bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tourism in Gorkha: A proposition to Revive Tourism After Devastating Earthquakes
Authors: Ghimire Him Lal
Published: May 2016

Gorkha, the epicenter of devastating earthquake 2015 is one of the important tourist destinations of Nepal. Tourism is vulnerable sector that has been experiencing major crises from disasters. Nepal is one of the world’s 20 most disaster-prone countries where earthquakes are unique challenges for tourism. Nepal has to be very optimistic about the future of tourism as it has huge potentials to be the top class tourist destinations by implementing best practices and services. Gorkha tourism requires a strategy that will help manage crises and rapid recovery from the damages and losses. This paper attempts to explain tourism potentials of Gorkha, analyze the impacts of devastating earthquakes on tourism and outline guidelines to revive tourism in Gorkha.Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Education (Vol. 6), 2016, Pages: 67-94
Knowledge Regarding Premarital Sex and Its Consequences Among Adolescents
Authors: Bhandari Sushila Devi
Published: May 2016

The premarital sex knowledge and consequences among adolescents was the subject of the research presented. Premarital sex issues are bombarding and it is an emerging topic, though adolescents are not being serious about it, they will be in great trouble in near future if they did not get adequate knowledge about this topic as premarital sex consequences rates are increasing day by day in all over the world like STIs, adolescence pregnancy, guilt, depression, stress, loss of self-respects etc especially on young adolescents.

It was descriptive, cross-sectional study. Simple random sampling lottery method was used for obtaining 141 samples from higher secondary school. Self-administered questionnaire was distributed among adolescent to obtain their responses regarding premarital sex.

Out of 141 respondents, the study revealed that 87.2% responded premarital sex to be inappropriate. While 34% responded the cause of having premarital sex is due to lack of sex education. Regarding the consequences of premarital sex majority of the respondents were aware about different consequences that may occur due to premarital sex.

Majority of the respondents had knowledge about premarital sex and its consequences.
Comparison of Methods to Quantify Rhamnolipid and Optimization of Oil Spreading Method
Authors: Zhao Feng , Liang Xiaolong , Ban Yunhe , Han Siqin , Zhang Jie , Zhang Ying , Ma Fang
Published: May 2016

A rapid and reliable method to quantify rhamnolipid is indispensable to study and evaluate rhamnolipid-producing bacteria. Five methods were attempted to quantify rhamnolipid in bacteria culture. The oil spreading method better predicted the rhamnolipid concentration and is simpler than the other methods. The potential influencing factors (temperature, pH, salinity, metals, bacterial cells, carbon sources) were investigated. The common substance in fermentation broth has little effect on oil spreading circle. An optimized protocol of the oil spreading method to quantify rhamnolipid was proposed. A positive linear correlation (R2 – 0.9908) was established between the diameter of the formed oil spreading circle and the concentration of rhamnolipid (100–800 mg L−1). Results of a large number of samples suggested that the oil spreading method is easy, rapid and reliable to analyze quantitatively rhamnolipids.
One-Pot Preparation of Nano-SiO2 Using a Silane Derivative as a Coupling Agent
Authors: Luo Jianhui , Du Zhiping , Tai Xiumei , Wang Wanxu , Wu Jianghong , Ding Bin , Wang Pingmei
Published: May 2016

The nano-silica particles were prepared by one-pot method using absolute ethanol as solvent. After the nano-silica derived from TEOS was synthesized, the coupling agent was added into the above suspension without any filtration or purification processes to modify the nano SiO2. The optimum modification conditions were determined based on the degree of oil affinity and water sorption ratio. The size and morphology of SiO2 before and after modification were observed using Transmission Electron Microscopy. The introductions of the organic chains to their surfaces were measured using Ultraviolet and Visible Spectrophotometry, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and 13C solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. The influences of the hydrophobicity of the organic functional group on the nano-silica particles were tested by the water contact angle. The results show that the organic chains had been grafted on the surface of nano-silica.
Coupling Motion and Energy Harvesting of Two Side-by-Side Flexible Plates in a 3D Uniform Flow
Authors: Dong Dibo , Chen Weishan , Shi Shengjun
Published: May 2016

The fluid-structure interaction problems of two side-by-side flexible plates with a finite aspect ratio in a three-dimensional (3D) uniform flow are numerically studied. The plates’ motions are entirely passive under the force of surrounding fluid. By changing the aspect ratio and transverse distance, the coupling motions, drag force and energy capture performance are analyzed. The mechanisms underlying the plates’ motion and flow characteristics are discussed systematically. The adopted algorithm is verified and validated by the simulation of flow past a square flexible plate. The results show that the plate’s passive flapping behavior contains transverse and spanwise deformation, and the flapping amplitude is proportional to the aspect ratio. In the side-by-side configuration, three distinct coupling modes of the plates’ motion are identified, including single-plate mode, symmetrical flapping mode and decoupled mode. The plate with a lower aspect ratio may suffer less drag force and capture less bending energy than in the isolated situation. The optimized selection for obtaining higher energy conversion efficiency is the plate flapping in single-plate mode, especially the plate with a higher aspect ratio. The findings of this work provide several new physical insights into the understanding of fish schooling and are expected to inspire the developments of underwater robots or energy harvesters.
CO-Tolerant Pt–BeO as a Novel Anode Electrocatalyst in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Kwon Kyungjung , Jung Yeojin , Ku Heesuk , Lee Kang , Kim Sookyung , Sohn Jeongsoo , Pak Chanho
Published: May 2016

