bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between Dietary Phenolic Acids and Hypertension in a Mediterranean Cohort
Authors: Godos Justyna , Sinatra Dario , Blanco Isabella , Mulè Serena , La Verde Melania , Marranzano Marina
Published: September 2017

Background: Certain foods rich in phenolic acids have been shown to reduce the risk of hypertension, but evidence from epidemiological studies focused on dietary phenolic acid intake is scarce. The aim of this study was to determine the association between dietary phenolic acid intake, as well as their major food sources, and hypertension in a Mediterranean cohort. Methods: Demographic and dietary data of 2044 adults living in Southern Italy were collected. Food frequency questionnaires and Phenol-Explorer were used to calculate dietary intake of polyphenols. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to test associations. Results: The mean intake of total phenolic acids in the cohort was 362.6 mg/day. Individuals in the highest quartile of phenolic acid intake (median intake = 522.2 mg/day) were less likely to have hypertension (OR (odds ratio) = 0.68, 95% CI (confidence interval): 0.46, 1.00). When taking into account individual subclasses of phenolic acids, only hydroxyphenylacetic acid was inversely associated with hypertension (highest vs. lowest quartile, OR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.40, 0.96). Among dietary sources of phenolic acids considered in the analysis, only beer was significantly inversely associated with hypertension (highest vs. lowest quartile, OR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.15, 0.68). Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that dietary phenolic acids may be inversely associated with hypertension, irrespectively of their dietary source.
Animal Models of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease—A Starter’s Guide
Authors: Van Herck Mikhaïl , Vonghia Luisa , Francque Sven
Published: September 2017

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) constitutes a major health concern with the increasing incidence of obesity and diabetes in many Western countries, reaching a prevalence of up to 30% in the general population. Animal models have played a vital role in elucidating the pathophysiological mechanisms of NAFLD and continue to do so. A myriad of different models exists, each with its advantages and disadvantages. This review presents a brief overview of these models with a particular focus on the basic mechanisms and physical, biochemical and histological phenotype. Both nutritional and chemically induced, as well as genetic models are examined, including models combining different approaches.
Resveratrol Regulates Colorectal Cancer Cell Invasion by Modulation of Focal Adhesion Molecules
Authors: Buhrmann Constanze , Shayan Parviz , Goel Ajay , Shakibaei Mehdi
Published: September 2017

Resveratrol, a safe and multi-targeted agent, has been associated with suppression of survival, proliferation and metastasis of cancer, however, the underlying mechanisms for its anti-cancer activity, particularly on cellular signaling during cancer cell migration still remain poorly understood. We investigated the invasion response of two human colorectal cancer (CRC) cells (HCT116 and SW480) to resveratrol and studied the effect of specific pharmacological inhibitors, cytochalasin D (CytD) and focal adhesion kinase-inhibitor (FAK-I) on FAK, cell viability and migration in CRC. We found that resveratrol altered cell phenotype of both CRC cells, reduced cell viability and the results were comparable to FAK-I and CytD. These effects of resveratrol were associated with marked Sirt1 up-regulation, FAK down-regulation, inhibition of focal adhesion and potentiation of effects by combinatorial treatment of resveratrol and inhibitors. Interestingly, inhibition of FAK with FAK-I or treatment with CytD suppressed resveratrol-induced Sirt1 up-regulation and markedly down-regulated FAK expression. Resveratrol or combination treatment with inhibitors significantly activated caspase-3 and potentiated apoptosis. Moreover, resveratrol suppressed invasion and colony forming capacity, cell proliferation, β1-Integrin expression and activation of FAK of cells in alginate tumor microenvironment, similar to FAK-I or CytD. Finally, we demonstrated that resveratrol, FAK-I or CytD inhibited activation of NF-κB, suppressed NF-κB-dependent gene end-products involved in invasion, metastasis, and apoptosis; and these effects of resveratrol were potentiated by combination treatment with FAK-I or CytD. Our data illustrated that the anti-invasion effect of resveratrol by inhibition of FAK activity has a potential beneficial role in disease prevention and therapeutic management of CRC.
Effect of Simultaneous Exposure of Pigs to Streptococcus suis Serotypes 2 and 9 on Their Colonization and Transmission, and on Mortality
Authors: Dekker Niels , Bouma Annemarie , Daemen Ineke , Vernooij Hans , Van Leengoed Leo , Wagenaar Jaap , Stegeman Arjan
Published: September 2017

