bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smart Technology for Non Invasive Biomedical Sensors to Measure Physiological Parameters
Authors: Rajasekaran K , Xavier Anitha Mary , Jegan R
Published: August 2016

Communication and Information technologies are transforming our lifestyles, social interactions, and workplaces. One of the promising applications of the information and communication technology is healthcare and wellness management. Advancement in electronic health care and mobile have made doctors and patients to involve the modern healthcare system by extending the capabilities of physiological monitoring devices. Various biomedical sensors are being used to measure the physiological parameters like pulse rate, blood glucose level, blood pressure etc., Among various bio-sensor, Researchers from different field of science are particularly and increasingly interested in Photoplethysmography (PPG) signals. This chapter addresses the importance of bio sensors and its principle, significance of remote monitoring of PPG signal using Radio Frequency (RF) and design challenges in RF connectivity. Also this chapter presents a reliable low power wireless transmission mechanism of biomedical signals which works on narrow band RF frequencies.
Social Forces that Influence Health IT Use Behavior of the Elderly
Authors: Bozan Karoly , Davey Bill , Parker Kevin R.
Published: August 2016

The social forces that influence patient portal use behavior among the elderly are not well understood. Using both institutional theory and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, the proposed model examines three social environmental factors ? normative, mimetic, and coercive forces ? within a Health Information Technology (HIT) context. An empirical study involving 117 subjects in the United States was used to test the proposed model. Using the partial least squares method, mimetic and coercive pressures were found to significantly influence patient portal use behavior. These findings indicate that older people follow not only their providers' advice, but also follow the behavior of respected, higher-status peers from their network. Normative pressure was not found to be significant, implying that older people do not follow the bandwagon effect.
Building an Ontological Framework for Healthcare
Authors: Toh Keith KT , Heffernan Margaret E. , Karpathiou Vass , Ramaprasad Arkalgud , Wickramasinghe Nilmini
Published: August 2016

Health is a multidisciplinary domain which necessitates experts from diverse backgrounds coming together to effect optimal care delivery for patients. Such a context can benefit by being framed as a knowledge cluster. To illustrate, the case study of a health cluster research group is mapped in terms of ontology. In this way, key relationships and informational exchanges are captured and this in turn can enable more prudent use of critical knowledge assets within the cluster. This ontology is then proffered for the healthcare domain in general as the following discusses.
Principles of a Casual Serious Game to Support Introductory Programming Learning in Higher Education
Authors: Vahldick Adilson , Marcelino Maria J. , Mendes António J.
Published: August 2016

Casual games are characterized for their fast learning curve. Casual games tasks usually are short and have increasing difficulty. This seems an interesting approach to learn and practice introductory computer programming concepts for students that face difficulties. Many of serious games intended to support computer programming learning are commercial and aimed at children. Also only a few of those described in the literature are available to teachers. This chapter describes the development of a new game that aims to support introductory computer programming learning and its pilot study with three undergraduate introductory classes. The chapter proposes a set of design principles that might be useful in the development of casual games to support computer programming learning. These principles resulted from the experiment and include game features that were considered important to engage students and to improve some students' computer programming skills.
Game-Based Approaches, Gamification, and Programming Language Training
Authors: Kert Serhat Bahadır , Erkoç Mehmet Fatih
Published: August 2016

Programming language training is a process that necessitates the continuity of individual motivation and interest. Many of the students who are assigned to computer programming courses have a lack of motivation to engage in programming tasks. Computer games or in-class gamification activities which could provide the students an opportunity to get rid of the boring abstract coding, can be used as motivational tools for improving the effectiveness of learning in programming language training. In this context, the purposes of the chapter can be summarized under two titles: 1) In which ways computer games are used in and 2) how gamification strategies are adapted to programming language courses. Additonally, at the end of the chapter, authors gave a sample of an experimental gamification research that the academic and motivational effectiveness of game strategies were investigated in a ActionScript 3.0 course.
Using 3D Virtual Worlds Integrated to Remote Experimentation in Sciences Teaching
Authors: Antonio Caroline Porto , Simão José Pedro Schardosim , Alves João Bosco da Mota , Bento da Silva Juarez , Coelho dos Santos Aline
Published: August 2016

Considering the need to stimulate the interest of students, it is essential to create more attractive environments for teaching, and laboratory activities are indicated as essential to correlate theory and practice. The use of remote labs allows students access remotely at anytime and anywhere, a real lab equipment. The integration of remote experiments with 3D virtual worlds allows the creation of a rich environment for contextualization of laboratory activity, providing the user with additional information about the experiment. Thus, this article aims to understand and relate existing jobs currently about virtual 3D worlds using the integrated Remote Experiments.
Moodle Game-Based Tool Trivioodle to Support the Learning of Programming Languages and Paradigms
Authors: Rodríguez Míriam Antón , Juárez María Ángeles Pérez , Pernas Francisco Javier Díaz , Zarzuela Mario Martínez , Ortega David González
Published: August 2016

