bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biodegradable Mg/HA/TiO2 Nanocomposites Coated with MgO and Si/MgO for Orthopedic Applications: A Study on the Corrosion, Surface Characterization, and Biocompatability
Authors: Zamani Khalajabadi Shahrouz , Haji Abu Aminudin , Ahmad Norhayati , Kadir Mohammed , Ismail Ahmad , Nasiri Rozita , Haider Waseem , Redzuan Norizah
Published: September 2017

In the field of orthopedics, magnesium (Mg) and magnesium-based composites as biodegradable materials have attracted fundamental research. However, the medical applications of magnesium implants have been restricted owing to their poor corrosion resistance, especially in the physiological environment. To improve the corrosion resistance of Mg/HA/TiO2 nanocomposites, monolayer MgO and double-layer Si/MgO coatings were fabricated layer-by-layer on the surface of a nanocomposite using a powder metallurgy route. Then, coating thickness, surface morphology, and chemical composition were determined, and the corrosion behavior of the uncoated and coated samples was evaluated. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) micrographs show that an inner MgO layer with a porous microstructure and thickness of around 34 μm is generated on the Mg/HA/TiO2 nanocomposite substrate, and that the outer Si layer thickness is obtained at around 23 μm for the double-layered coated sample. Electrochemical corrosion tests and immersion corrosion tests were carried out on the uncoated and coated samples and the Si/MgO-coated nanocomposite showed significantly improved corrosion resistance compared with uncoated Mg/HA/TiO2 in simulated body fluid (SBF). Corrosion products comprising Mg(OH)2, HA, Ca3(PO4)2, and amorphous CaP components were precipitated on the immersed samples. Improved cytocompatibility was observed with coating as the cell viability ranged from 73% in uncoated to 88% for Si/MgO-coated Mg/HA/TiO2 nanocomposite after nine days of incubation.
A Diagonally Updated Limited-Memory Quasi-Newton Method for the Weighted Density Approximation
Authors: Chan Matthew , Cuevas-Saavedra Rogelio , Chakraborty Debajit , Ayers Paul
Published: September 2017

We propose a limited-memory quasi-Newton method using the bad Broyden update and apply it to the nonlinear equations that must be solved to determine the effective Fermi momentum in the weighted density approximation for the exchange energy density functional. This algorithm has advantages for nonlinear systems of equations with diagonally dominant Jacobians, because it is easy to generalize the method to allow for periodic updates of the diagonal of the Jacobian. Systematic tests of the method for atoms show that one can determine the effective Fermi momentum at thousands of points in less than fifteen iterations.
Amino Carbonylation of Epidermal Basement Membrane Inhibits Epidermal Cell Function and Is Suppressed by Methylparaben
Authors: Morimoto Haruka , Gu Lihao , Zeng Haifeng , Maeda Kazuhisa
Published: September 2017

This study investigated the effect of amino carbonylation (Maillard reaction) on the function of the epidermal basement membrane (BM) by analyzing epidermal cell proliferation and keratinization and stratum corneum barrier function using a three-dimensional human epidermal BM model treated with glyceraldehyde. Intracellular ATP levels were lower in cells cultured on amino-carbonylated epidermal BM as compared to those in normal epidermal BM (control). Moreover, trans-epidermal water loss was increased by culturing on amino-carbonylated BM relative to the control; this was accompanied by downregulation of filaggrin, transglutaminase-1, and serine palmitoyltransferase 2 mRNA levels. p-Hydroxybenzoic acid methyl ester (methylparaben) abrogated the decrease in ATP production and filaggrin expression in human keratinocytes induced by amino-carbonylated collagen. Thus, amino carbonylation of the epidermal BM inhibits moisture retention, keratinization, and ceramide synthesis and disrupts the barrier function of the stratum corneum. These findings suggest that methylparaben can be an effective additive to cosmetics for improving epidermal function that is compromised by amino carbonylation.
Synthesis and X-ray Crystal Structure of N’-Cyano-N,N’-dimethyl-4-nitrobenzohydrazide
Authors: Löser Reik , Pitzschler Riccardo , Köckerling Martin
Published: September 2017

Using a two-step procedure, N’-cyano-N,N’-dimethyl-4-nitrobenzohydrazide was synthesized. The structure was established using single crystal X-ray diffraction. It crystalized in the orthorhombic space group P212121 where a = 8.1974(6), b = 10.6696(7), and c = 12.9766(8) Å. The first reported crystal structure of an acyclic cyanohydrazide is discussed with a focus on the geometry of the hydrazide moiety, but intermolecular contacts in the crystal are also considered.
High Levels of Antibiotic Resistance but No Antibiotic Production Detected Along a Gypsum Gradient in Great Onyx Cave, KY, USA
Authors: Lavoie Kathleen , Ruhumbika Tania , Bawa Anissa , Whitney Aaryn , De Ondarza José
Published: September 2017

