bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fatigue in Emergency Services Operations: Assessment of the Optimal Objective and Subjective Measures Using a Simulated Wildfire Deployment
Authors: Ferguson Sally , Smith Bradley , Browne Matthew , Rockloff Matthew
Published: January 2016

Under controlled laboratory conditions, neurobehavioral assays such as the Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT) are sensitive to increasing levels of fatigue, and in general, tend to correlate with subjective ratings. However, laboratory studies specifically curtail physical activity, potentially limiting the applicability of such findings to field settings that involve physical work. In addition, laboratory studies typically involve healthy young male participants that are not always representative of a typical working population. In order to determine whether these findings extend to field-like conditions, we put 88 Australian volunteer firefighters through a multi-day firefighting simulation. Participants were required to perform real-world physical and cognitive tasks under conditions of elevated temperature and moderate sleep restriction. We aimed to examine changes in fatigue in an effort to determine the optimum objective and subjective measures. Objective and subjective tests were sensitive to fatigue outside laboratory conditions. The PVT was the most sensitive assay of objective fatigue, with the Samn-Perelli fatigue scale the most sensitive of the subjective measures. The Samn-Perilli fatigue scale correlated best with PVT performance, but explained a small amount of variance. Although the Samn-Perelli scale can be easily administered in the field, the wide range of individual variance limits its efficacy as a once-off assessment tool. Rather, fatigue measures should be applied as a component of a broader fatigue risk management system. Findings provide firefighting agencies, and other occupations involving physical work, guidance as to the most sensitive and specific measures for assessing fatigue in their personnel.
Does Suspected Sleep Disordered Breathing Impact on the Sleep and Performance of Firefighting Volunteers during a Simulated Fire Ground Campaign?
Authors: Jay Sarah , Smith Bradley , Windler Samantha , Dorrian Jillian , Ferguson Sally
Published: January 2016

Adequate sleep is fundamental to workplace performance. For volunteer firefighters who work in safety critical roles, poor performance at work can be life threatening. Extended shifts and sleeping conditions negatively impact sleep during multi-day fire suppression campaigns. Having sleep disordered breathing (SDB) could contribute further to sleep deficits. Our aim was to investigate whether those with suspected SDB slept and performed more poorly during a fire ground simulation involving sleep restriction. Participants, n = 20 participated in a 3-day-4-night fire ground simulation. Based on oximetry desaturation index data collected during their participation, participants were retrospectively allocated to either a SDB (n = 8) or a non-SDB group (n = 12). The simulation began with an 8 h Baseline sleep (BL) followed by two nights of restricted (4 h) sleep and an 8 h recovery sleep (R). All sleeps were recorded using a standard electroencephalography (EEG) montage as well as oxygen saturation. During the day, participants completed neurobehavioral (response time, lapses and subjective fatigue) tasks. Mixed effects ANOVA were used to compare differences in sleep and wake variables. Analyses revealed a main effect of group for Total sleep (TST), REM , wake after sleep onset (WASO) and Arousals/h with the SDB group obtaining less TST and REM and greater WASO and Arousals/h. The group × night interaction was significant for N3 with the SDB group obtaining 42 min less during BL. There was a significant main effect of day for RRT, lapses and subjective fatigue and a significant day × group interaction for RRT. Overall, the SDB group slept less, experienced more disturbed sleep and had poorer response time performance, which was exacerbated by the second night of sleep restriction. This could present a safety concern, particularly during longer campaigns and is worthy of further investigation. In addition, we would recommend promotion of awareness of SDB, its symptoms and potential impact among volunteers and relevant agencies.
Tests of a New Drowsiness Characterization and Monitoring System Based on Ocular Parameters
Authors: François Clémentine , Hoyoux Thomas , Langohr Thomas , Wertz Jérôme , Verly Jacques
Published: January 2016

Drowsiness is the intermediate state between wakefulness and sleep. It is characterized by impairments of performance, which can be very dangerous in many activities and can lead to catastrophic accidents in transportation or in industry. There is thus an obvious need for systems that are able to continuously, objectively, and automatically estimate the level of drowsiness of a person busy at a task. We have developed such a system, which is based on the physiological state of a person, and, more specifically, on the values of ocular parameters extracted from images of the eye (photooculography), and which produces a numerical level of drowsiness. In order to test our system, we compared the level of drowsiness determined by our system to two references: (1) the level of drowsiness obtained by analyzing polysomnographic signals; and (2) the performance of individuals in the accomplishment of a task. We carried out an experiment in which 24 participants were asked to perform several Psychomotor Vigilance Tests in different sleep conditions. The results show that the output of our system is well correlated with both references. We determined also the best drowsiness level threshold in order to warn individuals before they reach dangerous situations. Our system thus has significant potential for reliably quantifying the level of drowsiness of individuals accomplishing a task and, ultimately, for preventing drowsiness-related accidents.
Ginsenoside-Rd Promotes Neurite Outgrowth of PC12 Cells through MAPK/ERK- and PI3K/AKT-Dependent Pathways
Authors: Wu Song-Di , Xia Feng , Lin Xue-Mei , Duan Kang-Li , Wang Fang , Lu Qing-Li , Cao Huan , Qian Yi-Hua , Shi Ming
Published: January 2016

