bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overlapping community detection based on link graph using distance dynamics
Authors: Chen Lei , Zhang Jing , Cai Li-Jun
Published: September 2017

The distance dynamics model was recently proposed to detect the disjoint community of a complex network. To identify the overlapping structure of a network using the distance dynamics model, an overlapping community detection algorithm, called L-Attractor, is proposed in this paper. The process of L-Attractor mainly consists of three phases. In the first phase, L-Attractor transforms the original graph to a link graph (a new edge graph) to assure that one node has multiple distances. In the second phase, using the improved distance dynamics model, a dynamic interaction process is introduced to simulate the distance dynamics (shrink or stretch). Through the dynamic interaction process, all distances converge, and the disjoint community structure of the link graph naturally manifests itself. In the third phase, a recovery method is designed to convert the disjoint community structure of the link graph to the overlapping community structure of the original graph. Extensive experiments are conducted on the LFR benchmark networks as well as real-world networks. Based on the results, our algorithm demonstrates higher accuracy and quality than other state-of-the-art algorithms.
Using functional dependency and node closure to detect communities from the sparse network
Authors: Zhou Yang , Miao Haifei , Liu Wei , Chen Xiaoyun , Cheng Jianjun
Published: September 2017

Community structure is one of the most important features of complex networks, a large number of methods have been proposed to extract community structures from networks. However, some of those methods suffer from the high time complexity, and some of them cannot obtain the acceptable results. In this paper, we borrow the idea from the database theory, and propose the concepts of functional dependency (FD) between nodes and node closure first, then we utilize these concepts to extract communities. This method takes both effectiveness and efficiency into consideration, the community detection process can be accomplished with O(m) time consumption. We conducted extensive experiments both on some synthetic networks and on some real-world networks, the experimental results demonstrate that the method can detect communities from a given network successfully.
Long- and short-time behaviour of hypocoercive-type operators in infinite dimensions: An analytic approach
Authors: Kontis V. , Ottobre M. , Zegarlinski B.
Published: September 2017

In this paper we provide a range of examples to illustrate the general theory developed in Ref. 19, where we studied smoothing and ergodicity for infinite dimensional Markovian systems with hypocoercive type generator. We also introduce and study new models, where the framework of Ref. 19 cannot be applied as is but can be adapted to obtain improved results, by exploiting the specific structure of the generator at hand. Among such examples, we examine a system of infinitely many interacting heat baths.
Evaluating a vintage play fairway exercise using subsequent exploration results: did it work?
Authors: Lottaroli Fabio , Craig Jonathan , Cozzi Andrea
Published: September 2017

The rediscovery of the regional approach and of play-based evaluation has played a key role in the success of conventional exploration in new plays and frontier basins over the past two decades. In this paper, we compare the results of a vintage (1995) play assessment of onshore Colombia (Upper Magdalena Basin) with the actual results of exploration over the following 20 years, reconstructing the vintage risk assessment and recomputing yet-to-find (YTF) using different methodologies. The overall perception of chance displayed on the vintage play maps proved to be largely correct, with most of the discoveries made over the following 20 years being within the forecasted ‘sweet spots’ and the higher risk areas being confirmed by the subsequent, less successful exploration drilling. In contrast, the YTF calculated in the vintage evaluation was overestimated. Such an overestimation of YTF seems a persistent problem in the exploration and production (E&P) industry. Recreating and analysing the vintage assessment in light of subsequent exploration results highlighted that field size distribution (FSD), the number of future accumulations and the prospect-specific risk evaluation were the main variables responsible for the overestimation of the YTF. Clearly, calculating reliable YTF is only possible with sound geological, exploration and statistical knowledge of the analysed play.
Integrated Triassic stratigraphy of the greater Culzean area, UK Central North Sea
Authors: Mouritzen Christoffer , Farris Matthew A. , Morton Andrew , Matthews Susan
Published: September 2017

The Culzean Field, located in UK CNS Block 22/25a between the Lomond Deep and the Heron Cluster, was discovered in 2008 by the 22/25a-9Z well and subsequently appraised by wells 22/25a-10, 22/25a-10Z, 22/25a-10Y and 22/25a-11. The primary reservoir is the Triassic Skagerrak Formation, with a secondary reservoir in the Middle Jurassic Pentland Formation. Total recoverable reserves are estimated to be 250 – 300 MMBOE. One principal challenge concerning the Skagerrak reservoir in Culzean is the stratigraphy, and especially how it relates to adjacent wells in Quadrant 22. Historically, biostratigraphic age determinations of the Skagerrak Formation in Quadrant 22 have been unsuccessful, unlike in Quadrant 30 where biostratigraphic recovery is good and ages are well established. However, good recovery in the Culzean discovery well 22/25a-9Z enabled identification of the Jonathan Mudstone Member, the Joanne Sandstone Member, the Julius Mudstone Member, the Judy Sandstone Member and Marnock Mudstone. The Joanne Sandstone Member and the Jonathan Mudstone Member are therefore more widely distributed in Quadrant 22 than has been hitherto recognized. The Skagerrak Formation in Culzean also has a well-defined heavy mineral stratigraphy, enabling correlation into the adjacent Marnock, Skua, Egret and Heron fields. This correlation shows that the reservoir succession in Egret and Heron is largely equivalent to the Joanne Sandstone Member, whereas Marnock and Skua contain the Judy Sandstone Member overlain by truncated Joanne Sandstone Member and Julius Mudstone Member intervals.
The Ecology of Soil Carbon: Pools, Vulnerabilities, and Biotic and Abiotic Controls
Authors: Jackson Robert B. , Lajtha Kate , Crow Susan E. , Hugelius Gustaf , Kramer Marc G. , Piñeiro Gervasio
Published: September 2017