The distribution of Streptococcus suis serotypes isolated from clinically infected pigs differs between geographical areas, and varies over time. In several European countries, predomination of serotype 2 has changed to serotype 9. We hypothesize a relation, with one serotype affecting the other in colonization and invasion. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether simultaneous exposure of pigs to serotypes 2 and 9 affects colonization and transmission of each type, and mortality. Thirty-six caesarean-derived/colostrum-deprived piglets were randomly assigned to three groups, and there housed pair-wise. At six weeks old, one pig per pair was inoculated with either one (serotype 2 or 9; mono-group) or two serotypes simultaneously (dual-group); the other pig was contact-exposed. Tonsillar and nasal samples were collected within three weeks post inoculation. Bacterial loads in samples were quantified using multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Transmission rates of the serotypes among pigs were estimated using a mathematical Susceptible-Infectious (SI) model. Bacterial loads and transmission rates did not differ significantly between serotypes. Compared to the mono-group, in the dual-group the average serotype 2 load in tonsillar samples from contact pigs was reduced on days 1 to 4 and on day 6. Simultaneous exposure to the serotypes reduced the mortality hazard 6.3 times (95% C.I.: 2.0–19.8) compared to exposure to serotype 2 only, and increased it 6.6 times (95% C.I.: 1.4–30.9) compared to exposure to serotype 9 only. This study indicates that serotype 2 load and mortality were affected in pigs exposed to these two serotypes.
Chemical Constituents and Antifungal Activity of Ficus hirta Vahl. Fruits
Authors: Wan Chunpeng , Chen Chuying , Li Mingxi , Yang Youxin , Chen Ming , Chen Jinyin
Published: September 2017

Phytochemical investigation of Ficus hirta Vahl. (Moraceae) fruits led to isolate two carboline alkaloids (1 and 2), five sesquiterpenoids/norsesquiterpenoids (3–7), three flavonoids (8–10), and one phenylpropane-1,2-diol (11). Their structures were elucidated by the analysis of their 1D and 2D NMR, and HR-ESI-MS data. All of the isolates were isolated from this species for the first time, while compounds 2, 4–6, and 8–11 were firstly reported from the genus Ficus. Antifungal assay revealed that compound 8 (namely pinocembrin-7-O-β-d-glucoside), a major flavonoid compound present in the ethanol extract of F. hirta fruits, showed good antifungal activity against Penicillium italicum, the phytopathogen of citrus blue mold caused the majority rotten of citrus fruits.
Comparative Evaluation of Polyphenol Contents and Antioxidant Activities between Ethanol Extracts of Vitex negundo and Vitex trifolia L. Leaves by Different Methods
Authors: Saklani Sarla , Mishra Abhay , Chandra Harish , Atanassova Maria , Stankovic Milan , Sati Bhawana , Shariati Mohammad , Nigam Manisha , Khan Mohammad , Plygun Sergey , Elmsellem Hicham , Suleria Hafiz
Published: September 2017

The in vitro antioxidant potential assay between ethanolic extracts of two species from the genus Vitex (Vitex negundo L. and Vitex trifolia L.) belonging to the Lamiaceae family were evaluated. The antioxidant properties of different extracts prepared from both plant species were evaluated by different methods. DPPH scavenging, nitric oxide scavenging, and β-carotene-linoleic acid and ferrous ion chelation methods were applied. The antioxidant activities of these two species were compared to standard antioxidants such as butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), ascorbic acid, and Ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA). Both species of Vitex showed significant antioxidant activity in all of the tested methods. As compared to V. trifolia L. (60.87–89.99%; 40.0–226.7 μg/mL), V. negundo has been found to hold higher antioxidant activity (62.6–94.22%; IC50 = 23.5–208.3 μg/mL) in all assays. In accordance with antioxidant activity, total polyphenol contents in V. negundo possessed greater phenolic (89.71 mg GAE/g dry weight of extract) and flavonoid content (63.11 mg QE/g dry weight of extract) as compared to that of V. trifolia (77.20 mg GAE/g and 57.41 mg QE/g dry weight of extract respectively). Our study revealed the significant correlation between the antioxidant activity and total phenolic and flavonoid contents of both plant species.
Imidazole, a New Tunable Reagent for Producing Nanocellulose, Part I: Xylan-Coated CNCs and CNFs
Authors: Mao Jia , Abushammala Hatem , Hettegger Hubert , Rosenau Thomas , Laborie Marie-Pierre
Published: September 2017

Imidazole is reported to be an effective reactant for the production of nanocellulose from hardwood pulp. The morphologies and surface properties of the nanocellulose can be simply tailored according to the water content in the imidazole system: with pure imidazole, cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) in a yield of 10 wt % can be produced. With 25 wt % of water in imidazole, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are obtained in 20 wt % yield. Both nanocelluloses exhibit crystallinity indices in the order of 70%. Interestingly, they retain the original xylan from the pulp with ca. 9–10 wt % of residual xylan content.
Design of a Versatile pH-Responsive Hydrogel for Potential Oral Delivery of Gastric-Sensitive Bioactives
Authors: Hibbins Angus , Kumar Pradeep , Choonara Yahya , Kondiah Pierre , Marimuthu Thashree , Du Toit Lisa , Pillay Viness
Published: September 2017

A pH-responsive hydrogel system was prepared by free radical polymerization of acrylamide and methyl acrylic acid in the presence of N-N′-methylene bisacrylamide. Sodium bicarbonate was further applied as a blowing agent, which afforded a porous hydrogel structure. The hydrogel system achieved a constant super swelling rate within simulated intestinal buffer (~4%/min) and remained relatively static within simulated gastric buffer (~0.8%/min). The hydrogel system was able to achieve matrix resilience greater than 30% under a relatively high strain of 40%. In addition, the hydrogel system demonstrated significant swelling properties in response to simulated intestinal environmental over 24 h, with contrasting characteristics in simulated gastric buffer. The hydrogel demonstrated type IV isotherm porosity characteristics, with remarkable MRI and SEM variations in gastric and intestinal simulated fluids. Drug loading was observed to be greater than 98% using theophylline as a prototype drug, evaluating its controlled release kinetics over 24 h. The hydrogel exhibited substantial pH-responsive activity, which could be used as a versatile platform for targeted release of gastric-sensitive therapeutics to the small intestine.
Hermeneutic and Teleology in Ethics across Denominations—Thomas Aquinas and Karl Barth
Authors: Stewart Jacqueline
Published: September 2017

