bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MANAGEMENT OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Secondary polycystic ovary syndrome: theoretical and practical aspects
Authors: Pasquali Renato , Diamanti-Kandarakis Evanthia , Gambineri Alessandra
Published: May 2016

PCOS is a clinical heterogeneous entity of female androgen excess diagnosed by exclusion of other disorders responsible for androgen excess. The concept of secondary PCOS implies that there is a primary well-defined cause leading to the PCOS phenotype with underlying androgen overproduction, regardless of the origin. In these cases, we presume the term of ‘secondary PCOS’ could be used. In all these conditions, the potential complete recovery of the hyperandrogenemic state as well as the remission of the PCOS phenotype should follow the removal of the cause. If accepted, these concepts could help clinicians to perform in-depth investigations of the potential factors or disorders responsible for the development of these specific forms of secondary PCOS. Additionally, this could contribute to develop further research on factors and mechanisms involved in the development of the classic and the nonclassic PCOS phenotypes.
Withholding Information to Protect a Loved One
Authors: Kilbaugh Todd J. , Groll Daniel , Morrison Wynne , Liebow Nabina , Lantos John D.
Published: May 2016

Parents respond to the death of a child in very different ways. Some parents may be violent or angry, some sad and tearful, some quiet and withdrawn, and some frankly delusional. We present a case in which a father’s reaction to his daughter’s death is a desire to protect his wife from the stressful information. The wife is in the second trimester of a high-risk pregnancy and so is particularly fragile. We asked pediatricians and bioethicists to discuss the ways in which they might respond to the father’s understandable but troubling request.
Influence of eco-materials on indoor air quality
Authors: da Silva Carla Florbela F. P. , Rana Chetas , Maskell Daniel , Dengel Andy , Ansell Martin P. , Ball Richard J.
Published: May 2016

This paper investigates the role of commercially available natural building materials, including lime mortars, natural fibres and wood panels on the indoor air quality. Initially, the emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from building materials were identified and measured. Subsequent tests then considered the adsorption and re-emission behaviour of four VOCs: toluene, limonene, dodecane and formaldehyde. The significance of this paper lies in its demonstration that emissions are dependent on the chemical composition of building materials and the production process, whereas the adsorption/desorption characteristics are related to the material microstructure and the polarity of the VOCs. The results allow the performance of a construction material, in terms of its influence on indoor air quality, to be deduced from knowledge of chemical composition and microstructure. This paper provides a new approach to assessing the influence of different building materials on indoor air quality when they are exposed to gaseous pollutants.
Tecnología y sociedad: reflexiones acerca de las visiones y las tensiones de la tecnología
Authors: Santander María Teresa
Published: May 2016

Dado que es difícil aplaudir sin restricciones el avance científico-tecnológico, la exploración de una u otra comprensión acerca de la tecnología se hace necesaria. El desarrollo acelerado y la irrupción permanente de nuevas tecnologías, junto con la vertiginosa renovación de artefactos, plataformas y sistemas tecnológicos, propone desafíos cada vez mayores en materia de decisiones. Los cambios sociales en los países industrializados han llevado a ciertos colectivos sociales a comprender que las decisiones sobre la tecnología no son materia exclusiva de expertos y son intrínsecamente sociales. En este artículo de revisión se analizan las implicaciones de la tecnología en la sociedad; más específicamente la relación entre progreso y tecnología y la diferencia entre tecnología y técnica. Posteriormente se discute el rol de la tecnología en la sociedad; se examina cómo el uso descontextualizado de la tecnología es arriesgado para la sociedad y el ser humano, y se expone la idea de una sociedad capaz de comprender la imbricación entre tecnología y humanidad. No cabe duda de que debemos plantearnos ciertas interrogantes: ¿cuál podría ser nuestro papel en la creación de ese futuro tecnológico? y ¿qué nuevas formas de identidad humana, orden político, comunidad y participación ciudadana surgen de las tecnologías desarrolladas?
Diseño de un tanque de almacenamiento de agua caliente sanitaria utilizando materiales de bajo costo
Authors: Mantilla López Juan Alberto , Casallas Rodríguez Mario Alexander
Published: May 2016

Introducción: este artículo es producto de la investigación “Diseño y construcción de calentadores solares a partir de materiales reutilizables” y desarrollado por el semillero de investigación SEA, perteneciente al grupo de investigación en energías alternativas GIEAUD de la Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas desde el 3 de noviembre del 2014 hasta el 10 de abril del 2015. Metodología: aquí se describen el análisis matemático, la selección de materiales tanto para el aislamiento como para el cuerpo del tanque, la simulación del comportamiento hidrostático, el proceso de construcción con base en la norma ASME, sección VIII, las pruebas de funcionamiento y su evaluación térmica. Resultados: el colector solar, construido por los estudiantes del semillero SEA, y el tanque fabricado por los autores, se encuentran instalados en la terraza del gimnasio ubicado en la Facultad Tecnológica de la Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas, en donde el tanque fue motivo de evaluación para evidenciar la eficiencia en la conservación de la temperatura y su funcionalidad como calentador solar. Conclusiones: con la experiencia ganada en la construcción y elaboración del tanque y ensamble de captadores solares se concluye que es una buena opción seguir en la investigación de métodos más elaborados que permitan mejorar el funcionamiento de estos y se dé utilización a nuevos materiales para el diseño, la fabricación y la evaluación de nuevos calentadores solares.
Relaciones morfometricas cráneo cervicales del plano oclusal y validación de oclusometría
Authors: Frugone-Zambra Raúl , Villalobos-Ortega Rodrigo , Jara María Rocío
Published: May 2016

