimizing the global performance index under the current prediction steps at the sampling instant. Through the control scheme for the grid side converter (GSC) and wind turbine, we have re-applied the conventional control. The effectiveness of the proposed control strategy is verified via time domain simulation of a 150 kW-575 V DFIG-WECS using Matlab/Simulink. The simulation result shows that the control of the DFIG with the proposed control method can enhance the steady and dynamic response capability better than the conventional ones when the system faces errors due to the parameter perturbations, external disturbances and the rotor speed.
Azure-Based Smart Monitoring System for Anemia-Like Pallor
Authors: Roychowdhury Sohini , Hage Paul , Vasquez Joseph
Published: July 2017

Increasing costs of diagnostic healthcare have necessitated the development of hardware independent non-invasive Point of Care (POC) systems. Although anemia prevalence rates in global populations vary between 10% and 60% in various demographic groups, smart monitoring systems have not yet been developed for screening and tracking anemia-like pallor. In this work, we present two cloud platform-hosted POC applications that are directed towards smart monitoring of anemia-like pallor through eye and tongue pallor site images. The applications consist of a front-end graphical user interface (GUI) module and two different back-end image processing and machine learning modules. Both applications are hosted on a browser accessible tomcat server ported to an Azure Virtual Machine (VM). We observe that the first application spatially segments regions of interest from pallor site images with higher pallor classification accuracy and relatively longer processing times when compared to the lesser accurate yet faster second application. Also, both applications achieve 65%–98% accuracy in separating normal images from images with pallor or abnormalities. The optimized front-end module is significantly light-weight with a run-through time ratio of 10−5 with respect to the back-end modules. Thus, the proposed applications are portable and hardware independent, allowing for their use in pallor monitoring and screening tasks.
The Monty Hall Problem as a Bayesian Game
Authors: Whitmeyer Mark
Published: July 2017

This paper formulates the classic Monty Hall problem as a Bayesian game. Allowing Monty a small amount of freedom in his decisions facilitates a variety of solutions. The solution concept used is the Bayes Nash Equilibrium (BNE), and the set of BNE relies on Monty’s motives and incentives. We endow Monty and the contestant with common prior probabilities (p) about the motives of Monty and show that, under certain conditions on p, the unique equilibrium is one in which the contestant is indifferent between switching and not switching. This coincides and agrees with the typical responses and explanations by experimental subjects. In particular, we show that our formulation can explain the experimental results in Page (1998), that more people gradually choose switch as the number of doors in the problem increases.
Facilitators of Physical Activity: Voices of Adolescents in a Disadvantaged Community
Authors: Jonsson Linus , Berg Christina , Larsson Christel , Korp Peter , Lindgren Eva-Carin
Published: July 2017

Despite increasing socioeconomic inequalities in the health and well-being of adolescents, the voices of adolescents in disadvantaged communities regarding facilitators of physical activity (PA) have received relatively little attention. In response, the purpose of this study was to illuminate what adolescents in a multicultural community of low socioeconomic status (SES) in Sweden convey concerning facilitators of PA. Adolescents (n = 53, aged 12–13 years) were recruited from a school in a multicultural community of low SES in Sweden. Following an interpretive approach, 10 focus group interviews were conducted to produce data for a qualitative content analysis. When the adolescents mentioned PA, they mostly referred to spontaneous PA rather than organized PA, and expressed that they enjoyed their PA engagement, which they stated was promoted by the variation of PA, available options for PA, their physical skills, and the presence of peers. They reported that social support from family and friends facilitated their PA, and they offered several suggestions regarding how the school environment could better support their PA. From the perspective of self-determination theory (SDT), the results stress the importance of facilitating intrinsic motivation with a supportive PA environment in which adolescents can satisfy their needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness.
Horizontal Inequity in Health Care Utilization among the Middle-Aged and Elderly in China
Authors: Li Chaofan , Dou Lei , Wang Haipeng , Jing Shanshan , Yin Aitian
Published: July 2017

