bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stromatoporoid Beds and Flat-Pebble Conglomerates Interpreted as Tsunami Deposits in the Upper Silurian of Podolia, Ukraine
Authors: Łuczyński Piotr , skompski Stanisław , Kozłowski Wojciech
Published: December 2014

Tsunami deposits are currently a subject of intensive studies. Tsunamis must have occurred in the geological past in the same frequency as nowadays, yet their identified depositional record is surprisingly scarce. Here we describe a hitherto unrecognized example of probable palaeotsunamites.

The Upper Silurian (Pridoli) carbonate succession of Podolia (southwestern Ukraine) contains variously devel-oped event beds forming intercalations within peritidal deposits (shallow water limestones, nodular marls and dolomites). The event beds are represented by stromatoporoid and fine-grained bioclastic limestones, in some places accompanied by flat-pebble conglomerates. The interval with event beds can be traced along the Zbruch River in separate outcrops over a distance of more than 20 km along a transect oblique to the palaeoshoreline. The stro-matoporoid beds have erosional bottom surfaces and are composed of overturned and often fragmented massive skele-tons. The material has been transported landward from their offshore habitats and deposited in lagoonal settings. The flat-pebble conglomerates are composed of sub-angular micritic clasts that are lithologically identical to the sediments forming the underlying beds.

Large-scale landward transport of the biogenic material has to be attributed to phenomena with very high energy levels, such as tropical hurricanes or tsunamis. This paper presents a tsunamigenic interpretation. Morphome-tric features of redeposited stromatoporoids point to a calm original growth environment at depths well below storm wave base. Tsunami waves are the most probable factor that could cause their redeposition from such a setting. The vastness of the area covered by parabiostromal stromatoporoid beds resembles the distribution of modern tsunami deposits in offshore settings. The stromatoporoid beds with unsorted stromatoporoids of various dimensions evenly distributed throughout the thickness of the beds and with clast-supported textures most probably represent deposition by traction. In some sections, the stromatoporoids are restricted to the lowermost parts of the beds, which pass upwards into bioclastic limestones. In this case, the finer material was deposited from suspension. The coexistence of stromatoporoid beds and flat-pebble conglomerates also allows presenting a tsunami interpretation of the latter. The propagating tsunami waves, led to erosion of partly lithified thin-layered mudstones, their fragmentation into flat clasts and redeposition as flat-pebble conglomerates.
Pseudo-Riemannian Symmetries on Heisenberg Groups
Authors: Goze Michel , Piu Paola , Remm Elisabeth
Published: December 2014

The notion of Γ-symmetric space is a natural generalization of the classical notion of symmetric space based on Z2-grading on Lie algebras. We consider homogeneous spaces G/H such that the Lie algebra g of G admits a Γ-grading where Γ is a finite abelian group. In this work we study Riemannian metrics and Lorentzian metrics on the Heisenberg group H3 adapted to the symmetries of a Γ-symmetric structure on H3. We prove that the classification of Riemannian and Lorentzian Zl-symmetric metrics on H3 corresponds to the classification of its left-invariant Riemannian and Lorentzian metrics, up to isometry. We study also the Z§-symmetric structures on G/H when G is the (2p + 1)-dimensional Heisenberg group. This gives examples of non-Riemannian symmetric spaces. When k > 1, we show that there exists a family of flat and torsion free affine connections adapted to the Z§-symmetric structures.
The Coagulant Type Influence on Removal Efficiency of 5- and 6-Ring Pahs During Water Coagulation Process
Authors: Nowacka Anna , Włodarczyk-Makuła Maria
Published: December 2014

The article presents results on investigation of the removal efficiency of selected 5- and 6-ring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (benzo[a]pyrene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, benzo[j]fluoranthene, benzo[g,h,i]perylene, indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene, dibenzo[a,h]anthracene) from water during coagulation and sedimentation process. Two pre-hydrolyzed aluminum coagulants: PAX XL 19H and FLOKOR 105V were chosen for research. Process was carried out at optimum process parameters: rapid-mixing - 3 min at the rotational speed of 200 rpm, slow mixing - 10 min at 30 rpm, sedimentation - 60 min. The removal effectiveness was dependant on coagulant type and its composition. Better results in the removal of 5-and 6-ring PAHs were obtained after application of FLOKOR 105V (lower aluminum content) than after using PAX XL 19H.
Analysis of Smart Piezo-Magneto-Thermo-Elastic
Composite and Reinforced Plates:
Part I – Model Development
Authors: Hadjiloizi D. A. , Kalamkarov A.L. , Metti Ch. , Georgiades A. V.
Published: December 2014

