bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary Care Physicians’ Beliefs and Practices Regarding E-Cigarette Use by Patients Who Smoke: A Qualitative Assessment
Authors: El-Shahawy Omar , Brown Richard , Elston Lafata Jennifer
Published: April 2016

We explored primary care physicians’ (PCPs’) beliefs and practices about e-cigarettes. Cross-sectional, semi-structured interviews with PCPs in 2014 were conducted and audio-recorded. Participants were 15 general internal and family medicine physicians practicing in two settings in Virginia, USA. Interview recordings were transcribed, and the content analyzed using the Constant Comparative Method to identify key themes regarding PCPs’ reported current practices and beliefs. Five themes were identified: (1) existing clinic processes do not include mechanisms to screen for noncombustible tobacco products (such as e-cigarettes); (2) e-cigarette discussions are becoming commonplace with patients initiating the discussions and seeking physician guidance regarding e-cigarette use; (3) a lack of knowledge regarding the potential harms and benefits of e-cigarettes, yet a willingness to support their patients’ desire to use e-cigarettes (4) believing e-cigarettes are a safer alternative to smoking combustible tobacco products; and (5) abandoning concerns regarding the potential harms of e-cigarettes in the context of highly addicted patients and those with extensive comorbidities. Despite acknowledging limited knowledge regarding e-cigarettes, findings suggest that some PCPs are currently recommending e-cigarettes to their patients for smoking cessation and relative harm reduction, often personalizing recommendations based on the patient’s perceived addiction level and current health status. Physicians need to be informed about the evolving evidence regarding the risks and benefits of e-cigarettes.
The Folding of de Novo Designed Protein DS119 via Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Wang Moye , Hu Jie , Zhang Zhuqing
Published: April 2016

As they are not subjected to natural selection process, de novo designed proteins usually fold in a manner different from natural proteins. Recently, a de novo designed mini-protein DS119, with a βαβ motif and 36 amino acids, has folded unusually slowly in experiments, and transient dimers have been detected in the folding process. Here, by means of all-atom replica exchange molecular dynamics (REMD) simulations, several comparably stable intermediate states were observed on the folding free-energy landscape of DS119. Conventional molecular dynamics (CMD) simulations showed that when two unfolded DS119 proteins bound together, most binding sites of dimeric aggregates were located at the N-terminal segment, especially residues 5–10, which were supposed to form β-sheet with its own C-terminal segment. Furthermore, a large percentage of individual proteins in the dimeric aggregates adopted conformations similar to those in the intermediate states observed in REMD simulations. These results indicate that, during the folding process, DS119 can easily become trapped in intermediate states. Then, with diffusion, a transient dimer would be formed and stabilized with the binding interface located at N-terminals. This means that it could not quickly fold to the native structure. The complicated folding manner of DS119 implies the important influence of natural selection on protein-folding kinetics, and more improvement should be achieved in rational protein design.
Tacrolimus Modulates TGF-β Signaling to Induce Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Human Renal Proximal Tubule Epithelial Cells
Authors: Bennett Jason , Cassidy Hilary , Slattery Craig , Ryan Michael , McMorrow Tara
Published: April 2016

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process which describes the trans-differentiation of epithelial cells into motile mesenchymal cells, is pivotal in stem cell behavior, development and wound healing, as well as contributing to disease processes including fibrosis and cancer progression. Maintenance immunosuppression with calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) has become routine management for renal transplant patient, but unfortunately the nephrotoxicity of these drugs has been well documented. HK-2 cells were exposed to Tacrolimus (FK506) and EMT markers were assessed by RT PCR and western blot. FK506 effects on TGF-β mRNA were assessed by RT PCR and TGF-β secretion was measured by ELISA. The impact of increased TGF-β secretion on Smad signaling pathways was investigated. The impact of inhibition of TGF-β signaling on EMT processes was assessed by scratch-wound assay. The results presented in this study suggest that FK506 initiates EMT processes in the HK-2 cell line, with altered expression of epithelial and myofibroblast markers evident. Additionally, the study demonstrates that FK506 activation of the TGF-β/ SMAD pathways is an essential step in the EMT process. Overall the results demonstrate that EMT is heavily involved in renal fibrosis associated with CNI nephrotoxicity.
An NMR Spectroscopic Investigation of Aluminosilicate Gel in Alkali-Activated Fly Ash in a CO2-Rich Environment
Authors: Park Sol-Moi , Jang Jeong-Gook , Chae Seen-Ae , Lee Haeng-Ki
Published: April 2016

The present study investigated aluminosilicate gel in alkali-activated fly ash exposed to a CO2-rich environment by means of NMR spectroscopy. The alkali-activated fly ash was exposed to an atmospheric CO2 concentration of 10% after curing at 80 °C initially for 24 h. Under high concentrations of CO2, highly reactive components Na and Al, which completely reacted within the first few hours, were unaffected by carbonation, while Si, with relatively slower reactivity, behaved differently. Despite a lower degree of the reaction in the carbonated sample, the monomeric silicates rapidly became of higher polymerization, meaning that exposure to high concentrations of CO2 caused Si to form a binding gel phase. Consequently, the carbonated sample possessed a higher amount of binding gel. The obtained results may be useful to understand the fundamental chemistry and behavior of aluminosilicate gel under high concentrations of CO2.
Monotonic and Cyclic Behavior of DIN 34CrNiMo6 Tempered Alloy Steel
Authors: Branco Ricardo , Costa José , Antunes Fernando , Perdigão Sandra
Published: April 2016

