bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NAFLD and Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Marcuccilli Morgan , Chonchol Michel
Published: April 2016

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in developed countries and it is now considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Evidence linking NAFLD to the development and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is emerging as a popular area of scientific interest. The rise in simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation as well as the significant cost associated with the presence of chronic kidney disease in the NAFLD population make this entity a worthwhile target for screening and therapeutic intervention. While several cross-sectional and case control studies have been published to substantiate these theories, very little data exists on the underlying cause of NAFLD and CKD. In this review, we will discuss the most recent publications on the diagnosis of NAFLD as well new evidence regarding the pathophysiology of NAFLD and CKD as an inflammatory disorder. These mechanisms include the role of obesity, the renin-angiotensin system, and dysregulation of fructose metabolism and lipogenesis in the development of both disorders. Further investigation of these pathways may lead to novel therapies that aim to target the NAFLD and CKD. However, more prospective studies that include information on both renal and liver histology will be necessary in order to understand the relationship between these diseases.
Hexacoordinate Silicon Compounds with a Dianionic Tetradentate (N,N′,N′,N)-Chelating Ligand
Authors: Gerlach Daniela , Brendler Erica , Wagler Jörg
Published: April 2016

In the context of our systematic investigations of penta- and hexacoordinate silicon compounds, which included dianionic tri- (O,N,O′; O,N,N′) and tetradentate (O,N,N,O; O,N,N′,O′) chelators, we have now explored silicon coordination chemistry with a dianionic tetradentate (N,N′,N′,N) chelator. The ligand [o-phenylene-bis(pyrrole-2-carbaldimine), H2L] was obtained by condensation of o-phenylenediamine and pyrrole-2-carbaldehyde and subsequently silylated with chlorotrimethylsilane/triethylamine. Transsilylation of this ligand precursor (Me3Si)2L with chlorosilanes SiCl4, PhSiCl3, Ph2SiCl2, (Anis)2SiCl2 and (4-Me2N-C6H4)PhSiCl2 afforded the hexacoordinate Si complexes LSiCl2, LSiPhCl, LSiPh2, LSi(Anis)2 and LSiPh(4-Me2N-C6H4), respectively (Anis = anisyl = 4-methoxyphenyl). 29Si NMR spectroscopy and, for LSiPh2, LSi(Anis)2 and LSiPh(4-Me2N-C6H4), single-crystal X-ray diffraction confirm hexacoordination of the Si atoms. The molecular structures of LSiCl2 and LSiPhCl were elucidated by computational methods. Despite the two different N donor sites (pyrrole N, X-type donor; imine N, L-type donor), charge delocalization within the ligand backbone results in compounds with four similar Si–N bonds. Charge distribution within the whole molecules was analyzed by calculating the Natural Charges (NCs). Although these five compounds carry electronically different monodentate substituents, their constituents reveal rather narrow ranges of their charges (Si atoms: +2.10–+2.22; monodentate substituents: −0.54–−0.56; L2−: −1.02–−1.11).
Structural Changes in Bengali–English Bilingual Verbs through the Exploration of Bengali Films
Authors: Chatterjee Tridha
Published: April 2016

This paper investigates structural changes in the use of Bengali–English bilingual verbs through the exploration of Bengali film scripts from three decades: the 1970s, 1990s and post-2010. Previous research has shown that the increase in use of bilingual verbs, especially involving embedded language lexical verbs with matrix language helping verbs possibly results from increased bilingual proficiency. Over the past years, the use of English, including code-switching between Indian languages and English has increased dramatically in Indian society. Given this development, this paper explores film data to ascertain the extent to which the use of bilingual verbs, closely connected to code-switching and bilingual speech, has also changed diachronically in Bengali–English speech and if these changes occur from increased levels of bilingual proficiency. In connection with structural change, this paper also discusses the sociolinguistic factors that may be related to bilingual verb use. Results show a massive increase in bilingual verbs in the films post-2010, especially the ones involving English lexical verbs. Increased use of code-switching may have played a role in these changes and sociolinguistic factors related to the use of bilingual verbs seem to be less relevant now as compared to the earlier decades.
An Experimental Investigation to Facilitate an Improvement in the Design of an Electromagnetic Continuous Casting Mould
Authors: Zhang Lintao , Deng Anyuan , Wang Engang , Sienz Johann
Published: April 2016

An electromagnetic continuous casting mould designed is proposed with a non-uniform slit distribution structure. This design has aimed to reduce the number of slits so that the mould’s strength is enhanced, whilst maintaining a similar metallurgy effect. In this paper, the metallurgy effect for the designed mould is investigated through the magnetic field distribution along the casting direction, the uniformity feature in the vicinity of the meniscus region, the temperature variation of the molten alloy pool and the mould wall. The results show that the designed mould achieved a similar effect as compared to the original mould; however, the configuration is simplified. This research highlights the topic of mould structure optimization, which would enable the Electromagnetic continuous casting (EMCC) technique to be utilized with greater ease by industry.
MASS APPRAISAL OF RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE USING MULTILEVEL MODELLING
Authors: ARRIBAS Iván , GARCÍA Fernando , GUIJARRO Francisco , OLIVER Javier , TAMOŠIŪNIENĖ Rima
Published: April 2016