Panax ginseng is a famous herbal medicine widely used in Asia. Ginsenosides have been identified as the principle active ingredients for Panax ginseng’s biological activity, among which ginsenoside Rd (Rd) attracts extensive attention for its obvious neuroprotective activities. Here we investigated the effect of Rd on neurite outgrowth, a crucial process associated with neuronal repair. PC12 cells, which respond to nerve growth factor (NGF) and serve as a model for neuronal cells, were treated with different concentrations of Rd, and then their neurite outgrowth was evaluated. Our results showed that 10 μM Rd significantly increased the percentages of long neurite- and branching neurite-bearing cells, compared with respective controls. The length of the longest neurites and the total length of neurites in Rd-treated PC12 cells were much longer than that of respective controls. We also showed that Rd activated ERK1/2 and AKT but not PKC signalings, and inhibition of ERK1/2 by PD98059 or/and AKT by LY294002 effectively attenuated Rd-induced neurite outgrowth. Moreover, Rd upregulated the expression of GAP-43, a neuron-specific protein involved in neurite outgrowth, while PD98059 or/and LY294002 decreased Rd-induced increased GAP-43 expression. Taken together, our results provided the first evidence that Rd may promote the neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells by upregulating GAP-43 expression via ERK- and ARK-dependent signaling pathways.
Liensinine- and Neferine-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Primary Neonatal Rat Cardiomyocytes and Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Yu Yangyang , Sun Shennan , Wang Shifeng , Zhang Qiao , Li Ming , Lan Feng , Li Shiyou , Liu Chunsheng
Published: January 2016

Due to drug-induced potential congestive heart failure and irreversible dilated cardiomyopathies, preclinical evaluation of cardiac dysfunction is important to assess the safety of traditional or novel treatments. The embryos of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertner seeds are a homology of traditional Chinese medicine and food. In this study, we applied the real time cellular analysis (RTCA) Cardio system, which can real-time monitor the contractility of cardiomyocytes (CMs), to evaluate drug safety in rat neonatal CMs and human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPS-CMs). This study showed detailed biomechanical CM contractility in vitro, and provided insights into the cardiac dysfunctions associated with liensinine and neferine treatment. These effects exhibited dose and time-dependent recovery. Neferine showed stronger blocking effect in rat neonatal CMs than liensinine. In addition, the effects of liensinine and neferine were further evaluated on hiPS-CMs. Our study also indicated that both liensinine and neferine can cause disruption of calcium homeostasis. For the first time, we demonstrated the potential cardiac side effects of liensinine or neferine. While the same inhibition was observed on hiPS-CMs, more importantly, this study introduced an efficient and effective approach to evaluate the cardiotoxicity of the existing and novel drug candidates.
Regulation of Expression and Evolution of Genes in Plastids of Rhodophytic Branch
Authors: Zverkov Oleg , Seliverstov Alexandr , Lyubetsky Vassily
Published: January 2016

A novel algorithm and original software were used to cluster all proteins encoded in plastids of 72 species of the rhodophytic branch. The results are publicly available at http://lab6.iitp.ru/ppc/redline72/ in a database that allows fast identification of clusters (protein families) both by a fragment of an amino acid sequence and by a phylogenetic profile of a protein. No such integral clustering with the corresponding functions can be found in the public domain. The putative regulons of the transcription factors Ycf28 and Ycf29 encoded in the plastids were identified using the clustering and the database. A regulation of translation initiation was proposed for the ycf24 gene in plastids of certain red algae and apicomplexans as well as a regulation of a putative gene in apicoplasts of Babesia spp. and Theileria parva. The conserved regulation of the ycf24 gene expression and specificity alternation of the transcription factor Ycf28 were shown in the plastids. A phylogenetic tree of plastids was generated for the rhodophytic branch. The hypothesis of the origin of apicoplasts from the common ancestor of all apicomplexans from plastids of red algae was confirmed.
Effects on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Porous Concrete for Plant Growth of Blast Furnace Slag, Natural Jute Fiber, and Styrene Butadiene Latex Using a Dry Mixing Manufacturing Process
Authors: Kim Hwang-Hee , Kim Chun-Soo , Jeon Ji-Hong , Park Chan-Gi
Published: January 2016

To evaluate the effects of industrial by-products materials on the performance of porous concrete for plant growth, this study investigated the physical, strength, and freeze/thaw resistances of porous concrete for plant growth, prepared by replacing cement with blast furnace slag powder at 60% by weight, and replacing natural stone aggregates with coarse blast furnace slag aggregates at rates of 0%, 20%, 40%, 60% and 100% by weight. In addition, the effects of adding natural jute fiber and styrene butadiene (SB) latex to these concrete mixtures were evaluated. The void ratio, compressive strength, and freeze/thaw resistance of the samples were measured. With increasing replacement rate of blast furnace aggregates, addition of latex, and mixing of natural jute fiber the void ratio of the concrete was increased. Compressive strength decreased as the replacement rate of blast-furnace slag aggregates increased. The compressive strength decreased after 100 freeze/thaw cycles, regardless of the replacement rate of blast furnace slag aggregates or of the addition of natural jute fiber and latex. The addition of natural jute fiber and latex decreased the compressive strength after 100 freeze/thaw cycles. The test results indicate that the control mixture satisfied the target compressive strength of 10 MPa and the target void ratio of 25% at replacement rates of 0% and 20% for blast furnace aggregates, and that the mixtures containing latex satisfied the criteria up to an aggregate replacement rate of 60%. However, the mixtures containing natural jute fiber did not satisfy these criteria. The relationship between void ratio and residual compressive strength after 100 freeze/thaw cycles indicates that the control mixture and the mixtures containing jute fiber at aggregate replacement rates of 20% and 40% satisfied the target void ratio of 25% and the target residual compressive strength of over 80% after 100 freeze/thaw cycles. The mixtures containing latex and aggregate replacement rates up to 60% satisfied the target void ratio and compressive strength.
GC-MS Analysis and Preliminary Antimicrobial Activity of Albizia adianthifolia (Schumach) and Pterocarpus angolensis (DC)
Authors: Abubakar Mustapha , Majinda Runner
Published: January 2016