Introducción: la proyección dorsal del plano oclusal y su inclinación en relación con la base de cráneo son indispensables para generar un análisis cefalométrico simple para rehabilitadores. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo sobre telerradiografías de perfil de cráneo completo en 124 sujetos consecutivos de ambos sexos. Se determinó el lugar de proyección del plano oclusal teórico sobre la columna cervical  y se midió su angulación con respecto a la línea C1 del Análisis Arquitectural y Estructural de Delaire (AAED). Se analizaron los resultados según sexo y entre las distintas clases esqueletales definidas por el mismo análisis. Basado en ello, se propuso un análisis simple para la determinación de la posición del plano oclusal con respecto a la columna cervical, la base de cráneo y la altura facial (Oclusometría). La oclusometría se validó contrastándola con el AAED completo. Resultados: de un total de 124 sujetos, 68 sujetos proyectaron el plano oclusal sobre la porción inferior del atlas y 36 sobre la articulación atlas-axis. En relación al ángulo del plano oclusal con C1, se obtuvieron valores entre 7 y 14 grados con un promedio de 9,8º y una moda de 10º. No se observó diferencia entre clases esqueletales ni entre sexos. Con esto se propuso un análisis denominado oclusometría. Un estudio descriptivo con análisis sobre 42 telerradiografías de perfil de sujetos sin desgaste dentario ni alteraciones del crecimiento validó la oclusometría como estudio complementario en la determinación de la ubicación del plano oclusal. Conclusión: el plano oclusal tiende a mantener una posición estable en el espacio lo que permite generar un estudio sobre telerradiografías validado y útil para ayudar en la determinación de la posición del plano oclusal dentro de los límites de la dimensión vertical oclusal.
Frecuencia de maloclusión en las clínicas odontopediatrícas de la Universidad de Antioquia, y Universidad Autónoma San Luis Potosí, México
Authors: Espinal-Botero Gabriel , Muñoz B. Ana , Flores M. Lizet , Ponce P. Margarita , Nava C. Jaime , González Q. Jaime
Published: May 2016

Introducción: las maloclusiones son un conjunto de alteraciones donde los controles anatomo-fisiológicos del sistema estomatognático se encuentran en desarmonía con los segmentos dentarios. Estudios epidemiológicos han mostrado que la maloclusión se presenta con tasas de prevalencia altas, de más del 60% de las poblaciones estudiadas. Las investigaciones sobre maloclusiones en poblaciones de 4 a 5 años reportan prevalencias del 70-80%, que evolucionan hasta un 96,4% en adolescentes. Dacosta y Onyeaso reportan que la prevalencia de maloclusiones dentales a nivel mundial va desde el 65 hasta el 89%. Objetivo: comparar el tipo de maloclusión que se presenta con más frecuencia en las Clínicas de Odontopediatria de la Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí y la Universidad de Antioquia. Metodología: se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional de tipo transversal, y comparativo con un muestreo por conveniencia; se examinaron 200 pacientes por facultad, con edades entre 4 a 15 años. Resultados: se observó mayor frecuencia de clase I tipo 1 en el grupo 1 con un porcentaje del 52,7%, mientras que en el grupo 2 las maloclusiones predominantes fueron la clase II div.1 con un porcentaje del 23,6% y la clase III con 22,5% Conclusiones: los resultados de cada población fueron diferentes. Se recomienda que el diagnóstico de las alteraciones oclusales en la población pediátrica sea realizado de manera oportuna, permitiendo implementar programas de atención que incluyan terapias como la ortopedia funcional de los maxilares, para una rehabilitación temprana del sistema estomatognático.
Lecciones y estrategias para lograr una Maestría
Authors: Salazar-Fierro Petra
Published: May 2016

Reseña del libro:Greene, Robert (2012). Maestría. México, D.F.: Océano.
The Meaning of the Moves: Gestural Mythologies and the Generic Film
Authors: Friedland Sarah
Published: May 2016

This essay investigates the role of gestures in the production of film genre. These repeated moves—generic gestures—operate in and signify mythologies that produce film genre. This paper seeks to animate theories of the gesture while theorizing film genre as a choreography that is performed across film texts and bodies. It moves the notion of the genre “corpus” towards a mobile concept that privileges the gestural exchanges occurring between bodies of actors, of viewers, and of films.
Preventative Medicine as a Tool to Ensure Health Equity for Disadvantaged Populations: An Interview with Dr. Kevin Pottie
Authors: Rashid Mohammed K. , Abdul-Fattah Hiba
Published: May 2016