The challenge of teaching programming languages and paradigms is a very complex task that requires of adequate strategies and educational tools. This chapter presents a game-based educational tool, Trivioodle, developed and used to support the teaching and learning of programming languages and paradigms. Trivioodle is integrated into the learning management system Moodle that is used as educational eLearning platform by the University of Valladolid. The chapter describes the mechanics in playing Trivioodle. The chapter also describes the result of a qualitative analysis of its use in two engineering courses related to programming offered to students in two different study programs at the University of Valladolid.
Design and Implementation of an IDE for Learning Programming Languages Using a Gamification Service
Authors: Paiva José Carlos , Leal José Paulo , Peixoto de Queirós Ricardo Alexandre
Published: August 2016

This chapter presents the architecture and design of Enki, an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for learning programming languages on Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). This environment can be used as a tool by a Learning Management System (LMS) and a typical LMS such as Moodle can launch it using the Learning Tool Interoperability (LTI) API. Student authentication tokens are passed via LTI, thus integrating Enki in the single sign-on domain of the academic institution. The proposed tool has a web user interface similar to those of reference IDEs, where the learner has access to different integrated tools, from viewing tutorial videos, to solving programming exercises that are automatically evaluated. Enki uses several gamification strategies to engage learners, including generic gamifications services provided by Odin and the sequencing of educational resources. The course content (videos, PDFs, programming exercises) is progressively disclosed to the learner as he successfully completes exercises. This is similar to what happens in a game, where new levels are unlocked as the previous are completed, thus contributing to the sense of achievement.
Performance Analysis of FET-Based Nanoiosensors by Computational Method
Authors: Talukdar Keka , Malipatil Anil Shantappa
Published: August 2016

Human body has a hierarchy of structures. There are many organs which are affected much earlier by a disease when it is detected. Most modern sensors can detect anomalies when its concentration in the body fluid reaches to millimolar range. But more sensitive biosensors should detect disease from much lower concentration like femtomolar range. So, extremely sensitive biosensors are needed for early detection of fatal diseases at their early stage. It should detect the target molecule from a very low concentration of analyte. Also, molecules which we often need to detect are too small in size. So Nanotechnology and biotechnology should shake hand to detect nanosized particles from an extremely low concentration solution. Hence we are in a real need of a biosensor. Here we are interested in charged biomolecules and will discuss the performance of Field- Effect Transistor based biosensosrs by computational method.
Self-Setting Calcium Phosphate Bone Cement Preparation, Characterization and Drug Delivery for Skeletal System
Authors: Shaffiey Sayed Reza , Shaffiey Sayedeh Fatemeh
Published: August 2016

The reactivity of acid base cements forming hydroxyapatite (HA) such as, ß-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) and dicalcium phosphate dehydrate (DCPD). Amorphous calcium phosphates, prepared by precipitation from supersaturated solutions, can also react to form apatitic cements since they are thermodynamic unstable with respect to HA and have a setting reaction more independent of particle size. Calcium phosphate cement containing an antibiotic can be used for filling bone defects and to ensure local antibiotherapy. Therefore, in the present chapter proposal, cement paste was prepared by combining cement liquids comprised of Na2HPO4 with cement powders. Gentamicin sulfate was also loaded on the cements and its in vitro release was evaluated over a period of time. The cement setting times were compared before and after drug addition. According to results, the initial and final setting times of samples increase after drug addition.
Mineralized Nanofibers for Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Karaman Ozan
Published: August 2016

The limitation of orthopedic fractures and large bone defects treatments has brought the focus on fabricating bone grafts that could enhance ostegenesis and vascularization in-vitro. Developing biomimetic materials such as mineralized nanofibers that can provide three-dimensional templates of the natural bone extracellular-matrix is one of the most promising alternative for bone regeneration. Understanding the interactions between the structure of the scaffolds and cells and therefore the control cellular pathways are critical for developing functional bone grafts. In order to enhance bone regeneration, the engineered scaffold needs to mimic the characteristics of composite bone ECM. This chapter reviews the fabrication of and fabrication techniques for fabricating biomimetic bone tissue engineering scaffolds. In addition, the chapter covers design criteria for developing the scaffolds and examples of enhanced osteogenic differentiation outcomes by fabricating biomimetic scaffolds.
Stratagems of Nanotechnology Augmenting the Bioavailability and Therapeutic Efficacy of Traditional Medicine to Formulate Smart Herbal Drugs Combating
Authors: Margret Anita
Published: August 2016

Mental illness is one of the most fundamental emotional states of conscious being which becomes unbalanced and leads to neurological disorders. It is a significant contributor to the global burden of disease and there is a strong desire to devise a remedy. Ayurveda represents a traditional medicine system of India that endorses antiquity than western medicine and relies on formulations rather than their active components. It has categorised a group of herbal medicines to improve mental abilities. Conversely, the mechanistic details of the therapy are not available in ayurvedic literature and there is a need to fortify this system with modern scientific analysis. The design of nanosystems encompasses promising characteristics in the field of drug delivery with a limited dosage thereby decreasing adverse effects. This chapter confers stratagems of devising polymeric nano herbal formulations as smart nano brain drugs to espouse mental health.
CADDY—Cognitive Autonomous Diving Buddy: Two Years of Underwater Human-Robot Interaction
Authors: Mišković Nikola , Bibuli Marco , Birk Andreas , Caccia Massimo , Egi Murat , Grammer Karl , Marroni Alessandro , Neasham Jeff , Pascoal Antonio , Vasilijević Antonio , Vukić Zoran
Published: August 2016