Commercialization of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) requires less expensive catalysts and higher operating voltage. Substantial anodic overvoltage with the usage of reformed hydrogen fuel can be minimized by using CO-tolerant anode catalysts. Carbon-supported Pt–BeO is manufactured so that Pt particles with an average diameter of 4 nm are distributed on a carbon support. XPS analysis shows that a peak value of the binding energy of Be matches that of BeO, and oxygen is bound with Be or carbon. The hydrogen oxidation current of the Pt–BeO catalyst is slightly higher than that of a Pt catalyst. CO stripping voltammetry shows that CO oxidation current peaks at ~0.85 V at Pt, whereas CO is oxidized around 0.75 V at Pt–BeO, which confirms that the desorption of CO is easier in the presence of BeO. Although the state-of-the-art PtRu anode catalyst is dominant as a CO-tolerant hydrogen oxidation catalyst, this study of Be-based CO-tolerant material can widen the choice of PEMFC anode catalyst.
Trapping Analysis of AlGaN/GaN Schottky Diodes via Current Transient Spectroscopy
Authors: Florovič Martin , Škriniarová Jaroslava , Kováč Jaroslav , Kordoš Peter
Published: May 2016

Trapping effects on two AlGaN/GaN Schottky diodes with a different composition of the AlGaN barrier layer were analyzed by current transient spectroscopy. The current transients were measured at a constant bias and at six different temperatures between 25 and 150 °C. Obtained data were fitted by only three superimposed exponentials, and good agreement between the experimental and fitted data was achieved. The activation energy of dominant traps in the investigated structures was found to be within 0.77–0.83 eV. This nearly identical activation energy was obtained from current transients measured at a reverse bias of −6 V as well as at a forward bias of+1 V. It indicates that the dominant traps might be attributed to defects mainly associated with dislocations connected predominantly with the GaN buffer near the AlGaN/GaN interface.
Physical Aggression and Mindfulness among College Students: Evidence from China and the United States
Authors: Gao Yu , Shi Lu , Smith Kelly , Kingree Jeffery , Thompson Martie
Published: May 2016

Background: The link between trait mindfulness and several dimensions of aggression (verbal, anger and hostility) has been documented, while the link between physical aggression and trait mindfulness remains less clear. Method: We used two datasets: one United States sample from 300 freshmen males from Clemson University, South Carolina and a Chinese sample of 1516 freshmen students from Shanghai University of Finance and Economics. Multiple regressions were conducted to examine the association between mindfulness (measured by Mindful Attention and Awareness Scale (MAAS)) and each of the four subscales of aggression. Results: Among the Clemson sample (N = 286), the mindfulness scale had a significant negative association with each of the four subscales of aggression: Hostility: β = −0.62, p < 0.001; Verbal: β = −0.37, p < 0.001; Physical: β = −0.29, p < 0.001; Anger: β = −0.44, p < 0.001. Among the Shanghai male subsample, the mindfulness scale had a significant negative association with each of the four subscales of aggression: Hostility: β = −0.57, p < 0.001; Verbal: β = −0.37, p < 0.001; Physical: β = −0.35, p < 0.001; Anger: β = −0.58, p < 0.001. Among the Shanghai female subsample (N = 512), the mindfulness scale had a significant negative association with each of the four subscales of aggression: Hostility: β = −0.62, p < 0.001; Verbal: β = −0.41, p < 0.001; Physical: β = −0.52, p < 0.001; and Anger: β = −0.64, p < 0.001. Discussion: Our study documents the negative association between mindfulness and physical aggression in two non-clinical samples. Future studies could explore whether mindfulness training lowers physical aggression among younger adults.
Elasto-Plastic Stress Analysis in a Ductile Adhesive & Aluminum Adherends
Authors: Akdag Mustafa , Batar Turan , Okumus Fuat , Sayman Onur , Arikan Volkan
Published: May 2016

In this study, an elasto-plastic stress analysis is proposed in an aluminum adherend and a ductile adhesive. Elasto-plastic analysis was carried out for the aluminum adherend and DP460 ductile adhesive in a double-lap joint. The analytical solution was compared with the finite element solution. ANSYS 12 was used in the stress analysis. The analytical solution was performed for the one-dimensional case in the adhesive and the adherends. A FEM solution was given for the two-dimensional case. Similar results were obtained for both. In addition, the solution was carried out for brittle and ductile materials. The mechanical properties of the loctite were nearly the same as the ductile DP460 adhesive. It was observed that the ductile adhesive increased the strength of the structure due to the small shear stresses at the free ends of the adhesive.
New Complex Hyperbolic Function Solutions for the (2+1)-Dimensional Dispersive Long Water–Wave System
Authors: Bulut Hasan , Baskonus Haci
Published: May 2016

In this paper, new algorithms called the “Modified exp(−Ω)-expansion function method” and “Improved Bernoulli sub-equation function method” have been proposed. The first algorithm is based on the exp(−Ω(ξ))-expansion method; the latter is based on the Bernoulli sub-Ordinary Differential Equation method. The methods proposed have been expressed comprehensively in this manuscript. The analytical solutions and application results are presented by drawing the two- and three-dimensional surfaces of solutions such as hyperbolic, complex, trigonometric and exponential solutions for the (2+1)-dimensional dispersive long water–wave system. Finally, a conclusion has been presented by mentioning the important discoveries in this manuscript.
Estimating Variances in Weighted Least-Squares Estimation of Distributional Parameters
Authors: Mert Kantar Yeliz
Published: May 2016

