bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of Fracture Initiation Locations during Cross-Measure Drilling for Hydraulic Fracturing of Coal Seams
Authors: Lu Yiyu , Cheng Yugang , Ge Zhaolong , Cheng Liang , Zuo Shaojie , Zhong Jianyu
Published: May 2016

When drilling coal-bearing sequences to enhance coal seam permeability by hydraulic fracturing (HF), the location where fractures are initiated is important. To date, most research on fracture initiation has studied the problem in two dimensions. In this study, a three-dimensional model to assess initiation location is developed. The model analyzes the stress state of both the borehole wall and the coal-rock interface and the model shows that the fracture initiation location is affected by in situ stress, the dip of the coal seam, and the angle between the borehole and the coal seam. How the initiation location changes near different types of geological faults is calculated by assuming typical in situ stresses for the faults. Following these calculations, physical experiments were carried out to emulate cross-measure hydraulic fracturing under stress conditions equivalent to those in the Chongqing Tonghua coal mine, China. Fracture initiation during the experiments was monitored by an acoustic emission system. The experimental results were consistent with the theoretical calculations. This implies that the three-dimensional model for assessing the locations of fracture initiation can be applied to forecast the initiation location of fractures generated by cross-measure drilling. The assessment model provides reference values for this type of drilling in underground mines.
Foliage and Grass as Fuel Pellets–Small Scale Combustion of Washed and Mechanically Leached Biomass
Authors: Khalsa Jan , Döhling Frank , Berger Florian
Published: May 2016

The high contents of disadvantageous elements contained in non-woody biomass are known to cause problems during small and large scale combustion, typically resulting in a higher risk of slagging, corrosion, and increased emissions. Mechanically leaching the respective elements from the biomass through a sequence of process steps has proven to be a promising solution.The florafuel process used here is comprised of size reduction followed by washing and subsequent mechanical dewatering of the biomass. Densification of the upgraded biomass into standardized pellets (Ø 6mm) enables an application in existing small-scale boilers. The presented combustion trials investigated the performance of pellets made from leached grass, foliage and a mixture of both in two small-scale boilers (<100 kWth) with slightly different technology (moving grate versus water-cooled burner tube) during a 4-h measurement period. Emissions were in accordance with German emissions standards except for NOx (threshold is 0.50 g/m3) in the case of pure grass pellets (0.51 g/m3) and particulate matter (PM) in all but one case (foliage, 13–16 mg/m3). An electrostatic precipitator (ESP) unit installed with one of the boilers successfully reduced PM emission of both the grass and mixture fuel below the threshold of 20 mg/m3 (all emission values refer to 13 vol.% O2, at standard temperature and pressure (STP)). Bottom ash composition and grate temperature profiles were analyzed and discussed for one of the boilers.
Time Efficiency of Selected Types of Adjacency Constraints in Solving Unit Restriction Models
Authors: Kašpar Jan , Marušák Róbert , Bettinger Pete
Published: May 2016

Spatial restrictions of harvesting have been extensively studied due to a number of environmental, social and legal regulations. Many spatial restrictions are defined by adjacency constraints, for which a number of algorithms have been developed. Research into the unit restriction model (URM) using a branch and bound algorithm focused on decreasing the number of adjacency constraints in harvest scheduling models, since the early solvers have been limited by the number of constraints and integer decision variables. However, this approach can lead to a loss of efficiency in solving mixed integer models. Recent improvements in commercial solvers and personal computers have made the reduction of constraints less relevant, since many solvers now accept an unlimited number of constraints and decision variables. The aim of this paper was to compare the time efficiency of solving unit restriction harvest scheduling models with different types of adjacency constraints using a commercial solver. The presented results indicate that the type of adjacency constraints can have a significant effect on the solving time and therefore could be a crucial factor of the time required for developing forest plans. We note that pairwise adjacency constraints may be sufficient today for addressing unit restriction forest harvest scheduling problems.
Global Consumption of Flame Retardants and Related Environmental Concerns: A Study on Possible Mechanical Recycling of Flame Retardant Textiles
Authors: Yasin Sohail , Behary Nemeshwaree , Curti Massimo , Rovero Giorgio
Published: May 2016

Flame retardants (FRs) have been around us for decades to increase the chances of survival against fire or flame by limiting its propagation. The FR textiles, irrespective of their atmospheric presence are used in baby clothing, pushchairs, car seats, etc. The overall FR market in Asia, Europe, and the United States in 2007 was around 1.8 million metric tonnes. It is estimated that the worldwide consumption of FRs will reach 2.8 million tonnes in 2018. Unfortunately, a sustainable approach for textile waste, especially in the case of FR textiles, is absent. Incineration and landfill of FR textiles are hindered by various toxic outcomes. To address the need for sustainable methods of discarding FR textiles, the mechanical recycling of cotton curtains was evaluated.
Migrant Sexual Health Help-Seeking and Experiences of Stigmatization and Discrimination in Perth, Western Australia: Exploring Barriers and Enablers
Authors: Agu Josephine , Lobo Roanna , Crawford Gemma , Chigwada Bethwyn
Published: May 2016

