bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SMART SUSTAINABLE ISLANDS VS SMART SUSTAINABLE CITIES
Authors: Pantazis D. N. , Moussas V. C. , Murgante B. , Daverona A. C. , Stratakis P. , Vlissidis N. , Kavadias A. , Economou D. , Santimpantakis K. , Karathanasis B. , Kyriakopoulou V. , Gadolou E.
Published: September 2017

Abstract. This paper has several aims: a) the presentation of a critical analysis of the terms “smart sustainable cities” and “smart sustainable islands” b) the presentation of a number of principles towards to the development methodological framework of concepts and actions, in a form of a manual and actions guide, for the smartification and sustainability of islands. This kind of master plan is divided in thematic sectors (key factors) which concern the insular municipalities c) the creation of an island’s smartification and sustainability index d) the first steps towards the creation of a portal for the presentation of our smartification actions manual, together with relative resources, smart applications examples, and, in the near future the first results of our index application in a number of Greek islands and e) the presentation of some proposals of possible actions towards their sustainable development and smartification for the municipalities - islands of Paros and Antiparos in Greece, as case studies.
ENGAGING YOUTH THROUGH SPATIAL SOCIO-TECHNICAL STORYTELLING, PARTICIPATORY GIS, AGENT-BASED MODELING, ONLINE GEOGAMES AND ACTION PROJECTS
Authors: Poplin A. , Shenk L. , Krejci C. , Passe U.
Published: September 2017

Abstract. The main goal of this paper is to present the conceptual framework for engaging youth in urban planning activities that simultaneously create locally meaningful positive change. The framework for engaging youth interlinks the use of IT tools such as geographic information systems (GIS), agent-based modelling (ABM), online serious games, and mobile participatory geographic information systems with map-based storytelling and action projects. We summarize the elements of our framework and the first results gained in the program Community Growers established in a neighbourhood community of Des Moines, the capital of Iowa, USA. We conclude the paper with a discussion and future research directions.
A GEOGRAPHIC DATA GATHERING SYSTEM FOR IMAGE GEOLOCALIZATION
REFINING
Authors: Semaan B. , Servières M. , Moreau G. , Chebaro B.
Published: September 2017

Abstract. Image geolocalization has become an important research field during the last decade. This field is divided into two main sections. The first is image geolocalization that is used to find out which country, region or city the image belongs to. The second one is refining image localization for uses that require more accuracy such as augmented reality and three dimensional environment reconstruction using images. In this paper we present a processing chain that gathers geographic data from several sources in order to deliver a better geolocalization than the GPS one of an image and precise camera pose parameters. In order to do so, we use multiple types of data. Among this information some are visible in the image and are extracted using image processing, other types of data can be extracted from image file headers or online image sharing platforms related information. Extracted information elements will not be expressive enough if they remain disconnected. We show that grouping these information elements helps finding the best geolocalization of the image.
MOBILE TRAFFIC ALERT AND TOURIST ROUTE GUIDANCE SYSTEM DESIGN USING GEOSPATIAL DATA
Authors: Bhattacharya D. , Painho M. , Mishra S. , Gupta A.
Published: September 2017

Abstract. The present study describes an integrated system for traffic data collection and alert warning. Geographical information based decision making related to traffic destinations and routes is proposed through the design. The system includes a geospatial database having profile relating to a user of a mobile device. The processing and understanding of scanned maps, other digital data input leads to route guidance. The system includes a server configured to receive traffic information relating to a route and location information relating to the mobile device. Server is configured to send a traffic alert to the mobile device when the traffic information and the location information indicate that the mobile device is traveling toward traffic congestion. Proposed system has geospatial and mobile data sets pertaining to Bangalore city in India. It is envisaged to be helpful for touristic purposes as a route guidance and alert relaying information system to tourists for proximity to sites worth seeing in a city they have entered into. The system is modular in architecture and the novelty lies in integration of different modules carrying different technologies for a complete traffic information system. Generic information processing and delivery system has been tested to be functional and speedy under test geospatial domains. In a restricted prototype model with geo-referenced route data required information has been delivered correctly over sustained trials to designated cell numbers, with average time frame of 27.5 seconds, maximum 50 and minimum 5 seconds. Traffic geo-data set trials testing is underway.
URBAN MULTISENSORY LABORATORY, AN APPROACH TO MODEL URBAN SPACE HUMAN PERCEPTION
Authors: González T. , Sol D. , Saenz J. , Clavijo D. , García H.
Published: September 2017

Abstract. An urban sensory lab (USL or LUS an acronym in Spanish) is a new and avant-garde approach for studying and analyzing a city. The construction of this approach allows the development of new methodologies to identify the emotional response of public space users. The laboratory combines qualitative analysis proposed by urbanists and quantitative measures managed by data analysis applications. USL is a new approach to go beyond the borders of urban knowledge. The design thinking strategy allows us to implement methods to understand the results provided by our technique. In this first approach, the interpretation is made by hand. However, our goal is to combine design thinking and machine learning in order to analyze the qualitative and quantitative data automatically. Now, the results are being used by students from the Urbanism and Architecture courses in order to get a better understanding of public spaces in Puebla, Mexico and its interaction with people.
TELECOM BIG DATA FOR URBAN TRANSPORT ANALYSIS – A CASE STUDY OF
SPLIT-DALMATIA COUNTY IN CROATIA
Authors: Baučić M. , Jajac N. , Bućan M.
Published: September 2017

