bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sarcoidosis in Nepal: Epidemiology, Clinical Presentation and Ethnic Differences
Authors: Pathak Vikas , Pant Hom Nath , Chokhani Ramesh
Published: October 2017

Background & Objectives:Sarcoidosis is a multi-system granulomatous disorder of unknown origin.The frequency and the clinical presentation of sarcoidosis vary among the geographical regions. This study is a retrospective analysis of the sarcoidosis patients diagnosed in Nepalese population. The aim of this study was to find the prevalence of sarcoidosis in Nepalese population which has high prevalence of tuberculosis and to understand the clinical profiles and ethnic differences.Materials & Methods:A retrospective chart analysis was done in all the patients from January first, 2005 to December 31st, 2010 who had abnormal chest radiograph and who were diagnosed with sarcoidosis. The study was done at Nepal Medical College Teaching Hospital and Everest Nursing Home.Results:A Forty two patients were diagnosed to have sarcoidosis over a five year period, of which 23/42 (55.0%) were females and 19/42 (45%) were males. The mean age was 36 years with minimum age being 18 years and maximum 72 years. As far as Ethnicity is concerned, 15/42 (36.0%)were Brahmins,08/42(19.0%) were Marwadi, and 07/42(17.0%) were Chhetri. The most common presenting symptom was cough 19/42 (45.0%).Out of the 42 patients, eight were being treated for pulmonary tuberculosis. Most common radiographic findings were bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy 15/42 (36.0%).Conclusion:Sarcoidosis is common in Nepal and should be considered in the differential diagnosis before treating the patient empirically for tuberculosis.
Echocardiographic evaluation of simple versus complex congenital heart disease in a tertiary care Paediatrics Hospital
Authors: Sarkar Uttam Kumar , Chatterjee Anish , Basu Suprit , Pan Atanu , Periwal Sumit
Published: October 2017

Background & Objectives:Congenital heart diseases are treatable either by catheter based intervention or open heart surgery according to their quality. In our study we aim to analyze congenital heart disease echocardiographically into simple versus complex heart disease at a tertiary care centre with a public health planning and policy making perspective.Materials & Methods:This hospital based study was done on 1010 patients, both from in-patient and out-patient, who were clinically suspected to have heart disease from January 2015 to September 2016 at Dr.B.C.Roy P.G.I.P.S. Kolkata and echocardiographically categorized.Results:A VSD was the commonest acyanotic heart disease (17. 08%).Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) was commonest complex cyanotic heart disease (10.64%), VSD +ASD was the commonest combined lesion (8.12%). Simple heart lesions (63.1%) were commoner than complex (36.9%) congenital heart diseases.Conclusion:Health policy makers should give due care to manage Congenital Heart Disease either catheter based or surgically keeping in mind about 63.1% of the lesions are simple cardiac lesions and 36.9% lesions are complex cardiac lesion where complex surgery is required.
Gravitational and Somatosensory Influences on Control and Perception of Roll Balance
Authors: Panic Alexander Sacha , Panic Heather , DiZio Paul , Lackner James R.
Published: October 2017

INTRODUCTION: Blindfolded subjects used a joystick to orient themselves to the direction of balance in a device programmed to exhibit inverted pendulum behavior in the roll plane; they indicated with a trigger press when they were at that location. Our goal was to determine how
otolith and somatosensory information about the gravitational vertical influenced the ability to locate the direction of balance.METHODS: The subjects (N = 12) were tested in each of three orientations of the body roll plane: vertical (Upright), 45° back (45_Degree),
and 90° back (Supine), which provided progressively less salient otolith and somatosensory information about roll orientation with regard to the direction of gravity. For each pitch plane, subjects were tested with three directions of balance: 0° (aligned with the gravitational vertical
in the Upright condition) and 30° right or left.RESULTS: The mean achieved and indicated orientations for the Upright and 45_Degree conditions were significantly displaced away from the direction of balance in the direction of gravity, with indicated angles less displaced. In
the Supine condition, the mean achieved and indicated angles were closer to the direction of balance, but their within-trial standard deviations were significantly larger than in the Upright and 45_Degree conditions, which did not differ. This greater variability resulted from the frequent
side to side “drifting” behavior that was a characteristic feature of the Supine condition only.DISCUSSION: These findings indicate that in the absence of vision accurate dynamic orientation requires gravity dependent shear forces on the otolith organs and body surface.Panic
AS, Panic H, DiZio P, Lackner JR. Gravitational and somatosensory influences on control and perception of roll balance. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2017; 88(11):993–999.
Instrument Failure, Stress, and Spatial Disorientation Leading to a Fatal Crash With a Large Aircraft
Authors: Tribukait Arne , Eiken Ola
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND: An aircraft’s orientation relative to the ground cannot be perceived via the sense of balance or the somatosensory system. When devoid of external visual references, the pilot must rely on instruments. A sudden unexpected instrument indication is a challenge
to the pilot, who might have to question the instrument instead of responding with the controls. In this case report we analyze, from a human-factors perspective, how a limited instrument failure led to a fatal accident.CASE REPORT: During straight-ahead level flight in darkness,
at 33,000 ft, the commander of a civil cargo airplane was suddenly confronted by an erroneous pitch-up indication on his primary flight display. He responded by pushing the control column forward, making a bunt maneuver with reduced/negative Gz during approximately 15 s. The pilots
did not communicate rationally or cross-check instruments. Recordings of elevator and aileron positions suggest that the commander made intense efforts to correct for several extreme and erroneous roll and pitch indications. Gz displayed an increasing trend with rapid fluctuations
and peaks of approximately 3 G. After 50 s the aircraft entered a turn with decreasing radius and finally hit the ground in an inverted attitude.DISCUSSION: A precipitate maneuvring response can, even if occurring in a large aircraft at high altitude, result in a seemingly inexorable
course of events, ending with a crash. In the present case both pilots were probably incapacitated by acute psychological stress and spatial disorientation. Intense variations in Gz may have impaired the copilot’s reading of the functioning primary flight display.Tribukait
A, Eiken O. Instrument failure, stress, and spatial disorientation leading to a fatal crash with a large aircraft. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2017; 88(11):1043–1048.
Fast Method of Recovering Reference-Wave Intensity in Two-Step-Only Quadrature Phase-Shifting Holography
Authors: Zhou Wen-Jing , Zheng Caifu , Poon Ting-Chung
Published: October 2017