Many estimation methods have been proposed for the parameters of statistical distribution. The least squares estimation method, based on a regression model or probability plot, is frequently used by practitioners since its implementation procedure is extremely simple in complete and censoring data cases. However, in the procedure, heteroscedasticity is present in the used regression model and, thus, the weighted least squares estimation or alternative methods should be used. This study proposes an alternative method for the estimation of variance, based on a dependent variable generated via simulation, in order to estimate distributional parameters using the weighted least squares method. In the estimation procedure, the variances or weights are expressed as a function of the rank of the data point in the sample. The considered weighted estimation method is evaluated for the shape parameter of the log-logistic and Weibull distributions via a simulation study. It is found that the considered weighted estimation method shows better performance than the maximum likelihood, least-squares, and certain other alternative estimation approaches in terms of mean square error for most of the considered sample sizes. In addition, a real-life example from hydrology is provided to demonstrate the performance of the considered method.
Direct Solution of Second-Order Ordinary Differential Equation Using a Single-Step Hybrid Block Method of Order Five
Authors: Abdelrahim Ra’ft , Omar Zurni
Published: May 2016

This paper proposes a new hybrid block method of order five for solving second-order ordinary differential equations directly. The method is developed using interpolation and collocation techniques. The use of the power series approximate solution as an interpolation polynomial and its second derivative as a collocation equation is considered in deriving the method. Properties of the method such as zero stability, order, consistency, convergence and region of absolute stability are investigated. The new method is then applied to solve the system of second-order ordinary differential equations and the accuracy is better when compared with the existing methods in terms of error.
Finite Volume Method for the Relativistic Burgers Model on a (1+1)-Dimensional de Sitter Spacetime
Authors: Ceylan Tuba , Okutmustur Baver
Published: May 2016

Several generalizations of the relativistic models of Burgers equations have recently been established and developed on different spacetime geometries. In this work, we take into account the de Sitter spacetime geometry, introduce our relativistic model by a technique based on the vanishing pressure Euler equations of relativistic compressible fluids on a (1+1)-dimensional background and construct a second order Godunov type finite volume scheme to examine numerical experiments within an analysis of the cosmological constant. Numerical results demonstrate the efficiency of the method for solutions containing shock and rarefaction waves.
Design and Manufacturing of a Passive Pressure Sensor Based on LC Resonance
Authors: Zheng Cheng , Li Wei , Li An-Lin , Zhan Zhan , Wang Ling-Yun , Sun Dao-Heng
Published: May 2016

The LC resonator-based passive pressure sensor attracts much attention because it does not need a power source or lead wires between the sensing element and the readout system. This paper presents the design and manufacturing of a passive pressure sensor that contains a variable capacitor and a copper-electroplated planar inductor. The sensor is fabricated using silicon bulk micro-machining, electroplating, and anodic bonding technology. The finite element method is used to model the deflection of the silicon diaphragm and extract the capacitance change corresponding to the applied pressure. Within the measurement range from 5 to 100 kPa, the sensitivity of the sensor is 0.052 MHz/kPa, the linearity is 2.79%, and the hysteresis error is 0.2%. Compared with the sensitivity at 27 °C, the drop of output performance is 3.53% at 140 °C.
Self-resistance in Streptomyces, with Special Reference to β-Lactam Antibiotics
Authors: Ogawara Hiroshi
Published: May 2016

Antibiotic resistance is one of the most serious public health problems. Among bacterial resistance, β-lactam antibiotic resistance is the most prevailing and threatening area. Antibiotic resistance is thought to originate in antibiotic-producing bacteria such as Streptomyces. In this review, β-lactamases and penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) in Streptomyces are explored mainly by phylogenetic analyses from the viewpoint of self-resistance. Although PBPs are more important than β-lactamases in self-resistance, phylogenetically diverse β-lactamases exist in Streptomyces. While class A β-lactamases are mostly detected in their enzyme activity, over two to five times more classes B and C β-lactamase genes are identified at the whole genomic level. These genes can subsequently be transferred to pathogenic bacteria. As for PBPs, two pairs of low affinity PBPs protect Streptomyces from the attack of self-producing and other environmental β-lactam antibiotics. PBPs with PASTA domains are detectable only in class A PBPs in Actinobacteria with the exception of Streptomyces. None of the Streptomyces has PBPs with PASTA domains. However, one of class B PBPs without PASTA domain and a serine/threonine protein kinase with four PASTA domains are located in adjacent positions in most Streptomyces. These class B type PBPs are involved in the spore wall synthesizing complex and probably in self-resistance. Lastly, this paper emphasizes that the resistance mechanisms in Streptomyces are very hard to deal with, despite great efforts in finding new antibiotics.
Effect of the Algaecide Palmitoleic Acid on the Immune Function of the Bay Scallop Argopecten irradians
Authors: Chi Cheng , Giri Sib , Jun Jin , Kim Hyoun , Kim Sang , Yun Saekil , Park Se
Published: May 2016