The non-polar components of two leguminoceae species Albizia adianthifolia (Schumach), and Pterocarpus angolensis (DC) were investigated. GC-MS analysis of the crude n-hexane and chloroform extracts together with several chromatographic separation techniques led to the identification and characterization (using NMR) of sixteen known compounds from the heartwood and stem bark of Albizia adianthifolia and Pterocarpus angolensis respectively. These constituents include, n-hexadecanoic acid (palmitic acid) 1, oleic acid 2, chondrillasterol 3, stigmasterol 4, 24S 5α-stigmast-7-en-3β-ol 5, 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)-, methyl ester 6, trans-13-octadecanoic acid, methyl ester 7, tetradecanoic acid 8, hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester 9, octadecanoic acid 10, tetratriacontane 11, 7-dehydrodiosgenin 12, lupeol 13, stigmasta-3,5-diene-7-one 14, friedelan-3-one (friedelin) 15, and 1-octacosanol 16. Using agar over lay method, the preliminary antimicrobial assay for the extracts was carried out against bacterial (E. coli, P. aeruginosa, B. subtilis, S. aueus) and a fungus/yeast (C. albicans) strains. The n-hexane and chloroform extracts of A. adianthifolia showed the best activity against E. coli with minimum inhibition quantity (MIQ) of 1 µg each while the remaining exhibited moderate-to-weak activity against the test microorganisms.
The Effects of Yin, Yang and Qi in the Skin on Pain
Authors: Adams James
Published: January 2016

The most effective and safe treatment site for pain is in the skin. This chapter discusses the reasons to treat pain in the skin. Pain is sensed in the skin through transient receptor potential cation channels and other receptors. These receptors have endogenous agonists (yang) and antagonists (yin) that help the body control pain. Acupuncture works through modulation of these receptor activities (qi) in the skin; as do moxibustion and liniments. The treatment of pain in the skin has the potential to save many lives and improve pain therapy in most patients.
Utilization of Cyanoacetohydrazide and Oxadiazolyl Acetonitrile in the Synthesis of Some New Cytotoxic Heterocyclic Compounds
Authors: Shaker Soheir , Marzouk Magda
Published: January 2016

A (pyridazinyl)acetate derivative was reacted with thiosemicarbazide and hydrazine hydrate to yield spiropyridazinone and acetohydrazide derivatives, respectively. The acetohydrazide derivative was used as a starting material for synthesizing some new heterocyclic compounds such as oxoindolinylidene, dimethylpyrazolyl, methylpyrazolyl, oxopyrazolyl, cyanoacetylacetohydrazide and oxadiazolylacetonitrile derivatives. The behavior of the cyanoacetylacetohydrazide and oxadiazolylacetonitrile derivatives towards nitrogen and carbon nucleophiles was investigated. The assigned structures of the prepared compounds were elucidated by spectral methods (IR, 1H-NMR 13C-NMR and mass spectroscopy). Some of the newly prepared compounds were tested in vitro against a panel of four human tumor cell lines, namely hepatocellular carcinoma (liver) HePG-2, colon cancer HCT-116, human prostate cancer PC3, and mammary gland breast MCF-7. Also they were tested as antioxidants. Almost all of the tested compounds showed satisfactory activity.
Tomato Aqueous Extract Modulates the Inflammatory Profile of Immune Cells and Endothelial Cells
Authors: Schwager Joseph , Richard Nathalie , Mussler Bernd , Raederstorff Daniel
Published: January 2016

Nutrients transiently or chronically modulate functional and biochemical characteristics of cells and tissues both in vivo and in vitro. The influence of tomato aqueous extract (TAE) on the in vitro inflammatory response of activated human peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) and macrophages was investigated. Its effect on endothelial dysfunction (ED) was analyzed in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Murine macrophages (RAW264.7 cells), PBLs and HUVECs were incubated with TAE. They were activated with LPS or TNF-α in order to induce inflammatory processes and ED, respectively. Inflammatory mediators and adhesion molecules were measured by immune assay-based multiplex analysis. Gene expression was quantified by RT-PCR. TAE altered the production of interleukins (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12) and chemokines (CCL2/MCP-1, CCL3/MIP-1α, CCL5/RANTES, CXCL8/IL-8, CXCL10/IP-10) in PBLs. TAE reduced ED-associated expression of adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, VCAM-1) in endothelial cell. In macrophages, the production of nitric oxide, PGE2, cytokines and ILs (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12), which reflects chronic inflammatory processes, was reduced. Adenosine was identified as the main bioactive of TAE. Thus, TAE had cell-specific and context-dependent effects. We infer from these in vitro data, that during acute inflammation TAE enhances cellular alertness and therefore the sensing of disturbed immune homeostasis in the vascular-endothelial compartment. Conversely, it blunts inflammatory mediators in macrophages during chronic inflammation. A novel concept of immune regulation by this extract is proposed.
Electrospun Poly(lactide-co-glycolide-co-3(S)-methyl-morpholine-2,5-dione) Nanofibrous Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Feng Yakai , Lu Wei , Ren Xiangkui , Liu Wen , Guo Mengyang , Ullah Ihsan , Zhang Wencheng
Published: January 2016

