bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emission Inventory of On-Road Transport in Bangkok Metropolitan Region (BMR) Development during 2007 to 2015 Using the GAINS Model
Authors: Cheewaphongphan Penwadee , Junpen Agapol , Garivait Savitri , Chatani Satoru
Published: September 2017

Bangkok Metropolitan Region (BMR), including the capital city and five adjacent provinces, constitutes one of the top 10 megacities experiencing serious traffic congestion in the world, leading to air quality problems with significant adverse human health risks. Previously, there have been many operations planned to influence the fuel consumption and emissions from the on-road transport sector in the BMR area. It is necessary to estimate emissions using detailed information in order to thoroughly understand the reason for changes in emission levels and their impact on air quality. This paper aims to determine the successful implementation of energy and air pollution control policies in Thailand through an investigation of the emissions inventory of on-road transport in BMR, including ozone precursors (CO, NOX, Non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs) ), greenhouse gases (CO2, CH4, N2O), acidic substances (SO2 and NH3), and particulate matters (PM2.5, PM10, Black Carbon (BC), Organic Carbon (OC)) during the period from 2007 to 2015, using the Greenhouse Gas and Air Pollution Interactions and Synergies (GAINS) model based on the country-specific activity data together with the emission factor from the GAINS-Asia database. This study found that the amount of exhaust emissions over the BMR area in the year 2015 (and the trend during the period from 2007 to 2015) is approximately 139 kt of CO (−7.9%), 103 kt of NOX (−4.1%), 19.9 kt of NMVOC (−6.7%), 15 kt of CO2 (+1.6%), 8.6 kt of CH4 (+6.8%), 0.59 kt of N2O (+1.3%), 0.87 kt of SO2 (−25.8%), 1.1 kt of NH3 (+7.8%), 4.9 kt of PM2.5 (−5.5%), 5.1 kt of PM10 (−7.9%), 3.1 kt of BC (−2.5%), and 1.4 kt of OC (−7.7%). The change in emissions in each pollutant is a result of the more stringent control of fuel and engine standards, the shift in the fuel type used, and the effects of controlling some emissions. Light duty car gasoline fuel is identified as a major contributor of CO, NH3, N2O, and NMVOC, whereas trucks are the greatest emitters of NOX, SO2, and particulate matter. This study suggests that the most powerful implementation plan for the continuous, significant reduction of ozone precursor, SO2, and particulate matter emissions is the more stringent enforcement of fuel and vehicle standard levels, especially concerning light duty vehicles.
In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Nanoemulsion Containing Vegetable Extracts
Authors: Rocha-Filho Pedro , Ferrari Marcio , Maruno Monica , Souza Odila , Gumiero Viviane
Published: September 2017

Oil/Water nanoemulsions were obtained, employing PEG castor oil derivatives/fatty esters surfactant, babassu oil, and purified water from a study based on phase diagrams. The nanoemulsions had been prepared by a low energy process inversion phase emulsion. Different parameters, such as order of addition of the components, temperature, stirring speed, and time, were studied to prepare O/W nanoemulsions. The influence of vegetable extract addition on size distribution of nanoemulsions was also analyzed. Evaluation of the nanoemulsions was studied in vitro by HET-CAM and RDB methods. Stable transparent bluish O/W babassu oil nanoemulsion were obtained with surfactant pair fatty ester/PEG-54 castor oil, in an HLBrequired value = 10.0 and with a particle droplet size of 46 ± 13 nm. Vegetable extract addition had not influenced nanoemulsion’s stability. The results obtained for in vitro and in vivo nanoemulsion evaluation, based on the hydration and oiliness, and pH of the skin, shows O/W nanoemulsions as potential vehicle for topical application.
Factors Contributing to Haze Pollution: Evidence from Macao, China
Authors: To Wai-Ming , Lee Peter , Ng Chi
Published: September 2017

Haze is a major environmental concern in many cities because it adversely affects people’s physiological and psychological well-being. This paper examines the extent of haze in Macao during the period 1986–2016. It identifies the relationships between haze, energy use, and meteorological conditions directly. The haze in Macao changed over the period 1986–2016 with air pollution getting worse and then improving after 2007. Specifically, the number of haze hours increased from 3 in 1986 to 766 in 2007, and then dropped to 57 in 2016, while the total energy use increased from 12,246 TJ in 1986 to 37,144 TJ in 2007, and then to 42,405 TJ in 2016. As per primary energy, Macao used 12,096 TJ in 1986, 21,388 TJ in 2007, and 16,647 TJ in 2016 excluding aviation kerosene. Bivariate correlations show that haze was most positively and significantly associated with annual primary energy use. Multiple regression analysis indicates that the number of hours with haze was significantly, positively related to the consumption of gas oil/diesel, fuel oil, and natural gas in Macao and aviation kerosene. Nevertheless, the improvement in Macao could come at a cost to areas in downwind of Zhuhai’s coal power stations supplying Macao’s electricity energy.
Allometric Models to Predict Aboveground Woody Biomass of Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) in Short Rotation Coppice in Previous Mining and Agricultural Areas in Germany
Authors: Carl Christin , Biber Peter , Landgraf Dirk , Buras Allan , Pretzsch Hans
Published: September 2017