A preliminary study of antibiotic production and antibiotic resistance was conducted in Great Onyx Cave in Mammoth Cave National Park, KY, to determine if gypsum (CaSO4∙2H2O) affects these bacterial activities. The cave crosses through the width of Flint Ridge, and passages under the sandstone caprock are dry with different amounts of gypsum. The Great Kentucky Desert hypothesis posits that gypsum limits the distribution of invertebrates in the central areas of Great Onyx Cave. Twenty-four bacterial isolates were cultivated from swabs and soils. Using three methods (soil crumb, soil crumb with indicator bacteria, and the cross-streak method using isolated bacteria) we did not detect any production of antibiotics. Antibiotic resistance was widespread, with all 24 isolates resistant to a minimum of two antibiotics of seven tested, with three isolates resistant to all. Antibiotic resistance was high and not correlated with depth into the cave or the amount of gypsum. The Great Kentucky Desert hypothesis of the negative effects of gypsum seems to have no impact on bacterial activity.
Multiuser Channels with Statistical CSI at the Transmitter: Fading Channel Alignments and Stochastic Orders, an Overview
Authors: Lin Pin-Hsun , Jorswieck Eduard
Published: September 2017

In this overview paper, we introduce an application of stochastic orders in wireless communications. In particular, we show how to use stochastic orders to investigate the ergodic capacity results for fast fading Gaussian memoryless multiuser channels when only the statistics of the channel state information are known at the transmitters (CSIT). In general, the characterization of the capacity region of multiuser channels with only statistical CSIT is open. To attain our goal, in this work we resort to classifying the random channels through their probability distributions by which we can obtain the capacity results. To be more precise, we derive sufficient conditions to attain some information theoretic channel orders such as degraded and very strong interference by exploiting the usual stochastic order and exploiting the same marginal property. After that, we apply the developed scheme to Gaussian interference channels and Gaussian broadcast channels. We also extend the framework to channels with multiple antennas. Possible scenarios for channel enhancement under statistical CSIT are also discussed. Several practical examples such as Rayleigh fading and Nakagami-m fading, etc., illustrate the application of the derived results.
Labor Costs and Foreign Direct Investment: A Panel VAR Approach
Authors: Bayraktar-Sağlam Bahar , Sayek Böke Selin
Published: September 2017

This paper examines the endogenous interaction between labor costs and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the OECD countries via the Panel VAR approach under system GMM estimates for the period 1995–2009. The available data allows identifying the relevance of the components of labor costs, and allows a detailed analysis across different sectors. Empirical findings have revealed that sectoral composition of FDI and the decomposition of labor costs play a significant role in investigating the dynamic association between labor costs and FDI. Further, results suggest that labor market policies should focus on productivity-enhancing tools in addition to price hindering tools.
Low-Cost Fuzzy Logic Control for Greenhouse Environments with Web Monitoring
Authors: Robles Algarín Carlos , Callejas Cabarcas Jesús , Polo Llanos Aura
Published: September 2017

The design and implementation of a low-cost system for monitoring and remote control of a greenhouse using fuzzy logic is presented. For the control system, an Arduino Mega board was programmed with a fuzzy algorithm to monitor and perform control actions for environmental temperature, soil moisture, relative humidity, and lighting. A website was designed to visualize the main indicators of agricultural interest and to get access to tools such as forced ventilation, misting systems, and sprinkler irrigation. For connectivity to the webpage, an Arduino Ethernet Shield was used. Thus, it was possible to establish a local area network and monitor and control the greenhouse climate variables manually or automatically. The application designed allowed access to the configuration, monitoring, and control of climatic conditions in the greenhouse. The effectiveness of fuzzy logic to control nonlinear systems was therefore verified without the mathematical model of the plant. Thus, the use of resources for a gable roof greenhouse prototype was optimized.
Integrating Embedded Discrete Fracture and Dual-Porosity, Dual-Permeability Methods to Simulate Fluid Flow in Shale Oil Reservoirs
Authors: Li Weirong , Dong Zhenzhen , Lei Gang
Published: September 2017

The oil recovery factor from shale oil remains low, about 5 to 7% of the oil in place. How to increase oil recovery from shale oil reservoirs is attracting more and more attention. CO2 huff-and-puff was historically considered one of the best approaches to improve the oil rate. Most previous simulation studies have been based on dual porosity, but simulation results from dual-porosity models have not been as accurate as discrete fracture models in composition modeling. This study proposes a new model that integrates the embedded discrete fracture model and the dual-porosity, dual-permeability model (DPDP). The newly developed method could explicitly describe large-scale fractures as flow conduits by embedded discrete fracture modeling and could model the flow in small- and medium-length fractures by DPDP modeling. In this paper, we first introduce four different non-neighboring connections and the way to calculate the transmissibility among different media in the new model. Then, the paper compares the performance of the new method, discrete fracture modeling, DPDP modeling, and embedded discrete fracture modeling for production from oil reservoirs. Following, the paper carries out a series of simulations to analyze the effects of hydraulic fracture stages, hydraulic fracture permeabilities, and natural fracture permeabilities on the CO2 huff-and-puff process based on the new method. In addition, the injection cycle and soaking time are investigated to optimize CO2 huff-and-puff performance. This study is the first to integrate embedded discrete fracture modeling with DPDP modeling to simulate the CO2 huff-and-puff process in a shale oil reservoir with natural fractures. This paper also provides detailed discussions and comparisons on the integrated strategy, embedded discrete fracture modeling, discrete fracture modeling, and dual-porosity, dual-permeability modeling in the context of fracture simulation with a compositional model. Most importantly, this study answers the question regarding how fractures affect CO2 huff-and-puff and how to optimize the CO2 huff-and-puff process in a reservoir with natural fractures.
Optimal Allocation of Photovoltaic Systems and Energy Storage Systems based on Vulnerability Analysis
Authors: Konishi Ryusuke , Takahashi Masaki
Published: September 2017

