bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CuFusion2: Accurate and Denoised Volumetric 3D Object Reconstruction Using Depth Cameras
Authors: ZHANG Chen
Published: December 2018

3D object reconstruction from depth image streams using Kinect-style depth cameras have been extensively studied. We propose an approach for accurate camera tracking and volumetric dense surface reconstruction, assuming a known cuboid reference object is present in the scene. Our contribu­tion is three­fold: (a) we keep drift-free camera pose tracking by incorporating the 3D geometric constraints of the cuboid reference object into the image registration process; (b) on the problem of depth stream fusion, we reformulate it as a binary classification problem, enabling high fidelity of surface reconstruction, especially in con­cave zones of the objects; (c) we further present a surface denoising strategy, facilitating the generation of  noise-free triangle mesh, making the models more suitable for 3D printing and other applications. We extend our public dataset CU3D with several fresh image sequences, test our algorithm on these sequences and compare them with other state-of-the-art algorithms. Both our dataset and algorithm are available as open-source at https://github.com/zhangxaochen/CuFusion, for other researchers to reproduce and verify our results.
A Noninvasive Comparison Study between Human Gliomas with IDH1 and IDH2 Mutations by MR Spectroscopy
Authors: Shen Xin , Voets Natalie , Larkin Sarah , de Pennington Nick , Stacey Richard , Plaha Puneet , McCullagh James , Schofield Christopher J , Clare Stuart , Jezzard Peter , Cadoux-Hudson Tom , Ansorge Olaf , Emir Uzay
Published: December 2018

The oncogenes that are expressed in gliomas reprogram particular pathways of glucose, amino acid, and fatty acid metabolism. Mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase genes (IDH1/2) in diffuse gliomas are associated with abnormally high levels of 2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG) levels. The aim of this study was to determine whether metabolic reprogramming associated with IDH mutant gliomas leads to additional 1H MRS-detectable differences between IDH1 and IDH2 mutations and to identify metabolites correlated with 2-HG. A total of 21 glioma patients (age= 3711, 13 males) were recruited for MRS using a Semi-localization by adiabatic selective refocusing pulse sequence at ultra-high-field (7T). Tumour mutation subtype was confirmed by immunohistochemistry and DNA sequencing. LCModel analysis was applied for metabolite quantification. A two-sample t-test was used for metabolite comparisons between IDH1 (n=15) and IDH2 (n=5) mutant gliomas. The Pearson correlation coefficients between 2-HG and associated metabolites were calculated. A Bonferroni correction was applied for multiple comparison. IDH2 mutant gliomas have a higher level of 2-HG/tCho (total choline=phosphocholine+glycerylphosphorylcholine) (2.481.01vs.0.720.38, Pc<0.001) and myo-Inositol/tCho (2.700.90vs.1.460.51, Pc=0.011) compared to IDH1 mutation gliomas. Associated metabolites, myo-Inositol and glucose+taurine were correlated with 2-HG levels. These results show improved characterization of the metabolic pathways in IDH1 and IDH2 gliomas for precision medicine.
Dynamic Simulation of 1-DOF Swing Motion Propulsion Mechanism by Rotary Actuator
Authors: Miyamoto Nobuhiko , Ando Noriaki , Wada Kazuyoshi ,   Graduate School of System Design, Tokyo Metropolitan University 6-6 Asahigaoka, Hino, Tokyo 191-0065, Japan,   Robot Innovation Research Center, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)  Central 2, 1-1-1 Umezono, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8568, Japan
Published: December 2018

In this study, we aimed to develop a mobile robot that can move forward, turn, and move backward using one actuator. We previously proposed 1-DOF swing motion drive mechanisms for a mobile robot that uses linear actuators. This paper proposes a 1-DOF swing motion robot with a rotary actuator for realizing simple design and cost reduction. First, this paper describes a wheel posture switching mechanism. Next, we examine the dynamics modeling of a mobile robot and the wheel posture switching mechanism. Finally, the results are investigated through dynamic simulations to determine the forward-movement characteristics of the proposed mechanism.
Group Control of Mobile Robots for More Efficient Searches – Verification of Semi-Autonomous Trajectory Tracking Motions in Irregular Ground Environment –
Authors: Ohtsubo Yoshikazu , Matsuyama Morihito ,   Faculty of Science and Engineering, Kindai University 3-4-1 Kowakae, Higashi-osaka, Osaka 577-8502, Japan,   Vstone Co., Ltd. 2-15-28 Mitejima, Nishiyodogawa-ku, Osaka 555-0012, Japan
Published: December 2018

After the occurrence of a disaster, it is critical to perform rapid and accurate searching operations in the large disaster area. It is efficient to perform such operations using multiple mobile exploration robots. Accordingly, we focus on cooperative cruising in a disaster environment and propose the trajectory tracking control method for a semi-autonomous search robot. We apply a robot operating system (ROS) to execute the trajectory tracking control using two mobile exploration robots. In this paper, we describe the trajectory tracking control using gravity potential method and the results of a cooperative cruising experiment in an uneven terrain environment.
Optimal control problems for differential equations applied to tumor growth: state of the art
Authors: Rojas Clara , Belmonte-Beitia Juan
Published: December 2018