We present a simple yet effective method, without the need for any additional recording of intensity maps or tremendous iterative computations, to recover reference-wave intensity resulting from the complex hologram acquired by quadrature phase-shifting holography. This is achieved by utilizing a certain area of interest in the complex hologram. We select a particular area in the complex hologram where there is negligible diffraction from the test sample to estimate the reference-wave intensity. The calculated intensity value allows us to extract exact phase distribution of the object in the context of two-step-only quadrature phase-shifting holography (TSO-PSH) without the zeroth-order beam and the twin image noise on the reconstruction plane. Computer simulation and experimental results have been performed to verify the effectiveness and feasibility of our proposed method.
Synthesis of Biolubricant Basestocks from Epoxidized Soybean Oil
Authors: Turco Rosa , Tesser Riccardo , Vitiello Rosa , Russo Vincenzo , Andini Salvatore , Serio Martino Di
Published: October 2017

This work deals with the preparation of biolubricant basestocks through the ring-opening reaction of epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) by alcohols in presence of solid acid catalysts (SAC-13 resin). To this end, different experimental runs were carried out in a lab-scale reactor, analyzing the effect of the alcohol (methanol, ethanol, 2-propanol, 2-butanol), catalyst mass loading (from 1 to 10 wt % with respect to the oil mass) and operating temperature (60–90 °C). The main focus of investigation was oxirane conversion. The study was complemented by FT-IR, 1H NMR and kinematic viscosity characterization of the different products of the ring-opening reaction. Experimental conversion data were fitted through a suitable kinetic model. Values of the best-fitting parameters in terms of rate constant, activation energy and catalyst reaction order were obtained, and were potentially useful for the design of an industrial process.
Prospects of Mixtures as Working Fluids in Real-Gas Brayton Cycles
Authors: Invernizzi Costante
Published: October 2017

This paper discusses the thermodynamic characteristics of the closed Brayton cycles in which the compression is placed near the critical point of the working fluid. Under these conditions, the specific volumes of the fluid during the compression are a fraction of the corresponding values under ideal gas conditions, and the cycle performances improve significantly, mainly at moderate top temperatures. As the heat is discharged at about the critical temperature, the choice of the correct working fluid is strictly correlated with the environmental temperature or with the temperature of potential heat users. To resort to mixtures greatly extend the choice of the right working fluid, allowing a continuous variation of the critical temperature. These cycles have a high power density, and the use of ordinary turbomachinery is accompanied by high capacities (tens of megawatts). In the low power range, microturbines or reciprocating engines are required. One important constraint on the choice of the right working fluid is its thermochemical stability that restricts the operative temperatures. Among the organic compounds, the maximum safe temperatures are limited to about 400 °C and, forecasting high temperature applications, it could be interesting to explore the potentiality of the inorganic compounds as secondary fluids in binary mixtures.
Leveraging the Domain of Work to Improve Migrant Health
Authors: Flynn Michael , Wickramage Kolitha
Published: October 2017

Work is a principal driver of current international migration, a primary social determinant of health, and a fundamental point of articulation between migrants and their host society. Efforts by international organizations to promote migrant health have traditionally focused on infectious diseases and access to healthcare, while international labor organizations have largely focused on issues of occupational health. The underutilization of the domain of work in addressing the health of migrants is truly a missed opportunity for influencing worker well-being and reducing societal economic burden. Understanding of the relationships among migration, work, and health would facilitate further integration of migrant health concerns into the policy agenda of governments and international agencies that work at the nexus of labor, health and development. The domain of work offers an opportunity to capitalize on the existing health and development infrastructure and leverage technical resources, programs and research to promote migrant health. It also provides the opportunity to advance migrant health through new and innovative approaches and partnerships.
Towards 3D Cadastre in Serbia: Development of Serbian Cadastral Domain Model
Authors: Radulović Aleksandra , Sladić Dubravka , Govedarica Miro
Published: October 2017

