bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetic resonance–guided focused ultrasound for ablation of mesial temporal epilepsy circuits: modeling and theoretical feasibility of a novel noninvasive approach
Authors: Parker Whitney E. , Weidman Elizabeth K. , Chazen J. Levi , Niogi Sumit N. , Uribe-Cardenas Rafael , Kaplitt Michael G. , Hoffman Caitlin E.
Published: June 2019

OBJECTIVE

The authors tested the feasibility of magnetic resonance–guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) ablation of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) seizure circuits. Up to one-third of patients with mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) suffer from medically refractory epilepsy requiring surgery. Because current options such as open resection, laser ablation, and Gamma Knife radiosurgery pose potential risks, such as infection, hemorrhage, and ionizing radiation, and because they often produce visual or neuropsychological deficits, the authors developed a noninvasive MRgFUS ablation strategy for mesial temporal disconnection to mitigate these risks.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed 3-T MRI scans obtained with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). The study group included 10 patients with essential tremor (ET) who underwent pretreatment CT and MRI prior to MRgFUS, and 2 patients with MTS who underwent MRI. Fiber tracking of the fornix-fimbria pathway and inferior optic radiations was performed, ablation sites mimicking targets of open posterior hippocampal disconnection were modeled, and theoretical MRgFUS surgical plans were devised. Distances between the targets and optic radiations were measured, helmet angulations were prescribed, and the numbers of available MRgFUS array elements were calculated.

RESULTS

Tractograms of fornix-fimbria and optic radiations were generated in all ET and MTS patients successfully. Of the 10 patients with both the CT and MRI data necessary for the analysis, 8 patients had adequate elements available to target the ablation site. A margin (mean 8.5 mm, range 6.5–9.8 mm) of separation was maintained between the target lesion and optic radiations.

CONCLUSIONS

MRgFUS offers a noninvasive option for seizure tract disruption. DTI identifies fornix-fimbria and optic radiations to localize optimal ablation targets and critical surrounding structures, minimizing risk of postoperative visual field deficits. This theoretical modeling study provides the necessary groundwork for future clinical trials to apply this novel neurosurgical technique to patients with refractory MTLE and surgical contraindications, multiple prior surgeries, or other factors favoring noninvasive treatment.
Compromise solutions for planning and managing augmentation to downstream water of Volgograd hydropower installation. 2nd Tactic planning and operating department
Authors: Bolgov M. V. , Buber A. L. , Komarovsky A. A. , Lotov A. V.
Published: June 2019

The discussion on developing new computer technologies for problems analysis and support of decision-making is continued regarding water resources available for the users of the water utilization system of the Lower Volga and the entire Volga–Kama reservoirs cascade. Thus, this second part examines the objectives of the tactic planning to determine augmentation to the downstream water of Volgograd hydropower installation (special augmentation) and develops an algorithm for defining special augmentation based on the inflow forecast in the spring high water (April–June). This algorithm will aid in the operating management of the reservoirs for implementing the already set strategic goals.
The provisional dermal folds in the mouth apparatus of the American paddlefish Polyodon spathula Walbaum, 1858 (Acipenseriformes, Polyodontidae)
Authors: Tsessarsky A. A.
Published: June 2019

The transitory dermal infoldings are described for the first time in front and behind the upper jaw in the larvae and postlarvae of the American paddlefish, Polyodonspathula Walbaum, 1858. In sturgeons these infoldings are necessary for the jaw protraction. In the paddlefishes, they, probably recapitulate the ancestral state. At the same time, the presence of these folds at the larval stages might indicate that the paddlefish larvae possess the protractive jaws. Further developmental studies of the jaw kinematics in Polyodonspathula are needed to test both hypotheses.
The fractal model of reinforcement of nanocomposites polymer/carbon nanotubes with ultrasmall concentrations of nanofiller
Authors: Kozlov G. V. , Dolbin I. V. , Koifman O. I.
Published: June 2019

The structural aspects, defining reinforcement degree (enhancement of elasticity modulus) of nanocomposites polymer/carbon nanotubes with ultrasmall concentrations of nanofiller, were considered. It has been shown that the indicated parameter is controlled by two factors, namely, structure of nanocomposite and type of reinforcing component. Introduction of nanofiller in matrix polymer changes its structure in virtue of formation of interfacial regions. Hence, the efficiency of nanofiller as reinforcing element is defined by its ability to generate interfacial regions.
Water in parental basaltic magmasof the Menshiy Brat volcano (Iturup Island, Kurile islands)
Authors: Nizametdinov I. R. , Kuzmin D. V. , Smirnov S. Z. , Rybin A. V. , Kulakov I. Yu.
Published: June 2019

