bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Objective Measures for the Assessment of Post-Operative Pain in Bos indicus Bull Calves Following Castration
Authors: Musk Gabrielle C , Jacobsen Stine , Hyndman Timothy H. , Lehmann Heidi S. , Tuke S Jonathon , Collins Teresa , Gleerup Karina B. , Johnson Craig B. , Laurence Michael
Published: September 2017

The aim of the study was to assess pain in Bos indicus bull calves following surgical castration. Forty-two animals were randomised to four groups: no castration (NC, n = 6); castration with pre-operative lidocaine (CL, n = 12); castration with pre-operative meloxicam (CM, n = 12); and, castration alone (C, n = 12). Bodyweight was measured regularly and pedometers provided data on activity and rest from day −7 (7 days prior to surgery) to 13. Blood was collected for the measurement of serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin, fibrinogen, and iron on days 0, 3 and 6. Bodyweight and pedometry data were analysed with a mixed effect model. The blood results were analysed with repeated measure one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). There was no treatment effect on bodyweight or activity. The duration of rest was greatest in the CM group and lowest in the C group. There was a significant increase in the concentrations of SAA, haptoglobin, and fibrinogen in all of the groups from day 0 to 3. Iron concentrations were not different at the time points it was measured. The results of this study suggest that animals rest for longer periods after the pre-operative administration of meloxicam. The other objective assessments measured in this study were not able to consistently differentiate between treatment groups.
Chemotherapy-Induced Tissue Injury: An Insight into the Role of Extracellular Vesicles-Mediated Oxidative Stress Responses
Authors: Yarana Chontida , St. Clair Daret
Published: September 2017

The short- and long-term side effects of chemotherapy limit the maximum therapeutic dose and impair quality of life of survivors. Injury to normal tissues, especially chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy, is an unintended outcome that presents devastating health impacts. Approximately half of the drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration for cancer treatment are associated with the generation of reactive oxygen species, and Doxorubicin (Dox) is one of them. Dox undergoes redox cycling by involving its quinone structure in the production of superoxide free radicals, which are thought to be instrumental to the role it plays in cardiomyopathy. Dox-induced protein oxidation changes protein function, translocation, and aggregation that are toxic to cells. To maintain cellular homeostasis, oxidized proteins can be degraded intracellularly by ubiquitin-proteasome pathway or by autophagy, depending on the redox status of the cell. Alternatively, the cell can remove oxidized proteins by releasing extracellular vesicles (EVs), which can be transferred to neighboring or distant cells, thereby instigating an intercellular oxidative stress response. In this article, we discuss the role of EVs in oxidative stress response, the potential of EVs as sensitive biomarkers of oxidative stress, and the role of superoxide dismutase in attenuating EV-associated oxidative stress response resulting from chemotherapy.
The Phase Evolution and Property of FeCoCrNiAlTix High-Entropy Alloying Coatings on Q253 via Laser Cladding
Authors: He Bin , Zhang Nannan , Lin Danyang , Zhang Yue , Dong Fuyu , Li Deyuan
Published: September 2017

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) are emerging as a hot research frontier in the metallic materials field. The study on the effect of alloying elements on the structure and properties of HEAs may contribute to the progress of the research and accelerate the application in actual production. FeCoCrNiAlTix (x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 in at.%, respectively) HEA coatings with different Ti concentrations were produced on Q235 steel via laser cladding. The constituent phases, microstructure, hardness, and wear resistance of the coatings were investigated by XRD, SEM, microhardness tester and friction-wear tester, respectively. The results show that the structure of the coating is a eutectic microstructure of FCC and BCC1 at x = 0. The structure of coatings consists of both proeutectic FCC phase and the eutectic structure of BCC1 and BCC2. With the continuous addition of Ti, the amount of eutectic structure decreases. The average hardness of the FeCoCrNiAlTix HEA coatings at x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 are 432.73 HV, 548.81 HV, 651.03 HV, 769.20 HV, and 966.29 HV, respectively. The hardness of coatings increases with the addition of Ti, where the maximum hardness is achieved for the HEA at x = 1. The wear resistance of the HEA coatings is enhanced with the addition of Ti, and the main worn mechanism is abrasive wear.
Entropy Ensemble Filter: A Modified Bootstrap Aggregating (Bagging) Procedure to Improve Efficiency in Ensemble Model Simulation
Authors: Foroozand Hossein , Weijs Steven
Published: September 2017

Over the past two decades, the Bootstrap AGGregatING (bagging) method has been widely used for improving simulation. The computational cost of this method scales with the size of the ensemble, but excessively reducing the ensemble size comes at the cost of reduced predictive performance. The novel procedure proposed in this study is the Entropy Ensemble Filter (EEF), which uses the most informative training data sets in the ensemble rather than all ensemble members created by the bagging method. The results of this study indicate efficiency of the proposed method in application to synthetic data simulation on a sinusoidal signal, a sawtooth signal, and a composite signal. The EEF method can reduce the computational time of simulation by around 50% on average while maintaining predictive performance at the same level of the conventional method, where all of the ensemble models are used for simulation. The analysis of the error gradient (root mean square error of ensemble averages) shows that using the 40% most informative ensemble members of the set initially defined by the user appears to be most effective.
The Potential of Activated Carbon Made of Agro-Industrial Residues in NOx Immissions Abatement
Authors: Ghouma Imen , Jeguirim Mejdi , Sager Uta , Limousy Lionel , Bennici Simona , Däuber Eckhard , Asbach Christof , Ligotski Roman , Schmidt Frank , Ouederni Abdelmottaleb
Published: September 2017