A comprehensive micromechanical model for
the analysis of a smart composite piezo-magneto-thermoelastic
thin plate with rapidly-varying thickness is developed
in the present paper. A rigorous three-dimensional
formulation is used as the basis of multiscale asymptotic
homogenization. The asymptotic homogenization model
is developed using static equilibrium equations and the
quasi-static approximation of Maxwell’s equations. The
work culminates in the derivation of a set of differential
equations and associated boundary conditions. These systems
of equations are called unit cell problems and their
solution yields such coefficients as the effective elastic,
piezoelectric, piezomagnetic, dielectric permittivity and
others. Among these coefficients, the so-called product coefficients
are also determined which are present in the behavior
of the macroscopic composite as a result of the interactions
and strain transfer between the various phases
but can be absent from the constitutive behavior of some
individual phases of the composite material. The model
is comprehensive enough to allow calculation of such local
fields as mechanical stress, electric displacement and
magnetic induction. In part II of this work, the theory is
illustrated by means of examples pertaining to thin laminated
magnetoelectric plates of uniform thickness and
wafer-type smart composite plates with piezoelectric and
piezomagnetic constituents. The practical importance of
the model lies in the fact that it can be successfully employed
to tailor the effective properties of a smart composite
plate to the requirements of a particular engineering
application by changing certain geometric or material parameters.
The results of the model constitute an important
refinement over previously established work. Finally, it is
shown that in the limiting case of a thin elastic plate of uniform
thickness the derived model converges to the familiar
classical plate model.
Analysis of Smart Piezo-Magneto-Thermo-Elastic
Composite and Reinforced Plates:
Part II – Applications
Authors: Hadjiloizi D. A. , Kalamkarov A.L. , Metti Ch. , Georgiades A. V.
Published: December 2014

A comprehensive micromechanical model for
the analysis of a smart composite piezo-magneto-thermoelastic
thin plate with rapidly varying thickness is developed
in Part I of thiswork. The asymptotichomogenization
model is developed using static equilibrium equations and
the quasi-static approximation of Maxwell’s equations.
The work culminates in the derivation of general expressions
for effective elastic, piezoelectric, piezomagnetic, dielectric
permittivity and other coefficients. Among these
coefficients, the so-called product coefficients are determined
which are present in the behavior of the macroscopic
composite as a result of the interactions between
the various phases but can be absent from the constitutive
behavior of some individual phases of the composite structure.
The model is comprehensive enough to also allow for
calculation of the local fields of mechanical stresses, electric
displacement and magnetic induction. The present paper
determines the effective properties of constant thickness
laminates comprised of monoclinic materials or orthotropic
materials which are rotated with respect to their
principal material coordinate system. A further example
illustrates the determination of the effective properties of
wafer-type magnetoelectric composite plates reinforced
with smart ribs or stiffeners oriented along the tangential
directions of the plate. For generality, it is assumed that the
ribs and the base plate are made of different orthotropic
materials. It is shown in this work that for the purely elastic
case the results of the derived model converge exactly to
previously established models. However, in the more general
case where some or all of the phases exhibit piezoelectric
and/or piezomagnetic behavior, the expressions
for the derived effective coefficients are shown to be dependent
on not only the elastic properties but also on the
piezoelectric and piezomagnetic parameters of the constituent
materials. Thus, the results presented here represent
a significant refinement of previously obtained results.
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: One Or More Entities?
Authors: Matikas Alexios , Lazaridis Georgios , Agelaki Sofa
Published: December 2014

Characterized by an aggressive clinical course and relatively poor prognosis, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) refers to a diverse group of tumors with distinct molecular characteristics rather than to a single entity. The recognition of distinct gene expression subtypes within the group of TNBC and the description of an ever-expanding set of genetic events has led to improved understanding of the underlying biology. However, the improvement of clinical results has been incremental despite undergoing efforts to evaluate the role of molecularly targeted agents in the treatment of TNBC. The relative rarity of each one of these genetic events increases the difficulty of conducting large clinical trials, further hindering our ability to identify meaningful, personalized treatment approaches. Herein, we summarize current knowledge on TNBC, focusing on molecular pathology and emerging treatment approaches.
The Rates and Effects of Urban Sprawl in Developing Countries: The Case of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Kassa Fekadu
Published: December 2014

This paper presents the rate and effects of urban sprawl in Ethiopia highlighting the city of Addis Ababa. The purpose is to assess the rate and effects of urban sprawl and its role for metropolitan linkage. The study was conducted based on both primary and secondary sources. The primary sources were obtained from selected informants who can be principally distinguished as key government officials such as mayor and head of sub-cities and selected satellite towns. The qualitative approaches used were based on document and content analysis. The rate of urban sprawl along the five outlets of the city is dissimilar. The highest growth rate of urban spread has been observed along the Mojo outlet stretching to the towns of Dukem and Debrezeit; the rate of spread along the Jimma outlet to Alem Gena is also high. A lesser extent of urban sprawl is found along Dessie, Gojam and Nekemite outlets. The rate of urban sprawl along the Mojo and Jimma outlets is more than double that of the other outlets. Holistically, in 2010, the growth of the city stretched along its catchments for an average of about 1 km in all direction, and 2 km along the major outlets. From 2020 onward, it is predicted to 0.5 km intervals. The city may also expand vertically rather than horizontally. Urban sprawl has both positive and negative effects on the areas of expansion and their peoples. The positive effects are that it contributes to improvements in the economy of farmers in the invaded areas, changes their way of life to an urban style, and the indigenous peoples also have a better chance of being reclassified as urban and therefore of engaging in urban employment than under the previous system of farming. This development also plays a significant role in the urban growth of the city and the integration of satellite areas. Thus, the rate of urban growth of the city is very high. The ideal prescription would be to practice strong integrative work with the sub-cities and proximate rural areas in order to encourage timely and proper supervision and to bring the required growth to the city.
In the Wake of TICAD V: Japan-Africa Relations Today
Authors: Tarrósy István
Published: December 2014

