bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural Polyphenols for Prevention and Treatment of Cancer
Authors: Zhou Yue , Zheng Jie , Li Ya , Xu Dong-Ping , Li Sha , Chen Yu-Ming , Li Hua-Bin
Published: August 2016

There is much epidemiological evidence that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables could lower the risk of certain cancers. The effect has been attributed, in part, to natural polyphenols. Besides, numerous studies have demonstrated that natural polyphenols could be used for the prevention and treatment of cancer. Potential mechanisms included antioxidant, anti-inflammation as well as the modulation of multiple molecular events involved in carcinogenesis. The current review summarized the anticancer efficacy of major polyphenol classes (flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans and stilbenes) and discussed the potential mechanisms of action, which were based on epidemiological, in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies within the past five years.
Mucosal MicroRNAs Expression Profiles before and after Exclusive Enteral Nutrition Therapy in Adult Patients with Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Guo Zhen , Gong Jianfeng , Li Yi , Gu Lili , Cao Lei , Wang Zhiming , Zhu Weiming , Li Jieshou
Published: August 2016

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to be important for the pathogenesis of Crohn’s disease (CD). Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) is an effective therapy for inducing remission in CD. We aimed to investigate the alteration of miRNAs expression profile in the terminal ileal mucosa of CD patients before and after EEN. Twenty-five patients and ten healthy individuals were included. MiRNAs expression profile was firstly assessed using microarray technology and then validation was performed by qRT-PCR. The correlations between miRNAs and CD activity index (CDAI) score and serum C–reactive protein (CRP) level were also evaluated. Microarray analysis showed that mucosal miRNAs expression profile after EEN therapy was significantly changed compared with inflamed mucosa before treatment, and was most similar to the healthy one among all CD groups. Altered expressions of hsa-miR-192-5p, hsa-miR-423-3p, hsa-miR-99a-5p, hsa-miR-124-3p, hsa-miR-301a-5p, hsa-miR-495-5p, and hsa-let-7b-5p were confirmed by qRT-PCR. hsa-let-7b-5p was significantly correlated with serum CRP levels before and after EEN treatment (r = −0.518, p = 0.008, and r = −0.569, p = 0.003). Our study showed EEN induction therapy was associated with a trend for normalizing of the mucosal miRNAs expression profile, and expression of mucosal hsa-let-7b-5p was correlated with serum CRP level in patients with CD.
Silica Treatments: A Fire Retardant Strategy for Hemp Fabric/Epoxy Composites
Authors: Branda Francesco , Malucelli Giulio , Durante Massimo , Piccolo Alessandro , Mazzei Pierluigi , Costantini Aniello , Silvestri Brigida , Pennetta Miriam , Bifulco Aurelio
Published: August 2016

In this paper, for the first time, inexpensive waterglass solutions are exploited as a new, simple and ecofriendly chemical approach for promoting the formation of a silica-based coating on hemp fabrics, able to act as a thermal shield and to protect the latter from heat sources. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analysis confirm the formation of –C–O–Si– covalent bonds between the coating and the cellulosic substrate. The proposed waterglass treatment, which is resistant to washing, seems to be very effective for improving the fire behavior of hemp fabric/epoxy composites, also in combination with ammonium polyphosphate. In particular, the exploitation of hemp surface treatment and Ammonium Polyphosphate (APP) addition to epoxy favors a remarkable decrease of the Heat Release Rate (HRR), Total Heat Release (THR), Total Smoke Release (TSR) and Specific Extinction Area (SEA) (respectively by 83%, 35%, 45% and 44%) as compared to untreated hemp/epoxy composites, favoring the formation of a very stable char, as also assessed by Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). Because of the low interfacial adhesion between the fabrics and the epoxy matrix, the obtained composites show low strength and stiffness; however, the energy absorbed by the material is higher when using treated hemp. The presence of APP in the epoxy matrix does not affect the mechanical behavior of the composites.
Hedgehog Buckyball: A High-Symmetry Complete Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane (POSS)
Authors: Hu Yu , Wang You , You Hong , Wang Di
Published: August 2016

In this study, we report UV-MALDI-TOF MS evidence of a fullerene-like silsesquioxane, a high-symmetry polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS or SSO) formulated as R60-Si60O90 or T60 (T = RSiO1.5). The T60 preparation can be performed using a normal hydrolytic condensation of [(3-methacryloxy)propyl]trimethoxysilane (MPMS) as an example. Theoretically, four 3sp3 hybrid orbitals (each containing an unpaired electron) of a Si atom are generated before the bond formation. Then it bonds to another four atom electrons using the four generated hybrid orbitals which produced a stable configuration. This fullerene-like silsesquioxane should exhibit much more functionality, activity and selectivity and is easier to assemble than the double bonds in a fullerene.
An Assessment of Pre- and Post Fire Near Surface Fuel Hazard in an Australian Dry Sclerophyll Forest Using Point Cloud Data Captured Using a Terrestrial Laser Scanner
Authors: Wallace Luke , Gupta Vaibhav , Reinke Karin , Jones Simon
Published: August 2016