Soil organic matter (SOM) anchors global terrestrial productivity and food and fiber supply. SOM retains water and soil nutrients and stores more global carbon than do plants and the atmosphere combined. SOM is also decomposed by microbes, returning CO2, a greenhouse gas, to the atmosphere. Unfortunately, soil carbon stocks have been widely lost or degraded through land use changes and unsustainable forest and agricultural practices. To understand its structure and function and to maintain and restore SOM, we need a better appreciation of soil organic carbon (SOC) saturation capacity and the retention of above- and belowground inputs in SOM. Our analysis suggests root inputs are approximately five times more likely than an equivalent mass of aboveground litter to be stabilized as SOM. Microbes, particularly fungi and bacteria, and soil faunal food webs strongly influence SOM decomposition at shallower depths, whereas mineral associations drive stabilization at depths greater than ∼30 cm. Global uncertainties in the amounts and locations of SOM include the extent of wetland, peatland, and permafrost systems and factors that constrain soil depths, such as shallow bedrock. In consideration of these uncertainties, we estimate global SOC stocks at depths of 2 and 3 m to be between 2,270 and 2,770 Pg, respectively, but could be as much as 700 Pg smaller. Sedimentary deposits deeper than 3 m likely contain >500 Pg of additional SOC. Soils hold the largest biogeochemically active terrestrial carbon pool on Earth and are critical for stabilizing atmospheric CO2 concentrations. Nonetheless, global pressures on soils continue from changes in land management, including the need for increasing bioenergy and food production.
Genetic and Structural Analyses of RRNPP Intercellular Peptide Signaling of Gram-Positive Bacteria
Authors: Neiditch Matthew B. , Capodagli Glenn C. , Prehna Gerd , Federle Michael J.
Published: September 2017

Bacteria use diffusible chemical messengers, termed pheromones, to coordinate gene expression and behavior among cells in a community by a process known as quorum sensing. Pheromones of many gram-positive bacteria, such as Bacillus and Streptococcus, are small, linear peptides secreted from cells and subsequently detected by sensory receptors such as those belonging to the large family of RRNPP proteins. These proteins are cytoplasmic pheromone receptors sharing a structurally similar pheromone-binding domain that functions allosterically to regulate receptor activity. X-ray crystal structures of prototypical RRNPP members have provided atomic-level insights into their mechanism and regulation by pheromones. This review provides an overview of RRNPP prototype signaling; describes the structure–function of this protein family, which is spread widely among gram-positive bacteria; and suggests approaches to target RRNPP systems in order to manipulate beneficial and harmful bacterial behaviors.
The Genetics of Plant Metabolism
Authors: Fernie Alisdair R. , Tohge Takayuki
Published: September 2017

Plant metabolic studies have traditionally focused on the role and regulation of the enzymes catalyzing key reactions within specific pathways. Within the past 20 years, reverse genetic approaches have allowed direct determination of the effects of the deficiency, or surplus, of a given protein on the biochemistry of a plant. In parallel, top-down approaches have also been taken, which rely on screening broad, natural genetic diversity for metabolic diversity. Here, we compare and contrast the various strategies that have been adopted to enhance our understanding of the natural diversity of metabolism. We also detail how these approaches have enhanced our understanding of both specific and global aspects of the genetic regulation of metabolism. Finally, we discuss how such approaches are providing important insights into the evolution of plant secondary metabolism.
Lymphedema: Pathogenesis and Novel Therapies
Authors: Dayan Joseph H. , Ly Catherine L. , Kataru Raghu P. , Mehrara Babak J.
Published: September 2017

Lymphedema affects up to 1 in 6 patients who undergo treatment for a solid tumor in the United States. Its prevalence has increased as more effective oncologic therapies have improved patient survival, but there remains no definitive cure. Recent research has elucidated new details in the pathogenesis of the disease and has demonstrated that it is fundamentally an immunologic process that ultimately results in inflammation, fibroadipose deposition, impaired lymphangiogenesis, and dysfunctional lymphatic pumping. These findings have allowed for the development of novel medical and surgical therapies that may potentially alter the standard of care for a disease that has largely been treated by compression. This review seeks to provide an overview of the emerging therapies and how they can be utilized for effective management of lymphedema.
How Children Solve the Two Challenges of Cooperation
Authors: Warneken Felix
Published: September 2017