This study arises from the context of current debates in the Catholic Church on the place of rule and law in moral reasoning. I suggest that ethics may be best served by approaches that place the human subject in a teleogical context and that recognise the need for interpretation of circumstances surrounding actions to be evaluated. This is in contrast to normative rule approaches. The insights retrieved from the account of moral reasoning in Thomas Aquinas by Joseph Selling are compared with an account of the ethical implications of Karl Barth’s theology of hope as expressed in Volume Four of the Church Dogmatics. It is concluded that, in an ecumenical convergence, neither propose a normative rule approach. Rather both use a teleological context and require a hermeneutic of evaluation.
Geochemistry of Monazite within Carbonatite Related REE Deposits
Authors: Chen Wei , Honghui Huang , Bai Tian , Jiang Shaoyong
Published: September 2017

Approximately >50% of global rare earth element (REE) resources are hosted by carbonatite related deposits, of which monazite is one of the most important REE minerals. Monazite dominates more than 30 carbonatite-related REE deposits around the world, including currently exploited mineralization at Bayan Obo and Mount Weld. These deposits are widely distributed across all continents, except Antarctica. Though rare, monazite occurs as the primary mineral in carbonatite, and mostly presents as a secondary mineral that has a strong association with apatite. It can partially or completely replace thin or thick overgrowth apatite, depending on the availability of REE. Other mineral phases that usually crystallize together with monazite include barite, fluorite, xenotime, sulfide, and quartz in a carbonate matrix (e.g., dolomite, calcite). This review of monazite geochemistry within carbonatite-related REE deposits aims to provide information regarding the use of monazite as a geochemical indicator to track the formation history of the REE deposits and also supply additional information for the beneficiation of monazite. The chemical compositions of monazite are highly variable, and Ce-monazite is the dominant solid solution in carbonatite related deposits. Most monazite displays steep fractionation from La to Lu, absent of either Eu or Ce anomalies in the chondrite normalized REE plot. The other significant components are huttonite and cheratite. Some rare sulfur-bearing monazite is also identified with an SO3 content up to 4 wt %. A 147Sm/144Nd ratio with an average ~0.071 for monazite within carbonatite-related ores is similar to that of their host rocks (~0.065), and is the lowest among all types of REE deposits. Sm/Nd variation of monazite from a single complex reflects the differentiation stage of magma, which decreases from early to late. Based on the differences of Nd and Sr abundances, Nd isotopic composition for monazite can be used to track the magma source, whereas Sr isotopic composition records the signatures of the fluid source. Th-(U)-Pb age determination of the secondary monazite records variable thermal or metasomatic disturbances, and careful geochronological interpretation should be brought forward combined with other lines of evidence. ThO2 is the most difficult contamination in the beneficiation of monazite, luckily, the ThO2 content of monazite within carbonatite is generally low (<2 wt %).
Variation of River Islands around a Large City along the Yangtze River from Satellite Remote Sensing Images
Authors: Shi Haiyun , Gao Chao , Dong Changming , Xia Changshui , Xu Guanglai
Published: September 2017

River islands are sandbars formed by scouring and silting. Their evolution is affected by several factors, among which are runoff and sediment discharge. The spatial-temporal evolution of seven river islands in the Nanjing Section of the Yangtze River of China was examined using TM (Thematic Mapper) and ETM (Enhanced Thematic Mapper)+ images from 1985 to 2015 at five year intervals. The following approaches were applied in this study: the threshold value method, binarization model, image registration, image cropping, convolution and cluster analysis. Annual runoff and sediment discharge data as measured at the Datong hydrological station upstream of Nanjing section were also used to determine the roles and impacts of various factors. The results indicated that: (1) TM/ETM+ images met the criteria of information extraction of river islands; (2) generally, the total area of these islands in this section and their changing rate decreased over time; (3) sediment and river discharge were the most significant factors in island evolution. They directly affect river islands through silting or erosion. Additionally, anthropocentric influences could play increasingly important roles.
Cluster Cooperation in Wireless-Powered Sensor Networks: Modeling and Performance Analysis
Authors: Zhang Chao , Zhang Pengcheng , Zhang Weizhan
Published: September 2017