This paper proposes a Serbian cadastral domain model as the country profile for the real estate cadastre, based on the Land Administration Domain Model (LADM), defined within ISO 19152. National laws and other legal acts were analyzed and the incorrect applications of the law are outlined. The national “Strategy of measures and activities for increasing the quality of services in the field of geospatial data and registration of real property rights in the official state records”, which was adopted in 2017, cites the shortcomings of the existing cadastral information system. The proposed profile can solve several problems with the system, such as the lack of interoperability, mismatch of graphic and alphanumeric data, and lack of an integrated cadastral information system. Based on the existing data, the basic concepts of the Serbian cadastre were extracted and the applicability of LADM was tested on an obtained conceptual model. Upon obtaining positive results, a complete country profile was developed according to valid national laws and rulebooks. A table of mappings of LADM classes and country profile classes is presented in this paper, together with an analysis of the conformance level. The proposed Serbian country profile is completely conformant at the medium level and on several high-level classes. LADM also provides support for three-dimensional (3D) representations and 3D registration of rights, so the creation of a country profile for Serbia is a starting point toward a 3D cadastre. Given the existence of buildings with overlapping rights and restrictions in 3D, considering expanding the spatial profile with 3D geometries is necessary. Possible solutions to these situations were analyzed. Since the two-dimensional (2D) cadastre in Serbia is not fully formed, the proposed solution is to use the 2D model for simple right situations, and the 3D model for more complex situations.
A Framework for Evaluating Stay Detection Approaches
Authors: Schneider Cornelia , Gröchenig Simon , Venek Verena , Leitner Michael , Reich Siegfried
Published: October 2017

In recent years, sensors of mobile devices are increasingly used in the research field of Active and Assisted Living (AAL), in particular, for movement analysis. Questions, such as where users typically stay (and for how long), where they have been or where they will most likely be going to, are of utmost importance for implementing smart AAL services. Due to the plethora of application scenarios and varying requirements, the challenge is the identification of an appropriate stay detection approach. Thus, this paper presents a comprehensive framework covering the entire process from data acquisition, pre-processing, parameterization to evaluation so that it can be applied to evaluate various stay detection methods. Additionally, ground truth data as well as application field data are used within the framework. The framework has been validated with three different spatio-temporal clustering approaches (time-based/incremental clustering, extended density based clustering, and a mixed method approach). Using the framework with ground truth data and data from the AAL field, it can be concluded that the time-based/incremental clustering approach is most suitable for this type of AAL applications. Furthermore, using two different datasets has proven successful as it provides additional data for selecting the appropriate method. Finally, the way the framework is designed it might be applied to other domains such as transportation, mobility, or tourism by adapting the pre-selection criteria.
On the Implementation of a Cloud-Based Computing Test Bench Environment for Prolog Systems
Authors: Gonçalves Ricardo , Areias Miguel , Rocha Ricardo
Published: October 2017

Software testing and benchmarking are key components of the software development process. Nowadays, a good practice in large software projects is the continuous integration (CI) software development technique. The key idea of CI is to let developers integrate their work as they produce it, instead of performing the integration at the end of each software module. In this paper, we extend a previous work on a benchmark suite for the YAP Prolog system, and we propose a fully automated test bench environment for Prolog systems, named Yet Another Prolog Test Bench Environment (YAPTBE), aimed to assist developers in the development and CI of Prolog systems. YAPTBE is based on a cloud computing architecture and relies on the Jenkins framework as well as a new Jenkins plugin to manage the underlying infrastructure. We present the key design and implementation aspects of YAPTBE and show its most important features, such as its graphical user interface (GUI) and the automated process that builds and runs Prolog systems and benchmarks.
The Current Role of Image Compression Standards in Medical Imaging
Authors: Liu Feng , Hernandez-Cabronero Miguel , Sanchez Victor , Marcellin Michael , Bilgin Ali
Published: October 2017

With the increasing utilization of medical imaging in clinical practice and the growing dimensions of data volumes generated by various medical imaging modalities, the distribution, storage, and management of digital medical image data sets requires data compression. Over the past few decades, several image compression standards have been proposed by international standardization organizations. This paper discusses the current status of these image compression standards in medical imaging applications together with some of the legal and regulatory issues surrounding the use of compression in medical settings.
Enhancement of Fracture Toughness of Epoxy Nanocomposites by Combining Nanotubes and Nanosheets as Fillers
Authors: Domun Nadiim , Paton Keith , Hadavinia Homayoun , Sainsbury Toby , Zhang Tao , Mohamud Hibaaq
Published: October 2017

In this work the fracture toughness of epoxy resin has been improved through the addition of low loading of single part and hybrid nanofiller materials. Functionalised multi-walled carbon nanotubes (f-MWCNTs) was used as single filler, increased the critical strain energy release rate, GIC, by 57% compared to the neat epoxy, at only 0.1 wt% filler content. Importantly, no degradation in the tensile or thermal properties of the nanocomposite was observed compared to the neat epoxy. When two-dimensional boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS) were added along with the one-dimensional f-MWCNTs, the fracture toughness increased further to 71.6% higher than that of the neat epoxy. Interestingly, when functionalised graphene nanoplatelets (f-GNPs) and boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) were used as hybrid filler, the fracture toughness of neat epoxy is improved by 91.9%. In neither of these hybrid filler systems the tensile properties were degraded, but the thermal properties of the nanocomposites containing boron nitride materials deteriorated slightly.
Finite Element Modeling of Tensile Deformation Behaviors of Iron Syntactic Foam with Hollow Glass Microspheres
Authors: Cho Yi , Lee Wookjin , Park Yong
Published: October 2017