Abstract. Today, big data has become widely available and the new technologies are being developed for big data storage architecture and big data analytics. An ongoing challenge is how to incorporate big data into GIS applications supporting the various domains. International Transport Forum explains how the arrival of big data and real-time data, together with new data processing algorithms lead to new insights and operational improvements of transport. Based on the telecom customer data, the Study of Tourist Movement and Traffic in Split-Dalmatia County in Croatia is carried out as a part of the “IPA Adriatic CBC//N.0086/INTERMODAL” project. This paper briefly explains the big data used in the study and the results of the study. Furthermore, this paper investigates the main considerations when using telecom customer big data: data privacy and data quality. The paper concludes with GIS visualisation and proposes the further use of big data used in the study.
CLASSIFICATION OF TRAFFIC RELATED SHORT TEXTS TO ANALYSE ROAD PROBLEMS IN URBAN AREAS
Authors: Saldana-Perez A. M. M. , Moreno-Ibarra M. , Tores-Ruiz M.
Published: September 2017

Abstract. The Volunteer Geographic Information (VGI) can be used to understand the urban dynamics. In the classification of traffic related short texts to analyze road problems in urban areas, a VGI data analysis is done over a social media’s publications, in order to classify traffic events at big cities that modify the movement of vehicles and people through the roads, such as car accidents, traffic and closures. The classification of traffic events described in short texts is done by applying a supervised machine learning algorithm. In the approach users are considered as sensors which describe their surroundings and provide their geographic position at the social network. The posts are treated by a text mining process and classified into five groups. Finally, the classified events are grouped in a data corpus and geo-visualized in the study area, to detect the places with more vehicular problems.
The Correlates of War Dataset
Authors: Izmirlioglu Ahmet
Published: September 2017

n/a
Tazas de barro
Authors: Benedict Ruth
Published: September 2017

Bellísimo texto fundacional de la antropología cultural que reflexiona sobre las formas culturales y su naturaleza profunda.
Ricci almost solitons and gradient Ricci almost solitons in $(k,\mu)$-paracontact geometry
Authors: De Uday Chand , Mandal Krishanu
Published: September 2017

The purpose of this paper is to study Ricci almost soliton and gradient Ricci almost soliton in $(k,\mu)$-paracontact metric manifolds. We prove the non-existence of Ricci almost soliton in a $(k,\mu)$-paracontact metric manifold $M$ with $k<-1$ or $k>-1$ and whose potential vector field is the Reeb vector field $\xi$. Further, if the metric $g$ of a $(k,\mu)$-paracontact metric manifold $M^{2n+1}$ with $k\neq-1$ is a gradient Ricci almost soliton, then we prove either the manifold is locally isometric to a product of a flat $(n+1)$-dimensional manifold and an $n$-dimensional manifold of negative constant curvature equal to $-4$, or, $M^{2n+1}$ is an Einstein manifold.
Systematization of nursing care in intensive care unit
Authors: Pereira Jessika Lopes Figueiredo , Oliveira Cecília Danielle Bezerra , França Inacia Sátiro Xavier De
Published: September 2017

Objective: To evaluate the systematization of nursing care in intensive care unit (ICU).Methods: This is an integrative review of the literature carried out through the VHL, SCIELO and LILACS databases with articles published between 2009 and 2014.Results: Five articles were selected, where it was possible to observe that the lack of applicability of the systematization of nursing assistance in the ICU is more reality found, however, when held, this process provided a registry organized and directed the data and execution and evaluation of the nursing care.Conclusions: The instruments need to be fairly discussed and proposed nursing professionals to become empowered.
TRAFFIC ANALYSIS USING NETFLOW AND PYTHON
Authors: Oujezsky Vaclav , Horvath Tomas
Published: September 2017

This article presents an application that is used as NetFlow collector and analyzer. It is a console application created in Python language. A software analyzer detects and analyzes incoming NetFlow messages version 1 and 5 of devices that support them. The output file is a database of information and analysis of the overall UNIX time duration of reported traffic and analysis of NetFlow lifetime. The software is developed to work with Python version 3 and higher and is designed for the Windows operating system.
STUDY OF CONTROL INHOMOGENEITIES OF THE DIELECTRIC BETWEEN METAL PLANES OF MICROWAVE DEVICES IN PHASED ARRAY ANTENNAS
Authors: Antonenko Anton , Geraimchuk Michael
Published: September 2017

This article describes the phase shifters, based on micro-electromechanical elements connected to phased array antennas which operating in the frequency range 2–30 GHz. Estimations of controllability characteristics located between the metal dielectric planes, heterogeneity as an element
of a micromechanical controlled microwave-devices. It is shown that when microdisplacements metal plane above the dielectric effective permittivity inhomogeneities it may vary from the values of the relative permittivity of the dielectric to one unit. Criteria required is small dielectric thickness
or frequency at which the dielectric effect is not observed. The results can be used in the design of electromechanical devices managed using the MPN of piezoelectric and electrostrictive actuators or MEMS.
SYNTHESIS OF INTELLECTUAL SUBSYSTEMS OF DYNAMIC DIAGNOSIS OF THE CONDITION OF TURBINE UNITS THERMAL POWER
Authors: Suleimenov Alibek , Suleimenov Batyrbek , Zhirnova Oxana , Suleimenov Aituar
Published: September 2017