There is a growing need to connect renewable energy systems (REs), such as photovoltaic systems (PVs), to the power grid for solving environmental problems such as global warming. However, an electricity grid with RE is vulnerable to problems of power shortage and surplus owing to the uncertainty of RE outputs and grid failures. Energy storage systems (ESSs) can be used to solve supply reliability problems, but their installation should be minimized considering their high costs. This study proposes a method to optimize the allocations of PVs and ESSs based on vulnerability analysis, and utilizes our proposed concept of “slow” and “fast” ESSs, which can reflect the influences of both uncertainties: PV outputs and grid failures. Accordingly, this paper demonstrates an optimal allocation of PVs and ESSs that minimizes the amount of ESSs while satisfying the PV installation target and the constraints on supply reliability indices for power shortage and power surplus in the event of a grid failure.
An Improved Commutation Prediction Algorithm to Mitigate Commutation Failure in High Voltage Direct Current
Authors: Li Xinnian , Li Fengqi , Chen Shuyong , Li Yanan , Zou Qiang , Wu Ziping , Lin Shaobo
Published: September 2017

Commutation failure is a common fault for line-commutated converters in the inverter. To reduce the possibility of commutation failure, many prediction algorithms based on alternating current (AC) voltage detection have already been implemented in high voltage direct current (HVDC) control and protection systems. Nevertheless, there are currently no effective methods to prevent commutation failure due to transformer excitation surge current. In this paper, an improved commutation failure prediction algorithm based on the harmonic characteristics of the converter bus voltage during transformer charging is proposed. Meanwhile, a sliding-window iterative algorithm of discrete Fourier transformation (DFT) is developed for detecting the voltage harmonic in real time. This method is proved to be an effective solution, which prevents commutation failure in cases of excitation surge current, through experimental analysis. This method is already implemented into TianShan-ZhongZhou (TianZhong) ± 800 kV ultra high voltage direct current (UHVDC) system.
Improved State of Charge Estimation for High Power Lithium Ion Batteries Considering Current Dependence of Internal Resistance
Authors: Wu Cunxue , Fu Rujian , Xu Zhongming , Chen Yang
Published: September 2017

For high power Li-ion batteries, an important approach to improve the accuracy of modeling and algorithm development is to consider the current dependence of internal resistance, especially for large current applications in mild/median hybrid electric vehicles (MHEV). For the first time, the work has experimentally captured the decrease of internal resistance at an increasing current of up to the C-rate of 25 and developed an equivalent circuit model (ECM) with current dependent parameters. The model is integrated to extended Kalman filter (EKF) to improve SOC estimation, which is validated by experimental data collected in dynamic stress testing (DST). Results show that EKF with current dependent parameters is capable of estimating SOC with a higher accuracy when it is compared to EKF without current dependent parameters.
Economic Microgrid Planning Algorithm with Electric Vehicle Charging Demands
Authors: Yoon Sung-Guk , Kang Seok-Gu
Published: September 2017

Two of the most important technologies for future power systems to reduce greenhouse gas are electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable generation. When EVs become more common, the overall demand of electricity will significantly increase because EVs consume a large amount of electricity. Also, a daily load curve with EVs heavily depends on how much electricity EVs consume and when electricity is consumed. The microgrid is an important technology to promote renewable generation, and the increased demand and changed load curve should be considered in the microgrid planning stage to install robust and economical microgrids. In this paper, we propose an algorithm for microgrid planning with EV charging demand to find the most economical configuration through which to maximally utilize renewable generation. The algorithm uses a renewable generation-following EV charging scheme and HOMER. Through simulations, it is shown that the microgrid constructed by the proposed algorithm reduces the investment cost and CO2 emission.
Influence of Various Irradiance Models and Their Combination on Simulation Results of Photovoltaic Systems
Authors: Hofmann Martin , Seckmeyer Gunther
Published: September 2017