Mass appraisal, or the automatic valuation of a large number of real estate assets, has attracted the attention of many researchers, who have mainly approached this issue employing traditional econometric models such as Ordinary Least Squares (OLS). However, this method does not consider the hierarchical structure of the data and therefore assumes the unrealistic hypothesis of the independence of the individuals in the sample. This paper proposes the use of the Hierarchical Linear Model (HLM) to overcome this limitation. The HLM also gives valuable information on the percentage of the variance error caused by each level in the hierarchical model. In this study HLM was applied to a large dataset of 2,149 apartments, which included 17 variables belonging to two hierarchical levels: apartment and neighbourhood. The model obtained high goodness of fit and all the estimated variances of the parameters in HLM were lower than those calculated by OLS. It can be concluded as well that no further neighbourhood variables need be added to the model to improve the goodness of fit, since almost all the residual variance can be attributed to the first hierarchical level of the model, the apartment level.
THE ROTATION AND GALACTIC KINEMATICS OF MID M DWARFS IN THE SOLAR NEIGHBORHOOD
Authors: Newton Elisabeth R. , Irwin Jonathan , Charbonneau David , Berta-Thompson Zachory K. , Dittmann Jason A. , West Andrew A.
Published: April 2016

Rotation is a directly observable stellar property, and it drives magnetic field generation and activity through a magnetic dynamo. Main-sequence stars with masses below approximately 0.35

M

⊙

(mid-to-late M dwarfs) are fully convective, and are expected to have a different type of dynamo mechanism than solar-type stars. Measurements of their rotation rates provide insight into these mechanisms, but few rotation periods are available for these stars at field ages. Using photometry from the MEarth Project, we measure rotation periods for 387 nearby, mid-to-late M dwarfs in the northern hemisphere, finding periods from 0.1 to 140 days. The typical rotator has stable, sinusoidal photometric modulations at a semi-amplitude of 0.5%–1%. We find no period–amplitude relation for stars below 0.25

M

⊙

and an anticorrelation between period and amplitude for higher-mass M dwarfs. We highlight the existence of older, slowly rotating stars without Hα emission that nevertheless have strong photometric variability. We use parallaxes, proper motions, radial velocities, photometry, and near-infrared metallicity estimates to further characterize the population of rotators. The Galactic kinematics of our sample is consistent with the local population of G and K dwarfs, and rotators have metallicities characteristic of the solar neighborhood. We use the W space velocities and established age–velocity relations to estimate that stars with P < 10 days have ages of on average <2 Gyr, and that those with P > 70 days have ages of about 5 Gyr. The period distribution is dependent on mass: as the mass decreases, the slowest rotators at a given mass have longer periods, and the fastest rotators have shorter periods. We find a lack of stars with intermediate rotation periods, and the gap between the fast and slow rotators is larger for lower masses. Our data are consistent with a scenario in which these stars maintain rapid rotation for several gigayears, then spin down quickly, reaching periods of around 100 days by a typical age of 5 Gyr.
FORWARD MODELING OF STANDING KINK MODES IN CORONAL LOOPS. II. APPLICATIONS
Authors: Yuan Ding , Doorsselaere Tom Van
Published: April 2016

Magnetohydrodynamic waves are believed to play a significant role in coronal heating, and could be used for remote diagnostics of solar plasma. Both the heating and diagnostic applications rely on a correct inversion (or backward modeling) of the observables into the thermal and magnetic structures of the plasma. However, due to the limited availability of observables, this is an ill-posed issue. Forward modeling is designed to establish a plausible mapping of plasma structuring into observables. In this study, we set up forward models of standing kink modes in coronal loops and simulate optically thin emissions in the extreme ultraviolet bandpasses, and then adjust plasma parameters and viewing angles to match three events of transverse loop oscillations observed by the Solar Dynamics Observatory/Atmospheric Imaging Assembly. We demonstrate that forward models could be effectively used to identify the oscillation overtone and polarization, to reproduce the general profile of oscillation amplitude and phase, and to predict multiple harmonic periodicities in the associated emission intensity and loop width variation.
NO PRECISE LOCALIZATION FOR FRB 150418: CLAIMED RADIO TRANSIENT IS AGN VARIABILITY
Authors: Williams P. K. G. , Berger E.
Published: April 2016

Keane et al. have recently claimed to have obtained the first precise localization for a fast radio burst (FRB) thanks to the identification of a contemporaneous fading slow (∼week-timescale) radio transient. They use this localization to pinpoint the FRB to a galaxy at

z
≈
0.49

that exhibits no discernible star formation activity. We argue that the transient is not genuine and that the host candidate, WISE J071634.59−190039.2, is instead a radio variable: the available data did not exclude this possibility; a random radio variable consistent with the observations is not unlikely to have a redshift compatible with the FRB dispersion measure; and the proposed transient light curve is better explained as a scintillating steady source, perhaps also showing an active galactic nucleus (AGN) flare, than a synchrotron-emitting blastwave. The radio luminosity of the host candidate implies that it is an AGN and we present new late-time Very Large Array observations showing that the galaxy is indeed variable at a level consistent with the claimed transient. Therefore the claimed precise localization and redshift determination for FRB 150418 cannot be justified.
THE APPARENT CRITICAL DECAY INDEX AT THE ONSET OF SOLAR PROMINENCE ERUPTIONS
Authors: Zuccarello F. P. , Aulanier G. , Gilchrist S. A.
Published: April 2016