Palmitoleic acid (PA), an algicidal compound, is used against the toxin producing dinofagelate Alexandrium tamarense, however, its impact on the edible bay scallop (Argopecten irradians) is still unclear. Therefore, we investigated the impacts of effective algicidal concentrations (20, 40, and 80 mg/L) of PA on immune responses in A. irradians. Various immune parameters including acid phosphatase (ACP) activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD), lysozyme, phagocytic activity, total protein, malondialdehyde (MDA) level, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the expression of immune-related genes (PrxV, CLT-6, MT, and BD) were measured at 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h post-exposure (hpe) to PA. Lysozyme activity was lower in scallops at 12–48 hpe to 80 mg/L. SOD, ACP activity, ROS production, the total protein, and MDA level was higher at 12 to 48 hpe with different concentrations of PA. Phagocytic activity increased at 6–12 hpe to 40–80 mg/L of PA, but decreased at 24–48 hpe. The expressions of genes PrxV, CLT-6, MT and BD down-regulated at 3 hpe were observed, while differential expressions from 6–48 hpe with different concentrations of PA. The present study demonstrated that immersing A. irradians in PA at effective concentrations could result in differential effects on non-specific immune responses and expressions of immune-related genes.
Investigation of the Structural, Electrical, and Optical Properties of the Nano-Scale GZO Thin Films on Glass and Flexible Polyimide Substrates
Authors: Wang Fang-Hsing , Chen Kun-Neng , Hsu Chao-Ming , Liu Min-Chu , Yang Cheng-Fu
Published: May 2016

In this study, Ga2O3-doped ZnO (GZO) thin films were deposited on glass and flexible polyimide (PI) substrates at room temperature (300 K), 373 K, and 473 K by the radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering method. After finding the deposition rate, all the GZO thin films with a nano-scale thickness of about 150 ± 10 nm were controlled by the deposition time. X-ray diffraction patterns indicated that the GZO thin films were not amorphous and all exhibited the (002) peak, and field emission scanning electron microscopy showed that only nano-scale particles were observed. The dependences of the structural, electrical, and optical properties of the GZO thin films on different deposition temperatures and substrates were investigated. X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) was used to measure the elemental composition at the chemical and electronic states of the GZO thin films deposited on different substrates, which could be used to clarify the mechanism of difference in electrical properties of the GZO thin films. In this study, the XPS binding energy spectra of Ga2p3/2 and Ga2p1/2 peaks, Zn2p3/2 and Zn2p1/2 peaks, the Ga3d peak, and O1s peaks for GZO thin films on glass and PI substrates were well compared.
Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations in Cirrhotic Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Pilz Stefan , Putz-Bankuti Csilla , Gaksch Martin , Spindelboeck Walter , Haselberger Marius , Rainer Florian , Posch Andreas , Kreuzer Philipp , Stojakovic Tatjana , Stadlbauer Vanessa , Obermayer-Pietsch Barbara , Stauber Rudolf
Published: May 2016

Background: The liver is crucial for 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) metabolism, and vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in patients with cirrhosis and predicts adverse outcomes. We aimed to evaluate whether vitamin D supplementation in patients with cirrhosis is effective in increasing 25(OH)D serum concentrations. Secondary outcome measures included liver function tests (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT), and alkaline phosphatase (AP)), albumin, International Normalized Ratio (INR), bilirubin, the liver fibrosis marker hyaluronic acid, and parameters of mineral metabolism including parathyroid hormone (PTH). Methods: This is a double-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted from December 2013 to May 2014 at the Medical University of Graz, and the hospital Hoergas-Enzenbach, Austria. We enrolled 36 consecutive patients with cirrhosis and 25(OH)D concentrations below 30 ng/mL. Study participants were randomly allocated to receive either 2800 International Units of vitamin D3 per day as oily drops (n = 18) or placebo (n = 18) for 8 weeks. Results: Thirty-three study participants (mean (SD) age: 60 (9) years; 21% females; 25(OH)D: 15.6 (7.4) ng/mL) completed the trial. The mean treatment effect (95% CI) for 25(OH)D was 15.2 (8.0 to 22.4) ng/mL (p < 0.001). There was no significant effect on any secondary outcome. Conclusions: In this randomized controlled trial, vitamin D supplementation increases 25(OH)D serum concentrations, even in cirrhotic patients.
Improving Multiyear Sea Ice Concentration Estimates with Sea Ice Drift
Authors: Ye Yufang , Shokr Mohammed , Heygster Georg , Spreen Gunnar
Published: May 2016

Multiyear ice (MYI) concentration can be retrieved from passive or active microwave remote sensing observations. One of the algorithms that combines both observations is the Environmental Canada Ice Concentration Extractor (ECICE). However, factors such as ridging, snow wetness and metamorphism can cause significant changes in brightness temperature and backscatter, leading to misidentification of FYI as MYI, hence increasing the estimated MYI concentrations suddenly. This study introduces a correction scheme to restore the MYI concentrations under these conditions. The correction utilizes ice drift records to constrain the MYI changes and uses two thresholds of passive microwave radiometric parameters to account for snow wetness and metamorphism. The correction is applied to MYI concentration retrievals from ECICE with inputs from QuikSCAT and AMSR-E observations, acquired over the Arctic region in a series of winter seasons (October to May) from 2002 to 2009. Qualitative comparison with the Radarsat-1 SAR images and quantitative comparison against results from previous studies show that the correction works well by removing the anomalous high MYI concentrations. On average, the correction reduces the estimated MYI area by 5.2 × 105 km2 (14.3%) except for the April–May time frame, when the reduction is larger as the warmer weather prompts the condition of the anomalous snow radiometric signature. Due to the long-lasting (i.e., from one to several weeks) effect of the warm spells on FYI, the correction could be important in climatological research and operational applications.
On the Probabilistic Deployment of Smart Grid Networks in TV White Space
Authors: Cacciapuoti Angela , Caleffi Marcello , Paura Luigi
Published: May 2016

