bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From Dreaming of Desert Islands to Reterritorialising Philosophy
Authors: Koizumi Yoshiyuki
Published: April 2018

In ‘Causes and Reasons of Desert Islands’, Gilles Deleuze presents a mythological and scientific vision in which new islands and new humanity emerge from the opposition between the land and sea in desert islands. However, what Deleuze cannot explain is how such new territory and people are produced and reproduced while rejecting old and conventional generational ways. To break this impasse, which is also present in Difference and Repetition, Deleuze and Guattari intend to retain the absolute movement of deterritorialisation, while acknowledging that deterritorialisation and reterritorialisation always comingle. This theoretical project is found in the critique of Pierre Clastres on counter-state societies, and is taken up by Deleuze and Guattari in What is Philosophy? In this latter work, by creating concepts and constituting a new plane, Deleuze and Guattari offer some conditions of a third reterritorialisation that, after the second reterritorialisation in the democratic states, presents a new way of forging a political and revolutionary philosophy. In this essay, we criticise the opinions that consider Deleuze and Guattari's political philosophy as one version of radical democracy. Their political philosophy should be situated in the post-democratic era to come.
Does Flooring Substrate Impact Kennel and Dog Cleanliness in Commercial Breeding Facilities?
Authors: Stella Judith , Hurt Moriah , Bauer Amy , Gomes Paulo , Ruple Audrey , Beck Alan , Croney Candace
Published: April 2018

Evaluation of kennel flooring surfaces is needed to understand their impacts on dog health and well-being. This pilot study aimed to characterize aspects of physical health, kennel cleanliness, and dog body cleanliness on flooring types common in US breeding kennels. Subjects were 118 adult dogs housed on diamond-coated expanded metal (DCEM), polypropylene (POLY), or concrete (CON) flooring at five commercial breeding facilities in Indiana, U.S. Body condition, paw, elbow, and hock health scores were recorded. Each indoor kennel and dog was visually assessed for cleanliness. Kennels were swabbed immediately after cleaning with electrostatic dry cloths and cultured for Escherichia coli. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. Mean body condition score (BCS), kennel and dog cleanliness scores were all near ideal (3, 1.15, and 1.04, respectively). Thirty-one percent or fewer kennels at each facility were culture-positive for E. coli after cleaning. No serious paw, elbow, or hock problems were identified. Overall, the findings indicate that with appropriate management and regular access to additional surfaces, dog foot health, cleanliness, and kennel cleanliness can be maintained on the flooring types investigated.
Dynamic Response of a Long-Span Concrete-Filled Steel Tube Tied Arch Bridge and the Riding Comfort of Monorail Trains
Authors: Gou Hongye , Zhou Wen , Yang Changwei , Bao Yi , Pu Qianhui
Published: April 2018

In this study, a dynamic response analysis procedure is proposed and applied to investigate the dynamic responses of a straddle-type concrete-filled steel tube tied arch bridge under train and truck loadings. A numerical model of the coupled monorail train–bridge system is established to investigate the dynamic behaviors of the bridge under moving trains. A refined three-dimensional finite element model is built for the bridge and a 15 degrees-of-freedom vehicle model is presented for the train. The numerical model is validated using in-situ test results and then used to analyze the dynamic displacement and acceleration of the bridge and the trains on the bridge. Based on the simulation results, the impact factor of the bridge is investigated and the riding comfort of the trains is evaluated. The investigation results show that the impact factor of vehicle loads reaches the maximum value when the resonance of the bridge is induced by the moving vehicles. The effect of train braking predominates the longitudinal vibration of the bridge but is negligible in the transverse and vertical directions. The vehicle speed is the dominating factor for the riding comfort of the train.
On the Statistical Characterization of Lightning-Induced Voltages
Authors: Andreotti Amedeo , Mottola Fabio , Pierno Antonio , Proto Daniela
Published: April 2018

Protection against lightning-induced voltages is a particularly critical issue, especially for smart grids, due to the presence of electronic-based equipment, as well as control and monitoring devices. Analysis of the severity of the induced voltages is then imperative; on the other hand, the random nature of the lightning phenomenon cannot be disregarded. In this paper, the severity of lightning-induced voltage is analyzed by means of a probabilistic approach which, starting from closed-form solutions, uses a Monte Carlo procedure. Parametric distributions that best fit the distributions of the induced voltages are investigated as well. The results show that the lognormal and the generalized extreme value distributions are the best candidates.
Selective Inhibition of Histone Deacetylation in Melanoma Increases Targeted Gene Delivery by a Bacteriophage Viral Vector
Authors: Campbell Samuel , Suwan Keittisak , Waramit Sajee , Aboagye Eric Ofori , Hajitou Amin
Published: April 2018