A magnetic flux rope (MFR) embedded in a line-tied external magnetic field that decreases with height as

z

−
n

is unstable to perturbations if the decay index of the field n is larger than a critical value. The onset of this instability, called torus instability, is one of the main mechanisms that can initiate coronal mass ejections. Since flux ropes often possess magnetic dips that can support prominence plasma, this is also a valuable mechanism to trigger prominence eruptions. Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations of the formation and/or emergence of MFRs suggest a critical value for the onset of the instability in the range [1.4−2]. However, detailed observations of prominences suggest a value in the range [0.9−1.1]. In this Letter, by using a set of MHD simulations, we show why the large discrepancy between models and observations is only apparent. Our simulations indeed show that the critical decay index at the onset of the eruption is

n
=
1.4
±
0.1

when computed at the apex of the flux rope axis, while it is

n
=
1.1
±
0.1

when it is computed at the altitude of the topmost part of the distribution of magnetic dips. The discrepancy only arises because weakly twisted curved flux ropes do not have dips up to the altitude of their axis.
Checklist of British and Irish Hymenoptera - Proctotrupoidea
Authors: Broad Gavin
Published: April 2016

A revised checklist of the British and Irish Heloridae and Proctotrupidae (Proctotrupoidea) substantially updates the previous comprehensive checklist, dating from 1978. Country level data (i.e. occurrence in England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and the Isle of Man) is reported where known.

A total of three Heloridae and 39 Proctotrupidae (including only certainly recorded species) represents a 27% increase in the British list since 1978. Most species are still poorly known and there has been a dearth of taxonomic and faunistic work on the British and Irish fauna.
Laser Additive Manufacturing of Titanium-Based Implants
Authors: Maina Martin Ruthandi
Published: April 2016

Titanium and its alloys exhibit a unique combination of mechanical, physical properties and corrosion resistance behaviour which makes them desirable for aerospace, industrial, chemical, medical and energy industries. The selective addition of alloying elements to titanium enables a wide range of physical and mechanical properties to be obtained. Ti-based alloys are finding ever-increasing applications in biomaterials due to their excellent mechanical, physical and biological performance. Intense researches are being pursued in the development of new Ti-based alloys with bio-functionalization closer to human bone, owing to their excellent mechanical strength and resilience when compared to alternative biomaterials, such as polymers and ceramics. Several manufacturing techniques are capable of producing porous materials. There is a need to control pore size, shape, orientation and distribution. This work reviews the application of Ti-based alloys in the biomedical industry and also proposes laser additive manufacture process for the manufacture of medical implants.
Geometric Characterizations of Hilbert Spaces
Authors: García-Pacheco Francisco Javier , Hill Justin R.
Published: April 2016

We study some geometric properties related to the set

obtaining two characterizations of Hilbert spaces in the category of Banach spaces. We also compute the distance of a generic element (h, k) ∊ for H a Hilbert space.
Museo de Siyasa (Murcia)
Authors: López Martínez Francisco Javier
Published: April 2016

Resumen no disponible
MAX-DOAS retrieval of aerosol extinction properties in Madrid, Spain
Authors: Wang Shanshan , Cuevas Carlos A. , Frieß Udo , Saiz-Lopez Alfonso
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Multi-Axis Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (MAX-DOAS) measurements were performed in the urban environment of Madrid, Spain, from March to September in 2015. The O4 absorption in the UV was used to retrieve the aerosol extinction profile by an inversion algorithm. The results show a good agreement between the hourly retrieved aerosol optical depth (AOD) and the correlative Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) product, with a correlation coefficient of R = 0.87. Higher AODs are found in the summer season due to the more frequent occurrence of Saharan dust intrusions. The surface aerosol extinction coefficient as retrieved by the MAX-DOAS measurements was also compared to in situ PM2.5 concentrations. The level of agreement between both measurements indicates that the MAX-DOAS retrieval has the ability to characterize the extinction by particle near the surface. The retrieval algorithm was also used to study a case of severe dust intrusion on 12 May 2015. The capability of the MAX-DOAS retrieval to recognize the dust event including an elevated particle layer is investigated along with air mass back trajectory analysis.
Detection and Attribution Model Intercomparison Project (DAMIP)
Authors: Gillett Nathan P. , Shiogama Hideo , Funke Bernd , Hegerl Gabriele , Knutti Reto , Matthes Katja , Santer Benjamin D. , Stone Daithi , Tebaldi Claudia
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Detection and attribution (D&A) simulations were important components of CMIP5 and underpinned the climate change detection and attribution assessments of the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The primary goals of the Detection and Attribution Model Intercomparison Project (DAMIP) are to facilitate improved estimation of the contributions of anthropogenic and natural forcing changes to observed global warming as well as to observed global and regional changes in other climate variables; to contribute to the estimation of how historical emissions have altered and are altering contemporary climate risk; and to facilitate improved observationally-constrained projections of future climate change. D&A studies typically require unforced control simulations and historical simulations including all major anthropogenic and natural forcings. Such simulations will be carried out as part of the DECK and the CMIP6 historical simulation. In addition D&A studies require simulations covering the historical period driven by individual forcings or subsets of forcings only: such simulations are proposed here. Key novel features of the experimental design presented here include: new historical simulations of aerosols-only, stratospheric-ozone-only, CO2-only, solar-only and volcanic-only forcing, facilitating an improved estimation of the climate response to individual forcing; future single forcing experiments, allowing observationally-constrained projections of future climate change; and an experimental design which allows models with and without coupled atmospheric chemistry to be compared on an equal footing.
Improving Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) of Pre-Service English Language Teachers
Authors: Ersanli Ceylan Yangin
Published: April 2016