Black locust is a drought-resistant tree species with high biomass productivity during juvenility; it is able to thrive on wastelands, such as former brown coal fields and dry agricultural areas. However, research conducted on this species in such areas is limited. This paper aims to provide a basis for predicting tree woody biomass for black locust based on tree, competition, and site variables at 14 sites in northeast Germany that were previously utilized for mining or agriculture. The study areas, which are located in an area covering 320 km × 280 km, are characterized by a variety of climatic and soil conditions. Influential variables, including tree parameters, competition, and climatic parameters were considered. Allometric biomass models were employed. The findings show that the most important parameters are tree and competition variables. Different former land utilizations, such as mining or agriculture, as well as growth by cores or stumps, significantly influenced aboveground woody biomass production. The new biomass models developed as part of this study can be applied to calculate woody biomass production and carbon sequestration of Robinia pseudoacacia L. in short rotation coppices in previous mining and agricultural areas.
Figures of the Earth: Non-Human Phenomenology in Joyce
Authors: Borg Ruben
Published: September 2017

My paper addresses the non-human turn in Joyce’s work from the perspective of genetic phenomenology. I begin by commenting on Joyce’s characterization of Molly Bloom as a non-human apparition. I unpack the notion of a non-human apparition in light of Joyce’s interest in the idea of the earth as a generative matrix, and I relate this idea to a genetic enquiry into problems of passive synthesis and the givenness of objects to sense perception. I then trace the elaboration of this theme in a cluster of rhetorical figures from the later novels—puns, clichés, and metonymic associations—that play on the senses of matrix, materiality, and the sex of the mother. The second part turns to representations of the earth in Finnegans Wake. Focusing on scenes of interment and becoming one with the landscape, descriptions of tombs as echo chambers, and of geological sites as giant human bodies, I read Joyce’s earth as the crowning expression of his experiments with a radical (pre- and post-human) phenomenology.
Study on Topology Optimization Design, Manufacturability, and Performance Evaluation of Ti-6Al-4V Porous Structures Fabricated by Selective Laser Melting (SLM)
Authors: Xu Yangli , Zhang Dongyun , Zhou Yan , Wang Weidong , Cao Xuanyang
Published: September 2017

The combination of topology optimization (TOP) and selective laser melting (SLM) provides the possibility of fabricating the complex, lightweight and high performance geometries overcoming the traditional manufacturing “bottleneck”. This paper evaluates the biomechanical properties of porous structures with porosity from 40% to 80% and unit cell size from 2 to 8 mm, which are designed by TOP and manufactured by SLM. During manufacturability exploration, three typical structures including spiral structure, arched bridge structure and structures with thin walls and small holes are abstracted and investigated, analyzing their manufacturing limits and forming reason. The property tests show that dynamic elastic modulus and compressive strength of porous structures decreases with increases of porosity (constant unit cell size) or unit cell size (constant porosity). Based on the Gibson-Ashby model, three failure models are proposed to describe their compressive behavior, and the structural parameter λ is used to evaluate the stability of the porous structure. Finally, a numerical model for the correlation between porous structural parameters (unit cell size and porosity) and elastic modulus is established, which provides a theoretical reference for matching the elastic modulus of human bones from different age, gender and skeletal sites during innovative medical implant design and manufacturing.
Quantitative Analysis, Extraction Optimization, and Biological Evaluation of Cudrania tricuspidata Leaf and Fruit Extracts
Authors: Song Seung-Hui , Ki Sung , Park Dae-Hun , Moon Hong-Seop , Lee Chang-Dai , Yoon In-Soo , Cho Seung-Sik
Published: September 2017

Cudrania tricuspidata Bureau (Moraceae) shows numerous pharmacological effects and has been used in traditional herbal remedies for inflammation, gastritis, tumors, and liver diseases. However, no validated analytical method for the standardization and optimization of the biological properties of C. tricuspidata preparations has been reported. We developed and validated a reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the separation and quantification of active markers. Ethanolic extracts of C. tricuspidata leaves were prepared and evaluated for chemical profiles and biological activities. The 80% ethanolic extract demonstrated the greatest antioxidant activity and phenolic content, while the 100% ethanolic extract had the greatest total flavonoid content and xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitory activity. The validated HPLC method confirmed that chlorogenic acid, rutin, and kaempferol were present in C. tricuspidata leaf extracts. We postulated that the antioxidant and anti-hyperuricemic/gout effects of C. tricuspidata extract could be attributed to these marker compounds. Our results suggested that the flavonoid-rich fraction of the leaf extract may be utilized for the treatment and prevention of hyperuricemia-related diseases, and the validated method and marker compounds could be applied for the quality control of C. tricuspidata preparations.
Strait Gate: Special Issue on Advances in Silicon Chemistry
Authors: Kira Mitsuo
Published: September 2017

Manufacturing high-purity element silicon and organic polysilicones are two major silicon industries, supporting the basis of the modern electronic industry and our daily lives [...]
The Impact of Sex and 25(OH)D Deficiency on Metabolic Function in Mice
Authors: Giblin Ryan , Bennett Ellen , Zosky Graeme , Dwyer Renée
Published: September 2017