This paper aims at studying the monotonic and cyclic plastic deformation behavior of DIN 34CrNiMo6 high strength steel. Monotonic and low-cycle fatigue tests are conducted in ambient air, at room temperature, using standard 8-mm diameter specimens. The former tests are carried out under position control with constant displacement rate. The latter are performed under fully-reversed strain-controlled conditions, using the single-step test method, with strain amplitudes lying between ±0.4% and ±2.0%. After the tests, the fracture surfaces are examined by scanning electron microscopy in order to characterize the surface morphologies and identify the main failure mechanisms. Regardless of the strain amplitude, a softening behavior was observed throughout the entire life. Total strain energy density, defined as the sum of both tensile elastic and plastic strain energies, was revealed to be an adequate fatigue damage parameter for short and long lives.
Study on the Surface Integrity of a Thin-Walled Aluminum Alloy Structure after a Bilateral Slid Rolling Process
Authors: Lu Laixiao , Sun Jie , Han Xiong , Xiong Qingchun
Published: April 2016

For studying the influence of a bilateral slid rolling process (BSRP) on the surface integrity of a thin-walled aluminum alloy structure, and revealing the generation mechanism of residual stresses, a self-designed BSRP appliance was used to conduct rolling experiments. With the aid of a surface optical profiler, an X-ray stress analyzer, and a scanning electron microscope (SEM), the differences in surface integrity before and after BSRP were explored. The internal changing mechanism of physical as well as mechanical properties was probed. The results show that surface roughness (Ra) is reduced by 23.7%, microhardness is increased by 21.6%, and the depth of the hardening layer is about 100 μm. Serious plastic deformation was observed within the subsurface of the rolled region. The residual stress distributions along the depth of the rolling surface and milling surface were tested respectively. Residual stresses with deep and high amplitudes were generated via the BSRP. Based on the analysis of the microstructure, the generation mechanism of the residual stresses was probed. The residual stress of the rolling area consisted of two sections: microscopic stresses caused by local plastic deformation and macroscopic stresses caused by overall non-uniform deformation.
Sexual Dimorphism in the Response of Mercurialis annua to Stress
Authors: Orlofsky Ezra , Kozhoridze Giorgi , Lyubenova Lyudmila , Ostrozhenkova Elena , Winkler J. , Schröder Peter , Bacher Adelbert , Eisenreich Wolfgang , Guy Micha , Golan-Goldhirsh Avi
Published: April 2016

The research presented stemmed from the observations that female plants of the annual dioecious Mercurialis annua outlive male plants. This led to the hypothesis that female plants of M. annua would be more tolerant to stress than male plants. This hypothesis was addressed in a comprehensive way, by comparing morphological, biochemical and metabolomics changes in female and male plants during their development and under salinity. There were practically no differences between the genders in vegetative development and physiological parameters. However, under salinity conditions, female plants produced significantly more new reproductive nodes. Gender-linked differences in peroxidase (POD) and glutathione transferases (GSTs) were involved in anti-oxidation, detoxification and developmental processes in M. annua. 1H NMR metabolite profiling of female and male M. annua plants showed that under salinity the activity of the TCA cycle increased. There was also an increase in betaine in both genders, which may be explainable by its osmo-compatible function under salinity. The concentration of ten metabolites changed in both genders, while ‘Female-only-response’ to salinity was detected for five metabolites. In conclusion, dimorphic responses of M. annua plant genders to stress may be attributed to female plants’ capacity to survive and complete the reproductive life cycle.
A CMOS MEMS Humidity Sensor Enhanced by a Capacitive Coupling Structure
Authors: Huang Jian-Qiu , Li Baoye , Chen Wenhao
Published: April 2016

A capacitive coupling structure is developed to improve the performances of a capacitive complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) microelectromechanical system (MEMS) humidity sensor. The humidity sensor was fabricated by a post-CMOS process. Silver nanowires were dispersed onto the top of a conventional interdigitated capacitive structure to form a coupling electrode. Unlike a conventional structure, a thinner sensitive layer was employed to increase the coupling capacitance which dominated the sensitive capacitance of the humidity sensor. Not only static properties but also dynamic properties were found to be better with the aid of coupling capacitance. At 25 °C, the sensitive capacitance was 11.3 pF, the sensitivity of the sensor was measured to be 32.8 fF/%RH and the hysteresis was measured to be 1.0 %RH. Both a low temperature coefficient and a fast response (10 s)/recovery time (17 s) were obtained.
Study on the Selection of Comminution Circuits for a Magnetite Ore in Eastern Hebei, China
Authors: Liang Guangquan , Wei Dezhou , Xu Xinyang , Xia Xiwen , Li Yubiao
Published: April 2016

Standard drop weight, SMC, and Bond ball work index tests have been conducted to investigate the comminution circuit of a magnetite ore located in Eastern Hebei, China. In addition, simulations based on JKSimMet and Morrell models have been performed to compare the specific energy consumption of various comminution circuits. According to the desired capacity and the ore communition characteristics observed, a simulation was conducted to determine the size and driving power of the grinding mills. The SMC and Bond ball work index experiments as well as the Morrell model indicated that the order of the specific energy consumption of comminution was “Jaw crusher + HPGR mill + ball mill” < “Jaw crusher + ball mill”< “SAG mill + ball mill”.
Polymeric Biodegradable Stent Insertion in the Esophagus
Authors: Yang Kai , Ling Christopher , Yuan Tianwen , Zhu Yueqi , Cheng Yingsheng , Cui Wenguo
Published: April 2016