Increasing HIV notifications amongst migrant and mobile populations to Australia is a significant public health issue. Generalizations about migrant health needs and delayed or deterred help-seeking behaviors can result from disregarding the variation between and within cultures including factors, such as drivers for migration and country of birth. This study explored barriers and enablers to accessing sexual health services, including experiences of stigma and discrimination, within a purposive sample of sub-Saharan African, Southeast Asian, and East Asian migrants. A qualitative design was employed using key informant interviews and focus group discussions. A total of 45 people with ages ranging from 18 to 50 years, participated in focus group discussions. Common barriers and enablers to help seeking behaviors were sociocultural and religious influence, financial constraints, and knowledge dissemination to reduce stigma. Additionally, common experiences of stigma and discrimination were related to employment and the social and self-isolation of people living with HIV. Overcoming barriers to accessing sexual health services, imparting sexual health knowledge, recognizing variations within cultures, and a reduction in stigma and discrimination will simultaneously accelerate help-seeking and result in better sexual health outcomes in migrant populations.
Attitude, Acceptability and Knowledge of HPV Vaccination among Local University Students in Hong Kong
Authors: Chiang Vico , Wong Ho , Yeung Pui , Choi Yuk , Fok Michelle , Mak Oi , Wong Hing , Wong Kim , Wong Shui , Wong Yee , Wong Eugene
Published: May 2016

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has the great potential to prevent HPV-related infections for millions of women and men worldwide. However, the success of the vaccine is highly dependent on the vaccination rate. Factors influencing the attitudes of undergraduate students towards HPV vaccination should be studied. This is a cross-sectional survey that was conducted to estimate the HPV vaccination rate among undergraduate students in Hong Kong, and to identify the predictors of their attitude towards HPV vaccination. The results showed that the HPV vaccination rate was 13.3%. Factors related to knowledge of vaccination were the main predictors of the students’ attitude towards vaccination (there were seven predictors, with B = 1.36 to 2.30; p < 0.05), followed by gender (B = −1.40; p < 0.05), acceptable maximum price (B = 0.35; p < 0.05), and willingness to receive the HPV vaccine if it can protect against cervical/anal cancer and genital warts (B = −1.90; p < 0.001). The regression model that was developed based on the predictors had a moderate effect size (adj-R2 = 0.33). To conclude, the HPV vaccination rate among undergraduate students in Hong Kong was low. They should be provided with more active education and activities to promote HPV vaccination to improve their knowledge on the subject.
A Combination of Geographically Weighted Regression, Particle Swarm Optimization and Support Vector Machine for Landslide Susceptibility Mapping: A Case Study at Wanzhou in the Three Gorges Area, China
Authors: Yu Xianyu , Wang Yi , Niu Ruiqing , Hu Youjian
Published: May 2016

In this study, a novel coupling model for landslide susceptibility mapping is presented. In practice, environmental factors may have different impacts at a local scale in study areas. To provide better predictions, a geographically weighted regression (GWR) technique is firstly used in our method to segment study areas into a series of prediction regions with appropriate sizes. Meanwhile, a support vector machine (SVM) classifier is exploited in each prediction region for landslide susceptibility mapping. To further improve the prediction performance, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is used in the prediction regions to obtain optimal parameters for the SVM classifier. To evaluate the prediction performance of our model, several SVM-based prediction models are utilized for comparison on a study area of the Wanzhou district in the Three Gorges Reservoir. Experimental results, based on three objective quantitative measures and visual qualitative evaluation, indicate that our model can achieve better prediction accuracies and is more effective for landslide susceptibility mapping. For instance, our model can achieve an overall prediction accuracy of 91.10%, which is 7.8%–19.1% higher than the traditional SVM-based models. In addition, the obtained landslide susceptibility map by our model can demonstrate an intensive correlation between the classified very high-susceptibility zone and the previously investigated landslides.
A Mouse Model for Studying Nutritional Programming: Effects of Early Life Exposure to Soy Isoflavones on Bone and Reproductive Health
Authors: Ward Wendy , Kaludjerovic Jovana , Dinsdale Elsa
Published: May 2016

Over the past decade, our research group has characterized and used a mouse model to demonstrate that “nutritional programming” of bone development occurs when mice receive soy isoflavones (ISO) during the first days of life. Nutritional programming of bone development can be defined as the ability for diet during early life to set a trajectory for better or compromised bone health at adulthood. We have shown that CD-1 mice exposed to soy ISO during early neonatal life have higher bone mineral density (BMD) and greater trabecular inter-connectivity in long bones and lumbar spine at young adulthood. These skeletal sites also withstand greater forces before fracture. Because the chemical structure of ISO resembles that of 17-β-estradiol and can bind to estrogen receptors in reproductive tissues, it was prudent to expand analyses to include measures of reproductive health. This review highlights aspects of our studies in CD-1 mice to understand the early life programming effects of soy ISO on bone and reproductive health. Preclinical mouse models can provide useful data to help develop and guide the design of studies in human cohorts, which may, depending on findings and considerations of safety, lead to dietary interventions that optimize bone health.
Analysis of Sampling Methodologies for Noise Pollution Assessment and the Impact on the Population
Authors: Rey Gozalo Guillermo , Barrigón Morillas Juan
Published: May 2016