The elastoplastic deformation behaviors of hollow glass microspheres/iron syntactic foam under tension were modeled using a representative volume element (RVE) approach. The three-dimensional microstructures of the iron syntactic foam with 5 wt % glass microspheres were reconstructed using the random sequential adsorption algorithm. The constitutive behavior of the elastoplasticity in the iron matrix and the elastic-brittle failure for the glass microsphere were simulated in the models. An appropriate RVE size was statistically determined by evaluating elastic modulus, Poisson’s ratio, and yield strength in terms of model sizes and boundary conditions. The model was validated by the agreement with experimental findings. The tensile deformation mechanism of the syntactic foam considering the fracture of the microspheres was then investigated. In addition, the feasibility of introducing the interfacial deboning behavior to the proposed model was briefly investigated to improve the accuracy in depicting fracture behaviors of the syntactic foam. It is thought that the modeling techniques and the model itself have major potential for applications not only in the study of hollow glass microspheres/iron syntactic foams, but also for the design of composites with a high modulus matrix and high strength reinforcement.
Graded Microstructure and Mechanical Performance of Ti/N-Implanted M50 Steel with Polyenergy
Authors: Jie Jin , Shao Tianmin
Published: October 2017

M50 bearing steels were alternately implanted with Ti+ and N+ ions using solid and gas ion sources of implantation system, respectively. N-implantation was carried out at an energy of about 80 keV and a fluence of 2 × 1017 ions/cm2, and Ti-implantation at an energy of about 40–90 keV and a fluence of 2 × 1017 ions/cm2. The microstructures of modification layers were analyzed by grazing-incidence X-ray diffraction, auger electron spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that the gradient structure was formed under the M50 bearing steel subsurface, along the ion implantation influence zone composed of amorphous, nanocrystalline, and gradient-refinement phases. A layer of precipitation compounds like TiN is formed. In addition, nano-indentation hardness and tribological properties of the gradient structure subsurface were examined using a nano-indenter and a friction and wear tester. The nano-indentation hardness of N + Ti-co-implanted sample is above 12 GPa, ~1.3 times than that of pristine samples. The friction coefficient is smaller than 0.2, which is 22.2% of that of pristine samples. The synergism between precipitation-phase strengthening and gradient microstructure is the main mechanism for improving the mechanical properties of M50 materials.
Hop Phytochemicals and Their Potential Role in Metabolic Syndrome Prevention and Therapy
Authors: Dostálek Pavel , Karabín Marcel , Jelínek Lukáš
Published: October 2017

Historically, hop cones (Humulus lupulus) have been used since ancient times as a remedy for many ailments and, as a source of polyphenols and bitter acids, is very effective in the treatment of metabolic syndrome (MS). Hop flavonoids, particularly xanthohumol (XN), are substances with hypoglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, and antiobesity activities. Iso-α-acids (IAA) and matured hop bitter acids (MHBA) improve health by influencing lipid metabolism, glucose tolerance, and body weight. The modulatory effect of IAA and MHBA on lipid metabolism may also be responsible for a loss in body weight. These results suggest promising applications for IAA, MHBA, and XN in humans, particularly in the prevention of diet-induced obesity and diabetes.
Self-Assembly with 2,6-Bis(1-(pyridin-4-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)pyridine: Silver(I) and Iron(II) Complexes
Authors: Ross Daniel , Preston Dan , Crowley James
Published: October 2017

A new “click” ligand, 2,6-bis(1-(pyridin-4-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)pyridine (L) featuring a tridentate 2,6-bis(1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)pyridine (tripy) pocket and two pyridyl (py) units was synthesized in modest yield (42%) using the copper(I) catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction. The coordination chemistry of the ligand with silver(I) and iron(II) ions was examined using a battery of solution (1H and DOSY (diffusion ordered spectroscopy) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), infrared and absorption spectroscopies, high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS)), and solid state (X-ray crystallography, elemental analysis) techniques. When treated with silver(I) ions, the ligand forms discrete [Ag(L)]+ (X−, where X− = BF4−, NO3− or SbF6−) complexes in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solution but these complexes crystallize as coordination polymers. The addition of [Fe(H2O)6](BF4)2 to an acetonitrile solution of the ligand forms the expected monomeric octahedral [Fe(L)2]2+ complex and treatment of the iron(II) complex with AgBF4 generates a heterometallic linear coordination polymer.
Discovery of Novel N-Substituted Prolinamido Indazoles as Potent Rho Kinase Inhibitors and Vasorelaxation Agents
Authors: Yao Yangyang , Li Renze , Liu Xiaoyu , Yang Feilong , Yang Ying , Li Xiaoyu , Shi Xiang , Yuan Tianyi , Fang Lianhua , Du Guanhua , Jiao Xiaozhen , Xie Ping
Published: October 2017