In this review, I propose a new framework for the psychological origins of human cooperation that harnesses evolutionary theories about the two major problems posed by cooperation: generating and distributing benefits. Children develop skills foundational for identifying and creating opportunities for cooperation with others early: Infants and toddlers already possess basic skills to help others and share resources. Yet mechanisms that solve the free-rider problem—critical for sustaining cooperation as a viable strategy—emerge later in development and are more sensitive to the influence of social norms. I review empirical studies with children showing a dissociation in the origins of and developmental change seen in these two sets of processes. In addition, comparative studies of nonhuman apes also highlight important differences between these skills: The ability to generate benefits has evolutionary roots that are shared between humans and nonhuman apes, whereas there is little evidence that other apes exhibit comparable capacities for distributing benefits. I conclude by proposing ways in which this framework can motivate new developmental, comparative, and cross-cultural research about human cooperation.
Error Analysis and Evaluation of the Latest GSMap and IMERG Precipitation Products over Eastern China
Authors: Ning Shaowei , Song Fan , Udmale Parmeshwar , Jin Juliang , Thapa Bhesh Raj , Ishidaira Hiroshi
Published: September 2017

The present study comprehensively analyzes error characteristics and performance of the two latest GPM-era satellite precipitation products over eastern China from April 2014 to March 2016. Analysis results indicate that the two products have totally different spatial distributions of total bias. Many of the underestimations for the GSMap-gauged could be traced to significant hit bias, with a secondary contribution from missed precipitation. For IMERG, total bias illustrates significant overestimation over most of the eastern part of China, except upper reaches of Yangtze and Yellow River basins. GSMap-gauged tends to overestimate light precipitation (<16 mm/day) and underestimate precipitation with rain rate larger than 16 mm/day; however, IMERG underestimates precipitation at rain rate between 8 and 64 mm/day and overestimates precipitation at rain rate more than 64 mm/day. IMERG overestimates extreme precipitation indices (RR99P and R20TOT), with relative bias values of 17.9% and 11.5%, respectively. But GSMap-gauged shows significant underestimation of these indices. In addition, both products performed well in the Huaihe, Liaohe, and Yangtze River basins for extreme precipitation detection. At basin scale comparisons, the GSMap-gauged data has a relatively higher accuracy than IMERG, especially at the Haihe, Huaihe, Liaohe, and Yellow River basins.
Discovering Social Community Structures Based on Human Mobility Traces
Authors: Nguyen Cong-Binh , Yoon Seokhoon , Kim Jangyoung
Published: September 2017

We consider a community detection problem in a social network. A social network is composed of smaller communities; that is, a society can be partitioned into different social groups in which the members of the same group maintain stronger and denser social connections than individuals from different groups. In other words, people in the same community have substantially interdependent social characteristics, indicating that the community structure may facilitate understanding human interactions as well as individual’s behaviors. We detect the social groups within a network of mobile users by analyzing the Bluetooth-based encounter history from a real-life mobility dataset. Our community detection methodology focuses on designing similarity measurements that can reflect the degree of social connections between users by considering tempospatial aspects of human interactions, followed by clustering algorithms. We also present two evaluation methods for the proposed schemes. The first method relies on the natural properties of friendship, where the longevity, frequency, and regularity characteristics of human encounters are considered. The second is a movement-prediction-based method which is used to verify the social ties between users. The evaluation results show that the proposed schemes can achieve high performance in detecting the social community structure.
Ligament Augmentation and Reconstruction System Failures in Repair of Grade V Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation
Authors: Li Martin K.-H. , Woods David
Published: September 2017

The Ligament Augmentation and Reconstruction System® (LARS®) represents a popular synthetic anatomical reduction method for acromioclavicular joint dislocation by means of coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction. To our knowledge, no early failure has been documented in the literature. We present two unusual cases of LARS failure, one at four months after implant and the other at three weeks, without obvious causes, requiring re-do reconstruction, and discuss potential contributory factors.
Low Levels of Usual Physical Activity Are Associated with Higher 24 h Blood Pressure in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zucatti Alessandra Teixeira Neto , Paula Tatiana Pedroso de , Viana Luciana Verçoza , DallAgnol Rafael , Cureau Felipe Vogt , Azevedo Mirela Jobim , Gross Jorge Luiz , Schaan Beatriz D. , Leitao Cristiane Bauermann
Published: September 2017

The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between usual physical activity and 24 h blood pressure (BP) profile in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). This is a cross-sectional study of 151 participants with type 2 DM. Usual physical activity was assessed by step counting and self-reported questionnaire. BP was measured in office and by 24 h ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM; 24 h, daytime and nighttime). Mean participant age was 61.1 ± 8.4 years, 64% was women, and mean duration of diabetes was 14.3 ± 8.5 years. Ninety-two percent of participants had hypertension, and office BP was 138 ± 18/78 ± 10 mmHg. Inverse correlations were observed between step count and 24 h BP (systolic, r=−0.186; p=0.022), daytime BP (systolic, r=−0.198; p=0.015), and nighttime BP (pulse pressure, r=−0.190; p=0.019). People were categorized into tertiles of daily step count, and the 1st tertile had higher 24 h systolic BP, daytime systolic BP, daytime mean BP, and daytime systolic BP load than those in the other tertiles, even after adjusting for age and HbA1c. Participants with type 2 DM and low levels of physical activity exhibit higher 24 h and daytime systolic ambulatory BP values as compared with those who performed more steps per day, even after adjustments for confounding factors.
New Insight into the Kinetics of Deep Liquid Hydrocarbon Cracking and Its Significance
Authors: Zhao Wenzhi , Zhang Shuichang , Zhang Bin , He Kun , Wang Xiaomei
Published: September 2017

