bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sexual dimorphism in black jaw tiliapia (Sarotherodon melanotheron) and banded jewelfish (Hemichromis fasciatus) from the Great Kwa River, Calabar, Nigeria
Authors: Ibor Oju Richard , Eni George , Andem Andem Bassey , Joseph Akanimo , Chukwuka Azubuike Victor
Published: December 2017

In this study, the pattern and magnitude of sexual dimorphic differences have been investigated in black jaw tilapia (Sarotherodon melanotheron) (n = 160; 74 males and 86 females) and banded jewelfish (Hemichromis fasciatus) (n = 120; 42 males and 78 females) from the Great Kwa River, Calabar, Nigeria. Fish samples were collected between July and December 2015. Fourteen morphometric variables, including body weight, total length, standard length, body depth, cheek depth, pre-orbital length, postorbital length, pectoral fin length (right and left), pelvic fin length (right and left), head length, gonad weight, eye diameter and four meristic variables, including number of pectoral fins (right and left) and number of pelvic fins (right and left), were taken using standard methods. Size-adjusted morphometric measurements subjected to step-wise discriminant function analysis were used to determine predictor variables to morphologically differentiate sexes for both species; magnitude of dimorphism between sexes was estimated using percentage classification accuracy of the discriminant function analysis. From the discriminant function analysis, the pectoral fin length and gonad weight positively contributed significantly to morphometric dimorphism (magnitude=69.2%) in male and femaleS. melanotheronsuggesting adaptation for reproductive function; while forH. fasciatusthe body depth and standard length were important contributors to sexual dimorphism (magnitude=84.2%) suggesting size dimorphism for aggressiveness, territorial behavior and improving swimming performance. Overall, our results indicate that the different magnitude of sexual dimorphism between the two species could be attributable to the type and functional role of sexual dimorphic traits.
Some Remarks About Conservation for Residual Distribution Schemes
Authors: Abgrall Rémi
Published: December 2017

We are interested in the discretisation of the steady version of hyperbolic problems. We first show that all the known schemes (up to our knowledge) can be rephrased in a common framework. Using this framework, we then show they flux formulation, with an explicit construction of the flux, and thus are locally conservative. This is well known for the finite volume schemes or the discontinuous Galerkin ones, much less known for the continuous finite element methods. We also show that Tadmor’s entropy stability formulation can naturally be rephrased in this framework as an additional conservation relation discretisation, and using this, we show some connections with the recent papers [13, 20, 18, 19].
This contribution is an enhanced version of [4].
Current Developments in Autonomous Vehicle Policy in the United States: Federalism’s Influence in State and National Regulatory Law and Policy
Authors: Salatiello Christopher , Felver Troy B.
Published: December 2017

With the advent of autonomous vehicles, especially self-driving cars, there is great promise for society. However, cars are not islands; they operate in a community of vehicles. Laws and regulations are crafted to allow the maximum benefit for the community while imposing the fewest costs. Unfortunately, a full accounting of these benefits and costs is not entirely clear at promulgation. Because the technologies and how they will be used are so uncertain, regulatory bodies have to try to build on what they have done in the past, sometimes successfully and sometimes unevenly. This paper will examine several regulatory attempts involving these new technologies in the United States, both on the federal and state levels. Also considered will be the interaction of these regulations under a federal system with defined and specific responsibilities for both sovereigns. A view on future developments is provided to gauge the directions additional regulation could take. Finally, generalizable lessons from this approached will be summarized.
A simple and efficient process for the extraction of naringin from grapefruit peel waste
Authors: Victor Mauricio M. , David Jorge M. , Sakukuma Maria C.K. , França Elivana L. , Nunes Anna V.J.
Published: December 2017

An improved method to obtain naringin, a bitter flavored flavanone glicoside with proven biological activities, from grapefruit (Citrus x paradisi L.) peel waste is described. The proposed modification of the known process, which involves extraction with methanol and crystallization in water with the addition of dichloromethane, requires shorter processing time and reduced solvent volume. Due to the direct method employed, which did not require the 3-day air-drying stage, the hot extraction of fresh grapefruit albedo using methanol led to higher yields of naringin extract in half the time required. To evaluate the obtained naringin which possessed a wide range of pharmacological properties, it was subjected to chemical transformation into the flavone apigenin, an expensive and naturally-occurring flavonoid obtained in low yields.
Linear and Nonlinear Prediction Models Show Comparable Precision for Maximal Mean Speed in a 4x1000 m Field Test
Authors: Jäger J. M. , Kurz J. , Müller H.
Published: December 2017

Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) is one of the most distinguished parameters in endurance sports and plays an important role, for instance, in predicting endurance performance. Different models have been used to estimate VO2max or performance based on VO2max. These models can use linear or nonlinear approaches for modeling endurance performance. The aim of this study was to estimate VO2max in healthy adults based on the Queens College Step Test (QCST) as well as the Shuttle Run Test (SRT) and to use these values for linear and nonlinear models in order to predict the performance in a maximal 1000 m run (i.e. the speed in an incremental 4×1000 m Field Test (FT)). 53 female subjects participated in these three tests (QCST, SRT, FT). Maximal oxygen uptake values from QCST and SRT were used as (a) predictor variables in a multiple linear regression (MLR) model and as (b) input variables in a multilayer perceptron (MLP) after scaling in preprocessing. Model output was speed [km·h−1] in a maximal 1000 m run. Maximal oxygen uptake values estimated from QCST (40.8 ± 3.5 ml·kg−1·min−1) and SRT (46.7 ± 4.5 ml·kg−1·min−1) were significantly correlated (r = 0.38, p < 0.01) and maximal mean speed in the FT was 12.8 ± 1.6 km·h−1. Root mean squared error (RMSE) of the cross validated MLR model was 0.89 km·h−1 while it was 0.95 km·h−1 for MLP. Results showed that the accuracy of the applied MLP was comparable to the MLR, but did not outperform the linear approach.
Intermedialität im Unterricht in Deutsch als Fremdsprache
Authors: Schleicher Regina
Published: December 2017

Der Beitrag befasst sich exemplarisch mit den Möglichkeiten, die die Idee von Intermedialität für den Fremdsprachenunterricht bietet. Auch im Fremdsprachenunterricht sollte man sich nicht darauf beschränken, mehrere Medien im Wechsel zu verwenden, sondern das Dazwischen, das sich aus der Differenz ergibt, zu thematisieren, um es als Ansatzpunkt für eine Medienreflexion zu nehmen. Die dargestellten Unterrichtsvorschläge verfolgen das Ziel, die Medienbewusstheit der Lernenden zu stärken. Mit einer Auswahl von Karikaturen, einer Fotografie und einem Text aus der deutschen Presse und Online-Medien wird exemplarisch gezeigt, welchen Stellenwert die Arbeit mit politischen Karikaturen unter dem Gesichtspunkt der Intermedialität im DaF/DaZ-Unterricht mit Erwachsenen hat. Am Ende mündet der Beitrag in eine den Medienvergleich überwindende intermediale Perspektive.
Mobile Eating: A Cultural Perspective
Authors: Botterill Jacqueline
Published: December 2017

Over 80 percent of North Americans regularly eat in the car, yet neither mobility literature nor expanding discussions of food cultures focus on the practice. Two studies shed light on eating in the car. First, North American’s distinct, dynamic, and embedded mobile food infrastructure is outlined via discussion of noteworthy innovations - from the 19thcentury dining car to the 21stcentury drive thru - that food entrepreneurs constructed to facilitate eating on the go. Second, four exploratory focus groups investigate the meanings and practices drivers associate with eating in the car. Together findings suggest that eating in the car is compromised by the demands of accelerating modernity. Framing eating in the car as simply another facet of an obesity crisis, as culinary preference, or personal choice and responsibility limits full understanding of the cultural anxieties, environmental and health risks surrounding this widespread food practice.
A Flexible Observation-Driven Stationary Bivariate Negative Binomial INAR(1) with Non-homogeneous Levels of Over-dispersion
Authors: Mamode Khan Naushad , Sunecher Yuvraj , Jowaheer Vandna
Published: December 2017

The existing bivariate integer-valued autoregressive process of order 1 (BINAR(1)) with negative binomial (NB) innovations is developed under stationary moment conditions and in particular under same level of over-dispersion index. In this paper, we propose a flexible BINAR(1) under NB innovations where the counting series are subject to two different levels of over-dispersion under same stationary moment condition. The unknown parameters of the new model are estimated using a generalized quasi-likelihood (QL) estimating equation. The performance of this estimation method is assessed through some numerical experiments under different time dimensions.
Diagramm, Experiment und die Anschaulichkeit von Theorie: zur Schematisierung der Bewegung bei Galileo Galilei
Authors: Bogen Steffen
Published: December 2017

How and where do relationships arise that can be rendered diagrammatically? Do they emerge through the process of human reasoning or through the act of drawing on surface? Or do they unfold in the dynamic processes at play in observable reality? The following article argues that the latter is the case, making recourse to the philosophy of Charles Sanders Peirce. As a case study, it explores Galileo Galilei’s investigation of free-fall motion and examines both printed texts and manuscripts in order to understand how Galilei arrived at his conclusions. While the published diagrams present his results in graphic traditions that date back to the 14th century, Galilei’s handwritten sketches and notes demonstrate the difficult process of hypothesis formation. In these documents we can observe Galilei grappling with adapting the forms of older diagrammatical notation to his experiments. Through close observation of the phenomena in front of him, Galileo tries to comprehend clearly which parameters of motion can be measured and correlated on the inclined plane.
Influence of Radiation Therapy on Glomerular Filtration Rate after Treating Pelvic Malignancy
Authors: Goga-Cmega Vildana , Tozija Ljiljana , Spasovski Goce
Published: December 2017