Inhibitors of Rho kinase (ROCK) have potential therapeutic applicability in a wide range of diseases, such as hypertension, stroke, asthma and glaucoma. In a previous article, we described the lead discovery of DL0805, a new ROCK I inhibitor, showing potent inhibitory activity (IC50 6.7 μM). Herein, we present the lead optimization of compound DL0805, resulting in the discovery of 24- and 39-fold more-active analogues 4a (IC50 0.27 μM) and 4b (IC50 0.17 μM), among other active analogues. Moreover, ex-vivo studies demonstrated that 4a and 4b exhibited comparable vasorelaxant activity to the approved drug fasudil in rat aortic rings. The research of a preliminary structure–activity relationship (SAR) indicated that the target compounds containing a β-proline moiety have improved activity against ROCK I relative to analogues bearing an α-proline moiety, and among the series of the derivatives with a β-proline-derived indazole scaffold, the inhibitory activity of the target compounds with a benzyl substituent is superior to those with a benzoyl substituent.
Construction of a Bivalent Thrombin Binding Aptamer and Its Antidote with Improved Properties
Authors: Hughes Quintin , Le Bao , Gilmore Grace , Baker Ross , Veedu Rakesh
Published: October 2017

Aptamers are short synthetic DNA or RNA oligonucleotides that adopt secondary and tertiary conformations based on Watson–Crick base-pairing interactions and can be used to target a range of different molecules. Two aptamers, HD1 and HD22, that bind to exosites I and II of the human thrombin molecule, respectively, have been extensively studied due to their anticoagulant potentials. However, a fundamental issue preventing the clinical translation of many aptamers is degradation by nucleases and reduced pharmacokinetic properties requiring higher dosing regimens more often. In this study, we have chemically modified the design of previously described thrombin binding aptamers targeting exosites I, HD1, and exosite II, HD22. The individual aptamers were first modified with an inverted deoxythymidine nucleotide, and then constructed bivalent aptamers by connecting the HD1 and HD22 aptamers either through a triethylene glycol (TEG) linkage or four consecutive deoxythymidines together with an inverted deoxythymidine nucleotide at the 3′-end. The anticoagulation potential, the reversal of coagulation with different antidote sequences, and the nuclease stability of the aptamers were then investigated. The results showed that a bivalent aptamer RNV220 containing an inverted deoxythymidine and a TEG linkage chemistry significantly enhanced the anticoagulation properties in blood plasma and nuclease stability compared to the existing aptamer designs. Furthermore, a bivalent antidote sequence RNV220AD efficiently reversed the anticoagulation effect of RNV220 in blood plasma. Based on our results, we believe that RNV220 could be developed as a potential anticoagulant therapeutic molecule.
Enhanced UV-Visible Light Photocatalytic Activity by Constructing Appropriate Heterostructures between Mesopore TiO2 Nanospheres and Sn3O4 Nanoparticles
Authors: Hu Jianling , Tu Jianhai , Li Xingyang , Wang Ziya , Li Yan , Li Quanshui , Wang Fengping
Published: October 2017

Novel TiO2/Sn3O4 heterostructure photocatalysts were ingeniously synthesized via a scalable two-step method. The impressive photocatalytic abilities of the TiO2/Sn3O4 sphere nanocomposites were validated by the degradation test of methyl orange and •OH trapping photoluminescence experiments under ultraviolet (UV) and visible light irradiation, respectively. Especially under the visible light, the TiO2/Sn3O4 nanocomposites demonstrated a superb photocatalytic activity, with 81.2% of methyl orange (MO) decomposed at 30 min after irradiation, which greatly exceeded that of the P25 (13.4%), TiO2 (0.5%) and pure Sn3O4 (59.1%) nanostructures. This enhanced photocatalytic performance could be attributed to the mesopore induced by the monodispersed TiO2 cores that supply sufficient surface areas and accessibility to reactant molecules. This exquisite hetero-architecture facilitates extended UV-visible absorption and efficient photoexcited charge carrier separation.
Raman Enhancement and Photo-Bleaching of Organic Dyes in the Presence of Chemical Vapor Deposition-Grown Graphene
Authors: Weng Jiaxin , Zhao Shichao , Li Zhiting , Ricardo Karen , Zhou Feng , Kim Hyojeong , Liu Haitao
Published: October 2017

Fluorescent organic dyes photobleach under intense light. Graphene has been shown to improve the photo-stability of organic dyes. In this paper, we investigated the Raman spectroscopy and photo-bleaching kinetics of dyes in the absence/presence of chemical vapor deposition (CVD)-grown graphene. We show that graphene enhances the Raman signal of a wide range of dyes. The photo-bleaching of the dyes was reduced when the dyes were in contact with graphene. In contrast, monolayer hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) was much less effective in reducing the photo-bleaching rate of the dyes. We attribute the suppression of photo-bleaching to the energy or electron transfer from dye to graphene. The results highlight the potential of CVD graphene as a substrate for protecting and enhancing Raman response of organic dyes.
Brain and Hepatic Mt mRNA Is Reduced in Response to Mild Energy Restriction and n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Deficiency in Juvenile Rats
Authors: Mehus Aaron , Picklo Sr Matthew
Published: October 2017