Assessment of ecological and structrual changes induced by fire events is important for understanding the effects of fire, and planning future ecological and risk mitigation strategies. This study employs Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) data captured at multiple points in time to monitor the changes in a dry sclerophyll forest induced by a prescribed burn. Point cloud data was collected for two plots; one plot undergoing a fire treatment, and the second plot remaining untreated, thereby acting as the control. Data was collected at three epochs (pre-fire, two weeks post fire and two years post fire). Coregistration of these multitemporal point clouds to within an acceptable tolerance was achieved through a two step process utilising permanent infield markers and manually extracted stem objects as reference targets. Metrics describing fuel height and fuel fragmentation were extracted from the point clouds for direct comparison with industry standard visual assessments. Measurements describing the change (or lack thereof) in the control plot indicate that the method of data capture and coregistration were achieved with the required accuracy to monitor fire induced change. Results from the fire affected plot show that immediately post fire 67% of area had been burnt with the average fuel height decreasing from 0.33 to 0.13 m. At two years post-fire the fuel remained signicantly lower (0.11 m) and more fragmented in comparison to pre-fire levels. Results in both the control and fire altered plot were comparable to synchronus onground visual assessment. The advantage of TLS over the visual assessment method is, however, demonstrated through the use of two physical and spatially quantifiable metrics to describe fuel change. These results highlight the capabilities of multitemporal TLS data for measuring and mapping changes in the three dimensional structure of vegetation. Metrics from point clouds can be derived to provide quantified estimates of surface and near-surface fuel loss and accumulation, and inform prescribed burn efficacy and burn severity reporting.
Second-Order Polynomial Equation-Based Block Adjustment for Orthorectification of DISP Imagery
Authors: Zhou Guoqing , Yue Tao , Shi Yujun , Zhang Rongting , Huang Jingjin
Published: August 2016

Due to the lack of ground control points (GCPs) and parameters of satellite orbits, as well as the interior and exterior orientation parameters of cameras in historical declassified intelligence satellite photography (DISP) imagery, a second order polynomial equation-based block adjustment model is proposed for orthorectification of DISP imagery. With the proposed model, 355 DISP images from four missions and five orbits are orthorectified, with an approximate accuracy of 2.0–3.0 m. The 355 orthorectified images are assembled into a seamless, full-coverage mosaic image map of the karst area of Guangxi, China. The accuracy of the mosaicked image map is within 2.0–4.0 m when compared to 78 checkpoints measured by Real–Time Kinematic (RTK) GPS surveys. The assembled image map will be delivered to the Guangxi Geological Library and released to the public domain and the research community.
Review of Automatic Feature Extraction from High-Resolution Optical Sensor Data for UAV-Based Cadastral Mapping
Authors: Crommelinck Sophie , Bennett Rohan , Gerke Markus , Nex Francesco , Yang Michael , Vosselman George
Published: August 2016

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have emerged as a rapid, low-cost and flexible acquisition system that appears feasible for application in cadastral mapping: high-resolution imagery, acquired using UAVs, enables a new approach for defining property boundaries. However, UAV-derived data are arguably not exploited to its full potential: based on UAV data, cadastral boundaries are visually detected and manually digitized. A workflow that automatically extracts boundary features from UAV data could increase the pace of current mapping procedures. This review introduces a workflow considered applicable for automated boundary delineation from UAV data. This is done by reviewing approaches for feature extraction from various application fields and synthesizing these into a hypothetical generalized cadastral workflow. The workflow consists of preprocessing, image segmentation, line extraction, contour generation and postprocessing. The review lists example methods per workflow step—including a description, trialed implementation, and a list of case studies applying individual methods. Furthermore, accuracy assessment methods are outlined. Advantages and drawbacks of each approach are discussed in terms of their applicability on UAV data. This review can serve as a basis for future work on the implementation of most suitable methods in a UAV-based cadastral mapping workflow.
Channel Measurement and Modeling for 5G Urban Microcellular Scenarios
Authors: Peter Michael , Weiler Richard , Göktepe Barış , Keusgen Wilhelm , Sakaguchi Kei
Published: August 2016

In order to support the development of channel models for higher frequency bands, multiple urban microcellular measurement campaigns have been carried out in Berlin, Germany, at 60 and 10 GHz. In this paper, the collected data is uniformly analyzed with focus on the path loss (PL) and the delay spread (DS). It reveals that the ground reflection has a dominant impact on the fading behavior. For line-of-sight conditions, the PL exponents are close to free space propagation at 60 GHz, but slightly smaller (1.62) for the street canyon at 10 GHz. The DS shows a clear dependence on the scenario (median values between 16 and 38 ns) and a strong distance dependence for the open square and the wide street canyon. The dependence is less distinct for the narrow street canyon with residential buildings. This behavior is consistent with complementary ray tracing simulations, though the simplified model tends to overestimate the DS.
Virtualized MME Design for IoT Support in 5G Systems
Authors: Andres-Maldonado Pilar , Ameigeiras Pablo , Prados-Garzon Jonathan , Ramos-Munoz Juan , Lopez-Soler Juan
Published: August 2016