The treatment of NOx from automotive gas exhaust has been widely studied, however the presence of low concentrations of NOx in confined areas is still under investigation. As an example, the concentration of NO2 can approximate 0.15 ppmv inside vehicles when people are driving on highways. This interior pollution becomes an environmental problem and a health problem. In the present work, the abatement of NO2 immission is studied at room temperature. Three activated carbons (ACs) prepared by physical (CO2 or H2O) or chemical activation (H3PO4) are tested as adsorbents. The novelty of this work consists in studying the adsorption of NO2 at low concentrations that approach real life immission concentrations and is experimentally realizable. The ACs present different structural and textural properties as well as functional surface groups, which induce different affinities with NO2. The AC prepared using water vapor activation presents the best adsorption capacity, which may originate from a more basic surface. The presence of a mesoporosity may also influence the diffusion of NO2 inside the carbon matrix. The high reduction activity of the AC prepared from H3PO4 activation is explained by the important concentration of acidic groups on its surface.
Seasonal Water Relations and Leaf Temperature in a Deciduous Dipterocarp Forest in Northeastern Thailand
Authors: Rundel Philip , Boonpragob Kansri , Patterson Mark
Published: September 2017

Deciduous dipterocarp forests across mainland Southeast Asia are dominated by two families: the Dipterocarpaceae and Fabaceae. Monsoon conditions produce strong seasonal climates with a hot dry season of 5–7 months extending from late November or early December through April or early May. Seasonal measurements of stomatal conductance and plant water potential found important differences between members of the two families. Despite their long dry season, Shorea siamensis and S. obtusa (Dipterocarpaceae) showed little significant patterns of seasonal change in xylem water potentials, with midday potentials never dropping below −1.3 MPa. These species present a classic example of isohydric strategies of adaptation where stomatal regulation maintains a relatively stable minimum water potential over the course of the year. However, maximum rates of stomatal conductance dropped sharply in the late dry season as the leaves heated in full sun without significant transpirational cooling, reaching as high as 44–45 °C, making them potentially sensitive to global increases in extreme temperature. The woody legumes Xylia kerrii and Dalbergia oliveri present different patterns of seasonal water relations and leaf response to high temperatures. The legumes exhibit anisohydric behavior where water potential decreases over the dry season as evaporative demand increases. Dry season midday water potentials dropped from high wet season levels to −2.4 to −3.2 MPa, moderately lowering maximum stomatal conductance. The relatively small leaflets of these legumes responded to the high temperatures of the late dry season by temporarily wilting, reducing their exposure to solar radiation and taking advantage of convective cooling. Large leaf size of dipterocarps in this community may not be an adaptive trait but rather an ancestral condition compensated for with ecophysiological adaptations.
The Emerging Role of Zinc in the Pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Choi Bo , Jung Jong , Suh Sang
Published: September 2017

Our lab has previously demonstrated that multiple sclerosis-induced spinal cord white matter damage and motor deficits are mediated by the pathological disruption of zinc homeostasis. Abnormal vesicular zinc release and intracellular zinc accumulation may mediate several steps in the pathophysiological processes of multiple sclerosis (MS), such as matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) activation, blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption, and subsequent immune cell infiltration from peripheral systems. Oral administration of a zinc chelator decreased BBB disruption, immune cell infiltration, and spinal white matter myelin destruction. Therefore, we hypothesized that zinc released into the extracellular space during MS progression is involved in destruction of the myelin sheath in spinal cord white mater and in generation of motor deficits. To confirm our previous study, we employed zinc transporter 3 (ZnT3) knockout mice to test whether vesicular zinc depletion shows protective effects on multiple sclerosis-induced white matter damage and motor deficits. ZnT3 gene deletion profoundly reduced the daily clinical score of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) by suppression of inflammation and demyelination in the spinal cord. ZnT3 gene deletion also remarkably inhibited formation of multiple sclerosis-associated aberrant synaptic zinc patches, MMP-9 activation, and BBB disruption. These two studies strongly support our hypothesis that zinc release from presynaptic terminals may be involved in multiple sclerosis pathogenesis. Further studies will no doubt continue to add mechanistic detail to this process and with luck, clarify how these observations may lead to development of novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of multiple sclerosis.
In Vitro Findings of Titanium Functionalized with Estradiol via Polydopamine Adlayer
Authors: Steffi Chris , Shi Zhilong , Kong Chee , Wang Wilson
Published: September 2017