The paper looks at how Japan, one of the major donors of African countries, has been redefining its positions on the African continent in terms of bilateral aid and business opportunities, triangular collaboration and multilateral development projects in an increasingly ‘interpolar’ world of international relations. The discussion includes China's expanding presence all over Africa as an important ‘reference point’ for the Japanese public at large and how that may influence Japanese pragmatic foreign policy towards the continent and Japan's involvement in African development. What are Japan's priorities in the wake of hosting the fifth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD V) early in June 2013 in Yokohama? How does Japan go along with its confident manner of inclusive development and ownership in African societies when at the same time it is challenged by China and other emerging actors? What are the items on Japan's agenda for a re-intensified Africa policy?
Correlative Study Between Serum Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 Values and Neurologic Deficit in Acute, Primary, Supratentorial, Intracerebral Haemorrhage
Authors: Petrovska-Cvetkovska Dragana , Dolnenec-Baneva Natalija , Nikodijevik Dijana , Chepreganova-Changovska Tatjana
Published: December 2014

One of the essential characteristics of intracerebral haemorrhages (ICH) is the occurrence of brain oedema (BE). Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) belongs to the family of proteolytic enzymes connected with zinc, which in brain bleeding or a stroke can induce matrix proteolyse into the neurovascular unit, and increase the BE. The aim of the study was to determine the MMP-9 values in serum, and to assess the degree of correlation with neurological deficit in patients with acute, primary and supratentorial ICH.

Materials: The study was prospective and included 62 patients with ICH. The neurological deficit of the patients was evaluated by the National Institute Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Serum MMP-9 level was determined by enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA). Patients were evaluated in three phases: 1st, 3rdand 7th day following the ICH.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 64.5 ± 9.4. Within the follow-up period, there was a significant rise of the NIHSS score in the first three days: 11.48 ± 3.7; 13.21 ± 3.78, and a significant rise of serum MMP-9, with greatest values in the third day: 134.7 ± 26.1 ng/ml (p = 0.000). There was a positive, significant correlation (r = 0.886, p = 0.000) between the serum MMP-9 concentration and the NIHSS score.

Conclusion: Our study showed that in the first three days of ICH, serum MMP-9 values were rising as well as the neurological deficit and the BE. Determination and evaluation of the MMP-9 in serum is an easy, non-invasive, routine laboratory procedure for the detection and follow-up of BE, and also determines further therapeutic strategy as well as prognosis in these patients.
Emotional Intelligence and Big-Five Personality Factors in Female Student Sample
Authors: Pop-Jordanova Nada , Stoimenova-Canevska Emilija
Published: December 2014

The aim of this study is to figure out possible connectedness between emotional intelligence and five big personality factors in female students selected from social sciences faculties.

The evaluated sample comprised 66 healthy students, of Macedonian nationality, mean age 18.9 ± 0.63 years. As psychometric instruments, we used the EI-test and NEO-PI-R, both with eligible metric characteristic and already used in the Republic of Macedonia. Statistical analysis was performed using Sta17, both descriptive and inferential statistics including medians, standard deviations, and two-tailed Pearson's correlation.

The obtained results for emotional intelligence showedn average anxiety level (M = 77.35), extraversion (M = 50.91) and a realistic outlook on life (M = 81.64), high self-confidence (M = 44.44) and generally satisfactory empathy (M = 85.39). Personality characteristics obtained with NEO-PI-R showed high extroversion (M = 123. 70), low agreeableness (M = 105.82) and consciousness (M = 104.67), as well as mild neuroticism (M = 91.33) and openness (M = 117.45). The results confirmed a high positive correlation between anxiety, optimism, and empathy; and between self-confidence and empathy within the EI test. Within NEO-PR-R there was a positive correlation between factors Extroversion and Openness to Experience and a negative correlation between the factors Extroversion and Agreeableness. However, just one negative correlation is noted, between Extroversion from EI and Openness to experience from NEO-PR-R (-0,25; p < 0.05).

We concluded that similar facets measured with different psychometric instruments have different basic concepts. The obtained results, although they figure out some support from other research, also differ from other studies. It is important for us to follow the obtained results and to provoke further research on a bigger and more diverse sample.
The Prevalence of High Anxiety and Substance Use in University Students in the Republic of Macedonia
Authors: Manchevska Sanja , Pluncevic-Gligoroska Jasmina
Published: December 2014

Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of high anxiety and substance use among university students in the Republic of Macedonia.

Material and methods: The sample comprised 742 students, aged 18–22 years, who attended the first (188 students) and second year studies at the Medical Faculty (257), Faculty of Dentistry (242), and Faculty of Law (55) within Ss. Cyril and Methodius Universityin Skopje. As a psychometric test the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) was used. It is a self-rating questionnaire used for measuring the severity of anxiety. A psychiatric interview was performed with students with BAI scores > 25. A self-administered questionnaire consisted of questions on the habits of substance (alcohol, nicotine, sedative-hypnotics, and illicit drugs) use and abuse was also used. For statistical evaluation Statistica 7 software was used.