Both dietary fat and vitamin D deficiency have been linked with increased incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and insulin resistance. While sex differences in disease prevalence and severity are well known, the impact on disease pathogenesis remains unclear. To further explore the effect of these exposures on metabolic function, C57BL/6 male and female mice were weaned onto one of four diets; low fat vitamin D replete, low fat vitamin D deficient, or two high fat diets, one vitamin D replete and one deficient. Visceral fat, hepatic adiposity, and insulin resistance were measured after five and a half weeks. Vitamin D deficiency, independent of dietary fat, increased hepatic fat accumulation in both sexes (p = 0.003), although did not increase hepatic expression of interleukin-6 (p = 0.92) or tumor necrosis factor-α (p = 0.78). Males were observed to have greater insulin resistance (glucose area under the curve: p < 0.001, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance: p = 0.046), and have greater visceral adiposity (p < 0.001), while female mice had greater hepatic fat accumulation (p < 0.001). This study is the first to demonstrate vitamin D deficiency alone can cause hepatic accumulation while also being the first to observe higher liver fat percentages in female mice.
Operators in Nature, Science, Technology, and Society: Mathematical, Logical, and Philosophical Issues
Authors: Burgin Mark , Brenner Joseph
Published: September 2017

The concept of an operator is used in a variety of practical and theoretical areas. Operators, as both conceptual and physical entities, are found throughout the world as subsystems in nature, the human mind, and the manmade world. Operators, and what they operate, i.e., their substrates, targets, or operands, have a wide variety of forms, functions, and properties. Operators have explicit philosophical significance. On the one hand, they represent important ontological issues of reality. On the other hand, epistemological operators form the basic mechanism of cognition. At the same time, there is no unified theory of the nature and functions of operators. In this work, we elaborate a detailed analysis of operators, which range from the most abstract formal structures and symbols in mathematics and logic to real entities, human and machine, and are responsible for effecting changes at both the individual and collective human levels. Our goal is to find what is common in physical objects called operators and abstract mathematical structures, with the name operator providing foundations for building a unified but flexible theory of operators. The paper concludes with some reflections on functionalism and other philosophical aspects of the ‘operation’ of operators.
Cellulose Acetate Phthalate and Antiretroviral Nanoparticle Fabrications for HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis
Authors: Mandal Subhra , Khandalavala Karl , Pham Rachel , Bruck Patrick , Varghese Marisa , Kochvar Andrew , Monaco Ashley , Prathipati Pavan , Destache Christopher , Shibata Annemarie
Published: September 2017

To adequately reduce new HIV infections, development of highly effective pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) against HIV infection in women is necessary. Cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP) is a pH sensitive polymer with HIV-1 entry inhibitory properties. Dolutegravir (DTG) is an integrase strand transfer inhibitor with potent antiretroviral activity. DTG delivered in combination with CAP may significantly improve current PrEP against HIV. In the present study, the development of DTG-loaded CAP nanoparticles incorporated in thermosensitive (TMS) gel at vaginal pH 4.2 and seminal fluid pH 7.4 is presented as proof-of-concept for improved PrEP. Water–oil–in–water homogenization was used to fabricate DTG-loaded CAP nanoparticles (DTG–CAP–NPs). Size, polydispersity, and morphological analyses illustrate that DTG–CAP–NPs were smooth and spherical, ≤200 nm in size, and monodispersed with a polydispersity index PDI ≤ 0.2. The drug encapsulation (EE%) and release profile of DTG–CAP–NPs was determined by HPLC analysis. The EE% of DTG in DTG–CAP–NPs was evaluated to be ~70%. The thermal sensitivity of the TMS gel was optimized and the pH dependency was evaluated by rheological analysis. DTG release studies in TMS gel revealed that DTG–CAP–NPs were stable in TMS gel at pH 4.2 while DTG–CAP–NPs in TMS gel at pH 7.4 rapidly release DTG (≥80% release within 1 h). Cytotoxicity studies using vaginal cell lines revealed that DTG–CAP–NPs were relatively non-cytotoxic at concentration <1 µg/mL. Confocal microscopic studies illustrate that ≥98% cells retained DTG–CAP–NPs intracellularly over seven days. Antiretroviral drug loaded nanocellulose fabrications in TMS gel delivered intravaginally may enhance both microbicidal and antiretroviral drug efficacy and may present a novel option for female PrEP against HIV.
Simple Green Route to Performance Improvement of Fully Bio-Based Linseed Oil Coating Using Nanofibrillated Cellulose
Authors: Veigel Stefan , Lems Eva-Marieke , Grüll Gerhard , Hansmann Christian , Rosenau Thomas , Zimmermann Tanja , Gindl-Altmutter Wolfgang
Published: September 2017

Due to their bio-based character, oil-based coatings become more and more prevalent in wood surface finishing. These coatings impart appealing optical and haptic properties to the wood surface, but lack sufficient protection against water and mechanical influences. The present study reports a simple green route to improve the performance of linseed oil coating by the addition of nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC). In order to achieve surface chemical compatibility with linseed oil, NFC was chemically modified with acetic anhydride and (2-dodecen-1-yl)succinic anhydride, respectively, using propylene carbonate as a solvent. NFC/linseed oil formulations were prepared and applied to wood substrates. The wear resistance of oil-coated wood surfaces was assessed by a newly developed test combining abrasive loading with subsequent contact angle measurement. As revealed by infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, as well as X-ray diffraction (XRD), NFC has been successfully modified without significantly affecting the structure of cellulose. In abrasion tests, all NFC-modified oil coatings performed better than the original oil. Interestingly, NFC only suspended in propylene carbonate, i.e., without chemical modification, had the strongest improvement effect on the coating’s wear resistance. This was primarily attributed to the loose network structure of this NFC variant which effectively prevents the oil from penetration into the wood surface, thus forming a protective NFC/oil composite layer on the wood surface.
SCOPE-Based Emulators for Fast Generation of Synthetic Canopy Reflectance and Sun-Induced Fluorescence Spectra
Authors: Verrelst Jochem , Rivera Caicedo Juan , Muñoz-Marí Jordi , Camps-Valls Gustau , Moreno José
Published: September 2017