Cellular systems are recently being considered an option to provide support to the Internet of Things (IoT). To enable this support, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has introduced new procedures specifically targeted for cellular IoT. With one of these procedures, the transmissions of small and infrequent data packets from/to the devices are encapsulated in signaling messages and sent through the control plane. However, these transmissions from/to a massive number of devices may imply a major increase of the processing load on the control plane entities of the network and in particular on the Mobility Management Entity (MME). In this paper, we propose two designs of an MME based on Network Function Virtualization (NFV) that aim at facilitating the IoT support. The first proposed design partially separates the processing resources dedicated to each traffic class. The second design includes traffic shaping to control the traffic of each class. We consider three classes: Mobile Broadband (MBB), low latency Machine to Machine communications (lM2M) and delay-tolerant M2M communications. Our proposals enable reducing the processing resources and, therefore, the cost. Additionally, results show that the proposed designs lessen the impact between classes, so they ease the compliance of the delay requirements of MBB and lM2M communications.
Toward a Sustainable Low-Carbon China: A Review of the Special Issue of “Energy Economics and Management”
Authors: Zhang Ning , Wang Bing
Published: August 2016

Severe environmental quality deterioration, along with predatory exploitation of energy resources, are generally associated with economic growth, especially in China. Against this background, the 6th Annual Conference of Energy Economics and Management provides a platform for examining outperforming governance factors and mechanisms of energy economics and policy. Thanks to Sustainability for providing this special issue. This editorial highlights the contents and methodologies of the special issue for this conference, presenting diverse issues in energy economics and management. We also suggest guidelines for future study in energy economics and management.
Analyzing the Drivers of Advanced Sustainable Manufacturing System Using AHP Approach
Authors: Shankar K. , Kumar P. , Kannan Devika
Published: August 2016

A number of current manufacturing sectors are striving hard to introduce innovative long-term strategies into their operations. As a result, many scholarly studies have found it fruitful to investigate advanced manufacturing strategies such as agile, computer-integrated, and cellular manufacturing. Through the example of downstream cases, manufacturing sectors have learned that financial benefits garnered through automated technologies cannot be counted on as a sole measure to ensure their success in today’s competitive and fluctuating marketplaces. The objective of this study is to integrate those advanced techniques with sustainable operations, to promote advanced sustainable manufacturing so those manufacturing sectors can thrive even in uncertain markets. To establish this connection, this study analyzes the drivers of advanced sustainable manufacturing through a proposed framework validated through a case study in India. Common drivers are collected from the literature, calibrated with opinions from experts, and analyzed through an analytical hierarchy process (AHP), which is a multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) approach. This study reveals that quality is the primary driver that pressures manufacturing sectors to adopt advanced sustainable manufacturing. Manufacturers can easily note the top ranked driver and adopt it to soundly implement advanced sustainable manufacturing. In addition, some key future scopes are explored along with possible recommendations for effective implementation of advanced sustainable manufacturing systems.
Comparison of European Olive Production Systems
Authors: Russo Carlo , Cappelletti Giulio , Nicoletti Giuseppe , Di Noia Alfredo , Michalopoulos George
Published: August 2016

(1) Background: Spain, Italy, and Greece are the world’s top olive oil producers. In recent decades, these countries have gradually diversified their farming system in the olive groves. The element of innovation with respect to the state of the art is that this paper aims to compare the environmental performance of different farming systems in a European context by performing a simplified Life Cycle Assessment; (2) Methods: Environmental performance was calculated according to the methodology of Life Cycle Assessment and the “Guidance for the implementation of the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF)”. Average data were considered in order to describe a system with a great degree of complexity and high spatial heterogeneity; (3) Results: The study highlights the difficulty of identifying the farming method that presents the best environmental performance in each of the impact categories considered. In Greece, the lowest use of diesel, electricity, and water brings about advantages for many impact categories, albeit with low yields. While the highest olive yield obtained in Italy has positive consequences in terms of global warming, the highest use of fertilisers, in many cases, entails higher environmental impacts. On the other hand, in Spain the highest use of organo-phosphorous pesticides entails the highest impacts of eco-toxicity; (4) Conclusion: the reduction of the use of fertilizers and pesticides, as well as water conservation, are important issues which require the optimization of timing and techniques in order to achieve environmental advantages.
Location-Routing Problem with Simultaneous Home Delivery and Customer’s Pickup for City Distribution of Online Shopping Purchases
Authors: Zhou Lin , Wang Xu , Ni Lin , Lin Yun
Published: August 2016

With the increasing interest in online shopping, the Last Mile delivery is regarded as one of the most expensive and pollutive—and yet the least efficient—stages of the e-commerce supply chain. To address this challenge, a novel location-routing problem with simultaneous home delivery and customer’s pickup is proposed. This problem aims to build a more effective Last Mile distribution system by providing two kinds of service options when delivering packages to customers. To solve this specific problem, a hybrid evolution search algorithm by combining genetic algorithm (GA) and local search (LS) is presented. In this approach, a diverse population generation algorithm along with a two-phase solution initialization heuristic is first proposed to give high quality initial population. Then, advantaged solution representation, individual evaluation, crossover and mutation operations are designed to enhance the evolution and search efficiency. Computational experiments based on a large family of instances are conducted, and the results obtained indicate the validity of the proposed model and method.
A MODIS-Based Retrieval Model of Suspended Particulate Matter Concentration for the Two Largest Freshwater Lakes in China
Authors: Chen Fangyuan , Wu Guofeng , Wang Junjie , He Junjun , Wang Yihan
Published: August 2016