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” —Benjamin Franklin. In this article, we interview Dr. Kevin Pottie, MD. Dr. Pottie is well known for his clinical and research work on preventative medicine, health equity and evidence-based guidelines, particularly as they relate to disadvantaged populations. We discuss with Dr. Pottie his career as a clinician investigator. He guides us through his journey and shares with us important advice on caring for newly arriving Syrian refugees based on recent published guidelines. « Mieux vaut prévenir que guérir. » —Benjamin Franklin. Dans cet article, nous interviewons Dr Kevin Pottie, MD. Dr Pottie est reconnu pour sa recherche clinique en médecine préventive et en santé équitable particulièrement dans le domaine des populations désavan­tagées. Dans cette entrevue, Dr Pottie discutera de sa carrière en tant que chercheur clinique et nous partagera des conseils importants sur les soins à donner aux réfugiés syriens nouvellement arrivés au Canada. Ses conseils sont fondés sur des lignes directrices nouvel­lement publiées.
Taking On Tobacco: A Discussion with Dr. Andrew Pipe About His Career and The Ottawa Model for Smoking Cessation
Authors: Johnstone Devon L , Loranger Matthew W
Published: May 2016

Dr. Andrew Pipe is chief of the division of Prevention and Rehabilitation at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute and Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa. He completed his medical training at Queen’s University, and interned at The Ottawa Hospital, beginning a career path which combined his interests in sports medicine, health promotion, and advocacy. He has been a physician for athletes at the international level, served on several sporting and anti-doping organizations, and is recognized as a leading expert on cardiovascular disease prevention, physical activity, and smoking cessation. Dr Andrew Pipe est professeur à la Faculté de médecine à l’Université d’Ottawa et il est également responsable de la division de prévention et de réhabilitation à l’Institut de cardiologie de l’Université d’Ottawa. Dr Pipe a terminé son éducation à l’Université de Queen’s et son entrainement à l’Hôpital d’Ottawa où il a commencé sa carrière dans un domaine incluant la médecine sportive, la promotion de la santé et la défense des droits. Il a été médecin pour les athlètes au niveau international et il est reconnu comme un expert sur la prévention de maladies cardiovasculaires, sur l’activité physique, et sur la cessation du tabagisme.
Late Amputation Following Refracture After Removal of Multiplanar Circular External Fixator for Treatment of Severe Combat-Related Tibial Fracture
Authors: Hanley Matthew G. , Chi Benjamin , Bernstock Joshua D. , Caples Connor M. , Kang Daniel G. , Potter Benjamin K. , Gordon Wade T.
Published: May 2016

Case:

The multiplanar circular external fixator is commonly used in the treatment of severe combat-related tibial fractures. We present the case of a patient who sustained a refracture after removal of such a fixator. This complication contributed to failure of the limb salvage and ultimately resulted in the patient undergoing transtibial amputation.

Conclusion:

The choice to pursue limb salvage or amputation must be a shared decision between the patient and provider. This discussion must now include the possibility of refracture if limb salvage is pursued using multiplanar circular external fixation. Further study is also required to define fracture stability after the removal of a multiplanar circular external fixator.
Rupture of the Long Head of the Biceps Tendon in a Pediatric Athlete
Authors: Wiseman Stephen P. , Beran Matthew C. , Warahadpande Shantanu , MacDonald James P.
Published: May 2016

Case:

We report a case of an adolescent athlete who sustained an isolated rupture of the long head of the biceps tendon and was subsequently treated with subpectoral biceps tenodesis.

Conclusion:

Provided that there is no damage to the rotator cuff, an open biceps tenodesis may be performed in this young patient population with good short-term outcomes and return to full activity.
Comparison of Dill Seed Oil Mouth Rinse and Chlorhexidine Mouth Rinse on Plaque Levels and Gingivitis - A Double Blind Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Eshwar Shruthi , K Rekha , Jain Vipin , Manvi Supriya , Kohli Shivani , Bhatia Shekhar
Published: May 2016

Introduction:

Mouthrinses have been in use for centuries as breath fresheners, medicaments, and antiseptics. Dill is said to be a good source of calcium, manganese and iron. It contains flavonoids known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. Dill can help with microbial infections in the mouth; and its anti-oxidants minimize damage caused by free radicals to the gums and teeth. Being a good source of calcium, dill also helps with bone and dental health.

Aims and Objectives:

To compare the effectiveness of commercially available 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthrinse and dill seed oil mouthrinse on plaque levels and gingivitis.

Material and Methods:

A randomized controlled, double blind parallel arm study was conducted over 90 days on 90 subjects. The subjects were randomly divided into 2 groups and baseline data was collected using Loe and Silness gingival index and Quigley Hein plaque index and oral prophylaxis was performed on all the subjects. The mouthrinses included in the present study were dill seed oil and Hexodent (0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate). Intervention regarding the mouthrinsing was given to the subjects and were followed up for 45 days and 90 days, after this post intervention changes were assessed using the respective indices.

Results:

It was observed that there is no significant difference in gingival & plaque scores among two mouthrinses from baseline to 45 days and 90 days. It was observed that there is statistical difference in gingival and plaque scores when compared with baseline to 45 days (p<0.001), baseline to 90 days (p<0.001) and 45 days to 90 days (p<0.001) when intergroup comparisons were done.