In this manuscript, we shall apply the tools and methods from optimal control to analyze various minimally parameterized models that describe the dynamics of populations of cancer cells and elements of the tumor microenvironment under different anticancer therapies. In spite of their simplicity, the analysis of these models that capture the essence of the underlying biology sheds light on more general scenarios and, in many cases, leads to conclusions that confirm experimental studies and clinical data. We focus on four applications: optimal control applied to compartmental models, brain tumors, drug resistance and antiangiogenic treatment.
Equivalent Analytical Functions of Sums of Sigmoid like Transcendental Functions
Authors: Takács J.
Published: December 2018

There is no mathematical solution to adding up transcendental functions other than numerical process. This paper put forward analytical method to model the sum of sigmoid like functions with an equivalent function. The Brillouin and Langevin as well as the error function, the tanh, sigmoid and the tan-

1 functions are investigated, their equivalent functions are calculated for four components and the error between the numerical (computer assisted) result and the equivalent function is tested for accuracy. The best modelling function, the most useful to include into mathematical operations, is pointed out finally, based on its performance and convenience. The paper intends to help people involved mostly in modelling hysteresis in Magnetism and other field of research in physics.
Access to Pain Management as a Human Right
Authors: Brennan Frank , Lohman Diederik , Gwyther Liz
Published: December 2018

The concept of access to pain management as a human right has gained increasing currency in recent years. Commencing as individual advocacy, it was later embraced by the disciplines of pain medicine and palliative care and by mainstream human rights organizations.

Today, United Nations and regional human rights bodies have accepted the concept and incorporated it into key human rights reports, reviews, and standards. We review the foundations in law of this right and the obligations that flow from it to governments. We analyze the nature and content of the obligation in the context of acute, chronic nonmalignant and cancer pain.

Finally, we examine this right in light of the twin crises of inadequate access to pain management and the opioid crisis in the United States and other nations.
Transnational Tobacco Companies and New Nicotine Delivery Systems
Authors: Mathers Annalise , Hawkins Ben , Lee Kelley
Published: December 2018

While the public health community has focused on the harm-reduction potential of new nicotine delivery systems (NNDSs) and, conversely, their potential for impeding overall efforts to prevent and reduce tobacco use, limited analysis has been conducted on the role of leading transnational tobacco companies (TTCs) in this rapidly growing market. Following aborted efforts during the 1980s and 1990s to develop reduced-risk products, TTCs have heavily invested in selected NNDS products since 2010 via acquisitions and internal research and development.

This article catalogs and analyzes the patterns of investment in NNDSs by leading TTCs over time, and identifies differences in the companies’ approaches to NNDS product acquisition and development in specific markets globally. This analysis raises important questions regarding the companies’ intent, which appears to be to sustain, rather than replace, cigarette sales, and to increase their influence and credibility with respect to NNDS policy and regulation.

We identify the need for greater public health vigilance and research to understand and respond to the increasingly significant role of NNDSs in TTCs’ global business strategies, to ensure that NNDSs advance, rather than hinder, tobacco control efforts.
Profile of Workforce Development Educators: A Comparative Credential,
Composition, and Characteristic Analysis

Authors: Williams, Jr. Thomas O. , Ernst Jeremy V. , Clark Aaron C.
Published: December 2018

The Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS) is administered by the National Center for
Educational Statistics to obtain information about teachers, such as education and
training, teaching assignment, certification, workload, and perceptions and attitudes
about teaching. Data are weighted to approximate the population of teachers in the USA.
In this study, the most recent SASS results were employed to formulate a comprehensive
profile of Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher characteristics or Workforce
Development in Education. Characteristics analyzed included: gender, age, teaching
experience, teaching status, race and ethnicity, educational level, certification
status, caseload of students with categorical disabilities and caseload of those with
limited English proficiency. These characteristics were compared within the seven
identified Workforce Development teaching areas and, to make further distinction from
akin fields, were also collectively compared to the STEM education fields of science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics education. Analysis of the identified
characteristics provided a profile of in-service Workforce Development teachers, the
students that they teach, how they compare to each other within CTE, and how they
compare to other STEM teachers.
Evolving Characteristics of Today’s Applied Engineering College-Level
Educator: 2013 to 2017

Authors: Ulmer Jeffrey M.
Published: December 2018

This manuscript was created to document faculty, and academic support, issues from
2013 to 2017. The 2013 manuscript was published by the Journal of Technology Studies.
This four-years-later study provided greater insight for academics that asked the
research question: “What is the latest in our teaching career field?” Issues of concern
to faculty included positional status (adjunct, contract, tenure-track, tenure), faculty
rank, length of time in current rank, length of time in nonacademic professional work
(before or after academic work), primary academic program, total number of students
taught per semester, average academic salary, contract length, administrative duties and
salary benefits. Other issues included academic professional accreditation, degree
levels offered, market pay (competitive) presence, academic freedom, benefits cost of
coverage (health insurance, life insurance, etc.), the use of faculty talent, the
management of teaching assignments, and the number of credit hours taught per semester.
Finally, questions about the percentage of teaching load (face-to-face, hybrid, and
online), the ease of resource and support acquisition, expectations for research
(scholarship), unique ways that an academic institution compensates beyond the base
salary, expectations for promotion and tenure, and additional comments pertinent to an
academic’s role in academia. In the 2013 study, 244 people (from 39 states) participated
(only 212 responses were valid). This number dropped to 103 people from 27 states in
2017 (only 90 responses were valid). Although the survey population was smaller for
2017, the number of respondents was determined to be sufficient for reporting to other
academics in a publication. Significant results in the study from 2013 to 2017 included
an increase from 63.86 to 74.45 students taught per semester and a faculty salary mean
change from $73,567 to $77,306 per year. Other survey indicators presented minimal
change from 2013 to 2017.
Online Course Engagement Among Undergraduate Nursing Student Veterans
Authors: Cipher Daisha J , Boyd Jeanean , Urban Regina W , Mancini Mary E
Published: December 2018