To improve orthopedic implant fixation and reduce post-operative complications, osteogenic molecules are delivered locally by immobilizing them on the surface of implants, which will modulate the biology of cell attachment and differentiation on the implant surface. Estradiol, a natural steroid hormone, maintains bone metabolism by decreasing bone resorption. It either directly or indirectly affects osteoclasts. In this work, estradiol was immobilized on a titanium surface by polydopamine adlayer. Immobilization of estradiol was confirmed by X-ray electron spectroscopy (XPS), immunofluorescence staining and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Estradiol-modified substrates enhanced alkaline phosphatases activity (ALP) and calcium deposition of osteoblasts. However, these substrates did not decrease tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity and actin ring formation of the osteoclast. The scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images of estradiol-modified substrates showed the formation of estradiol crystals, which decreased the potency of immobilized estradiol. Despite having a successful immobilization of estradiol via the polydopamine technique, the bioavailability and potency of coated estradiol is reduced due to crystallization, suggesting that this is not a suitable system for localized estradiol delivery as tested in vitro here. Consequently, other suitable platforms have to be explored for immobilizing estradiol that will prevent crystal formation while preserving the biological activity.
Sol-Gel Derived Adsorbents with Enzymatic and Complexonate Functions for Complex Water Remediation
Authors: Pogorilyi Roman , Pylypchuk Ievgen , Melnyk Inna , Zub Yurii , Seisenbaeva Gulaim , Kessler Vadim
Published: September 2017

Sol-gel technology is a versatile tool for preparation of complex silica-based materials with targeting functions for use as adsorbents in water purification. Most efficient removal of organic pollutants is achieved by using enzymatic reagents grafted on nano-carriers. However, enzymes are easily deactivated in the presence of heavy metal cations. In this work, we avoided inactivation of immobilized urease by Cu (II) and Cd (II) ions using magnetic nanoparticles provided with additional complexonate (diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid or DTPA) functions. Obtained nanomaterials were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). According to TGA, the obtained Fe3O4/SiO2-NH2-DTPA nanoadsorbents contained up to 0.401 mmol/g of DTPA groups. In the concentration range Ceq = 0–50 mmol/L, maximum adsorption capacities towards Cu (II) and Cd (II) ions were 1.1 mmol/g and 1.7 mmol/g, respectively. Langmuir adsorption model fits experimental data in concentration range Ceq = 0–10 mmol/L. The adsorption mechanisms have been evaluated for both of cations. Crosslinking of 5 wt % of immobilized urease with glutaraldehyde prevented the loss of the enzyme in repeated use of the adsorbent and improved the stability of the enzymatic function leading to unchanged activity in at least 18 cycles. Crosslinking of 10 wt % urease on the surface of the particles allowed a decrease in urea concentration in 20 mmol/L model solutions to 2 mmol/L in up to 10 consequent decomposition cycles. Due to the presence of DTPA groups, Cu2+ ions in concentration 1 µmol/L did not significantly affect the urease activity. Obtained magnetic Fe3O4/SiO2-NH2-DTPA-Urease nanocomposite sorbents revealed a high potential for urease decomposition, even in presence of heavy metal ions.
Qualitative and Quantitative Evaluation of Dietary Intake in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Federico Alessandro , Dallio Marcello , Caprio Giuseppe , Gravina Antonietta , Picascia Desiree , Masarone Mario , Persico Marcello , Loguercio Carmela
Published: September 2017

There are very few reports about the intake of nutrients for the development or progression of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The aim of this study was to identify the dietary habits and the nutrient intake in patients with NASH, in comparison to chronic hepatitis C (HCV)-related patients. We prospectively evaluated the intake of macronutrients and micronutrients in 124 NAFLD and 162 HCV patients, compared to 2326 subjects as a control group. We noticed major differences in macro- and micronutrients intakes in NASH and HCV patients compared to controls. Proteins, carbohydrate (glucose, fructose, sucrose, maltose and amide), saturated fatty acid (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), folic acid, vitamin A and C (p < 0.0001), and thiamine (p < 0.0003) ingestion was found to be higher in patients with NASH, while total lipids, polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), riboflavin and vitamin B6 daily intake were lower compared to controls (p < 0.0001). Similarly, NASH patients had significantly reduced carbohydrate intake (p < 0.0001) and an increased intake of calcium (p < 0.0001) compared to HCV positive patients. Finally, we showed in NASH males an increase in the intake of SFA, PUFA, soluble carbohydrates (p < 0.0001) and a decrease in the amount of fiber (p < 0.0001) compared to control males. In NASH female population, we showed an increase of daily total calories, SFA, MUFA, soluble carbohydrates, starch and vitamin D ingested (p < 0.0001) with a reduction of fibers and calcium (p < 0.0001) compared to control females. This study showed how NASH patients’ diets, in both male and females, is affected by a profound alteration in macro- and micronutrients intake.
Sugar- and Intense-Sweetened Drinks in Australia: A Systematic Review on Cardiometabolic Risk
Authors: Hoare Erin , Varsamis Pia , Owen Neville , Dunstan David , Jennings Garry , Kingwell Bronwyn
Published: September 2017

Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are consumed globally, and have been associated with adverse health outcomes, including weight gain, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and cardiovascular disease (CVD). There is global variation in beverage formulation in terms of glucose and fructose concentration, which may pose unique health risks linked to glycemic control for Australian consumers. However, previous systematic reviews have overlooked Australian-based literature. A systematic review was performed to synthesise evidence for the associations between consumption of SSBs and intense-sweetened beverages with clinical cardiometabolic risk factors in the Australian population. Articles were sourced from Global Health, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, Medline, and Culmative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature. To be eligible for review, studies had to report on the consumption of sugar-sweetened (including fruit juice and fruit drinks) and/or intense-sweetened beverages, and at least one clinical cardiometabolic risk factor. Eighteen studies were included in this review. Research has mostly focused on the relationship between SSB consumption and adiposity-related outcomes. No studies have examined indices of glycaemic control (glucose/insulin), and the evidence for the health impact of intense-sweetened drinks is limited. In addition, studies have primarily been of cross-sectional design, and have examined children and adolescents, as opposed to adult populations. In the Australian population, there is modest but consistent evidence that SSB consumption has adverse associations with weight, but there is insufficient data to assess relationships with cardiometabolic outcomes.
Association between Health Behaviours and Religion in Austrian High School Pupils—A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Gäbler Gabriele , Lycett Deborah , Hefti René
Published: September 2017

The prevalence of risk factors for chronic diseases such as smoking, alcohol abuse, low fruit and vegetable consumption, and lack of physical activity is high among young adults. Health behaviours are influenced by many factors and also by religious orientation, as American studies show. The aim of the present study was to explore whether a similar association with religion exists in Austria (Europe). A cross-sectional survey was carried out in seven randomly selected high schools, whereby a total of 225 11th-grade pupils (64% girls, 36% boys; average age 16.4 years) were surveyed by means of an online questionnaire. The study reveals a positive association between religion and healthy food choices as well as meal patterns. Smoking (number of cigarettes smoked daily) and alcohol consumption (getting drunk) was negatively associated with religion. These negative associations remained after adjusting for confounding factors using logistic regression analysis. Thus, the study showed that religion is associated with a reduction in these risky health behaviours in Austrian high school pupils. However, due to the limitations of the study design, causality cannot be inferred.
A Weighted Measurement Fusion Particle Filter for Nonlinear Multisensory Systems Based on Gauss–Hermite Approximation
Authors: Li Yun , Sun Shu , Hao Gang
Published: September 2017

We addressed the fusion estimation problem for nonlinear multisensory systems. Based on the Gauss–Hermite approximation and weighted least square criterion, an augmented high-dimension measurement from all sensors was compressed into a lower dimension. By combining the low-dimension measurement function with the particle filter (PF), a weighted measurement fusion PF (WMF-PF) is presented. The accuracy of WMF-PF appears good and has a lower computational cost when compared to centralized fusion PF (CF-PF). An example is given to show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.
Eddy Current Testing with Giant Magnetoresistance (GMR) Sensors and a Pipe-Encircling Excitation for Evaluation of Corrosion under Insulation
Authors: Bailey Joseph , Long Nicholas , Hunze Arvid
Published: September 2017

This work investigates an eddy current-based non-destructive testing (NDT) method to characterize corrosion of pipes under thermal insulation, one of the leading failure mechanisms for insulated pipe infrastructure. Artificial defects were machined into the pipe surface to simulate the effect of corrosion wall loss. We show that by using a giant magnetoresistance (GMR) sensor array and a high current (300 A), single sinusoidal low frequency (5–200 Hz) pipe-encircling excitation scheme it is possible to quantify wall loss defects without removing the insulation or weather shield. An analysis of the magnetic field distribution and induced currents was undertaken using the finite element method (FEM) and analytical calculations. Simple algorithms to remove spurious measured field variations not associated with defects were developed and applied. The influence of an aluminium weather shield with discontinuities and dents was ascertained and found to be small for excitation frequency values below 40 Hz. The signal dependence on the defect dimensions was analysed in detail. The excitation frequency at which the maximum field amplitude change occurred increased linearly with the depth of the defect by about 3 Hz/mm defect depth. The change in magnetic field amplitude due to defects for sensors aligned in the azimuthal and radial directions were measured and found to be linearly dependent on the defect volume between 4400–30,800 mm3 with 1.2 × 10−3−1.6 × 10−3 µT/mm3. The results show that our approach is well suited for measuring wall loss defects similar to the defects from corrosion under insulation.
An Efficient Hardware Circuit for Spike Sorting Based on Competitive Learning Networks
Authors: Chen Huan-Yuan , Chen Chih-Chang , Hwang Wen-Jyi
Published: September 2017