Today, noise pollution is an increasing environmental stressor. Noise maps are recognised as the main tool for assessing and managing environmental noise, but their accuracy largely depends on the sampling method used. The sampling methods most commonly used by different researchers (grid, legislative road types and categorisation methods) were analysed and compared using the city of Talca (Chile) as a test case. The results show that the stratification of sound values in road categories has a significantly lower prediction error and a higher capacity for discrimination and prediction than in the legislative road types used by the Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications in Chile. Also, the use of one or another method implies significant differences in the assessment of population exposure to noise pollution. Thus, the selection of a suitable method for performing noise maps through measurements is essential to achieve an accurate assessment of the impact of noise pollution on the population.
Preliminary Assessment of Health Risks of Potentially Toxic Elements in Settled Dust over Beijing Urban Area
Authors: Wan Dejun , Zhan Changlin , Yang Guanglin , Liu Xingqi , Yang Jinsong
Published: May 2016

To examine levels, health risks, sources, and spatial distributions of potentially toxic elements in settled dust over Beijing urban area, 62 samples were collected mostly from residential building outdoor surfaces, and their <63 μm fractions were measured for 12 potentially toxic elements. The results show that V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, and Ba in dust are from predominantly natural sources, whereas Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Sb, and Pb mostly originate from anthropogenic sources. Exposure to these elements in dust has significant non-cancer risks to children but insignificant to adults. Cancer risks of Cr, Co, Ni, As, and Cd via inhalation and dermal contact are below the threshold of 10−6–10−4 but As via dust ingestion shows a tolerable risk. The non-cancer risks to children are contributed mainly (75%) by As, Pb, and Sb, and dominantly (92%) via dust ingestion, with relatively higher risks mainly occurring in the eastern and northeastern Beijing urban areas. Although Cd, Zn, and Cu in dust are heavily affected by anthropogenic sources, their health risks are insignificant. Source appointments suggest that coal burning emissions, the dominant source of As, are likely the largest contributors to the health risk, and traffic-related and industrial emissions are also important because they contribute most of the Pb and Sb in dust.
Chronic Heat Stress Induces Immune Response, Oxidative Stress Response, and Apoptosis of Finishing Pig Liver: A Proteomic Approach
Authors: Cui Yanjun , Hao Yue , Li Jielei , Bao Weiguang , Li Gan , Gao Yanli , Gu Xianhong
Published: May 2016

Heat stress (HS) negatively affects human health, animal welfare, and livestock production. We analyzed the hepatic proteomes of finishing pigs subjected to chronic heat stress (HS), thermal neutral (TN), and restricted feed intake conditions, identifying differences between direct and indirect (via reduced feed intake) HS. Twenty-four castrated male pigs were randomly allocated to three treatments for three weeks: (1) thermal neutral (TN) (22 °C) with ad libitum feeding; (2) chronic HS (30 °C) with ad libitum feeding; and (3) TN, pair-fed to HS intake (PF). Hepatic proteome analysis was conducted using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. Both HS and PF significantly reduced liver weight (p < 0.05). Forty-five hepatic proteins were differentially abundant when comparing HS with TN (37), PF with TN (29), and HS with PF (16). These proteins are involved in heat shock response and immune defense, oxidative stress response, cellular apoptosis, metabolism, signal transduction, and cytoskeleton. We also observed increased abundance of proteins and enzymes associated with heat shock response and immune defense, reduced the redox state, enhanced multiple antioxidant abilities, and increased apoptosis in HS liver. Heat-load, independent of reduced feed intake, induced an innate immune response, while food restriction caused stress and cellular apoptosis. Our results provide novel insights into the effects of chronic HS on liver.
G Protein-Coupled Receptor Signaling in Stem Cells and Cancer
Authors: Lynch Jennifer , Wang Jenny
Published: May 2016

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are a large superfamily of cell-surface signaling proteins that bind extracellular ligands and transduce signals into cells via heterotrimeric G proteins. GPCRs are highly tractable drug targets. Aberrant expression of GPCRs and G proteins has been observed in various cancers and their importance in cancer stem cells has begun to be appreciated. We have recently reported essential roles for G protein-coupled receptor 84 (GPR84) and G protein subunit Gαq in the maintenance of cancer stem cells in acute myeloid leukemia. This review will discuss how GPCRs and G proteins regulate stem cells with a focus on cancer stem cells, as well as their implications for the development of novel targeted cancer therapies.
The Growing Complexity of Cancer Cell Response to DNA-Damaging Agents: Caspase 3 Mediates Cell Death or Survival?
Authors: Mirzayans Razmik , Andrais Bonnie , Kumar Piyush , Murray David
Published: May 2016

It is widely stated that wild-type p53 either mediates the activation of cell cycle checkpoints to facilitate DNA repair and promote cell survival, or orchestrates apoptotic cell death following exposure to cancer therapeutic agents. This reigning paradigm has been challenged by numerous discoveries with different human cell types, including solid tumor-derived cell lines. Thus, activation of the p53 signaling pathway by ionizing radiation and other DNA-damaging agents hinders apoptosis and triggers growth arrest (e.g., through premature senescence) in some genetic backgrounds; such growth arrested cells remain viable, secrete growth-promoting factors, and give rise to progeny with stem cell-like properties. In addition, caspase 3, which is best known for its role in the execution phase of apoptosis, has been recently reported to facilitate (rather than suppress) DNA damage-induced genomic instability and carcinogenesis. This observation is consistent with an earlier report demonstrating that caspase 3 mediates secretion of the pro-survival factor prostaglandin E2, which in turn promotes enrichment of tumor repopulating cells. In this article, we review these and related discoveries and point out novel cancer therapeutic strategies. One of our objectives is to demonstrate the growing complexity of the DNA damage response beyond the conventional “repair and survive, or die” hypothesis.
The Role of Compensatory Adaptations and Individual Variability in Exercise Prescription
Authors: Drenowatz Clemens
Published: May 2016

Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for public health. Due to the decline in physical demands of daily living exercise becomes an increasingly important contributor to an active lifestyle. The evidence on health benefits of exercise, particularly regarding weight loss, however, remains equivocal. In addition to lack of adherence to an exercise program, participants display behavioral and physiological adaptations that potentially mitigate exercise-induced health benefits. Specifically, a reduction in non-exercise physical activity (PA) and/or an increase in energy intake along with metabolic adaptations have been suggested to affect exercise-induced health benefits. There is also a large inter-individual variability, which makes some participants more receptive to exercise-induced weight loss than others. Even in the absence of weight loss exercise, however, provides various health benefits such as an increase in cardiorespiratory fitness, beneficial changes in blood lipids and blood pressure. In fact, some of these benefits have been more pronounced in participants who did not experience weight loss. In order to enhance the understanding of the role of exercise in health promotion a better understanding of compensatory adaptations is needed along with an identification of characteristics that contribute to inter-individual variability in response to exercise interventions.
Identification of New Epididymal Luminal Fluid Proteins Involved in Sperm Maturation in Infertile Rats Treated by Dutasteride Using iTRAQ
Authors: Xie Shu-Wu , Li Guo-Ting , Qu Li-Juan , Cao Yang , Wang Qian , Zhou Jie-Yun , Zhong Rui-Hua , Guo Xiang-Jie , Zhu Yan
Published: May 2016

Background: Spermatozoa become mature and acquire fertilizing capacity during their passage through the epididymal lumen. In this study, we identified new epididymal luminal fluid proteins involved in sperm maturation in infertile rats by dutasteride, a dual 5α-reductase inhibitor, in order to provide potential epididymal targets for new contraceptives and infertility treatment. Methods: Male rats were treated with dutasteride for 28 consecutive days. We observed the protein expression profiles in the epididymal luminal fluids in infertile and normal rats using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) technique. The confidence of proteome data was validated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Results: 1045 proteins were tested, and 23 of them presented different expression profiling in the infertile and normal rats. The seven proteins were down-regulated, and 16 proteins were up-regulated. Among the seven proteins which were significantly down-regulated by dutasteride in the epididymal luminal fluids, there were three β-defensins (Defb2, Defb18 and Defb39), which maybe the key proteins involved in epididymal sperm maturation and male fertility. Conclusions: We report for the first time that dutasteride influences the protein expression profiling in the epididymal luminal fluids of rats, and this result provides some new epididymal targets for male contraception and infertility therapy.
Preparation of Pd/Bacterial Cellulose Hybrid Nanofibers for Dopamine Detection
Authors: Li Dawei , Ao Kelong , Wang Qingqing , Lv Pengfei , Wei Qufu
Published: May 2016

Palladium nanoparticle-bacterial cellulose (PdBC) hybrid nanofibers were synthesized by in-situ chemical reduction method. The obtained PdBC nanofibers were characterized by a series of analytical techniques. The results revealed that Pd nanoparticles were evenly dispersed on the surfaces of BC nanofibers. Then, the as-prepared PdBC nanofibers were mixed with laccase (Lac) and Nafion to obtain mixture suspension, which was further modified on electrode surface to construct novel biosensing platform. Finally, the prepared electrochemical biosensor was employed to detect dopamine. The analysis result was satisfactory, the sensor showed excellent electrocatalysis towards dopamine with high sensitivity (38.4 µA·mM−1), low detection limit (1.26 µM), and wide linear range (5–167 µM). Moreover, the biosensor also showed good repeatability, reproducibility, selectivity and stability and was successfully used in the detection of dopamine in human urine, thus providing a promising method for dopamine analysis in clinical application.
Advanced Fabrication of Single-Mode and Multi-Wavelength MIR-QCLs
Authors: Süess Martin , Peretti Romain , Liang Yong , Wolf Johanna , Bonzon Christopher , Hinkov Borislav , Nida Selamnesh , Jouy Pierre , Metaferia Wondwosen , Lourdudoss Sebastian , Beck Mattias , Faist Jérôme
Published: May 2016

In this article we present our latest work on the optimization of mid-infrared quantum cascade laser fabrication techniques. Our efforts are focused on low dissipation devices, broad-area high-power photonic crystal lasers, as well as multi-wavelength devices realized either as arrays or multi-section distributed feedback (DFB) devices. We summarize our latest achievements and update them with our most recent results.
Spirituality Self-Care Practices as a Mediator between Quality of Life and Depression
Authors: White Mary
Published: May 2016