The deep marine natural gas accumulations in China are mainly derived from the cracking of liquid hydrocarbons with different occurrence states. Besides accumulated oil in reservoir, the dispersed liquid hydrocarbon in and outside source also is important source for cracking gas generation or relayed gas generation in deep formations. In this study, nonisothermal gold tube pyrolysis and numerical calculations as well as geochemical analysis were conducted to ascertain the expulsion efficiency of source rocks and the kinetics for oil cracking. By determination of light liquid hydrocarbons and numerical calculations, it is concluded that the residual bitumen or hydrocarbons within source rocks can occupy about 50 wt.% of total oil generated at oil generation peak. This implies that considerable amounts of natural gas can be derived from residual hydrocarbon cracking and contribute significantly to the accumulation of shale gas. Based on pyrolysis experiments and kinetic calculations, we established a model for the cracking of oil and its different components. In addition, a quantitative gas generation model was also established to address the contribution of the cracking of residual oil and expulsed oil for natural gas accumulations in deep formations. These models may provide us with guidance for gas resource evaluation and future gas exploration in deep formations.
Effect of Free Ammonia, Free Nitrous Acid, and Alkalinity on the Partial Nitrification of Pretreated Pig Slurry, Using an Alternating Oxic/Anoxic SBR
Authors: Belmonte Marisol , Hsieh Chia-Fang , Campos José Luis , Guerrero Lorna , Méndez Ramón , Mosquera-Corral Anuska , Vidal Gladys
Published: September 2017

The effect of free ammonia (NH3or FA), free nitrous acid (HNO2or FNA), and total alkalinity (TA) on the performance of a partial nitrification (PN) sequencing batch reactor (SBR) treating anaerobically pretreated pig slurry was studied. The SBR was operated under alternating oxic/anoxic (O/A) conditions and was fed during anoxic phases. This strategy allowed using organic matter to partially remove nitrite (NO2-) and nitrate (NO3-) generated during oxic phases. The desiredNH4+toNO2-ratio of 1.3 g N/g N was obtained when an Ammonium Loading Rate (ALR) of 0.09 gNH4+-N/L·d was applied. The system was operated at a solid retention time (SRT) of 15–20 d and dissolved oxygen (DO) levels higher than 3 mg O2/L during the whole operational period. PN mainly occurred caused by the inhibitory effect of FNA on nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB). Once HNO2concentration was negligible,NH4+was fully oxidized toNO3-in spite of the presence of FA. The use of biomass acclimated to ammonium as inoculum avoided a possible effect of FA on NOB activity.
A Problem of Particulate Contamination in an Automated Assembly Machine Successfully Solved by CFD and Simple Experiments
Authors: Thongsri Jatuporn
Published: September 2017

Assembly of hard disk drives (HDDs) needs to be done in an automated assembly machine (AAM) virtually free of particulate contamination that can cause them to malfunction. Fan filter units (FFUs) are installed above the AAM to reduce the number of suspended particles in the recirculating air flowing over and around them. At one time, several HDDs were found to be defective. To find out the root cause of this problem, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was used to investigate the airflow over and around the AAM. It was found that the cause of the high particle counts was improper air speed from the FFUs. The optimal FFUs air speed needed to be in the range of 0.35–0.65 m/s in which the airflow would block out nearby airborne particles and purge away particles generated by the AAM effectively which would, in effect, reduce the particle counts down below the threshold level of class 100 clean room. A few available measurement tools at the factory were then used to perform validating measurements against the simulation results, and the validation was positive. This optimal speed range was implemented at the factory after which the level of contamination was reduced to an acceptable level.
Disturbance Observer‐Based Input‐Output Finite‐Time Control of a Class of Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Liu Leipo , Song Xiaona , Fu Zhumu , Song Shuzhong
Published: September 2017

This paper is concerned with disturbance observer‐based input‐output finite‐time control of a class of nonlinear systems with one‐sided Lipschitz condition, as well as multiple disturbances. Firstly, a disturbance observer is constructed to estimate the disturbance generated by an exogenous system. Secondly, by integrating the estimation of disturbance with a classical state feedback control law, a composite control law is designed and sufficient conditions for input‐output finite‐time stability (IO‐FTS) of the closed‐loop system are attained. Such conditions can be converted into linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Finally, two examples are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Protects against Cytokine Production as the Potential Immunosuppressive Agents in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Ren Yan , Qiao Wei , Fu Dongliang , Han Zhiwei , Liu Wei , Ye Weijie , Liu Zunjing
Published: September 2017

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by dyslipidemia and mediated by both innate and adaptive immune responses. Inflammation is a critical factor at all stages of atherosclerosis progression. Proinflammatory cytokines accelerate atherosclerosis progression, while anti-inflammatory cytokines ameliorate the disease. Accordingly, strategies to inhibit immune activation and impede immune responses towards anti-inflammatory activity are an alternative therapeutic strategy to conventional chemotherapy on cardiocerebrovascular outcomes. Since a number of Chinese medicinal plants have been used traditionally to prevent and treat atherosclerosis, it is reasonable to assume that the plants used for such disease may suppress the immune responses and the resultant inflammation. This review focuses on plants that have immunomodulatory effects on the production of inflammatory cytokine burst and are used in Chinese traditional medicine for the prevention and therapy of atherosclerosis.
Transfer and Metabolism of Triadimefon Residues from Rape Flowers to Apicultural Products
Authors: Li Ying-Hong , Zhou Bei-Lei , Qian Ming-Rong , Wang Qiang , Zhang Hu
Published: September 2017