Suspended particulate matter concentration (CSPM) is a key parameter describing case-II water quality. Empirical and semi-empirical models are frequently developed and applied for estimating CSPM values from remote sensing images; however, they are usually region- or season-dependent. This study aimed to develop a Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)-based retrieval model of CSPM for Poyang and Dongting Lake together. The 89 CSPM measurements in Poyang and Dongting Lake as well as their corresponding MODIS Terra images were used to calibrate CSPM retrieval models, and the calibration results showed that the exponential models of MODIS red band and red minus shortwave infrared (SWIR) band at 1240 nm both explained about 76% of the variation of CSPM of Poyang and Dongting Lake together. When the two models were applied to the validation datasets, the results indicated that the exponential model of red band obtained more stable CSPM estimations with no bias at a significance level of 0.05 in both lakes. The MODIS red-band-based model achieved acceptable results for estimating CSPM in both Poyang and Dongting Lake, and it provided a foundation for obtaining comparable spatiotemporal information of CSPM, which will be helpful for comparing, understanding, managing, and protecting the two aquatic ecosystems.
Cosmological Reflection of Particle Symmetry
Authors: Khlopov Maxim
Published: August 2016

The standard model involves particle symmetry and the mechanism of its breaking. Modern cosmology is based on inflationary models with baryosynthesis and dark matter/energy, which involves physics beyond the standard model. Studies of the physical basis of modern cosmology combine direct searches for new physics at accelerators with its indirect non-accelerator probes, in which cosmological consequences of particle models play an important role. The cosmological reflection of particle symmetry and the mechanisms of its breaking are the subject of the present review.
Occurrence of Fusarium langsethiae and T-2 and HT-2 Toxins in Italian Malting Barley
Authors: Morcia Caterina , Tumino Giorgio , Ghizzoni Roberta , Badeck Franz , Lattanzio Veronica , Pascale Michelangelo , Terzi Valeria
Published: August 2016

T-2 and HT-2 toxins are two of the most toxic members of type-A trichothecenes, produced by a number of Fusarium species. The occurrence of these mycotoxins was studied in barley samples during a survey carried out in the 2011–2014 growing seasons in climatically different regions in Italy. The percentage of samples found positive ranges from 22% to 53%, with values included between 26 and 787 μg/kg. The percentage of samples with a T-2 and HT-2 content above the EU indicative levels for barley of 200 μg/kg ranges from 2% to 19.6% in the 2011–2014 period. The fungal species responsible for the production of these toxins in 100% of positive samples has been identified as Fusarium langsethiae, a well-known producer of T-2 and HT-2 toxins. A positive correlation between the amount of F. langsethiae DNA and of the sum of T-2 and HT-2 toxins was found. This is the first report on the occurrence of F. langsethiae—and of its toxic metabolites T-2 and HT-2—in malting barley grown in Italy.
Monitoring of Anti-Hepatitis E Virus Antibody Seroconversion in Asymptomatically Infected Blood Donors: Systematic Comparison of Nine Commercial Anti-HEV IgM and IgG Assays
Authors: Vollmer Tanja , Diekmann Juergen , Eberhardt Matthias , Knabbe Cornelius , Dreier Jens
Published: August 2016

Diagnosis of hepatitis E virus (HEV) is usually determined serologically by detection of the presence of immunoglobulin (Ig)M antibodies or rising anti-HEV IgG titers. However, serological assays have demonstrated a significant variation in their sensitivities and specificities. In this study, we present the systematic comparison of different immunological anti-HEV assays using complete seroconversion panels of 10 virologically confirmed HEV genotype 3 infected individuals. Assay sensitivities were further evaluated by testing serially diluted World Health Organization (WHO) reference reagent for hepatitis E virus antibody and one patient sample infected with HEV genotype 3. Anti-HEV IgM and IgG antibody presence was determined using the immunological assays Wantai HEV IgM/IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (Sanbio, Uden, The Netherlands), recomWell HEV IgM/IgG (Mikrogen, Neuried, Germany), HEV IgM ELISA 3.0, HEV ELISA, HEV ELISA 4.0, Assure HEV IgM Rapid Test (all MP Biomedicals Europe, Illkirch Cedex, France) and Anti-HEV ELISA (IgM/IgG, Euroimmun, Lübeck, Germany). The assays showed differences regarding their analytical and diagnostic sensitivities, with anti-HEV IgM assays (n = 5) being more divergent compared to anti-HEV IgG (n = 4) assays in this study. Considerable variations were observed particularly for the detection period of IgM antibodies. This is the first study systematically characterizing serologic assays on the basis of seroconversion panels, providing sample conformity for a conclusive comparison. Future studies should include the assay comparison covering the four different genotypes.
Performance Evaluation of the VIDAS® Measles IgG Assay and Its Diagnostic Value for Measuring IgG Antibody Avidity in Measles Virus Infection
Authors: Dina Julia , Creveuil Christian , Gouarin Stephanie , Viron Florent , Hebert Amelie , Freymuth Francois , Vabret Astrid
Published: August 2016