Results: The highest mean BAI scores were obtained by first year medical students (16.8 ± 9.8). Fifteen percent of all students and 20% of first year medical students showed high levels of anxiety. Law students showed the highest prevalence of substance use and abuse.

Conclusion: High anxiety and substance use as maladaptive behaviours among university students are not systematically investigated in our country. The study showed that students show these types of unhealthy reactions, regardless of the curriculum of education. More attention should be paid to students in the early stages of their education. A student counselling service which offers mental health assistance needs to be established within University facilities in R. Macedonia alongside the existing services in our health system.
Influence of Hysteroscopic Metroplasty on Reproductive Outcome in Patients with Infertility and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Authors: Tofoski Gligor , Antovska Vesna
Published: December 2014

Introduction: Patients with congenital uterine anomalies (CUA) have decreased reproductive potential and an unfavourable reproductive outcome compared to the population with normal uterine cavity. Patients with untreated CUA have a higher abortion rate, higher foetal loss rate and decreased live birth rate. Hysteroscopic metroplasty is a standard, safe and minimally invasive method for the treatment of correctible types of congenital uterine anomalies.

The aim of the study was to analyse the reproductive outcome in certain groups of patients with CUA and infertility, before and after hysteroscopic metroplasty.

Material and methods: We analyzed 115 patients on whom 129 hysteroscopic metroplasty interventions were performed at the University Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Skopje over a one-year period, between 01.01.2011 and 31.12.2011. Patients and their reproductive outcome were monitored over a two-year period and the same group served as a control group, taking into account their previous reproductive history before and after metroplasty. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square test and p < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results: The most common CUA were types 5b and 6, represented by 83.3%. In a follow-up period of two years, there were 55 patients with previous foetal loss treated by hysteroscopic metroplasty, and 31 of them had pregnancies. There was a statistically significant decrease of abortion rate from 88.5% to 19.3%, and a significant increase in term delivery rate from 2.3% to 71%.

Conclusion: Hysteroscopic metroplasty significantly improves the reproductive outcome in patients with previous foetal loss.
Minimally Invasive Surgery for Stress Urinary Incontinence – Mesh Complications
Authors: Iliev Vasil N. , Andonova Irena T.
Published: December 2014

Currently, the most commonly performed surgeries for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) are mesh midurethral slings (MUS). They are minimally invasive outpatient procedures, and they are as effect-tive as traditional suburethral slings, open retropubic colposuspension (Burch, Marshall-Marchetti), and laparoscopic retropubic colposuspension. They have a short operative time and fewer postoperative complications. In the paper we present results from a prospective study of 214 patients with SUI who underwent midurethral sling placement: 68 patients with retropubic slings (TVT) and 146 patients with transobturator slings (TVT-O) followed over 12 months. The operations were performed at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Medical Faculty, Skopje, R. Macedonia and at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, General Hospital, Sibenik, Croatia. All MUS placements (TVT and TVT-O) were performed by one surgeon (urogynaecologist) using the standard surgical technique and operative and postoperative protocol for those procedures. TVT and TVT-O meshes are polypropylene macroporous meshes produced by “Ethicon” We evaluated mesh complications related to the procedure (Table 1) and complications specific to the mesh (Table 2). In the article are presented the data from up-to-date literature related to the evaluated topic parallel to our results. We can conclude that all our findings on the evaluated groups are comparable with the data from competent literature. Instead of a conclusion we would like to suggest continuous follow-up of all minimally invasive procedures with midurethral slings placement for collecting experience of side-effects and complications and improving those procedures which are gold standard today in the treatment of SUI.
Partial Caecal Necrosis – a Rare Cause of Right-Sided Inferior Abdominal Pain and Tenderness
Authors: Karpuzi Arben , Galeski Dragisha , Elezi Gazmend , Goreski Aleksandar , Karatashev Zoran
Published: December 2014

Introduction: Non-occlusive caecal infarction is a rare condition that has been described in association with a variety of clinical entities, generally due to a low-flow state, and has been reported to occur in association with chronic heart disease, open-heart surgery, certain drugs, and haemodialysis. The aim of this article is to describe the presentation, diagnosis and management of this unusual clinical problem.

Case presentation: We report on an 84-year-old female with known chronic heart disease presenting with right lower abdominal quadrant pain, tenderness and leukocytosis. Although initial clinical findings were highly suggestive of acute appendicitis, CT revealed marked circumferential wall thickening of the caecum. Intraoperatively, caecal necrosis was confirmed, while the appendix and the remainder of the intestine appeared normal. There was no evidence of major vascular occlusion or embolization. The right hemicolectomy was performed with ileo-transverse anastomosis. Histopatho-logic analysis demonstrated isolated transmural caecal necrosis with marked infiltration of the caecal wall by numerous bacteria and neutrophils as a consequence of nonocclusive ischaemic colitis. The patient recovered completely and was discharged from the hospital on the tenth postoperative day without any surgical complications.