Conclusion:

It was concluded that dill seed oil and Hexodent (0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate) mouthrinse have similar antiplaque and antigingival effectiveness.
Islamic state: Between myth and reality
Authors: Bjelajac Zeljko
Published: May 2016

Contemporary Islamic religious fanaticism and terrorism is increasing in
spite of the opposition of the international community and the measures taken
to combat trafficking. In today?s highly complex and in many ways a specific
stage of development of society, there was a typical terrorist formation -
the Islamic state, which has seen such a rise that has become the strongest,
largest and richest terrorist organization in the world. Because of its
ideology and goals, brutality and violence that implements, it generates a
huge threat to regional and global security generally speaking. Until a
decade ago, this kind of epilogue to the expansion of Islamic extremism and
terrorism was virtually unthinkable. That is why the title of this paper is
trying to suggest to all the controversy and intricacy of global Islamist
trends, linking radical fundamentalism, the state in which the dominating
Muslim population and the Islamic religion, and terrorism is above all a
product of the strengthening of radical Islamic teachings-wahhabism.
A pragmatic approach towards designing a second shutdown system for Tehran research reactor
Authors: Boustani Ehsan , Khakshournia Samad , Khalafi Hossein
Published: May 2016

One second shutdown system is proposed for the Tehran Research Reactor to
achieve the goal of higher safety in compliance with current operational
requirements and regulations and improve the overall reliability of the
reactor shutdown system. The proposed second shutdown system is a diverse,
independent shutdown system compared to the existing rod based one that
intends to achieve and maintain sub-criticality condition with an enough
shutdown margin in many of abnormal situations. It is designed as much as
practical based on neutron absorber solution injection into the existing core
while the changes and interferences with the existing core structure are kept
to a minimum. Core neutronic calculations were performed using MCNPX 2.6.0
and MTR_PC package for the current operational core equipped with the second
shutdown system, and one experiment was conducted in the Tehran Research
Reactor to test the neutronic calculations. A good agreement was seen between
theoretical results and experimental ones. In addition, capability of the
second shutdown system in the case of occurrence of design basis accident in
the Tehran Research Reactor is demonstrated using PARET program.
Radon measurements with charcoal canisters temperature and humidity considerations
Authors: Zivanovic Milos , Pantelic Gordana , Krneta-Nikolic Jelena , Rajacic Milica , Todorovic Dragana
Published: May 2016

Radon testing by using open-faced charcoal canisters is a cheap and fast
screening method. Many laboratories perform the sampling and measurements
according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency method - EPA
520. According to this method, no corrections for temperature are applied and
corrections for humidity are based on canister mass gain. The EPA method is
practiced in the Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences with recycled canisters.
In the course of measurements, it was established that the mass gain of the
recycled canisters differs from mass gain measured by Environmental
Protection Agency in an active atmosphere. In order to quantify and correct
these discrepancies, in the laboratory, canisters were exposed for periods of
3 and 4 days between February 2015 and December 2015. Temperature and
humidity were monitored continuously and mass gain measured. No significant
correlation between mass gain and temperature was found. Based on
Environmental Protection Agency calibration data, functional dependence of
mass gain on humidity was determined, yielding Environmental Protection
Agency mass gain curves. The results of mass gain measurements of recycled
canisters were plotted against these curves and a discrepancy confirmed.
After correcting the independent variable in the curve equation and
calculating the corrected mass gain for recycled canisters, the agreement
between measured mass gain and Environmental Protection Agency mass gain
curves was attained.
Effects of maropitant in cats receiving dexmedetomidine and morphine
Authors: Martin-Flores Manuel , Sakai Daniel M. , Learn McKenzie M. , Mastrocco Alicia , Campoy Luis , Boesch Jordyn M. , Gleed Robin D.
Published: May 2016

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of maropitant in cats receiving dexmedetomidine and morphine.

DESIGN Randomized controlled trial.

ANIMALS 66 healthy female domestic shorthair cats.

PROCEDURES Cats were randomly assigned to receive maropitant (1 mg/kg [0.45 mg/lb], SC; maropitant group; n = 32) or saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (0.1 mL/kg [0.045 mL/lb], SC; control group; 34) 20 hours before IM administration of dexmedetomidine (20 μg/kg [9.1 μg/lb]) and morphine (0.1 mg/kg). Following administration of dexmedetomidine and morphine, the incidences of emesis, retching, and signs of nausea (sialorrhea and lip licking) were compared between the 2 groups. The aversive behavioral response of each cat to injection of maropitant or saline solution was scored on a visual analogue scale by each of 4 observers who were unaware of the treatment administered.

RESULTS Only 1 of 32 cats in the maropitant group vomited, whereas 20 of 34 control cats vomited. The incidences of emesis and retching for the maropitant group were significantly lower than those for the control group. The incidence of signs of nausea did not differ between the 2 groups. Visual analogue scale scores for the maropitant group were significantly higher than those for the control group.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results of the present study indicated that administration of maropitant to healthy cats approximately 20 hours prior to administration of dexmedetomidine and morphine significantly decreased the incidence of emesis but did not decrease the incidence of signs of nausea. However, maropitant appeared to cause substantial discomfort when injected SC.
Effects of intramuscular injection of glycopyrrolate on Schirmer tear test I results in dogs
Authors: Doering Clinton J. , Lukasik Victoria M. , Merideth Reuben E.
Published: May 2016

OBJECTIVE To determine effects of glycopyrrolate administered IM on Schirmer tear test I (STT I) measurements in dogs.