Technique of creating a sub-line diagnostics status turbine unit thermal power plant based on an analysis of its diagnostic features. Rapid assessment of the technical state of turbine unit allows an early stage to detect the possibility of an emergency and to localize it. It involves the integration of the subsystems of the existing process control system (PCS), which will allow more efficient use of its information, hardware and software. Evaluation of the technical condition of the turbine unit thermal power plant is proposed to determine the use of modern intelligent technologies. The proposed method was used in the development of rapid diagnostic subsystems technical state of turbine of thermal power in Almaty.
SYMULATOR ŹRÓDŁA ELEKTRONÓW Z GORĄCĄ KATODĄ
Authors: Kania Bartosz
Published: September 2017

W niniejszej pracy opisany został symulator źródła elektronów z gorącą katodą bazujący na modelu statycznym źródła. Został on zaprojektowany w ogólnym przypadku dla różnych rodzajów katod używanych w przyrządach próżniowych w celu umożliwienia łatwych i szybkich modelowych obliczeń numerycznych użytecznych m. in. w procesie projektowania regulatorów natężenia prądu termoemisji elektronowej. Umożliwia on m.in. wyznaczenie rozkładu temperatury i natężenia prądu termoemisji elektronowej włókna w stanie ustalonym.
ANALIZA WPŁYWU GĘSTOŚCI SIATKI NUMERYCZNEJ NA WYNIKI SYMULACJI ŚCIEŻKI WIROWEJ VON KARMANA
Authors: Czapla Beata , Rząsa Mariusz
Published: September 2017

Praca zawiera badania numeryczne polegające na symulacji ścieżki wirowej von Karmana. Znajomość ścieżki wirowej stanowi istotne zagadnienie w projektowaniu przepływomierzy typu vortex. Jednym z istotnych elementów w symulacji numerycznej jest odpowiednia siatka obliczeniowa. W pracy przedstawiono wyniki numerycznej analizy wpływu gęstości siatki na wyniki symulacji. W obliczeniach numerycznych duży wpływ na poprawność wyników ma właściwe przygotowanie modelu do obliczeń pod względem doboru gęstości siatki. Wykazano, że gęstość siatki wpływa na jakość otrzymanych wyników. Jednak istnieje optymalna liczba elementów siatki, dla której dalsze zwiększanie jej elementów nie poprawia znacząco wyników symulacji. W pracy przedstawiono optymalne wartości liczbowe dla przykładowego generatora wirów.
ANOMALIE W MODELOWANIU PROCESÓW BIZNESOWYCH
Authors: Suchenia Anna , Ligęza Antoni
Published: September 2017

W dziedzinie procesów biznesowych najbardziej popularne jest modelowanie Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN). BPMN jest istotny z praktycznego punktu widzenia, a przy tym oferuje wiele wyzwań dla programistów i naukowców. Specyfikacja diagramu BPMN jest stosunkowo precyzyjna, ale jest to tylko forma opisowa prezentowana na abstrakcyjnym poziomie graficznym. Większość prac w tym obszarze skoncentrowanych jest na wykorzystaniu możliwości, jakie oferuje notacja BPMN. Jednak wciąż nie ma dokumentów analizujących ewentualne błędy oraz sposoby ich wykrywania i eliminowania. Celem artykułu jest próba analizy zagadnienia anomalii, które mogą wystąpić w notacji BPMN. Badanie opiera się na analizie literatury oraz własnym doświadczeniu z modelowania w języku BPMN. Przeprowadzone analizy pozwoliły na zidentyfikowanie kilku najczęściej występujących rodzajów anomalii: strukturalnych i składniowych.
KONSTRUKCJA WYŁĄCZNIKA PRÓŻNIOWEGO NA NAPIĘCIE 7,2 KV
Authors: Hejduk Artur
Published: September 2017

W artykule przedstawiono konstrukcje wyłącznika próżniowego 7,2 kV wyposażonego w niezależne napędy elektromagnesowe na każdy biegun. Ponadto omówiono wyniki prac projektowo – konstrukcyjnych oraz wyniki symulacji i badań.
Towards Patient-Centered Clinical Trial Designs
Authors: Sidani Souraya , Fox Mary , Collins Laura
Published: September 2017

Rationale, aims and objectives: Evidence shows a trend towards low enrollment in randomized clinical trials (RCTs), which negatively affect validity of conclusions. Low enrollment is associated with different factors, but has recently been attributed to an increasing proportion of patients expressing concerns about randomization. In this paper, we summarize the evidence on reasons for non-enrollment, and we propose preference-based and shared decision-making as alternative methods for allocating patients to treatments in effectiveness and comparative effectiveness trials.Methods: This paper is a narrative review of available literature.Results: Converging findings of quantitative and qualitative studies revealed three interrelated and frequently mentioned reasons for declining enrollment in RCTs: 1) concerns about randomization related to the lack of understanding of equipoise, lack of appreciation of the scientific merits of randomization, and unfavorable perceptions of randomization as not reflecting methods of treatment selection used in practice; 2) preferences for treatments under evaluation, which contribute to unwillingness to be randomized; and 3) desires for involvement in treatment decision-making, which are not respected with randomization.Conclusions: Alternative methods for treatment allocation are needed to make effectiveness and comparative effectiveness trials attractive to patients. Preference-based and shared decision-making are viable methods that respectively represent the informed choice and the collaborative choice styles of treatment selection commonly used in practice. The extent to which these two methods of treatment allocation enhance enrollment should be further investigated.
Perceived trustworthiness in economic and medical decision making
Authors: Chae Younbyoung , Lee Ye-Seul , Jung Won-Mo , Park Hi-Joon , Wallraven Christian
Published: September 2017