Biomimetic scaffolds have been investigated in vascular tissue engineering for many years. Excellent biodegradable materials are desired as temporary scaffolds to support cell growth and disappear gradually with the progress of guided tissue regeneration. In the present paper, a series of biodegradable copolymers were synthesized and used to prepared micro/nanofibrous scaffolds for vascular tissue engineering. Poly(lactide-co-glycolide-co-3(S)-methyl-morpholine-2,5-dione) [P(LA-co-GA-co-MMD)] copolymers with different l-lactide (LA), glycolide (GA), and 3(S)-methyl-2,5-morpholinedione (MMD) contents were synthesized using stannous octoate as a catalyst. Moreover, the P(LA-co-GA-co-MMD) nanofibrous scaffolds were prepared by electrospinning technology. The morphology of scaffolds was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the results showed that the fibers are smooth, regular, and randomly oriented with diameters of 700 ± 100 nm. The weight loss of scaffolds increased significantly with the increasing content of MMD, indicating good biodegradable property of the scaffolds. In addition, the cytocompatibility of electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds was tested by human umbilical vein endothelial cells. It is demonstrated that the cells could attach and proliferate well on P(LA-co-GA-co-MMD) scaffolds and, consequently, form a cell monolayer fully covering on the scaffold surface. Furthermore, the P(LA-co-GA-co-MMD) scaffolds benefit to excellent cell infiltration after subcutaneous implantation. These results indicated that the P(LA-co-GA-co-MMD) nanofibrous scaffolds could be potential candidates for vascular tissue engineering.
l-Cystine-Crosslinked Polypeptide Nanogel as a Reduction-Responsive Excipient for Prostate Cancer Chemotherapy
Authors: He Liang , Li Di , Wang Zhongtang , Xu Weiguo , Wang Jixue , Guo Hui , Wang Chunxi , Ding Jianxun
Published: January 2016

Smart polymer nanogel-assisted drug delivery systems have attracted more and more attention in cancer chemotherapy because of their well-defined morphologies and pleiotropic functions in recent years. In this work, an l-cystine-crosslinked reduction-responsive polypeptide nanogel of methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(l-phenylalanine-co-l-cystine) (mPEG-P(LP-co-LC)) was employed as a smart excipient for RM-1 prostate cancer (PCa) chemotherapy. Doxorubicin (DOX), as a regular chemotherapy drug, was embedded in the nanogel. The loading nanogel marked as NG/DOX was shown to exhibit glutathione (GSH)-induced swelling and GSH-accelerated DOX release. Subsequently, NG/DOX showed efficient cellular uptake and proliferation inhibition. Furthermore, NG/DOX presented enhanced antitumor efficacy and security in an RM-1 PCa-grafted mouse model in vivo, indicating its great potential for clinical treatment.
The Pollen Coat Proteome: At the Cutting Edge of Plant Reproduction
Authors: Rejón Juan , Delalande François , Schaeffer-Reiss Christine , Alché Juan , Rodríguez-García María , Van Dorsselaer Alain , Castro Antonio
Published: January 2016

The tapetum is a single layer of secretory cells which encloses the anther locule and sustains pollen development and maturation. Upon apoptosis, the remnants of the tapetal cells, consisting mostly of lipids and proteins, fill the pits of the sculpted exine to form the bulk of the pollen coat. This extracellular matrix forms an impermeable barrier that protects the male gametophyte from water loss and UV light. It also aids pollen adhesion and hydration and retains small signaling compounds involved in pollen–stigma communication. In this study, we have updated the list of the pollen coat’s protein components and also discussed their functions in the context of sexual reproduction
Vertical Profiling of Volcanic Ash from the 2011 Puyehue Cordón Caulle Eruption Using IASI
Authors: Maes Kwinten , Vandenbussche Sophie , Klüser Lars , Kumps Nicolas , De Mazière Martine
Published: January 2016

Volcanic ash is emitted by most eruptions, sometimes reaching the stratosphere. In addition to its climate effect, ash may have a significant impact on civilian flights. Currently, the horizontal distribution of ash aerosols is quite extensively studied, but not its vertical profile, while of high importance for both applications mentioned. Here, we study the sensitivity of the thermal infrared spectral range to the altitude distribution of volcanic ash, based on similar work that was undertaken on mineral dust. We use measurements by the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) instruments onboard the MetOp satellite series. The retrieval method that we develop for the ash vertical profile is based on the optimal estimation formalism. This method is applied to study the eruption of the Chilean volcano Puyehue, which started on the 4th of June 2011. The retrieved profiles agree reasonably well with Cloud-Aerosol LiDAR with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) measurements, and our results generally agree with literature studies of the same eruption. The retrieval strategy presented here therefore is very promising for improving our knowledge of the vertical distribution of volcanic ash and obtaining a global 3D ash distribution twice a day. Future improvements of our retrieval strategy are also discussed.
Estimation of Land Surface Temperature through Blending MODIS and AMSR-E Data with the Bayesian Maximum Entropy Method
Authors: Kou Xiaokang , Jiang Lingmei , Bo Yanchen , Yan Shuang , Chai Linna
Published: January 2016