Introduction. Pelvic malignancy (cervical, rectal and endometrial carcinoma) is a very common and deadly disease. Adjuvant therapy consists of regimens that include both concurrent chemotherapy/radiotherapy (RT) and adjuvant chemotherapy. The aim of the study was to evaluate and analyze renal function through the changes in GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate), using 3D conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) techniques in the treatment of patients with pelvic malignancy. Methods. This study was conducted at the Clinical Center of Kosovo, Oncology Department. Several variables were evaluated in 75 patients: sex, age, type of primary malignancy, median tumor dose (TD) evidence over 50 and above 50 Gray (Gy). Time of the appearance of toxicity was followed by GFR changes during3- and 6-month follow-up period. Patients with pretreatment genitourinary morbidity (PGUM) were excluded from the study. Results. Our cohort consisted of 75 patients with pelvic malignancy, of whom 53(70.7%) were female and 22(29.3%) male. The average age of the patients included in the study was 57.5±11.2 years. Thirty (40.0%) of the 75 patients had rectal carcinoma, 28 (37.3%) cervical cancer (CC) and 17 (22.7%) endometrial carcinoma. The average value of GFR in the beginning was 71.7± 23.1ml/min, it was 75.6±25.6ml/min three months after beginning of therapy and 79.1±25.9 ml/min six months after therapy. The test of comparison showed a signifycant statistical difference between the values of GFR at the baseline of treatment vs three months after therapy (P<0.05), baseline of therapy vs six months after therapy (P<0.001), while there was no difference between GFR values three months and six months after therapy. Conclusion. Overall, the kidney function improved at 3 and 6 months in majority of patients.
Carpenter Syndrome – Case Report and Treatment
Authors: Mirchevski Vladimir , Zogovska Elizabeta , Chaparoski Aleksandar , Filipce Venko , Agai Ljuljzim , Shuntov Blagoj , Mirchevski Mirko Michel , Srceva Marija Jovanovska
Published: December 2017

Introduction. Carpenter syndrome is a polymorphic disorder transmitted by autosomal recessive inheritance, caused by mutations in the RAB23 gene [1]. These genetic disorders are reflected on the biogenesis of intracranial structures. This syndrome was described for the first time in 1900 by the British doctor George Carpenter. It may include congenital heart diseases, mental retardation, hypogonadism, obesity, umbilical hernia, developmental disorder, bone anomalies and frequent respiratory infections. Carpenter syndrome has two main features: craniosynostosis and more than five fingers or toes [2-4]. Aim. To present our experience in treatment of an infant with Carpenter syndrome including trigonocephaly and polydactyly. Case report. In May 2003, an eleven-month-old male infant with Carpenter syndrome was hospitalized in the Pediatric Department of the University Clinic of Neurosurgery in Skopje, Republic of Macedonia. The infant was referred to our Department from the University Pediatric Clinic because of trigonocephaly and polydactyly with two thumbs on his right hand. The infant had already been twice hospitalized at the University Pediatric Clinic for two recurrent lung infections suggestive of Carpenter syndrome. The diagnosis of trigonocephaly and polydactyly with two thumbs on the right hand was made by physical examination, X-ray of the right infant’s hand and computed tomography of the head. According to Oi and Matsumoto classification from 1986 [5], the infant had a severe form of trigonocephaly. Surgical procedure. Under general endotracheal anesthesia, the infant was placed supine on the operating table, a bifrontal skin incision was made and the scalp flap was created. The bifrontal craniotomy was realized into one bony piece succeeded by a modified Di Rocco’s "shell" procedure including frontal translation and transposition rotating the flap for 180 degrees without /touching the orbital rims. Results. The postoperative period was uneventful except for the expected forehead swelling. The infant was discharged from the hospital on the 7th postoperative day, neurologically intact. Three months after surgery, the head had excellent esthetic appearance, with regular psychomotor development in line with the age of the patient. Six months after the first surgery the patient underwent a second plastic and reconstructive surgery in order to reduce the number of fingers. Conclusion. The early recognition and multidisciplinary approach could prevent new disabled individuals in the society. Our technique shortens the entire surgical procedure, diminishes the time under anesthesia and its complications, especially in departments where blood saving devices are not available.
A Fast Classification Method of Faults in Power Electronic Circuits Based on Support Vector Machines
Authors: Cui Jiang , Shi Ge , Gong Chunying
Published: December 2017

Fault detection and location are important and front-end tasks in assuring the reliability of power electronic circuits. In essence, both tasks can be considered as the classification problem. This paper presents a fast fault classification method for power electronic circuits by using the support vector machine (SVM) as a classifier and the wavelet transform as a feature extraction technique. Using one-against-rest SVM and one-against-one SVM are two general approaches to fault classification in power electronic circuits. However, these methods have a high computational complexity, therefore in this design we employ a directed acyclic graph (DAG) SVM to implement the fault classification. The DAG SVM is close to the one-against-one SVM regarding its classification performance, but it is much faster. Moreover, in the presented approach, the DAG SVM is improved by introducing the method of Knearest neighbours to reduce some computations, so that the classification time can be further reduced. A rectifier and an inverter are demonstrated to prove effectiveness of the presented design.
Public Health und Disability Studies
Authors: Zander Michael
Published: December 2017

Die durch die Disability Studies eingeführte Unterscheidung von gesundheitsrelevanter Beeinträchtigung und durch gesellschaftliche Ausgrenzung verursachter Behinderung hat weitreichende Implikationen für Public Health, was anhand von fünf Themen gezeigt wird: 1. Infragestellung der Verabsolutierung von Gesundheit, 2. Begrenzung des Präventionsbegriffs, 3. besserer Zugang zu medizinischen Leistungen für behinderte Menschen, 4. barrierefreie Umwelten, 5. Kampf gegen soziale Ungleichheit.
Fragen inklusionssensibler (Hochschul-) Bildungsentwicklung
Authors: Dannenbeck Clemens , Dorrance Carmen
Published: December 2017