Metallothioneins (MTs) perform important regulatory and cytoprotective functions in tissues including the brain. While it is known that energy restriction (ER) and dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) deficiency impact postnatal brain growth and development, little data exist regarding the impact of undernutrition upon MT expression in growing animals. We tested the hypothesis that ER with and without dietary n-3 PUFA deficiency reduces MT expression in juvenile rats. ER rats were individually pair-fed at 75% of the ad libitum (AL) intake of control rats provided diets consisting of either soybean oil (SO) that is α-linolenic acid (ALA; 18:3n-3) sufficient or corn oil (CO; ALA-deficient). Fatty acids (FA) and metal concentrations of liver and brain regions were analyzed. Tissue expression of MTs (Mt1-3) and modulators of MT expression including glucocorticoid receptors (Nr3c1 and Nr3c2) and several mediators of thyroid hormone regulation (Dio1-3, Mct8, Oatp1c1, Thra, and Thrb) were measured. Plasma corticosterone and triiodothyronine levels were also evaluated. ER, but not metal deficiency, reduced Mt2 expression in the cerebellum (50%) and cerebral cortex (23%). In liver, a reduction in dietary n-3 PUFA reduced Mt1, Mt2, Nr3c1, Mct8, and Thrb. ER elevated Nr3c1, Dio1, and Thrb and reduced Thra in the liver. Given MT’s role in cellular protection, further studies are needed to evaluate whether ER or n-3 PUFA deficiency may leave the juvenile brain and/or liver more susceptible to endogenous or environmental stressors.
Photoplethysmography Signal Analysis for Optimal Region-of-Interest Determination in Video Imaging on a Built-In Smartphone under Different Conditions
Authors: Nam Yunyoung , Nam Yun-Cheol
Published: October 2017

Smartphones and tablets are widely used in medical fields, which can improve healthcare and reduce healthcare costs. Many medical applications for smartphones and tablets have already been developed and widely used by both health professionals and patients. Specifically, video recordings of fingertips made using a smartphone camera contain a pulsatile component caused by the cardiac pulse equivalent to that present in a photoplethysmographic signal. By performing peak detection on the pulsatile signal, it is possible to estimate a continuous heart rate and a respiratory rate. To estimate the heart rate and respiratory rate accurately, which pixel regions of the color bands give the most optimal signal quality should be investigated. In this paper, we investigate signal quality to determine the best signal quality by the largest amplitude values for three different smartphones under different conditions. We conducted several experiments to obtain reliable PPG signals and compared the PPG signal strength in the three color bands when the flashlight was both on and off. We also evaluated the intensity changes of PPG signals obtained from the smartphones with motion artifacts and fingertip pressure force. Furthermore, we have compared the PSNR of PPG signals of the full-size images with that of the region of interests (ROIs).
Time Multiplexed Active Neural Probe with 1356 Parallel Recording Sites
Authors: Raducanu Bogdan C. , Yazicioglu Refet F. , Lopez Carolina M. , Ballini Marco , Putzeys Jan , Wang Shiwei , Andrei Alexandru , Rochus Veronique , Welkenhuysen Marleen , Helleputte Nick van , Musa Silke , Puers Robert , Kloosterman Fabian , Hoof Chris van , Fiáth Richárd , Ulbert István , Mitra Srinjoy
Published: October 2017

We present a high electrode density and high channel count CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) active neural probe containing 1344 neuron sized recording pixels (20 µm × 20 µm) and 12 reference pixels (20 µm × 80 µm), densely packed on a 50 µm thick, 100 µm wide, and 8 mm long shank. The active electrodes or pixels consist of dedicated in-situ circuits for signal source amplification, which are directly located under each electrode. The probe supports the simultaneous recording of all 1356 electrodes with sufficient signal to noise ratio for typical neuroscience applications. For enhanced performance, further noise reduction can be achieved while using half of the electrodes (678). Both of these numbers considerably surpass the state-of-the art active neural probes in both electrode count and number of recording channels. The measured input referred noise in the action potential band is 12.4 µVrms, while using 678 electrodes, with just 3 µW power dissipation per pixel and 45 µW per read-out channel (including data transmission).
Difficulties and Challenges in Applying the European Tourism Indicators System (ETIS) for Sustainable Tourist Destinations: The Case of Braşov County in the Romanian Carpathians
Authors: Tudorache Doru , Simon Tamara , Frenț Cristi , Musteaţă-Pavel Mărioara
Published: October 2017

Tourist destinations are increasingly coming across multiple social, economic, cultural, and environmental challenges corroborated with a great urgency for sustainable development. In this context, the European Commission has launched in 2013 a unitary system of indicators for sustainable management of tourism destinations, called The European Tourism Indicators System (ETIS). More specifically, ETIS was configured initially with a total of 27 core indicators and 40 additional (optional) indicators. The purpose of this paper is to present the difficulties and challenges encountered in the application of ETIS, having as a case study, the county of Braşov, located almost entirely in the Romanian Carpathians. In this regard, a testing technique has been designed through an innovative Group Decision Support System (GDSS) that is applied to our destination. The results show that the selection of ETIS indicators is a flexible process that must be adequate with the particularities of each destination taking into account both the needs of the stakeholders, the information that is useful to them, and the existence and periodicity of the data available. Also, in some cases, when the available indicators are insufficient, additional indicators have to be introduced, and they must be subsequently adapted to the needs and specifics of the destination.
The Interval Cognitive Network Process for Multi-Attribute Decision-Making
Authors: Qi Xiuli , Yin Chengxiang , Cheng Kai , Liao Xianglin
Published: October 2017