Land surface temperature (LST) plays a major role in the study of surface energy balances. Remote sensing techniques provide ways to monitor LST at large scales. However, due to atmospheric influences, significant missing data exist in LST products retrieved from satellite thermal infrared (TIR) remotely sensed data. Although passive microwaves (PMWs) are able to overcome these atmospheric influences while estimating LST, the data are constrained by low spatial resolution. In this study, to obtain complete and high-quality LST data, the Bayesian Maximum Entropy (BME) method was introduced to merge 0.01° and 0.25° LSTs inversed from MODIS and AMSR-E data, respectively. The result showed that the missing LSTs in cloudy pixels were filled completely, and the availability of merged LSTs reaches 100%. Because the depths of LST and soil temperature measurements are different, before validating the merged LST, the station measurements were calibrated with an empirical equation between MODIS LST and 0~5 cm soil temperatures. The results showed that the accuracy of merged LSTs increased with the increasing quantity of utilized data, and as the availability of utilized data increased from 25.2% to 91.4%, the RMSEs of the merged data decreased from 4.53 °C to 2.31 °C. In addition, compared with the filling gap method in which MODIS LST gaps were filled with AMSR-E LST directly, the merged LSTs from the BME method showed better spatial continuity. The different penetration depths of TIR and PMWs may influence fusion performance and still require further studies.
System Error Compensation Methodology Based on a Neural Network for a Micromachined Inertial Measurement Unit
Authors: Liu Shi , Zhu Rong
Published: January 2016

Errors compensation of micromachined-inertial-measurement-units (MIMU) is essential in practical applications. This paper presents a new compensation method using a neural-network-based identification for MIMU, which capably solves the universal problems of cross-coupling, misalignment, eccentricity, and other deterministic errors existing in a three-dimensional integrated system. Using a neural network to model a complex multivariate and nonlinear coupling system, the errors could be readily compensated through a comprehensive calibration. In this paper, we also present a thermal-gas MIMU based on thermal expansion, which measures three-axis angular rates and three-axis accelerations using only three thermal-gas inertial sensors, each of which capably measures one-axis angular rate and one-axis acceleration simultaneously in one chip. The developed MIMU (100 × 100 × 100 mm3) possesses the advantages of simple structure, high shock resistance, and large measuring ranges (three-axes angular rates of ±4000°/s and three-axes accelerations of ±10 g) compared with conventional MIMU, due to using gas medium instead of mechanical proof mass as the key moving and sensing elements. However, the gas MIMU suffers from cross-coupling effects, which corrupt the system accuracy. The proposed compensation method is, therefore, applied to compensate the system errors of the MIMU. Experiments validate the effectiveness of the compensation, and the measurement errors of three-axis angular rates and three-axis accelerations are reduced to less than 1% and 3% of uncompensated errors in the rotation range of ±600°/s and the acceleration range of ±1 g, respectively.
A Deterministic Model for Predicting Hourly Dissolved Oxygen Change: Development and Application to a Shallow Eutrophic Lake
Authors: Xu Zhen , Xu Y.
Published: January 2016

Predicting dissolved oxygen (DO) change at a high frequency in water bodies is useful for water quality management. In this study, we developed a deterministic model that can predict hourly DO change in a water body with high frequency weather parameters. The study was conducted during August 2008–July 2009 in a eutrophic shallow lake in Louisiana, USA. An environment monitoring buoy was deployed to record DO, water temperature and chlorophyll-a concentration at 15-min intervals, and hourly weather data including air temperature, precipitation, wind speed, relative humidity, and solar radiation were gathered from a nearby weather station. These data formed a foundation for developing a DO model that predicts rapid change of source and sink components including photosynthesis, re-aeration, respiration, and oxygen consumption by sediments. We then applied the model to a studied shallow lake that is widely representative of lake water conditions in the subtropical southern United States. Overall, the model successfully simulated high-time fluctuation of DO in the studied lake, showing good predictability for extreme algal bloom events. However, a knowledge gap still exists in accurately quantifying oxygen source produced by photosynthesis in high frequency DO modeling.
The Influence of Hydrologic Parameters on the Hydraulic Efficiency of an Extensive Green Roof in Mediterranean Area
Authors: Garofalo Giuseppina , Palermo Stefania , Principato Francesca , Theodosiou Theodoros , Piro Patrizia
Published: January 2016

In an urban environment, green roofs represent a sustainable solution for mitigating stormwater volumes and hydrograph peaks. So far, many literature studies have investigated the hydraulic efficiency and the subsurface runoff coefficient of green roofs, showing their strong variability according to several factors, including the characteristics of storm events. Furthermore, only few studies have focused on the hydraulic efficiency of green roofs under Mediterranean climate conditions and defined the influencing hydrological parameters on the subsurface runoff coefficient. Nevertheless, for designing purposes, it is crucial to properly assess the subsurface runoff coefficient of a given green roof under specific climate conditions and its influencing factors. This study intends to, firstly, evaluate the subsurface runoff coefficient at daily and event-time scales for a given green roof, through a conceptual model implemented in SWMM. The model was loaded with both daily and 1-min rainfall data from two Mediterranean climate sites, one in Thessaloniki, Greece and one in Cosenza, Italy, respectively. Then, the most influencing hydrological parameters were examined through a statistical regression analysis. The findings show that the daily subsurface runoff coefficient is 0.70 for both sites, while the event-based one is 0.79 with a standard deviation of 0.23 for the site in Cosenza, Italy. The multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the influencing parameters are the rainfall intensity and antecedent dry weather period with a confidence level of 95%. This study demonstrated that, due to the high variability of the subsurface runoff coefficient, the use of a unique value for design purposes is inappropriate and that a preliminary estimation could be obtained as a function of the total rainfall depth and the antecedent dry weather period by using the validated multi-regression relationship which is site specific.
Saint-Maur en 1570. Les deux projets de Catherine de Médicis
Authors: Grodecki Catherine , Kitaeff Monique
Published: January 2016