Esophageal stent insertion has been used as a well-accepted and effective alternative to manage and improve the quality of life for patients diagnosed with esophageal diseases and disorders. Current stents are either permanent or temporary and are fabricated from either metal or plastic. The partially covered self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) has a firm anchoring effect and prevent stent migration, however, the hyperplastic tissue reaction cause stent restenosis and make it difficult to remove. A fully covered SEMS and self-expanding plastic stent (SEPS) reduced reactive hyperplasia but has a high migration rate. The main advantage that polymeric biodegradable stents (BDSs) have over metal or plastic stents is that removal is not require and reduce the need for repeated stent insertion. But the slightly lower radial force of BDS may be its main shortcoming and a post-implant problem. Thus, strengthening support of BDS is a content of the research in the future. BDSs are often temporarily effective in esophageal stricture to relieve dysphagia. In the future, it can be expect that biodegradable drug-eluting stents (DES) will be available to treat benign esophageal stricture, perforations or leaks with additional use as palliative modalities for treating malignant esophageal stricture, as the bridge to surgery or to maintain luminal patency during neoadjuvant chemoradiation.
Synthesis and Mechanism of Metal-Mediated Polymerization of Phenolic Resins
Authors: Yi Zhao , Zhang Jizhi , Zhang Shifeng , Gao Qiang , Li Jianzhang , Zhang Wei
Published: April 2016

Phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resin is a high performance adhesive, but has not been widely developed due to its slow curing rate and high curing temperature. To accelerate the curing rate and to lower the curing temperature of PF resin, four types of metal-mediated catalysts were employed in the synthesis of PF resin; namely, barium hydroxide (Ba(OH)2), sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), lithium hydroxide (LiOH), and zinc acetate ((CH3COO)2Zn). The cure-acceleration effects of these catalysts on the properties of PF resins were measured, and the chemical structures of the PF resins accelerated with the catalysts were investigated by using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and quantitative liquid carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR). The results showed that the accelerated efficiency of these catalysts to PF resin could be ordered in the following sequence: Na2CO3 > (CH3COO)2Zn > Ba(OH)2 > LiOH. The catalysts (CH3COO)2Zn and Na2CO3 increased the reaction activity of the phenol ortho position and the condensation reaction of ortho methylol. The accelerating mechanism of (CH3COO)2Zn on PF resin is probably different from that of Na2CO3, which can be confirmed by the differences in the differential thermogravimetric (DTG) curve and thermogravimetric (TG) data. Compared to the Na2CO3-accelerated PF resin, the (CH3COO)2Zn-accelerated PF resin showed different peaks in the DTG curve and higher weight residues. In the synthesis process, the catalyst (CH3COO)2Zn may form chelating compounds (containing a metal-ligand bond), which can promote the linkage of formaldehyde to the phenolic hydroxyl ortho position.
Highly Concentrated Alginate-Gellan Gum Composites for 3D Plotting of Complex Tissue Engineering Scaffolds
Authors: Akkineni Ashwini , Ahlfeld Tilman , Funk Alexander , Waske Anja , Lode Anja , Gelinsky Michael
Published: April 2016

In tissue engineering, additive manufacturing (AM) technologies have brought considerable progress as they allow the fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) structures with defined architecture. 3D plotting is a versatile, extrusion-based AM technology suitable for processing a wide range of biomaterials including hydrogels. In this study, composites of highly concentrated alginate and gellan gum were prepared in order to combine the excellent printing properties of alginate with the favorable gelling characteristics of gellan gum. Mixtures of 16.7 wt % alginate and 2 or 3 wt % gellan gum were found applicable for 3D plotting. Characterization of the resulting composite scaffolds revealed an increased stiffness in the wet state (15%–20% higher Young’s modulus) and significantly lower volume swelling in cell culture medium compared to pure alginate scaffolds (~10% vs. ~23%). Cytocompatibility experiments with human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) revealed that cell attachment was improved—the seeding efficiency was ~2.5–3.5 times higher on the composites than on pure alginate. Additionally, the composites were shown to support hMSC proliferation and early osteogenic differentiation. In conclusion, print fidelity of highly concentrated alginate-gellan gum composites was comparable to those of pure alginate; after plotting and crosslinking, the scaffolds possessed improved qualities regarding shape fidelity, mechanical strength, and initial cell attachment making them attractive for tissue engineering applications.
Biobehavioral Examination of Religious Coping, Psychosocial Factors, and Executive Function in Homebound Older Adults
Authors: Boss Lisa , Branson Sandy , Cron Stanley , Kang Duck-Hee
Published: April 2016

Introduction: Although many homebound older adults cope well using various resources, including religious coping strategies, some experience prolonged and unresolved psychosocial distress resulting in biological disruptions, such as hypercortisolism and increased inflammation, which are suggested mechanisms of decreased executive function. Purpose: To examine relationships of religious coping, psychosocial factors (stress, depression, loneliness), salivary biomarkers (cortisol, C-reactive protein (CRP), Interleukin-1β), and executive function. Methods: Data were collected cross-sectionally from 88 older adults (mean age 75.3). Religious coping, stress, depression, loneliness, and cognitive function were measured with standardized instruments, and saliva samples were collected for salivary cortisol, CRP, and IL-1β. Results: Negative religious coping significantly and positively correlated with stress, depression, and loneliness (r = 0.46, r = 0.21, r = 0.47, all p < 0.05); positive religious coping significantly and negatively correlated with depression and loneliness (r = −0.29, r = −0.23, both p < 0.05); and greater loneliness significantly predicted greater CRP (p < 0.05). For executive function, IL-1β showed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.23, p = < 0.05). Discussion: Our findings fill gaps related to biobehavioral interactions of religious coping and cognitive health in the aging population. Future research should include additional psychosocial and biobehavioral variables in larger samples of diverse and vulnerable populations. Collective findings may be able to identify particularly vulnerable subgroups of population, ultimately with tailored interventions to prevent cognitive decline.
Evaluation of MODIS LAI/FPAR Product Collection 6. Part 1: Consistency and Improvements
Authors: Yan Kai , Park Taejin , Yan Guangjian , Chen Chi , Yang Bin , Liu Zhao , Nemani Ramakrishna , Knyazikhin Yuri , Myneni Ranga
Published: April 2016