The previously developed adeno-associated virus/phage (AAVP) vector, a hybrid between M13 bacteriophage (phage) viruses that infect bacteria only and human Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV), is a promising tool in targeted gene therapy against cancer. AAVP can be administered systemically and made tissue specific through the use of ligand-directed targeting. Cancer cells and tumor-associated blood vessels overexpress the αν integrin receptors, which are involved in tumor angiogenesis and tumor invasion. AAVP is targeted to these integrins via a double cyclic RGD4C ligand displayed on the phage capsid. Nevertheless, there remain significant host-defense hurdles to the use of AAVP in targeted gene delivery and subsequently in gene therapy. We previously reported that histone deacetylation in cancer constitutes a barrier to AAVP. Herein, to improve AAVP-mediated gene delivery to cancer cells, we combined the vector with selective adjuvant chemicals that inhibit specific histone deacetylases (HDAC). We examined the effects of the HDAC inhibitor C1A that mainly targets HDAC6 and compared this to sodium butyrate, a pan-HDAC inhibitor with broad spectrum HDAC inhibition. We tested the effects on melanoma, known for HDAC6 up-regulation, and compared this side by side with a normal human kidney HEK293 cell line. Varying concentrations were tested to determine cytotoxic levels as well as effects on AAVP gene delivery. We report that the HDAC inhibitor C1A increased AAVP-mediated transgene expression by up to ~9-fold. These findings indicate that selective HDAC inhibition is a promising adjuvant treatment for increasing the therapeutic value of AAVP.
Autophagic Removal of Farnesylated Carboxy-Terminal Lamin Peptides
Authors: Lu Xiang , Djabali Karima
Published: April 2018

The mammalian nuclear lamina proteins—prelamin A- and B-type lamins—are post-translationally modified by farnesylation, endoproteolysis, and carboxymethylation at a carboxy-terminal CAAX (C, cysteine; a, aliphatic amino acid; X, any amino acid) motif. However, prelamin A processing into mature lamin A is a unique process because it results in the production of farnesylated and carboxymethylated peptides. In cells from patients with Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome, the mutant prelamin A protein, progerin, cannot release its prenylated carboxyl-terminal moiety and therefore remains permanently associated with the nuclear envelope (NE), causing severe nuclear alterations and a dysmorphic morphology. To obtain a better understanding of the abnormal interaction and retention of progerin in the NE, we analyzed the spatiotemporal distribution of the EGFP fusion proteins with or without a nuclear localization signal (NLS) and a functional CAAX motif in HeLa cells transfected with a series of plasmids that encode the carboxy-terminal ends of progerin and prelamin A. The farnesylated carboxy-terminal fusion peptides bind to the NE and induce the formation of abnormally shaped nuclei. In contrast, the unfarnesylated counterparts exhibit a diffuse localization in the nucleoplasm, without obvious NE deformation. High levels of farnesylated prelamin A and progerin carboxy-terminal peptides induce nucleophagic degradation of the toxic protein, including several nuclear components and chromatin. However, SUN1, a constituent of the linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complex, is excluded from these autophagic NE protrusions. Thus, nucleophagy requires NE flexibility, as indicated by SUN1 delocalization from the elongated NE–autophagosome complex.
Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology for Neck Masses in Childhood. An Illustrative Approach
Authors: Sergi Consolato , Dhiman Aneesh , Gray Jo-Ann
Published: April 2018

The primary indication of fine-needle aspiration cytology of the head and neck region is a thyroid nodule or a mass located in the cervical area or the head. Although a thyroid nodule may raise the suspicion of malignancy, less than one in 20 cases results in a carcinoma. In addition, the list of differential diagnoses is quite different according to the age of the patient. A number of benign lesions, such as branchial cysts, sialadenosis, and sialoadenitis are often seen in childhood and youth. The malignant lesions that are on the top of the list of a pediatric mass of the head and neck (H&N) region include rhabdomyosarcoma, neuroblastoma, and papillary carcinoma of the thyroid gland. This critical review of the diagnostic features of a pediatric mass of the H&N region is accompanied by panels of several cytology features that may be of help to the cytopathologist and clinician.
The Conservation of Average Entropy Production Rate in a Model of Signal Transduction: Information Thermodynamics Based on the Fluctuation Theorem
Authors: Tsuruyama Tatsuaki
Published: April 2018

Cell signal transduction is a non-equilibrium process characterized by the reaction cascade. This study aims to quantify and compare signal transduction cascades using a model of signal transduction. The signal duration was found to be linked to step-by-step transition probability, which was determined using information theory. By applying the fluctuation theorem for reversible signal steps, the transition probability was described using the average entropy production rate. Specifically, when the signal event number during the cascade was maximized, the average entropy production rate was found to be conserved during the entire cascade. This approach provides a quantitative means of analyzing signal transduction and identifies an effective cascade for a signaling network.
Comparison of Different Approaches to Predict the Performance of Pumps As Turbines (PATs)
Authors: Venturini Mauro , Alvisi Stefano , Simani Silvio , Manservigi Lucrezia
Published: April 2018