The objective of this study is primarily to compare the performance of the VIDAS® Measles immunoglobulin (Ig)G assay to that of two other serological assays using an immunoassay technique, Enzygnost® Anti-measles Virus/IgG (Siemens) and Measles IgG CAPTURE EIA® (Microimmune). The sensitivity and the agreement of the VIDAS® Measles IgG assay compared to the Enzygnost® Anti-measles Virus/IgG assay and the Measles IgG CAPTURE EIA® assay are 100%, 97.2% and 99.0%, 98.4%, respectively. The very low number of negative sera for IgG antibodies does not allow calculation of specificity. As a secondary objective, we have evaluated the ability of the VIDAS® Measles IgG assay to measure anti-measles virus IgG antibody avidity with the help of the VIDAS® CMV IgG Avidity reagent, using 76 sera from subjects with measles and 238 other sera. Different groups of populations were analyzed. In the primary infection measles group, the mean IgG avidity index was 0.16 (range of 0.07 to 0.93) compared to 0.79 (range of 0.25 to 1) in the serum group positive for IgG antibodies and negative for IgM. These data allow to define a weak anti-measles virus IgG antibody avidity as an avidity index (AI) < 0.3 and a strong avidity as an AI > 0.6. The VIDAS® Measles IgG assay has a performance equivalent to that of other available products. Its use, individual and quick, is well adapted to testing for anti-measles immunity in exposed subjects.
A Defective Interfering Influenza RNA Inhibits Infectious Influenza Virus Replication in Human Respiratory Tract Cells: A Potential New Human Antiviral
Authors: Smith Claire , Scott Paul , O’Callaghan Christopher , Easton Andrew , Dimmock Nigel
Published: August 2016

Defective interfering (DI) viruses arise during the replication of influenza A virus and contain a non-infective version of the genome that is able to interfere with the production of infectious virus. In this study we hypothesise that a cloned DI influenza A virus RNA may prevent infection of human respiratory epithelial cells with infection by influenza A. The DI RNA (244/PR8) was derived by a natural deletion process from segment 1 of influenza A/PR/8/34 (H1N1); it comprises 395 nucleotides and is packaged in the DI virion in place of a full-length genome segment 1. Given intranasally, 244/PR8 DI virus protects mice and ferrets from clinical influenza caused by a number of different influenza A subtypes and interferes with production of infectious influenza A virus in cells in culture. However, evidence that DI influenza viruses are active in cells of the human respiratory tract is lacking. Here we show that 244/PR8 DI RNA is replicated by an influenza A challenge virus in human lung diploid fibroblasts, bronchial epithelial cells, and primary nasal basal cells, and that the yield of challenge virus is significantly reduced in a dose-dependent manner indicating that DI influenza virus has potential as a human antiviral.
Audiological Rehabilitation for Facilitating Hearing Aid Use: A Review
Authors: Aazh Hashir , Moore Brian C. J.
Published: August 2016

Purpose:This article reviews and critically analyzes the design of studies on the effect of audiological rehabilitation (AR) programs on hearing aid (HA) outcomes, in order to guide future research.Research Design:The design of this study was a narrative review. Studies
were included in the review if they were randomized controlled trials that investigated the effects of AR on HA use and outcome between 2000 and 2016.Results:Seven articles that met the inclusion criteria were included in the review. Most used educational rather than counseling approaches.
Although educational AR programs seem to be useful in enhancing the use of communication strategies, there is limited evidence for their effect on HA use and self-perceived hearing handicap.Conclusions:More research is needed in this field. Future studies should (1) investigate the
efficacy of AR interventions based on counseling and empathetic listening as opposed to or in addition to educational interventions, (2) use stricter criteria to include only a subpopulation of patients who do not get on well with their HAs, (3) measure the amount of HA use via data-logging
and self-report questionnaires, and (4) use a matching comparison intervention for patients in the control group.
Acute Acoustic Trauma among Soldiers during an Intense Combat
Authors: Yehudai Noam , Fink Nir , Shpriz Manor , Marom Tal
Published: August 2016

Background:During military actions, soldiers are constantly exposed to various forms of potentially harmful noises. Acute acoustic trauma (AAT) results from an impact, unexpected intense noise ≥140 dB, which generates a high-energy sound wave that can damage the auditory system.Purpose:We
sought to characterize AAT injuries among military personnel during operation “Protective Edge,” to analyze the effectiveness of hearing protection devices (HPDs), and to evaluate the benefit of steroid treatment in early-diagnosed AAT injury.Research Design:We retrospectively
identified affected individuals who presented to military medical facilities with solitary or combined AAT injuries within 4 mo following an intense military operation, which was characterized with an abrupt, intensive noise exposure (July‐December 2014).Study Sample:A total
of 186 participants who were referred during and shortly after a military operation with suspected AAT injury.Interventions:HPDs, oral steroids.Data Collection and Analysis:Data extracted from charts and audiograms included demographics, AAT severity, worn HPDs, first and last
audiograms and treatment (if given). The Student’s independent samples t test was used to compare continuous variables. All tests were considered significant if p values were ≤0.05.Results:A total of 186 participants presented with hearing complaints attributed
to AAT: 122, 39, and 25 were in duty service, career personnel, and reservists, with a mean age of 21.1, 29.2, and 30.4 yr, respectively. Of them, 92 (49%) participants had confirmed hearing loss in at least one ear. Hearing impairment was significantly more common in unprotected participants,
when compared with protected participants: 62% (74/119) versus 45% (30/67), p < 0.05. Tinnitus was more common in unprotected participants when compared with protected participants (75% versus 49%, p = 0.04), whereas vertigo was an uncommon symptom (5% versus 2.5%, respectively,
p > 0.05). In the 21 participants who received steroid treatment for early-diagnosed AAT, bone-conduction hearing thresholds significantly improved in the posttreatment audiograms, when compared with untreated participants (p < 0.01, for 1‐4 kHz).Conclusions:AAT
is a common military injury, and should be diagnosed early to minimize associated morbidity. HPDs were proven to be effective in preventing and minimizing AAT hearing sequelae. Steroid treatment was effective in AAT injury, if initiated within 7 days after noise exposure.
THE PROPERTIES OF HYPERVELOCITY STARS AND S-STARS ORIGINATING FROM AN ECCENTRIC DISK AROUND A SUPERMASSIVE BLACK HOLE
Authors: Šubr Ladislav , Haas Jaroslav
Published: August 2016