Inklusive Entwicklungen erfordern eine gesamtgesellschaftliche Reflexion über die Bedeutung von Behinderung und das Verhältnis zu Vielfalt. Das gilt auch für den Hochschulbereich. Damit zielt eine inklusionssensible Hochschulentwicklung auf mehr als nur auf die optimierte Integration von Studierenden mit einer Behinderung.
Inklusion in der Kommune – Aktionspläne zur Umsetzung der UN-Behindertenrechtskonvention in Rheinland-Pfalz
Authors: Hemmerich-Bukowski Uta , Rösch Matthias
Published: December 2017

In Rheinland-Pfalz werden Aktionspläne als strategisches Instrument zur Umsetzung der UN-Konvention über die Rechte von Menschen mit Behinderungen in verschiedenen Bereichen genutzt. Der Artikel behandelt Aktionspläne auf Ebene des Landes und der Kommunen. Exemplarisch wird der Aktionsplan der Stadt Trier vorgestellt.
Ein Statement: Inklusion und Empowerment: Zur Bedeutung der UN-Behindertenrechtskonvention im Gesundheitswesen
Authors: Arnade Sigrid
Published: December 2017

Generell vorhandene Defizite im Gesundheitswesen treffen behinderte Menschen besonders hart, denn viele von ihnen sind häufiger auf das Gesundheitswesen angewiesen als Menschen ohne Behinderungen. Erschwerend hinzukommen unter anderem die mangelnde Barrierefreiheit, Leistungseinschränkungen, Wissensdefizite und die nicht gesicherte Assistenz im Krankenhaus. Dem stehen die Vorgaben der seit 2009 rechtsverbindlichen UN-Behindertenrechtskonvention entgegen, die jedoch von den im Gesundheitswesen Verantwortlichen nicht berücksichtigt werden. Um den Stillstand zu überwinden, macht die Autorin den Vorschlag eines „Masterplans Gesundheit“.
The natural history of subependymal giant cell astrocytomas in tuberous sclerosis complex: a review
Authors: Chan Denise L. , Calder Tessa , Lawson John A. , Mowat David , Kennedy Sean E.
Published: December 2017

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an auto-somal-dominant inherited condition with an incidence of approximately 1:6000 births, characterised by deregulated mTOR activity with multi-site hamartomas. Subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (SEGA) are one such hamartoma, affecting up to 24% of patients with TSC. Their intraventricular location may lead to life-threatening obstructive hydrocephalus. Current management is hampered by a lack of understanding regarding the natural history, behaviour and growth patterns of SEGA. We review the current literature to summarise what is known about SEGA in the following areas: (1) diagnostic criteria, (2) prevalence, (3) origin, (4) imaging characteristics, (5) growth rate, (6) genotype-phenotype correlation, (7) congenital SEGA and (8) SEGA as a marker of severity of other TSC manifestations.
The Palimpsestic Time and Identity in Graham Swift’s Ever After
Authors: Catană Elisabeta Simona
Published: December 2017

The essay analyses Graham Swift’s Ever After and shows that the concepts of time and identity are fictional constructs which stand for a palimpsestic world presented as an eternal stage of past and present stories. Time and identity are revealed to us through symbols which stand for a palimpsestic world. They are reinvented and rewritten according to the narrator’s vision.
Cultural Translation as Representation in Paul Bowles’ Their Heads Are Green and Their Hands Are Blue (1957)
Authors: Aammari Lahoucine
Published: December 2017

This paper is premised upon the American writer, Paul Bowles, and his journey into Morocco as a liminal topography. In his Their Heads are Green and their Hands are Blue the traveller-writer crosses borders, moving from the metropolis to the colony as a far-flung territory, a process which is faced with a sense of unrepresentability of the Other and its culture, leading to a sense of dislocation on the part of the traveller. The latter lives on the edge of two starkly different cultures, civilizations, religions and societies. His peregrination produces weird feelings which are associated with the liminal and the threshold, and which oscillate between the homely and unhomely, the ordinary and the mysterious.
Profiling the Cambridge Preliminary Candidate. A British Council Open Centre Case Study in Western Romania
Authors: Goșa Codruța , Frențiu Luminița
Published: December 2017

The study analyses the profile of the potential candidate sitting the Cambridge Preliminary Test. It joins a research trend focused on understanding the role of and attitudes to the Cambridge examinations in Romania.
Initiative For EFL Teacher Development in Romanian Schools
Authors: Pavelescu Liana
Published: December 2017

The aim of the present teacher development initiative is twofold: to help EFL teachers develop critical reflection skills through various means such as video recording, journal writing, peer observation and a support group and to create what Hargreaves (cited in Johnston 2009) calls a “culture of collaboration”. It is believed that teachers, students and the educational institution as a whole would benefit from such an initiative.
Developing Literary Translators’ Competence. A Multi-Leveled Approach
Authors: Percec Dana
Published: December 2017