Background, aims and objectives: We investigated the effects of perceived trustworthiness based on doctors’ faces on economic and medical decisions in an experimental setting using expanded versions of Trust Games. Methods: First, participants indicated how much they trusted the doctor on the screen in a game in which trust was measured by whether they made a monetary investment. Next, participants were exposed to a fixed level of pain and indicated the degree to which they trusted the doctor to treat their pain as measured by whether they took medicine or chose to be treated by the doctor. Results: The choice probability of participants making the investment and seeking treatment from the doctor increased as the perceived trustworthiness of the doctor’s face increased. The effect of impressions of doctors’ trustworthiness was greater in medical decisions than in economic decisions. Conclusion: Visual impressions of doctors’ trustworthiness affected both economic and medical decisions in Trust Games, reflecting a greater influence on participants in medical decision-making situations than in economic decision-making situations. The perceived trustworthiness of doctors may be related to the responsiveness of patients with respect to the effectiveness of treatments.
Semiregular Tessellations with Pattern Blocks
Authors: Chakraborty Debananda , Caglayan Gunhan
Published: September 2017

Pattern blocks are multifunctional instructional tools with a variety of applications in various strands of mathematics (number sense, geometry, measurement, algebra, probability). The six pattern blocks are an equilateral triangle (green), a blue rhombus, an isosceles trapezoid (red), a regular hexagon (yellow), a square (orange), and a white rhombus. The sides of all pattern blocks are congruent, considered to be 1 unit in length for this article. Photograph 1 depicts a wall painting with squares and rhombuses found in Jersey City, New Jersey.
An Emoji Is Worth a Thousand Variables
Authors: McCaffrey Tony , Matthews Percival G.
Published: September 2017

Using icon-based equations can provide multiple entry points into algebraic thinking and formal algebraic notation.
Polynomials on Pictures with Different Platforms
Authors: Bready Jennifer , Sterken Sharon
Published: September 2017

When students are taught to graph functions, they typically are taught using a graphing calculator. But two free online programs, GeoGebra and Desmos, allow students to do much more. This article will show the steps needed to insert a photograph into each program and to create a polynomial to fit the image in the photograph. We will compare the pros and cons of these programs and discuss extensions for their use in a mathematics classroom.
Palette of Problems
Authors: Pelikan Stephan , DeJarnette Anna F. , Phelps Stephen
Published: September 2017

A monthly set of problems is aimed at a variety of ability levels.
Clinical utility of HCV core antigen detection and quantification using serum samples and dried blood spots in people who inject drugs in Dar‐es‐Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Mohamed Zameer , Mbwambo Jessie , Shimakawa Yusuke , Poiteau Lila , Chevaliez Stéphane , Pawlotsky Jean‐Michel , Rwegasha John , Bhagani Sanjay , Taylor‐Robinson Simon D , Makani Julie , Thursz Mark R , Lemoine Maud
Published: September 2017

Introduction: A lack of access to hepatitis C virus (HCV) diagnostics is a significant barrier to achieving the World Health Organization 2030 global elimination goal. HCV core antigen (HCVcAg) quantification and dried blood spot (DBS) are appealing alternatives to conventional HCV serology and nucleic acid testing (NAT) for resource‐constraint settings, particularly in difficult‐to‐reach populations. We assessed the accuracy of serum and DBS HCVcAg testing in people who inject drugs in Tanzania using HCV NAT as a reference.

Method: Between May and July 2015, consecutive HCV‐seropositive patients enrolled in the local opioid substitution treatment centre were invited to participate in the study. All had HCV RNA detection (Roche Molecular Systems, Pleasanton, CA, USA), genotyping (NS5B gene phylogenetic analysis) and HCVcAg on blood samples and DBS (Architect assay; Abbott Diagnostics, Chicago, IL, USA).

Results: Out of 153 HCV‐seropositive individuals, 65 (42.5%) and 15 (9.8%) were co‐infected with HIV (41 (63%) were on anti‐retroviral therapy (ARVs)) and hepatitis B respectively. In total, 116 were viraemic, median viral load of 5.7 (Interquartile range (IQR); 4.0–6.3) log iU/ml (75 (68.2%) were genotype 1a, 35 (31.8%) genotype 4a). The median alanine transaminase (ALT) (iU/l), aspartate transaminase (AST) (iU/l) and gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) (iU/l) were 35 (IQR; 23–51), 46 (32–57) and 69 (35–151) respectively. For the quantification of HCV RNA, serum HCVcAg had a sensitivity at 99.1% and a specificity at 94.1%, with an area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) at 0.99 (95% CI 0.98–1.00). DBS HCVcAg had a sensitivity of 76.1% and a specificity of 97.3%, with an AUROC of 0.87 (95% CI 0.83–0.92). HCVcAg performance did not differ by HIV co‐infection or HCV genotype.