The paper presents study of the liquidus assemblage of olivine and spinel in high-magnesian basalts (MgO up to 10 mas. %) of the Menshiy Brat volcano (Iturup Island). It was possible to reconstruct the water content and evolution of volatile components in the primary parental magmas that took part in the formation of the Medvezhya Caldera, Iturup Islands. It is shown that the initial water content in the primary melts could reach 5 mas. % with oxygen fugacity corresponding to oxygen buffer NNO + 0.4 log. units. The evolution of magmas involved continuous degassing while magma rises to the surface. The water-rich fluid, which is constantly separated by evolving magma, could play a significant role in the formation of large siliceous magma chambers, which participated in catastrophic caldera eruptions.
A REVIEW ON FLOATING MICROSPHERES
Authors: SHINDE T. S. , BARHATE A. N.
Published: June 2019

The purpose of writing this review on floating microspheres is to compile the recent literature with special focus on the principle mechanism of floatation to achieve gastric retention. Recent advances indicate that floating microspheres are especially suitable for achieving sustained or delayed release oral formulations with flexibility of blending to attain different release patterns, low risk of dose dumping as well as reproducible and short gastric retention time. One of the approaches toward this goal is to develop the floating microspheres so as to increase the gastric retention time. In this review, the current status of floating microspheres including hollow microspheres (micro balloons) and their characterization, advantages, disadvantages, mechanism and method of preparation for gastric retention of drug are discussed. This review also summarizes the in-vitro dissolution study to evaluate the performance and applications of floating microspheres.

Keywords: Floating microspheres, Floating Drug Delivery System, Gastro Retention, Bioavailability, Hydro dynamically Balanced Systems.
Righteousness of God
Authors: Matijević Dalia
Published: June 2019

The purpose of this article is to provide insight to what extent our conceptualization of the dikaiosyne theou shapes our way of understanding ourselves as Christians being the Body of Christ and living holy lives. Strongly influenced by the epistle to the Romans, we perceive holiness as being in right relation to God and righteousness being a practical consequence of this relationship. Holiness as the inner nature of God brings fruits of His righteousness, which is God’s saving activity. However, in the light of Christ and his sacrificial death and resurrection, relational, and eschatological perspectives of the dikaiosyne theou concept become crucial. This concept stands at the heart of Paul’s gospel and anticipates several layers of meaning, primarily God’s redeeming and saving activity, but also covenantal faithfulness and restorative justice brought by God and made available for all. Wider perspective is provided through the faithfulness of Jesus and his obedience to the Father in fulfilling salvific purposes. For us, it means a transformational and relational way of living in an eschatological perspective. Christian ethics are deeply grounded in the concept of dikaiosyne theou, and Christian conduct represents its practical and necessary expression. People living in genuine Christian community are marked by the righteousness of God expressed as agape and progressively transformed by the presence and involvement of his Holy Spirit. Such people involve themselves in a continuous process of discovering new opportunities to affirm God’s righteousness. Thus, the Christian community of faith needs to be inclusive in its nature.
Modeli Crkve za 21. stoljeće
Authors: Jambrek Stanko
Published: June 2019

Za plodonosno razumijevanje prirode Crkve Biblija koristi niz slika koje zajednički tvore modele Crkve prema kojima vjernici žive i djeluju. Modele Crkve razmotrili smo u tri kategorije: prvu čine modeli koje danas kreira svakodnevni život, drugu čine modeli koje su kroz povijest osmislili ljudi i, treću, modeli utemeljeni u Riječi Božjoj. Modeli Crkve, koje danas kreira svakodnevni život, i modeli Crkve, koje su kroz povijest osmislili ljudi, služe nam kao negativni primjeri modela koje treba mijenjati i izbjegavati, posebice modele Crkve kao institucije i kao denominacije. Biblija prikazuje specifičnu stvarnost i narav Crkve brojnim i različitim slikama iz svakodnevnog života. Među njima su slike iz sustava vlasništva; slika funkcioniranja ljudskoga tijela; slike predbračnog, bračnog i obiteljskog života; slike iz područja graditeljstva, poljodjelstva, stočarstva, ribarstva te građanstva i domoljublja. Svaka od upotrijebljenih slika komunicira jednu ili više Božjih istina na način koji je iskustveno vrlo blizak i poznat slušateljima i čitateljima. Te su slike odraz života i upućuju na život. Kršćanstvo 21. stoljeća treba usvojiti i primijeniti biblijske slike Crkve koje zajednički tvore biblijski model Crkve. Pri uspostavi modela trebamo se usredotočiti na Boga i njegove svrhe i planove za konkretno vrijeme, prostor i kulturu. Komunikacija s Bogom treba biti potpuno otvorena, a Crkva spremna slijediti Božje planove i vodstvo Svetoga Duha. Biblijski model Crkve sadrži Božje (nepromjenjive) i ljudske (promjenjive) elemente. Bog je nepromjenjiv, stoga je trajno i nepromjenjivo u Crkvi sve ono što dolazi od Boga, a mijenjati se može i mora sve ono što je došlo od ljudi. Ljudski elementi trebaju biti u skladu s Riječju Božjom i vodstvom Svetoga Duha kako bi Crkva plodonosno vršila Božju volju.
Fire and Explosion Risk Assessment for the Republic of Croatia
Authors: Ban Juraj , Sutlar Željko , Antolović Andrija
Published: June 2019