Just as one’s foreign language skills may be assessed on the basis of the Common European Framework of Reference, so may literary translators’ competences be evaluated following the criteria listed in the PETRA-E Framework of Reference for the Education and Training of Literary Translators. The article reports on the results obtained on the basis of a small-scale investigation aimed at diagnosing the competences of 1st year Translation Studies MA students at the West University of Timișoara, where the authors teach. The investigation covered one month of the fall semester, during which the students were asked to translate a short story (O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi¸ 1906) and perform a number of other tasks set in accordance with the PETRA-E descriptors for early career translators’ competences. The paper rounds off with the conclusions of the investigation, which may prove useful in outlining directions in literary translators’ training.
Analysis of the bending and failure of fiber metal laminates based on glass and carbon fibers
Authors: Ostapiuk Monika , Bieniaś Jarosław , Surowska Barbara
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the mechanisms of cracking and failure in fiber metal laminates (FMLs) subjected to 3-point bending. Two types of laminates, based on the glass/epoxy and carbon/epoxy composites, were selected for the study. The paper presents the failures of matrix and fibers as well as the effects of different thicknesses of metal layers on the tested laminates. The mechanisms of failure observed for the two tested types of fibers with uniform thickness of aluminum sheets seem similar. The results demonstrate that the tested laminates exhibit the following failure modes: fiber breakage, matrix cracking, fiber/matrix debonding, delamination, and anodic layer failure. Given the behavior of aluminum under the compressive and tensile stresses, the aluminum layer acts as a barrier preventing FML failure during bending. In addition to aluminum layer thickness, the fiber type and composite layer directions are also important factors to be considered.
Shadow Economy in Tourism: Some Conceptual Considerations from Croatia
Authors: Kesar Oliver , Čuić Katarina
Published: December 2017

Although the importance of tourism for the Croatian economy is widely recognized and well documented, the issues related to the existence of shadow economy in tourism are not yet fully investigated and resolved. In spite of many attempts to estimate the size and impacts of shadow economy in tourism, there is still much controversy regarding the scope of the research area and the appropriateness of methodological approaches used to quantify this complex phenomenon. The present study aimed to (1) summarize the existing body of empirical evidence related to the shadow economy in tourism, with special reference to the case of Croatia, and to (2) shed some more light on additional aspects and variables which have been found to be important determinants for better understanding of the nature of the shadow economy in tourism. In order to reduce the adverse impacts of the shadow economy in tourism, some policy recommendations are suggested.
Temperature-dependent synchrotron X-ray diffraction, pair distribution function and susceptibility study on the layered compound CrTe3
Authors: Hansen Anna-Lena , Dietl Bastian , Etter Martin , Kremer Reinhard K. , Johnson David C. , Bensch Wolfgang
Published: December 2017

Results of combined synchrotron X-ray diffraction and pair distribution function experiments performed on the layered compound CrTe3 provide evidence for a short range structural distortion of one of the two crystallographically independent CrTe6 octahedra. The distortion is caused by higher mobility of one crystallographically distinct Te ion, leading to an unusual large Debye Waller factor. In situ high temperature X-ray diffraction investigations show an initial crystallization of a minor amount of elemental Te followed by decomposition of CrTe3 into Cr5Te8 and Te. Additional experiments provide evidence that the Te impurity (<1%) cannot be avoided. Analyses of structural changes in the temperature range 100–754 K show a pronounced anisotropic expansion of the lattice parameters. The differing behavior of the crystal axes is explained on the basis of structural distortions of the Cr4Te16 structural building units. An abrupt distortion of the structure occurs at T≈250 K, which then remains nearly constant down to 100 K. The structural distortion affects the spin exchange interactions between Cr3+ cations. A significant splitting between field-cooled (fc) and zero-field-cooled (zfc) magnetic susceptibility is observed below about 200 K. Applying a small external magnetic field results in a substantial spontaneous magnetization, reminiscent of ferro- or ferrimagnet exchange interactions below ~240 K. A Debye temperature of ~150 K was extracted from heat capacity measurements.
Bioarchaeological perspectives on the social experience of prehistoric and historic communities
Authors: Baustian Kathryn M.
Published: December 2017

Traditionally, reconstructions of social complexity in past societies have relied on a plethora of indicators including, but not limited to, ancient texts, monumental architectural and archaeological evidence for hierarchical leadership, surplus storage, craft specialisation and the density of populations. With the exception of mortuary patterns, particularly the quantity and quality of grave goods, bioarchaeological data have featured less prominently in archaeological interpretation. Over the past 40 years, however, the study of human skeletal remains has been more firmly integrated into theoretical explorations of the past, and the broader development of biocultural models has contributed more fully to archaeological research. The first of the two volumes reviewed here is exemplary of current bioarchaeological approaches that draw on human biology, cultural development and physical environments to understand the human experience.
A Design of Experiment Approach to Study the Effects of Raw Material on the Performance of Geopolymer Concrete
Authors: Li Yanping , Shen Lin , Mirmoghtadaei Reza , Ai Li
Published: December 2017