Developing as teachers and optimizing learning experiences for future students is the ultimate goal in technology use in teacher education programs. This study aims to explore the effectiveness of a five-week workshop and training sessions on Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) of pre-service English language teachers. The participants are 59 pre-service English language teachers enrolled in an ELT Methodology Course at a state university. The data is gathered through the TPACK Scale developed by Solak and Çakir (2014) and journal entries of pre-service English language teachers before and after the procedure. The results indicate a statistically significant improvement in TPACK scores of both male and female pre-service English language teachers. The journal entries clearly indicate an increase in several possible applications or websites that can be used in the classroom with more effective and to the point objectives. The pre-service English language teachers have also displayed better performance in manufacturing and tailoring language learning/teaching materials with specific goals.
Bayesian Sequential Estimation of the Inverse of the Pareto Shape Parameter
Authors: Tahir Mohamed
Published: April 2016

The problem addressed is that of developing a sequential procedure for estimating the inverse of the shape parameter of the Pareto distribution under the squared loss, assuming that the shape parameter is the value of a random variable having a density function with compact support and that the cost per observation is one unit. A stopping time is proposed and a second-order asymptotic expansion is obtained for the Bayes regret incurred by the proposed procedure.
Properties of Transmetric Density Estimation
Authors: Hovda Sigve
Published: April 2016

Transmetric density estimation is a generalization of kernel density estimation that is proposed in Hovda(2014) and Hovda (2016), This framework involves the possibility of making assumptions on the kernel of the distribution to improve convergence orders and to reduce the number of dimensions in the graphical display.  In this paper we show that several state-of-the-art nonparametric, semiparametric and even parametric methods are special cases of this formulation, meaning that there is a unified approach. Moreover, it is shown that parameters can be trained using unbiased cross-validation.  When parameter estimation is included, the mean integrated squared error of the transmetric density estimator is lower than for the common kernel density estimator, when the number of dimensions is larger than two.
Zakat and Accounting Valuation Model
Authors: Ries Ahmed Essia , Halim Bin Aiffin Ku , Yousif Alabdullah Tariq Tawfeeq , Zuqebah Ahmed
Published: April 2016

The valuation and measurement of assets with regard to Zakat is necessary issue from Islamic perspective. Therefore, re-value the assets regularly is needed and Islamic accounting system probably uses both historical and market selling prices with regard to enable firms to accommodate contracts and to discharge with social responsibility. Zakat accounting includes the accounting principles that relate not only to measurement and valuation but also recording, interpreting, presentation and disclosure of accounting information. Thus, the main objective of this paper is to elaborate the importance of Islamic accounting valuation adopted in zakat regard to accounting models. The application and mechanics of zakat and valuation model discussed related to the implementation of the current practices of accounting and valuation models that adopted in Islamic firms.
Turismo en el mundo Maya. Flujos de visitantes en el Sitio Arqueológico de Copán (Honduras)
Authors: De la Calle Vaquero Manuel , García Hernández María
Published: April 2016

El área maya constituye una importante región turística de América Latina, en especial respecto al turismo cultural. Aunque existe una importante producción científica sobre la zona, pocos trabajos abordan los temas relacionados con la afluencia y perfil de los visitantes. En este artículo se presenta la metodología utilizada para cuantificar y caracterizar el flujo de visita del Parque Arqueológico de Copán en Honduras, detallándose los resultados obtenidos. Se señala en primer lugar las características básicas de la visita (distribución temporal, forma de organización del viaje, etc.). Seguidamente se aborda la identificación de los grandes componentes del flujo de visita, a partir de la consideración conjunta de varios criterios de agrupación. Por último se resalta la importancia de contar con este tipo de datos a efectos de un correcto manejo del uso público y del diseño de estrategias coherentes de desarrollo turístico.
La evaluación calidad-precio en la triangulación entre satisfacción, recomendación y lealtad del visitante internacional terrestre a Baja California, México
Authors: Toudert Djamel , Bringas Rábago Nora L.
Published: April 2016

El objetivo principal de este ensayo consta en examinar la pertinencia de la evaluación calidad-precio como antecedente o hecho posterior a la satisfacción turística, así como sus impactos en la lealtad del visitante y su disposición a recomendar el destino. Esto procedió por medio de dos modelos de investigación sustentados en datos de visitantes internacionales terrestres a Baja California, México. En este destino, además de la importancia de la satisfacción para la competitividad, la percepción positiva del costo por un visitante satisfecho permite también reconsiderar el precio a favor de la oferta. Esta investigación confirma la significación de la calidad-precio en ambos modelos. En el primero, se cumple mejor con un propósito exploratorio siendo la valoración calidad-precio antecedente de la satisfacción, mientras que el segundo parece adecuarse a un fin predictivo cuando la calidad-precio es consecuencia de la satisfacción.
INDIGENOUS FOODWAYS OF THE GALOS: A CHALLENGE TO ARCHAEOLOGY
Authors: Deori Bina Gandhi
Published: April 2016

The Galos are one among many tribes inhabiting the mountainous terrain of Arunachal Pradesh, located in the foothills of the Himalayas in North-East India. The traditional subsistence practice of the Galos includes swidden cultivation popularly known as jhumming in North-East India, animal husbandry and gathering. The paper discusses in detail the indigenous foodways of the Galos and how it pose challenges to the archaeology of the food in the region.Keywords: Arunachal Pradesh, Galo tribe, indigenous, foodways
L’intégration des préoccupations d’environnement
dans les projets de construction, d’aménagement
et d’urbanisme, en France
Authors: Mesnard André-Hubert
Published: April 2016

La prise en compte de l’environnement s’impose de plus en plus en France, pour des raisons de sécurité, de qualité de vie et de développement durable dans un contexte d’urbanisation forte, dans des zones localisées et souvent sensibles sur le plan écologique. La législation et le droit reflètent cette généralisation des préoccupations d’environnement depuis la loi du 10 juillet 1976 qui fait de la protection du patrimoine naturel un objectif « d’intérêt général », c’est-à-dire un objectif général, tant public que privé, individuel que collectif.