This paper presents a study on the transfer and metabolism of triadimefon residues from rape flowers to apicultural products. In the field trials, honeybee colonies were placed in four rape greenhouses treated with triadimefon on standard dosage. Apicultural products (pollen, honey, and royal jelly) were collected on a regular basis. Sample preparation and extraction procedure were established. HPLC/ESI-MS/MS method was validated. The respective residues of triadimefon and metabolite triadimenol were 0.03±0.002 mg/kg and 0.13±0.02 mg/kg in pollen on the 18th day, and both had reached the limits of detection in honey on the 24th day, while they were 0.004±0.0005 mg/kg and 0.010±0.0002 mg/kg in royal jelly on the 22nd day. Mathematical curve fitting studies were further investigated. On the basis of recommended dosage, the degradation half-lives of triadimefon in pollen, honey, and royal jelly were about 0.7, 12.5, and 19.5 days, respectively. Transfer of triadimefon residues from rape flowers to apicultural products diminished over spraying time. The residues of triadimefon and metabolite triadimenol in pollen were about 10 times higher than those in honey and jelly. Time to attain the maximum permissible limit of pollen in the European Union was 14.9 days, predicted from the index function.
Electronic Controlling on Nanotribological Properties of a Textured Surface by Laser Processing
Authors: Yang Haifeng , Liu Kun , Wang Yanqing , Liu Hao , Man Jiaxiang , Sun Bo
Published: September 2017

The friction-reducing performance of surfaces with regular nanotextures is a key topic in surface engineering research. This paper presented a simple, easily controlled method for fabricating regular nanotextures on an electrodeposited Ni-Co alloy. The electronic controlling on the friction performance of a nanotexured surface was investigated by AFM. The results showed that the frictional force of a nanotexured surface can be controlled by an external electric field. Before laser processing, the friction initially increased with the bias voltage and then decreased after the bias voltage exceeded 1.0 V. Its friction forces can be changed more than 2 times under the different external electric field. After laser processing, the trend of the frictional force was reversed and its friction forces changed more than 12 times for the laser-processed sample with 0.18 J/cm2 laser power. The results also showed that the friction force decreased when using different nanotextures in an external electric field.
Revascularization of Chronic Total Occlusion of the Infrarenal Aorta in a Patient with Triple Vessel Disease: Report of a Case Treated by Endovascular Approach
Authors: Shah Mahek , Patnaik Soumya , Sinha Rahul , Opoku-Asare Issac , Chaudhry Khalid , Janzer Sean
Published: September 2017

Surgical management of advance aortoiliac occlusive disease is time-tested and a widely practiced strategy, particularly when there is significant coronary artery disease associated with aortoiliac occlusive disease. The technological advances in the field of percutaneous techniques have facilitated the use of nonsurgical endovascular alternatives for peripheral arterial disease in patients with significant comorbidities at high surgical risk, as illustrated in our case report. We report a case of chronic total occlusion of the aorta that was treated percutaneously with endovascular stenting. We also discuss the specific technique used in this procedure.
db/dbMice Exhibit Features of Human Type 2 Diabetes That Are Not Present in Weight-Matched C57BL/6J Mice Fed a Western Diet
Authors: Burke Susan J. , Batdorf Heidi M. , Burk David H. , Noland Robert C. , Eder Adrianna E. , Boulos Matthew S. , Karlstad Michael D. , Jason Collier J.
Published: September 2017

To understand features of human obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) that can be recapitulated in the mouse, we compared C57BL/6J mice fed a Western-style diet (WD) to weight-matched genetically obese leptin receptor-deficient mice (db/db). All mice were monitored for changes in body composition, glycemia, and total body mass. To objectively compare diet-induced and genetic models of obesity, tissue analyses were conducted using mice with similar body mass. We found that adipose tissue inflammation was present in both models of obesity. In addition, distinct alterations in metabolic flexibility were evident between WD-fed mice anddb/dbmice. Circulating insulin levels are elevated in each model of obesity, while glucagon was increased only in thedb/dbmice. Although both WD-fed anddb/dbmice exhibited adaptive increases in islet size, thedb/dbmice also displayed augmented islet expression of the dedifferentiation marker Aldh1a3 and reduced nuclear presence of the transcription factor Nkx6.1. Based on the collective results put forth herein, we conclude thatdb/dbmice capture key features of human T2D that do not occur in WD-fed C57BL/6J mice of comparable body mass.
Unusual Case of Superior Vena Cava Syndrome Caused by Intravascular Thyroid Metastasis
Authors: Varela Pose Vanesa , Fierro Alanis María Patricia , Bermudez Naveira Anaberta , Silva Gonzalez Oskarina Lourdes , Fernandez Noya Jorge , Anido Herranz Urbano , Lopez Lopez Rafael
Published: September 2017