As a result of the Post-9/11 Veterans Assistance Act, academic programs aimed at assisting student veterans to become Registered Nurses (RN) are increasing. Accordingly, the number of nursing academic programs being offered online are increasing, yet little is known about online student veterans’ behaviors within learning management systems (LMS). This study examined the patterns of LMS use among student veterans who are pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and the association between these behaviors and academic success. A retrospective associational analysis was conducted with data collected from students enrolled in courses in an online BSN program. The multilevel data consisted of 528 students who took one or more of twelve courses. The sample consisted of 23 veterans and 505 non-veteran BSN (non-VBSN) students in 3,793 course enrollments. Veterans were more likely to be male and were less likely to be classified as an in-state resident. Overall, the students engaged in their LMS early and most did not have missing or late assignments. The amount of online time spent in each course and the number of late assignment submissions significantly predicted course grades. No other significant predictors of graduation, discontinuation, or grades emerged. Notwithstanding some demographic differences, veterans appeared to be comparable to their non-VBSN counterparts overall, in terms of both academic performance and online engagement. These results indicate that the time students spend in their online courses can predict program success. The creation of an early-identification process for at-risk students who are not engaging in their LMS might have the potential to enhance educational outcomes even further.
RESEARCH ON REFLECTIVE PRACTICE IN TESOL
Authors: Sumartini Pande Made
Published: December 2018

RESEARCH ON REFLECTIVE PRACTICE IN TESOLThomas S.C. FarrellNew York, USA: Routledge. 2018
SPE Technical Directors’ Outlook: Do Good, Then Do Better
Authors: Rassenfoss Stephen
Published: December 2018

While leading initiatives to define and honor sustainability, Johana Dunlop said she is trying to balance “pride and accountability” in the oil and gas business.

The technical director in charge of health, safety, and environment regularly points out that those in the oil business make the world a better place by delivering energy that fuels economic progress. She also cautions that the industry needs to pay close attention to influential voices from outside the sector when setting standards for running a sustainable business.

Company earnings reports for 2018 showed that it was a generally good year for exploration and production, but the fall in oil prices late in the year warned against complacency in 2019. SPE technical directors all see room for improvement.

Erdal Ozkan, director for reservoir, said that it is time to stop being satisfied with methods leaving behind 70% of the oil in conventional reservoirs.

Terry Palisch, director for completions, said it is time to figure how to maximize production with the best combination of well spacing and completion designs in unconventional plays.

Ramona Graves, director of academia, is seeing a world of petroleum engineering programs that need to start sharing ideas about how to produce better-trained petroleum engineers.

Birol Dindoruk, director for management and information, wants to ensure that SPE continues to listen to groups pushing the industry to make the changes needed to maximize the value of its data assets.

Jeff Moss, director for drilling, says drillers need to focus on finding ways to reduce drilling costs with efficiency gains using tools such as automation to be competitive during cyclic service costs and oil prices.

Hisham Saadawi, director for production and facilities, sees great growth potential for natural gas, but innovative engineering ideas are required to address the problems that flow out of the wells along with the gas.
Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implants versus Intravitreal Anti-VEGF Treatment in Treating Patients with Retinal Vein Occlusion: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Shi Qian , Gao Lixiong , Zhou Lijun , Tian Chunyu , Li Na , Shao Weiyang , Peng Xiujun
Published: December 2018

Background: Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is a common retinal venous disorder that causes vision loss. No specific therapy has been developed. Controversy exists regarding two treatments: intravitreal dexamethasone implants and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The goal of this study is to compare the effectiveness and safety of dexamethasone implants and anti-VEGF treatment for RVO.
Methods: The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies comparing dexamethasone implants with anti-VEGF in patients with RVO. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central subfield thickness (CST), intraocular pressure changes, conjunctival haemorrhage, reduced VA, and macular oedema were extracted from the final included studies. RevMan 5.3 was used to conduct the quantitative analysis and bias assessment.
Results: Four articles assessing 969 eyes were included. The anti-VEGF treatment showed better BCVA improvement (mean difference [MD] = -10.59, P < 0.00001) and more CST decrease (MD = -86.71 μm, P = 0.02) than the dexamethasone implants. However, the dexamethasone implants required fewer injections. As for adverse effects, the dexamethasone implants showed significantly higher intraocular pressure (IOP) and more cataracts than the anti-VEGF treatment. No significant differences were found in conjunctival haemorrhage, reduced VA, and macular oedema.
Conclusions: Anti-VEGF treatment showed better functional and anatomical improvement with less risk of IOP elevation and cataract formation compared to dexamethasone implants. Thus, anti-VEGF treatment is the first choice for treating RVO patients.