Cette obligation concerne aussi bien les contractants de droit privé (propriétaires, exploitants) que les industries et les pouvoirs publics (permis de construire, plans d’urbanisme...). Tous les projets doivent intégrer les préoccupations d’environnement, et le droit de l’urbanisme les impose d’une façon expresse, autant dans le contenu de la planification de l’occupation du territoire, que lors de la délivrance des autorisations d’occupation des sols... Les études d’environnement (dont les études d’impact) sont de plus en plus exigeantes et nombreuses. Enfin la jurisprudence des tribunaux, administratifs, ou pénaux, « responsabilise » de plus en plus les acteurs publics de la construction et de l’urbanisme, en matière de défense de l’environnement.
The Problem of Anti-Personnel Landmines and the Ottawa Treaty: Illusion or Reality?
Authors: Yoon Joseph J. H.
Published: April 2016

The indiscriminate use of landmines in modern warfare has created a serious humanitarian challenge that individual countries cannot solve all by themselves. The signing of the Ottawa Treaty represents a major step in the progress of international humanitarian law. Nevertheless, there are many obstacles that the international community has to overcome in order that the spirit of the Ottawa Treaty can become effective and meaningful.

This article will deal with the dangers posed by the use of anti-personnel landmines and the major difficulties that arise from it. In the first part, the study will determine the nature of landmines and the outcome that results from their use. The second part analyses the main ideas of the Ottawa Treaty and the existing Protocol II of the Weapons' Convention. Finally, the article concludes with an analysis of the practical difficulties that should be considered in the enforcement of international rules.
Les clauses financières restreignant la concurrence dans les contrats de licence : le droit américain, canadien et européen
Authors: Carniaux Anton
Published: April 2016

Le choix des modalités financières qui accompagnent tout contrat de transfert de technologie n’est jamais innocent. Il peut être tentant pour un donneur de licence d’imposer au licencié, par exemple, un prix de vente de sa technologie, ou encore d’exiger des modes particuliers de versement des redevances dues par le licencié. Ce dernier peut lui-même y trouver son compte. Toutefois, les droits de la concurrence américain, canadien et européen, encadrent plus ou moins la discussion sur ces aspects financiers. Sous cet angle particulier, ces droits font l’objet ici d’une étude comparée.

Ces droits reflètent un compromis, variable selon les pays, entre les intérêts du fournisseur de la technologie, qui a le mérite de l’effort créatif, et la libre concurrence, qui peut être entravée par certaines clauses financières. Le régime juridique américain obéit à une tradition de sévérité, remise en cause depuis quelques années. Le Canada offre l’exemple d’un droit incertain ayant connu très peu d’applications jurisprudentielles. L’Union européenne, de son côté, développe un droit de la concurrence particulièrement interventionniste pour préserver les conditions d’une saine concurrence inter-étatique.

Ces diverses conceptions ne sont pas ancrées définitivement dans le contexte économique et politique qui leur est propre. Bien au contraire, les différents régimes juridiques des clauses financières restrictives connaissent une mutation commune, dans le sillage de la mondialisation économique. On entrevoit, en effet, une libéralisation progressive de ces régimes, notamment sous l’influence d’auteurs se réclamant de l’École de Chicago.

Malgré tout, l’auteur doute du bien-fondé d’une libéralisation totale, en particulier lorsqu’une intégration économique régionale est en jeu, comme le montre le droit européen.
The Human Foetus as a Legal Person
Authors: Remington Graham John
Published: April 2016

This article is meant to amplify and update the author's article published as "Natural Law, our Constitutions, and the Unborn", (1996) 27 Revue générale de droit, 21-53.

Particular emphasis is laid on the judicial revolution initiated by the Supreme Court of Canada in the Montréal Tramways Co. case in 1933, and led by the American legal scholar, William Prosser. By about 1955, courts across North America generally came to recognize in the field of torts, and in private litigation generally, the existence of unborn children as legal persons from and after conception.

The author shows that this judicial revolution was nothing but a recognition of an ancient rule of the civil law of Rome, restated by Tribonian in the 6th century, and acknowledged also by the common law of England on repeated occasions before and after the American Revolution.

The author shows furthermore that this rule should have prevented the decision of the United States Supreme Court in Roe v. Wade and its Canadian progeny, but was ignored.

The author allows that humanity and justice, no less than legal tradition, may necessitate some concessions in criminal proceedings. But he illustrates, by reference to recent and tragic decisions in the United States and Canada, why the civil liberties of us all, demand a reaffirmation of the ancient rule that, in all private ligitation, the human foetus must be protected as a legal person from and after conception.
La revendication individuelle face à la mort : approche comparatiste des questions posées par l’interruption de traitement, l’euthanasie et l’aide au suicide
Authors: Byk Christian
Published: April 2016

Aujourd’hui, avec la reconnaissance des droits individuels, la question de la revendication de l’autonomie de la personne au moment de sa mort revêt une importance particulière et soulève la controverse.