Aiming at combining the good characteristics of a differential scale in representing human cognition and the favorable properties of interval judgments in expressing decision-makers’ uncertainty, this paper proposes the interval cognitive network process (I-CNP) to extend the primitive cognition network process (P-CNP) to handle interval judgments. The key points of I-CNP include a consistency definition for an interval pairwise opposite matrix (IPOM) and a method to derive interval utilities from an IPOM. This paper defines a feasible region-based consistency definition and a transitivity based consistency definition for an IPOM. Both of the two definitions are equivalent to the consistency definition for a crisp pairwise opposite matrix (POM) when an IPOM is reduced to a POM. Two methods that are able to derive interval utilities from both consistent and inconsistent IPOMs are developed based on the two definitions. Four numerical examples are used to illustrate the proposed methods and to compare I-CNP to interval analytic hierarchy process (IAHP). The results show that I-CNP reflects the decision-makers’ cognition better, and that the suggestions provided by I-CNP are more convincing. I-CNP provides new useful alternative tools for multi-attribute decision-making problems.
Mycotoxin Analysis of Human Urine by LC-MS/MS: A Comparative Extraction Study
Authors: Escrivá Laura , Manyes Lara , Font Guillermina , Berrada Houda
Published: October 2017

The lower mycotoxin levels detected in urine make the development of sensitive and accurate analytical methods essential. Three extraction methods, namely salting-out liquid–liquid extraction (SALLE), miniQuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe), and dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME), were evaluated and compared based on analytical parameters for the quantitative LC-MS/MS measurement of 11 mycotoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2, OTA, ZEA, BEA, EN A, EN B, EN A1 and EN B1) in human urine. DLLME was selected as the most appropriate methodology, as it produced better validation results for recovery (79–113%), reproducibility (RSDs < 12%), and repeatability (RSDs < 15%) than miniQuEChERS (71–109%, RSDs <14% and <24%, respectively) and SALLE (70–108%, RSDs < 14% and < 24%, respectively). Moreover, the lowest detection (LODS) and quantitation limits (LOQS) were achieved with DLLME (LODs: 0.005–2 μg L−1, LOQs: 0.1–4 μg L−1). DLLME methodology was used for the analysis of 10 real urine samples from healthy volunteers showing the presence of ENs B, B1 and A1 at low concentrations.
Hepatitis B Virus and DNA Damage Response: Interactions and Consequences for the Infection
Authors: Gómez-Moreno Andoni , Garaigorta Urtzi
Published: October 2017

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major etiologic agent of acute and chronic hepatitis, and end-stage liver disease. Establishment of HBV infection, progression to persistency and pathogenesis are determined by viral and cellular factors, some of which remain still undefined. Key steps of HBV life cycle e.g., transformation of genomic viral DNA into transcriptionally active episomal DNA (cccDNA) or transcription of viral mRNAs from cccDNA, take place in the nucleus of infected cells and strongly depend on enzymatic activities provided by cellular proteins. In this regard, DNA damage response (DDR) pathways and some DDR proteins are being recognized as important factors regulating the infection. On one hand, HBV highjacks specific DDR proteins to successfully complete some of the steps of its life cycle. On the other hand, HBV subverts DDR pathways to presumably create a cellular environment that favours its replication. Direct consequences of these interactions are: HBV DNA integration into host chromosomal DNA, and accumulation of mutations in host chromosomal DNA that could eventually trigger carcinogenic processes, which would explain in part the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in chronically infected patients. Unravelling the interactions that HBV establishes with DDR pathways might help identify new molecular targets for therapeutic intervention.
Velocity dependence of sliding friction on a crystalline surface
Authors: Apostoli Christian , Giusti Giovanni , Ciccoianni Jacopo , Riva Gabriele , Capozza Rosario , Woulaché Rosalie Laure , Vanossi Andrea , Panizon Emanuele , Manini Nicola
Published: October 2017

We introduce and study a minimal 1D model for the simulation of dynamic friction and dissipation at the atomic scale. This model consists of a point mass (slider) that moves over and interacts weakly with a linear chain of particles interconnected by springs, representing a crystalline substrate. This interaction converts a part of the kinetic energy of the slider into phonon waves in the substrate. As a result, the slider experiences a friction force. As a function of the slider speed, we observe dissipation peaks at specific values of the slider speed, whose nature we understand by means of a Fourier analysis of the excited phonon modes. By relating the phonon phase velocities with the slider velocity, we obtain an equation whose solutions predict which phonons are being excited by the slider moving at a given speed.
Conservation status of the forest beetles (Insecta, Coleoptera) from Azores, Portugal
Authors: Borges Paulo , Lamelas-López Lucas , Amorim Isabel , Danielczak Anja , Nunes Rui , Serrano Artur R.M. , Boieiro Mário , Rego Carla , Hochkirch Axel , Vieira Virgílio
Published: October 2017

Island biodiversity is under considerable pressure due to the ongoing threats of invasive alien species, land use change or climate change. The few remnants of Azorean native forests harbour a unique set of endemic beetles, some of them possibly already extinct or under severe long term threat due to the small areas of the remaining habitats or climatic changes. In this contribution we present the IUCN Red List profiles of 54 forest adapted beetle species endemic to the Azorean archipelago, including species belonging to four speciose families: Zopheridae (12 species), Carabidae (11 species), Curculionidae (11 species) and Staphylinidae (10 species).