Keywords: dexamethasone intravitreal implant, anti-VEGF treatment, retinal vein occlusion, meta-analysis
Different Transcriptome Profiles between Human Retinoblastoma Y79 Cells and an Etoposide-resistant Subline Reveal a Chemoresistance Mechanism
Authors: Song Wen-ping , Zheng Si , Yao Hong-juan , Zhou Xiao-fei , Li Rui , Zhang Cheng-yue , Zhao Jun-yang , Wang Lie-wei , Shao Rong-guang , Li Liang
Published: December 2018

Background: Retinoblastoma (RB) is the most frequent pediatric retinal tumor. In the present study, to elucidate chemoresistance mechanisms and identify potential biomarkers in RB, we utilized RNA sequencing (RNAseq) technological platforms to reveal transcriptome profiles and identify any differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between an etoposide drug-resistant subline (Y79/EDR) and parental Y79 cells.
Methods: To test whether Y79/EDR cells showed resistance to antineoplastic agents for RB, we treated the cells with etoposide, carboplatin and vincristine and analyzed them with a Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8). Y79/EDR and parental Y79 cells were used for RNAseq and bioinformatics analysis to enable a genome-wide review of DEGs between the two lines using the DESeq R package (1.10.1). Then, DEG enrichment in Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways was analyzed with KOBAS software. Next, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR) and cytotoxicity assays were performed to experimentally and functionally validate the identified candidate biomarkers.
Results: Y79/EDR cells showed resistance to etoposide, carboplatin and vincristine at different concentrations. In total, 524 transcripts were differentially expressed in Y79/EDR cells based on analysis of fragments per kilobase of transcript per million fragments mapped (FPKM); among these, 57 genes were downregulated and 467 genes were upregulated in Y79/EDR cells compared to parental Y79 cells. We selected candidate DEGs, including ARHGAP9, HIST1H4H, RELN, DDIT4, HK2, STC1 and PFKFB4, for mRNA expression validation with QRT-PCR assays and found that the expression levels determined by QRT-PCR were consistent with the RNAseq data. Further studies involving downregulation of ARHGAP9 with a specific siRNA pool showed that ARHGAP9 altered the cellular sensitivity of Y79 cells to etoposide and carboplatin.
Conclusion: Our initial findings provided a genomic view of the transcription profiles of etoposide-induced acquired resistance in RB. Follow-up studies indicated that ARHGAP9 might be a chemoresistance biomarker in RB, providing insight into potential therapeutic targets for overcoming acquired chemoresistance in RB. These findings can aid in understanding and overcoming chemoresistance during treatment of RB in the clinic.
External Inputs and Livestock for Organic Hill Land Farming Systems in Appalachia
Authors: Basweti Evans A. , Mata Domingo J. , Goff Ben M. , Kotcon James B. , Bryan William B.
Published: December 2018

Core Ideas

Integrating annual crops and livestock will benefit production and soil quality.

Integrating organically produced annual crops into low external input grazing livestock systems will increase livelihood of hill land farmers.

High external inputs increase organic crop production and soil quality.

Hill land farmers, especially in Appalachia, are usually low external input grassland‐based livestock producers with low output per hectare. Most of their land is unsuitable for annual crop production. Very little research has been published on organic crop production incorporated into livestock farming systems on hill land. Our objective was to compare the effects of four such systems on crop production and soil test results. The experiment had two fixed rotations, 4 and 7 yr, with two treatments at two levels. Treatments were low and high external inputs, without and with livestock, using three replications. All treatments had the same four annual crops in the same sequence. The with‐livestock treatments had an additional 3 yr grass–legume ley. Sheep (Ovis aries) grazed the with‐livestock treatment fields. Initiated in 1999, the experiment was terminated in 2011. Production of all crops and cover crops and soil organic matter (OM) was higher on systems with high external inputs than on systems with low external inputs. Under low external inputs the system with livestock produced more wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and soil OM and available K were higher compared with the system without livestock. We conclude that integrating crops and livestock in a farming system can increase soil quality and crop productivity. Furthermore, Appalachian livestock farmers could increase stocking rate by implementing an integrated crop livestock system irrespective of level of external inputs. A major barrier to such integration is the lack of experience in applying good management practices to livestock, crops, and grassland.
Soil Carbon Changes Following Conversion to Annual Biofuel Feedstocks on Marginal Lands
Authors: Maw Michael J.W. , Goyne Keith W. , Fritschi Felix B.
Published: December 2018

Core Ideas

Five‐year study examined soil C changes from three annual biofuel crops.

Soil organic C and a labile C fraction (active C) were measured.

High biomass sorghum has greater potential than corn to maintain or increase soil C.