As the latest version of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Leaf Area Index (LAI) and Fraction of Photosynthetically Active Radiation (FPAR) products, Collection 6 (C6) has been distributed since August 2015. This collection is evaluated in this two-part series with the goal of assessing product accuracy, uncertainty and consistency with the previous version. In this first paper, we compare C6 (MOD15A2H) with Collection 5 (C5) to check for consistency and discuss the scale effects associated with changing spatial resolution between the two collections and benefits from improvements to algorithm inputs. Compared with C5, C6 benefits from two improved inputs: (1) L2G–lite surface reflectance at 500 m resolution in place of reflectance at 1 km resolution; and (2) new multi-year land-cover product at 500 m resolution in place of the 1 km static land-cover product. Global and seasonal comparison between C5 and C6 indicates good continuity and consistency for all biome types. Moreover, inter-annual LAI anomalies at the regional scale from C5 and C6 agree well. The proportion of main radiative transfer algorithm retrievals in C6 increased slightly in most biome types, notably including a 17% improvement in evergreen broadleaf forests. With same biome input, the mean RMSE of LAI and FPAR between C5 and C6 at global scale are 0.29 and 0.091, respectively, but biome type disagreement worsens the consistency (LAI: 0.39, FPAR: 0.102). By quantifying the impact of input changes, we find that the improvements of both land-cover and reflectance products improve LAI/FPAR products. Moreover, we find that spatial scale effects due to a resolution change from 1 km to 500 m do not cause any significant differences.
Improved Early Crop Type Identification By Joint Use of High Temporal Resolution SAR And Optical Image Time Series
Authors: Inglada Jordi , Vincent Arthur , Arias Marcela , Marais-Sicre Claire
Published: April 2016

High temporal and spatial resolution optical image time series have been proven efficient for crop type mapping at the end of the agricultural season. However, due to cloud cover and image availability, crop identification earlier in the season is difficult. The recent availability of high temporal and spatial resolution SAR image time series, opens the possibility of improving early crop type mapping. This paper studies the impact of such SAR image time series when used in complement of optical imagery. The pertinent SAR image features, the optimal working resolution, the effect of speckle filtering and the use of temporal gap-filling of the optical image time series are assessed. SAR image time series as those provided by the Sentinel-1 satellites allow significant improvements in terms of land cover classification, both in terms of accuracy at the end of the season and for early crop identification. Haralik textures (Entropy, Inertia), the polarization ratio and the local mean together with the VV imagery were found to be the most pertinent features. Working at at 10 m resolution and using speckle filtering yield better results than other configurations. Finally it was shown that the use of SAR imagery allows to use optical data without gap-filling yielding results which are equivalent to the use of gap-filling in the case of perfect cloud screening, and better results in the case of cloud screening errors.
Environmental Assessment of Integrated Food and Cooking Fuel Production for a Village in Ghana
Authors: Kamp Andreas , Østergård Hanne , Bolwig Simon
Published: April 2016

Small-scale farming in Ghana is typically associated with synthetic fertilizer dependence and soil degradation. The farmers often rely on wood fuel for cooking imported from outside the farmland, a practice that is associated with deforestation. Integration of food and energy production may be a holistic approach to solving these issues. We study four approaches to providing food and fuel for cooking in a small-scale farming community. Present practice (PP) of synthetic fertilizer based food production and provision of wood fuel from outside the farming area is compared to three modeled, integrated technology options: integrated food and household-scale biogas production (HH Biogas), integrated food and village-scale biogas production (Village Biogas), and integrated food and wood fuel production (Agroforestry). Integrated approaches are able to eliminate the import of wood fuel, reduce synthetic fertilizer use by 24%, 35% and 44% and soil loss by 15%, 20% and 87%, respectively, compared to present practice. An Emergy Assessment (EmA) shows that integrated approaches are relevant substitutes to present practice considering biophysical efficiency indicated by Unit Emergy Value (in solar emjoules (sej) per J of output) and dependence on renewable inputs indicated by the Global Renewability Fraction (in %): 2.6–3.0 × 105 sej/J and 38%–48% (PP), 2.5–2.8 × 105 sej/J and 41%–46% (HH Biogas), 2.4–2.6 × 105 sej/J and 45%–47% (Village Biogas), 1.7–2.4 × 105 sej/J and 49%–66% (Agroforestry). Systematic recycling and use of local resources may play a pivotal role in reducing the dependence on non-renewable resources in Ghanaian farming, ensuring long-term soil fertility and stemming the current deforestation of wood reserves.
Analysis of the Effect of the CaCl2 Mass Fraction on the Efficiency of a Heat Pump Integrated Heat-Source Tower Using an Artificial Neural Network Model
Authors: Wei Xiaoqing , Li Nianping , Peng Jinqing , Cheng Jianlin , Su Lin , Hu Jinhua
Published: April 2016