The compressive strength development, setting time, and workability of fly ash–based geopolymer were investigated by modifying alkali solution composition, slag replacement percentage, curing temperature, and liquid to binder ratio (L/B). The mechanism of how raw material formulation affects fresh and mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete was discussed based on analysis of the geopolymerization process. Due to the complex reactions involved with the geopolymer formations, a design of experiment (DOE) approach was used to quantify the effects of silica concentration, hydroxide concentration, and slag replacement percentage on setting time, 7-day, and 28-day compressive strength. The prediction models showed excellent agreement with high adjusted R2. The DOE results revealed the following: for setting time, concentration of hydroxide (mol of [OH-]), the interaction of the concentration of silicon (mol of [Si]) and [OH-], and the quadratic (second-order) effect of [Si] were considered significant; for 7-day compressive strength, only [Si], the ground granulated blast-furnace slag to cementitious materials ratio ([GGBS/cem]), and their interaction were found to be significant, whereas [OH-] was considered not significant; for 28-day compressive strength, all factors appeared to become important.
Physical Modeling of Soil Liquefaction: Repeatability of Centrifuge Experimentation at RPI
Authors: Abdoun Tarek , Kokkali Panagiota , Zeghal Mourad
Published: December 2017

Numerical models are commonly used in practice to predict the occurrence and propagation of liquefaction and lateral spreading. Nevertheless, there are still only a few good-quality data sets to validate these models. An international collaboration between physical and numerical modelers has been initiated through the Liquefaction Experiments and Analysis Projects (LEAP) to establish a standard method for validation of numerical models. One of the main goals of LEAP is to provide numerical modelers with high-quality experimental data that can be used in a series of prediction exercises. In this framework, a small-scale centrifuge test of a sloping deposit was conducted at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in January 2015 and provided comprehensive data sets for evaluation of soil liquefaction numerical tools. The same experiment was repeated in September 2015 to assess the robustness and repeatability of the physical modeling methods at RPI. This paper serves a double objective: (1) to study the response and liquefaction potential of sloped deposits experimentally and (2) to establish the repeatability of experimental data to be used in numerical simulations.
Expedited Soil–Water Characteristic Curve Tests Using Combined Centrifuge and Chilled Mirror Techniques
Authors: Rahardjo H. , Nong X. F. , Lee D. T. T. , Leong E. C. , Fong Y. K.
Published: December 2017

A soil–water characteristic curve (SWCC) shows soil’s ability to provide water availability and the rate that this water can be transmitted and replenished. However, the current commonly used method to determine the SWCCs of soils (the axis-translation method) is time consuming. This study combines two relatively new but established methods (centrifuge and chilled mirror psychrometer) to find a rapid and reliable way to obtain the SWCC for a large range of suctions. For comparison, the SWCC was also independently measured using the axis-translation method (Tempe cell and pressure plate). The comparisons show that the SWCC parameters (air-entry values, residual suctions, and slope of SWCC) determined using the combined centrifuge and chilled mirror psychrometer methods agree well with the same SWCC parameters determined using the Tempe cell and pressure plate methods (axis-translation method). At the same time, the time taken was cut down from a few months for the axis-translation method to about two days for the combined centrifuge and chilled mirror psychrometer.
Area-Specific Regulation of Quiescent Neural Stem Cells by Notch3 in the Adult Mouse Subependymal Zone
Authors: Kawai Hiroki , Kawaguchi Daichi , Kuebrich Benjamin D. , Kitamoto Takeo , Yamaguchi Masahiro , Gotoh Yukiko , Furutachi Shohei
Published: December 2017

In the adult mammalian brain, neural stem cells (NSCs) generate new neurons throughout the mammal's lifetime. The balance between quiescence and active cell division among NSCs is crucial in producing appropriate numbers of neurons while maintaining the stem cell pool for a long period. The Notch signaling pathway plays a central role in both maintaining quiescent NSCs (qNSCs) and promoting cell division of active NSCs (aNSCs), although no one knows how this pathway regulates these apparently opposite functions. Notch1 has been shown to promote proliferation of aNSCs without affecting qNSCs in the adult mouse subependymal zone (SEZ). In this study, we found that Notch3 is expressed to a higher extent in qNSCs than in aNSCs while Notch1 is preferentially expressed in aNSCs and transit-amplifying progenitors in the adult mouse SEZ. Furthermore, Notch3 is selectively expressed in the lateral and ventral walls of the SEZ. Knockdown of Notch3 in the lateral wall of the adult SEZ increased the division of NSCs. Moreover, deletion of theNotch3gene resulted in significant reduction of qNSCs specifically in the lateral and ventral walls, compared with the medial and dorsal walls, of the lateral ventricles. Notch3 deletion also reduced the number of qNSCs activated after antimitotic cytosine β-D-arabinofuranoside (Ara-C) treatment. Importantly, Notch3 deletion preferentially reduced specific subtypes of newborn neurons in the olfactory bulb derived from the lateral walls of the SEZ. These results indicate that Notch isoforms differentially control the quiescent and proliferative steps of adult SEZ NSCs in a domain-specific manner.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTIn the adult mammalian brain, the subependymal zone (SEZ) of the lateral ventricles is the largest neurogenic niche, where neural stem cells (NSCs) generate neurons. In this study, we found that Notch3 plays an important role in the maintenance of quiescent NSCs (qNSCs), while Notch1 has been reported to act as a regulator of actively cycling NSCs. Furthermore, we found that Notch3 is specifically expressed in qNSCs located in the lateral and ventral walls of the lateral ventricles and regulates neuronal production of NSCs in a region-specific manner. Our results indicate that Notch3, by maintaining the quiescence of a subpopulation of NSCs, confers a region-specific heterogeneity among NSCs in the adult SEZ.
Phencyclidine Discoordinates Hippocampal Network Activity But Not Place Fields
Authors: Kao Hsin-Yi , Dvořák Dino , Park EunHye , Kenney Jana , Kelemen Eduard , Fenton André A.
Published: December 2017