Emerging annual biofuel feedstock systems could impact the midwestern US marginal soils through soil C sequestration. Yet, the short‐term impact by these potential cropping systems on soil organic carbon (SOC) concentrations is largely unknown. A two‐site, 5‐yr study was conducted to determine the effects on SOC pools by converting land use from a minimally managed perennial grassland on marginal lands to annual bioenergy feedstock production. Maize (Zea mays L.), sweet sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], and high biomass sorghum (HBS) were each grown in rotation with soybean (Glycine max L.) and soil samples were collected in the first, second, and fifth years, then analyzed for differences among the cropping systems in SOC and active carbon fraction (AC) concentrations. Additionally, in the fifth year, soil from the adjoining undisturbed grassland was analyzed against the cropping systems and C fraction stocks determined. Concentrations of SOC and AC decreased over the first 2 yr at both sites, but SOC concentrations rebounded near to initial levels after 5 yr. The central Missouri site maintained greater SOC and AC concentrations than the southwestern Missouri site. A slight increase in AC concentration occurred from year 2 to 5 at the southwestern Missouri site, suggesting beneficial effects from the biofuel feedstocks. In contrast, AC concentrations continued to decrease at the central Missouri site. Crop rotation treatments revealed that continued HBS–soybean rotation beyond the 5th yr has the potential to increase C concentrations and stocks at depth (10–20 cm) compared to a maize–soybean rotation.
Subsurface Organic Amendment Plus Plastic Mulching Promotes Salt Leaching and Yield of Sunflower
Authors: Zhang Hongyuan , Pang Huancheng , Lu Chuang , Zhang Xu , Li Yuyi
Published: December 2018

Core Ideas

Salt reduction effect of organic amendment with mulch intensified with years.

Organic amendment gradually reduced soil pH within the 10‐ to 40‐cm layer.

Organic amendment increased the soil organic matter and available nutrients.

The sunflower yield was highest under the organic amendment with plastic mulching.

In order to evaluate the effects of subsurface organic amendment plus plastic mulching on soil salinity, soil pH, available nutrients and crop growth on saline–alkali soils, four management practices were conducted in 2015–2016, including plowing without plastic mulching (CK), plowing plus plastic mulching (PM), subsurface (10–30 cm) treatment with organic manure (OM), and OM plus plastic mulching (PM + OM). The result showed that OM and PM + OM enhanced the salt leaching after irrigation and regulated salt distribution to facilitate crop growth. Compare with CK, OM , and PM + OM reduced pH of 10to 30 cm by 0.36 to 0.6 in 2015 and 0.30 to 0.45 in 2016 (P < 0.05), respectively. Relative to that of CK, soil organic matter, available N, P, and K of 0 to 40 cm under OM and PM + OM increased by 53.77 to 73.11%, 63.65 to 69.51%, 406.06 to 381.31%, 266.42 to 229.80% in 2015, and by 45.06 to 68.38%, 52.25 to 49.34%, 603.23 to 612.75%, 166.32 to 132.88% in 2016 (P < 0.05). Compared with CK and PM, PM + OM increased sunflower yield by 45.08 and 19.37% in 2015, by 24.29 and 6.62% in 2016 (P < 0.05), mainly due to a reduction of pH, the increase of soil organic matter and available nutrient, high water after irrigation as well as regulation of the water and salt. Therefore, amending the subsurface layer with organic manure combined with plastic mulching is a viable option for improving sunflower production in the saline–alkali soil of Hetao Irrigation District of Inner Mongolia or other areas with similar soil conditions.
Stover Harvest did not Change Nitrous Oxide Emissions in Two Minnesota Fields
Authors: Johnson Jane M.F. , Barbour Nancy W.
Published: December 2018

Core Ideas

Nitrous oxide (N2O) emission varied among years and between crops.

The N2O emissions were the same with or without stover harvest in a field without tillage.

The N2O emissions were the same with or without stover harvest in field with tillage.

The N2O emissions occurred after N fertilizer application in a tilled and no‐till field.

The N2O emissions occurred during spring freeze‐thaw in a tilled and a no‐till field.

Corn (Zea mays L.) is grown across vast acreages producing massive quantities of stover making corn a desirable cellulosic bioenergy feedstock. Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a potent greenhouse gas (GHG) so small changes in direct soil N2O emissions may have substantial influence on global warming potential (GWP) from the agricultural sector. Harvesting stover alters soil properties such as soil moisture, oxygen availability, temperature, and substrate availability (C and N). Thus, harvesting stover might reduce soil N2O emissions by reducing substrate and by warming and drying the soil. The goal of the study was to determine how harvesting corn stover altered soil N2O emissions. Therefore, soil N2O emissions were measured for four crop‐years (planting to planting) in two independent studies, one in a field managed without tillage (NT1995) and the other was in a field tilled annually with a chisel plow (Chisel). Each field was in a corn–soybean (Glycine max L. [Merr.]) rotation, with (i) corn grain (Grain) only, (ii) grain plus about 50% of the stover harvested (Grain+Moderate), and (iii) grain plus harvesting as much stover as possible (Grain+Aggressive) treatments. Cumulative soil N2O emissions did not differ among treatments in either field during any of the crop‐years monitored. Flux events occurred corresponding to fertilizer applications and to spring freeze‐thaw events. Cumulative fertilizer stimulated emissions tended to be greater for corn than soybean because of N‐fertilizer application. These results are valuable to modelers for enhancing estimates of the N2O component of the stover management C‐footprint.
Dry‐Out Periods of Rain Sensors vs. Soil Dry‐Out: Water Saving Potential and Recommendations
Authors: Cardenas B. , Dukes M.D.
Published: December 2018

Core Ideas

No actual rain sensor dry‐out times have been compared with soil dry‐out times.

The rain sensors tested do not follow the dry‐out characteristics of the soil textures modeled.

An electronic mechanism to delay the rain sensor resuming to the operating mode is recommended.

