bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reinforcement of Gelatin-Based Nanofilled Polymer Biocomposite by Crystalline Cellulose from Cotton for Advanced Wound Dressing Applications
Authors: Bhowmik Shukanta , Islam Jahid , Debnath Tonmoy , Miah Muhammed , Bhattacharjee Shovon , Khan Mubarak
Published: June 2017

This study is designed to extract crystalline cellulose from cotton and reinforcing gelatin film for biomedical applications, especially as a wound dressing material for its exceptional biocompatibility and bio-activity. Moreover, gelatin helps in wound healing and crystalline cellulose as additive can improve its properties. Crystalline cellulose was prepared through hydrolysis and the effects of crystalline cellulose loading on the morphology, mechanical properties, and water sensitivity of the nanocomposite were investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy, tensile strength testing, and water absorption testing. Developed biocomposite film showed homogeneous dispersion of crystalline cellulose within the gelatin matrix and strong interfacial adherence between the matrix and reinforcement. Samples were tested for biocompatibility and in vitro cytotoxicity and found to have excellent biocompatibility without having any cytotoxicity. In vivo wound healing study in an animal model showed 40% increased healing than the model dressed by conventional dressing.
Tannin-Based Copolymer Resins: Synthesis and Characterization by Solid State 13C NMR and FT-IR Spectroscopy
Authors: Tondi Gianluca
Published: June 2017

In recent years, the interest for bio-sources is rising exponentially and tannins extracts are one of the most interesting, easily-available, phenolic building blocks. The condensed tannins or proanthocyanidins are already known for their polymerization chemistry, which is the basis for several natural-based materials (e.g., adhesives, foams). In the present work we aim to observe the behavior of the extract of Acacia Mimosa (Acacia mearnsii) when reacted with several possible co-monomers at different relative amount, pH and temperature conditions. The more insoluble copolymers obtained with formaldehyde, hexamine, glyoxal, maleic anhydride, furfural and furfuryl alcohol were analyzed through solid state 13C NMR (Nuclear magnetic resonance) and FT-IR (Fourier Transform-Infrared) spectroscopy. The 13C NMR afforded the opportunity to detect: (i) aromatic substitutions and consequent poly-condensations for the majority of the hardeners studied; (ii) acylation for the maleic anhydride and also some; (iii) Diels–Alder arrangements for the furanic co-monomers; the FT-IR spectroscopy suggested that the formaldehyde and hexamine copolymers present a higher cross-linking degree.
Polyamidoamine (PAMAM) Dendrimers Modified with Cathepsin-B Cleavable Oligopeptides for Enhanced Gene Delivery
Authors: Lee Seulgi , Son Sang , Song Su , Ha Tai , Choi Joon
Published: June 2017

Because of the complex mechanisms mediating cancer onset, prognosis, and metastatic behavior, different therapeutic approaches targeting these mechanisms have been investigated. Recent advancements in nanocarrier-based drug and gene delivery methods have encouraged scientific groups to investigate various novel therapeutic techniques. In this study, a poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) polymer-based gene carrier containing the cathepsin B-enzyme sensitive sequence (glycine-phenylalanine-leucine-glycine, GFLG) was evaluated to determine transfection efficiency. Following the GFLG sequence, the surface of PAMAM generation 4 (G4) was conjugated with histidine (H) and arginine (R) for improved endosomal escape and cellular uptake, respectively. The successful synthesis of G4-GLFG-H-R was confirmed by 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The polyplex composed of G4-GLFG-H-R and pDNA was simulated by the enzyme cathepsin B and induced endosomal escape of pDNA, which was confirmed by gel electrophoresis. Compared with the G4 control, enzyme-sensitive G4-GLFG-H-R showed higher transfection efficiency and lower cytotoxicity in HeLa cells. These results demonstrated that G4-GLFG-H-R may be a highly potent and efficient carrier for gene therapy applications.
Thiol-Ene Photo-Click Collagen-PEG Hydrogels: Impact of Water-Soluble Photoinitiators on Cell Viability, Gelation Kinetics and Rheological Properties
Authors: Holmes Róisín , Yang Xue-Bin , Dunne Aishling , Florea Larisa , Wood David , Tronci Giuseppe
Published: June 2017