Le débat juridique sur la scène internationale tend à la reconnaissance du droit à refuser des traitements qui prolongent artificiellement la vie, et les textes internationaux soulignent bien cette reconnaissance, en précisant qu’il est du devoir du médecin de prolonger la vie mais aussi de soulager les souffrances. L’évolution de cette conception fut facilitée grâce à l’apport des opinions émises par les Églises et par la nécessité économique de fixer des limites aux coûts des soins de santé. Mais ce droit ne saurait être absolu, et le problème est particulièrement délicat lorsqu’il s’agit de décider de la vie de personnes incapables de s’exprimer.

La réponse en Amérique du Nord est de reconnaître deux systèmes par lesquels il est permis à la personne intéressée de revendiquer à l’avance la cessation des traitements ou de confier à une tierce personne le soin de la décision en cas d’inaptitude. Concernant les personnes ab initio incapables de faire connaître leur volonté, les critères de décision seront un jugement substitué ou encore le meilleur intérêt du patient, représenté par les membres de sa famille.

Le problème se pose toutefois différemment en ce qui concerne le débat sur l’euthanasie active et le suicide assisté. Les Codes pénaux de certains pays et les textes internationaux sur l’éthique médicale condamnent ces pratiques, les qualifiant d’homicides volontaires, certains pays admettant toutefois que le consentement de la victime puisse constituer une excuse atténuante. Mais devant les diverses formes de traitement que visent en pratique les poursuites engagées, la question se pose souvent de savoir si l’euthanasie active ne rencontre pas malgré tout quelque tolérance... Il semble qu’aujourd’hui, elle soit acceptée à certaines conditions.

Au Royaume-Uni, la Chambre des lords propose d’approuver le droit au refus des traitements et, pour les décisions concernant les personnes incapables, d’adopter une procédure judiciaire particulière. Les Pays-Bas, quant à eux, légalisent la procédure de déclaration des décès par euthanasie, quoique celle-ci n’en soit pas dépénalisée pour autant.

Le refus de l’acharnement thérapeutique est donc admis en principe. Mais pour bien prendre en considération toutes les circonstances particulières, il semble que la meilleure solution soit le recours au bon sens du juge, dont le rôle permettra au débat d’évoluer.
Le droit d’être entendu et l’évocation
Authors: Bergeron Viateur
Published: April 2016

L’objectif de cette étude consiste à présenter la règle audi alteram partem dans certains de ses aspects les plus fondamentaux. L’auteur estime que des moyens comme la représentation par avocat et une audience publique se rattachent au droit d’être entendu et en assurent l’application et le respect.

Quant aux limites au droit d’être entendu, elles peuvent être envisagées sur trois plans : 1) intenter le recours dans un délai raisonnable; 2) suivre le chemin tracé par le législateur jusqu’au bout du processus administratif ou quasi judiciaire avant de recourir à l’évocation; 3) exercer un véritable droit d’appel.

L’auteur suggère une nouvelle approche : les tribunaux supérieurs devraient faire droit à l’évocation si la règle audi alteram partem a été violée, peu importe les autres recours possibles. Cette façon de juger aurait probablement un effet bénéfique en ce sens qu’elle indiquerait la voie à suivre aux instances inférieures.

L’article 835.1 C.p.c. adopté pour assurer, sans délai indu, un caractère définitif aux décisions des instances inférieures a engendré un nombre élevé de litiges qui portent souvent et principalement sur la seule question du délai raisonnable. Même en face d’un manquement grave à la règle audi alteram partem, les cours rejettent le recours en évocation sur une question de délai dont l’appréciation demeure aléatoire et imprévisible. L’auteur propose une nouvelle version de l’article 835.1 C.p.c. qui serait plus conforme à l’esprit de la justice naturelle et au respect du droit d’être entendu.

L’auteur termine son texte en tirant des enseignements des affaires Ferland c. Lachance et Université du Québec c. Larocque à la lumière des modifications qu’il préconise.
Structural and optical properties of Eu-doped GaN nanocolumns on (111) Si substrates grown by RF-plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Sekiguchi Hiroto , Nishikawa Satoshi , Imanishi Tomohiko , Ozaki Kohei , Yamane Keisuke , Okada Hiroshi , Kishino Katsumi , Wakahara Akihiro
Published: April 2016

Eu-doped GaN (GaN:Eu) shows a sharp line emission and the thermal stability of the emission wavelength. To improve their optical properties, GaN:Eu nanocolumns were grown on GaN nanocolumn platforms with high crystalline quality by RF-plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. The GaN:Eu growth temperature strongly affected the nancolumn configuration. Although a high growth temperature of more than 700 °C enhanced lateral growth, a low growth temperature of 600 °C led to independent GaN:Eu nanocolumns. Although it was revealed that an increase in Eu concentration brought about polycrystalline growth, the optically active site concentration increased with increasing Eu concentration without concentration quenching, which suggests that the nanocolumn crystal is a valuable material for developing the novel optical devices utilizing GaN:Eu.
Realization of high-performance hetero-field-effect-transistor-type ultraviolet photosensors using p-type GaN comprising three-dimensional island crystals
Authors: Yamamoto Yuma , Yoshikawa Akira , Kusafuka Toshiki , Okumura Toshiki , Iwaya Motoaki , Takeuchi Tetsuya , Kamiyama Satoshi , Akasaki Isamu
Published: April 2016