AbstractDivers operate in harsh and poorly monitored environments, in which the slightest unexpected disturbance, technical malfunction, or lack of attention can have catastrophic consequences. Motivated by these considerations, the “CADDY—Cognitive Autonomous
Diving Buddy” FP7 project sets forth the main goal of developing a cooperative autonomous underwater robotic system to monitor and assist human divers, thus affording them increased levels of safety during the execution of challenging scientific and commercial missions. This article
presents the main results obtained in the first 2 years of the project along the following main research topics: Seeing the Diver, where the focus is placed on the 3D reconstruction of a diver's model (pose estimation and recognition of hand gestures) through remote and local sensing
technologies, thus enabling behavior interpretation; Understanding the Diver, with the objective of interpreting the model and physiological measurements of the diver in order to determine the state of the diver; and Diver-Robot Cooperation and Control, aimed at investigating
the interaction of the diver with underwater vehicles endowed with rich sensory motor skills, focusing on cooperative control and optimal formation with the diver as an integral part of the overall vehicle-diver formation.
Underwater Intervention Robotics: An Outline of the Italian National Project MARIS
Authors: Casalino Giuseppe , Caccia Massimo , Caselli Stefano , Melchiorri Claudio , Antonelli Gianluca , Caiti Andrea , Indiveri Giovanni , Cannata Giorgio , Simetti Enrico , Torelli Sandro , Sperindè Alessandro , Wanderlingh Francesco , Muscolo Giovanni , Bibuli Marco , Bruzzone Gabriele , Zereik Enrica , Odetti Angelo , Spirandelli Edoardo , Ranieri Andrea , Aleotti Jacopo , Lodi Rizzini Dario , Oleari Fabio , Kallasi Fabjan , Palli Gianluca , Scarcia Umberto , Moriello Lorenzo , Cataldi Elisabetta
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe Italian national project MARIS (Marine Robotics for Interventions) pursues the strategic objective of studying, developing, and integrating technologies and methodologies to enable the development of autonomous underwater robotic systems employable for intervention
activities. These activities are becoming progressively more typical for the underwater offshore industry, for search-and-rescue operations, and for underwater scientific missions. Within such an ambitious objective, the project consortium also intends to demonstrate the achievable operational
capabilities at a proof-of-concept level by integrating the results with prototype experimental systems.
Differential Production of Type I IFN Determines the Reciprocal Levels of IL-10 and Proinflammatory Cytokines Produced by C57BL/6 and BALB/c Macrophages
Authors: Howes Ashleigh , Taubert Christina , Blankley Simon , Spink Natasha , Wu Xuemei , Graham Christine M. , Zhao Jiawen , Saraiva Margarida , Ricciardi-Castagnoli Paola , Bancroft Gregory J. , O’Garra Anne
Published: August 2016

Pattern recognition receptors detect microbial products and induce cytokines, which shape the immunological response. IL-12, TNF-α, and IL-1β are proinflammatory cytokines, which are essential for resistance against infection, but when produced at high levels they may contribute to immunopathology. In contrast, IL-10 is an immunosuppressive cytokine, which dampens proinflammatory responses, but it can also lead to defective pathogen clearance. The regulation of these cytokines is therefore central to the generation of an effective but balanced immune response. In this study, we show that macrophages derived from C57BL/6 mice produce low levels of IL-12, TNF-α, and IL-1β, but high levels of IL-10, in response to TLR4 and TLR2 ligands LPS and Pam3CSK4, as well as Burkholderia pseudomallei, a Gram-negative bacterium that activates TLR2/4. In contrast, macrophages derived from BALB/c mice show a reciprocal pattern of cytokine production. Differential production of IL-10 in B. pseudomallei and LPS-stimulated C57BL/6 and BALB/c macrophages was due to a type I IFN and ERK1/2-dependent, but IL-27–independent, mechanism. Enhanced type I IFN expression in LPS-stimulated C57BL/6 macrophages was accompanied by increased STAT1 and IFN regulatory factor 3 activation. Furthermore, type I IFN contributed to differential IL-1β and IL-12 production in B. pseudomallei and LPS-stimulated C57BL/6 and BALB/c macrophages via both IL-10–dependent and –independent mechanisms. These findings highlight key pathways responsible for the regulation of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in macrophages and reveal how they may differ according to the genetic background of the host.
The Lymphatic Immune Response Induced by the Adjuvant AS01: A Comparison of Intramuscular and Subcutaneous Immunization Routes
Authors: Neeland Melanie R. , Shi Wei , Collignon Catherine , Taubenheim Nadine , Meeusen Els N. T. , Didierlaurent Arnaud M. , de Veer Michael J.
Published: August 2016