The purpose of this study was to develop a midrange theory, building on Orem’s self-care deficit nursing theory (SCDNT) to include constructs of religion, spirituality, and spiritual self‑care practices. This mid-range theory, White’s theory of spirituality and spiritual self-care (WTSSSC), was developed and tested as part of a larger study of African American patients with heart failure (HF). The aim of the study was to determine if spiritual self-care practices were mediating the relationship between depression and quality of life for African Americans diagnosed with heart failure. Participants in this study included 142 African Americans diagnosed with HF who were recruited at the clinic where they were being treated. Four instruments were used to measure spiritual self-care practices (White’s Spiritual Self-Care Practice Scale (WSPSCPC)), depression symptomology (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)), quality of life (World Health Organization QOL (WHOQOL-Bref)), and personal characteristics. Results of the analysis were statistically significant, indicating that spirituality self-care practices were mediating the relationship between depression and quality of life for African American individuals diagnosed with HF. As the population ages and chronic illness becomes more common, nurses need to promote the use of spirituality self-care practices to help patients maintain their well-being.
Wearable Multi-Frequency and Multi-Segment Bioelectrical Impedance Spectroscopy for Unobtrusively Tracking Body Fluid Shifts during Physical Activity in Real-Field Applications: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Villa Federica , Magnani Alessandro , Maggioni Martina , Stahn Alexander , Rampichini Susanna , Merati Giampiero , Castiglioni Paolo
Published: May 2016

Bioelectrical Impedance Spectroscopy (BIS) allows assessing the composition of body districts noninvasively and quickly, potentially providing important physiological/clinical information. However, neither portable commercial instruments nor more advanced wearable prototypes simultaneously satisfy the demanding needs of unobtrusively tracking body fluid shifts in different segments simultaneously, over a broad frequency range, for long periods and with high measurements rate. These needs are often required to evaluate exercise tests in sports or rehabilitation medicine, or to assess gravitational stresses in aerospace medicine. Therefore, the aim of this work is to present a new wearable prototype for monitoring multi-segment and multi-frequency BIS unobtrusively over long periods. Our prototype guarantees low weight, small size and low power consumption. An analog board with current-injecting and voltage-sensing electrodes across three body segments interfaces a digital board that generates square-wave current stimuli and computes impedance at 10 frequencies from 1 to 796 kHz. To evaluate the information derivable from our device, we monitored the BIS of three body segments in a volunteer before, during and after physical exercise and postural shift. We show that it can describe the dynamics of exercise-induced changes and the effect of a sit-to-stand maneuver in active and inactive muscular districts separately and simultaneously.
Have Market-oriented Reforms Decoupled China’s CO2 Emissions from Total Electricity Generation? An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Shang Wei , Pei Guifen , Walsh Conor , Meng Ming , Meng Xiangsong
Published: May 2016

Achieving the decoupling of electric CO2 emissions from total electricity generation is important in ensuring the sustainable socioeconomic development of China. To realize this, China implemented market-oriented reforms to its electric power industry at the beginning of 2003. This study used the Tapio decoupling index, the Laspeyres decomposition algorithm, and decoupling-related data from 1993 to 2012 to evaluate the effect of these reforms. Several conclusions can be drawn based on the empirical analysis. (1) The reforms changed the developmental trend of the decoupling index and facilitated its progress towards strong decoupling. (2) The results forecasted through fitting the curve to the decoupling index indicate that strong decoupling would be realized by 2030. (3) Limiting the manufacturing development and upgrading the generation equipment of the thermal power plants are essential for China to achieve strong decoupling at an early date. (4) China should enhance regulatory pressures and guidance for appropriate investment in thermal power plants to ensure the stable development of the decoupling index. (5) Transactions between multiple participants and electricity price bidding play active roles in the stable development of the decoupling index.
Distinct Morphology of Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type 1-Like Particles
Authors: Maldonado José , Cao Sheng , Zhang Wei , Mansky Louis
Published: May 2016

The Gag polyprotein is the main retroviral structural protein and is essential for the assembly and release of virus particles. In this study, we have analyzed the morphology and Gag stoichiometry of human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1)-like particles and authentic, mature HTLV-1 particles by using cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). HTLV-1-like particles mimicked the morphology of immature authentic HTLV-1 virions. Importantly, we have observed for the first time that the morphology of these virus-like particles (VLPs) has the unique local feature of a flat Gag lattice that does not follow the curvature of the viral membrane, resulting in an enlarged distance between the Gag lattice and the viral membrane. Other morphological features that have been previously observed with other retroviruses include: (1) a Gag lattice with multiple discontinuities; (2) membrane regions associated with the Gag lattice that exhibited a string of bead-like densities at the inner leaflet; and (3) an arrangement of the Gag lattice resembling a railroad track. Measurement of the average size and mass of VLPs and authentic HTLV-1 particles suggested a consistent range of size and Gag copy numbers in these two groups of particles. The unique local flat Gag lattice morphological feature observed suggests that HTLV-1 Gag could be arranged in a lattice structure that is distinct from that of other retroviruses characterized to date.
The Status of Domestic Water Demand: Supply Deficit in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
Authors: Udmale Parmeshwar , Ishidaira Hiroshi , Thapa Bhesh , Shakya Narendra
Published: May 2016