A wireless-powered sensor network (WPSN) consisting of one hybrid access point (HAP), a near cluster and the corresponding far cluster is investigated in this paper. These sensors are wireless-powered and they transmit information by consuming the harvested energy from signal ejected by the HAP. Sensors are able to harvest energy as well as store the harvested energy. We propose that if sensors in near cluster do not have their own information to transmit, acting as relays, they can help the sensors in a far cluster to forward information to the HAP in an amplify-and-forward (AF) manner. We use a finite Markov chain to model the dynamic variation process of the relay battery, and give a general analyzing model for WPSN with cluster cooperation. Though the model, we deduce the closed-form expression for the outage probability as the metric of this network. Finally, simulation results validate the start point of designing this paper and correctness of theoretical analysis and show how parameters have an effect on system performance. Moreover, it is also known that the outage probability of sensors in far cluster can be drastically reduced without sacrificing the performance of sensors in near cluster if the transmit power of HAP is fairly high. Furthermore, in the aspect of outage performance of far cluster, the proposed scheme significantly outperforms the direct transmission scheme without cooperation.
Ag-Modified In2O3 Nanoparticles for Highly Sensitive and Selective Ethanol Alarming
Authors: Wang Jinxiao , Xie Zheng , Si Yuan , Liu Xinyi , Zhou Xinyuan , Yang Jianfeng , Hu Peng , Han Ning , Yang Jun , Chen Yunfa
Published: September 2017

Pure In2O3 nanoparticles are prepared by a facile precipitation method and are further modified by Ag. The synthesized samples are characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman and UV-Vis spectra. The results show the successful heterojunction formation between Ag and In2O3. Gas sensing property measurements show that the 5 mol % Ag-modified In2O3 sensor has the response of 67 to 50 ppm ethanol, and fast response and recovery time of 22.3 and 11.7 s. The response is over one magnitude higher than that of pure In2O3, which can be attributed to the enhanced catalytic activity of Ag-modified In2O3 as compared with the pure one. The mechanism of the gas sensor can be explained by the spillover effect of Ag, which enhances the oxygen adsorption onto the surface of In2O3 and thus give rise to the higher activity and larger surface barrier height.
‘You Will Have These Ones!’: Six Women’s Experiences of Being Pressured to Make a Contraceptive Choice That Did Not Feel Right
Authors: Waller Rosalind , Tholander Michael , Nilsson Doris
Published: September 2017

This study aims to contribute to an understanding of women’s experiences of contraceptive counselling, and of being pressured to make a contraceptive choice that did not feel right. Six women in Sweden participated in semi-structured interviews, which were analysed through interpretative phenomenological analysis. The results were organised into three themes: (1) The normalisation process, i.e., the ways in which the women experienced using the contraceptive were being promoted as a natural part of womanhood; (2) Drawing the shortest straw, i.e., the women’s experiences of encountering insensitive caregivers; and (3) Feeling like a guinea pig, i.e., the women’s sense of not being allowed to control the situation and make their own choices. In conclusion, the experience of not being respected in the healthcare system could lead to consequences not only for women’s sense of self-efficacy with regard to contraceptives, but also for their willingness to engage in renewed counselling. The caregivers’ communicative skills are, therefore, of prime importance.
How to Measure Carbon Emission Reduction in China’s Public Building Sector: Retrospective Decomposition Analysis Based on STIRPAT Model in 2000–2015
Authors: Ma Minda , Shen Liyin , Ren Hong , Cai Weiguang , Ma Zhili
Published: September 2017

Productive building energy efficiency (BEE) work is an approved factor in the progress of sustainable urbanization in China, with the assessment of carbon emission reduction in China’s public buildings (CERCPB) being an essential element of this endeavor. Nevertheless, such evaluation has been hampered by inadequate and inefficient approaches; this is the first study to utilize the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index Type I (LMDI-I) to decompose the equation of China’s public building carbon emissions (CPBCE) with the connected driving factors (population in China, floor areas of China’s existing public buildings, building service level index of China’s existing public buildings, and the comparable CPBCE intensity), and this equation was established by the Stochastic Impacts by Regression on Population, Affluence, and Technology (STIRPAT) model. The LMDI and STIRPAT approaches subsequently assessed the CERCPB values from 2001 to 2015. The results indicated that: (1) Only the contribution of the comparable CPBCE intensity to CPBCE was negative during 2001–2015; this represents the CERCPB value for the period. (2) The assessment results indicated that CERCPB has accumulated considerably with the swift progress of BEE work in China in 2001–2015. The CERCPB values in 2001–2005, 2006–2010, and 2011–2015 were 69.29, 158.53, and 277.86 million tons of carbon dioxide, respectively. (3) This study demonstrated that the positive effect of implementing public BEE work in China had led to significant results in 2001–2015, which can be regarded as a prerequisite for producing the considerable accumulation of CERCPB over this period. Overall, this study illustrated the feasibility of employing the LMDI and STIRPAT approaches for assessing the CERCPB value. Accordingly, we believe the results of this study are a significant driving force in the next phase of the development of the carbon emission control strategy of public buildings and sustainable urbanization in China.
A Cost–Benefit Analysis to Assess the Effectiveness of Frontal Center Curtain Airbag
Authors: Lee Bo , Han Eun , Sohn So , Kim Yong , Yoon Jong , Choi Jun
Published: September 2017