Progress in advanced radiative transfer models (RTMs) led to an improved understanding of reflectance (R) and sun-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) emission throughout the leaf and canopy. Among advanced canopy RTMs that have been recently modified to deliver SIF spectral outputs are the energy balance model SCOPE and the 3D models DART and FLIGHT. The downside of these RTMs is that they are computationally expensive, which makes them impractical in routine processing, such as scene generation and retrieval applications. To bypass their computational burden, a computationally effective technique has been proposed by only using a limited number of model runs, called emulation. The idea of emulation is approximating the original RTM by a surrogate machine learning model with low computation time. However, a concern is whether the emulator reaches sufficient accuracy. To this end, we analyzed key aspects of emulator development that may impact the precision of emulating SCOPE-like R and SIF spectra, being: (1) type of machine learning, (2) type of dimensionality reduction (DR) method, and (3) number of components and lookup table (LUT) size. The machine learning family of Gaussian processes regression and neural networks were found best suited to function as emulators. The classical principal component analysis (PCA) remains a robust DR method, but the number of components needs to be optimized depending on the complexity of the spectral data. Based on a small Latin hypercube sampling LUT of 500 samples (70% used for training) covering a selection of SCOPE input variables, the best-performing emulators can reconstruct any combination for the selected SCOPE input variables with relative errors along the spectral range below 2% for R and 4% for SIF. That is sufficient for a precise reconstruction for the large majority of possible combinations, and errors can be further reduced when increasing LUT size for training. As a proof of concept, we imported the best-performing emulators into a newly developed Automated Scene Generator Module (A-SGM) to generate a R and SIF synthetic scene of a vegetated surface. Using emulators as alternative of SCOPE reduced the processing time from the order of days to the order of minutes while preserving sufficient accuracy.
A Methodology for Analysing Sustainability in Energy Scenarios
Authors: Peñalvo-López Elisa , Cárcel-Carrasco Francisco , Devece Carlos , Morcillo Ana
Published: September 2017

Energy is a key factor in sustainability and a very attractive but risky sector for entrepreneurs. The need for sustainability in the energy sector forces the introduction of renewable sources in any scenario considered, but this investment must be thoroughly assessed. A methodology is required that enables the deduction of a realistic level of participation of renewable energy in the energy scenario in each particular case. Such a methodology should take into account all the factors involved and, by conciliating the different constraints imposed by each of them, find the maximum level of renewable energy possible in the system. This paper introduces a new methodology to address this problem by taking into account demand, generation, level of resources and technologies; and applies it to a particular case in a region of Democratic Republic of Congo. The uncertainties present in the energy sector, as well as the numerous factors at play, call for scenario planning, and this paper presents a structured procedure for viewing plausible futures.
G-Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor Antagonist G15 Decreases Estrogen-Induced Development of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Liu Changyu , Liao Yongde , Fan Sheng , Fu Xiangning , Xiong Jing , Zhou Sheng , Zou Man , Wang Jianmiao
Published: September 2017

G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) was found to promote non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by estrogen, indicating the potential necessity of inhibiting GPER by a selective antagonist. This study was performed to elucidate the function of GPER-selective inhibitor G15 in NSCLC
development. Cytoplasmic GPER (cGPER) and nuclear GPER (nGPER) were detected by immunohistochemical analysis in NSCLC samples. The relation of GPER and estrogen receptor β (ERβ) expression and correlation between GPER, ERβ, and clinical factors were analyzed. The effects of
activating GPER and function of G15 were analyzed in the proliferation of A549 and H1793 cell lines and development of urethane-induced adenocarcinoma. Overexpression of cGPER and nGPER was detected in 80.49% (120/150) and 52.00% (78/150) of the NSCLC samples. High expression of GPER was related
with higher stages, poorer differentiation, and high expression of ERβ. The protein level of GPER in the A549 and H1793 cell lines was increased by treatment with E2, G1 (GPER agonist), or fulvestrant (Ful; ERβ antagonist) and decreased by G15. Administration with G15 reversed the
E2- or G1-induced cell growth by inhibiting GPER. In urethane-induced adenocarcinoma mice, the number of tumor nodules and tumor index increased in the E2 or G1 group and decreased by treatment with G15. These findings demonstrate that using G15 to block GPER signaling may be considered as
a new therapeutic target in NSCLC.
Compréhension d’un cas d’innovation institutionnelle au travers de la théorie de la traduction éclairée par les proximités de ressources
Authors: Krupicka Anne , Coussi Olivier
Published: September 2017

Les conditions d’émergence d’une démarche entrepreneuriale d’accompagnement de l’innovation au sein d’une CCI Territoriale sont étudiés, et plus particulièrement les proximités de ressources qui ont façonné le réseau d’acteurs d’un dispositif institutionnel. Celui-ci a été initié par un porteur externe qui, soutenu et contraint par un ensemble de facteurs, a construit un réseau sociotechnique pour l’accompagnement des projets d’innovation associant un étudiant, un chercheur et la PME.
Calcul des coûts d’un service de transport hospitalier en TDABC
Authors: Petit Nicolas , Ducrocq Charles
Published: September 2017