Rain sensors (RSs) are devices that may help to irrigate residential landscapes more efficiently. When a predetermined amount of rain occurs, an RS interrupts the programmed irrigation cycle. When rainfall stops, RSs allow irrigation after a dry‐out period. However, no actual RS dry‐out times have been compared with soil dry‐out times. The objectives of this study were (i) to determine the seasonal dry‐out periods of two RSs; (ii) to estimate the dry‐out periods of three soil textures (sand, loam, and clay loam) through a soil water balance model using numerical flow equations; (iii) to compare the dry‐out period of these soil textures to the dry‐out period of two RSs; and (iv) to propose recommendations for increased or decreased RS dry‐out period, if any. Existing RS dry‐out data from previous studies performed in Central Florida were assembled along with hourly weather data to estimate hourly turfgrass evapotranspiration (ETc). Precipitation data were used with ETc to simulate soil dry‐out, using the WAVE 3.0 model. Modeled soil dry‐out times were compared against actual RS dry‐out data. The average RS dry‐out time was not different between the RS brands tested, which was around 19 h. The dry‐out time of the sand‐textured soil was different from the loam and clay loam, which were similar to one another. The dry‐out times of the soils modeled were always above 52, 75, and 89 h for sand, clay loam, and loam, respectively. Therefore, these results show that the RSs tested do not follow the dry‐out characteristics of any of the soil textures modeled. An electronic mechanism that could delay the RSs resuming to the allowing irrigation mode is recommended to the industry.
UZIG Research: Measurement and Characterization of Unsaturated Zone Processes under Wide‐Ranging Climates and Changing Conditions
Authors: Trost Jared J. , Perkins Kimberlie S. , Henson Wesley , Mirus Benjamin B. , Nimmo John R. , Muñoz-Carpena Rafael
Published: December 2018

Core Ideas

This special section reviews Unsaturated Zone Interest Group (UZIG) multidisciplinary research.

These studies summarize UZIG studies on vadose zone properties and processes.

They summarize soil–plant–atmosphere processes and present two novel field sampling devices.

The need emerges for a consistent ground‐based unsaturated zone monitoring network.

Unsaturated zone properties and processes are central to understanding the interacting effects of land‐use change, contamination, and hydroclimate on our ability to grow food, sustain clean water supplies, and minimize loss of life and property. Advances in unsaturated zone science are being achieved through collaborations across traditional boundaries where information from biological, physical, and chemical disciplines is combined for new insights. The Unsaturated Zone Interest Group (UZIG) is an organization that exists principally to promote multidisciplinary collaborations and the sharing of ideas, expertise, and technical assets. Here we summarize key findings from 14 papers, several of which originated from a meeting convened by UZIG in 2017 at the University of Florida in Gainesville titled “Land‐Use Change, Climate Change, and Hydrologic Extremes: Unsaturated Zone Responses and Feedbacks.” This special section of Vadose Zone Journal contains multidisciplinary research in three general categories relevant to measuring and understanding unsaturated zone responses to changing land uses and climate: (i) unsaturated zone properties and processes; (ii) soil–plant–atmosphere interactions; and (iii) novel field sampling devices. A strong cross‐cutting theme in these papers is the value of continuous monitoring data and ways of utilizing them to discover novel hydrologic, biologic, and pedologic information. As climatic and land‐use conditions change and demands for resources and stresses on ecosystems continue to intensify, it is vital to improve our fundamental understanding of the processes at work in the unsaturated zone. Toward that goal, we discuss the need for improved ground‐based unsaturated zone monitoring networks.
Estudio sobre la economía circular como una alternativa sustentable frente al ocaso de la economía tradicional (primera parte)
Authors: Martínez Adriana Norma , Porcelli Adriana Margarita
Published: December 2018

En las últimas décadas, el modelo económico actualmente predominante —denominado “economía marrón”— ocasionó el agotamiento de los recursos naturales y la degradación y pérdida generalizadas de los ecosistemas, lo cual ha dado espacio para que surja un modelo económico alternativo denominado la economía verde, y dentro del mismo, la economía circular. Una economía de ciclos cerrados, que imita los de la naturaleza para que sea más eficiente, racional y equilibrada, incorporando los esquemas de análisis del ciclo de vida de los productos, reutilizando los residuos. El presente trabajo forma parte de una investigación que analiza, entre otros, los impactos ambientales de la obsolescencia programada y la economía verde, desarrollada en el Departamento de Ciencias Sociales de la Universidad Nacional de Luján. El objetivo de este trabajo consiste en analizar, en primer lugar, si la economía circular es una alternativa fiable y plausible para desarrollar un nuevo modelo que permita propiciar una cultura altamente sustentable y respetuosa del ambiente, sus pilares, las más destacadas prácticas empresariales ygubernamentales, a ese respecto, en el mundo y en Argentina, y, en segundo lugar, su recepción en las diferentes legislaciones y en la normativa voluntaria. Debido a la extensión del tema, el mismo se expone en dos partes y el presente artículo constituye la primera parte que desarrolla los principios y pilares fundamentales de la economía circular, analiza los argumentos de susdefensores como de sus detractores y exterioriza las prácticas empresariales más significativas en Argentina.
ANALYSIS OF THE LONG-TERM DYNAMICS OF EXTERNAL DOSES OF THE POPULATION AFTER THE CHERNOBYL ACCIDENT
Authors: Golikov V. Yu.
Published: December 2018