On connaît mal la nature et l'étendue des travaux entrepris par Catherine de Médicis à Saint-Maur après qu'elle eut racheté en 1563 le petit château élevé à partir de 1541 par Philibert Delorme pour le cardinal Du Bellay, ni le rôle joué par l'architecte dans le chantier lancé par la reine pour l'achèvement et l'agrandissement du château. Quatre marchés inédits concernant des travaux exécutés en 1570 éclairent d'un jour nouveau le déroulement du chantier et autorisent une nouvelle datation des campagnes de travaux successives déterminées par Monique Kitaeff dans une récente étude : l'une, autour d'un premier projet représenté par des dessins au British Museum, dont Philibert Delorme serait l'auteur, et qui reçut sous sa direction un commencement d'exécution (env. 1563-août 1570) ; et l'autre, autour d'un second projet représenté par le plan publié en 1579 par Du Cerceau {Les plus excellents bâtiments de France , II), mis en œuvre dès septembre 1570, après l'abandon et la destruction en partie des travaux déjà exécutés. La réalisation de ce second projet était loin d'être terminée à la mort de la reine (1589), comme le prouve une gravure d'Israël Sylvestre montrant en cours l'état d'achèvement du château au milieu du XVIIIe siècle.
La première œuvre connue de Jules Hardouin-Mansart : le petit hôtel de Guénégaud, dit de Conti
Authors: Jestaz Bertrand
Published: January 2016

The construction estimate and contract of 2 March 1669 prove that the building known as the small hôtel de Conti, which is today inclosed within the precincts of the Monnaie de Paris, was erected by Jules Hardouin-Mansart for Henri de Guénégaud, who was then the owner of the large hôtel. The assessment of Courtonne and Beausire in 1750 and the drawings made by Antoine when the Monnaie was built indicate that the hôtel underwent some modifications and allow for a more or less accurate reconstitution of its original disposition. In this first work, the young architect takes his inspiration from his great uncle, François Mansart, and Le Muet.
Single-molecule mechanics of protein-labelled DNA handles
Authors: Jadhav Vivek S , Brüggemann Dorothea , Wruck Florian , Hegner Martin
Published: January 2016

DNA handles are often used as spacers and linkers in single-molecule experiments to isolate and tether RNAs, proteins, enzymes and ribozymes, amongst other biomolecules, between surface-modified beads for nanomechanical investigations. Custom DNA handles with varying lengths and chemical end-modifications are readily and reliably synthesized en masse, enabling force spectroscopic measurements with well-defined and long-lasting mechanical characteristics under physiological conditions over a large range of applied forces. Although these chemically tagged DNA handles are widely used, their further individual modification with protein receptors is less common and would allow for additional flexibility in grabbing biomolecules for mechanical measurements. In-depth information on reliable protocols for the synthesis of these DNA–protein hybrids and on their mechanical characteristics under varying physiological conditions are lacking in literature. Here, optical tweezers are used to investigate different protein-labelled DNA handles in a microfluidic environment under different physiological conditions. Digoxigenin (DIG)-dsDNA-biotin handles of varying sizes (1000, 3034 and 4056 bp) were conjugated with streptavidin or neutravidin proteins. The DIG-modified ends of these hybrids were bound to surface-modified polystyrene (anti-DIG) beads. Using different physiological buffers, optical force measurements showed consistent mechanical characteristics with long dissociation times. These protein-modified DNA hybrids were also interconnected in situ with other tethered biotinylated DNA molecules. Electron-multiplying CCD (EMCCD) imaging control experiments revealed that quantum dot–streptavidin conjugates at the end of DNA handles remain freely accessible. The experiments presented here demonstrate that handles produced with our protein–DNA labelling procedure are excellent candidates for grasping single molecules exposing tags suitable for molecular recognition in time-critical molecular motor studies.
ALMA OBSERVATION OF THE 658 GHz VIBRATIONALLY EXCITED H2O MASER IN ORION KL SOURCE I
Authors: Hirota Tomoya , Kim Mi Kyoung , Honma Mareki
Published: January 2016

We present an observational study of the vibrationally excited H2O line at 658 GHz (

= 1,

-1

) toward Orion KL using the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array (ALMA). This line is clearly detected at the position of the massive protostar candidate,  Source I. The spatial structure is compact, with a size of about 100 AU, and is elongated along the northeast–southwest low-velocity (18 km −1) bipolar outflow traced by 22 GHz H2O masers, SiO masers, and thermal SiO lines. A velocity gradient can be seen perpendicular to the bipolar outflow. The overall spatial and velocity structure seems to be analogous to that of the 321 GHz H2O maser line previously detected with ALMA and vibrationally excited SiO maser emission. The brightness temperature of the 658 GHz H2O line is estimated to be higher than 2 × 104 K, implying that it is emitted via maser action. Our results suggest that the 658 GHz H2O maser line is emitted from the base of the outflow from a rotating and expanding accretion disk as observed for the SiO masers and the 321 GHz H2O maser. We also search for two other H2O lines at 646 GHz (9

-8

and

-8

), but they are not detected in Orion KL.
A NEW PERSPECTIVE OF THE RADIO BRIGHT ZONE AT THE GALACTIC CENTER: FEEDBACK FROM NUCLEAR ACTIVITIES
Authors: Zhao Jun-Hui , Morris Mark R. , Goss W. M.
Published: January 2016