Thiol-ene photo-click hydrogels were prepared via step-growth polymerisation using thiol-functionalised type-I collagen and 8-arm poly(ethylene glycol) norbornene-terminated (PEG-NB), as a potential injectable regenerative device. Type-I collagen was thiol-functionalised by a ring opening reaction with 2-iminothiolane (2IT), whereby up to 80 Abs.% functionalisation and 90 RPN% triple helical preservation were recorded via 2,4,6-Trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) colorimetric assay and circular dichroism (CD). Type, i.e., either 2-Hydroxy-1-[4-(2-hydroxyethoxy) phenyl]-2-methyl-1-propanone (I2959) or lithium phenyl-2,4,6-trimethylbenzoylphosphinate (LAP), and concentration of photoinitiator were varied to ensure minimal photoinitiator-induced cytotoxicity and to enable thiol-ene network formation of collagen-PEG mixtures. The viability of G292 cells following 24 h culture in photoinitiator-supplemented media was largely affected by the photoinitiator concentration, with I2959-supplemented media observed to induce higher toxic response (0.1 → 0.5% (w/v) I2959, cell survival: 62 → 2 Abs.%) compared to LAP-supplemented media (cell survival: 86 → 8 Abs.%). In line with the in vitro study, selected photoinitiator concentrations were used to prepare thiol-ene photo-click hydrogels. Gelation kinetics proved to be largely affected by the specific photoinitiator, with LAP-containing thiol-ene mixtures leading to significantly reduced complete gelation time (τ: 187 s) with respect to I2959-containing mixtures (τ: 1683 s). Other than the specific photoinitiator, the photoinitiator concentration was key to adjusting the hydrogel storage modulus (G’), whereby 15-fold G’ increase (232 → 3360 Pa) was observed in samples prepared with 0.5% (w/v) compared to 0.1% (w/v) LAP. Further thiol-ene formulations with 0.5% (w/v) LAP and varied content of PEG-NB were tested to prepare photo-click hydrogels with porous architecture, as well as tunable storage modulus (G’: 540–4810 Pa), gelation time (τ: 73–300 s) and swelling ratio (SR: 1530–2840 wt %). The photoinitiator-gelation-cytotoxicity relationships established in this study will be instrumental to the design of orthogonal collagen-based niches for regenerative medicine.
A Remote Sensing Approach for Regional-Scale Mapping of Agricultural Land-Use Systems Based on NDVI Time Series
Authors: Bellón Beatriz , Bégué Agnès , Lo Seen Danny , De Almeida Claudio , Simões Margareth
Published: June 2017

In response to the need for generic remote sensing tools to support large-scale agricultural monitoring, we present a new approach for regional-scale mapping of agricultural land-use systems (ALUS) based on object-based Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) time series analysis. The approach consists of two main steps. First, to obtain relatively homogeneous land units in terms of phenological patterns, a principal component analysis (PCA) is applied to an annual MODIS NDVI time series, and an automatic segmentation is performed on the resulting high-order principal component images. Second, the resulting land units are classified into the crop agriculture domain or the livestock domain based on their land-cover characteristics. The crop agriculture domain land units are further classified into different cropping systems based on the correspondence of their NDVI temporal profiles with the phenological patterns associated with the cropping systems of the study area. A map of the main ALUS of the Brazilian state of Tocantins was produced for the 2013–2014 growing season with the new approach, and a significant coherence was observed between the spatial distribution of the cropping systems in the final ALUS map and in a reference map extracted from the official agricultural statistics of the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). This study shows the potential of remote sensing techniques to provide valuable baseline spatial information for supporting agricultural monitoring and for large-scale land-use systems analysis.
Joint Optimization of Receiver Placement and Illuminator Selection for a Multiband Passive Radar Network
Authors: Xie Rui , Wan Xianrong , Hong Sheng , Yi Jianxin
Published: June 2017

The performance of a passive radar network can be greatly improved by an optimal radar network structure. Generally, radar network structure optimization consists of two aspects, namely the placement of receivers in suitable places and selection of appropriate illuminators. The present study investigates issues concerning the joint optimization of receiver placement and illuminator selection for a passive radar network. Firstly, the required radar cross section (RCS) for target detection is chosen as the performance metric, and the joint optimization model boils down to the partition p-center problem (PPCP). The PPCP is then solved by a proposed bisection algorithm. The key of the bisection algorithm lies in solving the partition set covering problem (PSCP), which can be solved by a hybrid algorithm developed by coupling the convex optimization with the greedy dropping algorithm. In the end, the performance of the proposed algorithm is validated via numerical simulations.
A Process Review of the Indashyikirwa Couples Curriculum to Prevent Intimate Partner Violence and Support Healthy, Equitable Relationships in Rwanda
Authors: Stern Erin , Nyiratunga Ritha
Published: June 2017

Indashyikirwa is a Rwandan intimate partner violence (IPV) prevention program being implemented by CARE International Rwanda, Rwanda Women’s Network (RWN), and Rwanda Men’s Resource Centre (RWAMREC). A central aspect of the programme is a 20-session curriculum for heterosexual couples designed to support healthy, non-violent relationships. This paper draws on qualitative interviews with 15 couples (before and after the curriculum) and 9 field staff to assess couples’ impressions, comprehension of, and engagement with this innovative training. Thematic analysis was conducted to compare key findings from both data sources. Couples and staff offered positive assessments of the curriculum including the contextual relevance, the participatory approach, and a high level of dedication to the training was shown by the majority of couples. Many couples appreciated being trained together, and although some men dominated the first few sessions, participation gradually became more gender-balanced, and facilitators emphasized creating a safe environment for equal participation. Curriculum content that was initially resisted or difficult reportedly became easier through couples learning and trying new skills and experiencing relationship benefits first-hand, which emphasizes the value of the skills building component and take home exercises. Important insights for couples-based, educational approaches to IPV prevention are identified from this process review.
Uncovering the Driving Factors of Carbon Emissions in an Investment Allocation Model of China’s High-Carbon and Low-Carbon Energy
Authors: Jiang Shumin , Yang Chen , Guo Jingtao , Ding Zhanwen , Tian Lixin , Zhang Jianmei
Published: June 2017