Cet article présente une expérimentation d’application du Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing (TDABC) aux coûts du service transport d’un établissement hospitalier public. La méthode déployée et les résultats obtenus sont décrits, faisant émerger l’intérêt de ce type de démarche pour la gestion opérationnelle de la logistique hospitalière. Les auteurs mettent en avant les intérêts et les limites de la méthode, applicables à d’autres domaines de la gestion publique.
Patrimoine sans limite ? La mondialisation du tourisme comme opérateur d’un « tout-patrimoine »
Authors: Coëffé Vincent , Morice Jean-René
Published: September 2017

Le champ de la mémoire est marqué depuis les années 1970 notamment par une « inflation patrimoniale ». Cet article vise à montrer comment le tourisme, à travers sa mondialisation, constitue non seulement un opérateur de la patrimonialisation, mais aussi de l’élargissement du champ patrimonial. Le phénomène touristique, à travers les touristes notamment, est régulièrement saisi comme une menace pour le patrimoine. Or, les acteurs investis dans le tourisme ont en réalité largement contribué à inventer le « monument historique » et continuent d’inventer de « nouveaux patrimoines ». Pour autant, la dynamique de co-constitution du tourisme et du « tout-patrimoine » reste lacunaire, et la patrimonialisation peut même constituer un enjeu pour la « dé-touristification ».
Arts, mémoires et engagement au Drill Hall (Johannesburg) : l’invention d’un patrimoine incertain
Authors: Guinard Pauline , Morovich Barbara
Published: September 2017

Site patrimonial du centre-ville de Johannesburg (Afrique du Sud), le Drill Hall est peu entretenu par les institutions publiques mais fortement approprié par des associations artistiques, culturelles et sociales. Dans cette tension entre une patrimonialisation institutionnelle faible et la vivacité des mémoires, ce lieu apparaît comme un espace interstitiel en attente de son destin institutionnel. En quoi, les artistes correspondent-ils à des figures de l’engagement ? Dans quelle mesure les discours des artistes constituent-ils un vecteur de patrimonialisation et un argument de légitimation de leur présence ? Nous montrerons que cet engagement artistique et mémoriel contribue à l’invention d’un rapport inédit à l’art et au patrimoine, mais dont la capacité de résistance aux projets de rénovations urbaines et plus encore à la gentrification est pour le moins incertaine.
Les objectifs stratégiques de la Russie dans l’Arctique
Authors: Zysk Katarzyna , Deville-Fradin Valentine
Published: September 2017

Depuis une décennie, l’intérêt de la Russie pour l’Arctique s’est développé. Des projets économiques ont vu le jour, en particulier dans le domaine énergétique et en matière de transport maritime. Cette région – qui héberge la plus grande part de l’arsenal nucléaire russe – est importante pour Moscou sur le plan militaire. Si des tensions avec d’autres États arctiques ne sont pas à exclure, la Russie a intérêt à maintenir une stabilité propice au développement économique.
Arabie Saoudite : la guerre des trois n’a pas eu lieu
Authors: Paul Jacques-Jocelyn
Published: September 2017

La « saoudité » reste difficile à définir, et elle suggère à la fois un type de débat politique très spécifique et la peur profonde d’une implosion immaîtrisable. C’est dans ce cadre que s’inscrit la relation conflictuelle avec le Qatar, représentant pour Riyad une idéologie des Frères musulmans antagonique avec ses propres conceptions. La modification de l’ordre de succession royal entérine un saut de génération, et un printemps arabe ne semble pas devoir toucher prochainement Riyad.
Arabie Saoudite : faux ami ou vrai ennemi ?
Authors: Conesa Pierre
Published: September 2017

Avec sa présence à Bahreïn, son intervention au Yémen, ses relations avec l’Iran, ou l’isolement du Qatar, l’Arabie Saoudite semble s’affirmer comme un État perturbateur, diplomatique et religieux, au Moyen-Orient. La diplomatie religieuse du wahhabisme joue un rôle central dans la stratégie de Riyad. Tout comme une stratégie de l’information, véritable dispositif d’influence, qui vise à orienter en sa faveur les opinions et les décideurs des grandes démocraties.
Quel bilan pour la Politique européenne de voisinage ?
Authors: Lachert Jakub , Ryder Elsa
Published: September 2017

Avec les élargissements de l’Union européenne de 2004 et 2007, les frontières de l’UE se sont déplacées vers l’est. Dans le cadre de la Politique européenne de voisinage puis du Partenariat oriental, l’UE tente d’entretenir de bonnes relations avec ses nouveaux voisins et de les faire évoluer vers la démocratie libérale. La Russie considère que cette approche menace ses intérêts et fait pression sur les anciennes républiques soviétiques pour qu’elles demeurent dans sa sphère d’influence.
Refractive Outcomes of 20 Eyes Undergoing ICL Implantation for Correction of Hyperopic Astigmatism
Authors: Coskunseven Efekan , Kavadarli Isilay , Sahin Onurcan , Kayhan Belma , Pallikaris Ioannis
Published: September 2017

PURPOSE:

To analyze 1-week, 1-month, and 12-month postoperative refractive outcomes of eyes that under-went ICL implantation to correct hyperopic astigmatism.

METHODS:

The study enrolled 20 eyes of patients with an average age of 32 years (range: 21 to 40 years). The outcomes of spherical and cylindrical refraction, uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), vault, and angle parameters were evaluated 1 week, 1 month, and 12 months postoperatively.