Superior cava venous obstruction use to show a typical clinical presentation and a CT scan or even an ultrasonography can be sufficient to achieve an accurate diagnosis, but in this case, to obtain the final diagnosis, a multimodal assessment is needed. This case report shows a multidisciplinary approach which helped diagnose a complicated case, where conventional diagnostic methods were not enough.
Gestão da coleta seletiva e de organizações de catadores: indicadores e índices de sustentabilidade
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Saúde Publica, Besen Gina Rizpah , Günther Wanda Maria Risso ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Saúde Publica, Ribeiro Helena ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Saúde Publica, Jacobi Pedro Roberto ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Saúde Publica, Dias Sonia Maria ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Saúde Publica
Published: September 2017

Esta obra se baseia na pesquisa "Coleta Seletiva: modelos de gestão com e sem inclusão de catadores, vantagens e desvantagens na perspectiva da sustentabilidade”, que conta com a coordenação do Departamento de Saúde Ambiental da Faculdade de Saúde Pública da Universidade de São Paulo (FSP/USP), em parceria com o Instituto de Energia e Ambiente (IEE/USP) e a organização não governamental Women in Informal Employment: Globalizing and Organizing (Wiego). O objetivo dos autores é oferecer instrumentos de diagnóstico, planejamento, avaliação e monitoramento da coleta seletiva municipal tanto às prefeituras e às organizações de catadores quanto aos interessados na gestão de resíduos sólidos
The Piedra Chamana fossil woods (Eocene, Peru)
Authors: Woodcock D.W. , Meyer H.W. , Prado Y.
Published: September 2017

The fossil woods and leaves of the Fossil Forest Piedra Chamana represent a diverse assemblage of plants dating to 39 Ma (late Middle Eocene). The fossils are preserved in an ashfall and overlying lahar deposits near the small village of Sexi in the northern Peruvian Andes (central Cajamarca). The assemblage includes dicot wood types and leaf morphotypes, as well as a diversity of monocot material. The ~30 dicot wood types are referred to the families Acanthaceae, Anacardiaceae, Apocynaceae, Combretaceae, Cordiaceae, Dipterocarpaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Lechythidaceae, Lythraceae, Malvaceae, Melastomataceae, Muntingiaceae, Rubiaceae, Rutaceae, and Sapindaceae. Described herein are descriptions of the first 17 wood types that have been assigned to the families Acanthaceae through Lythraceae; descriptions of the additional wood types will appear in a later paper. The paleovegetation can be characterized as lowland tropical forest with a dry aspect based on preliminary analysis of floristic affinities and wood anatomical characteristics of the fossils.
Fossil woods from the Cenozoic of Panama (Azuero Peninsula) reveal an ancient neotropical rainforest
Authors: Jud Nathan A. , Dunham Jeremy I.
Published: September 2017

Silicified woods from near the town of Ocú on the Azuero Peninsula, Panama were first reported by Stern and Eyde in 1963; however, the significance of these fossils has been largely overlooked. Well-characterized fossil floras from Central America can be used to test hypotheses related to the historical biogeography and paleoclimate of the Neotropics. We describe 10 new wood types and one palm based on 22 samples from Oligo-Miocene deposits. Affinities at the family/order level include Fabaceae, Lauraceae, Moraceae, Sapotaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Arecaceae, Sapindales, Ericales, and Humiriaceae. The fossil woods are fragmentary and have not been found in-place, but the size and angularity of the specimens suggests minimal transport from the site of growth. We compared these woods with calcareous woods from the Lower Miocene Cucaracha Formation and silicified woods from the upper Miocene Alajuela Formation using Rare Earth Element (REE) analysis to test the hypothesis that the Ocú woods were preserved under uniform conditions and not reworked. Although the results were ambiguous with respect to the original hypothesis, we note that the REE concentrations in silicified woods are much lower than in calcareous woods. We used comparative analysis of wood anatomical features to draw conclusions about the paleoclimate from the fossil flora. All the dicot woods are diffuse porous and none have distinct growth rings; some have very wide vessels at low frequencies. These features are typical of canopy trees in tropical lowland forests. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling of wood anatomical characters from a variety of communities and ecological categories showed that the anatomy of the Ocú woods is most similar to that found in tropical rainforests. Based on the combination of taxonomic identity and functional anatomy, we interpret these fossils as evidence for humid to perhumid megathermal climate in Panama during the late Paleogene-early Neogene.
Panascleroticoxylon crystallosa gen. et sp. nov.: a new Miocene malpighialean tree from Panama
Authors: Rodriguez-Reyes Oris , Gasson Peter , Thornton Carolyn , Falcon-Lang Howard J. , Jud Nathan A.
Published: September 2017