This study aims to present an effective VLSI circuit for multi-channel spike sorting. The circuit supports the spike detection, feature extraction and classification operations. The detection circuit is implemented in accordance with the nonlinear energy operator algorithm. Both the peak detection and area computation operations are adopted for the realization of the hardware architecture for feature extraction. The resulting feature vectors are classified by a circuit for competitive learning (CL) neural networks. The CL circuit supports both online training and classification. In the proposed architecture, all the channels share the same detection, feature extraction, learning and classification circuits for a low area cost hardware implementation. The clock-gating technique is also employed for reducing the power dissipation. To evaluate the performance of the architecture, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) implementation is presented. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed circuit exhibits the advantages of a low chip area, a low power dissipation and a high classification success rate for spike sorting.
A Self-Evaluation System of Quality Planning for Tourist Attractions in Taiwan: An Integrated AHP-Delphi Approach from Career Professionals
Authors: Chen Luan , Ng Eric , Huang Shyh-Chang , Fang Wei-Ta
Published: September 2017

This study seeks to identify a set of key indicators along with weightings for tourist attractions in Taiwan, and develop a quality management self-evaluation mechanism for tourism businesses, using an advanced integrated Analytic Hierarchy Process and Delphi (AHP-Delphi) approach derived from the supply side perspective. This research study comprises two phases: (1) Delphi method analysis that involves 17 experts, providing confirmation about the evaluation criteria; and (2) Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) method which aims to allocate weightings to the evaluation criteria from the experts. Findings from the Delphi method analysis revealed the acceptance of two dimensions, six sub-dimensions and 17 indicators as key evaluation criteria. The AHP method analysis indicated that the most significant dimension was managing quality, with tourism services and public sector facilities being the most important sub-dimension and indicator respectively. The self-evaluation mechanism proposed in this planning perspectives can assist tourism businesses and national/regional Destination Management Organization to identify quality management problems and possible ways of enhancing quality tourism, so that tourism experience, and tourist’s satisfaction can be further improved effectively between the conflicting views by career professionals.
Measuring the Performance of Industrial Green Development Using a Non-Radial Directional Distance Function Approach: A Case Study of Jiangxi Province in China
Authors: Wang Wei , Xie Hualin , Lu Fucai , Zhang Xinmin
Published: September 2017

The industrial sector is a major contributor to resource consumption and environmental pollution in China. The energy-intensive industrial development and energy structure are dominated by coal, which has produced an enormous amount of industrial pollutants in China, and put great pressure on the ecological environment. Hence, improving the performance of industrial green development (PIGD) has become an urgent task of utmost importance. This study applies a global non-radial directional distance function to estimate the PIGD for Jiangxi Province during 2003–2015, and provides targeted policy suggestions. The empirical results show a rising trend in the PIGD in Jiangxi Province. At the city level, Nanchang and Fuzhou performed considerably better than other cities in regards to their PIGD. However, the poor environmental performance caused by the excessive discharge of industrial pollutants has also hindered its PIGD. Most cities in Jiangxi Province failed to efficiently use resources, especially energy and labor, in industrial production. The results of the influencing factor analysis show that the performance of industrial green development in Jiangxi could be improved through increasing per capita GDP, decreasing the share of coal consumption in the total industrial energy consumption, and decreasing the share of industrial GDP in the total GDP. Furthermore, a more efficient use of environmental management investment funds and timely transfer of the surplus industrial labor are needed.
Water–Soil–Vegetation Dynamic Interactions in Changing Climate
Authors: Wang Xixi , Chu Xuefeng , Liu Tingxi , Cheng Xiangju , Whittecar Rich
Published: September 2017

Previous studies of land degradation, topsoil erosion, and hydrologic alteration typically focus on these subjects individually, missing important interrelationships among these important aspects of the Earth’s system. However, an understanding of water–soil–vegetation dynamic interactions is needed to develop practical and effective solutions to sustain the globe’s eco-environment and grassland agriculture, which depends on grasses, legumes, and other fodder or soil-building crops. This special issue is intended to be a platform for a discussion of the relevant scientific findings based on experimental and/or modeling studies. Its 12 peer-reviewed articles present data, novel analysis/modeling approaches, and convincing results of water–soil–vegetation interactions under historical and future climates. Two of the articles examine how lake/pond water quality is related to human activity and climate. Overall, these articles can serve as important references for future studies to further advance our understanding of how water, soil, and vegetation interactively affect the health and productivity of the Earth’s ecosystem.
Effects of Intra-Storm Soil Moisture and Runoff Characteristics on Ephemeral Gully Development: Evidence from a No-Till Field Study
Authors: Karimov Vladimir , Sheshukov Aleksey
Published: September 2017