We analyze the output of various state-of-the-art irradiance models for photovoltaic systems. The models include two sun position algorithms, three types of input data time series, nine diffuse fraction models and five transposition models (for tilted surfaces), resulting in 270 different model chains for the photovoltaic (PV) system simulation. These model chains are applied to 30 locations worldwide and three different module tracking types, totaling in 24,300 simulations. We show that the simulated PV yearly energy output varies between −5% and +8% for fixed mounted PV modules and between −26% and +14% for modules with two-axis tracking. Model quality varies strongly between locations; sun position algorithms have negligible influence on the simulation results; diffuse fraction models add a lot of variability; and transposition models feature the strongest influence on the simulation results. To highlight the importance of irradiance with high temporal resolution, we present an analysis of the influence of input temporal resolution and simulation models on the inverter clipping losses at varying PV system sizing factors for Lindenberg, Germany. Irradiance in one-minute resolution is essential for accurately calculating inverter clipping losses.
Fine-Tuning of a Protected Area Effectiveness Evaluation Tool: Implementation on Two Emblematic Spanish National Parks
Authors: Rodríguez-Rodríguez David , Ibarra Paloma , Martínez-Vega Javier , Echeverría Maite , Echavarría Pilar
Published: September 2017

As global biodiversity trends worsen, protected area (PA) environmental effectiveness needs to be assessed to identify strengths and areas to improve. Through a participatory process including PA managers and scientists, we refined the System for the Integrated Assessment of Protected Areas (SIAPA), in order to increase its legitimacy, credibility and salience to end users in Spain. Then, we tested the optimised version of the SIAPA on two emblematic Spanish national parks (NPs): Ordesa y Monte Perdido NP (Ordesa NP) and Sierra de Guadarrama NP (Guadarrama NP). PA managers and scientists largely coincided in the ratings of SIAPA’s indicators and indices. Collaboration with Ordesa NP’s managers was regular, allowing a nearly complete evaluation of the NP. However, greater collaboration between PA managers and scientists remains a priority in Guadarrama NP. Results show that potential effectiveness is moderate for Ordesa NP and low for Guadarrama NP, according to the indicators that could be evaluated. For Ordesa NP, lack of data on focal habitats and other focal features determined a deficient valuation of its conservation state, although the remaining indicators in that category showed adequate or moderate values. The compilation of those data should be overriding in the NP. In contrast, only climate change posed a serious threat in that NP. The social perception and valuation of both NPs was good, suggesting broad support from local populations and eased management.
Tree Species Selection in the Face of Drought Risk—Uncertainty in Forest Planning
Authors: Albert Matthias , Nagel Ralf-Volker , Nuske Robert , Sutmöller Johannes , Spellmann Hermann
Published: September 2017

Rapid climate change leads to significant shifts in the site-productivity relationship of tree species and alters abiotic and biotic risks well beyond classical rotation ages on many forest sites worldwide. Forest conversion may be an adequate measure to counter possible negative effects of climate change. Unfortunately, climate-driven changes in abiotic and biotic risks bear a significant source of intrinsic uncertainty inherent in climate projections. It is our goal to appraise uncertainty in species selection under drought stress, one of the most important risk factors for many forests. We derive a method to assess drought restrictions and demonstrate the uncertainty in the process of species selection by applying three climate scenarios. Furthermore, we interpret the consequences of climate uncertainty in the light of different management goals, i.e., a business-as-usual silviculture, a climate protection strategy favoring CO2 sequestration and a biodiversity strategy increasing diversity. The methods are applied to two representative regions in the North German Plain. The results clearly show the strong need for adaptive planning when drought restrictions are considered. However, different silvicultural management objectives may alter the extent of adaptive planning. The uncertainty in the planning process arising from different underlying climate projections strongly depends on the regional site characteristics and on forest management strategy. In conclusion, it is most important in forest planning to clearly state the management goals and to carefully explore if the goals can be met under climate change and if the uncertainty due to climate projections significantly affects the results of species selection.
Energy-Aware Adaptive Weighted Grid Clustering Algorithm for Renewable Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Aslam Nelofar , Xia Kewen , Haider Muhammad , Hadi Muhammad
Published: September 2017

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs), built from many battery-operated sensor nodes are distributed in the environment for monitoring and data acquisition. Subsequent to the deployment of sensor nodes, the most challenging and daunting task is to enhance the energy resources for the lifetime performance of the entire WSN. In this study, we have attempted an approach based on the shortest path algorithm and grid clustering to save and renew power in a way that minimizes energy consumption and prolongs the overall network lifetime of WSNs. Initially, a wireless portable charging device (WPCD) is assumed which periodically travels on our proposed routing path among the nodes of the WSN to decrease their charge cycle time and recharge them with the help of wireless power transfer (WPT). Further, a scheduling scheme is proposed which creates clusters of WSNs. These clusters elect a cluster head among them based on the residual energy, buffer size, and distance of the head from each node of the cluster. The cluster head performs all data routing duties for all its member nodes to conserve the energy supposed to be consumed by member nodes. Furthermore, we compare our technique with the available literature by simulation, and the results showed a significant increase in the vacation time of the nodes of WSNs.
Solid Tellurite Optical Fiber Based on Stack-and-Draw Method for Mid-Infrared Supercontinuum Generation
Authors: Dunn Christopher , Kong Fanting , Gu Guancheng , Hawkins Thomas , Jones Maxwell , Parsons Joshua , Runnion Andrew , Kalichevsky-Dong Monica , Salem Reza , Liu Dongfeng , Gardner David , Fendel Peter , Synowicki Ron , Cheung Eric , Gomes Jean-Thomas , Lavoute Laure , Gaponov Dmitry , Février Sébastien , Dong Liang
Published: September 2017