Through a spatial and statistical analysis, the paper aims to assess vulnerability based on the service capabilities of public fire brigades in the Republic of Croatia. An assessment of fire hazard impacts was developed based on historical fire data over a twenty-year period for the counties and City of Zagreb, an assessment of exposure based on critical infrastructure data for the counties and City of Zagreb, and an assessment of resilience based on the coverage zones of fire brigades within the standard intervention time (15 min) for the counties and City of Zagreb. The results of the research have various potential applications and can be used as a basis for the future planning and development of the fire protection system to serve and protect people, material and cultural goods.
Study on Pricing Model of Air Freight Based on Revenue Management
Authors: Fu Xiangfei , Cui Yongmei , Li Suxiu , Liang Peng
Published: June 2019

At present, the air freight rate does not match with the current competitive environment, and the revenue level of air freight is not ideal. How to improve the level of income management and balance the relationship between quantity and price has become an urgent problem for China’s air freight. In this context, this paper constructs an air freight pricing model based on revenue management. We review the application models of the air freight, and select the parameters for pricing model. Then the pricing model is constructed based on the revenue management and the status quo of China’s air freight industry. Finally, the model is tested by simulation analysis. This paper aims to provide a scientific and reasonable decision-making reference for air freight pricing through the improvement of pricing model.
What Should We Do with Plasticity? An Interview with Catherine Malabou
Authors: Dalton Benjamin
Published: June 2019

This interview with the contemporary French philosopher Catherine Malabou explores Malabou's central concept of ‘plasticity’ across the interdisciplinary contexts through which it is elaborated, including continental philosophy, neuroscience, genetics and literature, among other domains. In particular, the interview maps how the concept of plasticity has developed most recently in response to new innovations in technology, informatics and artificial intelligence; how the concept proposes a methodology to other researchers and practitioners seeking to explore the transformability and mutability of their own areas; the emotional and affective terrain of self-exploration proposed by a philosophy of plasticity; and avenues for engagements with the concept in practical, clinical settings. Navigating a concept as mutable as it is multiple, the interview is guided by the central question: what should we do with plasticity?
Investigations on the Influence of Floor Design on Dirtiness and Foot Pad Lesions in Growing Rabbits
Authors: Masthoff Till , Hoy Steffen
Published: June 2019

In Germany, an animal welfare ordinance for the housing of rabbits was issued which did not take into account the current investigations on floor design. The aim of the investigations was to study the effects of floor design on dirtiness and occurrence of lesions on the legs of growing rabbits. A total of 1837 weaned rabbits, kept on four different floor designs, were examined for body lesions and the dirtiness of the soles of the feet at the end of the growing period. Two four-stage scoring systems (0–3) were used to record the dirtiness and the lesions on the feet. A floor according to the provisions of the German animal protection ordinance (10 mm slat width; 50% perforation on floor area; <15% perforation on the elevated platform) led to the most polluted and injured rabbits. The best cleanliness and the lowest injury rate of the growing rabbits was achieved on a plastic floor with 5 mm slat width and 13 mm slot width, both on the ground and elevated platform (75% perforation). The requirements of the German housing regulations on the floor for growing rabbits do not correspond to animal welfare.
Breath Analysis: A Systematic Review of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in Diagnostic and Therapeutic Management of Pleural Mesothelioma
Authors: Catino Annamaria , de Gennaro Gianluigi , Di Gilio Alessia , Facchini Laura , Galetta Domenico , Palmisani Jolanda , Porcelli Francesca , Varesano Niccolò
Published: June 2019

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare neoplasm related to asbestos exposure and with high mortality rate. The management of patients with MPM is complex and controversial, particularly with regard to early diagnosis. In the last few years, breath analysis has been greatly implemented with this aim. In this review the strengths of breath analysis and preliminary results in searching breath biomarkers of MPM are highlighted and discussed, respectively. Through a systematic electronic literature search, collecting papers published from 2000 until December 2018, fifteen relevant scientific papers were selected. All papers considered were prospective, comparative, observational case–control studies although every single one pilot and based on a relatively small number of samples. The identification of diagnostic VOCs pattern, through breath sample characterization and the statistical data treatment, allows to obtain a strategic information for clinical diagnostics. To date the collected data provide just preliminary information and, despite the promising results and diagnostic accuracy, conclusions cannot be generalized due to the limited number of individuals included in each cohort study. Furthermore none of studies was externally validated, although validation process is a necessary step towards clinical implementation. Breathomics-based biomarker approach should be further explored to confirm and validate preliminary findings and to evaluate its potential role in monitoring the therapeutic response.
Establishment of Novel Gastric Cancer Patient-Derived Xenografts and Cell Lines: Pathological Comparison between Primary Tumor, Patient-Derived, and Cell-Line Derived Xenografts
Authors: Kuwata Takeshi , Yanagihara Kazuyoshi , Iino Yuki , Komatsu Teruo , Ochiai Atsushi , Sekine Shigeki , Taniguchi Hirokazu , Katai Hitoshi , Kinoshita Takahiro , Ohtsu Atsushi
Published: June 2019

Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models have been recognized as being more suitable for predicting therapeutic efficacy than cell-culture models. However, there are several limitations in applying PDX models in preclinical studies, including their availability—especially for cancers such as gastric cancer—that are not frequently encountered in Western countries. In addition, the differences in morphology between primary, PDX, and tumor cell line-derived xenograft (CDX) models have not been well established. In this study, we aimed to establish a series of gastric cancer PDXs and cell-lines from a relatively large number of gastric cancer patients. We also investigated the clinicopathological factors associated with the establishment of PDX and CDX models, and compared the histology between the primary tumor, PDX, and CDX that originated from the same patient. We engrafted 232 gastric cancer tissues into immune-deficient mice subcutaneously and successfully established 35 gastric cancer PDX models (15.1% success rate). Differentiated type adenocarcinomas (DAs, 19.4%) were more effectively established than poorly differentiated type adenocarcinomas (PDAs, 10.8%). For establishing CDXs, the success rate was less influenced by histological differentiation grade (DA vs. PDA, 12.1% vs. 9.8%). In addition, concordance of histological differentiation grade between primary tumors and PDXs was significant (p < 0.01), while concordance between primary tumors and CDXs was not. Among clinicopathological factors investigated, pathological nodal metastasis status (pN) was significantly associated with the success rate of PDX establishment. Although establishing cell lines from ascites fluid was more efficient (41.2%, 7/17) than resected tissues, it should be noted that all CDXs from ascites fluid had the PDA phenotype. In conclusion, we established 35 PDX and 32 CDX models from 249 gastric cancer patients; among them, 21 PDX/CDX models were established from the same patients. Our findings may provide helpful insights for establishing PDX and CDX models not only from gastric but from other cancer types, as well as select preclinical models for developing new therapeutics.
Cell Fusion in Malignancy: A Cause or Consequence? A Provocateur or Cure?
Authors: Platt Jeffrey L. , Cascalho Marilia
Published: June 2019

Cell fusion has been observed in malignancy, and cancer cells have been found especially apt to fuse with other cells. Investigation of human and experimental malignancies suggests spontaneous fusion of normal cells can induce manifold genetic changes and manifestations of malignant transformation. Fusion of transformed cells with other cells can promote the progression of cancer to more malignant forms. However, observations in various fields suggest cell fusion also potentially contributes to natural defenses against cancer. Thus, cell fusion potentially corrects genetic and/or phenotypic changes underlying malignant transformation. Cell fusion also might help nonmalignant cells in tumors thwart tumor growth. Perhaps most importantly, cell fusion may generate genetic changes that lead to the expression of neoantigens, provide the mass of neoantigen expression needed to elicit immunity, and promote the function of antigen-presenting cells in a way that favors protective immunity as a defense against malignancy. To the extent that cell fusion promotes cellular, tissue, and/or systemic resistance to malignancy, the propensity of tumor cells to fuse with other cells might constitute a natural defense against malignancy.
Improvement of the Sphericity and the Thickness Uniformity of the Polystyrene (PS) Shell Microsphere during Curing Process
Authors: Han Xiaotian , Zhou Hua , Zhu Yifei , Wu Liangyu , Yao Feng , Yu Cheng
Published: June 2019

To improve the quality of dispersed polystyrene (PS) compound droplets, a new random rotating curing system is designed. In addition, the qualities of the curing products of the PS compound droplets of this new system are compared with those of the traditional curing system with a constant rotating speed, so as to verify the effectiveness of the new system on the quality improvement of the PS compound droplets. The effect of the liquid level, rotation rate and the density difference on the curing process is also analyzed to reveal the mechanism of the curing process in a rotating flow field. The results indicate that, in the new rotating curing system, the disturbance of the fluid increases the deformation recovery ability of the compound droplets. Furthermore, the vortex with different directions in the external flow fields, make the compound droplets spin in many directions, which improves the spheroidization and concentricity of the compound droplets. Compared with using the traditional rotating curing system, when utilizing the random rotating curing system, the sensitivity of the microspheres’ quality to the density mismatch between the phases is smaller, and the sphericity and the thickness uniformity of the polystyrene (PS) microsphere increase by 10.2% and 4.5%, respectively. In addition, there is an optimal rotation rate for the random rotating curing device, which can optimize the survival rate and quality of the hollow microspheres.
Pulsed Laser Deposited Films for Microbatteries
Authors: Julien Christian M. , Mauger Alain
Published: June 2019

This review article presents a survey of the literature on pulsed laser deposited thin film materials used in devices for energy storage and conversion, i.e., lithium microbatteries, supercapacitors, and electrochromic displays. Three classes of materials are considered: Positive electrode materials (cathodes), solid electrolytes, and negative electrode materials (anodes). The growth conditions and electrochemical properties are presented for each material and state-of-the-art of lithium microbatteries are also reported.
Price Movement Prediction of Cryptocurrencies Using Sentiment Analysis and Machine Learning
Authors: Valencia Franco , Gómez-Espinosa Alfonso , Valdés-Aguirre Benjamín
Published: June 2019