An existing idle cooling tower can be reversibly used as a heat-source tower (HST) to drive a heat pump (HP) in cold seasons, with calcium chloride (CaCl2) aqueous solution commonly selected as the secondary working fluid in an indirect system due to its good thermo-physical properties. This study analyzed the effect of CaCl2 mass fraction on the effectiveness (ε) of a closed HST and the coefficient of performance (COP) of a HP heating system using an artificial neural network (ANN) technique. CaCl2 aqueous solutions with five different mass fractions, viz. 3%, 9%, 15%, 21%, and 27%, were chosen as the secondary working fluids for the HSTHP heating system. In order to collect enough measured data, extensive field tests were conducted on an experimental test rig in Changsha, China which experiences hot summer and cold winter weather. After back-propagation (BP) training, the three-layer (4-9-2) ANN model with a tangent sigmoid transfer function at the hidden layer and a linear transfer function at the output layer was developed for predicting the tower effectiveness and the COP of the HP under different inlet air dry-/wet-bulb temperatures, hot water inlet temperatures and CaCl2 mass fractions. The correlation coefficient (R), mean relative error (MRE) and root mean squared error (RMSE) were adopted to evaluate the prediction accuracy of the ANN model. The results showed that the R, MRE, and RMSE between the training values and the experimental values of ε (COP) were 0.995 (0.996), 2.09% (1.89%), and 0.005 (0.060), respectively, which indicated that the ANN model was reliable and robust in predicting the performance of the HP. The findings of this paper indicated that in order to guarantee normal operation of the system, the freezing point temperature of the CaCl2 aqueous solution should be sufficiently (3–5 K) below its lowest operating temperature or lower than the normal operating temperature by about 10 K. The tower effectiveness increased with increasing CaCl2 mass fraction from 0 to 27%, while the COP of the HP decreased. A tradeoff between the tower effectiveness and the COP of the HP should be considered to further determine the suitable mass fraction of CaCl2 aqueous solution for the HSTHP heating system. The outputs of this study are expected to provide guidelines for selecting brine with an appropriate mass fraction for a closed HSTHP heating system for actual applications, which would be a reasonable solution to improve the system performance.
Scottish Passive House: Insights into Environmental Conditions in Monitored Passive Houses
Authors: Foster Janice , Sharpe Tim , Poston Anna , Morgan Chris , Musau Filbert
Published: April 2016

Climate change and sustainability legislation in recent years has led to significant changes in construction approaches in the UK housing sector. This has resulted in the adoption of new building typologies, including the German Passivhaus (Passive House) standard. This standard aims to improve occupant comfort and energy efficiency, potentially changing the ways in which homes operate and how occupants interact with them. With increasing construction of low energy dwellings, there is an emerging gap in knowledge in relation to occupant health and wellbeing, thermal comfort, and indoor air quality (IAQ). Using data collected from a two year Building Performance Evaluation (BPE) study funded by Innovate UK, the environmental data (temperature, relative humidity and carbon dioxide concentrations) from five Certified Passive House homes in Scotland was compared. The results demonstrate problems with overheating with peak temperatures exceeding 30 °C. Imbalanced mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) systems were identified in 80% of the dwellings and inadequate IAQ was found due to poor ventilation. Only one of the Passive Houses studied exhibited thermal conditions and IAQ which were, on the whole within Passive House parameters. This paper outlines the insights and the main issues of Scottish Passive House in the broader context of sustainability.
Use of Cold Atmospheric Plasma to Detoxify Hazelnuts from Aflatoxins
Authors: Siciliano Ilenia , Spadaro Davide , Prelle Ambra , Vallauri Dario , Cavallero Maria , Garibaldi Angelo , Gullino Maria
Published: April 2016

Aflatoxins, produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus, can contaminate different foodstuffs, such as nuts. Cold atmospheric pressure plasma has the potential to be used for mycotoxin detoxification. In this study, the operating parameters of cold atmospheric pressure plasma were optimized to reduce the presence of aflatoxins on dehulled hazelnuts. First, the effect of different gases was tested (N2, 0.1% O2 and 1% O2, 21% O2), then power (400, 700, 1000, 1150 W) and exposure time (1, 2, 4, and 12 min) were optimized. In preliminary tests on aflatoxin standard solutions, this method allowed to obtain a complete detoxification using a high power for a few minutes. On hazelnuts, in similar conditions (1000 W, 12 min), a reduction in the concentration of total aflatoxins and AFB1 of over 70% was obtained. Aflatoxins B1 and G1 were more sensitive to plasma treatments compared to aflatoxins B2 and G2, respectively. Under plasma treatment, aflatoxin B1 was more sensitive compared to aflatoxin G1. At the highest power, and for the longest time, the maximum temperature increment was 28.9 °C. Cold atmospheric plasma has the potential to be a promising method for aflatoxin detoxification on food, because it is effective and it could help to maintain the organoleptic characteristics.
Intraprostatic Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A Injection for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia—A Spotlight in Reality
Authors: Hsu Yu-Chao , Wang Hung-Jen , Chuang Yao-Chi
Published: April 2016

Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It inhibits the release of acetylcholine and other neurotransmitters from the nerve terminal. Botulinum toxin, specifically toxin type A (BoNT-A) has been used since the 1970s to reduce the muscular hypercontraction disorders. The application of BoNT-A in urology field started from intra-bladder injection for overactive bladder, which has been recognized as third line therapy in many countries. Since prostate gland as well as bladder is under the influence of autonomic innervation, theorectically, injection of BoNT-A into the prostate induces chemo-denervation and modulation of prostate function, and reduces lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). This article reviews the application of BoNT-A in patients with LUTS/ benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) from mechanisms of action to clinical results. BoNT-A has been shown to induce prostate apoptosis, downregulation of alpha 1A receptors, and reduce contractile function of prostate in animal studies. Open studies of intraprostate BoNT-A injection have demonstrated promising results of reducing LUTS and improvement of voiding function in human LUTS/BPH, however, intraprostatic BoNT-A injection did not perform better than the placebo group in recent publications of placebo controlled studies. We suggested that BoNT-A prostate injection might benefit selected population of BPH/LUTS, but it is unlikely to be an effective therapy for general population of male LUTS/BPH.
SupT1 Cell Infusion as a Possible Cell-Based Therapy for HIV: Results from a Pilot Study in Hu-PBMC BRGS Mice
Authors: Fior Jonathan
Published: April 2016

In a previous in vitro study, the SupT1 cell line was explored as a decoy target for HIV-1, proposing SupT1 cell infusion as a possible cell-based therapy for HIV. In the present work, the previous in vitro model was translated into an in vivo setting. Specifically, Hu-PBMC BRGS mice were infected with a high input of HIV-1 LAI (100,000 TCID50), and 40 million 30 Gy-irradiated SupT1 cells were infused weekly for 4 weeks as a therapy. Blood samples were taken to monitor CD4+ T cell count and viral load, and mice were monitored daily for signs of illness. At the earliest time point analyzed (Week 1), there was a significantly lower plasma viral load (~10-fold) in all animals treated with SupT1 cell infusion, associated with a higher CD4+ T cell count. At later time points, infection proceeded with robust viral replication and evident CD4+ T cell depletion, except in one mouse that showed complete suppression of viral replication and preservation of CD4+ T cell count. No morbidity or mortality was associated with SupT1 cell infusion. The interesting tendencies observed in the generated data suggest that this approach should be further investigated as a possible cell-based HIV therapy.
Fabrication and properties of luminescence polymer composites with erbium/ytterbium oxides and gold nanoparticles
Authors: Burunkova Julia A , Denisiuk Ihor Yu , Zhuk Dmitri I , Daroczi Lajos , Csik Attila , Csarnovics István , Kokenyesi Sándor
Published: April 2016

Rare-earth-doped optical materials are important for light sources in optoelectronics, as well as for efficient optical amplification elements and other elements of photonics. On the basis of the previously developed method of anhydrous, low-temperature synthesis of Er/Yb oxides from their chlorides we fabricated proper nanoparticles with defined parameters and used them for the development of optically transparent, luminescent polymer nanocomposite with low optical scattering, suitable for direct, light-induced formation of photonic elements. Introduction of preformed gold nanoparticles in such a nanocomposite was also performed and an enhancement of luminescence due to the influence of plasmon effects was detected.
OBSERVATION OF A QUASIPERIODIC PULSATION IN HARD X-RAY, RADIO, AND EXTREME-ULTRAVIOLET WAVELENGTHS
Authors: Kumar Pankaj , Nakariakov Valery M. , Cho Kyung-Suk
Published: April 2016

We present a multiwavelength analysis of a quasiperiodic pulsation (QPP) observed in the hard X-ray (HXR), radio, and extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) channels during an M1.9 flare that occurred on 2011 September 23–24. The nonthermal HXR emission in 25–50 keV observed by RHESSI shows five distinct impulsive peaks of decaying amplitude with a period of about 3 minutes. A similar QPP was observed in the microwave emission recorded by the Nobeyama Radioheliograph and Polarimeter in the 2, 3.75, 9.4, and 17 GHz channels. Interestingly, the 3-minute QPP was also observed in the metric and decimetric radio frequencies (25–180, 245, 610 MHz) as repetitive type III bursts. Multiwavelength observations from the Solar Dynamics Observatory/Atmospheric Image Assembly, Hinode/SOT, and Solar TErrestrial RElations Observatory/SECCHI suggest a fan-spine topology at the eruption site, associated with the formation of a quasi-circular ribbon during the flare. A small filament was observed below the fan loops before the flare onset. The filament rose slowly and interacted with the ambient field. This behavior was followed by an untwisting motion of the filament. Two different structures of the filament showed an approximately 3-minute periodic alternate rotation in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions. The 3-minute QPP was found to highly correlate with 3-minute oscillations in a nearby sunspot. We suggest that the periodic reconnection (modulated either by a sunspot slow-mode wave or by an untwisting filament) at a magnetic null point most likely causes the repetitive particle acceleration, generating the QPP observed in HXR, microwave, and type III radio bursts.
ALMA 0.1–0.2 arcsec RESOLUTION IMAGING OF THE NGC 1068 NUCLEUS: COMPACT DENSE MOLECULAR GAS EMISSION AT THE PUTATIVE AGN LOCATION
Authors: Imanishi (今 西 昌 俊) Masatoshi , Nakanishi (中 西 康 一 郎) Kouichiro , Izumi (泉 拓 磨) Takuma
Published: April 2016