Broadband, high-power mid-infrared (mid-IR) sources are critical for many applications. Compared to alternatives such as fluorides and chalcogenides, tellurite fibers are more robust and can handle much higher power. Tellurite fibers also have high nonlinearity and a material zero dispersion close to 2 µm, making them ideal for nonlinear processes pumped by Tm-doped silica fiber lasers. In this work, we have demonstrated solid tellurite fibers fabricated by a stack-and-draw process and investigated their potential for broadband mid-IR supercontinuum generation. We have identified that fibers with low dispersion are beneficial and that low residual hydroxyl (OH) is critical for broadband mid-IR supercontinuum generation in tellurite fibers pumped at ~2 µm.
How Much Credence Does It Take? Evidence on the Trade-Off between Country-Of-Origin Information and Credence Attributes for Beef from a Choice Experiment in Sweden
Authors: Lagerkvist Carl , Hess Sebastian , Johansson Helena
Published: September 2017

Based on a discrete choice experiment with 336 consumers, this study investigated whether the consumer propensity to choose a simplified European Union (EU) vs. non-EU denomination of origin for beef, instead of a specific country-of-origin (COO) denomination, depends upon the amount and type of credence information provided to the individual. The likelihood of choosing the EU/non-EU denomination of origin depended on the total number of other labelling credence attributes provided and also on the type of detailed credence attributes present in the choice. The presence of cues relating to animal welfare and far-reaching traceability had the highest likelihood of influencing the choice of the EU/non-EU denomination of origin. The compensatory qualities of each credence attribute in relation to the EU/non-EU origin denomination thus differed.
Towards a Fair Distribution Mechanism for Asylum
Authors: Van Basshuysen Philippe
Published: September 2017

It has been suggested that the distribution of refugees over host countries can be made more fair or efficient if policy makers take into account not only numbers of refugees to be distributed but also the goodness of the matches between refugees and their possible host countries. There are different ways to design distribution mechanisms that incorporate this practice, which opens up a space for normative considerations. In particular, if the mechanism takes countries’ or refugees’ preferences into account, there may be trade-offs between satisfying their preferences and the number of refugees distributed. This article argues that, in such cases, it is not a reasonable policy to satisfy preferences. Moreover, conditions are given which, if satisfied, prevent the trade-off from occurring. Finally, it is argued that countries should not express preferences over refugees, but rather that priorities for refugees should be imposed, and that fairness beats efficiency in the context of distributing asylum. The framework of matching theory is used to make the arguments precise, but the results are general and relevant for other distribution mechanisms such as the relocations currently in effect in the European Union.
Microscopic Processes in Global Relativistic Jets Containing Helical Magnetic Fields: Dependence on Jet Radius
Authors: Nishikawa Ken-Ichi , Mizuno Yosuke , Gómez Jose , Duţan Ioana , Meli Athina , White Charley , Niemiec Jacek , Kobzar Oleh , Pohl Martin , Pe’er Asaf , Frederiksen Jacob , Nordlund Åke , Sol Helene , Hardee Philip , Hartmann Dieter
Published: September 2017

In this study, we investigate the interaction of jets with their environment at a microscopic level, which is a key open question in the study of relativistic jets. Using small simulation systems during past research, we initially studied the evolution of both electron–proton and electron–positron relativistic jets containing helical magnetic fields, by focusing on their interactions with an ambient plasma. Here, using larger jet radii, we have performed simulations of global jets containing helical magnetic fields in order to examine how helical magnetic fields affect kinetic instabilities, such as the Weibel instability, the kinetic Kelvin–Helmholtz instability (kKHI) and the mushroom instability (MI). We found that the evolution of global jets strongly depends on the size of the jet radius. For example, phase bunching of jet electrons, in particular in the electron–proton jet, is mixed with a larger jet radius as a result of the more complicated structures of magnetic fields with excited kinetic instabilities. In our simulation, these kinetic instabilities led to new types of instabilities in global jets. In the electron–proton jet simulation, a modified recollimation occurred, and jet electrons were strongly perturbed. In the electron–positron jet simulation, mixed kinetic instabilities occurred early, followed by a turbulence-like structure. Simulations using much larger (and longer) systems are required in order to further thoroughly investigate the evolution of global jets containing helical magnetic fields.
Host-Induced Gene Silencing of Rice Blast Fungus Magnaporthe oryzae Pathogenicity Genes Mediated by the Brome Mosaic Virus
Authors: Zhu Lin , Zhu Jian , Liu Zhixue , Wang Zhengyi , Zhou Cheng , Wang Hong
Published: September 2017