Cryptocurrencies are becoming increasingly relevant in the financial world and can be considered as an emerging market. The low barrier of entry and high data availability of the cryptocurrency market makes it an excellent subject of study, from which it is possible to derive insights into the behavior of markets through the application of sentiment analysis and machine learning techniques for the challenging task of stock market prediction. While there have been some previous studies, most of them have focused exclusively on the behavior of Bitcoin. In this paper, we propose the usage of common machine learning tools and available social media data for predicting the price movement of the Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple and Litecoin cryptocurrency market movements. We compare the utilization of neural networks (NN), support vector machines (SVM) and random forest (RF) while using elements from Twitter and market data as input features. The results show that it is possible to predict cryptocurrency markets using machine learning and sentiment analysis, where Twitter data by itself could be used to predict certain cryptocurrencies and that NN outperform the other models.
Model-Based Pre-Ignition Diagnostics in a Race Car Application
Authors: Ravaglioli Vittorio , Bussi Carlo
Published: June 2019

Since 2014, Formula 1 engines have been turbocharged spark-ignited engines. In this scenario, the maximum engine power available in full-load conditions can be achieved only by optimizing combustion phasing within the cycle, i.e., by advancing the center of combustion until the limit established by the occurrence of abnormal combustion. High in-cylinder pressure peaks and the possible occurrence of knocking combustion significantly increase the heat transfer to the walls and might generate hot spots inside the combustion chamber. This work presents a methodology suitable to properly diagnose and control the occurrence of pre-ignition events that emanate from hot spots. The methodology is based on a control-oriented model of the ignition delay, which is compared to the actual ignition delay calculated from the real-time processing of the in-cylinder pressure trace. When the measured ignition delay becomes significantly smaller than that modeled, it means that ignition has been activated by a hot spot instead of the spark plug. In this case, the presented approach, implemented in the electronic control unit (ECU) that manages the whole hybrid power unit, detects a pre-ignition event and corrects the injection pattern to avoid the occurrence of further abnormal combustion.
Optimization of the Enzymatic Synthesis of Pentyl Oleate with Lipase Immobilized onto Novel Structured Support
Authors: Cavallaro Valeria , Tonetto Gabriela , Ferreira María Luján
Published: June 2019

The term biorefinery is related to the sustainable production of value-added bioproducts and bioenergy from biomass. Esters from fatty acids are important compounds synthesized from by-products of the oleochemical industry. In agreement with the biorefinery concept, it is important to search for catalysts that reduce the consumption of energy and water, using moderate operation conditions and low reaction times. In this work, response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the enzymatic synthesis of pentyl oleate using Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB) immobilized on a polyethylene-aluminum structured support. A factorial design was employed to evaluate the effects of several parameters on the ester yield. To obtain a model with a good fit, an approach to reaction mechanism and enzyme kinetics was taken into consideration. Experimental findings were correlated and explained using equations of a ping-pong bi-bi kinetic model and considering the inhibitory effects of both substrates. The developed model was consistent with the experimental data predicting an increase in pentyl oleate production with increasing temperature and a decrease with higher oleic acid amounts and alcohol to acid molar ratios. This model could be useful in a future industrial application of CALB/LLDPE/Al to minimize the costs in oleochemical biorefineries.
Computation of Kinematic and Magnetic α-Effect and Eddy Diffusivity Tensors by Padé Approximation
Authors: Gama Sílvio M.A. , Chertovskih Roman , Zheligovsky Vladislav
Published: June 2019

We present examples of Padé approximations of the α -effect and eddy viscosity/diffusivity tensors in various flows. Expressions for the tensors derived in the framework of the standard multiscale formalism are employed. Algebraically, the simplest case is that of a two-dimensional parity-invariant six-fold rotation-symmetric flow where eddy viscosity is negative, indicating intervals of large-scale instability of the flow. Turning to the kinematic dynamo problem for three-dimensional flows of an incompressible fluid, we explore the application of Padé approximants for the computation of tensors of magnetic α -effect and, for parity-invariant flows, of magnetic eddy diffusivity. We construct Padé approximants of the tensors expanded in power series in the inverse molecular diffusivity 1 / η around 1 / η = 0 . This yields the values of the dominant growth rate to satisfactory accuracy for η , several dozen times smaller than the threshold, above which the power series is convergent. We do computations in Fortran in the standard “double” (real*8) and extended “quadruple” (real*16) precision, and perform symbolic calculations in Mathematica.
Putting the Boom, Boom, Boom into Physical Activity and Health: Music Festivals as a Positive Health Alternative to Couch Fandom
Authors: Bradley Eddie , Close Lauren , Whyte Ian
Published: June 2019