To accommodate the rapidly increasing demand for wireless broadband communications in Smart Grid (SG) networks, research efforts are currently ongoing to enable the SG networks to utilize the TV spectrum according to the Cognitive Radio paradigm. To this aim, in this letter, we develop an analytical framework for the optimal deployment of multiple closely-located SG Neighborhood Area Networks (NANs) concurrently using the same TV spectrum. The objective is to derive the optimal values for both the number of NANs and their coverage. More specifically, regarding the number of NANs, we derive the optimal closed-form expression, i.e., the closed-form expression that assures the deployment of the maximum number of NANs in the considered region satisfying a given collision constraint on the transmissions of the NANs. Regarding the NAN coverage, we derive the optimal closed-form expression, i.e., the closed-form expression of the NAN transmission range that assures the maximum coverage of each NAN in the considered region satisfying the given collision constraint. All the theoretical results are derived by adopting a stochastic approach. Finally, numerical results validate the theoretical analysis.
Do NGOs and Development Agencies Contribute to Sustainability of Smallholder Soybean Farmers in Northern Ghana—A Stochastic Production Frontier Approach
Authors: Avea Aniah , Zhu Jing , Tian Xu , Baležentis Tomas , Li Tianxiang , Rickaille Michael , Funsani William
Published: May 2016

NGOs and development agencies have a conspicuous presence in facilitating capacity building, access to production resources and markets. Capacity building by NGOs and development agencies is expected to contribute to farm efficiency and sustainability by promoting and enhancing fertilizer use as well as increasing soil fertilities. However, the influence of these factors on technical efficiency as an important dimension of sustainability has not been further explored in Ghana. This study therefore assesses the influence of NGOs on technical efficiency among smallholder soybean farmers by applying stochastic frontier analysis. The data collected from 349 smallholder soybean producers in the three northern regions of Ghana are employed for the analysis. Results show that the mean technical efficiency of soybean production is 0.885, indicating a growth potential of 11.5%. Land area, agro-chemicals and seeds contribute to production growth while labor is over used. We find that NGO facilitation as well as group membership influences technical efficiency. Furthermore, farmers facilitated by NGOs and development agencies are 4.4 p.p. more efficient than non-facilitated farmers. Our study therefore implies that production and efficiency can be improved by providing more services to farmer group members and sustainable interventions from NGOs and social programs.
Re-Designed Recombinant Hepatitis B Virus Vectors Enable Efficient Delivery of Versatile Cargo Genes to Hepatocytes with Improved Safety
Authors: Bai Weiya , Cui Xiaoxian , Chen Ruidong , Tao Shuai , Hong Ran , Zhang Jiming , Zhang Junqi , Wang Yongxiang , Xie Youhua , Liu Jing
Published: May 2016

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) takes humans as its sole natural host, and productive infection in vivo is restricted exclusively to hepatocytes in the liver. Consequently, HBV-derived viral vectors are attractive candidates for liver-targeting gene therapies. Previously, we developed a novel recombinant HBV vector, designated 5c3c, from a highly replicative clinical isolate. 5c3c was demonstrated to be capable of efficiently delivering protein or RNA expression into infected primary tupaia hepatocytes (PTH), but the design of 5c3c imposes stringent restrictions on inserted sequences, which have limited its wider adoption. In this work, we addressed issues with 5c3c by re-designing the insertion strategy. The resultant vector, designated 5dCG, was more replicative than parental 5c3c, imposed no specific restrictions on inserted sequences, and allowed insertion of a variety of cargo genes without significant loss of replication efficiency. 5dCG-based recombinant HBV effectively delivered protein and RNA expression into infected PTH. Furthermore, due to the loss of functional core ORF, 5dCG vectors depend on co-infecting wild type HBV for replication and efficient expression of cargo genes. Development of the improved 5dCG vector makes wider applications of recombinant HBV possible, while dependence on co-infecting wild type HBV results in improved safety for certain in vivo applications.
A Belgian Serosurveillance/Seroprevalence Study of Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis Using a Luminex xMAP Technology-Based Pentaplex
Authors: Caboré Raissa , Piérard Denis , Huygen Kris
Published: May 2016

Serosurveillance and seroprevalence studies are an essential tool to monitor vaccine-preventable diseases. We have developed a magnetic bead-based pentaplex immunoassay (MIA) for the simultaneous detection of IgG antibodies against diphtheria toxin (DT), tetanus toxin (TT), pertussis toxin (PT), filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA) and pertactin (Prn). The in-house pentaplex MIA showed a good correlation with commercial ELISAs with correlation coefficients between 0.89 for PT and 0.98 for TT. Intra- and inter-assay variability was <10%. A total of 670 anonymized serum samples collected in 2012 in Belgian adults (ages 20–29.9 years) were analyzed. Geometric mean concentrations (GMC) were 0.2 (0.13–0.29) IU/mL for DT, 0.63 (0.45–0.82) IU/mL for TT, 3.9 (2.6–5.8) IU/mL for PT, 16.3 (11.7–22.7) IU/mL for FHA and 15.4 (10.1–23.6) IU/mL for Prn. Antibody concentrations were below the protective level of 0.1 IU/mL in 26.4% of the sera for DT and in 8.6% of the sera for TT. Anti-PT IgG concentrations indicative of recent pertussis infection (>125 IU/mL) were detected in 1.2% of the subjects. High anti-PT antibodies were not correlated with high antibodies against any of the four other vaccine antigens. This pentaplex MIA will be used for a new large-scale Belgian serosurveillance/seroprevalence study of diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis.
Treatment of Simulated Coalbed Methane Produced Water Using Direct Contact Membrane Distillation
Authors: Cho Dong-Wan , Song Hocheol , Yoon Kwangsuk , Kim Sewoon , Han Jeongmin , Cho Jinwoo
Published: May 2016