Conclusions: Our study suggests that HCVcAg testing in serum is an excellent alternative to HCV polymerase chain reaction in Africa. Although HCVcAg detection and quantification in DBS has a reduced sensitivity, its specificity and accuracy are good and it could therefore be used for scaling up HCV testing and care in resource‐limited African settings.
HIV testing and the care continuum among transgender women: population estimates from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Jalil Emilia M. , Wilson Erin C. , Luz Paula M. , Velasque Luciane , Moreira Ronaldo I. , Castro Cristiane V. , Monteiro Laylla , Garcia Ana Cristina F. , Cardoso Sandra W. , Coelho Lara E. , McFarland Willi , Liu Albert Y. , Veloso Valdilea G. , Buchbinder Susan , Grinsztejn Beatriz
Published: September 2017

Introduction: Evidence suggests that, of all affected populations, transgender women (transwomen) may have the heaviest HIV burden worldwide. Little is known about HIV linkage and care outcomes for transwomen. We aimed to estimate population‐level indicators of the HIV cascade of care continuum, and to evaluate factors associated with viral suppression among transwomen in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Methods: We conducted a respondent‐driven sampling (RDS) study of transwomen from August 2015 to January 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and collected data on linkage and access to care, antiretroviral treatment and performed HIV viral load testing. We derived population‐based estimates of cascade indicators using sampling weights and conducted RDS‐weighted logistic regression analyses to evaluate correlates of viral suppression (viral load ≤50 copies/mL).

Results: Of the 345 transwomen included in the study, 89.2% (95% CI 55–100%) had been previously tested for HIV, 77.5% (95% CI 48.7–100%) had been previously diagnosed with HIV, 67.2% (95% CI 39.2–95.2) reported linkage to care, 62.2% (95% CI 35.4–88.9) were currently on ART and 35.4% (95% CI 9.5–61.4%) had an undetectable viral load. The final adjusted RDS‐weighted logistic regression model for viral suppression indicated that those who self‐identified as black (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.06, 95% CI 0.01–0.53, p < 0.01), reported earning ≤U$160/month (aOR 0.11, 95% CI 0.16–0.87, p = 0.04) or reported unstable housing (aOR 0.08, 95% CI 0.01–0.43, p < 0.01) had significantly lower odds of viral suppression.

Conclusions: Our cascade indicators for transwomen showed modest ART use and low viral suppression rates. Multi‐level efforts including gender affirming care provision are urgently needed to decrease disparities in HIV clinical outcomes among transwomen and reduce secondary HIV transmission to their partners.
Actin-based protrusions of migrating neutrophils are intrinsically lamellar and facilitate direction changes
Authors: Fritz-Laylin Lillian K , Riel-Mehan Megan , Chen Bi-Chang , Lord Samuel J , Goddard Thomas D , Ferrin Thomas E , Nicholson-Dykstra Susan M , Higgs Henry , Johnson Graham T , Betzig Eric , Mullins R Dyche
Published: September 2017

Leukocytes and other amoeboid cells change shape as they move, forming highly dynamic, actin-filled pseudopods. Although we understand much about the architecture and dynamics of thin lamellipodia made by slow-moving cells on flat surfaces, conventional light microscopy lacks the spatial and temporal resolution required to track complex pseudopods of cells moving in three dimensions. We therefore employed lattice light sheet microscopy to perform three-dimensional, time-lapse imaging of neutrophil-like HL-60 cells crawling through collagen matrices. To analyze three-dimensional pseudopods we: (i) developed fluorescent probe combinations that distinguish cortical actin from dynamic, pseudopod-forming actin networks, and (ii) adapted molecular visualization tools from structural biology to render and analyze complex cell surfaces. Surprisingly, three-dimensional pseudopods turn out to be composed of thin (<0.75 µm), flat sheets that sometimes interleave to form rosettes. Their laminar nature is not templated by an external surface, but likely reflects a linear arrangement of regulatory molecules. Although we find that Arp2/3-dependent pseudopods are dispensable for three-dimensional locomotion, their elimination dramatically decreases the frequency of cell turning, and pseudopod dynamics increase when cells change direction, highlighting the important role pseudopods play in pathfinding.
Host proteostasis modulates influenza evolution
Authors: Phillips Angela M , Gonzalez Luna O , Nekongo Emmanuel E , Ponomarenko Anna I , McHugh Sean M , Butty Vincent L , Levine Stuart S , Lin Yu-Shan , Mirny Leonid A , Shoulders Matthew D
Published: September 2017

Predicting and constraining RNA virus evolution require understanding the molecular factors that define the mutational landscape accessible to these pathogens. RNA viruses typically have high mutation rates, resulting in frequent production of protein variants with compromised biophysical properties. Their evolution is necessarily constrained by the consequent challenge to protein folding and function. We hypothesized that host proteostasis mechanisms may be significant determinants of the fitness of viral protein variants, serving as a critical force shaping viral evolution. Here, we test that hypothesis by propagating influenza in host cells displaying chemically-controlled, divergent proteostasis environments. We find that both the nature of selection on the influenza genome and the accessibility of specific mutational trajectories are significantly impacted by host proteostasis. These findings provide new insights into features of host–pathogen interactions that shape viral evolution, and into the potential design of host proteostasis-targeted antiviral therapeutics that are refractory to resistance.
Investigating molecular crowding within nuclear pores using polarization-PALM
Authors: Fu Guo , Tu Li-Chun , Zilman Anton , Musser Siegfried M
Published: September 2017