We used the psychotomimetic phencyclidine (PCP) to investigate the relationships among cognitive behavior, coordinated neural network function, and information processing within the hippocampus place cell system. We report in rats that PCP (5 mg/kg, i.p.) impairs a well learned, hippocampus-dependent place avoidance behavior in rats that requires cognitive control even when PCP is injected directly into dorsal hippocampus. PCP increases 60–100 Hz medium-freguency gamma oscillations in hippocampus CA1 and these increases correlate with the cognitive impairment caused by systemic PCP administration. PCP discoordinates theta-modulated medium-frequency and slow gamma oscillations in CA1 LFPs such that medium-frequency gamma oscillations become more theta-organized than slow gamma oscillations. CA1 place cell firing fields are preserved under PCP, but the drug discoordinates the subsecond temporal organization of discharge among place cells. This discoordination causes place cell ensemble representations of a familiar space to cease resembling pre-PCP representations despite preserved place fields. These findings point to the cognitive impairments caused by PCP arising from neural discoordination. PCP disrupts the timing of discharge with respect to the subsecond timescales of theta and gamma oscillations in the LFP. Because these oscillations arise from local inhibitory synaptic activity, these findings point to excitation–inhibition discoordination as the root of PCP-induced cognitive impairment.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTHippocampal neural discharge is temporally coordinated on timescales of theta and gamma oscillations in the LFP and the discharge of a subset of pyramidal neurons called “place cells” is spatially organized such that discharge is restricted to locations called a cell's “place field.” Because this temporal coordination and spatial discharge organization is thought to represent spatial knowledge, we used the psychotomimetic phencyclidine (PCP) to disrupt cognitive behavior and assess the importance of neural coordination and place fields for spatial cognition. PCP impaired the judicious use of spatial information and discoordinated hippocampal discharge without disrupting firing fields. These findings dissociate place fields from spatial cognitive behavior and suggest that hippocampus discharge coordination is crucial to spatial cognition.
Determining the Neural Substrate for Encoding a Memory of Human Pain and the Influence of Anxiety
Authors: Tseng Ming-Tsung , Kong Yazhuo , Eippert Falk , Tracey Irene
Published: December 2017

To convert a painful stimulus into a briefly maintainable construct when the painful stimulus is no longer accessible is essential to guide human behavior and avoid dangerous situations. Because of the aversive nature of pain, this encoding process might be influenced by emotional aspects and could thus vary across individuals, but we have yet to understand both the basic underlying neural mechanisms as well as potential interindividual differences. Using fMRI in combination with a delayed-discrimination task in healthy volunteers of both sexes, we discovered that brain regions involved in this working memory encoding process were dissociable according to whether the to-be-remembered stimulus was painful or not, with the medial thalamus and the rostral anterior cingulate cortex encoding painful and the primary somatosensory cortex encoding nonpainful stimuli. Encoding of painful stimuli furthermore significantly enhanced functional connectivity between the thalamus and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). With regards to emotional aspects influencing encoding processes, we observed that more anxious participants showed significant performance advantages when encoding painful stimuli. Importantly, only during the encoding of pain, the interindividual differences in anxiety were associated with the strength of coupling between medial thalamus and mPFC, which was furthermore related to activity in the amygdala. These results indicate not only that there is a distinct signature for the encoding of a painful experience in humans, but also that this encoding process involves a strong affective component.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTTo convert the sensation of pain into a briefly maintainable construct is essential to guide human behavior and avoid dangerous situations. Although this working memory encoding process is implicitly contained in the majority of studies, the underlying neural mechanisms remain unclear. Using fMRI in a delayed-discrimination task, we found that the encoding of pain engaged the activation of the medial thalamus and the functional connectivity between the thalamus and medial prefrontal cortex. These fMRI data were directly and indirectly related to participants' self-reported trait and state anxiety. Our findings indicate that the mechanisms responsible for the encoding of noxious stimuli differ from those for the encoding of innocuous stimuli, and that these mechanisms are shaped by an individual's anxiety levels.
History-Dependent Odor Processing in the Mouse Olfactory Bulb
Authors: Vinograd Amit , Livneh Yoav , Mizrahi Adi
Published: December 2017