Magnaporthe oryzae is a devastating plant pathogen, which has a detrimental impact on rice production worldwide. Despite its agronomical importance, some newly-emerging pathotypes often overcome race-specific disease resistance rapidly. It is thus desirable to develop a novel strategy for the long-lasting resistance of rice plants to ever-changing fungal pathogens. Brome mosaic virus (BMV)-induced RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged as a useful tool to study host-resistance genes for rice blast protection. Planta-generated silencing of targeted genes inside biotrophic pathogens can be achieved by expression of M. oryzae-derived gene fragments in the BMV-mediated gene silencing system, a technique termed host-induced gene silencing (HIGS). In this study, the effectiveness of BMV-mediated HIGS in M. oryzae was examined by targeting three predicted pathogenicity genes, MoABC1, MoMAC1 and MoPMK1. Systemic generation of fungal gene-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules induced by inoculation of BMV viral vectors inhibited disease development and reduced the transcription of targeted fungal genes after subsequent M. oryzae inoculation. Combined introduction of fungal gene sequences in sense and antisense orientation mediated by the BMV silencing vectors significantly enhanced the efficiency of this host-generated trans-specific RNAi, implying that these fungal genes played crucial roles in pathogenicity. Collectively, our results indicated that BMV-HIGS system was a great strategy for protecting host plants against the invasion of pathogenic fungi.
Ontology-Based Photogrammetry Survey for Medieval Archaeology: Toward a 3D Geographic Information System (GIS)
Authors: Drap Pierre , Papini Odile , Pruno Elisa , Nucciotti Micchele , Vannini Guido
Published: September 2017

This paper presents certain reflections concerning an interdisciplinary project between medieval archaeologists from the University of Florence (Italy) and computer science researchers from CNRS, National Center for Scientific Research, (France), aiming towards a connection between 3D spatial representation and archaeological knowledge. We try to develop an integrated system for archaeological 3D survey and all other types of archaeological data and knowledge by incorporating observable (material) and non-graphic (interpretive) data. Survey plays a central role, since it is both a metric representation of the archaeological site and, to a wider extent, an interpretation of it (being also a common basis for communication between the two teams). More specifically, 3D survey is crucial, allowing archaeologists to connect actual spatial assets to the stratigraphic formation processes (i.e., to the archaeological time) and to translate spatial observations into historical interpretation of the site. It is well known that laser scanner, photogrammetry and computer vision are very useful tools for archaeologists, although the integration of the representation of space, as well as archaeological time has not yet found a methodological standard of reference. We propose a common formalism for describing photogrammetric survey and archaeological knowledge stemming from ontologies: indeed, ontologies are fully used to model and store 3D data and archaeological knowledge. We equip this formalism with a qualitative representation of time, starting from archaeological stratigraphy. Stratigraphic analyses (both of excavated deposits and of upstanding structures) are closely related to Edward Cecil Harris’s theory of the “Unit of Stratigraphication” (referred to as “US”, while a stratigraphic unit of an upstanding structure Unita Stratigrafica Murale, in Italian, will be referred to as “USM”). Every US is connected to the others by geometric, topological and, eventually, temporal links, and these are recorded by the 3D photogrammetric survey. However, the limitations of the Harris matrix approach led us to use another formalism for representing stratigraphic relationships, namely Qualitative Constraints Networks (QCN), which was successfully used in the domain of knowledge representation and reasoning in artificial intelligence for representing temporal relations.
Satisfaction with Daily Occupations for Elderly People (SDO-E)—Adaptation and Psychometric Testing
Authors: Hultqvist Jenny , Wästberg Birgitta , Eklund Mona
Published: September 2017

Satisfaction with everyday occupations has been shown to be important for health and well-being in various populations. Research into satisfaction with everyday occupations among elderly persons is, however, lacking. The aim was to investigate the psychometric properties of an adapted test version of the Satisfaction with Daily Occupations instrument (SDO) for elderly people, called SDO-E. Five hospital-based occupational therapists working with elderly people evaluated the content validity and usability of the SDO-E. The elderly participants consisted of 50 people from outside of the health services and 42 inpatients at an internal medicine clinic. They completed the SDO-E and rated their perceived health, activity level, and general satisfaction with daily occupations. The SDO-E showed fair content validity and utility, acceptable internal consistency, good preliminary construct validity and relevant known-groups validity. The SDO-E thus appears to be a useful screening tool for assessing activity level and satisfaction with daily occupations among elderly people, and a complement to other self-report instruments concerning factors connected with health and well-being. Future research should further explore the content validity of the SDO-E, particularly the views of the elderly themselves, and investigate the SDO-E in terms of sensitivity to change.
Economic Activity and Health Conditions in Adults Aged 65 Years and Older: Findings of the Korean National Longitudinal Study on Aging
Authors: Kim Chae-Bong , Yoon Seok-Jun , Ko Jesuk
Published: September 2017