Conclusion: Partial caecal necrosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of acute right lower quadrant pain, especially in elderly patients with chronic heart disease.
Emergence of clonally related multidrug resistant Haemophilus influenzae with penicillin-binding protein 3-mediated resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins, Norway, 2006 to 2013
Authors: Skaare D , Anthonisen I L , Kahlmeter G , Matuschek E , Natås O B , Steinbakk M , Sundsfjord A , Kristiansen B E
Published: December 2014

Resistance to cephalosporins in Haemophilus influenzae is usually caused by characteristic alterations in penicillin-binding protein 3 (PBP3), encoded by the ftsI gene. Resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins is associated with high-level PBP3-mediated resistance (high-rPBP3), defined by the second stage S385T substitution in addition to a first stage substitution (R517H or N526K). The third stage L389F substitution is present in some high-rPBP3 strains. High-rPBP3 H. influenzae are considered rare outside Japan and Korea. In this study, 30 high-rPBP3 isolates from Norway, collected between 2006 and 2013, were examined by serotyping, multilocus sequence typing (MLST), ftsI sequencing, detection of beta-lactamase genes and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination. MICs were interpreted according to clinical breakpoints from the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST). Respiratory isolates predominated (proportion: 24/30). The 30 isolates included one serotype f isolate, while the remaining 29 lacked polysaccharide capsule genes. Resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins (cefixime, 29 isolates/30 isolates; cefepime, 28/30; cefotaxime, 26 /30; ceftaroline, 26/30; ceftriaxone, 14/30), beta-lactamase production (11/30) and co-resistance to non-beta-lactams (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, 13/30; tetracycline, 4/30; chloramphenicol, 4/30; ciprofloxacin, 3/30) was frequent. The N526K substitution in PBP3 was present in 23 of 30 isolates; these included a blood isolate which represents the first invasive S385T?+?N526K isolate reported from Europe. The L389F substitution, present in 16 of 30 isolates, coincided with higher beta-lactam MICs. Non-susceptibility to meropenem was frequent in S385T?+?L389F?+?N526K isolates (8/12). All 11 beta-lactamase positive isolates were TEM-1. Five clonal groups of two to 10 isolates with identical MLST-ftsI allelic profiles were observed, including the first reported high-rPBP3 clone with TEM-1 beta-lactamase and co-resistance to ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Prior to this study, no multidrug resistant high-rPBP3 H. influenzae had been reported in Norway. Intensified surveillance of antimicrobial resistance is needed to guide empiric therapy.
'A place where open minds meet': The constraints of alignment and the effects of compulsory teacher training on teaching and learning in higher education
Authors: Mihailova Paulina
Published: December 2014

The article investigates how university lecturers taking part in the compulsory teacher training at Stockholm University (SU) conceive of the effects of standardised and formalised training on their teaching. The study explores the emotions and responses evoked among academics when everyone is required to embrace the same pedagogic philosophy of constructive alignment (Biggs 2003), adopt the language of learning outcomes and assign the same standards to diverse academic practices. The article attempts to shed light on different conceptions of the quality of teaching and learning in higher education and the interplay between the lecturers' values of academic freedom, collegiality and disciplinary expertise and the university leadership's values of efficiency, accountability and measurability of performance. The article considers how these conceptions coexist and are negotiated within the university as an organisation.
Variations of Bacterial Community Structure and Composition in Mangrove Sediment at Different Depths in Southeastern Brazil
Authors: Mendes Lucas , Tsai Siu
Published: December 2014

Tropical mangroves are considered one of the most productive ecosystems of the world, being characterized as nurseries and food sources for fish and other animals. Microorganisms play important roles in these environments, and the study of bacterial communities is of paramount importance for a better comprehension of mangrove dynamics. This study focused on the structure and composition of bacterial communities in mangrove sediments at different depths and points, located in Southeastern Brazil. Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (T-RFLP) was used to determine the community structure, and 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing was used to characterize the community composition. Redundancy analysis of T-RFLP patterns revealed differences in bacterial community structure according to soil attributes and depth. The parameters K and depth presented significant correlation with general community structure. Most sequences were classified into the phylum Proteobacteria (88%), which presented differences according to the depth, where the classes Betaproteobacteria (21%) and Deltaproteobacteria (16%) were abundant at 10 cm and Epsilonproteobacteria (35%) was abundant at 40 cm depth. Clear differences were observed in community composition as shown by the differential distribution of the phyla Firmicutes (1.13% and 3.8%, for 10 cm and 40 cm respectively), Chloroflexi (2.8% and 0.75%), and Acidobacteria (2.75% and 0.57%) according to the depth. Bacterial diversity measurements indicated higher diversity in shallow samples. Taken together, our findings indicate that mangrove holds a diverse bacterial community, which is shaped by the variations found in the ecosystem, such as sediment properties and depth.
Part-Load Performance of aWet Indirectly Fired Gas Turbine Integrated with an Organic Rankine Cycle Turbogenerator
Authors: Pierobon Leonardo , Nguyen Tuong-Van , Mazzucco Andrea , Larsen Ulrik , Haglind Fredrik
Published: December 2014