In nature, animals normally perceive sensory information on top of backgrounds. Thus, the neural substrate to perceive under background conditions is inherent in all sensory systems. Where and how sensory systems process backgrounds is not fully understood. In olfaction, just a few studies have addressed the issue of odor coding on top of continuous odorous backgrounds. Here, we tested how background odors are encoded by mitral cells (MCs) in the olfactory bulb (OB) of male mice. Usingin vivotwo-photon calcium imaging, we studied how MCs responded to odors in isolation versus their responses to the same odors on top of continuous backgrounds. We show that MCs adapt to continuous odor presentation and that mixture responses are different when preceded by background. In a subset of odor combinations, this history-dependent processing was useful in helping to identify target odors over background. Other odorous backgrounds were highly dominant such that target odors were completely masked by their presence. Our data are consistent in both low and high odor concentrations and in anesthetized and awake mice. Thus, odor processing in the OB is strongly influenced by the recent history of activity, which could have a powerful impact on how odors are perceived.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTWe examined a basic feature of sensory processing in the olfactory bulb. Specifically, we measured how mitral cells adapt to continuous background odors and how target odors are encoded on top of such background. Our results show clear differences in odor coding based on the immediate history of the stimulus. Our results support the argument that odor coding in the olfactory bulb depends on the recent history of the sensory environment.
Human Astrocytes Transfer Aggregated Alpha-Synuclein via Tunneling Nanotubes
Authors: Rostami Jinar , Holmqvist Staffan , Lindström Veronica , Sigvardson Jessica , Westermark Gunilla T , Ingelsson Martin , Bergström Joakim , Roybon Laurent , Erlandsson Anna
Published: December 2017

Many lines of evidence suggest that the Parkinson's disease (PD)-related protein α-synuclein (α-SYN) can propagate from cell to cell in a prion-like manner. However, the cellular mechanisms behind the spreading remain elusive. Here, we show that human astrocytes derived from embryonic stem cells actively transfer aggregated α-SYN to nearby astrocytes via direct contact and tunneling nanotubes (TNTs). Failure in the astrocytes' lysosomal digestion of excess α-SYN oligomers results in α-SYN deposits in the trans-Golgi network followed by endoplasmic reticulum swelling and mitochondrial disturbances. The stressed astrocytes respond by conspicuously sending out TNTs, enabling intercellular transfer of α-SYN to healthy astrocytes, which in return deliver mitochondria, indicating a TNT-mediated rescue mechanism. Using a pharmacological approach to inhibit TNT formation, we abolished the transfer of both α-SYN and mitochondria. Together, our results highlight the role of astrocytes in α-SYN cell-to-cell transfer, identifying possible pathophysiological events in the PD brain that could be of therapeutic relevance.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTAstrocytes are the major cell type in the brain, yet their role in Parkinson's disease progression remains elusive. Here, we show that human astrocytes actively transfer aggregated α-synuclein (α-SYN) to healthy astrocytes via direct contact and tunneling nanotubes (TNTs), rather than degrade it. The astrocytes engulf large amounts of oligomeric α-SYN that are subsequently stored in the trans-Golgi network region. The accumulation of α-SYN in the astrocytes affects their lysosomal machinery and induces mitochondrial damage. The stressed astrocytes respond by sending out TNTs, enabling intercellular transfer of α-SYN to healthy astrocytes. Our findings highlight an unexpected role of astrocytes in the propagation of α-SYN pathology via TNTs, revealing astrocytes as a potential target for therapeutic intervention.
Abrogated Freud-1/Cc2d1a Repression of 5-HT1A Autoreceptors Induces Fluoxetine-Resistant Anxiety/Depression-Like Behavior
Authors: Vahid-Ansari Faranak , Daigle Mireille , Manzini M. Chiara , Tanaka Kenji F. , Hen René , Geddes Sean D. , Béïque Jean-Claude , James Jonathan , Merali Zul , Albert Paul R.
Published: December 2017

Freud-1/Cc2d1a represses the gene transcription of serotonin-1A (5-HT1A) autoreceptors, which negatively regulate 5-HT tone. To test the role of Freud-1in vivo, we generated mice with adulthood conditional knock-out of Freud-1 in 5-HT neurons (cF1ko). IncF1komice, 5-HT1A autoreceptor protein, binding and hypothermia response were increased, with reduced 5-HT content and neuronal activity in the dorsal raphe. ThecF1komice displayed increased anxiety- and depression-like behavior that was resistant to chronic antidepressant (fluoxetine) treatment. Using conditional Freud-1/5-HT1A double knock-out (cF1/1A dko) to disrupt both Freud-1 and 5-HT1A genes in 5-HT neurons, no increase in anxiety- or depression-like behavior was seen upon knock-out of Freud-1 on the 5-HT1A autoreceptor-negative background; rather, a reduction in depression-like behavior emerged. These studies implicate transcriptional dysregulation of 5-HT1A autoreceptors by the repressor Freud-1 in anxiety and depression and provide a clinically relevant genetic model of antidepressant resistance. Targeting specific transcription factors, such as Freud-1, to restore transcriptional balance may augment response to antidepressant treatment.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTAltered regulation of the 5-HT1A autoreceptor has been implicated in human anxiety, major depression, suicide, and resistance to antidepressants. This study uniquely identifies a single transcription factor, Freud-1, as crucial for 5-HT1A autoreceptor expressionin vivo. Disruption of Freud-1 in serotonin neurons in mice links upregulation of 5-HT1A autoreceptors to anxiety/depression-like behavior and provides a new model of antidepressant resistance. Treatment strategies to reestablish transcriptional regulation of 5-HT1A autoreceptors could provide a more robust and sustained antidepressant response.