The liposome-based adjuvant AS01 incorporates two immune stimulants, 3-O-desacyl-4′-monophosphoryl lipid A and the saponin QS-21. AS01 is under investigation for use in several vaccines in clinical development. i.m. injection of AS01 enhances immune cell activation and dendritic cell (DC) Ag presentation in the local muscle-draining lymph node. However, cellular and Ag trafficking in the lymphatic vessels that connect an i.m. injection site with the local lymph node has not been investigated. The objectives of this study were: 1) to quantify the in vivo cellular immune response induced by AS01 in an outbred ovine model, 2) to develop a lymphatic cannulation model that directly collects lymphatic fluid draining the muscle, and 3) to investigate the function of immune cells entering and exiting the lymphatic compartments after s.c. or i.m. vaccination with AS01 administered with hepatitis B surface Ag (HBsAg). We show that HBsAg-AS01 induces a distinct immunogenic cellular signature within the blood and draining lymphatics following both immunization routes. We reveal that MHCIIhigh migratory DCs, neutrophils, and monocytes can acquire Ag within muscle and s.c. afferent lymph, and that HBsAg-AS01 uniquely induces the selective migration of Ag-positive neutrophils, monocytes, and an MHCIIhigh DC-like cell type out of the lymph node via the efferent lymphatics that may enhance Ag-specific immunity. We report the characterization of the immune response in the lymphatic network after i.m. and s.c. injection of a clinically relevant vaccine, all in real time using a dose and volume comparable with that administered in humans.
ERβ-Dependent Direct Suppression of Human and Murine Th17 Cells and Treatment of Established Central Nervous System Autoimmunity by a Neurosteroid
Authors: Aggelakopoulou Maria , Kourepini Evangelia , Paschalidis Nikolaos , Simoes Davina C. M. , Kalavrizioti Dimitra , Dimisianos Nikolaos , Papathanasopoulos Panagiotis , Mouzaki Athanasia , Panoutsakopoulou Vily
Published: August 2016

Multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease of the CNS, is mediated by autoreactive Th cells. A previous study showed that the neurosteroid dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), when administered preclinically, could suppress progression of relapsing-remitting experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). However, the effects of DHEA on human or murine pathogenic immune cells, such as Th17, were unknown. In addition, effects of this neurosteroid on symptomatic disease, as well as the receptors involved, had not been investigated. In this study, we show that DHEA suppressed peripheral responses from patients with MS and reversed established paralysis and CNS inflammation in four different EAE models, including the 2D2 TCR-transgenic mouse model. DHEA directly inhibited human and murine Th17 cells, inducing IL-10–producing regulatory T cells. Administration of DHEA in symptomatic mice induced regulatory CD4+ T cells that were suppressive in an IL-10–dependent manner. Expression of the estrogen receptor β by CD4+ T cells was necessary for DHEA-mediated EAE amelioration, as well as for direct downregulation of Th17 responses. TGF-β1 as well as aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation was necessary for the expansion of IL-10–producing T cells by DHEA. Thus, our studies demonstrate that compounds that inhibit pathogenic Th17 responses and expand functional regulatory cells could serve as therapeutic agents for autoimmune diseases, such as MS.
Persistent Hyperinsulinism in Kabuki Syndrome 2: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Gole Hobia , Chuk Raymond , Coman David
Published: August 2016

Kabuki syndrome is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous congenital malformation syndrome with protean clinical manifestations. This reflects the important epigenetic role in embryonic development of the two genes currently known to be associated with Kabuki syndrome i.e., KMT2D and KDM6A, which are responsible for Kabuki syndrome 1 and Kabuki syndrome 2, respectively. Hypoglycemia is thought to be a rare manifestation of Kabuki syndrome; however it may be under diagnosed. Herein we describe the case of a 5-year-old girl with Kabuki syndrome 2 in whom persistent hyperinsulinism was diagnosed at 4 years of age. We postulate an epigenetic mechanism for hyperinsulinism where specific loss KDM6A demethylation of the H3K27me3/me2 mark may lead to deregulated pancreatic β-cell development.
Effect of temperature on immunocompetence of the blue mussel (Mytilus edulis)
Authors: Beaudry Alexandre , Fortier Marlène , Masson Stéphane , Auffret Michel , Brousseau Pauline , Fournier Michel
Published: August 2016

The blue mussel is a filter-feeding bivalve commonly used in ecotoxicological monitoring as a sentinel species. Due to climate change and the increase of temperature expected in marine environment, it is important to anticipate potential impacts on this species. The aim of this study was to investigate the immunocompetence of blue mussels acclimated to different temperatures and on the effects of increasing temperatures (5, 10 and 20°C). Different indices and gonad maturation stages were also determined throughout the experiments. Cell viability, phagocytosis, serum lysozyme activity and cyclooxygenase (COX) activity were evaluated as immune parameters. The cellular immunity was also evaluated after hemocytes exposure to various cadmium concentrations in vitro. The results obtained demonstrate modulation of hemocyte viability and the ability of these cells to phagocytize in absence of contaminants. After the exposure to cadmium, hemocytes showed greater viability at 5°C while maintaining a higher phagocytic competence. In addition, the lysozyme activity stayed stable at all tested temperatures, contrary to that of COX, which increased when the mussels were maintained at 20°C. The evaluation of indices demonstrated no reduction of general conditions during all the experiment despite the increase of temperature and the reduction of the digestive gland weight. Moreover, the lack of food does not affect gonad maturation and the spawning process.
How truthful are water accounting data?
Authors: Ansorge Libor , Dlabal Jiří , Dostálová Anne
Published: August 2016