Ephemeral gully erosion, prevalent on agricultural landscapes of the Great Plains, is recognized as a large source of soil loss and a substantial contributor to the sedimentation of small ponds and large reservoirs. Multi-seasonal field studies can provide needed information on ephemeral gully development and its relationship to physical factors associated with field characteristics, rainfall patterns, runoff hydrograph, and management practices. In this study, an ephemeral gully on a no-till cultivated crop field in central Kansas, U.S., was monitored in 2013 and 2014. Data collection included continuous sub-hourly precipitation, soil moisture, soil temperature, and 15 field surveys of cross-sectional profiles in the headcut and channelized parts of the gully. Rainfall excess from a contributing catchment was calculated with the Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) model for all storm events and validated on channel flow measurements. Twelve significant runoff events with hydraulic shear stresses higher than the critical value were identified to potentially cause soil erosion in three out of fourteen survey periods. Analysis of shear stress imposed by peak channel flow on soil surface, antecedent soil moisture condition, and channel shape at individual events provided the basis on which to extend the definition of the critical shear stress function by incorporating the intra-storm changes in soil moisture content. One potential form of this function was suggested and tested with collected data. Similar field studies in other agriculturally-dominated areas and laboratory experiments can develop datasets for a better understanding of the physical mechanisms associated with ephemeral gully progression.
Selektive intraarterielle Radiotherapie (SIRT) maligner Lebertumoren
Authors: Ezziddin Samer , Antoch Gerald , Lauenstein Thomas , Amthauer Holger , Haug Alexander R. , Bockisch Andreas , Müller Stefan P.
Published: September 2017

These guidelines aim to support medical personnel and physicians working in oncology in selecting appropriate patients, in treatment planning, preparation and implementation of SIRT for the treatment of primary and secondary liver malignancies. The focus lies on the requirements in the treatment center with regard to staffing, technical, and organizational aspects including radiation safety. Patient selection need to be performed in an interdisciplinary tumor board including the medical team tasked with the treatment and a medical physics expert. The aims of the treatment, the workup necessary for patient selection and treatment planning, and for avoiding complications are presented as are the requirements for obtaining informed consent from the patient. The follow-up of patients after SIRT also requires interdisciplinary cooperation, including communication with the local family physician.
Isolation of polymorphic microsatellite loci in the New Zealand endemic sand‐binder, Ficinia spiralis (Cyperaceae)1
Authors: van Heugten Rachel A. , Hale Marie L. , Bryan Stacey , van Griensven Bart , Satter Sophia , Brailsford Lily , Buckley Hannah L.
Published: September 2017

Premise of the study:

Ficinia spiralis (Cyperaceae) is a declining sand‐binding sedge of ecological and cultural importance. Microsatellite primers were developed in F. spiralis to investigate how population genetic structure is related to the pronounced morphological, physiological, and ecological variation observed in this species.

Methods and Results:

A 454 shotgun‐sequencing approach was used to generate 157,274 raw sequence reads, 536 of which contained microsatellites. After initial primer testing for 40 loci, 14 polymorphic loci were isolated, containing five to 27 alleles per locus. Ten of these loci also amplified in a congener, F. nodosa.

Conclusions:

These loci will enable the assessment of the population genetic structure of F. spiralis, improving our understanding of the population processes underlying the observed morphological, physiological, and ecological variation in this endemic species. As the first microsatellites developed in Ficinia, these loci are a valuable resource for population genetic studies within this genus.
Application of PPP Solution to Determine the Absolute Vertical Crustal Movements: Case Study for Northeastern Europe
Authors: Kowalczyk Kamil , Bogusz Janusz
Published: September 2017

To estimate the relationship between vertical movements of the Earth’s crust, geoid temporal changes and Mean Sea Level (MSL) variations, a knowledge about the absolute (determined from satellite and space techniques) height changes over time is required. In this paper, we give an idea of determining the height changes with a use of Vertical Switching Edge Detection (VSED) algorithm. On the basis of the least squares estimation, the VSED method detects the discontinuities in time series and determines the values of jumps at the same time. We used the time series from PPP (Precise Point Positioning) solution obtained in NGL (Nevada Geodetic Laboratory) using satellite data gathered at more than 50 permanent stations located in Latvia, Lithuania and northeastern Poland. The minimum time span of data was set up to 3 years. Data were pre-analyzed by removing outliers and interpolating small gaps. The obtained results give an overview of a possibility of the proposed method to be used and the ongoing vertical movements on the area we considered.
Ambiguity Resolution in ZigBee Phase Shift Measurements
Using MAFA Method
Authors: Rapinski Jacek , Cellmer Slawomir , Janicka Joanna
Published: September 2017

This paper presents ZigBee module that is used for ranging in indoor positioning. The system is using the
phase shift measurements to determine the distances between user and anchors. The nature of phase shift measurements
is causing the results to be in the range of a single wave length. Thus, as in GNSS measurements, appears the problem
with ambiguity resolution. In satellite positioning this issue is well described but in range-based ZigBee positioning this
problem needs to be solved. The standard procedure to find the correct values of ambiguities is to search for a combination
of observation equations with smallest RMS. The authors propose a different solution – the Modified Ambiguity
Function Approach (MAFA). It is a method of GNSS carrier phase data processing. In this method, the integer nature
of ambiguities is taken into account in the functional model of the adjustment.
Limitations Imposed on Land Properties Resulting
from the Construction and Exploitation of Transmission
Devices in Poland
Authors: Sajnóg Natalia , Sobolewska-Mikulska Katarzyna
Published: September 2017