The population is aging because lifespans have continued to increase due to developments in modern medical science. The economic activity and health of the elderly are very important factors with reference to the problems of the aged. This cross-sectional study examined the association between the economic activity and health of the elderly. Subjects included 4226 elderly aged over 65 years among the adults who participated in the Fifth Korean National Longitudinal Study on Aging (KLoSA). Basic analysis, cross-analysis, binary logistic regression analysis, and multiple regression analysis were performed to fulfill each research purpose. Male subjects were influenced more by the factors that affect the subjective health of the elderly than females were. Further, subjective health influenced economic activity more than socio-demographic characteristics and health behavior did. Specifically, among the male subjects, the health condition of salaried, self-employed, and unpaid family workers was better as compared to recipients of national health insurance and private health insurance, and unemployed subjects. Preparing for a super-aged society is a worldwide issue. The elderly represent a social participation class that should not be neglected. Therefore, it is necessary to support health promotion policies and increase institutional improvement by reflecting the level of economic activity of the elderly.
Effects of Prenatal Tobacco and Wood-Fuel Smoke Exposure on Birth Weight in Sri Lanka
Authors: Pathirathna Malshani , Abeywickrama Hansani , Sekijima Kayoko , Sadakata Mieko , Fujiwara Naoshi , Muramatsu Yoshiyuki , Wimalasiri Kuruppu , Jayawardene Upali , De Silva Darshana , Dematawewa Chandraratne
Published: September 2017

Low birth weight is a key public health problem in many developing countries, including Sri Lanka. Indoor air pollution from tobacco smoke and kitchen-fuel smoke are among the major contributors to low birth weight, factors of which there are little awareness of in Sri Lanka. We evaluated the effect of passive smoking and kitchen-fuel smoke exposure on birth weight. Seventy-six pregnant women were included in the study. Data were collected by questionnaire, and exposure assessment was conducted using a breath carbon monoxide monitor. Women exposed to second-hand tobacco smoke daily had a significantly lower mean gestational age at delivery (mean ± standard error [SE]: 38.0 ± 0.5 weeks) than women who were exposed to second-hand tobacco smoke only once a week (mean ± SE: 39.3 ± 0.3 weeks) (p < 0.05). Women who were exposed to tobacco smoke every day delivered neonates with significantly lower mean birth weight (mean ± SE: 2703 ± 135 g) than women who were only exposed once a week (mean ± SE: 3125 ± 147 g) (p < 0.05). A one-minute increase in cooking time in a kitchen without a chimney increased women’s expired air carbon monoxide concentration by 0.038 ppm (p = 0.006). Long-term exposure to wood-fuel smoke in a kitchen without a chimney can increase the risk of inhaling high concentrations of carbon monoxide.
Environmental Tobacco Smoke Exposure at Home and High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Levels in Three-to-Five-Year-Old Children
Authors: Kang Eunkye , Kim Soo , Chang Seong , Lim Sinye , Kim Hwan-Cheol , Lee Chul-Gab , Kim Yu-Mi , Kim Su , Lee Kee-Jae , Kim Suejin , Ha Mina
Published: September 2017

Exposure to harmful environmental factors is particularly detrimental to younger children. We investigated the relationship between environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure in pre-schoolers at home and the level of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), a predictive factor for cardiovascular disease. This study was conducted in 2014 and was based on the data of preschool children from the Korean Environmental Health Survey in Children and Adolescents (2012 to 2014), a nationally representative sample. Of 577 children, aged three to five years, 482 were eventually selected for the analysis after excluding those with missing variables, or whose hs-CRP level exceeded the reference value. The proportion of pre-school children exposed to ETS at home was 14.8%. The odd ratios (OR)s of hs-CRP > 1mg/L were 4.90 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.04–23.17) and 11.66 (95% CI = 1.90–71.65) in the groups exposed to ETS 3–4 times and ≥5 times daily, respectively, compared to the non-exposed group. The risk of elevated levels of hs-CRP showed an increasing trend proportionally to the increase in ETS exposure frequency (p for trend = 0.03). Anti-smoking educational programs for parents and guardians may be helpful to reduce ETS exposure at home.
Circadian Rhythm of Wrist Temperature among Shift Workers in South Korea: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Jang Tae-Won , Kim Hyunjoo , Kang Suk-Hoon , Choo Sang-Hyo , Lee In-Seok , Choi Kyung-Hwa
Published: September 2017

Background: Human body temperature varies with circadian rhythm. To determine the effect of shift work on the circadian rhythm of the distal-skin temperature, wrist temperatures were measured. Methods: Wrist-skin temperatures were measured by an iButton® Temperature Logger. It was measured every 3 min for two and eight consecutive working days in the day and shift workers, respectively. Mesor, amplitude, and acrophase were measured by Cosinor analysis. Results: The shift-worker amplitude dropped significantly as the night shift progressed (0.92 to 0.85 °C), dropped further during rest (0.69 °C), and rose during the morning-shift days (0.82 °C). Day workers still had higher amplitudes (0.93 °C) than the morning-shift workers. The acrophase was delayed during the four night-shift days, then advanced during rest days and the morning-shift days. Nevertheless, the morning-shift worker acrophase was still significantly delayed compared to the day workers (08:03 a.m. vs. 04:11 a.m.). Conclusions: The further reduction of wrist-temperature amplitude during rest after the night shift may be due to the signal circadian rhythm disruption. Reduced amplitudes have been reported to be associated with intolerance to shift work. The findings of our study may help to design the most desirable schedule for shift workers.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Pregnant Women towards Varicella and Their Children’s Varicella Vaccination: Evidence from Three Distrcits in Zhejiang Province, China
Authors: Hu Yu , Chen Yaping , Wang Ying , Liang Hui
Published: September 2017