DESIGN Prospective clinical study.

ANIMALS 13 client- and staff-owned dogs.

PROCEDURES For both eyes of each dog, STT I measurements were recorded twice 20 minutes apart (at T1 and T2) and 2 to 4 hours later (at T3). Glycopyrrolate (0.01 mg/kg [0.005 mg/lb]) was administered IM to all dogs (3 dogs received an injection of saline [0.9% NaCl] solution on an earlier occasion), and final STT I measurements were recorded 20 minutes later (at T4). Intraocular pressures, heart rate, and respiratory rate were also recorded at each time point.

RESULTS Ophthalmic variables did not differ between right and left eyes. In all dogs, variables at T1, T2, or T3 (measurements before glycopyrrolate administration) did not differ; baseline values were therefore defined at T3. At T4, STT I measurements were significantly decreased (mean ± SD decrease, 67.4 ± 15.4% [mean actual decrease, 15.8 mm/min]). During the same period, mean heart rate increased by 26.5 ± 12.0% (mean actual increase, 30.2 beats/min). Glycopyrrolate had no effect on intraocular pressure or respiratory rate. In 5 dogs at 24 hours after glycopyrrolate treatment, STT I measurement in each eye had returned to baseline value. Saline solution treatment (3 dogs) had no effect on any variables.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In dogs, IM injection of glycopyrrolate resulted in a clinically relevant transient decrease in aqueous tear production. Application of lacrimomimetics beginning at the time of or within 20 minutes after glycopyrrolate premedication is recommended until STT I measurements return to baseline.
A Multigrade, Multiyear Statewide Examination of Reading Achievement
Authors: Adelson Jill L. , Dickinson Emily R. , Cunningham Brittany C.
Published: May 2016

This brief examined the patterns of reading achievement using statewide data from all students (Grades 3–10) in multiple years to examine gaps based on student, school, and district characteristics. Results indicate reading achievement varied most between students within schools and that students’ prior achievement was the strongest predictor of current achievement. Achievement gaps were identified for males, Black students, students receiving meal subsidies, and schools with higher proportions of students receiving meal subsidies. A “clientele effect” was also found. Policy implications are discussed.
Physical and Degradable Properties of Mulching Films Prepared from Natural Fibers and Biodegradable Polymers
Authors: Tan Zhijian , Yi Yongjian , Wang Hongying , Zhou Wanlai , Yang Yuanru , Wang Chaoyun
Published: May 2016

The use of plastic film in agriculture has the serious drawback of producing vast quantities of waste. In this work, films were prepared from natural fibers and biodegradable polymers as potential substitutes for the conventional non-biodegradable plastic film used as mulching material in agricultural production. The physical properties (e.g., mechanical properties, heat preservation, water permeability, and photopermeability) and degradation characteristics (evaluated by micro-organic culture testing and soil burial testing) of the films were studied in both laboratory and field tests. The experimental results indicated that these fiber/polymer films exhibited favorable physical properties that were sufficient for use in mulching film applications. Moreover, the degradation degree of the three tested films decreased in the following order: fiber/starch (ST) film > fiber/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) film > fiber/polyacrylate (PA) film. The fiber/starch and fiber/PVA films were made from completely biodegradable materials and demonstrated the potential to substitute non-biodegradable films.
Hydropower Production in Future Climate Scenarios: The Case for Kwanza River, Angola
Authors: Hamududu Byman , Killingtveit Ånund
Published: May 2016

Climate change is altering hydrological processes with varying degrees in various regions of the world and remains a threat to water resources projects in southern Africa. The likely negative impacts of changes in Africa may be worse than in most other regions of the world. This study is an evaluation of the possible impacts of climate change on water resources and hydropower production potential in Kwanza River Basin, Angola. The regional climate data, the basis for future climate scenarios, is used in the hydrological model HBV to assess climate change impacts on water resources in the Kwanza River Basin. Evaluation of changes in hydropower production potential is carried out using an energy model. The simulations show that annual rainfall in 2080 would increase by approximately 16% with increasing inter-annual variability of rainfall and dry season river flow and later onset of the rainy season. The simulation results show that for the Kwanza River Basin the effects as a result of changes in the future climate, in general, will be positive. Consequently, the increase in water resources will lead to increased hydropower production potential in the basin by up to 10%.
Evidence for the Induction of Key Components of the NOTCH Signaling Pathway via Deltamethrin and Azamethiphos Treatment in the Sea Louse Caligus rogercresseyi
Authors: Boltaña Sebastian , Chávez-Mardones Jaqueline , Valenzuela-Muñoz Valentina , Gallardo-Escárate Cristian
Published: May 2016