Background: Despite the popularity of outdoor music festivals in the UK, no evidence exists of the volume or intensity of movement that occurs through attendance at these festivals and the potential health benefits this may provide. The aim of this study was to accurately record the amount of physical activity and movement at the Glastonbury Festival and to compare it against recommended levels. Methods: 22 attendees wore an Actigraph activity monitor and GPS data-logger to the Glastonbury Festival. Distances travelled, speeds and durations were recorded. Activity levels were identified based on step count thresholds and the total duration spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was calculated. Results: Mean total distance of 66.1 km was recorded with daily distance (11.01 km), movement duration (11 h 28 min) and steps/day (15,661). Total MVPA of 927 min occurred over the festival period. Conclusions: This study objectively recorded the volume of physical activity that occurred at an outdoor UK festival. Large movement distances and MVPA six times greater than the recommended guidelines for health benefits were found. It can be suggested that attendance at large-scale festivals can be used as a modality for attaining physical activity guidelines alongside commonly suggested fitness activities.
Gamification, a Successful Method to Foster Leptospirosis Knowledge among University Students: A Pilot Study
Authors: Azhari Nurul Natasya , Abdul Manaf Rosliza , Ng Shing Wei , Shakeeb Arsalaan Bajunid Siti Farhana Bajunid , Mohd Gobil Abdul Rahman , Saad Wan Zuhainis , Amin Nordin Syafinaz
Published: June 2019

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease that has been reported in Malaysia and has been associated with a recent trend of recreational activities among the youth. Thus, efforts such as educational interventions among high-risk populations, especially the youth, are key to increasing public awareness regarding leptospirosis. This paper presents the findings of a pilot study wherein an educational intervention using a gamification intervention method was used to determine changes in leptospirosis knowledge among youth. On this note, students from a public university in Seremban district, Malaysia, were recruited and were asked to complete questionnaires before and after gamification activities. Baseline and immediate post-intervention data on leptospirosis knowledge were obtained. The total knowledge score was calculated, and differences in the mean pre- and post-intervention knowledge score were determined. Of the total 185 questionnaires that were completed at baseline and immediately post-intervention, only 168 that belonged to respondents who had heard of leptospirosis were analysed in this paper. A significant increase in leptospirosis knowledge was observed for the students following health education by gamification (p < 0.01). The results demonstrate the effectiveness of an educational intervention using gamification in improving leptospirosis knowledge among youth and suggest that gamification could become an efficient tool to prevent the disease within university-age demographics.
The Effect of the Grain for Green Program on Ecosystem Health in the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River Basin: A Case Study of Eastern Sichuan, China
Authors: Han Rui , Guo Luo , Xu NuanYin , Wang Dan
Published: June 2019

The Eastern Sichuan Region (ESR) is one of the key pilot regions for Grain for Green Program (GGP) implementation in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River basin in China. Therefore, monitoring the effect of the GGP on the ecosystem in the ESR is important. In this study, the Mann–Kendall Trend Test Model was used to ascertain the changes in vegetation coverage. The transfer matrix was used to explore the changes in Land Use/Land Cover (LULC). LULC change direction model (LCDM) was used to preliminarily assess the impact of LULC changes on the ecosystem. The Pressure–State–Response model (PSR), reflecting the human pressure and the ecosystem state, was applied to analyze the spatial–temporal characteristics of the ecosystem health index (EHI). The time span of this study was from 1990 to 2015. The results show that the vegetation coverage changed significantly (p < 0.05), and ecosystem function developed towards positive because of the increase in the coverage of forestland and water land and decrease in the coverage of farmland. The spatial distribution of the EHI was influenced by the pattern of land use. The eastern region, associated with a large area of forestland and grassland, has a low population density and a low degree of land use exploitation, resulting in a high EHI value. The situation was completely opposite in the western region. Regarding the temporal scale, in spite of the decreasing pressure indicator, most counties had experienced an increase in the EHI. There was a clear correlation between the increased EHI values and the restored areas at the third stage (2000–2005) (p < 0.05, r2 = 0.164), but this correlation disappeared at the latter stage (2005–2015) (p > 0.05). The changes showed significant variations in time and area because of differences in the process and the intensity of the implication of the GGP.
Evaluation of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices about Exclusive Breastfeeding among Women in Italy
Authors: Cascone Diana , Tomassoni Davide , Napolitano Francesco , Di Giuseppe Gabriella
Published: June 2019

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of women about breastfeeding in Italy. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out between January and June 2016 in the Campania Region among mothers who were going to six public vaccination centers. Data were collected by two researchers through face to face interviews. Results: Two thirds of the women had heard on exclusive breastfeeding (64.6%) and the 71% of them knew that exclusive breastfeeding should be practiced for at least six months. Nearly all mothers had breastfed their child (93.2%), but only 33.3% of them had practiced exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months. Women who agree that breastfeeding creates a positive relationship between the mother and the child, who practiced exclusive breastfeeding during the hospital stay, and who had received breastfeeding advice at hospital discharge were more likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months. Conclusions: The results of this survey may be helpful to policy makers and managers when planning educational interventions on breastfeeding both during pregnancy and during hospital admissions for delivery. Indeed, there is a need to increase efforts to make mothers aware of health benefits of breastfeeding for themselves and their offspring during their hospital stay after delivery. This research has the potential to increase exclusive breastfeeding rates and subsequent maternal and child health outcomes.
Nervous-Like Circuits in the Ribosome Facts, Hypotheses and Perspectives
Authors: Timsit Youri , Bennequin Daniel
Published: June 2019