Expolitation of coalbed methane (CBM) involves production of a massive amount saline water that needs to be properly managed for environmental protection. In this study, direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) was utilized for treatment of CBM-produced water to remove saline components in the water. Simulated CBM waters containing varying concentrations of NaCl (1, 20, and 500 mM) and NaHCO3 (1 and 25 mM) were used as feed solutions under two transmembrane temperatures (Δ40 and 60 °C). In short-term distillation (~360 min), DCMD systems showed good performance with nearly 100% removal of salts for all solutes concentrations at both temperatures. The permeate flux increased with the feed temperature, but at a given temperature, it remained fairly stable throughout the whole operation. A gradual decline in permeate flux was observed at Δ60 °C at high NaHCO3 concentration (25 mM). In long-term distillation (5400 min), the presence of 25 mM NaHCO3 further decreased the flux to 25%–35% of the initial value toward the end of the operation, likely due to membrane fouling by deposition of Ca-carbonate minerals on the pore openings. Furthermore, pore wetting by the scalants occurred at the end of the experiment, and it increased the distillate conducitivity to 110 µS·cm−1. The precipitates formed on the surface were dominantly CaCO3 crystals, identified as aragonite.
THE REDSHIFT DISTRIBUTION OF DUSTY STAR-FORMING GALAXIES FROM THE SPT SURVEY
Authors: Strandet M. L. , Weiss A. , Vieira J. D. , de Breuck C. , Aguirre J. E. , Aravena M. , Ashby M. L. N. , Béthermin M. , Bradford C. M. , Carlstrom J. E. , Chapman S. C. , Crawford T. M. , Everett W. , Fassnacht C. D. , Furstenau R. M. , Gonzalez A. H. , Greve T. R. , Gullberg B. , Hezaveh Y. , Kamenetzky J. R. , Litke K. , Ma J. , Malkan M. , Marrone D. P. , Menten K. M. , Murphy E. J. , Nadolski A. , Rotermund K. M. , Spilker J. S. , Stark A. A. , Welikala N.
Published: May 2016

We use the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Cycle 1 to determine spectroscopic redshifts of high-redshift dusty star-forming galaxies (DSFGs) selected by their 1.4 mm continuum emission in the South Pole Telescope (SPT) survey. We present ALMA 3 mm spectral scans between 84 and 114 GHz for 15 galaxies and targeted ALMA 1 mm observations for an additional eight sources. Our observations yield 30 new line detections from CO, [C i], [N ii], H2O and NH3. We further present Atacama Pathfinder Experiment [C ii] and CO mid-J observations for seven sources for which only a single line was detected in spectral-scan data from ALMA Cycle 0 or Cycle 1. We combine the new observations with previously published and new millimeter/submillimeter line and photometric data of the SPT-selected DSFGs to study their redshift distribution. The combined data yield 39 spectroscopic redshifts from molecular lines, a success rate of >85%. Our sample represents the largest data set of its kind today and has the highest spectroscopic completeness among all redshift surveys of high-z DSFGs. The median of the redshift distribution is z = 3.9 ± 0.4, and the highest-redshift source in our sample is at z = 5.8. We discuss how the selection of our sources affects the redshift distribution, focusing on source brightness, selection wavelength, and strong gravitational lensing. We correct for the effect of gravitational lensing and find the redshift distribution for 1.4 mm selected sources with a median redshift of z = 3.1 ± 0.3. Comparing to redshift distributions selected at shorter wavelengths from the literature, we show that selection wavelength affects the shape of the redshift distribution.
Romantisme de la singularité culturelle et Vérité de l’hybridation : brève analyse critique du romantisme épistémologique de la sinologie classique
Authors: Heurtebise Jean-Yves
Published: May 2016

A travers une double référence méthodologique au concept de la construction mimétique de l’autre de René Girard et au concept de prolifération des hybrides de Bruno Latour, nous voudrions montrer dans cet article comment une certaine image de la Chine s’est cristallisée à partir du XVII e siècle et comment elle s’est propagée jusqu’à nous sans jamais vraiment se départir, malgré des fortes variations quant au contenu émotif de la relation (du respect fasciné au rejet absolu et du rejet absolu à l’amitié inconditionnée), d’un commun présupposé anthropologique (hérité de l’anthropologie idéaliste et coloniale définissant la culture comme Volksgeist ) sur l’autonomie de son objet – présupposé auquel s’oppose, selon nous, le fait de la co-construction hybride et partiale de l’objet Chine initiée par la rencontre entre missionnaires jésuites et officiels confucéens au cours des XVII e et XVIII e siècles.
« On n’est pas à vendre ». L’économie politique du rap dans la Tunisie post-révolution
Authors: Golpushnezad Elham , Barone Stefano , Dia Alioune
Published: May 2016