We present the results of our ALMA Cycle 2 high angular resolution (0.″1–0.″2) observations of the nuclear region of the nearby well-studied type-2 active galactic nucleus (AGN), NGC 1068, at HCN J = 3–2 and HCO+
J = 3–2 emission lines. For the first time, due to a higher angular resolution than previous studies, we clearly detected dense molecular gas emission at the putative AGN location, identified as a ∼1.1 mm (∼266 GHz) continuum emission peak, by separating this emission from brighter emission located at 0.″5–2.″0 on the eastern and western sides of the AGN. The estimated intrinsic molecular emission size and dense molecular mass, which are thought to be associated with the putative dusty molecular torus around an AGN, were ∼10 pc and ∼several × 105
M
⊙, respectively. HCN-to-HCO+
J = 3–2 flux ratios substantially higher than unity were found throughout the nuclear region of NGC 1068. The continuum emission displayed an elongated morphology along the direction of the radio jet located at the northern side of the AGN, as well as a weak spatially-resolved component at ∼2.″0 on the southwestern side of the AGN. The latter component most likely originated from star formation, with the estimated luminosity more than one order of magnitude lower than the luminosity of the central AGN. No vibrationally excited (v
2 = 1f) J = 3–2 emission lines were detected for HCN and HCO+ across the field of view.
ULTRAFAST OUTFLOWS FROM BLACK HOLE MERGERS WITH A MINIDISK
Authors: Murase Kohta , Kashiyama Kazumi , Mészáros Peter , Shoemaker Ian , Senno Nicholas
Published: April 2016

Recently, the direct detection of gravitational waves from black hole (BH) mergers was announced by the Advanced LIGO Collaboration. Multi-messenger counterparts of stellar-mass BH mergers are of interest, and it had been suggested that a small disk or celestial body may be involved in the binary of two BHs. To test such possibilities, we consider the fate of a wind powered by an active minidisk in a relatively short, super-Eddington accretion episode onto a BH with ∼10–100 solar masses. We show that its thermal emission could be seen as a fast optical transient with the duration from hours to days. We also find that the coasting outflow forms external shocks due to interaction with the interstellar medium, whose synchrotron emission might be expected in the radio band on a timescale of years. Finally, we also discuss a possible jet component and the associated high-energy neutrino emission as well as ultra-high-energy cosmic-ray acceleration.
Longitudinal Analysis of the Associations between Antiretroviral Therapy, Viraemia and Immunosuppression with Lipid Levels: The D:A:D Study
Authors: Kamara David A , Smith Colette , Ryom Lene , Reiss Peter , Rickenbach Martin , Phillips Andrew , Mocroft Amanda , De Wit Stephan , Law Matthew , Monforte Antonella d'Arminio , Dabis Francois , Pradier Christian , Lundgren Jens D , Sabin Caroline
Published: April 2016

Background

Antiretroviral (ART) drugs have been associated with higher triglycerides (TG), higher total cholesterol (TC) and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. Associations between lipid levels with HIV viraemia and immunosuppression in the presence of ART remain unclear.

Methods

Participants from the D:A:D study with at least one TG/TC/HDL-C measurement were included. Linear mixed effect models were used to determine the association of ART, viral load (VL), nadir and current CD4+ T-cell count and previous AIDS diagnosis with lipids.

Results

Of 49,717 participants, 90%, 92% and 80% contributed at least one TG/TC/HDL-C measurement (median follow-up 6.8, 6.8 and 5.0 years, respectively). Predicted mean (95% CI) baseline levels for TG, TC and HDL-C (mmol/l), were 2.10 (2.05, 2.14), 4.94 (4.91, 4.98) and 1.08 (1.07, 1.10), respectively. Lopinavir was associated with the worst TG profile, (27.2% higher levels compared to atazanavir; 95% CI 25.2%, 29.2%), and darunavir had a similar profile as atazanavir. The nucleoside pair lamivudine/tenofovir was associated with the most favourable TG profile (-2.8%; -3.5%, -2.0%) compared with emtricitabine/tenofovir, whereas lamivudine/abacavir (+10.2%; +9.3%, +11.2%) and lamivudine/ stavudine (+8.0%; +6.9%, +9.0%), were associated with the worst. Raltegravir was associated with lower TG (-5.2%; -6.4%, -3.9%), and nevirapine had a more favourable HDL-C profile (+11.3%; +10.8%, +11.7%) than efavirenz (+5.3%; 5.0%, 5.7%), compared to atazanavir. Higher VLs were associated with lower TG/TC/HDL-C, whereas higher CD4+ T-cell counts were associated with higher TG/TC/HDL-C.

Conclusions

TG, TC and HDL-C levels, which generally improved over time, are dependent on ART, viraemia and, to a lesser extent, immunosuppression.
Macro-invertebrate Biodiversity of a Coastal Prairie with Vernal Pool Habitat
Authors: Fiesler Emile , Drake Tracy
Published: April 2016

The California Coastal Prairie has the highest biodiversity of North America's grasslands, but also has the highest percentage of urbanization. The most urbanized part of the California Coastal Prairie is its southernmost area, in Los Angeles County. This southernmost region, known as the Los Angeles Coastal Prairie, was historically dotted with vernal pools, and has a unique biodiverse composition. More than 99.5% of its estimated original 95 km2 (23,475 acres), as well as almost all its vernal pool complexes, have been lost to urbanization.

The Madrona Marsh Preserve, in Torrance, California, safeguards approximately 18 hectares (44 acres) of Los Angeles Coastal Prairie and includes a complex of vernal pools. Its aquatic biodiversity had been studied, predominantly to genus level, but its terrestrial macro-invertebrates were virtually unknown, aside from butterfly, dragonfly, and damselfly observations.