In the past few decades, studies on translation have converged towards the metaphor of a “ribosome nanomachine”; they also revealed intriguing ribosome properties challenging this view. Many studies have shown that to perform an accurate protein synthesis in a fluctuating cellular environment, ribosomes sense, transfer information and even make decisions. This complex “behaviour” that goes far beyond the skills of a simple mechanical machine has suggested that the ribosomal protein networks could play a role equivalent to nervous circuits at a molecular scale to enable information transfer and processing during translation. We analyse here the significance of this analogy and establish a preliminary link between two fields: ribosome structure-function studies and the analysis of information processing systems. This cross-disciplinary analysis opens new perspectives about the mechanisms of information transfer and processing in ribosomes and may provide new conceptual frameworks for the understanding of the behaviours of unicellular organisms.
Jasmonic Acid-Induced VQ-Motif-Containing Protein OsVQ13 Influences the OsWRKY45 Signaling Pathway and Grain Size by Associating with OsMPK6 in Rice
Authors: Uji Yuya , Kashihara Keita , Kiyama Haruna , Mochizuki Susumu , Akimitsu Kazuya , Gomi Kenji
Published: June 2019

Jasmonic acid (JA) is a plant hormone that plays an important role in the defense response and stable growth of rice. In this study, we investigated the role of the JA-responsive valine-glutamine (VQ)-motif-containing protein OsVQ13 in JA signaling in rice. OsVQ13 was primarily located in the nucleus and cytoplasm. The transgenic rice plants overexpressing OsVQ13 exhibited a JA-hypersensitive phenotype and increased JA-induced resistance to Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), which is the bacteria that causes rice bacterial blight, one of the most serious diseases in rice. Furthermore, we identified a mitogen-activated protein kinase, OsMPK6, as an OsVQ13-associating protein. The expression of genes regulated by OsWRKY45, an important WRKY-type transcription factor for Xoo resistance that is known to be regulated by OsMPK6, was upregulated in OsVQ13-overexpressing rice plants. The grain size of OsVQ13-overexpressing rice plants was also larger than that of the wild type. These results indicated that OsVQ13 positively regulated JA signaling by activating the OsMPK6–OsWRKY45 signaling pathway in rice.
The Pleiotropic Role of Retinoic Acid/Retinoic Acid Receptors Signaling: From Vitamin A Metabolism to Gene Rearrangements in Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia
Authors: Conserva Maria Rosa , Anelli Luisa , Zagaria Antonella , Specchia Giorgina , Albano Francesco
Published: June 2019

The family of retinoic acid receptors (RARs: RARα, -β, and -γ) has remarkable pleiotropy characteristics, since the retinoic acid/RARs pathway is involved in numerous biological processes not only during embryonic development, but also in the postnatal phase and during adulthood. In this review, we trace the roles of RA/RARs signaling in the immune system (where this pathway has both an immunosuppressive role or is involved in the inflammatory response), in hematopoiesis (enhancing hematopoietic stem cell self-renewal, progenitor cells differentiation or maintaining the bone marrow microenvironment homeostasis), and in bone remodeling (where this pathway seems to have controversial effects on bone formation or osteoclast activation). Moreover, in this review is shown the involvement of RAR genes in multiple chromosomal rearrangements generating different fusion genes in hematological neoplasms, with a particular focus on acute promyelocytic leukemia and its variant subtypes. The effect of different RARs fusion proteins on leukemic transformation, on patients’ outcome, and on therapy response is also discussed.
Mayflies (Ephemeroptera) and Their Contributions to Ecosystem Services
Authors: Jacobus Luke M. , Macadam Craig R. , Sartori Michel
Published: June 2019