Water accounting is an important tool for water managers. Many studies use official water accounting data or similar data for their assessment. In particular, large-scale studies or water footprint studies have limited opportunities for “in-situ” data collection. In many cases, the processors of studies do not know the origin of the data and their limitations. Water accounting data are very often used for decision-making process, water resource management, and planning in the water sector. This article tries to answer the question “How truthful are water accounting data?” For this task water accounting in the agriculture sector in the Czech Republic was selected. The data on water withdrawals for the agriculture purposes was analysed and compared with water needs estimation based on additional data on agricultural production.
WASTEWATER EFFLUENT GENERATED BY GROUT INDUSTRIES IN BRAZIL
Authors: Zola Fernanda Cavicchioli , Aragão Franciely Velozo , Zola Rafael S. , Okawa Cristhiane M. P. , De Angelis Neto Generoso
Published: August 2016

Civil construction has grown inadvertently in Brazil, and, consequently, its demands for raw material. The production of such materials, as to any industrial process, yields wastewater effluents and has, in general, as destination water resources such as rivers and lakes. Nonetheless, government inspection can not keep up with the number of starting companies, resulting in the projection of impunity. The present work, the first of the kind, has the goal of analyzing the some chemical physics aspects of wastewater effluents samples generated from grout industries. The study shows that the pH of these samples lie outside the established limit by the national laws. The extremely alkaline pH and high conductivity of these effluents may cause severe damage to the aquatic environment in which they are disposed.
URBAN SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN CAXIAS DO SUL/BRAZIL: PRACTICES AND CHALLENGES
Authors: Poletto Matheus , De Mori Paulo R. , Schneider Vania E. , Zattera Ademir J.
Published: August 2016

Solid waste management is become a challenge for the cities’ authorities in developing countries mainly due rapid economic growth and population increasing. In cities of the developing world, the informal sector plays an important role in the management of urban solid waste. This work examines the participation of scavengers in an integrated municipal solid waste management system. The paper is based on direct field observations, interviews with scavengers and characterization of the urban solid waste generated in Caxias do Sul. The partnership between municipal government and local scavengers were also evaluated as well as the contribution of the scavengers in the urban solid waste management system. The study reveals that is necessary realize a campaign for improve the waste segregation at source, the infrastructure of the scavengers associations need to be improved and finally the scavengers need to be more deeply involved in the policies associated with the urban solid waste management system adopted in the city.
Revisiting a family approach in youth ministry
Authors: Cloete Anita
Published: August 2016

The primary aim of this article is to reflect on the ‘family’ of a family approach in youth ministry. The overall aim of the article is to confirm the importance of family as social and, specifically, a religious institution. Therefore, a family approach in youth ministry is of utmost importance, but it is argued that it is more feasible if the responsibility is taken up to continuously reflect on being a family in contemporary society. That implies that reflection on family is as much a cultural task as a theological task. Therefore, an interdisciplinary reflection is valued as cultural, is multifaceted and an ever chancing phenomenon. One of the outstanding characteristic of families today is diversity. Diversity, with regards to family, is mostly related to the structure of family and attention has therefore been paid to it in a section of this article. It is argued that diversity should not be perceived as negative, because, despite of the diverse structure of family, constructive relationships is proposed as the binding and constitutive factor in being a family. The focus on relatedness moves beyond blood ties to relatedness and solidarity as fundamental for our humanness. Thatcher (2007:6) differentiates between a structural and relational approach to family. A relational approach is opted here with the emphasis on the quality of the dimension of the relationships. These relationships are also understood to be grounded in theological sources such as the Person of God and the church.
Successful Treatment of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis with Topical Paramomycin in a Child After Treatment Failure with Systemic Fluconazole
Authors: Chacko Anila , Joseph Marissa , Feltis Timothy , Morris Shaun K.
Published: August 2016

It is challenging to find safe, nonscarring and noninvasive treatment of facial cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in children. Herein, we report a child with CL from a region endemic for Leishmania tropica, whose lesion persisted after treatment with oral fluconazole but responded to topical paromomycin. Paromomycin should be considered early for treatment of Old World CL and is a well-tolerated and effective mode of therapy for facial lesions.
West Africa International Centers of Excellence for Malaria Research: Drug Resistance Patterns to Artemether–Lumefantrine in Senegal, Mali, and The Gambia
Authors: Dieye Baba , Affara Muna , Sangare Lassana , Joof Fatou , Ndiaye Yaye D. , Gomis Jules F. , Ndiaye Mouhamadou , Mbaye Aminata , Diakite Mouhamadou , Sy Ngayo , Mbengue Babacar , Deme Awa B. , Daniels Rachel , Ahouidi Ambroise D. , Dieye Tandakha , Abdullahi Ahmad , Doumbia Seydou , Ndiaye Jean L. , Diarra Ayouba , Ismaela Abubakar , Coulibaly Mamadou , Welty Clint , Ngwa Alfred Amambua , Shaffer Jeffrey , D'Alessandro Umberto , Volkman Sarah K. , Wirth Dyann F. , Krogstad Donald J. , Koita Ousmane , Nwakanma Davis , Ndiaye Daouda
Published: August 2016