The paper presents an analysis of the dynamics of individual doses of external exposure among the population living for almost 20 years in the territories affected by the radioactive contamination due to the Chernobyl NPP accident. The dynamics of the average effective dose of the external exposure of the inhabitants in the period of 5 to 20 years after the Chernobyl fallout is well described by processes that consider the radioactive decay of cesium radionuclides and their natural migration. The distribution of individual doses of external exposure among residents, normalized to the average dose in the settlement corresponds to a logarithmically normal law with the time-stable parameters: the geometric mean ~ 0.9 and geometric standard deviation ~ 1.5, which allows, in particular, predicting the dose for the critical group of population or for a representative person. Comparison of the mean effective doses of external exposure of the settlement residents estimated based on the results of two different measurement technologies (using TLD-method and measurements of dose rates in air in various settlement locations) indicated their good agreement for the 17 years period after the fallout. For two settlements, where measurements were performed in 2003, the relative differences in mean effective doses did not exceed 12%. It allows using the previously developed model of external exposure for dose estimation to the population residing on the territories contaminated after the Chernobyl accident.
INTERNAL IRRADIATION CONTROL AFTER RADIATION ACCIDENTS ON SHIPS AND VESSELS WITH NUCLEAR POWER UNITS: TASKS AND HARDWARE-METHODICAL SUPPORT
Authors: Firsanov V. B. , Tarita V. A. , Arefyeva D. V. , Bruk G. Ya. , Yakovlev V. A.
Published: December 2018

In the case of radiation accident on a board of ships and vessels with nuclear power units, radioactive substances can be released into the environment and absorbed by the human body. The radioactive contamination is associated with a complex and rapidly disintegrating composition of radionuclides, which are products of nuclear fission and induced radioactivity. Therefore, the need for prompt post-accident control of internal exposure is justified. In the article, radiation accidents are classified in relation to ships and vessels with nuclear power units. As an example, one of the most severe accidents that occurred when nuclear fuel was transshipped on a nuclear-powered submarine in the Chazhma Bay in 1985 is considered. Methods for determining the incorporated radioactivity are described. Direct measurement of radionuclide content in a human body or an organ using human radiation spectrometers is shown to be the most accurate. The hardware-methodical support and the main measures for the postemergency individual control of the internal exposure of personnel of vessels with nuclear power plants are proposed.
O ATENDIMENTO COMPARTILHADO NA PERSPECTIVA DA ATUAÇÃO MULTIPROFISSIONAL NA ATENÇÃO PRIMÁRIA À SAÚDE
Authors: Franke Caroline Maria , Ianiski Valéria Baccarin , Haas Linda Cristina Sangoi
Published: December 2018

Na lógica do SUS, as consultas compartilhadas por profissionais de diferentes áreas são utilizadas como uma ferramenta de promoção de saúde, e prevenção de doença, e que também tem por finalidade ampliar o cuidado e dar autonomia para o sujeito com sua própria saúde. As residências Multiprofissionais auxiliam nesse processo, disponde de mais profissionais e qualificando-os para o cuidado integral ao usuário na atenção primária. Com isso o presente artigo trata-se de um relato de experiência sobre consultas compartilhadas realizadas por profissional residente de nutrição e educação física, como também ressaltar a importância do trabalho multiprofissional realizado em uma Unidade Básica de Saúde de um município localizado na região Noroeste do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Os profissionais de Educação Física e os Nutricionistas trabalham de maneira semelhante, visando o cuidado sem utilização de tratamentos farmacológicos, assim auxiliam no processo de prevenção de doenças e de promoção de saúde através da proposta de alimentação saudável e prática regular de atividade física. Nessa lógica ampliada do cuidado, profissional da saúde e usuário são responsabilizados, deixando o usuário como protagonista do autocuidado e promoção da própria saúde.
INFLUÊNCIA DAS ATIVIDADES DE AUTOCUIDADO DE PACIENTES DIABÉTICOS SOBRE OS PARÂMETROS BIOQUÍMICOS E ANTROPOMÉTRICOS
Authors: Lima do Carmo Raiza , Nunes Tatiane Dutra , Nunes Tatiele Dutra , Libardoni Karine Santos de Bona
Published: December 2018