This paper deals with the comparison of different methods which can be used for the prediction of the performance curves of pumps as turbines (PATs). The considered approaches are four, i.e., one physics-based simulation model (“white box” model), two “gray box” models, which integrate theory on turbomachines with specific data correlations, and one “black box” model. More in detail, the modeling approaches are: (1) a physics-based simulation model developed by the same authors, which includes the equations for estimating head, power, and efficiency and uses loss coefficients and specific parameters; (2) a model developed by Derakhshan and Nourbakhsh, which first predicts the best efficiency point of a PAT and then reconstructs their complete characteristic curves by means of two ad hoc equations; (3) the prediction model developed by Singh and Nestmann, which predicts the complete turbine characteristics based on pump shape and size; (4) an Evolutionary Polynomial Regression model, which represents a data-driven hybrid scheme which can be used for identifying the explicit mathematical relationship between PAT and pump curves. All approaches are applied to literature data, relying on both pump and PAT performance curves of head, power, and efficiency over the entire range of operation. The experimental data were provided by Derakhshan and Nourbakhsh for four different turbomachines, working in both pump and PAT mode with specific speed values in the range 1.53–5.82. This paper provides a quantitative assessment of the predictions made by means of the considered approaches and also analyzes consistency from a physical point of view. Advantages and drawbacks of each method are also analyzed and discussed.
Optimal Sizing and Location of Distributed Generators Based on PBIL and PSO Techniques
Authors: Grisales-Noreña Luis Fernando , Gonzalez Montoya Daniel , Ramos-Paja Carlos Andres
Published: April 2018

The optimal location and sizing of distributed generation is a suitable option for improving the operation of electric systems. This paper proposes a parallel implementation of the Population-Based Incremental Learning (PBIL) algorithm to locate distributed generators (DGs), and the use of Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) to define the size those devices. The resulting method is a master-slave hybrid approach based on both the parallel PBIL (PPBIL) algorithm and the PSO, which reduces the computation time in comparison with other techniques commonly used to address this problem. Moreover, the new hybrid method also reduces the active power losses and improves the nodal voltage profiles. In order to verify the performance of the new method, test systems with 33 and 69 buses are implemented in Matlab, using Matpower, for evaluating multiple cases. Finally, the proposed method is contrasted with the Loss Sensitivity Factor (LSF), a Genetic Algorithm (GA) and a Parallel Monte-Carlo algorithm. The results demonstrate that the proposed PPBIL-PSO method provides the best balance between processing time, voltage profiles and reduction of power losses.
Value of Residential Investment in Photovoltaics and Batteries in Networks: A Techno-Economic Analysis
Authors: Shaw-Williams Damian , Susilawati Connie , Walker Geoffrey
Published: April 2018

Australia has one of the highest rates of residential photovoltaics penetration in the world. The willingness of households to privately invest in energy infrastructure, and the maturing of battery technology, provides significant scope for more efficient energy networks. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the scope for promoting distributed generation and storage from within existing network spending. In this paper, a techno-economic analysis is conducted to evaluate the economic impacts on networks of private investment in energy infrastructure. A highly granular probabilistic model of households within a test area was developed and an economic evaluation of both household and network sectors performed. Results of this paper show that PV only installations carry the greatest private return and, at current battery prices, the economics of combined PV and battery systems is marginal. However, when network benefits arising from reducing residential evening peaks, improved reliability, and losses avoided are considered, this can more than compensate for private economic losses. The main conclusion of this paper is that there is significant scope for network benefits in retrofitting existing housing stock through the incentivization of a policy of a more rapid adoption of distributed generation and residential battery storage.
An Enhanced Hybrid Switching-Frequency Modulation Strategy for Fuel Cell Vehicle Three-Level DC-DC Converters with Quasi-Z Source
Authors: Zhang Yun , Shi Jilong , Fu Chuanzhi , Zhang Wei , Wang Ping , Li Jing , Sumner Mark
Published: April 2018

For fuel cell vehicles, the fuel cell stack has a soft output characteristic whereby the output voltage drops quickly with the increasing output current. In order to interface the dynamic low voltage of the fuel cell stack with the required constant high voltage (400 V) of the inverter DC link bus for fuel cell vehicles, an enhanced hybrid switching-frequency modulation strategy that can improve the voltage-gain range is proposed in this paper for the boost three-level DC-DC converter with a quasi-Z source (BTL-qZ) employed in fuel-cell vehicles. The proposed modulation strategy retains the same advantages of the original modulation strategy with more suitable duty cycles [1/3, 2/3) which avoids extreme duty cycles. Finally, the experimental results validate the feasibility of the proposed modulation strategy and the correctness of its operating principles. Therefore, the BTL-qZ converter is beneficial to interface the fuel cell stack and the DC bus for fuel cell vehicles by using the proposed modulation strategy.
A Participatory Approach to Evaluating Strategies for Forest Carbon Mitigation in British Columbia
Authors: Peterson St-Laurent Guillaume , Hoberg George , Sheppard Stephen R. J.
Published: April 2018