Sustainable social and economic development of the country, as well as the need to ensure its energy safety requiresthe
modernisation of the existing and construction of new transmission devices. The characteristic feature of technical
infrastructure is its linear nature, i.e. its course through numerous real estates, resulting in limitations imposed on such properties.
The limitations differ depending on the stage of the investment process. Such stages include the formal legal stage (designing
and collecting appropriate permits and decisions), the investment implementation stage, and the stage of exploitation
of transmission devices. Within the first stage, a limitation concerning land development may occur (location of investments
in planning documents); limitations of the use of land properties always occur in this case (acquisition of a legal title to the
land property disposal for building purposes). At the stage of construction, i.e. the investment implementation, limitations related
to the deterioration of the use of the land property may appear. The third stage may involve limitations connected with
the presence of transmission devices in the space of the land property, i.e. limitations which result from the actual use of the
land property by the transmission company.
The objective of this paper is to identify limitations imposed on land properties resulting from the construction and exploitation
of transmission infrastructure in Poland.
Efficiency of Natural Ventilation in Central Greenhouse
of Botanical Garden in Kosice
Authors: Kovac Martin , Kovacova Katarina , Sedlakova Anna
Published: September 2017

The object of paper is analysis of natural ventilation system in central greenhouse of Botanical garden in Kosice. The greenhouse was refurbished in 2015. The existing greenhouse covering from glass panels was replaced for polycarbonate panels. The ventilation system of central greenhouse is natural and there are used openings in covering (wall, roof). It is combination of thermally and wind driven ventilation. The main aim of contribution is to analyse different modes of natural ventilation during summer period mainly. The important factors that influence efficiency of natural ventilation in greenhouse are location and area of openings, temperature stratification in greenhouse, solar radiation level, wind speed and direction too. If the greenhouse is ventilated naturally only through external windows (roof windows are closed) the efficiency of ventilation is very poor. The defined modes of natural ventilation search the right location and size of opened windows in order to achieve the most efficiency ventilation of indoor environment. For this purpose the progressive dynamic simulation tool DesignBuilder is used where the geometrical and specific calculated model of whole central greenhouse was created.
The Size Distribution of Near-Earth Objects Larger Than 10 m
Authors: Trilling D. E. , Valdes F. , Allen L. , James D. , Fuentes C. , Herrera D. , Axelrod T. , Rajagopal J.
Published: September 2017

We analyzed data from the first year of a survey for Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) that we are carrying out with the Dark Energy Camera (DECam) on the 4 m Blanco telescope at the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory. We implanted synthetic NEOs into the data stream to derive our nightly detection efficiency as a function of magnitude and rate of motion. Using these measured efficiencies and the solar system absolute magnitudes derived by the Minor Planet Center for the 1377 measurements of 235 unique NEOs detected, we directly derive, for the first time from a single observational data set, the NEO size distribution from 1 km down to 10 m. We find that there are

NEOs larger than 10 m. This result implies a factor of 10 fewer small NEOs than some previous results, though our derived size distribution is in good agreement with several other estimates.
An Improved Empirical Harmonic Model of the Celestial Intermediate Pole Offsets from a Global VLBI Solution
Authors: Belda Santiago , Heinkelmann Robert , Ferrándiz José M. , Karbon Maria , Nilsson Tobias , Schuh Harald
Published: September 2017

Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) is the only space geodetic technique capable of measuring all the Earth orientation parameters (EOP) accurately and simultaneously. Modeling the Earth's rotational motion in space within the stringent consistency goals of the Global Geodetic Observing System (GGOS) makes VLBI observations essential for constraining the rotation theories. However, the inaccuracy of early VLBI data and the outdated products could cause non-compliance with these goals. In this paper, we perform a global VLBI analysis of sessions with different processing settings to determine a new set of empirical corrections to the precession offsets and rates, and to the amplitudes of a wide set of terms included in the IAU 2006/2000A precession-nutation theory. We discuss the results in terms of consistency, systematic errors, and physics of the Earth. We find that the largest improvements w.r.t. the values from IAU 2006/2000A precession-nutation theory are associated with the longest periods (e.g., 18.6-yr nutation). A statistical analysis of the residuals shows that the provided corrections attain an error reduction at the level of 15 μas. Additionally, including a Free Core Nutation (FCN) model into a priori Celestial Pole Offsets (CPOs) provides the lowest Weighted Root Mean Square (WRMS) of residuals. We show that the CPO estimates are quite insensitive to TRF choice, but slightly sensitive to the a priori EOP and the inclusion of different VLBI sessions. Finally, the remaining residuals reveal two apparent retrograde signals with periods of nearly 2069 and 1034 days.
Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope Observations of Head–Tail Radio Galaxies
Authors: Sebastian Biny , Lal Dharam V. , Rao A. Pramesh
Published: September 2017