Background: Equitable utilization of health care is a primary goal of the Chinese health system. This study aimed to examine horizontal inequity in health care utilization and identify the factors resulting in inequity among the middle-aged and elderly in China. Methods: The data were obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). We employed the concentration index (CI) and horizontal inequity (HI) to measure inequity in health care utilization. Non-linear regression models were used to decompose the CI into the contribution of each factor. Results: The CIs for the probability of and total number of outpatient visits were 0.0642 and 0.0780, respectively, and those for inpatient visits were 0.1418 and 0.1471, respectively. The HIs were also significantly positive. Living standard was the most important contributor. The contribution of health insurance varied between plans. Conclusions: This study supported the presence of pro-rich inequity in health care utilization for both probability and frequency among the middle-aged and elderly in China. Narrowing the living standard gap and improving the health insurance benefit package for the elderly should help to resolve these inequities.
Melatonin Decreases Glucose Metabolism in Prostate Cancer Cells: A 13C Stable Isotope-Resolved Metabolomic Study
Authors: Hevia David , Gonzalez-Menendez Pedro , Fernandez-Fernandez Mario , Cueto Sergio , Rodriguez-Gonzalez Pablo , Garcia-Alonso Jose , Mayo Juan , Sainz Rosa
Published: July 2017

The pineal neuroindole melatonin exerts an exceptional variety of systemic functions. Some of them are exerted through its specific membrane receptors type 1 and type 2 (MT1 and MT2) while others are mediated by receptor-independent mechanisms. A potential transport of melatonin through facilitative glucose transporters (GLUT/SLC2A) was proposed in prostate cancer cells. The prostate cells have a particular metabolism that changes during tumor progression. During the first steps of carcinogenesis, oxidative phosphorylation is reactivated while the switch to the “Warburg effect” only occurs in advanced tumors and in the metastatic stage. Here, we investigated whether melatonin might change prostate cancer cell metabolism. To do so, 13C stable isotope-resolved metabolomics in androgen sensitive LNCaP and insensitive PC-3 prostate cancer cells were employed. In addition to metabolite 13C-labeling, ATP/AMP levels, and lactate dehydrogenase or pentose phosphate pathway activity were measured. Melatonin reduces lactate labeling in androgen-sensitive cells and it also lowers 13C-labeling of tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolites and ATP production. In addition, melatonin reduces lactate 13C-labeling in androgen insensitive prostate cancer cells. Results demonstrated that melatonin limits glycolysis as well as the tricarboxylic acid cycle and pentose phosphate pathway in prostate cancer cells, suggesting that the reduction of glucose uptake is a major target of the indole in this tumor type.
Neoadjuvant Therapy of Pancreatic Cancer: Definitions and Benefits
Authors: Heinrich Stefan , Lang Hauke
Published: July 2017

The standard treatment of resectable pancreatic cancer is surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. Due to the complication rate of pancreatic surgery and the high rate of primary irresectability, neoadjuvant concepts are increasingly used for pancreatic cancer. Neoadjuvant therapy is better tolerated than adjuvant and might decrease the surgical complication rate from pancreatic surgery. In contrast to neoadjuvant chemoradiation, the nutritional status improves during neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Also, the survival of patients who develop postoperative complications after neoadjuvant therapy is comparable to those without complications whereas the survival of patients who underwent upfront surgery and then develop surgical complications is impaired. Moreover, large data base analyses suggest a down-sizing effect and improvement of overall survival by neoadjuvant therapy. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy appears to be equally efficient in converting irresectable in resectable disease and more efficient with regard to systemic tumor progression and overall survival compared to neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy. Despite these convincing findings from mostly small phase II trials, neoadjuvant therapy has not yet proven superiority over upfront surgery in randomized trials.
Biosorbents for Removing Hazardous Metals and Metalloids
Authors: Inoue Katsutoshi , Parajuli Durga , Ghimire Kedar , Biswas Biplob , Kawakita Hidetaka , Oshima Tatsuya , Ohto Keisuke
Published: July 2017