To be successful, actions for mitigating climate change in the forest and forest sector will not only need to be informed by the best available science, but will also require strong public and/or political acceptability. This paper presents the results of a novel analytical-deliberative engagement process that brings together stakeholders and Indigenous Peoples in participatory workshops in the interior and coastal regions of British Columbia (BC) to evaluate a set of potential forest carbon mitigation alternatives. In particular, this study examines what objectives are prioritized by stakeholders and Indigenous Peoples when discussing forest carbon mitigation in BC’s forests, as well as the perceived effectiveness of, and levels of support for, six forest-based carbon mitigation strategies. We start by describing the methodological framework involving two series of workshops. We then describe the results from the first round of workshops where participants identified 11 objectives that can be classified into four categories: biophysical, economic, social, and procedural. Afterwards, we discuss the second series of workshops, which allowed participants to evaluate six climate change mitigation strategies against the objectives previously identified, and highlight geographical differences, if any, between BC’s coastal and interior regions. Our results effectively illustrate the potential and efficacy of our novel methodology in informing a variety of stakeholders in different regions, and generating consistent results with a surprising degree of consensus on both key objectives and preference for mitigation alternatives. We conclude with policy recommendations on how to consider various management objectives during the design and implementation of forest carbon mitigation strategies.
Proximal Monitoring of the 2011–2015 Etna Lava Fountains Using MSG-SEVIRI Data
Authors: Corradini Stefano , Guerrieri Lorenzo , Lombardo Valerio , Merucci Luca , Musacchio Massimo , Prestifilippo Michele , Scollo Simona , Silvestri Malvina , Spata Gaetano , Stelitano Dario
Published: April 2018

From 2011 to 2015, 49 lava fountains occurred at Etna volcano. In this work, the measurements carried out from the Spinning Enhanced Visible and InfraRed Imager (SEVIRI) instrument, on board the Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) geostationary satellite, are processed to realize a proximal monitoring of the eruptive activity for each event. The SEVIRI measurements are managed to provide the time series of start and duration of eruption and fountains, Time Averaged Discharge Rate (TADR) and Volcanic Plume Top Height (VPTH). Due to its temperature responsivity, the eruptions start and duration, fountains start and duration and TADR are realized by exploiting the SEVIRI 3.9 μm channel, while the VPTH is carried out by applying a simplified procedure based on the SEVIRI 10.8 μm brightness temperature computation. For each event, the start, duration and TADR have been compared with ground-based observations. The VPTH time series is compared with the results obtained from a procedures-based on the volcanic cloud center of mass tracking in combination with the Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) back-trajectories. The results indicate that SEVIRI is generally able to detect the start of the lava emission few hours before the ground measurements. A good agreement is found for both the start and the duration of the fountains and the VPTH with mean differences of about 1 h, 50 min and 1 km respectively.
Site Effect Assessment of the Gros-Morne Hill Area in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Part A: Geophysical-Seismological Survey Results
Authors: Ulysse Sophia , Boisson Dominique , Prépetit Claude , Havenith Hans-Balder
Published: April 2018

After the M = 7.0 Haiti earthquake in 2010, many teams completed seismic risk studies in Port-au-Prince to better understand why this not extraordinarily strong event had induced one of the most severe earthquake disasters in history (at least in the Western World). Most highlighted the low construction quality as the main cause for the disaster, but some also pointed to possible soil and topographic amplification effects, especially in the lower and central parts of Port-au-Prince (e.g., close to the harbor). However, very detailed local studies of such site effects have not been completed yet. A Belgian-Haitian collaboration project was established in order to develop a detailed local seismic hazard study for Gros-Morne hill located in the district of Pétion-Ville, southeast of Port-au-Prince. In order to have a better understanding of the amplification on the Gros-Morne hill, in the southeastern part of Port-au-Prince, site effects were investigated by using near surface geophysical methods. The horizontal to vertical spectral ratio technique was applied to ambient vibrations and earthquake data, and multichannel analysis of surface waves and P-wave refraction tomography calculation were applied to seismic data. Standard spectral ratios were computed for the S-wave windows of the earthquake data recorded by a small temporary seismic network. Electrical resistivity tomography profiles were also performed in order to image the structure of the subsurface and detect the presence of water, if any. The spectral ratio results generally show low to medium (1.5–6) resonance amplitudes at one or several different resonance frequencies (for the same site), between 0.5 and 25 Hz. At most of the investigated sites, the fundamental resonance frequency varies between 7 and 10 Hz. By using the multichannel surface wave analyses of the seismic data, we were able to determine shear wave velocities ranging between 200 and 850 m/s, up to a depth of about 15–20 m. From the refraction analysis, we were able to delineate P-waves velocities of 500 to 1500–2000 m/s at the studied sites. The outputs were locally compared with the resistivity data from the electrical profiles. Thus, the overall data indicate a moderate site effect at Gros-Morne hill, with a great variability in site amplification distribution. Initial estimates of local site effects were made on the basis of those outputs and the earthquake recordings. Our results are finally discussed with respect to outputs and interpretations that had been published earlier for the same site. Those results only partly confirm the strong seismic amplification effects highlighted by previous papers for this hill site, which had been explained by the effects of the local topographic and soil characteristics.
Staging Encounters with Estranged Pasts: Radu Jude’s The Dead Nation (2017) and the Cinematic Face of Public Memory of the Holocaust in Present-Day Romania
Authors: Popescu Diana
Published: April 2018