United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 targets access to water and sanitation for all people in the next 15 years. However, for developing countries such as Nepal, it is more challenging to achieve this goal given its poor infrastructure and high population growth. To assess the water crisis in the most developed and populated area of Nepal, the Kathmandu Valley, we estimated available water resources and domestic water demand in the valley. We estimated a supply deficit of 102 million liters per day (MLD) in 2016, after completion of the first phase of the Melamchi Water Supply Project (MWSP). If the MWSP is completed within the specified timeframe, and sufficient treatment and distribution infrastructure is developed, then there would be no water deficit by 2023–2025. This indicates that the MWSP will make a significant contribution to the valley’s water security. However, emphasis must be given to utilizing all of the water available from the MWSP by developing sufficient water treatment and distribution infrastructure. Alternate mitigation options, such as planning land use for potential recharge, introducing micro- to macro-level rainwater harvesting structures, conjunctive use of surface and groundwater resources, and water demand-side management, would also be helpful.
Les saints du «Cycle de Maubeuge» et la conscience aristocratique dans le Hainaut médiéval
Authors: Hornaday Aline G.
Published: May 2016

En tant qu'historien du Hainaut, Gislebert de Mons utilisa un nouvel argument pour légitimer la dynastie comtale au XIIe siècle, en l'associant avec les saints du «Cycle de Maubeuge» qui vivaient au VIIe siècle. Jacques de Guise développa les sous-entendus de Gislebert pour en faire une généalogie factice. Ces chroniqueurs associèrent les comtes de Hainaut avec la prééminence dans le «siècle des saints» par un emploi anormal de l'idée de la beata stirps pour légitimer la souveraineté féodale. L'importance de leurs procédés tient à la manière dont ces historiens médiévaux secondaient les efforts de promotion de l'aristocratie.
Alexis Hallette, industriel (1788-1846)
Authors: Callite Anne
Published: May 2016

Alexis Hallette (1788-1846), zoon van een Rijsels was achtereenvolgens leer- linggverver, porseleintekenaar, schilder, droomde van een militaire loopbaan en interesseerde zich voor mechanica. In 1812 vestigde hij zich in Arras en richt er een constructiewerkplaats op waar molens, hydraulische persen en stoomma- chines gebouwd werden. Hij gebruikte de mogelijkheden geboden door de industrie le revolutie, deed aan mijnprospectie en werkte aan de bouw van de eerste transatlantiekers en locomotieven. Hij perfektioneerde zelfs een spoorweg met een atmosferisch systeem zonder lokomotief. Maar Hallette stierf helaas op de leeftijd van 58 jaar zonder erin te slagen een commanditaire vennootschap op te richten. Zijn enige zoon die geen financiële of politieke steun kreeg kon het failliet niet vermijden.
La fête du Travail. Approche dynamique du rituel
Authors: Albert Pierre
Published: May 2016

May 1st, emphasizing its dimension of gravity, it taken over in order to serve political and governmental purposes ; 3. over the latest years, May 1st, de- semantized in the newer context of socialism, in searching for a new significance.
Les soutiens militaires de Jean Ier, duc de Brabant, à Philippe III, roi de France, durant les expéditions ibériques (1276-1285).
Authors: Boffa Serge
Published: May 2016

De militaire steun van Jan I, hertog van Brabant, aan Filips III, koning van Frankrijk, tijdens de veldtochten in Iberië (1276- 1285).

Filips III de Stoute, koning van Frankrijk leidde, om persoonlijke en politieke redenen verschilende veldtochten in het Iberisch schiereiland ; tegen Castilië in 1276 om de opvolging van de kinderen van Fernando de Cera veilig te stellen, daarna tegen Aragon in 1285 als een gevolg van de agressie van Peter III tegen Karel van Anjou. Bij de prinsen die de koning van Frankrijk vergezelden was de hertog van Brabant Jan I. Dat laat toe een hertogelijke veldtocht te bestuderen en meteen de nauwe banden die er bestonden tussen de koninklijke en hertogelijke hoven. Men kan ook wijzen op het krijgshaftig karakter van Jan I.
Molinet dramaturge : une moralité inédite jouée lors du chapitre valenciennois de la Toison d'Or (1473).
Authors: Devaux Jean
Published: May 2016

Molinet als toneelschrijven : een onuitgegeven moraliteit opgevoerd tijdens het kapittel van het Gulden Vlies te Valenciennes (1473).

. Van 1 tot 13 mei 1473 vergaderde in Valenciennes het twaalfde kapittel van het Gulden Vlies. De dichter Jean Molinet die al een paar jaar in de stad woonde schreef een getegenheidstuk om de banketten of speien op te vrolijken. Wij ontdekten in de Mémoires van Jean Coquiau een groot fragment van dit dramatisch werk dat hier volledig uitgegeven wordt. Het stuk werd opgevoerd voor de hertog Karel en de ridders van de orde in de grote zaal van het hertogelijk paleis van Henegouwen. Men vindt er drie hoofdbekommenissen van de toekomstige kroniekschrijver paast de verheerlijking van het zeeredele huis van Bourgondië en van de dappere ridders die er zich dagelijks onderscheiden klinkt, in deze zeer Valentijnse tekst de gehechtheid van de auteur aan zijn gastland door. Deze tekst werpt enig licht op een miskend facet van deze grote schrijver die als dramaturg betrokken was bij de tot de verbeelding sprekende luister van de Boergondiërs.
La politique de reconstruction urbaine à Aire au XVIIIe siècle.
Authors: Maillard-Delbende Agnès
Published: May 2016

La ville d'Aire, fortement démolie par un siège de deux mois en 1710, puis occupée par les Hollandais pendant 3 ans, fut presque entièrement reconstruite au XVIIIe siècle selon un règlement du 17 novembre 1722. Ce règlement imposa à toutes les rues un même modèle fait de façades tramées, d'un étage, avec pierres et trumeaux de briques alternés, corniches et cordons de pierre parfaitement raccordés, en lignes continues ; toutes les façades de la Grand Place triangulaire reçurent un décor de pilastres en pierre, élevés sur 2 étages et terminés par des chapitaux corinthiens semblables à ceux de l'hôtel de ville qui occupe la base du triangle.