In the view of long-term comprehensive development, the concept of low-carbon economy has long been a concern. In this paper, we build a pure energy-economic system and explore the exact influencing factors in the investment allocation of high-carbon and low-carbon energy with the purpose of mitigating carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The dynamic analysis shows that the model that we built is applicable for the current market situation and the way we adjust the investments of high-carbon and low-carbon energy are conductive to carbon abatement in the atmosphere. On the basis of the stability analysis and numerical simulation, some strategies are given to decrease the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The results show that the social consumption and public consumption behavior are the most important factors responsible for the variation in the atmospheric carbon dioxide. The cleanliness of high carbon presents an obvious mitigating effect on carbon in the atmosphere and the effect of marginal profit of high-carbon energy is the weakest. In addition, enhancing marginal profit, return on investment and investment share of low-carbon energy are beneficial to reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, while a return on investment of high-carbon energy increasing is the detriment of the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Finally, we provide carbon mitigation effort by considering both economic development and carbon abatement for policymakers to achieve a desirable emission-reduction effect.
Application Status and Problem Investigation of Distributed Generation in China: The Case of Natural Gas, Solar and Wind Resources
Authors: Feng Tian-tian , Yang Yi-sheng , Yang Yu-heng , Wang Dan-dan
Published: June 2017

The development of distributed energy systems in China is one of the important measures to promote the revolution for energy production and its utilization patterns. First of all, we analyze the present application status of China’s distributed generation from three major types: natural gas, photovoltaic, and distributed wind. Secondly, based on the analysis of the project overview, project scale, and project effect in three patterns of distributed generation, we summarize the policy deficiencies and development obstacles. Finally, aiming to promote the development of distributed energy in China, we propose some relevant policies corresponding to countermeasures on the problems existing in the development process of China’s distributed generation of natural gas, photovoltaic, and wind power.
Symmetry and Structure in the POT Family of Proton Coupled Peptide Transporters
Authors: Newstead Simon
Published: June 2017

The POT family of proton coupled oligopeptide transporters belong to the Major Facilitator Superfamily of secondary active transporters and are found widely distributed in bacterial, plant, fungal and animal genomes. POT transporters use the inwardly directed proton electrochemical gradient to drive the concentrative uptake of di- and tri-peptides across the cell membrane for metabolic assimilation. Mammalian members of the family, PepT1 and PepT2, are responsible for the uptake and retention of dietary protein in the human body, and due to their promiscuity in ligand recognition, play important roles in the pharmacokinetics of drug transport. Recent crystal structures of bacterial and plant members have revealed the overall architecture for this protein family and provided a framework for understanding proton coupled transport within the POT family. An interesting outcome from these studies has been the discovery of symmetrically equivalent structural and functional sites. This review will highlight both the symmetry and asymmetry in structure and function within the POT family and discuss the implications of these considerations in understanding transport and regulation.
Zika Virus: Recent Advances towards the Development of Vaccines and Therapeutics
Authors: McArthur Monica
Published: June 2017

Zika is a rapidly emerging public health threat. Although clinical infection is frequently mild, significant neurological manifestations have been demonstrated in infants born to Zika virus (ZIKV) infected mothers. Due to the substantial ramifications of intrauterine infection, effective counter-measures are urgently needed. In order to develop effective anti-ZIKV vaccines and therapeutics, improved animal models and a better understanding of immunological correlates of protection against ZIKV are required. This review will summarize what is currently known about ZIKV, the clinical manifestations and epidemiology of Zika as well as, the development of animal models to study ZIKV infection, host immune responses against ZIKV, and the current state of development of vaccines and therapeutics against ZIKV.
Dual-Control of Autothermal Thermophilic Aerobic Digestion Using Aeration and Solid Retention Time
Authors: Nájera Silvano , Gil-Martínez Montserrat , Rico-Azagra Javier
Published: June 2017

Autothermal thermophilic aerobic digestion (ATAD) is an advanced sewage sludge treatment which allows compliance with increasingly demanding regulations. Concerning sludge pasteurization, a certain average temperature must be assured in the digester during batch treatment. Aeration flow is the variable most manipulated to regulate the digester temperature. Additionally, the manipulation of the batch sludge flow—which is related to the solid-retention-time—is considered to improve temperature regulation despite variations in air and sludge temperatures and the variability of raw sludge organic content. Thus, a dual-input control structure was provided where the aeration and solid-retention-time contributed as faster and slower inputs, respectively. Two controllers intervened, and the set-point for the batch average temperature was chosen to meet the minimum effluent quality established by the US regulations or European recommendations, considering that lower set point temperatures save aeration costs. A set-point for the aeration allowed us to achieve an extra goal, which aimed at either reducing operation costs or increasing production rates. The two feedback controllers were designed following the robust control methodology known as quantitative feedback theory (QFT). Improvements were compared with single-input (aeration-flow) control strategy and open-loop control strategy. Simulations were performed on a benchmark non-linear simulation model for ATAD.
Effects of Selected Root Exudate Components on Nitrogen Removal and Development of Denitrifying Bacteria in Constructed Wetlands
Authors: Wu Hailu , Wang Xinze , He Xiaojuan
Published: June 2017