Several new varieties of airbags are under consideration for development. However, their commercialization decision must be backed by a positive Cost–Benefit Analysis (CBA) outcome. In this study, we propose a CBA framework for the frontal center curtain airbag, a newly designed safety system intended to reduce the injury risk of rear-seat passengers. The proposed CBA covers not only economic benefits of the producer but also the effectiveness in sustainable reduction of the fatal and injury rate. In this context, with accumulated field data on road traffic accidents, a forecasting method reflecting the reduced casualties and the market share of vehicle sales associated with frontal center curtain airbag is utilized. Our results suggest that the use of frontal center curtain airbags helps to reduce the number of casualties with a Maximum Abbreviated Injury Scale (MAIS) of 3 or above by 87.4%. Furthermore, both the initial market penetration rate and price of the frontal center curtain airbag significantly influence its socioeconomic benefits. By evaluating the effectiveness of the frontal center curtain airbag, our study can contribute to the decision making for its commercialization.
The Influence of Structural Conditions and Cultural Inertia on Water Usage and Landscape Decision-Making in a California Metropolitan Area
Authors: Katti Madhusudan , Jones Andrew , Özgöç Çağlar Derya , Delcore Henry , Kar Gupta Kaberi
Published: September 2017

Urban development and planning are increasingly centered on matters of sustainability, balancing economic development with ecosystem services and biological diversity within urban environments. In addition to these institutional and structural factors, the decision-making process within individual households must be understood to address rising concerns about water use. Therefore, individual characteristics and preferences that influence the use of water also warrant examination. In response to a survey of occupants of single-family residences in the Fresno Clovis Metropolitan Area of California, contextual interviews and focus group interviews with a homeowner sub-sample, we find evidence of an interplay of social—structural, institutional, and cultural factors involved in influencing individual water use behaviors and landscape decision-making. The complexity of residential behaviors and decision-making poses some potential issues with regards to the interactions between individual households and institutional actors in matters of water usage and landscaping, as residents surveyed indicate relatively little confidence in institutions and groups to make wise water policy decisions. We conclude that the promotion and implementation of sustainable water use practices will require not only environmental education for the citizenry, but also a tailoring of information for environmental educational initiatives that address the particularities of individual neighborhoods and communities.
Responses of Microcystis Colonies of Different Sizes to Hydrogen Peroxide Stress
Authors: Liu Mixue , Shi Xiaoli , Chen Chao , Yu Li , Sun Chuang
Published: September 2017

Microcystis blooms have become a ubiquitous phenomenon in freshwater ecosystems, and the size of Microcystis colonies varies widely throughout the year. In the present study, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was applied to test the effect of this algaecide on Microcystis colonies of different sizes and to evaluate the colonies' antioxidant strategy. The results showed that Microcystis populations collapsed under treatment with 5 mg/L H2O2 at colony sizes smaller than 25 μm. A dosage of 20 mg/L H2O2 was necessary to efficiently control Microcystis colonies larger than 25 μm. The enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems of different colonies exhibited various strategies to mitigate oxidative stress. In small colonies, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was readily stimulated and operated with catalase (CAT) activity to eliminate reactive oxygen species (ROS). In colonies larger than 25 μm, the antioxidant enzyme CAT and antioxidant substance glutathione (GSH) played major roles in mitigating oxidative stress at H2O2 concentrations below 20 mg/L. In addition, application of the algaecide led to the release of intracellular-microcystins (MCs), and oxidatively-driven MCs reached high concentrations when colony size was larger than 100 μm. Algaecide control measures should be implemented before the formation of large colonies to limit the algaecide dosage and MC release.
The Effects of Music during a Physical Examination Skills Practice: A Pilot Study
Authors: Artemiou Elpida , Gilbert Gregory , Sithole Fortune , Koster Liza
Published: September 2017

Some veterinary students experience elevated stress, anxiety, and depression resulting in disease and psychological changes. Elevated arousal, negative moods, and lack of interest can negatively affect performance and learning. Psychoacoustic music promotes calming effects using simple and slow piano sounds and can positively impact well-being and functioning. This pilot study assessed the effects of music on blood pressure, pulse, arousal, and mood during a canine physical examination laboratory. In an AB/BA crossover study, 17 students were randomly allocated to practice physical examination skills while listening to Through a Dog’s Ear, Volume 1. Psychological and physiologic data were collected. Nonparametric methods were used to test for significant differences in psychological and physiologic data and a linear mixed models approach was used to test for physiological differences. There were no significant baseline differences between the music and no music groups for DASS-21 depression, anxiety, or stress scores; however, there were significant time differences between pretest and posttest on arousal and mood as measured by the Profile of Mood Sates (POMS) Depression, Fatigue–Inertia, and Tension Anxiety subscales. Linear mixed models revealed no significant treatment effect on the pulse and diastolic blood pressure; however, there was a significant systolic blood pressure treatment effect. Future indications include repeating the study with a larger sample to examine longitudinal psychological and physiological benefits.
A Comparative Study of Potential Evapotranspiration Estimation by Eight Methods with FAO Penman–Monteith Method in Southwestern China
Authors: Lang Dengxiao , Zheng Jiangkun , Shi Jiaqi , Liao Feng , Ma Xing , Wang Wenwu , Chen Xuli , Zhang Mingfang
Published: September 2017