In 2006, artemether–lumefantrine (AL) became the first-line treatment of uncomplicated malaria in Senegal, Mali, and the Gambia. To monitor its efficacy, between August 2011 and November 2014, children with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria were treated with AL and followed up for 42 days. A total of 463 subjects were enrolled in three sites (246 in Senegal, 97 in Mali, and 120 in Gambia). No early treatment failure was observed and malaria infection cleared in all patients by day 3. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-adjusted adequate clinical and parasitological response (ACPR) was 100% in Mali, and the Gambia, and 98.8% in Senegal. However, without PCR adjustment, ACPR was 89.4% overall; 91.5% in Mali, 98.8% in Senegal, and 64.3% in the Gambia (the lower value in the Gambia attributed to poor compliance of the full antimalarial course). However, pfmdr1 mutations were prevalent in Senegal and a decrease in parasite sensitivity to artesunate and lumefantrine (as measured by ex vivo drug assay) was observed at all sites. Recrudescent parasites did not show Kelch 13 (K13) mutations and AL remains highly efficacious in these west African sites.
Efficacy of Chloroquine and Primaquine for the Treatment of Uncomplicated Plasmodium vivax Malaria in Cruzeiro do Sul, Brazil
Authors: Negreiros Suiane , Farias Samela , Viana Giselle Maria Rachid , Okoth Sheila Akinyi , Chenet Stella M. , de Souza Thayna Maria Holanda , Marchesini Paola , Udhayakumar Venkatachalam , Povoa Marinete Marins , Santelli Ana Carolina Faria e Silva , de Oliveira Alexandre Macedo
Published: August 2016

We evaluated the efficacy of chloroquine and primaquine on uncomplicated Plasmodium vivax malaria in Cruzeiro do Sul, Brazil, in 2014. Patients ≥ 5 years of age with either fever or history of fever, and laboratory-confirmed P. vivax monoinfection received chloroquine (total dose = 25 mg/kg) and primaquine (total dose = 3.5 mg/kg), and were followed up for 168 days (24 weeks). We used microsatellite genotyping to differentiate recurrent infections caused by heterologous parasites from those caused by homologous ones. No new P. vivax episode occurred by Day 28 among 119 enrolled patients, leading to Day 28, with adequate clinical and parasitological response (ACPR) of 100% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 96.7–100%). Twenty-eight P. vivax episodes occurred by Day 168, with uncorrected ACPR of 69.9% (95% CI = 59.5–79.0%). Fifteen of these episodes were caused by either homologous haplotypes or haplotypes that could not be determined. Excluding the 13 recurrent episodes caused by heterologous parasites, Day 168 microsatellite-corrected ACPR was estimated at 81.2% (95% CI = 71.0–89.1%). Chloroquine and primaquine remain efficacious to treat acute uncomplicated P. vivax infection, but moderate recurrence rates were observed within 24 weeks of follow-up.
Development of Two FhSAP2 Recombinant–Based Assays for Immunodiagnosis of Human Chronic Fascioliasis
Authors: Shin Sun Hee , Hsu Angel , Chastain Holly M. , Cruz Lorna A. , Elder Eric S. , Sapp Sarah G. H. , McAuliffe Isabel , Espino Ana M. , Handali Sukwan
Published: August 2016

In the United States, infection with Fasciola hepatica has been identified as an emerging disease, primarily in immigrants, refugees, and travelers. The laboratory test of choice for diagnosis of fascioliasis is detection of disease specific antibodies, most commonly uses excretory-secretory antigens for detection of IgG antibodies. Recently, recombinant proteins such as F. hepatica antigen (FhSAP2) have been used to detect IgG antibodies. The glutathione S-transferase (GST)–FhSAP2 recombinant antigen was used to develop Western blot (WB) and fluorescent bead-based (Luminex) assays to detect F. hepatica total IgG and IgG4 antibodies. The sensitivity and specificity of GST-FhSAP2 total IgG and IgG4 WB were similar at 94% and 98%, respectively. For the IgG Luminex assay, the sensitivity and specificity were 94% and 97%, and for the IgG4, the values were 100% and 99%, respectively. In conclusion, the GST-FhSAP2 antigen performs well in several assay formats and can be used for clinical diagnosis.
Validation and analysis of MOPITT CO observations of the Amazon Basin
Authors: Deeter M. N. , Martínez-Alonso S. , Gatti L. V. , Gloor M. , Miller J. B. , Domingues L. G. , Correia C. S. C.
Published: August 2016