Root exudates, particularly low molecular weight carbon (LMWC) substrates, are major drivers of bacterial diversity and activity in the rhizosphere environment. However, it is not well understood how specific LMWC compounds—such as organic acids, soluble sugars, and amino acids—influence the community structures of denitrifying bacteria or if there are specific functions of LMWC substrates that preferentially respond to nitrogen (N) removal in constructed wetlands (CWs). To address these knowledge gaps, we added mixtures of artificial exudates to CW microcosms containing N pollutant. N removal efficiency was observed over a 48-h experimental period, and at the end of the experiment, DNA was extracted from microbial samples for assessment of the bacterial community. The removal efficiencies of TN for the exudates treatments were higher than for control groups by 47.1–58.67%. Organic acid and soluble sugar treatments increased N removal, while amino acids were negative to N removal. The microbial community was changed when artificial exudates were added, but there were no significant relationships between LMWC compounds and bacterial community composition. These results indicate that although the responses of community structures of denitrifying bacteria to LMWC additions are still uncertain, there is evidence for N removal in response to exudate additions across LMWC types.
Nutrients and Phytoplankton in a Shallow, Hypereutrophic Urban Lake: Prospects for Restoration
Authors: Norris Brianne , Laws Edward
Published: June 2017

University Lake, a shallow, artificial, urban lake adjacent to the campus of Louisiana State University, has a long history of water quality problems, including algal blooms, fish kills, and high concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria. Periodic dredging of the lake is necessary to prevent its return to swampland. This study was undertaken to elucidate the roles of allochthonous versus autochthonous nutrients as causes of water quality problems in the lake, with the expectation that this information would help identify strategies for lake restoration. Photosynthetic rates and concentrations of inorganic nutrients and phytoplankton pigments were measured over a period of one year. More than 90% of the chlorophyll a (chl a) in the lake was accounted for by Chlorophyceae, Cyanophyceae, and Bacillariophyceae. Concentrations of chl a, which averaged 75 μg L−1, fluctuated weekly during dry weather by as much as a factor of four. Phytoplankton growth rates were about 30% higher 1–2 days after rain events than after periods of dry weather, the implication being that allochthonous nutrient loading has a significant effect on the dynamics of the phytoplankton community in the lake. Therefore, dredging of sediments will likely produce no long-term improvement in water quality. More than 100 storm drains currently discharge into the lake, and diversion of those drains may be the most cost-effective strategy for effecting a long-term improvement in water quality.
‘Intern life’: a longitudinal study of burnout, empathy, and coping strategies used by French GPs in training
Authors: Galam Eric , Vauloup Soupault Camille , Bunge Lucie , Buffel du Vaure Céline , Boujut Emilie , Jaury Philippe
Published: June 2017

Background

More than half of French medical GP trainees (GPTs) suffer from burnout.

Aim

To define and follow the evolution of risk factors, such as empathy and coping strategies, associated with burnout in this population.

Design & setting

Prospective longitudinal study involving volunteers of 577 Parisian university GPTs in 2012.

Method

Self-reported anonymous online questionnaires were sent three times every 6 months to all participants. Stress was measured using the Intern-Life scale and burnout using the Maslach Inventory, and anxiety and depression measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Sociodemographic, professional, and personal data, including coping strategies and measures of empathy were also collected.

Results

In total 343 questionnaires were fully completed at baseline (T0): 304 were usable at baseline, 169 were usable at 6 months (T1) and 174 at 1 year (T2). Stress rates decreased sharply between T1 (scores 42.96) and T2 (17.08), while scores for burnout remained relatively stable: more than 13% of GPTs had high scores in all three dimensions of burnout. Depersonalisation increased from 61% (T1) to 66% (T2). One hundred and four paired samples were analysed between T0 and T1, and between T1 and T2. Emotion-centred coping was associated with emotional exhaustion (P<0.05), while professional support reduced it. Experiences of aggression increased depersonalisation (P<0.05). Social support, problem-centred coping, perspective-taking empathy, and professional support improved the sense of personal accomplishment (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Tools to help GPTs are available but are underused. More training in doctor–patient relationships and understanding of medical hidden curricula are necessary to decrease burnout among GPTs and improve their wellbeing and patient care.
Cérémonies d'hommage à Sarasvatī et aides à l'éducation chez les Lohāṇā de Pune
Authors: Lachaier Pierre
Published: June 2017

Pierre Lachaier

“Ceremonies of worship of Sarasvatī and educational aids among the Lohāņās of Pune”

Since the 1970s, the two Pune associations of the endogamous Hālāi and Kacchī sections of the Lohāņā caste have encouraged their young members to continue their studies by granting them an increasing amount of aid. The annual prize-giving ceremony organized on the occasion of the worship of Sarasvatī—goddess of art and knowledge—, is first shortly described. Secondly, the educational aid programs of the Pune associations over some thirty years are compared. Finally, the school and academic results are analysed quantitatively, using the data supplied by the three censuses that each section has compiled during this period.
Réhabiliter le Funan. Óc Eo ou la première Angkor
Authors: Bourdonneau Éric
Published: June 2017