High-performance AlGaN/AlGaN hetero-field-effect-transistor (HFET)-type photosensors with high photosensitivity were fabricated using p-type GaN comprising three-dimensional island crystals. The p-type GaN layers were grown on AlGaN layers at a high AlN molar fraction, and the area of p-type GaN comprising three-dimensional island crystals increased as the thickness of the p-type GaN film decreased, resulting in a reduced p-type GaN coverage ratio. The p-type GaN layers comprising three-dimensional island crystals and showing low coverage ratios were then used to fabricate HFET-type photosensors with high photosensitivity. A high light sensitivity of 1.5 × 104 A/W was obtained at a source–drain voltage (V
SD) of 0.5 V for a photosensor with a p-type GaN thickness of 20 nm. Moreover, the dark current was suppressed to 10−10 A/mm and the photosensor achieved an extremely high photocurrent to dark current density ratio.
Factores de riesgo en escenarios emergentes de leishmaniasis visceral urbana, Misiones, Argentina
Authors: López Karen , Tartaglino Lilian Catalina , Steinhorst Ingrid Iris , Santini María Soledad , Salomon Oscar Daniel
Published: April 2016

Introducción. La leishmaniasis visceral es una enfermedad desatendida de alta letalidad que requiere profundizar los estudios locales para un diseño de estrategias de control efectivo. En América se verificó la urbanización de su transmisión, teniendo como reservorio principal al perro doméstico, donde condiciones socio-económicas, representaciones y prácticas de grupos domésticos (GD) jugarían un rol estratégico poco conocido para su endemicidad. Objetivo. Analizar representaciones y prácticas de prevención y afrontamiento de leishmaniasis visceral en humanos (LVh) y caninos (LVc) y factores socio-económicos de riesgo.

Materiales y métodos. Estudio transversal de casos y controles. Caso: GD, con al menos un integrante con antecedentes de LVh notificado por Ministerio de Salud Pública. Control: GD sin integrantes con antecedentes de LVh. A partir de información primaria, se caracterizó demográfica y socialmente la población, la calidad de su vivienda y se construyó un ranking de conocimientos y actitudes frente a la LV, se describieron prácticas asociadas a riesgo y presencia de LVc.

Resultados. Mala calidad de la vivienda (p≤0,001), personas del GD fuera vivienda después 18 hs (razón de momios, RM=4,5; IC 95%: 1,69-12,18), la reproducción sin control racial de perros (RM=15,7; IC 95%: 3,91-63,2) y con LVc en el domicilio (RM=120,3; IC 95%: 18,51-728,3) se asocian positivamente o incrementan el riesgo de contraer LVh.

Conclusión. Se observa una determinación social de riesgo asociada a pobreza estructural, que aumentan la probabilidad de contacto humano-vector por mala calidad de vivienda y hacinamiento. El factor de riesgo más importante para la LVh fue la tenencia de perros con LVc en el domicilio.
Diagnóstico molecular de tuberculosis extrapulmonar y sensibilidad a rifampicina con un método automatizado en tiempo real
Authors: Peñata Adrián , Salazar Richard , Castaño Tatiana , Bustamante Julián , Ospina Sigifredo
Published: April 2016

Introducción. La tuberculosis continúa siendo un problema de salud pública mundial, la forma extrapulmonar (TBE) supone entre el 10%-20% del total de casos en inmunocompetentes e incrementa en pacientes portadores del virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH); su diagnóstico es difícil con los métodos convencionales por la naturaleza paucibacilar de las muestras. La prueba Xpert® MTB/RIF marca un importante desarrollo en la detección molecular de Mycobacterium tuberculosis y se ha extendido a una variedad de muestras clínicas no respiratorias.

Objetivo. Determinar la utilidad de Xpert® MTB/RIF en la detección de M. tuberculosis y sensibilidad a rifampicina en pacientes con sospecha de tuberculosis extrapulmonar atendidos en el Hospital Universitario de San Vicente Fundación de Medellín, entre 2013 y 2014.

Materiales y métodos. Estudio descriptivo de corte trasversal, ambispectivo de 372 muestras consecutivas provenientes de 301 pacientes con sospecha de tuberculosis extrapulmonar, a las cuales se les realizó baciloscopia, cultivo en Ogawa Kudoh y prueba molecular Xpert® MTB/RIF.

Resultados. 182 pacientes fueron hombres (60%), el diagnóstico base más frecuente fue VIH. Usando como referencia el cultivo, la sensibilidad y especificidad general de la prueba molecular fue del 94% (IC 95%: 83-100) y 97% (IC 95%: 95-99) respectivamente; para la baciloscopia fue del 38,71(IC 95%: 19-57) y 100% (IC95%: 99-100) respectivamente. En el análisis estratificado por muestras, se encontró sensibilidades mayores al 75%. 37 aislamientos fueron sensibles y uno resistente a rifampicina.