The extensive use of organophosphates and pyrethroids in the aquaculture industry has negatively impacted parasite sensitivity to the delousing effects of these antiparasitics, especially among sea lice species. The NOTCH signaling pathway is a positive regulator of ABC transporter subfamily C expression and plays a key role in the generation and modulation of pesticide resistance. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms behind pesticide resistance, partly due to the lack of genomic and molecular information on the processes involved in the resistance mechanism of sea lice. Next-generation sequencing technologies provide an opportunity for rapid and cost-effective generation of genome-scale data. The present study, through RNA-seq analysis, determined that the sea louse Caligus rogercresseyi (C. rogercresseyi) specifically responds to the delousing drugs azamethiphos and deltamethrin at the transcriptomic level by differentially activating mRNA of the NOTCH signaling pathway and of ABC genes. These results suggest that frequent antiparasitic application may increase the activity of inhibitory mRNA components, thereby promoting inhibitory NOTCH output and conditions for increased resistance to delousing drugs. Moreover, data analysis underscored that key functions of NOTCH/ABC components were regulated during distinct phases of the drug response, thus indicating resistance modifications in C. rogercresseyi resulting from the frequent use of organophosphates and pyrethroids.
Hans Georg Trüper (1936–2016) and His Contributions to Halophile Research
Authors: Oren Aharon
Published: May 2016

Prof. Hans Georg Trüper, one of the most important scientists in the field of halophile research, passed away on 9 March 2016 at the age of 79. I here present a brief obituary with special emphasis on Prof. Trüper’s contributions to our understanding of the halophilic prokaryotes and their adaptations to life in hypersaline environments. He has pioneered the study of the halophilic anoxygenic phototrophic sulfur bacteria of the Ectothiorhodospira—Halorhodospira group. Some of the species he and his group isolated from hypersaline and haloalkaline environments have become model organisms for the study of the mechanisms of haloadaptation: the functions of three major organic compounds – glycine betaine, ectoine, and trehalose – known to serve as “compatible solutes” in halophilic members of the Bacteria domain, were discovered during studies of these anoxygenic phototrophs. Prof. Trüper’s studies of hypersaline alkaline environments in Egypt also led to the isolation of the first known extremely halophilic archaeon (Natronomonas pharaonis). The guest editors dedicate this special volume of Life to the memory of Prof. Hans Georg Trüper.
Bacterial Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: Their Biosynthetic Genes, Functions, and Practical Use
Authors: Yoshida Kiyohito , Hashimoto Mikako , Hori Ryuji , Adachi Takumi , Okuyama Hidetoshi , Orikasa Yoshitake , Nagamine Tadashi , Shimizu Satoru , Ueno Akio , Morita Naoki
Published: May 2016

The nutritional and pharmaceutical values of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) such as arachidonic, eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids have been well recognized. These LC-PUFAs are physiologically important compounds in bacteria and eukaryotes. Although little is known about the biosynthetic mechanisms and functions of LC-PUFAs in bacteria compared to those in higher organisms, a combination of genetic, bioinformatic, and molecular biological approaches to LC-PUFA-producing bacteria and some eukaryotes have revealed the notably diverse organization of the pfa genes encoding a polyunsaturated fatty acid synthase complex (PUFA synthase), the LC-PUFA biosynthetic processes, and tertiary structures of the domains of this enzyme. In bacteria, LC-PUFAs appear to take part in specific functions facilitating individual membrane proteins rather than in the adjustment of the physical fluidity of the whole cell membrane. Very long chain polyunsaturated hydrocarbons (LC-HCs) such as hentriacontanonaene are considered to be closely related to LC-PUFAs in their biosynthesis and function. The possible role of LC-HCs in strictly anaerobic bacteria under aerobic and anaerobic environments and the evolutionary relationships of anaerobic and aerobic bacteria carrying pfa-like genes are also discussed.
Identifying Categorical Land Use Transition and Land Degradation in Northwestern Drylands of Ethiopia
Authors: Zewdie Worku , Csaplovics Elmar
Published: May 2016

Land use transition in dryland ecosystems is one of the major driving forces to landscape change that directly impacts the welfare of humans. In this study, the support vector machine (SVM) classification algorithm and cross tabulation matrix analysis are used to identify systematic and random processes of change. The magnitude and prevailing signals of land use transitions are assessed taking into account net change and swap change. Moreover, spatiotemporal patterns and the relationship of precipitation and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) are explored to evaluate landscape degradation. The assessment showed that 44% of net change and about 54% of total change occurred during the study period, with the latter being due to swap change. The conversion of over 39% of woodland to cropland accounts for the existence of the highest loss of valuable ecosystem of the region. The spatial relationship of NDVI and precipitation also showed R2 of below 0.5 over 55% of the landscape with no significant changes in the precipitation trend, thus representing an indicative symptom of land degradation. This in-depth analysis of random and systematic landscape change is crucial for designing policy intervention to halt woodland degradation in this fragile environment.
Self-Mixing Demodulation for Coherent Phase-Sensitive OTDR System
Authors: He Haijun , Shao Li-Yang , Li Zonglei , Zhang Zhiyong , Zou Xihua , Luo Bin , Pan Wei , Yan Lianshan
Published: May 2016

