bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Bacillus pumilus Isolated from Fresh Water Milieu for Bioflocculant Production
Authors: Makapela Busisiwe , Okaiyeto Kunle , Ntozonke Ncedo , Nwodo Uchechukwu , Green Ezekiel , Mabinya Leonard , Okoh Anthony
Published: July 2016

A bioflocculant produced by a Bacillus species was assessed with regards to its physiochemical properties and flocculating efficiency. Identification of the bacteria through 16S rDNA sequencing revealed it to have 99% similarity to Bacillus pumilus strain ZAP 028. The optimum culture conditions for bioflocculant production by the bacterial strain were inoculum size of 4% (v/v), maltose as a sole carbon source, multiple nitrogen source (yeast extract, urea and ammonium sulfate) and medium initial pH 7. The bioflocculant was thermostable with high flocculating rate for kaolin suspension at low dosage 0.1 mg/mL over a wide pH range (3–11). Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis result of the purified bioflocculant showed that hydroxyl, amino and carboxyl groups were the main functional moieties in its molecular structure. The bioflocculant was composed of sugar (75.4%), protein (5.3%) and uronic acid (15.4%). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed a dendritic bioflocculant structure and the energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis revealed that the purified bioflocculant had weight fractions of elements as follows: 22.71% of C, 11.56% of N, 41.60% of O, 0.51% of S and 7.98% of P. The bioflocculant produced had strong flocculating activity and high thermal stability, which affords its utilization in industrial processes.
Stress and Withdrawal from Chronic Ethanol Induce Selective Changes in Neuroimmune mRNAs in Differing Brain Sites
Authors: Knapp Darin , Harper Kathryn , Whitman Buddy , Zimomra Zachary , Breese George
Published: July 2016

Stress is a strong risk factor in alcoholic relapse and may exert effects that mimic aspects of chronic alcohol exposure on neurobiological systems. With the neuroimmune system becoming a prominent focus in the study of the neurobiological consequences of stress, as well as chronic alcohol exposure proving to be a valuable focus in this regard, the present study sought to compare the effects of stress and chronic ethanol exposure on induction of components of the neuroimmune system. Rats were exposed to either 1 h exposure to a mild stressor (restraint) or exposure to withdrawal from 15 days of chronic alcohol exposure (i.e., withdrawal from chronic ethanol, WCE) and assessed for neuroimmune mRNAs in brain. Restraint stress alone elevated chemokine (C–C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2), interleukin-1-beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) mRNAs in the cerebral cortex within 4 h with a return to a control level by 24 h. These increases were not accompanied by an increase in corresponding proteins. Withdrawal from WCE also elevated cytokines, but did so to varying degrees across different cytokines and brain regions. In the cortex, stress and WCE induced CCL2, TNFα, IL-1β, and TLR4 mRNAs. In the hypothalamus, only WCE induced cytokines (CCL2 and IL-1β) while in the hippocampus, WCE strongly induced CCL2 while stress and WCE induced IL-1β. In the amygdala, only WCE induced CCL2. Finally—based on the previously demonstrated role of corticotropin-releasing factor 1 (CRF1) receptor inhibition in blocking WCE-induced cytokine mRNAs—the CRF1 receptor antagonist CP154,526 was administered to a subgroup of stressed rats and found to be inactive against induction of CCL2, TNFα, or IL-1β mRNAs. These differential results suggest that stress and WCE manifest broad neuroimmune effects in brain depending on the cytokine and brain region, and that CRF inhibition may not be a relevant mechanism in non-alcohol exposed animals. Overall, these effects are complex in terms of their neuroimmune targets and neuroanatomical specificity. Further investigation of the differential distribution of cytokine induction across neuroanatomical regions, individual cell types (e.g., neuronal phenotypes and glia), severity of chronic alcohol exposure, as well as across differing stress types may prove useful in understanding differential mechanisms of induction and for targeting select systems for pharmacotherapeutic intervention in alcoholism.
Mapping Local Effects of Forest Properties on Fire Risk across Canada
Authors: Bernier Pierre , Gauthier Sylvie , Jean Pierre-Olivier , Manka Francis , Boulanger Yan , Beaudoin André , Guindon Luc
Published: July 2016