Background: The objectives of this study were to examine the knowledge, attitudes and practice (KAP) towards varicella and varicella vaccine (VarV) vaccination among pregnant women in three distrcits in Zhejiang Province, China. Methods: From 1 January to 31 March 2014, pregnant women with ≥12 gestational weeks were recruited and received a self-administrated questionnaire. The first dose of VarV (VarV1) vaccination status of children from present pregnancy was extracted at 24 months of age from Zhejiang provincial immunization information system (ZJIIS). Three variables was defined as the main outcomes, which included: (1) knowing about both the availability of VarV and the number of doses required; (2) positive attitude towards the utility of varicella vaccination; (3) the vaccination coverage of VarV1, which meant the proportion of children having received the VarV1. Counts and proportions were used to describe the socio-demographic characteristics of study participants, and their relationship with study outcomes were tested using chi-square tests in univariate analysis and logistic regression in multivariable analysis. Results: A total of 629 pregnant women participated in this study. The majority of the participants (68.0%) answered correctly about the transmission route of varicella. The proportion of participants who heard about varicella vaccination was 76.5% and 66.8% knew that VarV was currently available. Only 13.5% of the participants answered correctly that the complete VarV series needed two doses. Age, immigration status, education level, household income, and number of children of the pregnant women were significant predictors of the KAP regarding the VarV vaccination. Conclusions: The current survey indicated that optimal KAP levels and coverage on VarV vaccination were observed in three districts of Zhejiang Province. Health education programs on varicella and VarV vaccination directed towards both pre-natal and post-natal women are needed, which will result in a better attitude on vaccination of VarV and in a high coverage of VarV.
Role of High-Resolution Chest Computed Tomography in a Child with Persistent Tachypnoea and Intercostal Retractions: A Case Report of Neuroendocrine Cell Hyperplasia
Authors: Lelii Mara , Patria Maria , Pinzani Raffaella , Tenconi Rossana , Mori Alessandro , Bonelli Nicola , Principi Nicola , Esposito Susanna
Published: September 2017

Background: Chronic interstitial lung diseases in children (chILD) are a heterogeneous group of disorders that can represent a clinical challenge for pediatric pneumologists. Among them, neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia of infancy (NEHI) is a diffuse lung disease prevalent in the first years of life that spontaneously improves over time. The clinical presentation of NEHI is indistinguishable from other interstitial lung diseases, so a correct and non-invasive diagnosis by chest computed tomography (CT) without lung biopsy might not be simple. Case presentation: An 8-month-old male infant presented with a history of chronic tachypnoea and dyspnoea since 6 months of age. The patient was born at term, with APGAR scores of 9 and 10 at 1 and 5 min, respectively. Since his second month of life, the patient suffered from abnormal breathing, which was characterized by mild tachypnoea and costal retractions that worsened during breastfeeding, crying, and respiratory infections. Bilateral inspiratory crackles, preferential to the lung bases, without oxygen desaturation were detected. A chest X-ray showed a diffuse over-inflation of the lungs, but laboratory tests did not reveal any abnormalities. High-resolution chest CT documented patchy areas of ground-glass opacity involving the right upper lobe, middle lobe, and lingula, and showed mosaic areas of air-trapping, suggesting a diagnosis of NEHI. The infant was discharged without therapy and gradually improved over time. At 1 year of age, the patient was eupnoeic and chest auscultation had normalized. Conclusions: NEHI is an interstitial disease of infancy characterized by tachypnoea from the first months of life, with a good prognosis and for which a rational diagnostic approach is crucial for making a specific, early diagnosis. Initially, clinical suspicions can be confirmed with reasonable accuracy by a CT scan of the chest. Other more invasive and more expensive investigations should be reserved for selected cases that do not show a spontaneous, favourable clinical evolution.
Are mHealth Interventions to Improve Child Restraint System Installation of Value? A Mixed Methods Study of Parents
Authors: Fleisher Linda , Erkoboni Danielle , Halkyard Katherine , Sykes Emily , Norris Marisol , Walker Lorrie , Winston Flaura
Published: September 2017

Childhood death from vehicle crashes and the delivery of information about proper child restraint systems (CRS) use continues to be a critical public health issue. Safe Seat, a sequential, mixed-methods study identified gaps in parental knowledge about and perceived challenges in the use of appropriate CRS and insights into the preferences of various technological approaches to deliver CRS education. Focus groups (eight groups with 21 participants) and a quantitative national survey (N = 1251) using MTurk were conducted. Although there were differences in the age, racial/ethnic background, and educational level between the focus group participants and the national sample, there was a great deal of consistency in the need for more timely and personalized information about CRS. The majority of parents did not utilize car seat check professionals although they expressed interest in and lack of knowledge about how to access these resources. Although there was some interest in an app that would be personalized and able to push just-in-time content (e.g., new guidelines, location and times of car seat checks), content that has sporadic relevance (e.g., initial installation) seemed more appropriate for a website. Stakeholder input is critical to guide the development and delivery of acceptable and useful child safety education.