Conclusión. Xpert® MTB/RIF demostró buen desempeño en muestras de diferentes tejidos y líquidos; además de ser un avance significativo como apoyo diagnóstico de TBE en términos de tiempo y porcentaje de positividad.
The myogenic electric organ ofSternopygus macrurus: a non-contractile tissue with a skeletal muscle transcriptome
Authors: Pinch Matthew , Güth Robert , Samanta Manoj P. , Chaidez Alexander , Unguez Graciela A.
Published: April 2016

In most electric fish species, the electric organ (EO) derives from striated muscle cells that suppress many muscle properties. In the gymnotiformSternopygus macrurus, mature electrocytes, the current-producing cells of the EO, do not contain sarcomeres, yet they continue to make some cytoskeletal and sarcomeric proteins and the muscle transcription factors (MTFs) that induce their expression. In order to more comprehensively examine the transcriptional regulation of genes associated with the formation and maintenance of the contractile sarcomere complex, results from expression analysis using qRT-PCR were informed by deep RNA sequencing of transcriptomes and miRNA compositions of muscle and EO tissues from adultS. macrurus. Our data show that: (1) components associated with the homeostasis of the sarcomere and sarcomere-sarcolemma linkage were transcribed in EO at levels similar to those in muscle; (2) MTF families associated with activation of the skeletal muscle program were not differentially expressed between these tissues; and (3) a set of microRNAs that are implicated in regulation of the muscle phenotype are enriched in EO. These data support the development of a unique and highly specialized non-contractile electrogenic cell that emerges from a striated phenotype and further differentiates with little modification in its transcript composition. This comprehensive analysis of parallel mRNA and miRNA profiles is not only a foundation for functional studies aimed at identifying mechanisms underlying the transcription-independent myogenic program inS. macrurusEO, but also has important implications to many vertebrate cell types that independently activate or suppress specific features of the skeletal muscle program.
Natural selection drives chemical resistance ofDatura stramonium
Authors: Miranda-Pérez Adán , Castillo Guillermo , Hernández-Cumplido Johnattan , Valverde Pedro L. , Borbolla María , Cruz Laura L. , Tapia-López Rosalinda , Fornoni Juan , Flores-Ortiz César M. , Núñez-Farfán Juan
Published: April 2016

Plant resistance to herbivores involves physical and chemical plant traits that prevent or diminish damage by herbivores, and hence may promote coevolutionary arm-races between interacting species. AlthoughDatura stramonium’sconcentration of tropane alkaloids is under selection by leaf beetles, it is not known whether chemical defense reduces seed predation by the specialist weevil,Trichobaris soror, and if it is evolving by natural selection. We measured infestation byT. sororas well as the concentration of the plants’ two main tropane alkaloids in 278D. stramoniumplants belonging to 31 populations in central Mexico. We assessed whether the seed predator exerted preferences on the levels of both alkaloids and whether they affect plant fitness. Results show great variation across populations in the concentration of scopolamine and atropine in both leaves and seeds of plants ofD. stramonium, as well as in the intensity of infestation and the proportion of infested fruits byT. soror. The concentration of scopolamine in seeds and leaves are negatively associated across populations. We found that scopolamine concentration increases plant fitness. Our major finding was the detection of a positive relationship between the population average concentrations of scopolamine with the selection differentials of scopolamine. Such spatial variation in the direction and intensity of selection on scopolamine may represent a coevolutionary selective mosaic. Our results support the view that variation in the concentration of scopolamine among-populations ofD. stramoniumin central Mexico is being driven, in part, by selection exerted byT. soror, pointing an adaptive role of tropane alkaloids in this plant species.
Convective transport and scavenging of peroxides by thunderstorms observed over the central U.S. during DC3
Authors: Barth M. C. , Bela M. M. , Fried A. , Wennberg P. O. , Crounse J. D. , St. Clair J. M. , Blake N. J. , Blake D. R. , Homeyer C. R. , Brune W. H. , Zhang L. , Mao J. , Ren X. , Ryerson T. B. , Pollack I. B. , Peischl J. , Cohen R. C. , Nault B. A. , Huey L. G. , Liu X. , Cantrell C. A.
Published: April 2016

One of the objectives of the Deep Convective Clouds and Chemistry (DC3) field experiment was to determine the scavenging of soluble trace gases by thunderstorms. We present an analysis of scavenging of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and methyl hydrogen peroxide (CH3OOH) from six DC3 cases that occurred in Oklahoma and northeast Colorado. Estimates of H2O2 scavenging efficiencies are comparable to previous studies ranging from 79 to 97% with relative uncertainties of 5–25%. CH3OOH scavenging efficiencies ranged from 12 to 84% with relative uncertainties of 18–558%. The wide range of CH3OOH scavenging efficiencies is surprising, as previous studies suggested that CH3OOH scavenging efficiencies would be <10%. Cloud chemistry model simulations of one DC3 storm produced CH3OOH scavenging efficiencies of 26–61% depending on the ice retention factor of CH3OOH during cloud drop freezing, suggesting ice physics impacts CH3OOH scavenging. The highest CH3OOH scavenging efficiencies occurred in two severe thunderstorms, but there is no obvious correlation between the CH3OOH scavenging efficiency and the storm thermodynamic environment. We found a moderate correlation between the estimated entrainment rates and CH3OOH scavenging efficiencies. Changes in gas‐phase chemistry due to lightning production of nitric oxide and aqueous‐phase chemistry have little effect on CH3OOH scavenging efficiencies. To determine why CH3OOH can be substantially removed from storms, future studies should examine effects of entrainment rate, retention of CH3OOH in frozen cloud particles during drop freezing, and lightning‐NOx production.