Over the last years, much attention has been paid to the development of efficient and low-cost power systems for biomass-to-electricity conversion. This paper aims at investigating the design- and part-load performance of an innovative plant based on a wet indirectly fired gas turbine (WIFGT) fueled by woodchips and an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) turbogenerator. An exergy analysis is performed to identify the sources of inefficiencies, the optimal design variables, and the most suitable working fluid for the organic Rankine process. This step enables to parametrize the part-load model of the plant and to estimate its performance at different power outputs. The novel plant has a nominal power of 250 kW and a thermal efficiency of 43%. The major irreversibilities take place in the burner, recuperator, compressor and in the condenser. Toluene is the optimal working fluid for the organic Rankine engine. The part-load investigation indicates that the plant can operate at high efficiencies over a wide range of power outputs (50%–100%), with a peak thermal efficiency of 45% at around 80% load. While the ORC turbogenerator is responsible for the efficiency drop at low capacities, the off-design performance is governed by the efficiency characteristics of the compressor and turbine serving the gas turbine unit.
The Public Health Exposome: A Population-Based, Exposure Science Approach to Health Disparities Research
Authors: Juarez Paul , Matthews-Juarez Patricia , Hood Darryl , Im Wansoo , Levine Robert , Kilbourne Barbara , Langston Michael , Al-Hamdan Mohammad , Crosson William , Estes Maurice , Estes Sue , Agboto Vincent , Robinson Paul , Wilson Sacoby , Lichtveld Maureen
Published: December 2014

The lack of progress in reducing health disparities suggests that new approaches are needed if we are to achieve meaningful, equitable, and lasting reductions. Current scientific paradigms do not adequately capture the complexity of the relationships between environment, personal health and population level disparities. The public health exposome is presented as a universal exposure tracking framework for integrating complex relationships between exogenous and endogenous exposures across the lifespan from conception to death. It uses a social-ecological framework that builds on the exposome paradigm for conceptualizing how exogenous exposures “get under the skin”. The public health exposome approach has led our team to develop a taxonomy and bioinformatics infrastructure to integrate health outcomes data with thousands of sources of exogenous exposure, organized in four broad domains: natural, built, social, and policy environments. With the input of a transdisciplinary team, we have borrowed and applied the methods, tools and terms from various disciplines to measure the effects of environmental exposures on personal and population health outcomes and disparities, many of which may not manifest until many years later. As is customary with a paradigm shift, this approach has far reaching implications for research methods and design, analytics, community engagement strategies, and research training.
Preparation of Biodiesel from Soybean Catalyzed by Basic Ionic Liquids [Hnmm]OH
Authors: Ren Qinggong , Zuo Tongmei , Pan Jingjing , Chen Changle , Li Weimin
Published: December 2014

A morpholine alkaline basic ionic liquid (IL) 1-butyl-3-methyl morpholine hydroxide ([Hnmm]OH) was synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR and FT-IR. [Hnmm]OH is highly active in catalyzing the synthesis of biodiesel from the reaction of methanol with soybean oil. The influence of the reaction conditions, including the [Hnmm]OH catalyst amount, the molar ratio of methanol to soybean oil, reaction temperature and time, was investigated. Moreover, the pH and thermal stability of the catalyst was studied. The catalytic activity was affected by its alkalinity. The optimum reaction conditions were found as [Hnmm]OH amount of 4% (mass fraction), the methanol to soybean oil molar ratio of 8, temperature 70 °C and reaction time 1.5 h, the yield of Biodiesel reached 97.0%, and exhibits high stability upon recycling, the yield of Biodiesel is still more than 90% even after being reused for five times. A great advantage of using ILs is that it is very easy to separate the final products. After the reaction, a biphasic system was obtained. The top phase contains biodiesel and a little bit of methanol. Pure biodiesel can be isolated by vacuum evacuating the methanol. The bottom phase contains methanol, glycerol and ILs. Pure glycerol can be obtained simply by distillation. After distillation, pure ILs was obtained, which can be used directly for another reaction. The as prepared biodiesel shows very appealing properties.
Dysbiotic Events in Gut Microbiota: Impact on Human Health
Authors: Schippa Serena , Conte Maria
Published: December 2014

The human body is colonized by a large number of microbes coexisting peacefully with their host. The most colonized site is the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). More than 70% of all the microbes in the human body are in the colon. The microorganism population is 10 times larger of the total number of our somatic and germ cells. Two bacterial phyla, accounting for more than 90% of the bacterial cells, dominate the healthy adult intestine: Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. Considerable variability in the microbiota compositions between people is found when we look at the taxonomic level of species, and strains within species. It is possible to assert that the human microbiota could be compared to a fingerprint. The microbiota acts as a barrier from pathogens, exerts important metabolic functions, and regulates inflammatory response by stimulating the immune system. Gut microbial imbalance (dysbiosis), has been linked to important human diseases such as inflammation related disorders. The present review summarizes our knowledge on the gut microbiota in a healthy context, and examines intestinal dysbiosis in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients; the most frequently reported disease proven to be associated with changes in the gut microbiota.
Prevalence of Pure Versus Mixed Snow Cover Pixels across Spatial Resolutions in Alpine Environments
Authors: Selkowitz David , Forster Richard , Caldwell Megan
Published: December 2014