Cet article questionne les liens entre la scène rap et l’environnement politique post-révolution en Tunisie. Il montre comment le politique, sous des formes multiples, pénètre l’économie de la scène rap et lui impose une certaine discipline, à travers plusieurs mécanismes d’inclusion et de répression. Cette économie politique du rap illustre bien, dans le contexte musical, les logiques de domination que Béatrice Hibou avait auparavant identifies dans la Tunisie d’avant la révolution. Elle déclenche des conflits de légitimité tant politique qu’artistique entre rappeurs, qui ne cessent de restructurer la scène musicale.
« Qui cuisine, qui mange ? » : les artistes, courtiers culturels des campagnes électorales en Ouganda
Authors: Schneidermann Nanna , Diallo Rozenn
Published: May 2016

Généralement, l’agencéité politique des musiciens en Afrique a été analysée en termes de patronage, comme une forme de soutien ou de protestation envers les leaders politiques. Pourtant, l’implication des jeunes musiciens ougandais dans les campagnes électorales de 2011 et 2016 ne peut être qualifiée ni d’activisme politique, ni de clientélisme ou de relations commerciales. Pour comprendre cette agencéité politique ambiguë, je propose la notion de courtage culturel afin de souligner les stratégies plurielles et les actions non déterminées de mes interlocuteurs sur la scène politique.
Repeatability of Wavefront Aberration Measurements With a Placido-Based Topographer in Normal and Keratoconic Eyes
Authors: Ortiz-Toquero Sara , Rodriguez Guadalupe , de Juan Victoria , Martin Raul
Published: May 2016

PURPOSE:

To determine and compare the repeatability of anterior corneal higher order aberrations (HOAs) using a Placido-based topographer (Allegro Topolyzer; WaveLight Technologie AG, Alcon Laboratories, Erlangen, Germany) in a sample of normal and keratoconic eyes.

METHODS:

Three repeated measurements of each cornea of normal and keratoconic eyes were taken with the Allegro Topolyzer. Repeatability of the HOAs (3rd- and 4th-order individual values and normalized polar Zernike coefficients, coma-like, root mean square (RMS) up to 8th-order values, HOA RMS, and total RMS for 6-mm pupil diameter) and central corneal power (3-mm pupil) were analyzed. Within-subject standard deviation (S
w
), precision, repeatability, coefficient of variation (CV), and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated.

RESULTS:

Zernike coefficients were significantly different between the normal (36 eyes of 36 patients) and keratoconus (36 eyes of 36 patients) groups (
P
≤ .03) except in Z
+1
3
, Z
+3
3
, Z
−4
4
, and Z
+4
4
. In the normal group, S
w
was 0.031
µ
m or less, CV ranged from 6.49% (spherical aberration) to 37.18% (secondary astigmatism), and ICC values ranged from 0.227 to 0.982. In the keratoconus group, S
w
was 0.059
µ
m or less, CV ranged from 2.06% (total RMS) to 25.82% (tetrafoil), and ICC values ranged from 0.839 to 0.996. In analyzing the keratoconus stages (Amsler–Krumeich classification), the repeatability of the Zernike coefficients tended to improve with increasing keratoconus stage.

CONCLUSIONS:

The repeatability of corneal wavefront aberration provided by the Allegro Topolyzer was better in keratoconic eyes (good and moderate repeatability) than in normal eyes (moderate and poor repeatability). These results are important to eye care practitioners and refractive surgeons during refractive surgery planning or keratoconus detection, classification, and management.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2016;32(5):338–344.]
Early Corneal Wound Healing and Inflammatory Responses After SMILE: Comparison of the Effects of Different Refractive Corrections and Surgical Experiences
Authors: Liu Yu-Chi , Teo Ericia Pei Wen , Lwin Nyein Chan , Yam Gary Hin Fai , Mehta Jodhbir S.
Published: May 2016

PURPOSE:

To investigate the early corneal wound healing and inflammatory responses after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) with different power of corrections and surgical experiences using a rabbit model.

METHODS:

Twenty-four rabbits underwent SMILE with −2.00, −4.00, and −8.00 diopters (D) correction. One eye of each rabbit was operated on by surgeon 1 (experienced) and the contralateral eye was operated on by surgeon 2 (novice). Slit-lamp examination, anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT), and in vivo confocal microscopy were performed at 1 day and 1 week postoperatively. The corneas were harvested for immunofluorescence of markers for inflammation (CD11b), wound healing (fibronectin), and keratocyte response (HSP47).

RESULTS:

All corneas appeared clear throughout the follow-up period. In vivo confocal microscopy showed a greater reflectivity after −8.00 D than −2.00 D correction at day 1 at the lenticule anterior, posterior, and extracted lenticule planes (surgeon 1:
P
= .004, .041, and .038; surgeon 2:
P
= .012, .045, and .031). Different refractive corrections did not significantly affect the expression of CD11b, fibronectin, and HSP47. In the −2.00 D group, eyes operated on by surgeon 2 had thicker central corneal thickness evaluated by AS-OCT (
P
= .049) and exhibited more CD11b- and HSP47-positive cells at day 1 at the small vertical incision (
P
= .039 and .042).

CONCLUSIONS:

The early inflammatory and wound healing responses after SMILE were minimal. In the early postoperative period, less surgical experience resulted in an increased inflammatory response in low myopic corrections. Greater keratocyte response was seen in high myopic corrections irrespective of surgeon experience.

[
J Refract Surg.
2016;32(5):346–353.]
In Vivo Confocal Microscopy After Contact Lens-Assisted Corneal Collagen Cross-linking for Thin Keratoconic Corneas
Authors: Mazzotta Cosimo , Jacob Soosan , Agarwal Amar , Kumar Dhivya Ashok
Published: May 2016

PURPOSE:

To study in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) after contact lens-assisted corneal collagen cross-linking (CACXL) in keratoconic eyes with thin corneas.