Abstract. We analyze satellite retrievals of carbon monoxide from the MOPITT (Measurements of Pollution in the Troposphere) instrument over the Amazon Basin, focusing on the MOPITT Version 6 "multispectral" retrieval product (exploiting both thermal-infrared and near-infrared channels). Validation results based on in situ vertical profiles measured between 2010 and 2013 are presented for four sites in the Amazon Basin. Results indicate a significant negative bias in retrieved lower-tropospheric CO concentrations. The possible influence of smoke aerosol as a source of retrieval bias is investigated using collocated Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) aerosol optical depth (AOD) measurements at two sites but does not appear to be significant. Finally, we exploit the MOPITT record to analyze both the mean annual cycle and the interannual variability of CO over the Amazon Basin since 2002.
Moderate topsoil erosion rates constrain the magnitude of the
erosion-induced carbon sink and agricultural productivity losses on the
Chinese Loess Plateau
Authors: Zhao Jianlin , Van Oost Kristof , Chen Longqian , Govers Gerard
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Despite a multitude of studies, overall erosion rates as well as the contribution of different erosion processes on Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP) remain uncertain, which hampers a correct assessment of the impact of soil erosion on carbon and nutrient cycling as well as on crop productivity. In this paper we used a novel approach, based on field evidence, to reassess erosion rates on the CLP before and after conservation measures were implemented (1950 vs. 2005). We found that current average topsoil erosion rates are 3 to 9 times lower than earlier estimates suggested. Under 2005 conditions, more sediment was produced by non-topsoil erosion (gully erosion (0.23 ± 0.28 Gt yr−1) and landsliding (0.28 ± 0.23 Gt yr−1) combined) than by topsoil erosion (ca. 0.30 ± 0.08 Gt yr−1). Overall, these erosion processes mobilized ca. 4.77 ± 1.96 Tg yr−1 of soil organic carbon (SOC): the latter number sets the maximum magnitude of the erosion-induced carbon sink, which is ca. 4 times lower than one other recent estimate suggests. The programs implemented from the 1950s onwards reduced topsoil erosion from 0.51 ± 0.13 to 0.30 ± 0.08 Gt yr−1 while SOC mobilization was reduced from 7.63 ± 3.52 to 4.77 ± 1.96 Tg C yr−1. Conservation efforts and reservoir construction have disrupted the equilibrium that previously existed between sediment and SOC mobilization on the one hand and sediment and SOC export to the Bohai sea on the other hand: nowadays, most eroded sediments and carbon are stored on land. Despite the fact that average topsoil losses on the CLP are still relatively high, a major increase in agricultural productivity has occurred since 1980. Fertilizer application rates nowadays more than compensate for the nutrient losses by (topsoil) erosion: this was likely not the case before the dramatic rise of fertilizer use that started around 1980. Hence, erosion is currently not a direct threat to agricultural productivity on the CLP but the long-term effects of erosion on soil quality remain important.
Effects of wastewater treatment plant effluent inputs on planktonic
metabolic rates and microbial community composition in the Baltic Sea
Authors: Vaquer-Sunyer Raquel , Reader Heather E. , Muthusamy Saraladevi , Lindh Markus V. , Pinhassi Jarone , Conley Daniel J. , Kritzberg Emma S.
Published: August 2016