Fire is a dominant mechanism of forest renewal in most of Canada’s forests and its activity is predicted to increase over the coming decades. Individual fire events have been considered to be non-selective with regards to forest properties, but evidence now suggests otherwise. Our objective was therefore to quantify the effect of forest properties on fire selectivity or avoidance, evaluate the stability of these effects across varying burn rates, and use these results to map local fire risk across the forests of Canada. We used Canada-wide MODIS-based maps of annual fires and of forest properties to identify burned and unburned pixels for the 2002–2011 period and to bin them into classes of forest composition (% conifer and broadleaved deciduous), above-ground tree biomass and stand age. Logistic binomial regressions were then used to quantify fire selectivity by forest properties classes and by zones of homogeneous fire regime (HFR). Results suggest that fire exhibits a strong selectivity for conifer stands, but an even stronger avoidance of broadleaved stands. In terms of age classes, fire also shows a strong avoidance for young (0 to 29 year) stands. The large differences among regional burn rates do not significantly alter the overall preference and avoidance ratings. Finally, we combined these results on relative burn preference with regional burn rates to map local fire risks across Canada.
Segregation of Incomplete Achromatopsia and Alopecia Due to PDE6H and LPAR6 Variants in a Consanguineous Family from Pakistan
Authors: Pedurupillay Christeen , Landsend Erlend , Vigeland Magnus , Ansar Muhammad , Frengen Eirik , Misceo Doriana , Strømme Petter
Published: July 2016

We report on two brothers with visual impairment, and non-syndromic alopecia in the elder proband. The parents were first-degree Pakistani cousins. Whole exome sequencing of the elder brother and parents, followed by Sanger sequencing of all four family members, led to the identification of the variants responsible for the two phenotypes. One variant was a homozygous nonsense variant in the inhibitory subunit of the cone-specific cGMP phosphodiesterase gene, PDE6H:c.35C>G (p.Ser12*). PDE6H is expressed in the cones of the retina, which are involved in perception of color vision. This is the second report of a homozygous PDE6H:c.35C>G variant causing incomplete achromatopsia (OMIM 610024), thus strongly supporting the hypothesis that loss-of-function variants in PDE6H cause this visual deficiency phenotype. The second variant was a homozygous missense substitution in the lysophosphatidic acid receptor 6, LPAR6:c.188A>T (p.Asp63Val). LPAR6 acts as a G-protein-coupled receptor involved in hair growth. Biallelic loss-of-function variants in LPAR6 cause hypotrichosis type 8 (OMIM 278150), with or without woolly hair, a form of non-syndromic alopecia. Biallelic LPAR6:c.188A>T was previously described in five families from Pakistan.
Association of Perceived Stress with Atopic Dermatitis in Adults: A Population-Based Study in Korea
Authors: Park Hyejin , Kim Kisok
Published: July 2016

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a widely prevalent skin disease that affects both children and adults. The aim of the study was to assess the association of perceived stress (single-item, self-reported) with AD (self-reported) in a sample of Korean adults using a cross-sectional research design. A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from 33,018 adults aged 20 years and older collected in the 2007–2012 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (KNHANES). An increased level of self-reported stress was positively associated with an increased prevalence of AD in Korean adults (p for trend <0.001). After adjusting for covariates, the odds ratios (ORs) of AD among participants reporting high and very high levels of stress were 1.81 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.22, 2.67) and 2.17 (95% CI: 1.38, 3.42), respectively, compared with those who reported low levels of stress. This study found a statistically significant association between perceived stress and AD among Korean adults.
Chicken-Specific Kinome Array Reveals that Salmonella enterica Serovar Enteritidis Modulates Host Immune Signaling Pathways in the Cecum to Establish a Persistence Infection
Authors: Kogut Michael , Swaggerty Christina , Byrd James , Selvaraj Ramesh , Arsenault Ryan
Published: July 2016