This work is intended as a general and concise overview of Ephemeroptera biology, diversity, and services provided to humans and other parts of our global array of freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems. The Ephemeroptera, or mayflies, are a small but diverse order of amphinotic insects associated with liquid freshwater worldwide. They are nearly cosmopolitan, except for Antarctica and some very remote islands. The existence of the subimago stage is unique among extant insects. Though the winged stages do not have functional mouthparts or digestive systems, the larval, or nymphal, stages have a variety of feeding approaches—including, but not limited to, collector-gatherers, filterers, scrapers, and active predators—with each supported by a diversity of morphological and behavioral adaptations. Mayflies provide direct and indirect services to humans and other parts of both freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems. In terms of cultural services, they have provided inspiration to musicians, poets, and other writers, as well as being the namesakes of various water- and aircraft. They are commemorated by festivals worldwide. Mayflies are especially important to fishing. Mayflies contribute to the provisioning services of ecosystems in that they are utilized as food by human cultures worldwide (having one of the highest protein contents of any edible insect), as laboratory organisms, and as a potential source of antitumor molecules. They provide regulatory services through their cleaning of freshwater. They provide many essential supporting services for ecosystems such as bioturbation, bioirrigation, decomposition, nutrition for many kinds of non-human animals, nutrient cycling and spiraling in freshwaters, nutrient cycling between aquatic and terrestrial systems, habitat for other organisms, and serving as indicators of ecosystem health. About 20% of mayfly species worldwide might have a threatened conservation status due to influences from pollution, invasive alien species, habitat loss and degradation, and climate change. Even mitigation of negative influences has benefits and tradeoffs, as, in several cases, sustainable energy production negatively impacts mayflies.
In-Situ Fretting Wear Analysis of Electrical Connectors for Real System Applications
Authors: Siddaiah Arpith , Kasar Ashish K. , Khosla Vishal , Menezes Pradeep L.
Published: June 2019

The tribological behavior of electrical contacts, especially separable type electrical connectors at low contact loads, are considered. The reliability of these connectors has been a major concern due to the fretting phenomenon that can lead to an unacceptable increase in contact resistance. This study analyzes various aspects of the fretting mechanism from a tribological perspective where friction and wear are the primary cause of degradation in electrical components. With the use of precise tribological equipment (high data acquisition rate of 5000 Hz), the electrical contact resistance and coefficient of friction at the contact interface are measured. The measurements were made in-situ for a simulated fretting environment under various constant loading conditions. It was observed that low contact loads (1 N) and low fretting frequency (1 Hz) leads to a high degree of fluctuation in the coefficient of friction. However, for the same conditions, the lowest wear rate and electrical contact resistance were observed. The reason behind this could be due to the lack of continuous electrical contact and a high degree of fretting frequency under low contact loads, ultimately leading to extended periods of an open circuit. Experimental analysis indicates the existence of an optimum loading condition at which the fretting wear effect is at its minimum. Detailed analysis of post fretting surface roughness, coating wear, and wear debris is conducted, as well as transfer film formations to explain the mechanism of fretting observed.
Assessing Conflict Driven Food Security in Rakhine, Myanmar with Multisource Imagery
Authors: Huang Xiaodong , Ziniti Beth , Torbick Nathan
Published: June 2019

Recent conflict along the border of Bangladesh and Myanmar has amplified a food security crisis and access to the region remains challenging. Moderate-resolution satellite remote sensing offers an approach to complement more traditional food insecurity hot spot assessment across Rakhine, Myanmar; however, conflict creates unique signals that are not agroclimatologically driven and need to be considered. Time series radar and optical data cubes were built and used to assess for deviations across space and time for rice paddy production areas based on established techniques. Ultimately, the Sentinel-1 radar was more helpful compared to fused Landsat-7 and -8 and Sentinel-2 data cubes that were substantially impacted by cloud cover during key growth stages. Anecdotal reporting, very high resolution (VHR) imagery, and expert knowledge were used to support operational analyses routines in an attempt to characterize rice into failed, abandoned, and cultivated classes across 2016 to 2018 seasons. Accuracy assessment using co-timed VHR showed overall accuracy (%) of 86.5, 87.5, and 91.0 for 2016, 2017, and 2018, respectively. Nearly one-third of rice production was characterized as failed or abandoned in any given year. Qualitative analyses showed paddy failure was often adjacent to conflict events. The moderate-resolution imagery and automated routines offer complementing metrics that can be used to help guide food security assessments. In regions where climate change, migration, and conflict coincide, decision support tools will need to evolve and continue to integrate human perspectives.
Effects of Mechanical Ball Milling Time on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Mo2NiB2-Ni Cermets
Authors: Zhang Lei , Huang Zhifu , Liu Yangzhen , Shen Yupeng , Li Kemin , Cao Zhen , Ren Zijun , Jian Yongxin
Published: June 2019

Mo2NiB2-Ni cermets have been extensively investigated due to their outstanding properties. However, studies have not systematically examined the effect of the powder milling process on the cermets. In this study, Mo, Ni, and B raw powders were subjected to mechanical ball milling from 1 h to 15 h. XRD patterns of the milled powders confirmed that a new phase was not observed at milling times of 1 h to 15 h. With the increase in the mechanical ball milling time from 1 h to 11 h, raw powders were crushed to small fragments, in addition to a more uniform distribution, and with the increase in the mechanical ball milling time to greater than 11 h, milled powders changed slightly. Mo2NiB2-Ni cermets were fabricated by reaction boronizing sintering using the milled powders at different ball milling times. The milling time significantly affected the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mo2NiB2-Ni cermets. Moreover, the Mo2NiB2 cermet powder subjected to a milling time of 11 h exhibited the finest crystal size and the maximum volume fraction of the Mo2NiB2 hard phase. Furthermore, the cermets with a milling time of 11 h exhibited a maximum hardness and bending strength of 87.6 HRA and 1367.3 MPa, respectively.