Remote sensing of snow-covered area (SCA) can be binary (indicating the presence/absence of snow cover at each pixel) or fractional (indicating the fraction of each pixel covered by snow). Fractional SCA mapping provides more information than binary SCA, but is more difficult to implement and may not be feasible with all types of remote sensing data. The utility of fractional SCA mapping relative to binary SCA mapping varies with the intended application as well as by spatial resolution, temporal resolution and period of interest, and climate. We quantified the frequency of occurrence of partially snow-covered (mixed) pixels at spatial resolutions between 1 m and 500 m over five dates at two study areas in the western U.S., using 0.5 m binary SCA maps derived from high spatial resolution imagery aggregated to fractional SCA at coarser spatial resolutions. In addition, we used in situ monitoring to estimate the frequency of partially snow-covered conditions for the period September 2013–August 2014 at 10 60-m grid cell footprints at two study areas with continental snow climates. Results from the image analysis indicate that at 40 m, slightly above the nominal spatial resolution of Landsat, mixed pixels accounted for 25%–93% of total pixels, while at 500 m, the nominal spatial resolution of MODIS bands used for snow cover mapping, mixed pixels accounted for 67%–100% of total pixels. Mixed pixels occurred more commonly at the continental snow climate site than at the maritime snow climate site. The in situ data indicate that some snow cover was present between 186 and 303 days, and partial snow cover conditions occurred on 10%–98% of days with snow cover. Four sites remained partially snow-free throughout most of the winter and spring, while six sites were entirely snow covered throughout most or all of the winter and spring. Within 60 m grid cells, the late spring/summer transition from snow-covered to snow-free conditions lasted 17–56 days and averaged 37 days. Our results suggest that mixed snow-covered snow-free pixels are common at the spatial resolutions imaged by both the Landsat and MODIS sensors. This highlights the additional information available from fractional SCA products and suggests fractional SCA can provide a major advantage for hydrological and climatological monitoring and modeling, particularly when accurate representation of the spatial distribution of snow cover is critical.
Correction: Parks, S.A.; Dillon, G.K.; Miller, C. A New Metric for Quantifying Burn Severity: The Relativized Burn Ratio. Remote Sens. 2014, 6, 1827–1844
Authors: Parks Sean , Dillon Gregory , Miller Carol
Published: December 2014

Several columns in Table A2 (in the Appendix) [1] were mislabeled. [...]
Collusion-Aware Privacy-Preserving Range Query in Tiered Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Zhang Xiaoying , Dong Lei , Peng Hui , Chen Hong , Zhao Suyun , Li Cuiping
Published: December 2014

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are indispensable building blocks for the Internet of Things (IoT). With the development of WSNs, privacy issues have drawn more attention. Existing work on the privacy-preserving range query mainly focuses on privacy preservation and integrity verification in two-tiered WSNs in the case of compromisedmaster nodes, but neglects the damage of node collusion. In this paper, we propose a series of collusion-aware privacy-preserving range query protocols in two-tiered WSNs. To the best of our knowledge, this paper is the first to consider collusion attacks for a range query in tiered WSNs while fulfilling the preservation of privacy and integrity. To preserve the privacy of data and queries, we propose a novel encoding scheme to conceal sensitive information. To preserve the integrity of the results, we present a verification scheme using the correlation among data. In addition, two schemes are further presented to improve result accuracy and reduce communication cost. Finally, theoretical analysis and experimental results confirm the efficiency, accuracy and privacy of our proposals.
Bruxelles, premier eurohub de la grande vitesse ferroviaire (Brussels, high speed rail's first Eurohub)
Authors: Charlier Jacques
Published: December 2014

Several European operators of high speed rail services have recently launched an alliance named Railteam, aiming at smooth international rail travel. A paneuropean network is being offered around five hubs. Because of the high number of passengers and its wide spectrum of high-speed services, Brussels has emerged as the first and most important of these.
Subjectivité et « cerveau social »
Authors: Trouvé Jean-Noël
Published: December 2014

La complexité des troubles autistiques est telle que de nombreux niveaux de compréhension partielle sont proposés, et ce depuis leur description par L. Kanner et H. Asperger. L’écoute psychanalytique de la subjectivité des personnes autistes gagne à être éclairée par les résultats récents des études expérimentales des fonctions cognitives qui sont à la base du fonctionnement du « cerveau social », notion qui est discutée en détail. Le croisement de ces deux approches montre que les difficultés de la mise en place du registre imaginaire et de son articulation dans la structure psychique sont centrales et spécifiques dans les différents tableaux d’autisme.
L'enfant qui s'agrippait à un sein vide
Authors: Petrouchine Roman , Toureille Aude , Rappaport Clémentine
Published: December 2014