Non-typhoidal Salmonella enterica induces an early, short-lived pro-inflammatory response in chickens that is asymptomatic of clinical disease and results in a persistent colonization of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract that transmits infections to naïve hosts via fecal shedding of bacteria. The underlying mechanisms that control this persistent colonization of the ceca of chickens by Salmonella are only beginning to be elucidated. We hypothesize that alteration of host signaling pathways mediate the induction of a tolerance response. Using chicken-specific kinomic immune peptide arrays and quantitative RT-PCR of infected cecal tissue, we have previously evaluated the development of disease tolerance in chickens infected with Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) in a persistent infection model (4–14 days post infection). Here, we have further outlined the induction of an tolerance defense strategy in the cecum of chickens infected with S. Enteritidis beginning around four days post-primary infection. The response is characterized by alterations in the activation of T cell signaling mediated by the dephosphorylation of phospholipase c-γ1 (PLCG1) that inhibits NF-κB signaling and activates nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) signaling and blockage of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production through the disruption of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway (dephosphorylation of JAK2, JAK3, and STAT4). Further, we measured a significant down-regulation reduction in IFN-γ mRNA expression. These studies, combined with our previous findings, describe global phenotypic changes in the avian cecum of Salmonella Enteritidis-infected chickens that decreases the host responsiveness resulting in the establishment of persistent colonization. The identified tissue protein kinases also represent potential targets for future antimicrobial compounds for decreasing Salmonella loads in the intestines of food animals before going to market.
Aquaporins in Health and Disease: An Overview Focusing on the Gut of Different Species
Authors: Pelagalli Alessandra , Squillacioti Caterina , Mirabella Nicola , Meli Rosaria
Published: July 2016

Aquaporins (AQPs) play a pivotal role in gut homeostasis since their distribution and function is modulated both in physiological and in pathophysiological conditions. The transport of water and solutes through gut epithelia is essential for osmoregulation and digestive and absorptive functions. This passage is regulated by different AQP isoforms and characterized by their peculiar distribution in the gastrointestinal tract. To date, AQP localization has been identified in the gut and associated organs of several mammalian species by different techniques (immunohistochemical, western blotting, and RT-PCR). The present review describes the modulation of AQP expression, distribution, and function in gut pathophysiology. At the same time, the comparative description of AQP in animal species sheds light on the full range of AQP functions and the screening of their activity as transport modulators, diagnostic biomarkers, and drug targets. Moreover, the phenotype of knockout mice for several AQPs and their compensatory role and the use of specific AQP inhibitors have been also reviewed. The reported data could be useful to design future research in both basic and clinical fields.
The Impact of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease on Renal Function in Children with Overweight/Obesity
Authors: Pacifico Lucia , Bonci Enea , Andreoli Gian , Di Martino Michele , Gallozzi Alessia , De Luca Ester , Chiesa Claudio
Published: July 2016

The association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and chronic kidney disease has attracted interest and attention over recent years. However, no data are available in children. We determined whether children with NAFLD show signs of renal functional alterations, as determined by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urinary albumin excretion. We studied 596 children with overweight/obesity, 268 with NAFLD (hepatic fat fraction ≥5% on magnetic resonance imaging) and 328 without NAFLD, and 130 healthy normal-weight controls. Decreased GFR was defined as eGFR < 90 mL/min/1.73 m2. Abnormal albuminuria was defined as urinary excretion of ≥30 mg/24 h of albumin. A greater prevalence of eGFR < 90 mL/min/1.73 m2 was observed in patients with NAFLD compared to those without liver involvement and healthy subjects (17.5% vs. 6.7% vs. 0.77%; p < 0.0001). The proportion of children with abnormal albuminuria was also higher in the NAFLD group compared to those without NAFLD, and controls (9.3% vs. 4.0% vs. 0; p < 0.0001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that NAFLD was associated with decreased eGFR and/or microalbuminuria (odds ratio, 2.54 (confidence interval, 1.16–5.57); p < 0.05) independently of anthropometric and clinical variables. Children with NAFLD are at risk for early renal dysfunction. Recognition of this abnormality in the young may help to prevent the ongoing development of the disease.
Controlling Pickering Emulsion Destabilisation: A Route to Fabricating New Materials by Phase Inversion
Authors: Whitby Catherine , Wanless Erica
Published: July 2016