This article provides a close analysis of Radu Jude’s The Dead Nation (2017), a documentary essay that brings together authentic archival sources documenting the persecution and murder of Jews in World War II. The sources include a little-known diary of Emil Dorian, a Jewish medical doctor and writer from Bucharest, a collection of photographs depicting scenes from Romanian daily life in the 1930s and 1940s, and recordings of political speeches and propaganda songs of a Fascist nature. Through a careful framing of this film in relation to Romanian public memory of World War II, and in connection to the popular new wave cinema, I will contend that Jude’s work acts, perhaps unwittingly, to intervene in public memory and invites the Romanian public to face up to and acknowledge the nation’s perpetrator past. This filmic intervention further offers an important platform for public debate on Romania’s Holocaust memory and is of significance for European public memory, as it proposes the film happening as a distinct and innovative practice of public engagement with history.
Mapping the Hidden Hazards: Community-Led Spatial Data Collection of Street-Level Environmental Stressors in a Degraded, Urban Watershed
Authors: Jelks Na’Taki Osborne , Hawthorne Timothy L. , Dai Dajun , Fuller Christina H. , Stauber Christine
Published: April 2018

We utilized a participatory mapping approach to collect point locations, photographs, and descriptive data about select built environment stressors identified and prioritized by community residents living in the Proctor Creek Watershed, a degraded, urban watershed in Northwest Atlanta, Georgia. Residents (watershed researchers) used an indicator identification framework to select three watershed stressors that influence urban livability: standing water, illegal dumping on land and in surface water, and faulty stormwater infrastructure. Through a community–university partnership and using Geographic Information Systems and digital mapping tools, watershed researchers and university students designed a mobile application (app) that enabled them to collect data associated with these stressors to create a spatial narrative, informed by local community knowledge, that offers visual documentation and representation of community conditions that negatively influence the environment, health, and quality of life in urban areas. By elevating the local knowledge and lived experience of community residents and codeveloping a relevant data collection tool, community residents generated fine-grained, street-level, actionable data. This process helped to fill gaps in publicly available datasets about environmental hazards in their watershed and helped residents initiate solution-oriented dialogue with government officials to address problem areas. We demonstrate that community-based knowledge can contribute to and extend scientific inquiry, as well as help communities to advance environmental justice and leverage opportunities for remediation and policy change.
Effects of Environmental Air Pollution on Pulmonary Function Level of Residents in Korean Industrial Complexes
Authors: Hong Eunju , Lee Seokwon , Kim Geun-Bae , Kim Tae-Jong , Kim Hyoung-Wook , Lee Kyoungho , Son Bu-Soon
Published: April 2018

This study aims to identify environmental air pollution adversely affecting pulmonary function among a community-based general population living in Korean industrial complexes. A total of 1963 residents participated in a pulmonary function test (PFT). The sample population consisted of an exposed group (n = 1487) living within a radius of 5 km of industrial complexes and a control group (n = 476) living over a radius of 10 km from the industrial complexes in Gwangyang and Yeosu cities. PFT results were calculated for each resident of the study population. On-site questionnaire surveys with face-to-face interviews were also conducted to collect more detailed information on personal lifestyles, medical history, exposure to air pollution, and respiratory disease and related symptoms. A total of 486 measured samples were collected by eight automated air-monitoring stations installed in four counties of Gwangyang and four counties of Yeosu in South Korea from January 2006 to February 2007. Mean levels of SO2 (0.012 ppm), CO (0.648 ppm), NO2 (0.02 ppm), O3 (0.034 ppm), and PM10 (43.07 μg/m3), collected within a radius of 5 km, were significantly higher than those collected over a radius of 10 km from Gwangyang and Yeosu industrial complexes. Prevalence odds ratio (OR) of abnormal pulmonary function in the exposed group of residents (<5 km) was elevated at 1.24 (95% CI 0.71–1.96), but not statistically significant (p > 0.05). In multiple linear regression analysis, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) levels significantly declined as SO2, CO, and O3 levels increased when adjusting for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), alcohol, smoking, secondhand smoke, and respiratory disease and related symptoms (n = 1963) (p < 0.05). These results suggest that exposure to air pollution affects pulmonary function levels of residents living in Korean industrial complexes.
Use of DEMs Derived from TLS and HRSI Data for Landslide Feature Recognition
Authors: Barbarella Maurizio , Di Benedetto Alessandro , Fiani Margherita , Guida Domenico , Lugli Andrea
Published: April 2018

This paper addresses the problems arising from the use of data acquired with two different remote sensing techniques—high-resolution satellite imagery (HRSI) and terrestrial laser scanning (TLS)—for the extraction of digital elevation models (DEMs) used in the geomorphological analysis and recognition of landslides, taking into account the uncertainties associated with DEM production. In order to obtain a georeferenced and edited point cloud, the two data sets require quite different processes, which are more complex for satellite images than for TLS data. The differences between the two processes are highlighted. The point clouds are interpolated on a DEM with a 1 m grid size using kriging. Starting from these DEMs, a number of contour, slope, and aspect maps are extracted, together with their associated uncertainty maps. Comparative analysis of selected landslide features drawn from the two data sources allows recognition and classification of hierarchical and multiscale landslide components. Taking into account the uncertainty related to the map enables areas to be located for which one data source was able to give more reliable results than another. Our case study is located in Southern Italy, in an area known for active landslides.
Mesenchylmal Stem Cell Culture on Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) Hydrogel with Repeated Thermo-Stimulation
Authors: Akimoto Aya , Niitsu Erika , Nagase Kenichi , Okano Teruo , Kanazawa Hideko , Yoshida Ryo
Published: April 2018