Phase-sensitive optical time domain reflectometry (Ф-OTDR) attracts much attention due to its capability of telling the type and position of an intrusion simultaneously. In recent decades, coherent Ф-OTDR has been demonstrated to realize long-distance detection. For coherent Ф-OTDR, there are three typical demodulation schemes in the reported studies. However, they still cannot realize real-time monitoring to satisfy practical demands. A simple and effective demodulation method based on self-mixing has been put forward to demodulate the beat signal in coherent Ф-OTDR. It not only saves a local electrical oscillator and frequency locked loop, but also demodulates the beat signal without residual frequency. Several vibrations with different frequency were separately applied at the same location of a 42.5 km fiber. The spatial resolution of 10 m and frequency response range from 8 Hz to 980 Hz have been achieved. The precise location with signal-to-noise ratio of 21.4 dB and broadband measurement demonstrate the self-mixing scheme can demodulate the coherent Ф-OTDR signal effectively.
Wind Tunnel Analysis of the Airflow through Insect-Proof Screens and Comparison of Their Effect When Installed in a Mediterranean Greenhouse
Authors: López Alejandro , Molina-Aiz Francisco , Valera Diego , Peña Araceli
Published: May 2016

The present work studies the effect of three insect-proof screens with different geometrical and aerodynamic characteristics on the air velocity and temperature inside a Mediterranean multi-span greenhouse with three roof vents and without crops, divided into two independent sectors. First, the insect-proof screens were characterised geometrically by analysing digital images and testing in a low velocity wind tunnel. The wind tunnel tests gave screen discharge coefficient values of Cd,φ of 0.207 for screen 1 (10 × 20 threads·cm−2; porosity φ = 35.0%), 0.151 for screen 2 (13 × 30 threads·cm−2; φ = 26.3%) and 0.325 for screen 3 (10 × 20 threads·cm−2; porosity φ = 36.0%), at an air velocity of 0.25 m·s−1. Secondly, when screens were installed in the greenhouse, we observed a statistical proportionality between the discharge coefficient at the openings and the air velocity ui measured in the centre of the greenhouse, ui = 0.856 Cd + 0.062 (R2 = 0.68 and p-value = 0.012). The inside-outside temperature difference ΔTio diminishes when the inside velocity increases following the statistically significant relationship ΔTio = (−135.85 + 57.88/ui)0.5 (R2 = 0.85 and p-value = 0.0011). Different thread diameters and tension affects the screen thickness, and means that similar porosities may well be associated with very different aerodynamic characteristics. Screens must be characterised by a theoretical function Cd,φ = [(2eμ/Kpρ)·(1/us) + (2eY/Kp0.5)]−0.5 that relates the discharge coefficient of the screen Cd,φ with the air velocity us. This relationship depends on the three parameters that define the aerodynamic behaviour of porous medium: permeability Kp, inertial factor Y and screen thickness e (and on air temperature that determine its density ρ and viscosity μ). However, for a determined temperature of air, the pressure drop-velocity relationship can be characterised only with two parameters: ΔP = aus2 + bus.
Masculinities in Cyberspace: An Analysis of Portrayals of Manhood in Men’s Rights Activist Websites
Authors: Schmitz Rachel , Kazyak Emily
Published: May 2016

A growth in cultural ideologies concerned with men and masculinities in contemporary American society has recently emerged. Men’s rights activist (MRA) groups embody a movement emphasizing the crisis of masculinity. Despite men’s privileged societal status, MRAs seek to establish resources for men to utilize in elevating their perceived subordinated position in society in relation to women and social minorities. Little research has systematically investigated MRAs on the Internet, which is rapidly becoming a primary source of information and social connectedness for people. Through a content analysis of the 12 most prominent MRA websites, we explore the various strategies used by contemporary men’s groups designed to provide support for men in their pursuit of social legitimacy and power. Two primary categories of MRAs with distinctive ideological strategies emerged from this analysis: Cyber Lads in Search of Masculinity and Virtual Victims in Search of Equality. Though both groups promoted men’s entitlement to social power, Cyber Lads utilized themes of explicit aggression towards and devaluation of women, while Virtual Victims adopted political and social movement rhetoric to address men’s issues. The implications of these websites are discussed in terms of gender equality and their potential effects on individual men and women.
Developing an Indicator System for Measuring the Social Sustainability of Offshore Wind Power Farms
Authors: Shiau Tzay-An , Chuen-Yu Ji-Kai
Published: May 2016

Taiwan’s government has promoted investment in an offshore wind power farm, and local fishermen have protested. A social impact assessment (SIA) has examined the impact of the proposed offshore wind power farm on all stakeholders. The main objective of the present study was to develop an indicator system for measuring the social sustainability of offshore wind power farms; this study also reports on the particular case of Taiwan’s offshore wind power project. This study began by defining 35 social sustainability indicators and selecting 23 representative indicators by using rough set theory. Subsequently, 14 key indicators were constructed using the social construction of technology (SCOT) method. Finally, we developed a social impact index for evaluating the social sustainability of offshore wind power farms by using the analytic network process and Dempster-Shafer theory. Our social impact index yields a total score of 0.149 for Taiwan’s pilot offshore wind power project; this result indicates that the pilot project is socially sustainable. A substantial contradiction exists between the fishermen’s protest and the results of the social impact assessment. The findings can assist the government in building a coordination platform for the investors and the fishermen. Government regulation is necessary to set boundaries for fishing areas that protect both the fishermen’s and investors’ rights.
Wetland Transitions and Protection under Rapid Urban Expansion: A Case Study of Pearl River Estuary, China
Authors: Zhao Hui , Wang Xiaodan , Cai Yanjiang , Liu Weilong
Published: May 2016