The key component of the nuclear pore complex (NPC) controlling permeability, selectivity, and the speed of nucleocytoplasmic transport is an assembly of natively unfolded polypeptides, which contain phenylalanine-glycine (FG) binding sites for nuclear transport receptors. The architecture and dynamics of the FG-network have been refractory to characterization due to the paucity of experimental methods able to probe the mobility and density of the FG-polypeptides and embedded macromolecules within intact NPCs. Combining fluorescence polarization, super-resolution microscopy, and mathematical analyses, we examined the rotational mobility of fluorescent probes at various locations within the FG-network under different conditions. We demonstrate that polarization PALM (p-PALM) provides a rich source of information about low rotational mobilities that are inaccessible with bulk fluorescence anisotropy approaches, and anticipate that p-PALM is well-suited to explore numerous crowded cellular environments. In total, our findings indicate that the NPC’s internal organization consists of multiple dynamic environments with different local properties.
An insect-like mushroom body in a crustacean brain
Authors: Wolff Gabriella Hannah , Thoen Hanne Halkinrud , Marshall Justin , Sayre Marcel E , Strausfeld Nicholas James
Published: September 2017

Mushroom bodies are the iconic learning and memory centers of insects. No previously described crustacean possesses a mushroom body as defined by strict morphological criteria although crustacean centers called hemiellipsoid bodies, which serve functions in sensory integration, have been viewed as evolutionarily convergent with mushroom bodies. Here, using key identifiers to characterize neural arrangements, we demonstrate insect-like mushroom bodies in stomatopod crustaceans (mantis shrimps). More than any other crustacean taxon, mantis shrimps display sophisticated behaviors relating to predation, spatial memory, and visual recognition comparable to those of insects. However, neuroanatomy-based cladistics suggesting close phylogenetic proximity of insects and stomatopod crustaceans conflicts with genomic evidence showing hexapods closely related to simple crustaceans called remipedes. We discuss whether corresponding anatomical phenotypes described here reflect the cerebral morphology of a common ancestor of Pancrustacea or an extraordinary example of convergent evolution.
Msn2/4 regulate expression of glycolytic enzymes and control transition from quiescence to growth
Authors: Kuang Zheng , Pinglay Sudarshan , Ji Hongkai , Boeke Jef D
Published: September 2017

Nutrient availability and stresses impact a cell’s decision to enter a growth state or a quiescent state. Acetyl-CoA stimulates cell growth under nutrient-limiting conditions, but how cells generate acetyl-CoA under starvation stress is less understood. Here, we show that general stress response factors, Msn2 and Msn4, function as master transcriptional regulators of yeast glycolysis via directly binding and activating genes encoding glycolytic enzymes. Yeast cells lacking Msn2 and Msn4 exhibit prevalent repression of glycolytic genes and a significant delay of acetyl-CoA accumulation and reentry into growth from quiescence. Thus Msn2/4 exhibit a dual role in activating carbohydrate metabolism genes and stress response genes. These results suggest a possible mechanism by which starvation-induced stress response factors may prime quiescent cells to reenter growth through glycolysis when nutrients are limited.
A reverse transcriptase ribozyme
Authors: Samanta Biswajit , Joyce Gerald F
Published: September 2017

A highly evolved RNA polymerase ribozyme was found to also be capable of functioning as a reverse transcriptase, an activity that has never been demonstrated before for RNA. This activity is thought to have been crucial for the transition from RNA to DNA genomes during the early history of life on Earth, when it similarly could have arisen as a secondary function of an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. The reverse transcriptase ribozyme can incorporate all four dNTPs and can generate products containing up to 32 deoxynucleotides. It is likely that this activity could be improved through evolution, ultimately enabling the synthesis of complete DNA genomes. DNA is much more stable compared to RNA and thus provides a larger and more secure repository for genetic information.
A study on burning behavior and convective flows in Methanol pool fires bound by ice
Authors: Farahani Hamed Farmahini , Jomaas Grunde , Rangwala Ali S.
Published: September 2017

Abstract (ID: 2017-170)

An experimental study on methanol pool fires bound by ice was carried to research the burning behavior and flow field (within the liquid-phase) of methanol. The experiments were conducted in two parts: 1- in a cylindrical ice cavity/pan (10.2 cm diameter and 6 cm depth) at three different conditions to analyze burning parameters of methanol, 2- in a square glass tray with outside dimensions of 10 × 10 cm and a depth of 5 cm to obtain flow field of methanol pool with a two-dimensional PIV (Particle Image Velocimetry) system. The results of the experiments of the first part show the cold boundaries of the ice cavity/pan act as a heat sink causing considerable heat losses. Thus, burning rates and burning efficiencies are found to be lower with cold boundaries. However, the burning rate values in ice cavity are found to be the highest because of the melting of the ice and expansion of the cavity. The analysis of the results obtained by the PIV system showed the velocity magnitudes and flow patterns in the liquid-phase of icy methanol fire significantly change over the course of burning. In the instants after ignition a horizontal flow induced by Marangoni near the surface was observed. Later on, mixing of melt-water with methanol and sinking of this mixture caused a cycle in the tray that resulted in a vortex appearing in the middle of the pool. Magnitudes of velocity were also observed to increase after ignition. The increase in the velocity magnitudes is expected to significantly impact the melting and size of the lateral cavity.
PROJECT MARINER: ENHANCING HNS PLANNING AND PREPAREDNESS VIA INNOVATIVE TRAINING TOOLS
Authors: Harold P , Kibble A , Russell D , Huckle E , Callow P , Fernandes R , Brito David , Braunshweig Frank , Mohamed M , Sykes P
Published: September 2017

Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) are chemicals which, if introduced into the marine environment pose hazards to health, ecosystems and legitimate uses of the sea. Recent figures suggest approximately 2,000 HNS regularly transported by sea in excess of 200 Million tonnes annually. Data identify over 100 incidents reported globally between 1998 and 2013, with a cumulative volume released of 1,560,000 m3 (IMO, 2016).