Hypervelocity stars (HVSs), which are observed in the Galactic halo, are believed to be accelerated to large velocities by a process of tidal disruption of binary stars passing close to the supermassive black hole (SMBH) which resides in the center of the Galaxy. It is, however, still unclear where these relatively young stars were born and what dynamical process pushed them to nearly radial orbits around the SMBH. In this paper we investigate the possibility that the young binaries originated from a thin eccentric disk, similar to the one currently observed in the Galactic center. By means of direct N-body simulations, we follow the dynamical evolution of an initially thin and eccentric disk of stars with a 100% binary fraction orbiting around the SMBH. Such a configuration leads to Kozai–Lidov oscillations of orbital elements, bringing a considerable number of binaries to the close vicinity of the black hole. Subsequent tidal disruption of these binaries accelerates one of their components to velocities well above the escape velocity from the SMBH, while the second component becomes tightly bound to the SMBH. We describe the main kinematic properties of the escaping and tightly bound stars within our model, and compare them qualitatively to the properties of the observed HVSs and S-stars, respectively. The most prominent feature is strong anisotropy in the directions of the escaping stars, which is observed for Galactic HVSs but has not yet been explained.
ASASSN-15LH: A SUPERLUMINOUS ULTRAVIOLET REBRIGHTENING OBSERVED BY SWIFT AND HUBBLE*
Authors: Brown Peter J. , Yang Yi , Cooke Jeff , Olaes Melanie , Quimby Robert M. , Baade Dietrich , Gehrels Neil , Hoeflich Peter , Maund Justyn , Mould Jeremy , Wang Lifan , Wheeler J. Craig
Published: August 2016

We present and discuss ultraviolet and optical photometry from the Ultraviolet/Optical Telescope, X-ray limits from the X-Ray Telescope on Swift, and imaging polarimetry and ultraviolet/optical spectroscopy with the Hubble Space Telescope, all from observations of ASASSN-15lh. It has been classified as a hydrogen-poor superluminous supernova (SLSN I), making it more luminous than any other supernova observed. ASASSN-15lh is not detected in the X-rays in individual or co-added observations. From the polarimetry we determine that the explosion was only mildly asymmetric. We find the flux of ASASSN-15lh to increase strongly into the ultraviolet, with an ultraviolet luminosity 100 times greater than the hydrogen-rich, ultraviolet-bright SLSN II SN 2008es. We find that objects as bright as ASASSN-15lh are easily detectable beyond redshifts of ∼4 with the single-visit depths planned for the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope. Deep near-infrared surveys could detect such objects past a redshift of ∼20, enabling a probe of the earliest star formation. A late rebrightening—most prominent at shorter wavelengths—is seen about two months after the peak brightness, which is itself as bright as an SLSN. The ultraviolet spectra during the rebrightening are dominated by the continuum without the broad absorption or emission lines seen in SLSNe or tidal disruption events (TDEs) and the early optical spectra of ASASSN-15lh. Our spectra show no strong hydrogen emission, showing only Lyα absorption near the redshift previously found by optical absorption lines of the presumed host. The properties of ASASSN-15lh are extreme when compared to either SLSNe or TDEs.
INTRA-BINARY SHOCK HEATING OF BLACK WIDOW COMPANIONS
Authors: Romani Roger W. , Sanchez Nicolas
Published: August 2016

The low-mass companions of evaporating binary pulsars (black widows and similar) are strongly heated on the side facing the pulsar. However, in high-quality photometric and spectroscopic data, the heating pattern does not match that expected for direct pulsar illumination. Here we explore a model where the pulsar power is intercepted by an intra-binary shock (IBS) before heating the low-mass companion. We develop a simple analytic model and implement it in the popular “ICARUS” light curve code. The model is parameterized by the wind momentum ratio β and the companion wind speed

, and assumes that the reprocessed pulsar wind emits prompt particles or radiation to heat the companion surface. We illustrate an interesting range of light curve asymmetries controlled by these parameters. The code also computes the IBS synchrotron emission pattern, and thus can model black widow X-ray light curves. As a test, we apply the results to the high-quality asymmetric optical light curves of PSR J2215+5135; the resulting fit gives a substantial improvement upon direct heating models and produces an X-ray light curve consistent with that seen. The IBS model parameters imply that at the present loss rate, the companion evaporation has a characteristic timescale of