New observations of Sgr A have been carried out with the Jansky VLA in the B and C arrays using the broadband (2 GHz) continuum mode at 5.5 GHz. The field of view covers the central 13′ (30 pc) region of the radio-bright zone at the Galactic center. Using the multi-scale and multi-frequency-synthesis (MS-MFS) algorithms in CASA, we have imaged Sgr A with a resolution of 1″, achieving an rms noise of 8 μJy beam−1, and a dynamic range of 100,000:1. Both previously known and newly identified radio features in this region are revealed, including numerous filamentary sources. The radio continuum image is compared with Chandra X-ray images, with a CN emission-line image obtained with the Submillimeter Array and with detailed Paschen-α images obtained with Hubble Space Telescope/NICMOS. We discuss several prominent features in the radio image. The “Sgr A west Wings” extend 2′ (5 pc) from the NW and SE tips of the Sgr A west H ii region (the “Mini-spiral”) to positions located 2.9 and 2.4 arcmin to the northwest and southeast of Sgr A*, respectively. The NW wing, along with several other prominent features, including the previously identified “NW Streamers,” form an elongated radio lobe (NW lobe), oriented nearly perpendicular to the Galactic plane. This radio lobe, with a size of 6.′3 × 3.′2 (14.4 pc × 7.3 pc), has a known X-ray counterpart. In the outer region of the NW lobe, a row of three thermally emitting rings is observed. A field containing numerous amorphous radio blobs extends for a distance of ∼2 arcmin beyond the tip of the SE wing; these newly recognized features coincide with the SE X-ray lobe. Most of the amorphous radio blobs in the NW and SE lobes have Paschen-α counterparts. We propose that they have been produced by shock interaction of ambient gas concentrations with a collimated nuclear wind or an outflow that originated from within the circumnuclear disk (CND). We also discuss the possibility that the ionized wind or outflow has been launched by radiation force produced by the central star cluster. Finally, we remark on the detailed structure of a prominent radio emission feature located within the shell of the Sgr A east supernova remnant. Because this feature—the “Sigma Front”—correlates well in shape and orientation with the nearby edge of the CND, we propose that it is a reflected shock wave resulting from the impact of the Sgr A east blast wave on the CND.
RECONSTRUCTING THE SOLAR WIND FROM ITS EARLY HISTORY TO CURRENT EPOCH
Authors: Airapetian Vladimir S. , Usmanov Arcadi V.
Published: January 2016

Stellar winds from active solar-type stars can play a crucial role in removal of stellar angular momentum and erosion of planetary atmospheres. However, major wind properties except for mass-loss rates cannot be directly derived from observations. We employed a three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic Alfvén wave driven solar wind model, ALF3D, to reconstruct the solar wind parameters including the mass-loss rate, terminal velocity, and wind temperature at 0.7, 2, and 4.65 Gyr. Our model treats the wind thermal electrons, protons, and pickup protons as separate fluids and incorporates turbulence transport, eddy viscosity, turbulent resistivity, and turbulent heating to properly describe proton and electron temperatures of the solar wind. To study the evolution of the solar wind, we specified three input model parameters, the plasma density, Alfvén wave amplitude, and the strength of the dipole magnetic field at the wind base for each of three solar wind evolution models that are consistent with observational constrains. Our model results show that the velocity of the paleo solar wind was twice as fast, ∼50 times denser and 2 times hotter at 1 AU in the Sun's early history at 0.7 Gyr. The theoretical calculations of mass-loss rate appear to be in agreement with the empirically derived values for stars of various ages. These results can provide realistic constraints for wind dynamic pressures on magnetospheres of (exo)planets around the young Sun and other active stars, which is crucial in realistic assessment of the Joule heating of their ionospheres and corresponding effects of atmospheric erosion.
Predictive Value of Prostate Specific Antigen in a European HIV-positive Cohort: Does One Size Fit All?
Authors:   EuroSIDA in EuroCOORD, Shepherd Leah , Borges Álvaro H , Ravn Lene , Harvey Richard , Bower Mark , Grulich Andrew , Silverberg Michael , Kronborg Gitte , Galli Massimo , Kirk Ole , Lundgren Jens , Mocroft Amanda
Published: January 2016

Background

It is common practice to use prostate specific antigen (PSA) ≥4.0 ng/ml as a clinical indicator for men at risk of prostate cancer (PCa), however, this is unverified in HIV+ men. We aimed to describe kinetics and predictive value of PSA for PCa in HIV+ men.

Methods

A nested case control study of 21 men with PCa and 40 matched-controls within EuroSIDA was conducted. Prospectively stored plasma samples before PCa (or matched date in controls) were measured for the following markers: total PSA (tPSA), free PSA (fPSA), testosterone and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). Conditional logistic regression models investigated associations between markers and PCa. Mixed models were used to describe kinetics. Sensitivity and specificity of using tPSA >4 ng/ml to predict PCa was calculated. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to identify optimal cutoffs in HIV+ men for total PSA.

Results

61 HIV+ men were included with a median 6 (IQR 2–9) years follow-up. Levels of tPSA increased by 13.7% per year (95% CI 10.3, 17.3) in cases, but was stable in controls (-0.4%; 95% CI -2.5, 1.7). Elevated PSA was associated with higher odds of PCa at first (OR for twofold higher 4.7; 95% CI 1.7, 12.9; P≤0.01) and last sample (8.1; 95% CI 1.1, 58.9; P=0.04). A similar relationship was seen between fPSA and PCa. Testosterone and SHBG level were not associated with PCa. tPSA level >4 ng/ml had 99% specificity and 38% sensitivity. The optimal PSA cutoff was 1.5 ng/ml overall (specificity =84%, sensitivity =81%).