RESULTS:

The preoperative mean UDVA was 0.15 ± 0.11 (decimal) (20/133 Snellen) and increased to 0.74 ± 0.25 (20/27 Snellen) postoperatively, with a change of 0.59 (decimal) (20/33.9 Snellen) (
P
< .0001), which was statistically significant. The preoperative mean CDVA was 0.74 ± 0.25 (decimal) (20/27 Snellen) and increased to 0.78 ± 0.21 (20/25 Snellen), with a change of 0.03 (decimal) (20/666 Snellen) (
P
< .052), which was not statistically significant. The mean preoperative sphere was 6.86 ± 1.77 diopters (D) and the mean preoperative cylinder was −1.44 ± 0.88 D. The mean 12-month postoperative sphere decreased to 0.46 ± 0.89 D (
P
< .001) and cylinder decreased to −0.61 ± 0.46 D (
P
< .001), with a change of 6.40 D, both of which were statistically significant. The mean 1-month postoperative vault was 0.65 ± 0.13 mm and decreased to 0.613 ± 0.10 mm at 1 year postoperatively, with a change of 0.44 mm (
P
< .003). The preoperative/12-month and 1-month/12-month trabecular–iris angle (TIA), trabecular–iris space area 500 mm from the scleral spur (TISA500), and angle opening distance 500 mm from the scleral spur (AOD500) values were analyzed nasally, temporally, and inferiorly. All differences were statistically significant between preoperative/12-month analysis. The only differences between 1- and 12-month analysis were on TISA500 inferior (
P
< .002) and AOD500 nasal (0.031) values.

CONCLUSIONS:

ICL hyperopic toric implantation is a safe method and provides stable refractive outcomes in patients with high hyperopia (up to 10.00 D) and astigmatism (up to 6.00 D).

[
J Refract Surg.
2017;33(9):604–609.]
Temperature-manipulated dynamics and phenology ofMindarus abietinus(Hemiptera: Aphididae) in commercial Christmas tree plantations in Québec, Canada
Authors: Doherty Jean-François , Guay Jean-Frédéric , Cloutier Conrad
Published: September 2017

The balsam twig aphidMindarus abietinusKoch (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is a major pest of economic importance for the Christmas tree industry. Global warming during the 21st century could potentially increase local population densities and reinforce the pest status of this aphid in commercial fir (AbiesMiller; Pinaceae) plantations in Québec, Canada. During this study, we tested the effects of a warmer environment on colony growth rates ofM. abietinusand aphid morph composition during the second generation of its cycle, which is key to colony size growth and potential damage to Christmas trees. We monitoredM. abietinuspopulations on two host fir species and one host fir variety, in order to understand the early season dynamics of this aphid and its host tree. It was possible to distinguish the two overlapping generations of winged aphids leaving colonies, which led to observing a much higher proportion of wingless daughters, produced by the stem mother, than what had previously been reported. Colony growth rates were significantly higher in a warmer environment than in the nearby plantation, suggesting that warmer temperatures in late spring and early summer may provide the suitable conditions required forM. abietinuscolonies of greater density.
Grb2-Mediated Recruitment of USP9X to LAT Enhances Themis Stability following Thymic Selection
Authors: Garreau Anne , Blaize Gaëtan , Argenty Jérémy , Rouquié Nelly , Tourdès Audrey , Wood Stephen A. , Saoudi Abdelhadi , Lesourne Renaud
Published: September 2017

Themis is a new component of the TCR signaling machinery that plays a critical role during T cell development. The positive selection of immature CD4+CD8+ double-positive thymocytes and their commitment to the CD4+CD8− single-positive stage are impaired in Themis−/− mice, suggesting that Themis might be important to sustain TCR signals during these key developmental processes. However, the analysis of Themis mRNA levels revealed that Themis gene expression is rapidly extinguished during positive selection. We show in this article that Themis protein expression is increased in double-positive thymocytes undergoing positive selection and is sustained in immature single-positive thymocytes, despite the strong decrease in Themis mRNA levels in these subsets. We found that Themis stability is controlled by the ubiquitin-specific protease USP9X, which removes ubiquitin K48-linked chains on Themis following TCR engagement. Biochemical analyses indicate that USP9X binds directly to the N-terminal CABIT domain of Themis and indirectly to the adaptor protein Grb2, with the latter interaction enabling recruitment of Themis/USP9X complexes to LAT, thereby sustaining Themis expression following positive selection. Together, these data suggest that TCR-mediated signals enhance Themis stability upon T cell development and identify USP9X as a key regulator of Themis protein turnover.
Regulatory T Cell–Mediated Suppression of Inflammation Induced by DR3 Signaling Is Dependent on Galectin-9
Authors: Madireddi Shravan , Eun So-Young , Mehta Amit K. , Birta Aruna , Zajonc Dirk M. , Niki Toshiro , Hirashima Mitsuomi , Podack Eckhard R. , Schreiber Taylor H. , Croft Michael
Published: September 2017