We prepared thermoresponsive hydrogels by mixing poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) derivatives as the main chain components, octa-arm polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a crosslinker, and the Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser (RGDS) peptides as cell adhesion units. Human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hbmMSCs) were cultured on the hydrogels. The PNIPAAm gel prepared by the post-crosslinking gelation method was revealed to be cytocompatible and showed temperature-dependent changes in mechanical properties. Repeated changes in the swelling ratio of the PNIPAAm gel affected the shape of the hbmMSCs. With respect to both cytocompatibility and reversibility of changes in mechanical properties, the PNIPAAm gel system could be potentially useful for the analysis of cell mechanobiology.
Theoretical Studies Applied to the Evaluation of the DFPase Bioremediation Potential against Chemical Warfare Agents Intoxication
Authors: Soares Flávia V. , De Castro Alexandre A. , Pereira Ander F. , Leal Daniel H. S. , Mancini Daiana T. , Krejcar Ondrej , Ramalho Teodorico C. , Da Cunha Elaine F. F. , Kuca Kamil
Published: April 2018

Organophosphorus compounds (OP) are part of a group of compounds that may be hazardous to health. They are called neurotoxic agents because of their action on the nervous system, inhibiting the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme and resulting in a cholinergic crisis. Their high toxicity and rapid action lead to irreversible damage to the nervous system, drawing attention to developing new treatment methods. The diisopropyl fluorophosphatase (DFPase) enzyme has been considered as a potent biocatalyst for the hydrolysis of toxic OP and has potential for bioremediation of this kind of intoxication. In order to investigate the degradation process of the nerve agents Tabun, Cyclosarin and Soman through the wild-type DFPase, and taking into account their stereochemistry, theoretical studies were carried out. The intermolecular interaction energy and other parameters obtained from the molecular docking calculations were used to construct a data matrix, which were posteriorly treated by statistical analyzes of chemometrics, using the PCA (Principal Components Analysis) multivariate analysis. The analyzed parameters seem to be quite important for the reaction mechanisms simulation (QM/MM). Our findings showed that the wild-type DFPase enzyme is stereoselective in hydrolysis, showing promising results for the catalytic degradation of the neurotoxic agents under study, with the degradation mechanism performed through two proposed pathways.
Genetic Algorithm with an Improved Initial Population Technique for Automatic Clustering of Low-Dimensional Data
Authors: Zhou Xiangbing , Miao Fang , Ma Hongjiang
Published: April 2018

K-means clustering is an important and popular technique in data mining. Unfortunately, for any given dataset (not knowledge-base), it is very difficult for a user to estimate the proper number of clusters in advance, and it also has the tendency of trapping in local optimum when the initial seeds are randomly chosen. The genetic algorithms (GAs) are usually used to determine the number of clusters automatically and to capture an optimal solution as the initial seeds of K-means clustering or K-means clustering results. However, they typically choose the genes of chromosomes randomly, which results in poor clustering results, whereas a generally selected initial population can improve the final clustering results. Hence, some GA-based techniques carefully select a high-quality initial population with a high complexity. This paper proposed an adaptive GA (AGA) with an improved initial population for K-means clustering (SeedClust). In SeedClust, which is an improved density estimation method and the improved K-means++ are presented to capture higher quality initial seeds and generate the initial population with low complexity, and the adaptive crossover and mutation probability is designed and is then used for premature convergence and to maintain the population diversity, respectively, which can automatically determine the proper number of clusters and capture an improved initial solution. Finally, the best chromosomes (centers) are obtained and are then fed into the K-means as initial seeds to generate even higher quality clustering results by allowing the initial seeds to readjust as needed. Experimental results based on low-dimensional taxi GPS (Global Position System) data sets demonstrate that SeedClust has a higher performance and effectiveness.
Perceived Discrimination and Binge Eating Disorder; Gender Difference in African Americans
Authors: Assari Shervin
Published: April 2018

Environmental stressors, such as perceived discrimination (PD), are linked to Binge Eating Disorder (BED). The current study investigated the association between PD and BED among African Americans, and the variation in such an association based on gender. Data of the National Survey of American Life (NSAL), 2001–2003, with a nationally-representative sample of African American adults, were used (n = 3516). The independent variable in the study was PD. The dependent variable was BED, measured using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). Socio-demographics (age, education, employment, and marital status) were covariates, and gender was the moderator variable. Survey logistic regressions with and without gender × PD interaction terms were used for data analysis. In the pooled sample, PD was associated with higher odds of BED, net of socio-demographic factors. Models also showed a significant gender × PD interaction term suggesting a stronger association between PD and BED for women, compared to men. Gender specific models showed an association between PD and BED among female, but not male, African Americans. Although a link may exist between PD and BED among African Americans, the magnitude of this association depends on gender, with a stronger association among females than males. This finding is in line with the literature that has shown gender-specific consequences of environmental stress for African Americans.
On the Phase Separation in n-Type Thermoelectric Half-Heusler Materials
Authors: Schwall Michael , Balke Benjamin
Published: April 2018