Ce règlement, imposé pendant plus d'un siècle avec rigueur et même sévérité, mais secondé par une politique municipale de subventions et de prêts sans intérêt, donne encore maintenant, à la ville un aspect très homogène, d'un classicisme à la française.

Le règlement et ses dix-neuf articles furent adoptés par plusieurs autres villes, dont Arras, Saint-Omer, à la même époque, mais sa mise en application rigoureuse et persévérante ont fait à Aire un ensemble harmonieux et exceptionnel ; ce fut l'œuvre de 2 familles : les mayeurs François et Charles-Louis de Lencquesaing, et la famille Beugin, dont 7 maîtres- charpentiers, en 3 générations, furent les maîtres-d'oeuvre et commissaires aux travaux.

Les requêtes et les plans déposés par les propriétaires, et conservés aux archives municipales, sont pour l'historien d'aujourd'hui, une mine de renseignements et permettent encore d'identifier la plupart des maisons.

La ville intra muros est classée en Zone de Protection du Patrimoine Architectural et Urbain (ZPPAU) depuis 1988.
Are trait‐scaling relationships invariant across contrasting elevations in the widely distributed treeline species Nothofagus pumilio?
Authors: Fajardo Alex
Published: May 2016

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:

The study of scaling examines the relative dimensions of diverse organismal traits. Understanding whether global scaling patterns are paralleled within species is key to identify causal factors of universal scaling. I examined whether the foliage–stem (Corner's rules), the leaf size–number, and the leaf mass–leaf area scaling relationships remained invariant and isometric with elevation in a wide‐distributed treeline species in the southern Chilean Andes.

METHODS:

Mean leaf area, leaf mass, leafing intensity, and twig cross‐sectional area were determined for 1–2 twigs of 8–15 Nothofagus pumilio individuals across four elevations (including treeline elevation) and four locations (from central Chile at 36°S to Tierra del Fuego at 54°S). Mixed effects models were fitted to test whether the interaction term between traits and elevation was nonsignificant (invariant).

KEY RESULTS:

The leaf–twig cross‐sectional area and the leaf mass–leaf area scaling relationships were isometric (slope = 1) and remained invariant with elevation, whereas the leaf size–number (i.e., leafing intensity) scaling was allometric (slope ≠ ™1) and showed no variation with elevation. Leaf area and leaf number were consistently negatively correlated across elevation.

CONCLUSIONS:

The scaling relationships examined in the current study parallel those seen across species. It is plausible that the explanation of intraspecific scaling relationships, as trait combinations favored by natural selection, is the same as those invoked to explain across species patterns. Thus, it is very likely that the global interspecific Corner's rules and other leaf–leaf scaling relationships emerge as the aggregate of largely parallel intraspecific patterns.
Hidden in plain view: Cryptic diversity in the emblematic Araucaria of New Caledonia
Authors: Ruhsam Markus , Clark Alexandra , Finger Aline , Wulff Adrien S. , Mill Robert R. , Thomas Philip I. , Gardner Martin F. , Gaudeul Myriam , Ennos Richard A. , Hollingsworth Peter M.
Published: May 2016

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:

Cryptic species represent a conservation challenge, because distributions and threats cannot be accurately assessed until species are recognized and defined. Cryptic species are common in diminutive and morphologically simple organisms, but are rare in charismatic and/or highly visible groups such as conifers. New Caledonia, a small island in the southern Pacific is a hotspot of diversity for the emblematic conifer genus Araucaria (Araucariaceae, Monkey Puzzle trees) where 13 of the 19 recognized species are endemic.

METHODS:

We sampled across the entire geographical distribution of two closely related species (Araucaria rulei and A. muelleri) and screened them for genetic variation at 12 nuclear and 14 plastid microsatellites and one plastid minisatellite; a subset of the samples was also examined using leaf morphometrics.

KEY RESULTS:

The genetic data show that populations of the endangered A. muelleri fall into two clearly distinct genetic groups: one corresponding to montane populations, the other corresponding to trees from lower elevation populations from around the Goro plateau. These Goro plateau populations are more closely related to A. rulei, but are sufficiently genetically and morphological distinct to warrant recognition as a new species.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our study shows the presence of a previously unrecognized species in this flagship group, and that A. muelleri has 30% fewer individuals than previously thought. Combined, this clarification of species diversity and distributions provides important information to aid conservation planning for New Caledonian Araucaria.
YOUNG STAR CLUSTERS IN THE OUTER DISKS OF LITTLE THINGS DWARF IRREGULAR GALAXIES
Authors: Hunter Deidre A. , Elmegreen Bruce G. , Gehret Elizabeth
Published: May 2016