We report fossil wood specimens from two Miocene sites in Panama, Central America: Hodges Hill (Cucaracha Formation; Burdigalian, c. 19 Ma) and Lago Alajuela (Alajuela Formation; Tortonian, c. 10 Ma), where material is preserved as calcic and silicic permineralizations, respectively. The fossils show an unusual combination of features: diffuse porous vessel arrangement, simple perforation plates, alternate intervessel pitting, vessel–ray parenchyma pits either with much reduced borders or similar to the intervessel pits, abundant sclerotic tyloses, rays markedly heterocellular with long uniseriate tails, and rare to absent axial parenchyma. This combination of features allows assignment of the fossils to Malpighiales, and we note similarities with four predominantly tropical families: Salicaceae, Achariaceae, and especially, Phyllanthaceae, and Euphorbiaceae. These findings improve our knowledge of Miocene neotropical diversity and highlight the importance of Malpighiales in the forests of Panama prior to the collision of the Americas.
A Systematic Approach to Exploring College and Career Readiness Program Needs Within High-Poverty Urban Public Schools
Authors: Yavuz Olcay , Parzych Jennifer , Generali Margaret
Published: September 2017

This quantitative correlational study was designed to investigate whether the core and enrichment college readiness program needs within high-poverty urban schools significantly varied with respect to grade level and stakeholder perceptions. Statistically significant differences were discovered in parent, student, and faculty perceptions in core and enrichment programs related to high-poverty urban school needs. The findings provide valuable information about how to design student academic and counseling services strategically and effectively to increase college and career readiness for low-income, urban students. Findings also provide effective strategies for school leaders, educators, and counselors regarding urban school college and career readiness program needs so that resources can be intentionally distributed in areas of greatest importance.
Thermosetting polyester foams by infiltration in soluble preforms
Authors: Quadrini Fabrizio , Lucignano Carmine , Santo Loredana
Published: September 2017

Rigid thermosetting foams are produced by infiltration of an unsaturated polyester resin into a soluble preform. In the experimentation, preforms were made of carbamide particles which were compacted at different values of pressure to change the foam structure and properties. After resin polymerization, carbamide particles are evacuated by immersion in water, leaving pores into the samples. Foams with porosity ranging from 52% to 77% were obtained as a function of the preform density. Quasi-static and cyclic compression tests were performed to evaluate foam properties. By increasing porosity, the foam strength reduces as well as the energy adsorbed at failure, and the energy lost in each single loading–unloading cycle.
Jurisdiction Scale Matters: County Size and External Political Efficacy in China
Authors: Huang Jian , Deng Yanhua
Published: September 2017

Despite considerable scholarly interest and recent advances in research, our knowledge of how jurisdiction size influences political efficacy remains fragmentary. This study contributes to the literature by exploring the linkage between the size of county jurisdiction, in terms of county population, and external political efficacy in China. Results from simple regressions indicate that, on average, external political efficacy declines with the size of county jurisdiction. Further analysis via a quantile perspective provides evidence that the influence of size upon external political efficacy varies across different parts of the outcome distribution. We observe a negative and pronounced effect in the lower tail of the distribution, but a positive and trivial effect in the upper tail. Our study highlights citizens’ divergent perceptions about the size of political jurisdiction and offers new insights into the research on jurisdictional design and political efficacy.
The effect of lanthanum trimethacrylate on the mechanical properties and flame retardancy of dynamically vulcanized PP/EPDM thermoplastic vulcanizates
Authors: Zhou Quan , Yan Lu , Lai Xuejun , Li Hongqiang , Zeng Xingrong
Published: September 2017

A new kind of polypropylene/ethylene–propylene–diene monomer (PP/EPDM) thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) with good mechanical properties and flame retardancy was prepared via in situ peroxide-induced dynamic vulcanization using lanthanum trimethacrylate (LaTMA) as a reinforcing agent. The morphology, structure, and mechanical properties and reinforcement mechanism of PP/EPDM/LaTMA TPE were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, rubber process analyzer, cross-link density test, and so on. The flame retardancy was investigated by limiting oxygen index (LOI) test. The results showed that when the amount of lanthanum oxide was 4.96 phr and methyl methacrylate was 7.85 phr, the compatibility between EPDM and PP was greatly improved. Besides, the tensile strength, tear strength, elongation at break, and hardness (shore A) of PP/EPDM/LaTMA TPE were increased from 6.2 MPa, 41.7 kN m−1, 148%, and 81 up to 11.1 MPa, 77.3 kN m−1, 365%, and 89, respectively. And the LOI of PP/EPDM/LaTMA TPE was increased to 19.0%. The SEM images, the higher G′, and the ionic cross-link suggested that a strong filler–filler network was formed by the polymerization and the grafted of LaTMA in the PP and EPDM phase which enhanced the compatibility between PP and EPDM. The DSC and FTIR results further proved that during the processing.
Urban Literature: A User’s Guide
Authors: Rotella Carlo
Published: September 2017

This article addresses urbanists in various fields—history, the social sciences, planning, and more—who are interested in incorporating literary works into their teaching and research and may be looking for critical approaches that connect such work to their own expertise. It begins from the premise that the traits that make a city a city present writers with opportunities to tell stories, experiment with form, make meaning, and otherwise exercise the literary imagination. When we use “urban literature” as a category of analysis, when we try to identify relationships between cities and the writing produced in and about them, we are asserting that this writing takes shape around confronting the city as a formal, social, and conceptual challenge. This article explores examples of texts ranging from Sister Carrie to I Am Legend and beyond that engage signature urban processes such as urbanization, development, and the dense overlap of orders.
Trafficking within migrant smuggling operations: Are underage transporters ‘victims’ or ‘perpetrators’?
Authors: Palmer Wayne , Missbach Antje
Published: September 2017