Éric Bourdonneau

“Rehabilitating Funan. Óc Eo, or, the first Angkor”

Funanese history is one of the main transitional periods in the history of Southeast Asia. This makes it very susceptible to the changing historiographical positions on the two great issues of Indianization and state-formation. For more than three decades, in reaction to previous studies, the new priority has been to demonstrate how these two processes had no real effect on the cultural and socio-political continuity of the history of the region. Because Funanese history had earlier been taken to illustrate the close connection between Indianization and state-formation, it seemed imperative to review this history, given the perceived importance of the separation of these two processes.

The outcome of this new approach is a curious view of Funanese history deprived of its main documentary sources in order to fit the concept of an only superficially Indianized “proto-state”. In that respect, the surprising omission of the “urbanism” of Óc Eo speaks for itself. The purpose of the present paper is to undertake afresh the description of this urbanism and to demonstrate again, thanks in part to newly available data, both its antiquity and the reference to an Indian model. That leads us to rethink the place of Óc Eo in the urban history of the region, and to consider it as a kind of “first Angkor” whose geometric “urbanism” is a major feature of ancient Cambodia.
The Qianlong Emperor's Western Vistas: Linear Perspective and Trompe l'Oeil Illusion in the European Palaces of the Yuanming yuan
Authors: R. Finlay John
Published: June 2017

John R. Finlay

« Les perspectives occidentales de l'empereur Qianlong : perspective linéaire et trompe-l'œil dans les palais européens du Yuanming yuan »

L'empereur Qianlong (r. 1736-1795) appréciait les jeux de trompe-l'œil rendus possibles par la technique artistique européenne de la perspective linéaire. Les artistes missionnaires jésuites exerçant à la cour des Qing, parmi lesquels l'Italien Giuseppe Castiglione, alimentèrent le goût impérial pour les images occidentales exotiques avec de nombreuses peintures et décorations murales. Cependant, les illusions visuelles les plus spectaculaires créées pour l'empereur faisaient partie d'un groupe de bâtiments construits au Yuanming yuan, le palais-jardin impérial des Qing situé dans le nord- ouest de Pékin dans un style hybride européen et chinois. C'est dans ce complexe, au sein des palais dits « européens », que l'on recréa pour la contemplation de l'empereur quelques caractéristiques particulières des jardins européens dans des constructions qui décrivaient les illusions merveilleuses des perspectives occidentales. Les sources sur lesquelles Castiglione et ses collègues se sont appuyés et la créativité avec laquelle ils les ont transformées pour leur mécène impérial révèlent une interaction complexe entre les cultures visuelles chinoise et européenne, matérialisée par ces productions exotiques, et d'autres contemporaines, qui font appel aux techniques de trompe-l'œil et ont toutes pour point de mire la personne de l'empereur.
Autour des terres du Lon Srïvisnu et de sa famille : un document administratif du Cambodge angkorien, l'inscription K. 1238
Authors: Griffiths Arlo , Soutif Dominique
Published: June 2017

The stela that bears the inscription K. 1238 appeared on the art market in 2006. It is noteworthy both for the quality of its manufacture and for the wealth and originality of its contents. This text in Angkorian Khmer is administrative in nature. It draws together various orders issued by the royal assembly on the legitimate ownership of different pieces of land that pass from a dignitary to members of his family. It scrupulously records the circumstances of acquisition as well as the persons involved in the transactions. The assembly's writ focuses particularly on the presentation of the properties involved. Rather than their physical description, it is the history of their ownership that is the main priority, in order to preclude that any previous dispute invalidate the transactions. The apparently rather cumbersome administrative process takes recourse to events that sometimes date far back in time; it joins written testimonies, sworn depositions and even a cadastral map. The procedure and reimbursements of debt, whose description often requires technical vocabulary that had heretofore not been attested, help to refine our understanding of ancient Khmer society. The document thus provides a rare glance into the clerks' offices of the royal assembly and will constitute an important source of the study of judiciary institutions in Angkorian Cambodia.
De Dunhuang à Huizhou : notes brèves sur la géographie des premiers temps du livre imprimé en Chine
Authors: Drège Jean-Pierre
Published: June 2017

This article falls into two parts. The first covers the printed book up to the middle of the 1 Oth century and the localities associated with the development of printing — especially Sichuan, for which we have many reports. The situation in Dunhuang or the capital is more complicated. From these places the data are sometimes contradictory. However, "this lack of evidence does not mean that xylography was not widespread in China before the 9th century, but only that — already present in Japan and Korea — it could just as well have originated in Sichuan as in Chang'an or Luoyang or somewhere else." The second part of the article deals with the period from the mid 9th to the 13th century and provides a critical analysis of the datings that have been suggested for the beginning of printing in Huizhou. Although from the time of the printing of the Classics (in the 1 0th century) the printing of Confucian reference works grew more common, and a fair number of works have survived from the time of the Southern Song, the part played by Huizhou publishers was, in the opinion of this writer, more limited than some other scholars have suggested.
Zhang Chao et les Ombres de Rêves ou les amitiés d'un éditeur au temps de l'empereur Kangxi
Authors: Durand Pierre-Henri
Published: June 2017