We present results from a study of seven large known head–tail radio galaxies based on observations using the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope at 240 and 610 MHz. These observations are used to study the radio morphologies and distribution of the spectral indices across the sources. The overall morphology of the radio tails of these sources is suggestive of random motions of the optical host around the cluster potential. The presence of multiple bends and wiggles in several head–tail sources is possibly due to the precessing radio jets. We find steepening of the spectral index along the radio tails. The prevailing equipartition magnetic field also decreases along the radio tails of these sources. These steepening trends are attributed to the synchrotron aging of plasma toward the ends of the tails. The dynamical ages of these sample sources have been estimated to be ∼108 yr, which is a factor of six more than the age estimates from the radiative losses due to synchrotron cooling.
Twelve Years of Spectroscopic Monitoring in the Galactic Center: The Closest Look at S-stars near the Black Hole
Authors: Habibi M. , Gillessen S. , Martins F. , Eisenhauer F. , Plewa P. M. , Pfuhl O. , George E. , Dexter J. , Waisberg I. , Ott T. , Fellenberg S. von , Bauböck M. , Jimenez-Rosales A. , Genzel R.
Published: September 2017

We study the young S-stars within a distance of 0.04 pc from the supermassive black hole in the center of our Galaxy. Given how inhospitable the region is for star formation, their presence is more puzzling the younger we estimate their ages. In this study, we analyze the result of 12 years of high-resolution spectroscopy within the central arcsecond of the Galactic Center (GC). By co-adding between 55 and 105 hr of spectra we have obtained high signal-to-noise H- and K-band spectra of eight stars orbiting the central supermassive black hole. Using deep H-band spectra, we show that these stars must be high surface gravity (dwarf) stars. We compare these deep spectra to detailed model atmospheres and stellar evolution models to infer the stellar parameters. Our analysis reveals an effective temperature of 21,000–28,500 K, a rotational velocity of 60–170 km s−1, and a surface gravity of 4.1–4.2. These parameters imply a spectral type of B0–B3V for these stars. The inferred masses lie within 8–14

. We derive an age of

 Myr for the star S2, which is compatible with the age of the clockwise-rotating young stellar disk in the GC. We estimate the ages of all other studied S-stars to be less than 15 Myr, which is compatible with the age of S2 within the uncertainties. The relatively low ages for these S-stars favor a scenario in which the stars formed in a local disk rather than a field binary-disruption scenario that occurred over a longer period of time.
At a Crossroads: Stellar Streams in the South Galactic Cap
Authors: Grillmair Carl J.
Published: September 2017

We examine the distribution of old, metal-poor stars in a portion of the recently released PanSTARRs survey. We find an interesting confluence of four new cold stellar stream candidates that appear to converge on or pass near the south Galactic pole. The stream candidates, which we designate as Murrumbidgee, Molonglo, Orinoco, and Kwando, lie at a distance of

and range in length from

to

, or about 5 to 33 kpc. The stream candidates are between 100 and 300 pc in width and are estimated to contain between 3000 and 8000 stars each, suggesting progenitors similar to modern day globular clusters. The trajectories of the streams imply orbits that range from hyperbolic to nearly circular. The Molonglo stream is nearly parallel to, at the same distance as, and offset by only

from the previously discovered ATLAS stream, suggesting a possible common origin. Orinoco and Kwando also have similarly shaped, moderately eccentric, obliquely viewed orbits that suggest distinct progenitors within a common, larger parent body.
Simple Analytical Forms of the Perpendicular Diffusion Coefficient for Two-component Turbulence. III. Damping Model of Dynamical Turbulence
Authors: Gammon M. , Shalchi A.
Published: September 2017

In several astrophysical applications one needs analytical forms of cosmic-ray diffusion parameters. Some examples are studies of diffusive shock acceleration and solar modulation. In the current article we explore perpendicular diffusion based on the unified nonlinear transport theory. While we focused on magnetostatic turbulence in Paper I, we included the effect of dynamical turbulence in Paper II of the series. In the latter paper we assumed that the temporal correlation time does not depend on the wavenumber. More realistic models have been proposed in the past, such as the so-called damping model of dynamical turbulence. In the present paper we derive analytical forms for the perpendicular diffusion coefficient of energetic particles in two-component turbulence for this type of time-dependent turbulence. We present new formulas for the perpendicular diffusion coefficient and we derive a condition for which the magnetostatic result is recovered.
The Solar Flare Complex Network
Authors: Gheibi Akbar , Safari Hossein , Javaherian Mohsen
Published: September 2017

We investigate the characteristics of the solar flare complex network. The limited predictability, nonlinearity, and self-organized criticality of the flares allow us to study systems of flares in the field of the complex systems. Both the occurrence time and the location of flares detected from 2006 January 1 to 2016 July 21 are used to design the growing flares network. The solar surface is divided into cells with equal areas. The cells, which include flares, are considered nodes of the network. The related links are equivalent to sympathetic flaring. The extracted features demonstrate that the network of flares follows quantitative measures of complexity. The power-law nature of the connectivity distribution with a degree exponent greater than three reveals that flares form a scale-free and small-world network. A large value for the clustering coefficient, a small characteristic path length, and a slow change of the diameter are all characteristics of the flares network. We show that the degree correlation of the flares network has the characteristics of a disassortative network. About 11% of the large energetic flares (M and X types in GOES classification) that occurred in the network hubs cover 3% of the solar surface.