Half-Heusler compounds have been in focus as potential materials for thermoelectric energy conversion in the mid-temperature range, e.g., as in automotive or industrial waste heat recovery, for more than ten years now. Because of their mechanical and thermal stability, these compounds are advantageous for common thermoelectric materials such as Bi 2 Te 3 , SiGe, clathrates or filled skutterudites. A further advantage lies in the tunability of Heusler compounds, allowing one to avoid expensive and toxic elements. Half-Heusler compounds usually exhibit a high electrical conductivity σ , resulting in high power factors. The main drawback of half-Heusler compounds is their high lattice thermal conductivity. Here, we present a detailed study of the phase separation in an n-type Heusler materials system, showing that the Ti x Zr y Hf z NiSn system is not a solid solution. We also show that this phase separation is key to the thermoelectric high efficiency of n-type Heusler materials. These results strongly underline the importance of phase separation as a powerful tool for designing highly efficient materials for thermoelectric applications that fulfill the industrial demands of a thermoelectric converter.
Catalytic Oxidation of Soot on a Novel Active Ca-Co Dually-Doped Lanthanum Tin Pyrochlore Oxide
Authors: Ai Lijie , Wang Zhongpeng , Cui Chenchen , Liu Wei , Wang Liguo
Published: April 2018

A novel active Ca-Co dually-doping pyrochlore oxide La2−xCaxSn2−yCoyO7 catalyst was synthesized by the sol-gel method for catalytic oxidation of soot particulates. The microstructure, atomic valence, reduction, and adsorption performance were investigated by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), H2-TPR (temperature-programmed reduction), and in situ diffuse reflection infrared Fourier transformed (DRIFTS) techniques. Temperature programmed oxidation (TPO) tests were performed with the mixture of soot-catalyst under tight contact conditions to evaluate the catalytic activity for soot combustion. Synergetic effect between Ca and Co improved the structure and redox properties of the solids, increased the surface oxygen vacancies, and provided a suitable electropositivity for oxide, directly resulting in the decreased ignition temperature for catalyzed soot oxidation as low as 317 °C. The presence of NO in O2 further promoted soot oxidation over the catalysts with the ignition temperature decreased to about 300 °C. The DRIFTS results reveal that decomposition of less stable surface nitrites may account for NO2 formation in the ignition period of soot combustion, which thus participate in the auxiliary combustion process.
Bioactive Compounds from Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile Impair Malignant Cell Migration through Autophagy Modulation
Authors: Leri Manuela , Ramazzotti Matteo , Vasarri Marzia , Peri Sara , Barletta Emanuela , Pretti Carlo , Degl’Innocenti Donatella
Published: April 2018

Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile is a marine plant with interesting biological properties potentially ascribed to the synergistic combination of bioactive compounds. Our previously described extract, obtained from the leaves of P. oceanica, showed the ability to impair HT1080 cell migration by targeting both expression and activity of gelatinases. Commonly, the lack of knowledge about the mechanism of action of phytocomplexes may be an obstacle regarding their therapeutic use and development. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the molecular signaling through which such bioactive compounds impact on malignant cell migration and gelatinolytic activity. The increase in autophagic vacuoles detected by confocal microscopy suggested an enhancement of autophagy in a time and dose dependent manner. This autophagy activation was further confirmed by monitoring pivotal markers of autophagy signaling as well as by evidencing an increase in IGF-1R accumulation on cell membranes. Taken together, our results confirm that the P. oceanica phytocomplex is a promising reservoir of potent and cell safe molecules able to defend against malignancies and other diseases in which gelatinases play a major role in progression. In conclusion, the attractive properties of this phytocomplex may be of industrial interest in regard to the development of novel health-promoting and pharmacological products for the treatment or prevention of several diseases.
What Are the Predictors of Self-Assessed Health in Lithuanian Health Professionals?
Authors: Misevičienė Irena , Strumylaitė Loreta , Pajarskienė Birutė , Žalnieraitienė Kristina
Published: April 2018

Background and Objective. Scientific evidence indicates that patient safety and access to health care is linked to the well-being of health professionals. The self-assessed health status has been widely used as a health measure in different surveys. The aim of this study was to examine and determine the factors related to the self-assessed health status of health professionals. Material and Methods. The cross-sectional questionnaire surveys of nurses and physicians were carried out in randomly selected hospitals. A total of 1025 health professionals (739 nurses and 286 physicians) from 3 hospitals of different size located in 1 geographical region of Lithuania participated in the survey. The response rate among the nurses and the physicians was 89.2% and 52.5%, respectively. The overall response rate was 74.7%. The data on self-assessed health, demographic factors, anthropometric data, blood pressure, cholesterol level in blood, personal history of diseases, smoking, and alcohol consumption were gathered with the help of the questionnaire. Results. About two-thirds (64.1%) of the health professionals reported good or quite good health, and only 1.5% of the respondents reported quite poor or poor health. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the SAH status of health professionals was dependent on age (odds ratio [OR], 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02–1.05 [Model 1]; OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02–1.06 [Model 2]), diseases (OR, 7.32; 95%, 5.18–10.35), heart diseases (OR, 12.09; 95% CI, 2.9–50.35), hypertension (OR, 2.53; 95% CI, 1.55–4.14), cancer (OR, 6.19; 95% CI, 1.27–30.13), gastrointestinal (OR, 3.54; 95% CI, 1.59–7.86) and musculoskeletal diseases (OR, 3.21; 95% CI, 1.71–6.02), smoking (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.28–3.45 [Model 1]; OR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.26–3.16 [Model 2]), and occupation (OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.04–2.07 [ Model 1]; OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.11–2.16 [Model 2]). Conclusions. Diseases are the main predictors of self-assessed health in health professionals. Advancing age and smoking also contribute to poorer self-assessed health.
The Influence of Operation Technique on Long-Term Results of Achalasia Treatment
Authors: Kiudelis Mindaugas , Mechonosina Kristina , Mickevičius Antanas , Maleckas Almantas , Endzinas Žilvinas
Published: April 2018