Born in Huizhou in 1650, Zhang Chao was one of the leading citizens of the prosperous city of Yangzhou, where he became wealthy in the salt trade. An accomplished man of letters always ready to assist his confreres, many of whose books he published, he himself wrote a famous collection of aphorisms and witticisms, Shadows of Buried Dreams, endorsed by 700 comments from 115 of his friends. A careful examination of these comments, with the help of the author's own correspondence, lets us understand the genesis of this work, whose original plates gave rise to several succeeding editions, each augmented by the latest comments received. Shadows of Dreams illustrates a notable feature of Chinese xylography, better fitted to follow changes in the text over time than our Western printing, dedicated to producing editions on an ad hoc basis. Zhang Chao's book, which is seeing a revival of interest in today's China, is not simply a literary work. It is a social document revealing the network of friendships patiently woven by a wise man of the world.
The Archaeological Landscape of Koh Ker, Northwest Cambodia
Authors: Evans Damian
Published: June 2017

This article provides a summary of research activities and outcomes following several years of aerial and ground-based surveys undertaken at Koh Ker, in Preah Vihear Province in northwest Cambodia. Key findings include the discovery of a sophisticated and multi- period system of hydraulic engineering works bearing some similarities to that of Angkor in the 10th century ; the identification of areas likely devoted to intensive agriculture during the Angkorian period ; a re-appraisal of previously identified "roadways" and "city enclosures" ; evidence for domestic habitation and stone working sites ; the degree of connectivity of the northern "road" from Koh Ker to the Beng Mealea to Vat Phu road ; possible continuity of occupation from early historic to post-Angkorian periods ; evidence for the collapse of the water management system ; and indications of large-scale changes to the local environment including alterations in the flows of entire river systems.
Par-delà Vat Phu. Données nouvelles sur l'expansion des espaces khmer et môn anciens au Laos
Authors: Lorrillard Michel
Published: June 2017

Research on the early historical heritage of Laos has for long been limited to the Champassak province only, and specifically to the Vat Phu site. Recent surveys carried out in other southern and central provinces have brought to light some forty sites pertaining to both the Khmer (pre-Angkorian and Angkorian) and Mon cultural spheres and dating from the 7th to the 13th centuries. They display a settlement pattern favouring exchange. These new results bring a significantly new light to the "Indianisation" process at work in the so far neglected middle Mekong valley.
Pour en finir avec la « cité hydraulique » ? Note de lecture de l'ouvrage de Didier Pillot, Jardins et rizières du Cambodge. Les enjeux du développement agricole, 2007
Authors: Bourdonneau Éric
Published: June 2017

L'ouvrage de Didier Pillot vise avant tout à définir les enjeux du développement agricole pour le Cambodge contemporain. Cependant l'auteur privilégie tout au long de son étude une approche dynamique des pratiques agraires et son propos inclut de longs développements sur les époques plus anciennes. La présente note de lecture entend donc souligner l'intérêt de cet ouvrage pour la compréhension de l'histoire agraire du Cambodge, tout en anticipant certaines des objections qu'il pourrait susciter aux yeux des archéologues. Elle se propose d'identifier les grandes hypothèses qui sous-tendent l'analyse de Didier Pillot, mais aussi d'imprimer certaines inflexions à l'histoire sur la longue durée qui est esquissée par l'auteur, en espérant définir là les termes d'un dialogue nécessaire entre historiens et agronomes.
Celebrations of Life. The Gendhing Seblang of Banyuwangi, East Java
Authors: Wessing Robert
Published: June 2017

La dance dite seblang est un rituel agraire des Osing, un groupe ethnique de la région de Banyuwangi, à Java-Est (Indonésie). Lors de ce rituel, les esprits des ancêtres et les esprits tutélaires du village sont invoqués pour participer à une transe dansée, dont le but est d'assurer une prospérité durable et des récoltes réussies. Dans ce rituel, une jeune fille ou une femme d'âge mûr sont possédées par l'esprit tutélaire de la communauté, qui peut donc ainsi participer à cet événement. Au cours du rituel, des textes poétiques sont chantés, qui illustrent tant le cycle agraire que la vie des peuples osing, intimement liée à ce dernier.

Au fil des ans, sous l'influence de l'islam et de la vie moderne, les référents d'origine de ce rituel se sont trouvés obscurcis et les versets, qui relèvent de la tradition orale, s'en trouvent progressivement altérés, entraînant des interprétations de moins en moins rigoureuses de leur contenu.

En partant de l'hypothèse que ces textes doivent avoir un rapport avec le rituel pendant lequel ils sont chantés, on en a comparé les diverses versions connues, pour tenter d'en reconstituer une version originale plausible. Lorsque les éléments lexicaux ne sont pas attestés dans la langue osing, on a recherché des mots phonétiquement proches (des «siminymes ») qui ont un rapport avec le but du rituel.