Myr. Still, the model is not fully satisfactory, indicating that there are additional unmodeled physical effects.
MICROARCSECOND VLBI PULSAR ASTROMETRY WITH PSRπ. I. TWO BINARY MILLISECOND PULSARS WITH WHITE DWARF COMPANIONS
Authors: Deller A. T. , Vigeland S. J. , Kaplan D. L. , Goss W. M. , Brisken W. F. , Chatterjee S. , Cordes J. M. , Janssen G. H. , Lazio T. J. W. , Petrov L. , Stappers B. W. , Lyne A.
Published: August 2016

Model-independent distance constraints to binary millisecond pulsars (MSPs) are of great value to both the timing observations of the radio pulsars and multiwavelength observations of their companion stars. Astrometry using very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) can be employed to provide these model-independent distances with very high precision via the detection of annual geometric parallax. Using the Very Long Baseline Array, we have observed two binary MSPs, PSR J1022+1001 and J2145–0750, over a two-year period and measured their distances to be

pc and

pc respectively. We use the well-calibrated distance in conjunction with revised analysis of optical photometry to tightly constrain the nature of their massive (

) white dwarf companions. Finally, we show that several measurements of the parallax and proper motion of PSR J1022+1001 and PSR J2145–0750 obtained by pulsar timing array projects are incorrect, differing from the more precise VLBI values by up to 5σ. We investigate possible causes for the discrepancy, and find that imperfect modeling of the solar wind is a likely candidate for the errors in the timing model given the low ecliptic latitude of these two pulsars.
Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography of Retinal Perfusion in Chiasmal Compression
Authors: Higashiyama Tomoaki , Ichiyama Yusuke , Muraki Sanae , Nishida Yasuhiro , Ohji Masahito
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the retinal perfusion in patients with chiasmal compression using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Retinal perfusion was evaluated using OCT angiograms in eight eyes of four patients with visual field (VF) defects due to chiasmal compression treated by tumor resection. The retinal perfusion in the area corresponding to the quadrants of the VF defects was investigated in each image. The vessel density was defined as the percentage area occupied by the vessels in the image.

RESULTS:

The decreased peripapillary retinal perfusion correlated with the quadrants of the VF defects on OCT angiograms in all patients. The binarized vessel density decreased, corresponding to the degree of VF defects in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS:

A decrease in peripapillary retinal perfusion correlates with the quadrants of the VF defects due to chiasmal compression. This decrease can be noninvasively measured by OCTA.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2016;47:724–729.]
Promulgação de políticas na escola: considerações a partir da Teoria de Atuação e do Ciclo de Políticas
Authors: Tavares Santos Jean Mac Cole
Published: August 2016

Analisamos a promulgação da política Programa Ensino Médio Inovador (ProEMI) em duas escolas públicas de ensino médio. Promulgação, com Ball, se refere ao entendimento de que políticas são interpretadas e traduzidas por diversos atores políticos dentro do ambiente escolar, ao invés de simplesmente implementadas. Buscamos operar com a perspectiva de enactement, dando novas possibilidades de entendimento ao ciclo de políticas como apresentados por Ball e colaboradores, liberando o contexto da prática de lidar simplesmente com a política em ação e o contexto de influência como instância sacralizada das ideias. Objetivamos perceber como as políticas são colocadas em ação pelos docentes, em cada contexto específico, a partir dos recursos disponibilizados à escola e dos sentidos (sentimentos) e dos interesses imediatos da comunidade escolar. Buscamos ainda entender os motivos das possíveis diferenças na realização da política em cada um dos contextos analisados. Consideramos que a política é resultado das disputas de várias demandas contextuais, envolvendo os diversos atores escolares em estreita relação com a política em questão.
Expressões religiosas em escolas públicas: representações sociais ou ideologia?
Authors: Rocha Maria Zélia Borba
Published: August 2016

Pesquisa realizada entre 2010 e 2012 constatou a existência de expressões religiosas em 60,87% das escolas públicas de ensino médio do Distrito Federal, abrangendo expressões religiosas materializadas na forma de gravuras, estátuas, grafites, rabiscos e cartazes. Expressões religiosas de autoria dos atores institucionais: professores, alunos, funcionários técnico-administrativos e gestores escolares. O método utilizado na pesquisa foi o indutivo com abordagem qualitativa. Adotaram-se três procedimentos: fotografar as representações; entrevistar gestores; realizar grupo de discussão com alunos. O artigo demonstra que o fenômeno insere-se no conflito estrutural do setor educacional brasileiro: ensino religioso versus laicidade e discute teoricamente se o fenômeno consiste em representações sociais ou ideologia.
Processos de inserção profissional docente nas políticas de formação: o que documentos legais revelam
Authors: Mira Marilia Marques , Romanowski Joana Paulin
Published: August 2016