This article looks at a case of a juvenile transporter, who ferried asylum seekers from Indonesia to Australia on several occasions, but was arrested and sentenced for his involvement on the last attempt. The reasons for exploring this case in detail are twofold. First, the use of Indonesian child labor in migrant smuggling operations is a prevalent practice. Evidence of this is particularly obvious in the large number of Indonesian children imprisoned or otherwise detained in Australia for their involvement in migrant smuggling. Second, we consider how these people fit into the smuggling-trafficking nexus before discussing the concepts of “victim” and “perpetrator” in a case where justice officials do not agree whether a juvenile transporter should be treated as an active perpetrator, and therefore punishable for migrant smuggling, or whether to treat him as a passive victim of trafficking who was deceived into carrying out the crime.
Internet and political empowerment: Towards a taxonomy for online political empowerment
Authors: Pirannejad Ali , Janssen Marijn
Published: September 2017

In the age of the information revolution, the Internet can be used to involve citizens in political processes and leads to the emergence of the new version of political empowerment. This article analyses the possible effects of the Internet on the political empowerment of citizens. We interviewed 29 citizens of Tehran to learn how the Internet affects their political involvement, and to determine whether it results in their political empowerment. We analysed the interview transcripts using Strauss and Corbin’s open-coding scheme, revealing 44 constructs. These were refined and categorised into two aspects: ‘political awareness’ and ‘political participation’. This taxonomy can be employed to evaluate the use of the Internet for political empowerment and to develop the ways to empower citizens. Six main findings on the effect of factors which contribute to the political empowerment of citizens were developed. The question of which factors are essential for citizen empowerment is likely to be context-specific and is recommended as the topic of future research.
Social mechanisms and strategic action fields: The example of the emergence of the European Research Area
Authors: Kauppinen Ilkka , Cantwell Brendan , Slaughter Sheila
Published: September 2017

The point of departure of this article is Fligstein and McAdam’s A Theory of Fields. It is argued that their theoretical framework would be strengthened by a more systematic focus in social mechanism-based explanations since this would increase understanding of how new strategic action fields (SAFs) emerge. This argument is illustrated by exploring the emergence of the European Research Area (ERA) as a SAF. In identifying social mechanisms the article draws both on Fligstein and McAdam’s studies and on academic capitalism literature. The main conclusion is that the emergence of the ERA was brought about by multiple social mechanisms such as collective attribution of threat/opportunity, social appropriation and innovative collective action, coalition formation and boundary deactivation. Moreover, the emergence of the ERA was a contested and complex process that faced considerable resistance from different actors. Full implementation of the ERA is still an ongoing and open ended process.
Applications of bauxite residue: A mini-review
Authors: Verma Ajay S , Suri Narendra M , Kant Suman
Published: September 2017

Bauxite residue is the waste generated during alumina production by Bayer’s process. The amount of bauxite residue (40–50 wt%) generated depends on the quality of bauxite ore used for the processing. High alkalinity and high caustic content in bauxite residue causes environmental risk for fertile soil and ground water contamination. The caustic (NaOH) content in bauxite residue leads to human health risks, like dermal problems and irritation to eyes. Moreover, disposal of bauxite residue requires a large area; such problems can only be minimised by utilising bauxite residue effectively. For two decades, bauxite residue has been used as a binder in cement industries and filler/reinforcement for composite materials in the automobile industry. Valuable metals and oxides, like alumina (Al2O3), titanium oxide (TiO2) and iron oxide Fe2O3, were extracted from bauxite residue to reduce waste. Bauxite residue was utilised in construction and structure industries to make geopolymers. It was also used in the making of glass-ceramics and a coating material. Recently bauxite residue has been utilised to extract rare earth elements like scandium (Sc), yttrium (Y), lanthanum (La), cerium (Ce), neodymium (Nd) and dysprosium (Dy). In this review article, the mineralogical characteristics of bauxite residue are summarised and current progresses on utilisation of bauxite residue in different fields of science and engineering are presented in detail.
Azathioprine-Induced Pancytopenia and Septic Complications: A Probable Cause of Death
Authors: Panda Bijoy K. , Umarje Siddhi , Diwan Arundhati
Published: September 2017

Azathioprine, an immunosuppressant which is widely used in the management of the autoimmune neuromuscular disorder. Myasthenia gravis is known to cause myelotoxicity. A 55-year-old male recently diagnosed with myasthenia gravis and chronic kidney disease was put on azathioprine (100 mg/d) along with pyridostigmine and prednisolone. When the treatment was initiated, the hematological reports revealed normal levels of blood count. However, approximately within 3 weeks of continuing the prescribed drugs, the patient was readmitted for complaints of loose watery stools, weakness, and giddiness. Clinical investigations revealed severe pancytopenia, suspecting to be related to azathioprine. The suspected drug (azathioprine) was withdrawn, and the management for pancytopenia was initiated. However, on the second day of hospitalization, the patient underwent cardiac arrest and septic shock which lead to death. Adverse drug reaction assessment revealed a plausible and causal relationship of azathioprine with pancytopenia and other adverse effects seen in this patient.