In order to better understand the biodiversity at the Madrona Marsh Preserve, a minimally-invasive macro-invertebrate inventory was conducted. The results of this inventory, with 689 invertebrate organisms recorded, covering eight phyla, 13 classes, 39 orders, and 222 families, are presented in this document.
« Tenir toujours fortement comme les deux bouts de la chaîne »
Authors: Naszályi Philippe
Published: April 2016

Ce numéro double du cœur de l’année du cinquantenaire et qui parait avec retard, est symbolique de ce que notre revue depuis sa création en 1965, a toujours essayé de faire : Produire une recherche et non pas des publications. C’est une lourde de tâche que de « tenir toujours fortement comme les deux bouts de la chaîne quoiqu’on ne voit pas toujours par où l’enchainement se continue » pour reprendre la formule célèbre de Bossuet. Lorsque « le meilleur économiste de France », Raymond Barre, alors Premier ministre, lui a décerné ce titre, c’était parce qu’elle se distinguait de ces consœurs, par une originalité, une liberté de ton et un choix de faire de la gestion une matière vivante en phase avec les évolutions des entreprises – rappelons qu’elle s’appelait alors : direction et gestion des entreprises. Ce numéro 273-274 présente donc en troisième partie, un cahier de recherche fruit d’un colloque. Nous le devons à une collaboration entre un laboratoire universitaire jeune, le Litem , ici sa branche Tem, conduite par Jean-Luc Moriceau et Isabela Paes et un laboratoire privé, Umalis sous la conduite de Julien Billion et de Géraldine Guérillot. Il traite de La déconstruction créatrice du travail : Innovations, opportunités et pièges . Les six articles sélectionnés, émanent de jeunes chercheurs, et sont à bien des égards, décoiffants. Ils apportent une réflexion pluridisciplinaire que nous ne cessons d’appeler de nos vœux pour sortir de la « scolastique » éculée, néo-libérale ou néo-marxiste. Clin d’œil, ces articles innovants, se placent à la fin d’un numéro dont le premier dossier, est justement consacré aux normes et mesures. Aucune contradiction dans ce choix , mais l’application des « deux bouts de la chaîne ». Cinq forts articles charpentent cette réflexion où normes et mesures valident ou non, la performance dans le cadre multipolaire des économies régionales du monde. Le lien entre les « deux bouts de la chaîne », que sont le dossier initial et le cahier final, est naturellement constitué par une transition sur l’entreprise. Entreprendre et environnement turbulent est un petit bijou enchâssé. Les trois articles que l’on doit à des auteurs éprouvés, traitent successivement de l’entrepreneuriat dans son concept, de problèmes de finance notamment dans ce qui constitue la base de l’entrepreneuriat que sont les TPE, et «  finis coronat opus  », assure la transition avec le cahier final, par une remarquable analyse de discours... pour les plans dits de sauvegarde de l’emploi. L’initiative créatrice, les moyens et les hommes pour la mettre en action, c’est bien l’entreprise !
Restructurations et représentation de la performance :
Authors: Boutant Jennifer , Verdier Marie-Anne
Published: April 2016

Si les travaux académiques considèrent désormais la performance comme un concept global qui intègre les attentes de l’ensemble des parties prenantes de l’entreprise, la question est de savoir quelle représentation de la performance est donnée lors de restructurations. Les résultats, obtenus à partir de l’analyse de 1 514 articles de presse entre 1997 et 2011, révèlent une représentation de la performance fondée sur trois dimensions : sociale, financière et économique. En outre, s’ils permettent d’observer une évolution de la place accordée à ces trois dimensions, nous ne pouvons conclure à l’émergence d’une représentation globale de la performance.
Analyse de discours :
Authors: Francois-Philip de Saint-Julien Delphine
Published: April 2016

Cet article poursuit nos recherches sur les restructurations d’entreprise et se centre sur l’analyse du contenu des textes des plans de sauvegarde de l’emploi, négociés par les parties prenantes. À partir d’une analyse propositionnelle du discours et d’une analyse cognito-discursive réalisées avec le logiciel Tropes©, nous pouvons souligner l’existence de propositions remarquables, d’indicateurs langagiers, notamment sous la forme de trois principaux épisodes constitués de rafales d’occurrences, hiérarchisant les choix prioritaires et privilégiés par les parties prenantes. Le premier est centré sur la mobilité, ses aspects financiers et les modalités d’une cellule de reclassement, organisant une véritable expatriation nationale ; le deuxième repose sur le volontariat et le troisième sur le congé de reclassement. Ces épisodes proposent à la fois des éléments cognitifs, procéduraux et/ou interactionnels, afin de construire un champ de possibles favorisant l’employabilité des salariés impactés par la restructuration et le PSE.
La construction de soi dans le portage salarial
Authors: Moriceau Jean-Luc , Paes Isabela , Guérillot Géraldine
Published: April 2016

Comment se construisent les identités dans les nouvelles formes d’emploi, tel le portage salarial, qui brouillent les frontières et repères entre salariat, travail indépendant et entrepreneuriat ? Une enquête qualitative exploratoire suit le parcours et les affects de cadres portés et s’interroge sur leur construction de soi. Elle dessine le portrait de portés inventant leur chemin pour exercer à leur manière leur expertise, au sein d’un discours libéral, ayant besoin de support, parfois doutant ou angoissés. Ce qui se joue est pour eux un possible accroissement de « capabilités », un mode de vie et une forme de subjectivité mais il reste à réfléchir sur les évolutions sociales liées à ces nouvelles formes d’emploi.