Après cette reconstitution, les textes peuvent être classés en cinq catégories : 1) versets d'ouverture, invitant la population et les esprits à participer ; 2) versets en rapport avec la riziculture ; 3) versets en rapport avec la vie familiale et les relations sexuelles ; 4) versets décrivant les cours et la mythologie ; 5) versets de clôture, demandant à la population et aux esprits de rentrer chez eux.

Après cette élucidation, les versets sont réexaminés dans le contexte du rituel seblang, dont le but est d'assurer le succès des récoltes et la prospérité. La danse et les versets sont interprétés comme des offrandes aux ancêtres et aux esprits tutélaires donnant une image vocalisée de la vie du village, narration qui doit amener la situation désirée. La danseuse possédée, truchement de l'esprit tutélaire qui permet à ce dernier de participer, constitue le sacrifice rituel offert en échange de la prospérité espérée.
Decoupled leaf and root carbon economics is a key component in the ecological diversity and evolutionary divergence of deciduous and evergreen lineages of genusRhododendron
Authors: Medeiros Juliana S. , Burns Jean H. , Nicholson Jaynell , Rogers Louisa , Valverde‐Barrantes Oscar
Published: June 2017

PREMISE:

We explored trait–trait and trait–climate relationships for 27Rhododendronspecies while accounting for phylogenetic relationships and within‐species variation to investigate whether leaf and root traits are coordinated across environments and over evolutionary time, as part of a whole‐plant economics spectrum.

METHODS:

We examined specific leaf area (SLA) and four root traits: specific root length (SRL), specific root tip abundance (SRTA), first order diameter, and link average length, for plants growing in a cold, seasonal climate (Kirtland, Ohio) and a warmer, less seasonal climate (Federal Way, Washington) in the United States. We estimated a phylogeny and species’ climate of origin, determined phylogenetic signal on mean traits and within‐species variation, and used phylogenetically informed analysis to compare trait–trait and trait–climate relationships for deciduous and evergreen lineages.

RESULTS:

Mean SLA and within‐species variation in SRL were more similar between close relatives than expected by chance. SLA and root traits differed according to climate of origin and across growth environments, though SLA differed within‐ and among‐species less than roots. A negative SRL–SRTA correlation indicates investment in foraging scale vs. precision as a fundamental trade‐off defining the root economic spectrum. Also, the deciduous clade exhibited a strong negative relationship between SLA and SRL, while evergreen clades showed a weaker positive or no relationship.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our work suggests that natural selection has shaped relationships between above‐ and belowground traits in genusRhododendronand that leaf and root traits may evolve independently. Morphological decoupling may help explain habitat diversity amongRhododendronspecies, as well as the changes accompanying the divergence of deciduous and evergreen lineages.
Technology Costs as a Barrier to Energy and Water Efficiency in the Commercial Sector of the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Marinshaw Richard , Gallaher Michael , Alam Tanzeed , Rouchdy Nadia
Published: June 2017

Studies have shown that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has some of the highest electricity and water consumption rates in the world. To understand the barriers to the adoption of energy and water efficiency, Emirates Wildlife Society in association with the World Wildlife Fund conducted 363 face-to-face interviews with representatives of companies tasked with energy and water management. The purpose was to understand the most important barriers hindering the UAE’s private sector from achieving wide-scale energy and water efficiency and to begin to identify solutions to mitigate these barriers. This paper focuses on technology costs as a barrier to energy and water efficiency in the commercial sector. Preliminary analysis indicates that, for the commercial sector, a contributing factor to the perception that efficient technologies are costly is the lack of accurate information on the full range and life cycle costs and benefits of efficient products. The most immediate solutions would be to address the financing and informational aspects of the technology cost barrier, as well as potentially provide incentives, such as rebates. In addition, attention must be given to barriers underlying many of the technology cost issues, such as subsidized tariffs and relatively few standards that would encourage adoption.
Variable Stars in Local Group Galaxies. III. And VII, NGC 147, and NGC 185: Insight into the Building Blocks of the M31 Halo∗
Authors: Monelli M. , Fiorentino G. , Bernard E. J , Martínez-Vázquez C. E. , Bono G. , Gallart C. , Dall’Ora M. , Stetson P. B.
Published: June 2017

We present the discovery of 1568 RR Lyrae stars in three of the most luminous M31 satellites: And VII (573), NGC 147 (177), and NGC 185 (818). We use their properties to study the formation history of Local Group spiral haloes, and in particular, to infer about the nature of their possible building blocks by comparison with available data for RR Lyrae stars in the halo and in a sample of satellites of M31 and the Milky Way. We find that the brightest satellites and the halos of both galaxies host a number of High Amplitude Short Period (HASP) RR Lyrae variable stars, which are missing in the faintest satellites. HASP variable stars have been shown by Fiorentino et al. to be tracers of a population of stars as metal-rich as [Fe/H] ≃ −1.5 and older than