Objetivo: Avaliar a influência de atividades de autocuidado por pacientes com Diabetes mellitus sobre parâmetros bioquímicos e antropométricos. Materiais e métodos: Estudo observacional prospectivo transversal, desenvolvido com pacientes diabéticos atendidos pelo Sistema Único de Saúde na cidade de Santo Ângelo-RS. O instrumento de pesquisa utilizado para avaliar o autocuidado foi um Questionário de Atividades de Autocuidado com Diabetes. Foram feitas coletas de sangue para determinação de parâmetros bioquímicos, como glicose, colesterol total, Lipoproteína de alta e baixa densidade, além da determinação de parâmetros antropométricos, como o Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC) e medidas da circunferência abdominal (CA) e do quadril (CQ) para cálculo de relação circunferência quadril (RCQ). Para análise dos dados foi utilizado o programa GraphPadPrim, sendo considerados significativos valores com p <0,05 Resultados:  A amostra foi composta por 65 pacientes que possuíam diabetes tipo 2 (52% eram homens e 48% mulheres), com idade entre 30 e 83 anos, sendo que destes, 60% possuem Ensino fundamental incompleto. 51 pacientes apresentaram alta adesão ao autocuidado (grupo 1) e 14 pacientes se enquadraram com baixa adesão ao autocuidado (grupo 2). O grupo 2 apresentou valores significativamente mais elevados nos parâmetros CA, CQ e RCQ, assim como nos níveis de Colesterol Total e triglicerídeos. Ainda, 39% dos pacientes do grupo 1 e 57% dos pacientes do grupo 2 apresentaram-se obesos. Conclusão: Com o presente estudo confirma-se que o autocuidado pode influenciar nos parâmetros bioquímicos e antropométricos dos pacientes diabéticos, sendo as alterações observadas de acordo com o grau de autocuidado dos pacientes.
AÇÕES DE EDUCAÇÃO EM SAÚDE PARA IDOSOS NA ATENÇÃO BÁSICA: REVISÃO DE LITERATURA
Authors: Lima Filho Francisco Jaime Rodrigues de , Silva Ingrid Grangeiro Bringel , Lima Nalva Kelly Gomes de , Pontes Michellane De Miranda , Souza Ylkiany Pereira de , Oliveira Thayse Wilma Nogueira de
Published: December 2018

O presente artigo tem como objetivo identificar na literatura evidências científicas acerca da utilização da educação em saúde na atenção básica como promotora de um envelhecimento saudável. Trata-se de uma revisão bibliográfica, desenvolvida nas bases de dados Literatura Latino-Americana em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), Base de Dados de Enfermagem (BDENF) e na biblioteca eletrônica Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), aplicando os descritores: Envelhecimento, Educação em Saúde e Atenção básica. Os descritores foram associados nas bases de dados utilizando o operador booleano “and”. Como critérios de inclusão, elegeram-se: trabalhos originais, publicados entre os anos de 2008 a 2017, nos idiomas inglês, português e espanhol, disponíveis online gratuitamente. Verificou-se que as ações educativas são compreendidas como necessárias para atenção ao idoso, embora os profissionais apontem dificuldades para realização das mesmas, como: falta de preparo para tratar da temática, descaso da gestão e falta de insumos. Conclui-se que ações educativas tem potencial para garantir melhoria na qualidade de vida dos idosos, tanto nos aspectos biológicos como nos psicossociais.
POTENCIAL EFEITO ANTIOXIDANTE E ANTIPROLIFERATIVO DO EXTRATO AQUOSO DE Carya illinoinensis SOBRE CÉLULAS TUMORAIS
Authors: Weber Angelo Viana
Published: December 2018

A oncogênese é um processo fisiopatológico decorrente de um crescimento celular anormal sem que haja ativação de mecanismos que promovam a inibição da proliferação celular. Sendo assim, o tratamento na maioria dos casos é baseado na combinação de diferentes técnicas, como por exemplo, cirurgias, radioterapia e quimioterapia. No entanto, os tratamentos por radioterapia e quimioterapia, podem gerar a produção de espécies reativas de oxigênio, consequentemente o estresse oxidativo. Este estresse oxidativo seria responsável por interferir em muitas funções celulares importantes, principalmente nos locais onde os agentes antineoplásicos exercem sua toxicidade, como na progressão do ciclo celular e apoptose induzida pelos fármacos. Para suprimir o estresse oxidativo, pode-se recomendar a utilização de co-adjuvantes no tratamento, como os chás, dentre eles o da casca de noz pecã, Carya illinoinensis. A utilização deste chá pela crença popular, parece possuir um importante efeito adjuvante no tratamento e prevenção de doenças, como o câncer de colorretal. Para isso, realizou-se uma revisão da literatura nas bases de dados BVS, SciELO e Google Acadêmico. Foram separados 94 artigos e selecionados 21. Os demais artigos foram excluídos por não abordarem a temática pretendida. A Carya illinoinensis apresenta-se como uma fonte natural de antioxidantes, dentre eles, os compostos fenólicos e o ácido gálico. Estes compostos estariam demonstrando em estudos in vitro, atividade antiproliferativa através de sua ação citotóxica seletiva, afetando principalmente as células tumorais. No entanto, muitas propriedades biológicas e farmacológicas de sua composição, necessitam ser melhor elucidadas, no sentido de compreender os mecanismos de ações envolvidos e assim, confirmar as suas possíveis ações terapêuticas.
Metabolomic responses of an estuarine benthic amphipod to heavy metals at urban-runoff concentrations
Authors: Yanagihara M. , Nakajima F. , Tobino T.
Published: December 2018

Heavy metals released from urban areas have toxic effects on aquatic organisms. Heavy metals in aquatic environments exist in various forms and methods designed to assess their effects need to consider their bioavailability. This study aimed to explore biomarkers in an estuarine amphipod, Grandidierella japonica, for exposure to heavy metals using metabolomics. We exposed G. japonica to different heavy metals and analyzed their metabolomes using high-resolution mass spectrometry. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was used to extract biomarkers of exposure for each heavy metal. As a result, three models were built to predict discrimination based on metabolomic profiles, and 70, 106, and 168 metabolites were extracted as biomarkers for exposure to Cu, Zn, and Cd, respectively. Our results suggest that PLS-DA was effective in extracting biomarkers, and this study demonstrated the usefulness of metabolomics as biomarkers.