Large maritime incidents involving HNS, whilst rare, have the potential for major impact upon both the environment and human health e.g. MV Rena in 2011 (CEDRE, 2016a). Thus it is imperative to develop robust planning and response mechanisms which can be readily engaged should the worst happen.

Much work has been undertaken in this field but outcomes are fragmented. In view of this, a 2 year project (“MARINER”) was initiated in 2016 aimed at collating global best practise into innovative tools for training and planning (MARINER, 2016). Framed in the European Atlantic Area and funded by the European Commission the project involves collaboration of agencies from UK, France, Spain and Portugal, all previously involved in the HNS research project ARCOPOL (Atlantic Regions Coastal Pollution Response, 2016).
Comparative Study on Rate of Biodegradation of Diluted Bitumen and Conventional Oil in Fresh Water
Authors: Deshpande Ruta Suresh , Sundaravadivelu Devi , Campo Pablo , SantoDomingo Jorge W. , Conmy Robyn N.
Published: September 2017

Abstract 2017-271

In recent years, diluted bitumen (or dilbit) has become an important source of hydrocarbon-based fuel. While information on the degradation of crude oils has been well researched, dilbit degradation has been studied at a much lesser extent. The objective of this study was to compare biodegradation of dilbit with a conventional crude oil (CCO) under various conditions. Two different microcosm experiments were set up, one containing a mixed culture acclimated to dilbit (Kalamazoo River Enrichment, KRC) and the other having a mixed culture enriched on soil contaminated with hydrocarbons (Anderson Ferry Enrichment, AFC). The microcosms were run for 60 d at 25 °C and for 72 days at 5 °C in flasks containing sterile Bushnell Hass broth and naturally dispersed oil. Each flask was inoculated with the KRC and AFC mixed cultures, and rotated on an orbital shaker (200 rpm) at the above stated temperatures. On each sampling day, triplicates were sacrificed to determine the residual hydrocarbon concentration. Additionally, some samples were used to determine the bacterial composition using 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis. Hydrocarbon analysis (alkanes and PAHs) was performed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS/MS). Higher degradation rates were achieved at 25 °C as compared to 5 °C. All the enrichments metabolized CCO as well dilbit, but the nature and extent of the degradation was distinct. KRC meso culture was the most effective among all, as it completely removed alkanes and most of the PAHs. AFC enrichment performed differently at the two temperatures; an acclimation period (8 d) was observed at 5 °C while there was no lag at 25 °C. KRC cryo culture as well as AFC culture at both temperatures degraded alkanes completely while they were not able to metabolize heavier fractions of the oil (C2–4 homologues of 3- and 4-ring compounds). All cultures showed the presence of diverse oil degrading bacteria and the differences in their compositions affected the biodegradation. Although dilbit was biodegraded, for all the treatments except AFC at 5 °C, the rate of degradation and the extent of degradation was greater for CCO owing to the higher concentrations of lighter hydrocarbons.
Implementation of oil spill impact mitigation measures in fisheries and mariculture.
Authors: Cariglia Nicky
Published: September 2017

Response actions and mitigation measures, undertaken at the time of a spill specifically to protect seafood resources can ultimately influence the duration, magnitude and extent of impacts. Understanding if and why particular measures were successful (or not) in minimising or eliminating damages to a particular fishery or mariculture installation is important for the seafood sector to use, either in planning, or when faced with making a choice as to what measures may be best to protect their resource. This paper reviews small-scale (in terms of volume spilled) cases in which ITOPF has been involved from around the world where fisheries or mariculture were an important concern and where measures were implemented specifically to mitigate damage. By evaluating whether any trends, or criteria exist under which certain measures or actions are likely to be successful or unsuccessful, contingency plans can be adapted to provide more practical, tailored guidance. Furthermore, policy and research objectives could be directed towards damage prevention rather than the quantification, assessment and remediation of impacts.
Analysis of Hazards of Dispersant Constituents and Review of Toxicological Studies
Authors: Popovech Marusia
Published: September 2017

The response to the 2010 Macondo oil well blow-out in the Gulf of Mexico used significant quantities of dispersants. The materials that comprise the oil dispersant, COREXIT 9500® present minimal toxicities. Risk to spill responders would be reduced through the use of personal protective equipment. At the time, oil spill dispersants were not well understood outside of the oil spill response industry. The apparent data gap resulted in a rush to generate data on these materials without consideration of the existing toxicity data used by the consumer product industry. A review of new in vitro and in vivo toxicology studies indicated numerous examples where the study design was not clearly defined, leading to difficulties in the evaluation of study quality and uncertain relevance of the studies to human health risk assessment. The lack of transparent communication of the results to the scientific investigators and the public has led to a mistrust of oil dispersants, due to a misunderstanding of their potential hazards and risks to human health. This paper will examine the hazardous properties of individual dispersant constituents and technological considerations of published toxicology studies of oil spill dispersants. This summary will objectively evaluate oil dispersant ingredients for human health risk assessments and provide guidance to future scientific investigators on high quality study designs.
Sequence variation at the human ABO locus
Authors: YIP S. P.
Published: July 2002