Biosorbents for remediating aquatic environmental media polluted with hazardous heavy metals and metalloids such as Pb(II), Cr(VI), Sb(III and V), and As(III and V) were prepared from lignin waste, orange and apple juice residues, seaweed and persimmon and grape wastes using simple and cheap methods. A lignophenol gel such as lignocatechol gel was prepared by immobilizing the catechol functional groups onto lignin from sawdust, while lignosulfonate gel was prepared directly from waste liquor generated during pulp production. These gels effectively removed Pb(II). Orange and apple juice residues, which are rich in pectic acid, were easily converted using alkali (e.g., calcium hydroxide) into biosorbents that effectively removed Pb(II). These materials also effectively removed Sb(III and V) and As(III and V) when these were preloaded with multi-valent metal ions such as Zr(IV) and Fe(III). Similar biosorbents were prepared from seaweed waste, which is rich in alginic acid. Other biosorbents, which effectively removed Cr(VI), were prepared by simply treating persimmon and grape wastes with concentrated sulfuric acid.
Sense-making Strategies for the Interpretation of Visualizations—Bridging the Gap between Theory and Empirical Research
Authors: Pohl Margit , Doppler Haider Johanna
Published: July 2017

Making sense of visualizations is often an open and explorative process. This process is still not very well understood. On the one hand, it is an open question which theoretical models are appropriate for the explanation of these activities. Heuristics and theories of everyday thinking probably describe this process better than more formal models. On the other hand, there are only few detailed investigations of interaction processes with information visualizations. We will try to relate approaches describing the usage of heuristics and everyday thinking with existing empirical studies describing sense-making of visualizations.
Orthodoxy in Engagement with the ‘Outer’ World. The Dynamic of the ‘Inward-Outward’ Cycle
Authors: Porumb Razvan
Published: July 2017

This study explores the tension between the centripetal and centrifugal forces informing the activity of the Orthodox Church—both with regard to its interaction with the secular world and the wider ecumenical scene. The Church is called to look inwardly as an essential connection with its intimate sacramental life. This contraction must be followed organically by a movement of expansion—a continuing sacramental interaction with the secular local context and the wider Christian world. This cyclical movement (inward-outward) informs all Christian life in a mutually perpetuating rotation. Although the reaction to any engagement with the ‘outer’ dimensions is often one of rejection, it is nevertheless crucial as it brings fullness and fulfils the vocation and identity of the Orthodox Church.
Kept in His Care: The Role of Perceived Divine Control in Positive Reappraisal Coping
Authors: DeAngelis Reed , Ellison Christopher
Published: July 2017

A formidable body of literature suggests that numerous dimensions of religious involvement can facilitate productive coping. One common assumption in this field is that religious worldviews provide overarching frameworks of meaning by which to positively reinterpret stressors. The current study explicitly tests this assumption by examining whether perceived divine control—i.e., the notion that God controls the course and direction of one’s life—buffers the adverse effects of recent traumatic life events on one’s capacity for positive reappraisal coping. We analyze cross-sectional survey data from Vanderbilt University’s Nashville Stress and Health Study (2011–2014), a probability sample of non-Hispanic black and white adults aged 22 to 69 living in Davidson County, Tennessee (n = 1252). Findings from multivariate regression models confirm: (1) there was an inverse association between past-year traumatic life events and positive reappraisals; but (2) perceived divine control significantly attenuated this inverse association. Substantively, our findings suggest that people who believe God controls their life outcomes are better suited for positively reinterpreting traumatic experiences. Implications, limitations, and avenues for future research are discussed.
Athlete Self-Report Measure Use and Associated Psychological Alterations
Authors: Saw Anna , Main Luana , Robertson Sam , Gastin Paul
Published: July 2017