Most species have a restricted distribution (i.e. 66% occur in only one island) and a very small extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO). Also common to most of the species is the severe fragmentation of their populations, and a continuing decline in EOO, AOO, habitat quality, number of locations and subpopulations caused by the ongoing threat from pasture intensification, forestry, invasive species and future climatic changes. Therefore, we suggest as future measures of conservation: (1) a long-term monitoring plan for the species; (2) control of invasive species; (3) species-specific conservation action for the most highly threatened species.
Voir double, être double. Désir, appartenance, reconnaissance et évasion au cours du travail psychodynamique avec des immigrants
Authors: Boulanger Ghislaine , Dupont Judith
Published: October 2017

Psychiquement, les immigrants vivent des vies doubles, demeurant simultanément dans le monde qu’ils ont quitté et le monde dans lequel ils vivent, et dans lequel la plupart essaient de s’intégrer pour échapper à l’expérience aliénante d’être « autre. Être double n’est pas un acte conscient, mais c’est un contrepoint préconscient à toute interaction sociale. Je soutiens qu’un traitement psychodynamique réussi permet aux immigrants de prendre le dédoublement comme assuré, en fait, voir double et être double. De cette façon, ils en viennent à privilégier sans effort un état du Soi par rapport à l’autre. La reconnaissance et l’acceptation d’états de Soi en compétition se montrent source de transformation dans tout traitement, mais jamais plus que dans le travail avec des immigrants qui se battent avec plusieurs Soi culturels rivaux dans leur vie quotidienne, et sont à la recherche d’une relation où tous peuvent être vus et entendus. Je décris le traitement d’une immigrante qui, lorsque j’ai commencé à travailler avec elle, excellait à voir double, mais être double lui posait un dilemme terrifiant. Au moins deux états de Soi étaient engagés dans une lutte acharnée ; elle craignait que le vainqueur ne prenne tout.
Migration, métissage et transmission
Authors: Lu Han Victor
Published: October 2017

La question de la transmission se pose d’une façon particulièrement vive chez des couples culturellement mixtes, en particulier par rapport à leurs enfants. Que ce soit dans la transmission intergénérationnelle ou transgénérationnelle, cette question ne manque pas de ressurgir aussi bien au sein du cercle familial que dans la structuration subjective des sujets métis. La vie psychique des sujets métis est grandement influencée par l’issue – toujours provisoire – de cette transmission.
L’enterrement des placentas et ses enjeux dans la tradition africaine
Authors: Barry Aboubacar
Published: October 2017

Ce texte examine les différentes modalités de traitement des placentas des enfants qui viennent de naître dans différentes sociétés africaines. Ces rituels peuvent parfois varier d’un groupe à l’autre et selon les régions, mais ils conservent un fond commun qui en permet une lecture anthropologique et clinique. Les anthropologues se sont intéressés, depuis toujours, à ces pratiques. Les psychanalystes, depuis Freud et Rank, en ont tiré des idées intéressantes à connaître. L’approche psychanalytique permet de penser que le placenta est « ex-time », selon l’heureuse expression de Jacques Lacan.
Les critiques féministes des médias et l’émission de télévision Femme d’aujourd’hui (Société Radio-Canada, 1965-1982)
Authors: Laplanche Laurie
Published: October 2017

De 1965 à 1982, Femme d’aujourd’hui , un magazine télévisé quotidien d’une heure, a été présenté l’après-midi sur les ondes du réseau francophone de la Société Radio-Canada (SRC), la télévision publique canadienne. Femme d’aujourd’hui a explicitement cherché à mettre en valeur la multiplicité des expériences de vie et de parole des femmes et les idées féministes. Dans un contexte où les médias féminins généralistes étaient fortement critiqués, notamment pour leur superficialité, cette orientation a été saluée par les téléspectatrices, mais aussi par un nombre important de chroniqueurs et de chroniqueuses dans les journaux ainsi que par des représentantes de différents groupes féministes. Ceux-ci ont demandé que l’émission soit diffusée en soirée pour rejoindre un public plus vaste. Cet article analyse les arguments qui ont été invoqués pour que Femme d’aujourd’hui quitte le créneau d’horaire d’après-midi pour rejoindre celui des heures de grande écoute en soirée. Il s’agit ainsi de réfléchir aux limites et aux possibilités issues de la division binaire et de la hiérarchisation genrée de la production médiatique dans les années 1960-1970 au Québec.
Ce que soulèvent les chiffres. La place des femmes dans les médias : retour sur enquêtes
Authors: Biscarrat Laetitia , Coulomb-Gully Marlène , Méadel Cécile
Published: October 2017

La contribution porte sur deux enquêtes internationales analysant la place des femmes dans les médias (GMMP – Global Media Monitoring Project et EIGE European Institute for Gender Equality). Il s’agit dans un premier temps de restituer leurs principaux résultats nationaux, lesquels soulignent la persistance des inégalités femmes-hommes dans les médias. L’article s’intéresse dans un second temps aux catégories de pensée et substrats politiques de ces enquêtes en étudiant leurs cadres méthodologique et théorique. La conclusion propose quatre leviers d’action pour davantage d’égalité dans les médias.