Understanding wetland changes under urbanization is important for wetland management. In this study, net transition intensity (NTI) and total transition intensity (TTI) are presented to characterize wetland transitions based on spatial data obtained from Landsat satellite images of Pearl River estuary in South China. NTI is commonly used to represent changes in absolute amounts for each class of wetland, while TTI reflects the internal transition activities and amounts. The third index, the urbanization intensity index (UII), is used to investigate the intensity and velocity of urban land expansion at the same time periods. The results show that one-third of the total wetland area was lost from 1979 to 2009 in the study area and seven types of estuarine wetlands were degraded. The basic pattern of wetland transition is from natural wetlands to constructed wetlands and then to urban lands. Intertidal mud and sand and paddy fields were the major natural and constructed wetlands, respectively, transferred to urban lands. The TTI value was generally greater than the NTI value for these wetlands. TTI >> NTI is an important indicator for wetland transitions under rapid urban expansion in the Pearl River estuary. Based on the integration of the two indices (NTI and TTI), a protection and management plan framework for the Pearl River estuary wetlands is proposed. This plan emphasizes the key and important zones and their different features, and includes actions that can be implemented in and around natural and constructed wetlands.
Monoclonal IgA Antibodies for Aflatoxin Immunoassays
Authors: Ertekin Özlem , Pirinçci Şerife , Öztürk Selma
Published: May 2016

Antibody based techniques are widely used for the detection of aflatoxins which are potent toxins with a high rate of occurrence in many crops. We developed a murine monoclonal antibody of immunoglobulin A (IgA) isotype with a strong binding affinity to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), aflatoxin B2 (AFB2), aflatoxin G1 (AFG1), aflatoxin G2 (AFG2) and aflatoxin M1 (AFM1). The antibody was effectively used in immunoaffinity column (IAC) and ELISA kit development. The performance of the IACs was compatible with AOAC performance standards for affinity columns (Test Method: AOAC 991.31). The total binding capacity of the IACs containing our antibody was 111 ng, 70 ng, 114 ng and 73 ng for AFB1, AFB2, and AFG1 andAFG2, respectively. Furthermore, the recovery rates of 5 ng of each AF derivative loaded to the IACs were determined as 104.9%, 82.4%, 85.5% and 70.7% for AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2, respectively. As for the ELISA kit developed using non-oriented, purified IgA antibody, we observed a detection range of 2–50 µg/L with 40 min total test time. The monoclonal antibody developed in this research is hitherto the first presentation of quadruple antigen binding IgA monoclonal antibodies in mycotoxin analysis and also the first study of their utilization in ELISA and IACs. IgA antibodies are valuable alternatives for immunoassay development, in terms of both sensitivity and ease of preparation, since they do not require any orientation effort.
Use of Animal Fibres during the Neolithisation in the Middle Euphrates Valley (Syria): An Archaeozoological Approach
Authors: Saña Maria , Tornero Carlos
Published: May 2016

Since Gordon Childe highlights the importance of textile production from animal fibres in the Neolithic more than 75 years ago, several approaches from different fields dealt with this subject of study. This contribution summarize the investigation on the exploitation of animal fi bres designed from archaeozoology in south-west Asia in the last years, considering different aspects like the initial chronology of the use and exploitation, technical requirements for textile production and the organization of this craft industry at a community level. Special remark is done for the process of neolithisation in the Middle Euphrates Valley, using the site of Tell Halula (Middle PPNB) as a case study, complemented with other recent Halaf occupations references from Tell Amarna and Chagar Bazar, all of them in the Syrian Arab Republic.
Changes in Fiber Use and Spinning Technologies on the Iranian Plateau: A comparative and diachronic study of spindle whorls ca 4500-2500 BCE
Authors: Good Irene
Published: May 2016

Spindle whorls are an ubiquitous artifact, yet can often be elusive in their interpretation. Nomenclature inconsistencies make comparative studies challenging, and lack of information or detail on primary context can compromise efforts to reconstruct the organization of textile production. Given these limitations, several important technical studies of spindle whorls have recently appeared in the literature, allowing a broad comparative study to take place for the Iranian Plateau. This paper examines whorls from several sites, from Sarazm in northwestern Tajikistan to Cheshmeh Ali in north-central Iran, from the mid-fi fth to the later third millennium BCE, to fi nd broad trends in spinning technology over time and across space. Insights from ethnoarchaeological studies and from analysis of enigmatic artifacts often associated with spindle whorls in this region raise several questions, namely does a unique spinning toolkit exist ? Is there a marked change in spinning after the use of wool became widespread, and if so is this visible in corresponding changes in the form, weight and material of whorls ? Finally, what can be said about the notion of spindle whorls being a marker of identity on the Iranian Plateau ?