The experience of athletes and practitioners has led to the suggestion that use of an athlete self-report measure (ASRM) may increase an athlete’s self-awareness, satisfaction, motivation, and confidence. This study sought to provide empirical evidence for this assertion by evaluating psychological alterations associated with ASRM use across a diverse athlete population. Athletes (n = 335) had access to an ASRM for 16 weeks and completed an online survey at baseline, and weeks 4, 8, and 16. Generalized estimating equations were used to evaluate the associations between ASRM compliance and outcome measures. Compared to baseline, confidence and extrinsic motivation were most likely increased at weeks 4, 8, and 16. Satisfaction and intrinsic motivation were most likely decreased at week 4, but no different to baseline values at weeks 8 and 16. Novice athletes and those who were instructed to use an ASRM (rather than using one autonomously) were less responsive to ASRM use. This study provides preliminary evidence for ASRM to prompt initial dissatisfaction and decreased intrinsic motivation which, along with increased confidence and extrinsic motivation, may provide the necessary stimulus to improve performance-related behaviors. Novice and less autonomous athletes may benefit from support to develop motivation, knowledge, and skills to use the information gleaned from an ASRM effectively.
A Longitudinal Study of the Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility on Firm Performance in SMEs in Zambia
Authors: Choongo Progress
Published: July 2017

The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of corporate social responsibility on firm performance using a longitudinal design in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The reported study was conducted in a Sub-Saharan African developing country, Zambia. Data were collected from 153 entrepreneurs in two surveys and changes in CSR and firm performance measures were analysed over a 12-month period using SmartPLS structural equation modelling. The findings show that the relationship between CSR and financial performance is significant. Further, the association between CSR and the two measures of firm performance (corporate reputation and employee commitment) was only partially significant over time. We discuss the relevance of these results for entrepreneurs, researchers and policy makers in understanding the outcomes of sustainability practices in SMEs in developing countries, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Long Noncoding RNA HOTAIR: An Oncogene in Human Cervical Cancer Interacting With MicroRNA-17-5p
Authors: Ji Fei , Wuerkenbieke Delinaer , He Yan , Ding Yan , Du Rong
Published: July 2017

Increasing evidence has indicated that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of significant regulators in various tumorigenesis processes. The lncRNA homeobox transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR) has been reported to act as a functional lncRNA in cervical cancer development. The present
study investigated the underlying mechanism of HOTAIR and miR-17-5p in cervical cancer tumorigenesis. The results showed that HOTAIR expression was significantly upregulated in both cervical cancer tissues and cell lines. Loss-of-function experiments showed that HOTAIR knockdown inhibited
the proliferation, migration, and invasion of cervical cells. In addition, miR-17-5p expression was downregulated in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines. Pearsons correlation analysis indicated that miR-17-5p expression was negatively correlated to that of HOTAIR. Luciferase reporter assay
revealed that miR-17-5p directly targeted HOTAIR 3-UTR. Rescue experiments showed that miR-17-5p knockdown could reverse the tumor-suppressing effect caused by si-HOTAIR transfection. In summary, our results reveal the tumor-promoting role of HOTAIR in cervical cancer via sponging miR-17-5p,
providing a novel therapeutic target for future treatment of cervical cancer.
High growth temperatures and high soil nitrogen do not alter differences in CO2 assimilation between invasive Phalaris arundinacea (reed canarygrass) and Carex stricta (tussock sedge)
Authors: Waring Elizabeth F. , Holaday A. Scott
Published: July 2017

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:

Global change in temperature and soil nitrogen availability could affect plant community composition, potentially giving an advantage to invasive species compared to native species. We addressed how high temperatures affected CO2 assimilation parameters for invasive Phalaris arundinacea and a sedge, Carex stricta, it displaces, in natural and controlled environments.

METHODS:

Photosynthetic parameters were measured in a wetland in Indiana, USA during the abnormally warm year of 2012. In a growth chamber, photosynthetic parameters were measured on the plants grown under three levels of nitrogen and exposed to optimum temperatures followed by 2012‐like summer conditions and then hot temperatures with an autumn‐like photoperiod.