The ABO blood group is the most important blood group system in transfusion medicine. Since the ABO gene was cloned and the molecular basis of the three major alleles delineated about 10 years ago, the gene has increasingly been examined by a variety of DNA‐based genotyping methods and analysed in detail by DNA sequencing. A few coherent observations emerge from these studies. First, there is extensive sequence heterogeneity underlying the major ABO alleles that produce normal blood groups A, B, AB and O when in correct combination with other alleles. Second, there is also extensive heterogeneity underlying the molecular basis of various alleles producing ABO subgroups such as A2, Ax and B3. There are over 70 ABO alleles reported to date and these alleles highlight the extensive sequence variation in the coding region of the gene. A unifying system of nomenclature is proposed to name these alleles. Third, extensive sequence variation is also found in the non‐coding region of the gene, including variation in minisatellite repeats in the 5′ untranslated region (UTR), 21 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in intron 6 and one SNP in the 3′ UTR. The haplotypes of these variations reveal a specific relationship with the major ABO alleles. Fourth, excluding the common alleles, about half of the remaining alleles are due to new mutations and the other half can better be explained by intragenic recombination (both crossover and gene conversion) between common alleles. In particular, the recombination sites in hybrid alleles can be quite precisely defined through haplotype analysis of the SNPs in intron 6. This indicates that recombination is equally as important as point mutations in generating the genetic diversity of the ABO locus. Finally, a large number of ABO genotyping methods are available and are based on restriction analysis, allele specific amplification, mutation screening techniques or their combinations.
SOIL NITROGEN MINERALIZATION UNDER TREE CROPS AND A LEGUME COVER CROP IN MULTI-STRATA AGROFORESTRY IN CENTRAL AMAZONIA: SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL PATTERNS
Authors: SCHROTH G. , SALAZAR E. , DA SILVA J. P.
Published: July 2002

Under rainforest vegetation, the central Amazonian Ferralsols are characterized by relatively high availability of N in relation to other nutrients. After forest clearing, several tree crops also have not shown yield responses to N fertilizer. To elucidate the mechanisms of this apparent N sufficiency, the mineralization of soil N was measured under three tree crops and a leguminous cover crop (Pueraria phaseoloides) in a multi-strata agroforestry system at two fertilizer input levels on a Xanthic Ferralsol in central Amazonia. In situ incubations of topsoil (0–10 cm) were carried out using the buried-bag method on five occasions over ten months. The highest mineralization rates were found under the cover crop, intermediate rates under rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis) where the soil was also covered by the cover crop, and lowest rates under peach palm (Bactris gasipaes) and cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum) with no cover crop. The increased N mineralization under the cover crop was due to more total N in the soil, higher soil moisture and, presumably, a larger pool of readily mineralizable soil N compared with the soil under the tree crops. Other fertility parameters also differed significantly between sampling positions within the plots, but this had no major influence on net N mineralization. Also, the input of NPK fertilizer and dolomite had no significant influence on N mineralization, indicating that N mineralization was not nutrient-limited. High total N mineralization rates in the soil (approximately 350 kg ha−1 a−1 at 0–10 cm depth) explained earlier observations of nitrate leaching into the subsoil under multi-strata agroforestry at this site. Considering the spatial patterns of N mineralization with maximum values under the cover crop, the exploration of the soil volume by crop roots should be maximized to increase the uptake of mineralized soil N by the crops and reduce nitrate leaching. Appropriate measures are narrow tree spacing, use of annual and semi-perennial intercrops and encouragement of the lateral root development of the trees. In addition, the mineralization of soil N close to the tree crops can be influenced through the management of the cover crop. In view of the high total N mineralization rates in the system and unclear yield responses of tree crops to N fertilizer, the application of N fertilizer to tree crops with well-developed root systems and a well-managed cover crop may often be unnecessary on this soil type. This may facilitate the further development of tree crop agriculture in the region.
SIMULATING RESPONSE OF MAIZE TO NITROGEN FERTILIZER IN SEMI-ARID ZIMBABWE
Authors: Shamudzarira Z. , Robertson M. J.
Published: July 2002

Data from a long-term trial on rates of fertilizer nitrogen (N) application to maize (Zea mays) were used to validate a cropping systems simulation model (APSIM) and then to apply the model to explore the risk associated with N fertilizer use by smallholder farmers and management strategies to minimize that risk. On average, maize growth and development in response to N was simulated with a degree of accuracy that justified its use in analysis of risk associated with N use in these semi-arid regions of Zimbabwe. APSIM was then configured to simulate the response to N over a 46-year climate record in order to assess the long-term risks associated with N use. The simulated long-term distribution indicated that negative responses to N could be expected in 15% of years, whereas no negative response to N was recorded in the experiments at the Makoholi Research Centre. Median responses were 20–30 kg maize grain kg−1 N for observed and simulated results. In terms of return on fertilizer investment, the observed and simulated distributions were also similar: in about 20% of years, a negative return could be expected, while in the best 20% of years a return of $Z5000 or more could be expected given the grain:fertilizer price ratio which, at March 2000, was about 1:7. The model analysis has suggested moderate rates (approximately 30 kg N ha−1) of N fertilizer would give greater responses per unit N applied than smaller rates (15 kg N ha−1). There was no evidence that conditional fertilizer strategies based on early-season rainfall would offer significant benefits over fixed application strategies. Early sowing at recommended population densities gave higher responses to N than were achieved for late sown or low-density crops.