Elie, 17 mois, est hospitalisé dans un contexte de retard de croissance staturo-pondérale lié à un refus alimentaire. Lorsque nous le rencontrons, l’enfant semble être transparent et désincarné. Mais c’est justement en se mettant en danger sur le plan de la survie qu’il montre qu’il n’a pas renoncé sur le plan existentiel : le nourrisson ne se fait pas oublier au moment des prises alimentaires, pendant lesquelles il inquiète son entourage par la gravité de son symptôme et la dramatisation de son comportement. Elie va progressivement sentir sa propre existence reconnue dans les émotions que le personnel de pédiatrie lui adresse. Les professionnelles entrent petit à petit en relation avec lui autrement que par son refus alimentaire. Il apprend à réarticuler harmonieusement la question de l’existence à celle de la survie, et à éprouver du plaisir et à faire plaisir à l’autre : la nourriture devient source de ce plaisir et ne condense plus de façon aussi dramatique toutes les formes possibles de relation à l’autre.
Les dynamiques de la rhétorique humanitaire : Suisse, États-Unis et autres neutres
Authors: Cotter Cédric , Herrmann Irène
Published: December 2014

Pendant la Grande Guerre, les pays engagés dans l’assistance aux victimes du conflit ont abondamment communiqué sur leur action. Pourquoi ? Avec quels arguments ? À travers l’étude des cas suisse et américain, cet article a pour ambition de souligner les objectifs de la rhétorique humanitaire. Si la forme et la postérité de cette dernière varient suivant les pays, le fond connaît des similitudes. Ce discours a ainsi une utilité en politique étrangère, justifiant la neutralité ou rassurant l’Entente. Mais il sert également à des fins de politique interne en s’intégrant pleinement dans les processus de mobilisation des esprits. Enfin, ces constatations peuvent être étendues à d’autres puissances neutres et mettent ainsi en évidence le côté profondément transnational de cette rhétorique.
Ontologie, anthropologie, théologie dans les Conférences de Stuttgart de Schelling
Authors: Vetö Miklos
Published: December 2014

Dans l’Introduction de son édition critique des Conférences de Stuttgart (2è édition, 2009), Miklos Vëto présente les sources et les grands thèmes de l’écrit schellingien. Il explique ici que les germes et les prémisses de la Spätphilosophie sont déjà contenus dans les Conférences . Ces leçons ont surtout été étudiées comme un exposé par excellence de l’anthropologie schellingienne. Or on peut montrer qu’elles sont aussi un moment privilégié du cheminement de Schelling vers la monstration de la transcendance de Dieu.
Preparation of PNN-PZT Ceramics and Piezoelectric Characteristics
Authors: Wu Hong , Zheng De Yi
Published: December 2014

The experimental basis formula selected in this experiment is 0.1Pb (Ni1/3Nb2/3)O3-0.9Pb (Zr0.42Ti0.58)O3(PNN-PZT). The traditional solid phase synthesis are applied piezoelectric ceramic samples. The relationship between the microstructure and electrical properties of the ceramic samples are analyzed by means of XRD, SEM, impedance analyzer etc. The XRD patterns show that all the ceramics exhibited a tetragonal perovskite structure. Through the analysis of the ceramic samples of piezoelectric and dielectric properties, PNN-PZT piezoelectric ceramics will possess best comprehensive properties when sintering temperature at 1190°C.
Template-Free Hydrothermal Synthesis of Octahedral Fe3O4 Microcrystals and its Magnetic Property
Authors: Li Li , Yue A Juan , Liang Jun
Published: December 2014

Well-defined Fe3O4 octahedrons have been readily realized in high yield via a simple and general hydrothermal synthesis technology free of any surfactant or template. Detailed investigations indicated that the octahedral Fe3O4 microcrystals are single crystal and were dominated by (110) surfaces. The influences of the amount of NaOH on the morphologies of the final products were investigated. The experimental results show that the high concentrations of NaOH play vital roles for the formation of octahdral Fe3O4 microcrystals. Besides, the magnetic property of the as-obtained Fe3O4 sample was evaluated as potential materials for electromagnetic device application on a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) at room temperature. The values of saturation magnetization and coercivity of octahedral Fe3O4 are approximately 95 emu g-1 and 197 Oe, respectively.
Comparison and Analysis of ONU Sleep Mechanism Based on OPNET for Green Fiber-Wireless Access Network
Authors: Zhang Xu , Han Peng Chao , Yu Yin Peng , Zhou Yu Fang , Xie Ya Min
Published: December 2014

As one of promising "last mile" scheme for broadband access network, Fiber-Wireless (FiWi) access network has the advantages of high capacity, long distance, low cost etc because it is the integration of optical back-end and wireless front-end. At the same time, energy consumption of FiWi access network is an important factor that limits the development of networks. A number of ONU sleep states such as ONU power shedding state, ONU doze state, ONU deep sleep state and ONU fast sleep state have been proposed to obtain low-power ONU state, which indirectly reduce energy consumption of networks. However, these low-power states of ONU are born to coordinate to green Passive Optical Network (PON), of which the function of ONU is different from FiWi. In this paper, two low power ONU sleep mechanisms called Static ONU Sleep (SOS) mechanism and Dynamic ONU Sleep (DOS) mechanism, respectively, are proposed and embedded into FiWi access network. By simulation and analysis based on OPNET 14.5, this paper shows that the DOS mechanism has a better performance than SOS, and both of them can save energy of FiWi access network.