The aim of this paper is to review the key findings about how particle-stabilised (or Pickering) emulsions respond to stress and break down. Over the last ten years, new insights have been gained into how particles attached to droplet (and bubble) surfaces alter the destabilisation mechanisms in emulsions. The conditions under which chemical demulsifiers displace, or detach, particles from the interface were established. Mass transfer between drops and the continuous phase was shown to disrupt the layers of particles attached to drop surfaces. The criteria for causing coalescence by applying physical stress (shear or compression) to Pickering emulsions were characterised. These findings are being used to design the structures of materials formed by breaking Pickering emulsions.
Capsaicin: From Plants to a Cancer-Suppressing Agent
Authors: Chapa-Oliver Angela , Mejía-Teniente Laura
Published: July 2016

Capsaicinoids are plant secondary metabolites, capsaicin being the principal responsible for the pungency of chili peppers. It is biosynthesized through two pathways involved in phenylpropanoid and fatty acid metabolism. Plant capsaicin concentration is mainly affected by genetic, environmental and crop management factors. However, its synthesis can be enhanced by the use of elicitors. Capsaicin is employed as food additive and in pharmaceutical applications. Additionally, it has been found that capsaicin can act as a cancer preventive agent and shows wide applications against various types of cancer. This review is an approach in contextualizing the use of controlled stress on the plant to increase the content of capsaicin, highlighting its synthesis and its potential use as anticancer agent.
Hybrid Molecules Containing a 7-Chloro-4-aminoquinoline Nucleus and a Substituted 2-Pyrazoline with Antiproliferative and Antifungal Activity
Authors: Montoya Alba , Quiroga Jairo , Abonia Rodrigo , Derita Marcos , Sortino Maximiliano , Ornelas Alfredo , Zacchino Susana , Insuasty Braulio
Published: July 2016

Twenty-four new hybrid analogues (15–38) containing 7-chloro-4-aminoquinoline and 2-pyrazoline N-heterocyclic fragments were synthesized. Twelve of the new compounds were evaluated against 58 human cancer cell lines by the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Compounds 25, 30, 31, 36, and 37 showed significant cytostatic activity, with the most outstanding GI50 values ranging from 0.05 to 0.95 µM. The hybrid compounds (15–38) were also evaluated for antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans. From the obtained results some structure–activity relationships were outlined.
Corynoline Isolated from Corydalis bungeana Turcz. Exhibits Anti-Inflammatory Effects via Modulation of Nfr2 and MAPKs
Authors: Yang Chunjuan , Zhang Chengyue , Wang Zhibin , Tang Zhenqiu , Kuang Haixue , Kong Ah-Ng
Published: July 2016

Corydalis bungeana Turcz. is an anti-inflammatory medicinal herb used widely in traditional Chinese medicine for upper respiratory tract infections. It is demonstrated that corynoline is its active anti-inflammatory component. The nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway play important roles in the regulation of inflammation. In this study, we investigated the potential anti-inflammatory mechanism of corynoline through modulation of Nfr2 and MAPKs. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW264.7 cells were used to explore modulatory role of NO production and the activation of signaling proteins and transcription factors using nitrite assay, Western bloting and qPCR. Treatment with corynoline reduced production of nitric oxide (NO) and the protein and mRNA levels of inducible nitric oxide (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) Treatment also significantly increased the expression of Nrf2, quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) and hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) at the mRNA and protein levels, which demonstrated that corynoline may protect cells from inflammation through the Nrf2/ARE pathway In addition, corynoline suppressed the expression of inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), at the mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, molecular data revealed that corynoline inhibited lipopolysaccharide-stimulated phosphorylation of c-jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38. Taken together, these results suggest that corynoline reduces the levels of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α and IL-1β, by suppressing extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK) and p38 phosphorylation in RAW264.7 cells, which is regulated by the Nrf2/ARE pathway. These findings reveal part of the molecular basis for the anti-inflammatory properties of corynoline.
Inhibitory Effect of Camptothecin against Rice Bacterial Brown Stripe Pathogen Acidovorax avenae subsp. avenae RS-2
Authors: Dong Qiaolin , Luo Ju , Qiu Wen , Cai Li , Anjum Syed , Li Bin , Hou Mingsheng , Xie Guanlin , Sun Guochang
Published: July 2016