METHODS:

This prospective interventional case series included patients with progressive keratoconus with minimum corneal thickness less than 400
µ
m after removing epithelium. CACXL was done once functional corneal thickness was confirmed to be 400
µ
m or greater after applying a riboflavin-soaked, ultraviolet barrier-free contact lens. Postoperative IVCM at 1, 3, and 6 months was performed.

RESULTS:

Ten eyes underwent CACXL. Mean preoperative minimum corneal thickness after epithelial removal was 376
µ
m (range: 364 to 397
µ
m). IVCM at 1 month showed CACXL-induced apoptosis evenly distributed at 350 ± 30
µ
m measured from epithelial surface. The demarcation line between edematous stroma and deep stroma beyond 350
µ
m that appeared unaltered was appreciable at 1 and 3 months but not at 6 months. Corneal reinnervation was visible at 3 months and was fully restored by 6 months. Regular endothelial mosaic was seen at all times. At 6 months, keratocyte repopulation of anterior stroma, disappearance of edema, and deposition of denser extracellular matrix surrounding activated keratocytes was seen with hyperreflective microbands still detectable. Average endothelial count was 2,135 ± 56 cells/mm
2
preoperatively versus 2,190 ± 41 cells/mm
2
at 6 months postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS:

CACXL increases functional corneal thickness during ultraviolet light application, thus over-coming conventional pachymetric limitations of CXL. Cytotoxic effects of CACXL are similar to IVCM changes seen in conventional CXL and were concentrated in anterior and intermediate stroma up to 300 ± 30
µ
m without epithelium. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography should be performed after contact lens application and before ultraviolet light treatment to confirm an increase in functional thickness greater than 400
µ
m. For thinner corneas, combination treatments should be evaluated.

[
J Refract Surg.
2016;32(5):326–331.]
Influjos cervantinos en el "Pickwick" de Dickens
Authors: Potau Mercedes
Published: May 2016

No disponible.
Comentarios en torno a la picaresca cervantina en Alemania
Authors: Ruiz Blanca
Published: May 2016

No disponible.
Los dos amigos, "El curioso impertinente" y la literatura italiana
Authors: Barbagallo Antonio
Published: May 2016

No disponible.
El Persiles en el siglo XVIII (la peregrinación, el viaje ilustrado y la estructura bizantina en las obras narrativas de Zavala y Zamora)
Authors: Ordóñez García David
Published: May 2016

No disponible
«Y así, a todos os recibo a prueba»: Risa e ideología en El juez de los divorcios de Cervantes
Authors: Restrepo-Gautier Pablo
Published: May 2016

No disponible
El filo de un centenario: la critica extravagante sobre El Quijote en 1916
Authors: Pérez García Norberto
Published: May 2016

No disponible
Louisiana Waterthrush and Benthic Macroinvertebrate Response to Shale Gas Development
Authors: Wood Petra B. , Frantz Mack W. , Becker Douglas A.
Published: May 2016

Because shale gas development is occurring over large landscapes and consequently is affecting many headwater streams, an understanding of its effects on headwater-stream faunal communities is needed. We examined effects of shale gas development (well pads and associated infrastructure) on Louisiana waterthrush Parkesia motacilla and benthic macroinvertebrate communities in 12 West Virginia headwater streams in 2011. Streams were classed as impacted (n = 6) or unimpacted (n = 6) by shale gas development. We quantified waterthrush demography (nest success, clutch size, number of fledglings, territory density), a waterthrush Habitat Suitability Index, a Rapid Bioassessment Protocol habitat index, and benthic macroinvertebrate metrics including a genus-level stream-quality index for each stream. We compared each benthic metric between impacted and unimpacted streams with a Student's t-test that incorporated adjustments for normalizing data. Impacted streams had lower genus-level stream-quality index scores; lower overall and Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera richness; fewer intolerant taxa, more tolerant taxa, and greater density of 0–3-mm individuals (P ≤ 0.10). We then used Pearson correlation to relate waterthrush metrics to benthic metrics across the 12 streams. Territory density (no. of territories/km of stream) was greater on streams with higher genus-level stream-quality index scores; greater density of all taxa and Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera taxa; and greater biomass. Clutch size was greater on streams with higher genus-level stream-quality index scores. Nest survival analyses (n = 43 nests) completed with Program MARK suggested minimal influence of benthic metrics compared with nest stage and Habitat Suitability Index score. Although our study spanned only one season, our results suggest that shale gas development affected waterthrush and benthic communities in the headwater streams we studied. Thus, these ecological effects of shale gas development warrant closer examination.
Le tarif d’achat photovoltaïque comme outil d’innovation territoriale : l’exemple des Fermes de Figeac
Authors: Cointe Béatrice
Published: May 2016

Entre 2008 et 2012, la coopérative des Fermes de Figeac a installé un parc photovoltaïque mutualisé dispersé sur une centaine de toitures. Ce projet visait à capter l’opportunité des tarifs d’achat lorsqu’ils étaient à leur plus haut niveau, mais également à la mutualiser et à la territorialiser. Pour analyser la constitution d’une capacité entrepreneuriale et financière adaptée au tarif, mais capable de le transformer, cet article se penche sur l’articulation entre investissement, mutualisation et territoire telle qu’articulée et mise en œuvre dans le modèle d’affaires du projet.