Potential evapotranspiration (PET) is crucial for water resources assessment. In this regard, the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization)–Penman–Monteith method (PM) is commonly recognized as a standard method for PET estimation. However, due to requirement of detailed meteorological data, the application of PM is often constrained in many regions. Under such circumstances, an alternative method with similar efficiency to that of PM needs to be identified. In this study, three radiation-based methods, Makkink (Mak), Abtew (Abt), and Priestley–Taylor (PT), and five temperature-based methods, Hargreaves–Samani (HS), Thornthwaite (Tho), Hamon (Ham), Linacre (Lin), and Blaney–Criddle (BC), were compared with PM at yearly and seasonal scale, using long-term (50 years) data from 90 meteorology stations in southwest China. Indicators, viz. (videlicet) Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), relative error (Re), normalized root mean squared error (NRMSE), and coefficient of determination (R2) were used to evaluate the performance of PET estimations by the above-mentioned eight methods. The results showed that the performance of the methods in PET estimation varied among regions; HS, PT, and Abt overestimated PET, while others underestimated. In Sichuan basin, Mak, Abt and HS yielded similar estimations to that of PM, while, in Yun-Gui plateau, Abt, Mak, HS, and PT showed better performances. Mak performed the best in the east Tibetan Plateau at yearly and seasonal scale, while HS showed a good performance in summer and autumn. In the arid river valley, HS, Mak, and Abt performed better than the others. On the other hand, Tho, Ham, Lin, and BC could not be used to estimate PET in some regions. In general, radiation-based methods for PET estimation performed better than temperature-based methods among the selected methods in the study area. Among the radiation-based methods, Mak performed the best, while HS showed the best performance among the temperature-based methods.
Application of the Support Vector Regression Method for Turbidity Assessment with MODIS on a Shallow Coral Reef Lagoon (Voh-Koné-Pouembout, New Caledonia)
Authors: Wattelez Guillaume , Dupouy Cécile , Lefèvre Jérôme , Ouillon Sylvain , Fernandez Jean-Michel , Juillot Farid
Published: September 2017

Particle transport by erosion from ultramafic lands in pristine tropical lagoons is a crucial problem, especially for the benthic and pelagic biodiversity associated with coral reefs. Satellite imagery is useful for assessing particle transport from land to sea. However, in the oligotrophic and shallow waters of tropical lagoons, the bottom reflection of downwelling light usually hampers the use of classical optical algorithms. In order to address this issue, a Support Vector Regression (SVR) model was developed and tested. The proposed application concerns the lagoon of New Caledonia—the second longest continuous coral reef in the world—which is frequently exposed to river plumes from ultramafic watersheds. The SVR model is based on a large training sample of in-situ turbidity values representative of the annual variability in the Voh-Koné-Pouembout lagoon (Western Coast of New Caledonia) during the 2014–2015 period and on coincident satellite reflectance values from MODerate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). It was trained with reflectance and two other explanatory parameters—bathymetry and bottom colour. This approach significantly improved the model’s capacity for retrieving the in-situ turbidity range from MODIS images, as compared with algorithms dedicated to deep oligotrophic or turbid waters, which were shown to be inadequate. This SVR model is applicable to the whole shallow lagoon waters from the Western Coast of New Caledonia and it is now ready to be tested over other oligotrophic shallow lagoon waters worldwide.
Strategic Evaluation Tool for Surface Water Quality Management Remedies in Drinking Water Catchments
Authors: Almaaofi Huda , Etemad-Shahidi Amir , Stewart Rodney
Published: September 2017

Drinking water catchments (DWC) are under pressure from point and nonpoint source pollution due to the growing human activities. This worldwide challenge is causing number of adverse effects, such as degradation in water quality, ecosystem health, and other economic and social pressures. Different evaluation tools have been developed to achieve sustainable and healthy drinking water catchments. However, a holistic and strategic framework is still required to adequately consider the uncertainty associated with feasible management remedies of surface water quality in drinking water catchments. A strategic framework was developed to adequately consider the uncertainty associated with management remedies for surface water quality in drinking water catchments. A Fuzzy Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis (FMCDA) approach was embedded into a strategic decision support framework to evaluate and rank water quality remediation options within a typical fixed budget constraint faced by bulk water providers. The evaluation framework consists of four core aspects; namely, water quality, environmental, economic and social, and number of associated quantitative and qualitative criteria and sub-criteria. Final remediation strategy ranking was achieved through the application of the Euclidean Distance by the In-center of Centroids (EDIC).
Downregulation of MicroRNA-147 Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Increases the Chemosensitivity of Gastric Cancer Cells to 5-Fluorouracil by Directly Targeting PTEN
Authors: Shen Jianjun , Niu Weina , Zhang Hongbo , Jun Ma , Zhang Hongyan
Published: September 2017