Currently, the most effective therapy for achalasia is laparoscopic Heller myotomy with partial fundoplication. The aim of this study was to compare the long-term results between 2 different laparoscopic operation techniques in achalasia treatment. Material and Methods. This was a retrospective study, where 46 achalasia patients were examined: 23 patients underwent laparoscopic Heller myotomy followed by the full gastric fundus mobilization, total hiatal dissection, and posterior Toupet (270°) fundoplication (group 1); other 23 patients underwent laparoscopic Heller myotomy with limited surgical cardia region dissection, not dividing the short gastric vessels and performing anterior partial Dor fundoplication (group 2). Long-term findings included the evaluation of postoperative dysphagia according Vantrappen and Hellemans and intensity of heartburn according the standard grading system. Results. The patients in these 2 groups were similar in terms of age, weight, height, and postoperative hospital stay. The median follow-up was 66 months in the group 1 and 39 months in the group 2 (P<0.05). Laparoscopic operation was effective in 82.6% of patients (excellent and good results) in the group 1; treatment was effective in 78.3% of patients in the group 2 (P>0.05). Clinically significant heartburn was documented in 39% of patients in the group 1 and only in 13% of patients in the group 2 (P<0.05). Conclusions. According our study results, both laparoscopic techniques were similarly effective (82.6% vs. 78.3%) in achalasia treatment. Postoperative heartburn was significantly more common (39% vs. 13%) after laparoscopic myotomy, followed by the full gastric fundus mobilization, total hiatal dissection, and posterior Toupet (270°) fundoplication.
Vitamin D Status and Its Seasonal Variations and Association With Parathyroid Hormone Concentration in Healthy Women in Riga
Authors: Lejnieks Aivars , Slaidina Anda , Zvaigzne Agnis , Soboleva Una , Eivazova Gulsena , Daukste Ilze , Lejniece Sandra
Published: April 2018

The aim of the study was to describe the vitamin D status and its seasonal variations in women living in Riga, Latvia, to examine an association between the concentrations of plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and parathyroid hormone (PTH), and to determine the threshold for plasma 25(OH)D above which there is no further suppression of PTH. Material and Methods. The data of 189 healthy Caucasian women were analyzed. The serum levels of 25(OH)D, PTH, and phosphorus were measured twice a year. All the participants were divided into 3 groups according to vitamin D supplementation and the reproductive status. Results. The overall mean level of 25(OH)D was 32.8 ng/mL with significantly lower levels being in winter when compared with those in summer (28.2 ng/mL vs. 37.5 ng/mL, respectively; P<0.05). PTH was negatively associated with 25(OH)D. A threshold level of plasma 25(OH)D above which no further suppression of PTH occurred was found to be 38 ng/mL. Postmenopausal women not taking vitamin D supplements and without exposure to sunlight had 25(OH)D deficiency in winter and summer (92% and 88%, respectively). The most significant seasonal fluctuations were seen in the women of the reproductive age not taking vitamin D supplements and without exposure to sunlight, of which 47% had 25(OH)D deficiency in summer and 69% in winter. Conclusions. An optimal concentration of 25(OH)D was found to be 38 ng/mL. According to this definition, 70.4% of all the healthy women were classified as vitamin D deficient in winter and 59.8% in summer. The highest proportion of vitamin D deficient individuals was found in the group representing the postmenopausal women not taking vitamin D supplements.
Rare Refractory Kawasaki Disease in an Adolescent Boy With Cardiac and Diffuse Coronary Artery Involvement
Authors: Šileikienė Rima , Kudzytė Jolanta , Jankauskas Antanas , Labanauskas Liutauras , Rakauskienė Vilma , Jurkienė Nemira , Kėvalas Rimantas
Published: April 2018

Kawasaki disease is an acute multisystemic vasculitis occurring predominantly in infants and young children and rarely in adolescents and adults. At elderly age, Kawasaki disease may remain unrecognized with a subsequent delay in appropriate therapy and an increased risk of coronary artery aneurysms. We report a case of intravenous immunoglobulin- and aspirin-resistant Kawasaki disease and severe cardiovascular damage in an adolescent boy. The article discusses major issues associated with the management of refractory Kawasaki disease.