Conclusions

PSA was highly predictive of PCa in HIV+ men; however, the commonly used PSA>4 ng/ml to indicate high PCa risk was not sensitive in our population and use of the lower cutoff of PSA>1.5 ng/ml warrants consideration.
Un hombre que nunca existió: otra vez Ṭālūt y el judío
Authors: Wasserstein David J.
Published: January 2016

Recientemente (en Al-Qanṭara, 32, 2011), Luis Molina ha estudiado el relato de Ṭālūt y el judío (ya conocido de las fuentes sobre la Revuelta del Arrabal), concluyendo allí que el judío es una pura invención. Aquí se propone que todo el relato, incluyendo también el carácter de Ṭālūt mismo, es inventado, creado probablemente en el curso del siglo IV/X. Lo que nos parece ser pruebas fiables carecen en efecto de veracidad. Las fuentes para Ṭālūt se muestran débiles y poco seguras; problemas de orden cronológico demuestran la dificultad en asumir aún su existencia; todo el relato tiene un carácter fabuloso. Su objetivo no es el de dar información sobre judíos en al-Andalus, ni sobre los participantes – Ṭālūt u otros – en la Revuelta, sino de glorificar al emir de entonces, al-Ḥakam I.
Los graneros sobreelevados rurales en la Hispania romana: materiales y técnicas constructivas
Authors: Salido Domínguez Javier
Published: January 2016

El presente trabajo pretende ser un acercamiento al análisis de las técnicas empleadas en la construcción de los graneros rurales hispanorromanos dotados de pavimentos sobreelevados. Se presta una especial atención a los materiales constructivos y al empeño que supuso la edificación de estas estructuras rurales específicas que requerían de unos conocimientos precisos para mantener en perfectas condiciones de temperatura y humedad los productos agrícolas en el interior de las cámaras de almacenaje.
El poblado en altura de Topaín (segunda región, Chile): una residencia en la Tierra
Authors: Ayán Vila Xurxo M. , García Rodríguez Sonia
Published: January 2016

Este artículo aborda el estudio arqueológico del espacio doméstico del asentamiento de Topaín, ocupado durante la fase final del Período Intermedio Tardío (850-1470 A. D.). Desde la Arqueología del Paisaje y la Arqueología de la Arquitectura llevamos a cabo una relectura de la trama edificada del poblado, empleando como herramientas metodológicas el análisis formal y el análisis sintáctico del espacio. Nuestra interpretación hace hincapié en la existencia de un ordenamiento urbanístico y de toda una escenografía arquitectónica que obedece tanto a factores socioeconómicos (emergente división social) como a tradiciones culturales (culto a los ancestros y a los cerros tutelares).
Dieudonné Niangouna parle de Sony
Authors: Niangouna Dieudonné
Published: January 2016

Entretien repris du blog du festival Mantsina sur scène. La 12e édition s'est tenue du 10 au 30 décembre 2015, à Pointe Noire et Brazzaville, Congo. Direction : Dieudonné Niangouna et Sylvie Dyclo Pomoshttps://festivalmantsina.wordpress.com/2015/12/30/dessine-moi-un-sony/
Histoire d’humeurs à prendre ou à laisser…
Authors: Rodriguez-Antoniotti Greta
Published: January 2016

Texte lu par Nicolas Martin-Granel à la Maison de la Poésie de Paris, le 11 octobre 2015
Approche des espaces de la pratique nautique par l’analyse de la fréquentation : l’exemple du bassin de navigation arcachonnais
Authors: Le Corre Nicolas , Le Berre Solenn , Peuziat Ingrid , Brigand Louis , Courtel Julien
Published: January 2016

Les activités de plaisance connaissent depuis plusieurs décennies un développement remarquable sur les littoraux français. Mais si les infrastructures portuaires sont relativement bien connues, il n’en va pas de même des pratiques nautiques en mer dont la connaissance reste largement lacunaire au regard des enjeux de gestion et de conservation qu’elles impliquent. Cet article présente les méthodes et les principaux résultats d’une étude de fréquentation menée de 2008 à 2010 sur le Bassin d’Arcachon pour notamment évaluer le nombre de bateaux, caractériser et cartographier les espaces de pratique sur ce site éminemment complexe. Sans remettre en cause le concept de bassin de navigation, les résultats permettent d’en préciser le fonctionnement intrinsèque qui repose sur l’existence de sous-territoires de pratique.
In memoriam: Janez Stanonik (1922-2014)
Authors: Igor Maver
Published: January 2016

In memoriam: Janez Stanonik (1922-2014)
The Life and Times of a Learned Jackal for Justice
Authors: Du Plessis L
Published: January 2016

Noscitur a sociis. You are known by the company you keep. Aan jou vriende word jy geken.

If this saying holds, my friends, then I, your guest of honour at this auspicious occasion, am a human being beyond compare, and perhaps even a semblance of the laureate so profusely showered with your praises today. However, acceding to honest introspection, I fully reckon with the possibility that the proverb may be amiss and at any rate not applicable to me. But let me first speak the following words in bold before I say anything more: “My friends, thank you, simply but sincerely, for your unfaltering camaraderie through the years, as together we negotiated the labyrinth that is académe; for your enthusiasm to walk many an extra mile with me and, in sum, for your amicable and caring involvement in the fulfilment of what to me has been a thoroughly gratifying career (so far).