Gastric cancer is the fourth most common malignancy and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the expression patterns, biological roles, and underlying mechanisms of microRNA-147 (miR-147) in gastric cancer. The present study demonstrated
that miR-147 was significantly upregulated in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines. Downregulation of miR-147 decreased cell proliferation and enhanced the chemosensitivity of gastric cancer cells to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) through the cell apoptosis pathway. In addition, phosphatase and tensin
homolog (PTEN) was mechanically identified as the direct target of miR-147 in gastric cancer. PTEN knockdown reversed the effects of miR-147 downregulation on the proliferation, chemosensitivity, and 5-FU-induced apoptosis of gastric cancer cells. Moreover, miR-147 regulated the PI3K/AKT signaling
pathway in gastric cancer by targeting PTEN. In conclusion, miR-147 suppressed the proliferation and enhanced the chemosensitivity of gastric cancer cells to 5-FU by promoting cell apoptosis through directly targeting PTEN and regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. This study provides
important insight into the molecular mechanism that underlies the chemoresistance of gastric cancer cells. The results of this study could aid the development of a novel therapeutic strategy for gastric cancer.
Isolation and characterization of 30 microsatellite loci for Cunninghamia lanceolata (Taxodiaceae)1
Authors: Wang Si‐Si , Zhang Yang , Liu De‐Chen , Sun Xiao‐Wei , Wang Rong , Li Yuan‐Yuan
Published: September 2017

Premise of the study:

To quantify the population‐level genetic characteristics of Cunninghamia lanceolata (Taxodiaceae), an important timber conifer, we developed 30 pairs of microsatellite primers based on the nuclear genome.

Methods and Results:

Using the streptavidin‐biotin capture system, we developed 14 polymorphic and 16 monomorphic microsatellites. Polymorphisms were detected in 14 loci using 94 individual trees that were collected from three C. lanceolata populations in Hubei and Zhejiang provinces and in Chongqing Municipality, China. There were three to 30 alleles per locus, and the observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.0313–0.8333 and from 0.0313–0.9246, respectively. Cross‐species amplification showed that two to seven polymorphic loci were functional in three of the five related species that were collected.

Conclusions:

Our newly developed microsatellite primers provide neutral molecular markers that are beneficial to future studies of population genetics and germplasm conservation of C. lanceolata.
On the Stability of Strange Dwarf Hybrid Stars
Authors: Alford Mark G. , Harris Steven P. , Sachdeva Pratik S.
Published: September 2017

We investigate the stability of “strange dwarfs”: white-dwarf-sized stars with a density discontinuity between a small dense core of quark matter and a thick low-density mantle of degenerate electrons. Previous work on strange dwarfs suggested that such a discontinuity could stabilize stars that would have been classified as unstable by the conventional criteria based on extrema in the mass–radius relation. We investigate the stability of such stars by numerically solving the Sturm–Liouville equations for the lowest-energy modes of the star. We find that the conventional criteria are correct, and strange dwarfs are not stable.
Impact of Protostellar Outflows on Turbulence and Star Formation Efficiency in Magnetized Dense Cores
Authors: Offner Stella S. R. , Chaban Jonah
Published: September 2017

The star-forming efficiency of dense gas is thought to be set within cores by outflow and radiative feedback. We use magnetohydrodynamic simulations to investigate the relation between protostellar outflow evolution, turbulence, and star formation efficiency. We model the collapse and evolution of isolated dense cores for ≳0.5 Myr including the effects of turbulence, radiation transfer, and both radiation and outflow feedback from forming protostars. We show that outflows drive and maintain turbulence in the core environment even with strong initial fields. The star formation efficiency decreases with increasing field strength, and the final efficiencies are 15%–40%. The Stage 0 lifetime, during which the protostellar mass is lower than that of the dense envelope, increases proportionally with the initial magnetic field strength and ranges from

. The average accretion rate is well represented by a tapered turbulent core model, which is a function of the final protostellar mass and is independent of the magnetic field strength. By tagging material launched in the outflow, we demonstrate that the outflow entrains about three times the actual launched gas mass, a ratio that remains roughly constant in time regardless of the initial magnetic field strength. However, turbulent driving increases for stronger fields since momentum is more efficiently imparted to non-outflow material. The protostellar outflow momentum is highest during the first 0.1 Myr and declines thereafter by a factor of

as the accretion rate diminishes.
On the Link between the Release of Solar Energetic Particles Measured at Widespread Heliolongitudes and the Properties of the Associated Coronal Shocks
Authors: Lario D. , Kwon R.-Y. , Riley P. , Raouafi N. E.
Published: September 2017

Under the paradigm that the main agents in the acceleration of solar energetic particles (SEPs) are shocks initially driven by coronal mass ejections, we analyze whether the properties of the shocks in the corona inferred from combining extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) and white-light (WL) observations from multiple vantage points together with magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations of the corona can be used to determine the release of SEPs into different regions of the heliosphere and hence determine the longitudinal extent of the SEP events. We analyze the SEP events observed on 2011 November 3, 2013 April 11, and 2014 February 25 over a wide range of heliolongitudes. MHD simulations provide the characteristics of the background medium where shocks propagate, in particular the Alfvén and sound speed profiles that allow us to determine both the extent of the EUV waves in the low corona and the fast magnetosonic Mach number (M
FM) of the shocks. The extent of the EUV waves in the low corona is controlled by this background medium and does not coincide with the extent of the SEP events in the heliosphere. Within the uncertainties of (i) the extent and speed of the shock inferred from EUV and WL images and (ii) the assumptions made in the MHD models, we follow the evolution of M
FM at the region of the shock magnetically connected to each spacecraft. The estimated release times of the first SEPs measured by each spacecraft does not coincide with the time when the M
FM at this region exceeds a given threshold.
Structure and tree species composition in different habitats of savanna used by indigenous people in the Northern Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Oliveira Rodrigo , Farias Hugo , Perdiz Ricardo , Scudeller Veridiana , Imbrozio Barbosa Reinaldo
Published: September 2017