Stimulation of several TNF receptor family proteins has been shown to dampen inflammatory disease in murine models through augmenting the number and/or activity of regulatory T cells (Tregs). We recently found that one molecule, 4-1BB, used binding to Galectin-9 to exert its immunosuppressive effects and drive expansion of CD8+Foxp3− Tregs. We now show that ligation of another TNFR family molecule, DR3, which has previously been found to strongly expand CD4+Foxp3+ Tregs and suppress inflammation, also requires Galectin-9. We found that the extracellular region of DR3 directly binds to Galectin-9, and that Galectin-9 associates with DR3 in Tregs. From studies in vitro with Galectin-9−/− CD4+ T cells and Tregs, we found that stimulatory activity induced by ligating DR3 was in part dependent on Galectin-9. In vivo, in a model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, we show that an agonist of DR3 suppressed disease, correlating with expansion of CD4+Foxp3+ Tregs, and this protective effect was lost in Galectin-9−/− mice. Similar results were seen in an allergic lung inflammation model. Thus, we demonstrate a novel function of Galectin-9 in facilitating activity of DR3 related to Treg-mediated suppression.
Anatomía comparada del sistema digestivo de los lenguados Syacium papillosum y Syacium gunteri (Pleuronectiformes: Paralichthyidae)
Authors: Kobelkowsky Abraham , Rojas-Ruiz María Iraiz
Published: September 2017

Con el fin de conocer la organización anatómica del sistema digestivo de los lenguados Syacium papillosum y Syacium gunteri se analizaron ejemplares adultos de ambos sexos de las 2 especies. Mediante disecciones del esqueleto visceral, la musculatura visceral y el tubo digestivo se reconoció que la morfología del sistema digestivo de las especies está afectada por el extremo aplanamiento del cuerpo, la asimetría de la región cefálica y la reducción del volumen de la cavidad visceral. El aplanamiento de la región cefálica implica un cierto grado de ampliación en el sentido vertical del esqueleto y la musculatura viscerales. La asimetría fue más marcada en las series palatinas de huesos, las mandíbulas y en los músculos aductores mandibulares e intermandibular. La reducción del tamaño de la cavidad visceral debida a la extensión hacia adelante de la aleta anal, implica la ubicación del intestino posterior y del ano en una posición adelantada. Los caracteres más notables del tubo digestivo fueron el gran tamaño del estómago, la presencia de 4 ciegos pilóricos y de la válvula intestinal. El hígado está localizado en el lado izquierdo de la cavidad visceral. La agudeza de los dientes mandibulares y branquiales, el gran desarrollo de los músculos aductores mandibulares y retractores dorsales, el gran tamaño del estómago y la relación intestinal corresponden a especies de hábitos carnívoros. Los caracteres anatómicos que diferencian el sistema digestivo de las 2 especies en estudio, son la presencia de un pequeño ciego estomacal, la mayor longitud del ciego pilórico inferior y 8 branquiespinas en la rama inferior del primer arco branquial en S. papillosum, y la ausencia del ciego estomacal, la menor longitud del ciego pilórico inferior y 7 branquiespinas en la rama inferior del primer arco branquial en S. gunteri. La comparación del sistema digestivo de ambas especies con relación a otros paralíctidos y un bótido, permite reconocer un mismo patrón morfológico. El sistema digestivo de Achirus lineatus (Achiridae) difiere notablemente de los Paralichthyidae y Bothidae por el carácter extravisceral de 2 asas intestinales, mientras que el de Symphurus civitatium (Cynoglossidae) difiere por la presencia de la suspensión del esófago desde 3 vértebras precaudales.
Asociaciones macrobentónicas con presencia de mitílidos de la bahía San Julián (Patagonia austral, Argentina)
Authors: Zaixso Héctor E. , Sar Alicia M. , Lizarralde Zulma I. , Martin Juan P.
Published: September 2017

Las asociaciones de macrobentos con presencia de mitílidos de la bahía San Julián (Patagonia austral, Argentina) fueron muestreadas durante el verano de 2007 para conocer su estructura, diversidad y distribución, y para determinar su relación con diversos factores ambientales. El estudio fue realizado en 3 localidades con diferentes tipos de sustrato y distinta pendiente. El muestreo en cada localidad se realizó en una transecta abarcando diferentes niveles del intermareal y del submareal somero. Se hallaron un total de 46 especies pertenecientes principalmente a moluscos (20), crustáceos (12) y poliquetos (10). Se identificaron 3 asociaciones principales: la asociación Platynereis-Clunio-Darina se distribuyó en el nivel intermareal superior de sustrato fangoso y pendientes suaves y presentó los valores más bajos de número de especies, de diversidad específica y de abundancia de individuos; la asociación Mytilus-Perumytilus se distribuyó en los niveles intermareales medio e inferior en sustrato rocoso o en sustrato fangoso con abundantes elementos de soporte y pendiente media; presentó diversidad específica intermedia y la mayor abundancia de individuos; la asociación Aulacomya-Exosphaeroma presentó el mayor número de especies y la mayor diversidad, pero baja abundancia de individuos, encontrándose relacionado a sustratos rocosos o sustratos fangosos con elementos de soporte y baja pendiente del submareal superior. La riqueza específica y la diversidad de estas asociaciones aumentan desde el nivel superior del intermareal hacia el submareal, posiblemente por efecto de un gradiente complejo de estrés, principalmente ocasionado por la desecación y exposición a temperaturas extremas.
SOURCES: waterborne transport
Authors: Gammon P
Published: September 2017