Este texto objetiva analisar os processos de inserção dos professores nos sistemas de ensino da educação básica, a partir do exame das políticas de desenvolvimento profissional definidas pela legislação educacional recente, como a Lei de Diretrizes e Bases da Educação Nacional 9394/96, o Plano Nacional de Educação 2001-2011 e o atual Plano Nacional de Educação 2014-2024. Para tanto, recorremos à análise documental, considerando os referenciais teóricos de Saviani (2010, 2011, 2014a, 2014b) no que se refere às políticas educacionais e de Marcelo (1999, 2009, 2010), Vaillant e Marcelo (2012), Romanowski (2012), Gatti (2012), Gatti e Barreto (2009), André (2012), Cunha (2010, 2012), entre outros, no que tange à formação de professores e, especificamente, à fase de iniciação profissional docente. Os resultados mostram que a preocupação com o período de iniciação à docência é recente; só emerge, explicitamente, a partir do atual Plano Nacional de Educação (2014-2024), porém, de forma ainda embrionária. Apesar dos limites das propostas, observa-se o seu desdobramento nos Planos Estaduais de Educação. Destaca-se que as políticas traçadas precisam considerar as especificidades de cada contexto, assim como os limites impostos pela condição financeira dos estados e municípios e pelas próprias condições de formação e de trabalho dos professores.
Legislação para estudantes com deficiência no ensino superior no Brasil e em Portugal: algumas reflexões
Authors: Melo Francisco Ricardo Lins Vieira de , Martins Maria Helena
Published: August 2016

Este estudo tem como objetivo efetuar uma análise crítica da legislação que regulamenta a inclusão de estudantes com deficiência no Ensino Superior do Brasil e de Portugal. Com base em um estudo documental, realizado entre setembro e novembro de 2015, foram analisadas as normas jurídicas das últimas décadas. Os resultados apontam para estágios diferentes de construção da política de inclusão nos países investigados. É de assinalar a existência de um leque expressivo de normativos no contexto brasileiro para assegurar a igualdade de oportunidades desses estudantes e uma escassez de normativos em Portugal. Constata-se que a legislação tem sido referenciada como um importante fator para o desenvolvimento da Educação Inclusiva, no entanto importa salientar que a existência de legislação não implica necessariamente o seu cumprimento na prática. A remoção de barreiras para a plena participação e aprendizagem dos estudantes com deficiência no Ensino Superior envolve, para além da legislação, conscientização, investimentos em recursos e conhecimentos científicos por parte dos responsáveis pela elaboração de políticas públicas e gestores para assegurar uma educação de qualidade ao longo da vida para todas as pessoas.
Synthesis and Characterization of CoMn2O4 Nanopowders by a Reverse Micelle Processing
Authors: Bae Dong Sik
Published: August 2016

CoMn2O4 nanoparticles were synthesized by reverse micelle processing from the mixed precursor (consisting of Co (NO3)2 ·6H2O and MnCl2·4H2O). The CoMn2O4 was prepared by mixing the aqueous solution at a molar ratio of Co : Mn = 1 : 2. The synthesized powders were calcined at 600°C for 2h. The average size and distribution of synthesized powders were in the range of 10-20nm and narrow, respectively. The average size of the synthesized powders increased with increasing water to surfactant molar ratio. The XRD diffraction patterns show that the phase of CoMn2O4 was spinel (JCPDS no.77-0471). The synthesized and calcined powders were characterized by thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimeter (TG-DSC), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The magnetic property of the powder was measured by Vibrating Sample Magneto-meter (VSM) at 298K. The effect of synthesis parameter, such as the molar ratio of water to surfactant, is discussed.
The Effect of the SiC Content on Electrical Properties of SiC Anti-Corona Coating for Generator
Authors: Nie Liang Liang , Zhou Hang , Tao Shi Di , Li Yu Feng , Zhang Peng , Jin Hai Yun , Gao Nai Kui
Published: August 2016

In this research, the anti-corona lacquer with different SiC content was fabricated. The surface resistivity of the lacquer at different voltage levels was measured, and the effect of the SiC content on electrical properties of SiC anti-corona coating was investigated. The results showed that the initial surface resistivity ρs decreased with increasing mass ratio of SiC to resin, while the non-linear coefficient β varied the opposite way. The surface resistivity was improved by adding suitable amount of graphite, which suited the requirements of multiple sections anti-corona structure.
Tribological Behaviors of Dense Gelcasting Nanocomposites
Authors: Cho Sung Hun , Jeong Sang Hoon , Kim Bum Sung , Sekino Tohru , Lee Soo Wohn , Kim Seung Ho
Published: August 2016

Gelcasting/pressure less sintered Al2O3/SiC nanocomposites has a low sinterability. Also, mechanical and wear properties of these nanocomposites was degraded. Wear mechanism of low sinterability gelcasting nanocomposites was dominated by fracture mode of surface during wear tests. In this study, gelcasting processing and followed plressureless (PL) and hot isostatic pressing (HIP) sintering was attempted to fabricate dense Al2O3/SiC nanocomposites. Wear behaviors of high densities gelcasting nanocomposites were investigated under the identical wear test condition. The comparative specimen was used to hot pressed nanocomposites. Wear rates of dense gelcasting nanocomposites were related to closely initial friction coefficient.
Orientation Dependence of Flow Behavior of Mg Single Crystal
Authors: Kim Ji Chan , Min Seok Hong , Ha Tae Kwon
Published: August 2016

Single crystals of pure magnesium were fabricated in this study by employing the modified Bridgman method. To determine the exact orientation of crystals, electron back scattered diffraction (EBSD) method was employed in this study. Dimensions of single crystals were 10 mm in diameter and 120 mm in length. Single crystals with near basal, pyramidal, and near prismatic orientations were obtained, on which hardness and compression tests were conducted. It has been revealed that hardness and the strength strongly depended on the orientation. While the hardness of pyramidal orientation was highest and that of near prismatic orientation was lowest, the compressive strength along near prismatic orientation appeared to be highest and that along prismatic orientation was lowest.