KEY RESULTS:

In the wetland, C. stricta exhibited signs of midsummer leaf senescence, whereas P. arundinacea maintained CO2 assimilation at ambient pCO2 (Aamb) through mid‐October. In the chamber, 2012‐like conditions reduced Aamb for both species through reductions in maximum carboxylation (Vcmax) and electron transport (Jmax) without further change during subsequent hot, autumn‐like conditions, whereas the quantum efficiency of carbon assimilation (qe) declined throughout the experiment. However, P. arundinacea had higher values of Aamb, Jmax, and qe than C. stricta. A general, the positive effect of increasing nitrogen availability occurred for photosynthetic processes for both species in hot conditions.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our data suggest that C. stricta is more susceptible to excessive light stress than P. arundinacea during hot, sunny periods, leading to leaf senescence. Field confirmation of this idea is needed, but frequent heat waves should favor P. arundinacea over C. stricta with or without eutrophication.
Haffner 16 Redux: Revisiting a Young Cluster in the Outer Galaxy*

†
Authors: Davidge T. J.
Published: July 2017

Images and spectra recorded with the Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph on Gemini South are used to investigate the stellar content of the open cluster Haffner 16. The

color–magnitude diagram (CMD) constructed from these data extends over 10 mag in

, sampling the cluster main sequence (MS) and 5 mag of the pre-MS (PMS). The fraction of unresolved equal mass binaries among PMS stars is estimated to be 0.6 ± 0.1. The isochrones do not track the PMS on the CMD, in the sense that the PMS has a shallower slope on the CMD than predicted by the models. Still, a dip in star counts, which is associated with the relaxation of PMS stars onto the MS, is identified near

. The depth and brightness of this feature—as well as the morphology of the cluster MS on the CMD—are matched by models with a slightly sub-solar metallicity that have an age of ∼20 Myr and a distance modulus of 12.3 ± 0.2. A light profile of Haffner 16 is constructed in the W1 filter (

), which suggests that the cluster is surrounded by a diffuse stellar halo. Spectra of candidate cluster MS and PMS stars selected according to location on the CMD are presented. The spectra show characteristics that are suggestive of a sub-solar metallicity. Hα emission is common among objects on the PMS locus on the CMD near

. It is suggested that the location of the Haffner 16 PMS on the CMD is affected by large-scale cool spot activity, likely induced by rapid stellar rotation.
Small Jupiter Trojans Survey with the Subaru/Hyper Suprime-Cam*
Authors: Yoshida Fumi , Terai Tsuyoshi
Published: July 2017

We observed the L4 Jupiter Trojans (JTs) swarm using the Hyper Suprime-Cam attached to the 8.2 m Subaru Telescope on 2015 March 30 (UT). The survey covered ∼26 deg2 of sky area near the opposition and around the ecliptic plane with a 240 s exposure time in the r-band filter through the entire survey. We detected 631 L4 JTs in the survey field with a detection limit of m

r
 = 24.4 mag. We selected 481 objects with absolute magnitude H

r
 < 17.4 mag and heliocentric distance r < 5.5 au as an unbiased sample and then used them to estimate the size distribution. Assuming a geometric albedo of 0.07, the size range of our unbiased sample is ∼2–20 km in diameter (D). We fit a single-slope power law to the cumulative size distribution and found that the best-fit index (b) is b = 1.84 ± 0.05 in

. The slope value (α) of the corresponding absolute magnitude distribution (

) is 0.37 ± 0.01. This α is consistent with that of the faint-end slope presented by Wong & Brown. The size distribution obtained from this survey is slightly different from the results of previous surveys with a similar size range, which reported broken power-law or double power-law slopes in their cumulative size distribution. Our results insist that the slope of b = 1.84 continues from H = 14.0 to at least H = 17.4. Since this work contains the largest L4 JT samples and is 1 mag deeper than the study by Wong & Brown, we believe that our study has obtained the most robust size distribution of small JTs so far. Combining the cataloged L4 JTs and our survey, we show the entire size distribution of L4 JTs up to H

r
 = 17.4 mag.