A follow-up to the successful CORES Project (2009-2014), SOURCES (SOurce apportionment Using isotope Ratio Characterization of oil sands Environmental Samples; 2014-2019) is focused on the development and application of geochemical and isotopic methodologies to
distinguish between natural and anthropogenic contaminants and to better understand processes controlling their distribution in Northern Alberta's Athabasca oil sands region. The project is divided into research projects centred on airborne and waterborne contaminants. The airborne component to
SOURCES is examining inorganic nitrogen species (NH3/NH4 and NO3) in air, soils and trees, and organic contaminants (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons - PAHs) in lake sediments and snow. The waterborne activity is focused on the surface water-groundwater interactions in areas potentially impacted by
emissions from the large tailings ponds. The main contaminants of concern for the waterborne component are metals and naphthenic acids - a complex mixture of carboxylic acids found naturally in bitumen that become concentrated in oil sands process-affected water. As of spring 2017, most fieldwork
required to support this research (both components) has been carried out. Analyses on PAHs in lake sediments and snow, nitrogen and nutrients in tree rings and soils, and metals and naphthenic acids in groundwater and surface water samples are ongoing.
Assessing groundwater vulnerability to shale gas activities in the Sussex area, southern New Brunswick
Authors: Rivard C
Published: September 2017

A project studying potential hydrocarbon migration through natural pathways or fracking-induced fractures from deep (~2 km) Carboniferous shale or tight sand units to shallow aquifers was initiated in 2015 in the Sussex area, southern New Brunswick. The
study area includes the McCully gas field that has been in production since 2001 and the Elgin field that is investigated for its condensate potential. Because the intermediate zone located between shallow aquifers and units targeted for hydrocarbon production is poorly characterized, this project
relies on the integration of data from different earth science disciplines, including geology, geophysics, geomechanics, hydrogeology and water and rock geochemistry.
Fieldwork in 2016-2017 comprised the drilling of observation wells, borehole geophysics, hydraulic tests and groundwater and rock sampling. Initial groundwater chemistry shows that only a few wells contain methane (< 5 mg/L) with either a thermogenic (McCully gas field) or a microbial
(Elgin area) signature. One well in the McCully gas field showed some ethane in groundwater, as well as small amounts of gaseous methane in core samples, while drill cuttings revealed the presence of long-chain hydrocarbons. Rock-Eval analyses of shallow cores showed very low S1, S2 and TOC values,
except for that specific well. 3-D seismic data have been reprocessed and the resulting geological interpretation revealed that faults are mostly confined within the Horton Group, where the two units targeted by the industry are located. In addition, the geomechanical study concluded that the
intermediate zone provides an effective barrier to induced fractures, based on well logs. The development of numerical groundwater flow models (from 1D to 3D) is ongoing. This study will provide a scientific basis to support informed decisions by provincial authorities on future hydrocarbon
development.
Spontaneous heating of Canadian coals during mining and storage - problems and potential solutions
Authors: Chakravorty R N
Published: September 2017

In recent years, the increased coal mining activity in Canada coupled with uncertain market conditions resulted in renewed interest in reviewing the causes which lead to spontaneous heating in coal mining operations and their potential solutions. The paper
discusses the progress made so far to prevent occurrence of spontaneous combustion during mining and storage of coal with the objective of reducing similar hazards in Canadian coal mines. CANMET work to date on the prevention and control of spontaneous combustion is also summarized in this paper
with special emphasis on the early detection of heating.
Excavation and transportation in surface coal mining - the recent past and near future
Authors: Singhal R K
Published: September 2017

Approximately 50 to 60% of the total operating cost in a surface mine is consumed in the excavation and transportation of the mined mineral, consequently, incentive to reduce cost in this area remains high. Although the use of traditional equipment such as
shovel/trucks, draglines, front-end loaders and scrapers is the mainstay of surface mining, the coal industry is now beginning to consider equipment and techniques from non-coal surface mining operations. Mobile equipment has found new applications as it required lower initial capital investments.
This paper reviews some of the equipment and systems developed over the past few years. These relate to the application of hydraulic shovels, bucket wheels, belt conveyors, high angle and cross pit conveyors and off-highway trucks. Some combination systems e.g. bucket wheel excavators, draglines,
and hydraulic shovels loading either into trucks or hoppers discharging on to various types of conveyor systems have reached a remarkable degree of sophistication in application contributing to lower cost and improvement in reclamation due to its selective mining and placement capability. As a
general trend conveyors and conveyor related systems are finding greater acceptance due to their lower operating costs.
Empirical methods of support design for the Sydney Coalfield
Authors: Cain P
Published: September 2017

Support design methods can be divided into two categories: theoretical and empirical. Theoretical methods are usually based on numerical analysis of the interrelationship of the excavation dimensions with the rock and support material properties. Unfortunately,
the analytical models used are rarely extensive enough to include the many and variable parameters which affect the rock/support interaction. Empirical methods can range from no more than an accepted 'rule of thumb' derived from operating experience at a particular location, to full statistical
analysis of a large number of observations made either worldwide or in a particular mining camp. These methods have the advantage that the large number of indeterminate factors which cannot be incorporated into a numerical model are included in the empirical model without necessarily being
individually assessed. This paper reviews some empirical design methods currently in use, and explores their possible role in the design of coal mines in the Sydney Coalfield of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia.
Application of biotechnology for methane control in coal mines
Authors: Chakravorty R N , Forrester P I
Published: September 2017

Effective control of methane during all phases of mining is essential to ensure safer mining environment. This paper reports on work done to date on an unconventional method of methane control based on biotechnology i.e. the use of microorganisms to oxidize
methane into carbon dioxide. Methane oxidizing bacteria which can be grown easily under controlled laboratory conditions have been successfully isolated from some of the Canadian coal mines. Laboratory tests have shown that these organisms can remain active over an extended period with low sulphur
coals and that the rate of methane oxidation is quite appreciable. The use of microorganisms is considered to have potential for large scale application in methane degasification.