Woody plant diversity from the Amazonian savannas has been poorly quantified. In order to improve the knowledge on wood plants of these regional ecosystems, a tree inventory was carried out in four different habitats used by indigenous people living in the savanna areas of the Northern Brazilian Amazon. The habitats were divided into two types (or groups) of vegetation formations: forest (riparian forest, forest island, and buritizal = Mauritia palm formation) and non-forest (typical savanna). The inventory was carried out in two hectares established in the Darora Indigenous Community region, north of the state of Roraima.

The typical savanna is the most densely populated area (709 stems ha-1); however, it has the lowest tree species richness (nine species, seven families) in relation to typical forest habitats: riparian forest (22 species, 13 families and 202 stems ha-1), forest islands (13 species, 10 families and 264 stems ha-1), and buritizal (19 species, 15 families and 600 stems ha-1). The tree structure (density and dominance) of the forest habitats located in the savanna areas studied in this work is smaller in relation to forest habitats derived from continuous areas of other parts of the Amazon. These environments are derived from Paleoclimatic fragmentation, and are currently affected by the impact of intensive use of natural resources as timberselective logging and some land conversion for agriculture.
The Winter of Life . Elderly Mortality in Tandil (Buenos Aires), 1858-1914
Authors: Otero Hernán
Published: September 2017

Cet article étudie la mortalité des personnes âgées de 60 ans et plus, en insistant sur les variations à l’intérieur de ce groupe. L’analyse s’appuie sur l’étude des actes de décès présents dans les registres paroissiaux et d’état civil du partido de Tandil – un cas qui peut être considéré comme représentatif de la frontière sud de la province de Buenos Aires – entre 1858 et 1914, période pendant laquelle commence la transition de la mortalité en Argentine. Le texte s’intéresse plus spécifiquement à trois aspects de la mortalité : le mouvement saisonnier des décès, notamment les différences entre espaces ruraux et urbains, selon l’origine migratoire et selon l’état matrimonial ; les causes de décès ; et, enfin, la prise en charge des personnes âgées dans les institutions hospitalières.
La migration temporaire des jeunes au Sénégal
Authors: Delaunay Valérie , Engeli Emmanuelle , Franzetti Régine , Golay Guillaume , Moullet Aurore , Sauvain-Dugerdil Claudine
Published: September 2017

À partir de données récoltées sur deux décennies, cet article examine le rôle de la mobilité des jeunes dans l’adaptation d’une communauté rurale sénégalaise aux changements écologiques, économiques et socio-culturels. La migration temporaire est devenue une dimension à part entière des parcours de vie des jeunes femmes et des jeunes hommes. Elle permet de diversifier les ressources familiales face à l’incapacité de l’agriculture à couvrir les besoins de base et aux nouveaux besoins des jeunes avides de modernité. Les formes de migration évoluent, notamment en liaison avec la montée de la scolarisation ; et la mobilité transforme les relations intergénérationnelles et de genre. Toutefois, restant ancrée dans des stratégies familiales, elle apparaît comme un facteur de résilience dans un contexte de mutations multiformes.
Ouganda, les jeunes dans la région du lac Albert
Authors: Golaz Valérie , Médard Claire , Mwangi Susan , Équipe M-PRAM
Published: September 2017

La rive est du lac Albert, en Ouganda, fait l’objet d’une attention nouvelle du fait de l’exploration pétrolière récente. Les médias nationaux font écho à l’insatisfaction des jeunes, que ce soit au sujet de compensations pour leur terre ou des opportunités de formation et d’emploi. Cet article montre comment la catégorie « jeunes » est instrumentalisée politiquement et que les processus d’autonomisation des jeunes sont transformés par la perspective d’un renouveau économique. En dépit des attentes, les opportunités réelles découlent de la croissance globale de la région plus que du secteur pétrolier.
Chronique d’un siège
Authors: Seignobos Christian
Published: September 2017

Pour échapper aux images des médias concernant Boko Haram, il convient de redéfinir les contours de ce soulèvement islamiste, rappeler ses bases sociales entre guildes de métiers et mosquées populeuses, revenir sur sa structuration religieuse qui, en dépit de la rétraction de ses espaces territoriaux de conquête, n’en garde pas moins son élan mystique, renforçant même ses « vocations » au martyr. Quelques groupes de Boko Haram ont fait le choix de se replier sur le lac Tchad dès 2014, précédant la mise en place, contre eux, de la coalition du Nigeria et de ses voisins. Cette occupation du lac par Boko Haram pose un véritable problème sécuritaire régional. Désormais, le lac est devenu l’épicentre de la violence armée. Niger et Tchad y répondent en cherchant à vider de leurs habitants leurs parties du lac respectives, le Nigeria en verrouillant le lac, alors que le Cameroun est resté sans réaction. La réponse sécuritaire des États engagés contre Boko Haram a grandement aggravé le désastre économique actuel.