Abstract. The Baltic Sea is the world's largest area suffering from eutrophication-driven hypoxia. Low oxygen levels are threatening its biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. The main causes for eutrophication-driven hypoxia are high nutrient loadings and global warming. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) contribute to eutrophication as they are important sources of nitrogen to coastal areas. Here, we evaluated the effects of wastewater treatment plant effluent inputs on Baltic Sea planktonic communities in four experiments. We tested for effects of effluent inputs on chlorophyll a content, bacterial community composition, and metabolic rates: gross primary production (GPP), net community production (NCP), community respiration (CR) and bacterial production (BP). Nitrogen-rich dissolved organic matter (DOM) inputs from effluents increased bacterial production and decreased primary production and community respiration. Nutrient amendments and seasonally variable environmental conditions lead to lower alpha-diversity and shifts in bacterial community composition (e.g. increased abundance of a few cyanobacterial populations in the summer experiment), concomitant with changes in metabolic rates. An increase in BP and decrease in CR could be caused by high lability of the DOM that can support secondary bacterial production, without an increase in respiration. Increases in bacterial production and simultaneous decreases of primary production lead to more carbon being consumed in the microbial loop, and may shift the ecosystem towards heterotrophy.
The effect of precipitation rate on Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios in biogenic calcite
as observed in a belemnite rostrum
Authors: Ullmann Clemens Vinzenz
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Isotopic ratios and concentrations of the alkaline earth metals Mg and Sr in biogenic calcite are of great importance as proxies for environmental parameters. In particular, the Mg/Ca ratio as a temperature proxy has had considerable success. It is often hard to constrain, however, which parameter ultimately controls the concentration of these elements in calcite. Here, multiple Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca transects through a belemnite rostrum of Passaloteuthis bisulcata (Blainville, 1827) are used to isolate the effect of calcite precipitation rate on incorporation of Mg and Sr into the calcite. With increasing calcite precipitation rate Mg/Ca ratios decrease and Sr/Ca ratios in the rostrum increase. In the studied specimen this effect is found to be linear for both element ratios over a precipitation rate increase of ca. 150 %. Mg/Ca ratios and Sr/Ca ratios show a linear covariation with increasing relative precipitation rate, where a 100 % increase in precipitation rate leads to a (8.1 ± 0.9) % depletion in Mg and a (5.9 ± 0.7) % enrichment in Sr. The magnitude of the precipitation rate effect on Mg is (37 ± 4) % greater than that on Sr. Precipitation rate effects are well-defined in the rostrum of Passaloteuthis bisulcata but only account for a minor part of chemical heterogeneity. Biasing effects on palaeoenvironmental studies can be minimized by informed sampling, whereby the apex and apical line of the rostrum are avoided.
Reconciling the signal and noise of atmospheric warming on decadal timescales
Authors: Jones Roger N. , Ricketts James H.
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Interactions between externally-forced and internally-generated climate variations on decadal timescales is a major determinant of changing climate risk. Severe testing is applied to observed global and regional surface and satellite temperatures and modelled surface temperatures to determine whether these interactions are independent, as in the traditional signal-to-noise model, or whether they interact, resulting in steplike warming. The multi-step bivariate test is used to detect step changes in temperature data. The resulting data are then subject to six tests designed to show strong differences between the two statistical hypotheses, hstep and htrend: (1) Since the mid-20th century, most of the observed warming has taken place in four events: in 1979/80 and 1997/98 at the global scale, 1988/89 in the northern hemisphere and 1968/70 in the southern hemisphere. Temperature is more steplike than trend-like on a regional basis. Satellite temperature is more steplike than surface temperature. Warming from internal trends is less than 40 % of the total for four of five global records tested (1880–2013/14). (2) Correlations between step-change frequency in models and observations (1880–2005), are 0.32 (CMIP3) and 0.34 (CMIP5). For the period 1950–2005, grouping selected events (1963/64, 1968–70, 1976/77, 1979/80, 1987/88 and 1996–98), correlation increases to 0.78. (3) Steps and shifts (steps minus internal trends) from a 107-member climate model ensemble 2006–2095 explain total warming and equilibrium climate sensitivity better than internal trends. (4) In three regions tested, the change between stationary and non-stationary temperatures is steplike and attributable to external forcing. (5) Steplike changes are also present in tide gauge observations, rainfall, ocean heat content, forest fire danger index and related variables. (6) Across a selection of tests, a simple stepladder model better represents the internal structures of warming than a simple trend – strong evidence that the climate system is exhibiting complex system behaviour on decadal timescales. This model indicates that in situ warming of the atmosphere does not occur; instead, a store-and-release mechanism from the ocean to the atmosphere is proposed. It is physically plausible and theoretically sound. The presence of steplike – rather than gradual – warming is important information for characterising and managing future climate risk.
Understanding the representativeness of FLUXNET for upscaling
carbon flux from eddy covariance measurements
Authors: Kumar Jitendra , Hoffman Forrest M. , Hargrove William W. , Collier Nathan
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Eddy covariance data from regional flux networks are direct in situ measurement of carbon, water, and energy fluxes and are of vital importance for understanding the spatio-temporal dynamics of the the global carbon cycle. FLUXNET links regional networks of eddy covariance sites across the globe to quantify the spatial and temporal variability of fluxes at regional to global scales and to detect emergent ecosystem properties. This study presents an assessment of the representativeness of FLUXNET based on the recently released FLUXNET2015 data set. We present a detailed high resolution analysis of the evolving representativeness of FLUXNET through time. Results provide quantitative insights into the extent that various biomes are sampled by the network of networks, the role of the spatial distribution of the sites on the network scale representativeness at any given time, and how that representativeness has changed through time due to changing operational status and data availability at sites in the network. To realize the full potential of FLUXNET observations for understanding emergent ecosystem properties at regional and global scales, we present an approach for upscaling eddy covariance measurements. Informed by the representativeness of observations at the flux sites in the network, the upscaled data reflects the spatio-temporal dynamics of the carbon cycle captured by the in situ measurements. This study presents a method for optimal use of the rich point measurements from FLUXNET to derive an understanding of upscaled carbon fluxes, which can be routinely updated as new data become available, and direct network expansion by identifying regions poorly sampled by the current network. Data from this study are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.15486/NGT/1279968
Using crowdsourced web content for informing water systems
operations in snow-dominated catchments
Authors: Giuliani Matteo , Castelletti Andrea , Fedorov Roman , Fraternali Piero
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Snow is a key component of the hydrologic cycle in many regions of the world. Despite recent advances in environmental monitoring are making a wide range of data available, continuous snow monitoring systems able to collect data at high spatial and temporal resolution are not well established yet, especially in inaccessible high latitude or mountainous regions. The unprecedented availability of user generated data on the Web is opening new opportunities for enhancing real-time monitoring and modeling of environmental systems based on data that are public, low-cost, and spatio-temporally dense. In this paper, we contribute a novel crowdsourcing procedure for extracting snow-related information from public web images, either produced by users or generated by touristic web cams. A fully automated process fetches mountain images from multiple sources, identifies the peaks present therein, and estimates virtual snow indexes representing a proxy of the snow covered area. Our procedure has the potential for complementing traditional snow-related information, minimizing costs and efforts for obtaining the virtual snow indexes and, at the same time, maximizing the portability of the procedure to several locations where such public images are available. The operational value of the obtained virtual snow indexes is assessed for a real world water management problem, the regulation of Lake Como, where we use these indexes for informing the daily operations of the lake. Numerical results show that such information is effective in extending the anticipation capacity of the lake operations, ultimately improving the system performance.