We examine FUV images of the LITTLE THINGS sample of nearby dwarf irregular (dIrr) and Blue Compact Dwarf galaxies to identify distinct young regions in their far outer disks. We use these data, obtained with the Galaxy Evolution Explorer satellite, to determine the furthest radius at which in situ star formation can currently be identified. The FUV knots are found at distances from the center of the galaxies of 1–8 disk scale lengths and have ages of

≤
20

Myr and masses of 20 M

☉

to 1 × 105
M

☉

. The presence of young clusters and OB associations in the outer disks of dwarf galaxies shows that dIrrs do have star formation taking place there in spite of the extreme nature of the environment. Most regions are found where the H i surface density is ∼1 M

☉

pc−2, though both the H i and dispersed old stars go out much further. This limiting density suggests a cutoff in the ability to form distinct OB associations and perhaps even stars. We compare the star formation rates in the FUV regions to the average rates expected at their radii and beyond from the observed gas, using the conventional correlation for gas-rich regions. The localized rates are typically 10% of the expected average rates for the outer disks. Either star formation in dIrrs at surface densities

<
1

M

⊙

pc−2 occurs without forming distinct associations, or the Kennicutt–Schmidt relation over-predicts the rate beyond this point. In the latter case, the stellar disks in the far-outer parts of dIrrs result from scattering of stars from the inner disk.
UNEXPECTED SERIES OF REGULAR FREQUENCY SPACING OF δ SCUTI STARS IN THE NON-ASYMPTOTIC REGIME. I. THE METHODOLOGY
Authors: Paparó M. , Benkő J. M. , Hareter M. , Guzik J. A.
Published: May 2016

A sequence search method was developed to search the regular frequency spacing in δ Scuti stars through visual inspection and an algorithmic search. We searched for sequences of quasi-equally spaced frequencies, containing at least four members per sequence, in 90 δ Scuti stars observed by CoRoT. We found an unexpectedly large number of independent series of regular frequency spacing in 77 δ Scuti stars (from one to eight sequences) in the non-asymptotic regime. We introduce the sequence search method presenting the sequences and echelle diagram of CoRoT 102675756 and the structure of the algorithmic search. Four sequences (echelle ridges) were found in the 5–21 d−1 region where the pairs of the sequences are shifted (between 0.5 and 0.59 d−1) by twice the value of the estimated rotational splitting frequency (0.269 d−1). The general conclusions for the whole sample are also presented in this paper. The statistics of the spacings derived by the sequence search method, by FT (Fourier transform of the frequencies), and the statistics of the shifts are also compared. In many stars more than one almost equally valid spacing appeared. The model frequencies of FG Vir and their rotationally split components were used to formulate the possible explanation that one spacing is the large separation while the other is the sum of the large separation and the rotational frequency. In CoRoT 102675756, the two spacings (2.249 and 1.977 d−1) are in better agreement with the sum of a possible 1.710 d−1 large separation and two or one times, respectively, the value of the rotational frequency.
EXPLAINING TEV COSMIC-RAY ANISOTROPIES WITH NON-DIFFUSIVE COSMIC-RAY PROPAGATION
Authors: Harding J. Patrick , Fryer Chris L. , Mendel Susan
Published: May 2016

Constraining the behavior of cosmic ray data observed at Earth requires a precise understanding of how the cosmic rays propagate in the interstellar medium. The interstellar medium is not homogeneous; although turbulent magnetic fields dominate over large scales, small coherent regions of magnetic field exist on scales relevant to particle propagation in the nearby Galaxy. Guided propagation through a coherent field is significantly different from random particle diffusion and could be the explanation of spatial anisotropies in the observed cosmic rays. We present a Monte Carlo code to propagate cosmic particle through realistic magnetic field structures. We discuss the details of the model as well as some preliminary studies which indicate that coherent magnetic structures are important effects in local cosmic-ray propagation, increasing the flux of cosmic rays by over two orders of magnitude at anisotropic locations on the sky. The features induced by coherent magnetic structure could be the cause of the observed TeV cosmic-ray anisotropy.
THE FIRST SPECTROPOLARIMETRIC MONITORING OF THE PECULIAR O4 Ief SUPERGIANT ζ PUPPIS
Authors: Hubrig S. , Kholtygin A. , Ilyin I. , Schöller M. , Oskinova L. M.
Published: May 2016

The origin of the magnetic field in massive O-type stars is still under debate. To model the physical processes responsible for the generation of O star magnetic fields, it is important to understand whether correlations between the presence of a magnetic field and stellar evolutionary state, rotation velocity, kinematical status, and surface composition can be identified. The O4 Ief supergiant ζ Pup is a fast rotator and a runaway star, which may be a product of a past binary interaction, possibly having had an encounter with the cluster Trumper 10 some 2 Myr ago. The currently available observational material suggests that certain observed phenomena in this star may be related to the presence of a magnetic field. We acquired spectropolarimetric observations of ζ Pup with FORS 2 mounted on the 8 m Antu telescope of the Very Large Telescope to investigate if a magnetic field is indeed present in this star. We show that many spectral lines are highly variable and probably vary with the recently detected period of 1.78 day. No magnetic field is detected in ζ Pup, as no magnetic field measurement has a significance level higher than 2.4σ. Still, we studied the probability of a single sinusoidal explaining the variation of the longitudinal magnetic field measurements.