≃
10

Gyr

. This suggests that the metal-rich M31 and MW halo component, which manifests through the HASP phenomenon, comes from massive dwarf galaxy building blocks, as the low-mass dwarfs did not chemically enrich fast enough to produce them. All detected variable stars are new discoveries; in particular, this work presents the first detections of RR Lyrae stars in And VII. Moreover, a number of candidate Anomalous Cepheids, and binary and long-period variable stars have been detected. We provide pulsation properties (period, amplitude, mean magnitude), light curves, and time series photometry for all of the variable stars in the three galaxies.
Pulsed Accretion in the T Tauri Binary TWA 3A
Authors: Tofflemire Benjamin M. , Mathieu Robert D. , Herczeg Gregory J. , Akeson Rachel L. , Ciardi David R.
Published: June 2017

TWA 3A is the most recent addition to a small group of young binary systems that both actively accrete from a circumbinary disk and have spectroscopic orbital solutions. As such, it provides a unique opportunity to test binary accretion theory in a well-constrained setting. To examine TWA 3A’s time-variable accretion behavior, we have conducted a two-year, optical photometric monitoring campaign, obtaining dense orbital phase coverage (∼20 observations per orbit) for ∼15 orbital periods. From U-band measurements we derive the time-dependent binary mass accretion rate, finding bursts of accretion near each periastron passage. On average, these enhanced accretion events evolve over orbital phases 0.85 to 1.05, reaching their peak at periastron. The specific accretion rate increases above the quiescent value by a factor of ∼4 on average but the peak can be as high as an order of magnitude in a given orbit. The phase dependence and amplitude of TWA 3A accretion is in good agreement with numerical simulations of binary accretion with similar orbital parameters. In these simulations, periastron accretion bursts are fueled by periodic streams of material from the circumbinary disk that are driven by the binary orbit. We find that TWA 3A’s average accretion behavior is remarkably similar to DQ Tau, another T Tauri binary with similar orbital parameters, but with significantly less variability from orbit to orbit. This is only the second clear case of orbital-phase-dependent accretion in a T Tauri binary.
Electron Scattering by High-frequency Whistler Waves at Earth’s Bow Shock
Authors: Oka M. , III L. B. Wilson , Phan T. D. , Hull A. J. , Amano T. , Hoshino M. , Argall M. R. , Contel O. Le , Agapitov O. , Gershman D. J. , Khotyaintsev Y. V. , Burch J. L. , Torbert R. B. , Pollock C. , Dorelli J. C. , Giles B. L. , Moore T. E. , Saito Y. , Avanov L. A. , Paterson W. , Ergun R. E. , Strangeway R. J. , Russell C. T. , Lindqvist P. A.
Published: June 2017

Electrons are accelerated to non-thermal energies at shocks in space and astrophysical environments. While different mechanisms of electron acceleration have been proposed, it remains unclear how non-thermal electrons are produced out of the thermal plasma pool. Here, we report in situ evidence of pitch-angle scattering of non-thermal electrons by whistler waves at Earth’s bow shock. On 2015 November 4, the Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission crossed the bow shock with an Alfvén Mach number ∼11 and a shock angle ∼84°. In the ramp and overshoot regions, MMS revealed bursty enhancements of non-thermal (0.5–2 keV) electron flux, correlated with high-frequency (0.2–0.4

, where

is the cyclotron frequency) parallel-propagating whistler waves. The electron velocity distribution (measured at 30 ms cadence) showed an enhanced gradient of phase-space density at and around the region where the electron velocity component parallel to the magnetic field matched the resonant energy inferred from the wave frequency range. The flux of 0.5 keV electrons (measured at 1 ms cadence) showed fluctuations with the same frequency. These features indicate that non-thermal electrons were pitch-angle scattered by cyclotron resonance with the high-frequency whistler waves. However, the precise role of the pitch-angle scattering by the higher-frequency whistler waves and possible nonlinear effects in the electron acceleration process remains unclear.
In Vitro Nematophagous Activity of Predatory Fungi on Infective Nematodes Larval Stage of Strongyloidae Family
Authors: Zarrin Majid , Rahdar Mahmoud , Poormohamadi Farzad , Rezaei-Matehkolaei Ali
Published: June 2017

AIM: The main goal of the present research conducted to assess the in vitro activity of the nematophagous fungi Duddingtonia flagrans, Fusarium solani, Verticillium chlamidosporium, and Trichoderma harzianum. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four isolates of fungi including D. flagrans, F. solani , V. chlamidosporium and T. harzianum were used in this study. Horse faeces were used to provide the larvae stage of Strongyloidae family for the experiments.RESULTS: D. flagrans was the most effective fungus to reduce the population of the larval nematodes. D. flagrans was able to kill 100% of larvae after 14 days of incubation. The significant effect was seen after 7 days of incubation, therefore, the live larvae was decreased to 9, 11, 19 and 25 for D. flagrans, V. chlamidosporium, F. solani and T. harzianum, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our results illustrated that D. flagrans were most successful fungus for reducing the number of Strongylidae family larva stage from horse faeces. Follow D. flagrans, the live larvae was significantly reduced for V. chlamidosporium, F. solani and T. harzianum, respectively.