Camptothecin (CPT) has anticancer, antiviral, and antifungal properties. However, there is a dearth of information about antibacterial activity of CPT. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of CPT on Acidovorax avenae subsp. avenae strain RS-2, the pathogen of rice bacterial brown stripe, by measuring cell growth, DNA damage, cell membrane integrity, the expression of secretion systems, and topoisomerase-related genes, as well as the secretion of effector protein Hcp. Results indicated that CPT solutions at 0.05, 0.25, and 0.50 mg/mL inhibited the growth of strain RS-2 in vitro, while the inhibitory efficiency increased with an increase in CPT concentration, pH, and incubation time. Furthermore, CPT treatment affected bacterial growth and replication by causing membrane damage, which was evidenced by transmission electron microscopic observation and live/dead cell staining. In addition, quantitative real-time PCR analysis indicated that CPT treatment caused differential expression of eight secretion system-related genes and one topoisomerase-related gene, while the up-regulated expression of hcp could be justified by the increased secretion of Hcp based on the ELISA test. Overall, this study indicated that CPT has the potential to control the bacterial brown stripe pathogen of rice.
Synthesis of p-Co3O4/n-TiO2 Nanoparticles for Overall Water Splitting under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Hai Zhenyin , Jian Aoqun , Xu Hongyan , Xue Chenyang , Sang Shengbo
Published: July 2016

p-Co3O4/n-TiO2 nanoparticles (~400 nm) for photocatalysis were prepared via carbon assisted method and sol-gel method in this work. The paper also studied the application of visible light illuminated p-Co3O4/n-TiO2 nanocomposites cocatalyst to the overall pure water splitting into H2 and O2. In addition, the H2 evolution rate of the p-Co3O4/n-TiO2 nanocomposites is 25% higher than that of the pure Co3O4 nanoparticles. Besides, according to the results of the characterizations, the scheme of visible light photocatalytic water splitting is proposed, the Co3O4 of the nanocomposites is excited by visible light, and the photo-generated electrons and holes existing on the conduction band of Co3O4 and valence band of TiO2 have endowed the photocatalytic evolution of H2 and O2 with higher efficiency. The optimal evolution rate of H2 and O2 is 8.16 μmol/h·g and 4.0 μmol/h·g, respectively.
DNA-Based Enzyme Reactors and Systems
Authors: Linko Veikko , Nummelin Sami , Aarnos Laura , Tapio Kosti , Toppari J. , Kostiainen Mauri
Published: July 2016

During recent years, the possibility to create custom biocompatible nanoshapes using DNA as a building material has rapidly emerged. Further, these rationally designed DNA structures could be exploited in positioning pivotal molecules, such as enzymes, with nanometer-level precision. This feature could be used in the fabrication of artificial biochemical machinery that is able to mimic the complex reactions found in living cells. Currently, DNA-enzyme hybrids can be used to control (multi-enzyme) cascade reactions and to regulate the enzyme functions and the reaction pathways. Moreover, sophisticated DNA structures can be utilized in encapsulating active enzymes and delivering the molecular cargo into cells. In this review, we focus on the latest enzyme systems based on novel DNA nanostructures: enzyme reactors, regulatory devices and carriers that can find uses in various biotechnological and nanomedical applications.
The Effect of Casein Protein Prior to Sleep on Fat Metabolism in Obese Men
Authors: Kinsey Amber , Cappadona Stacy , Panton Lynn , Allman Brittany , Contreras Robert , Hickner Robert , Ormsbee Michael
Published: July 2016

We have previously shown that ingesting protein at night before sleep is either beneficial or non-detrimental to metabolism, health, and body composition in obese women. However, the overnight protein-induced lipolytic actions and mechanism for improved metabolism and body composition have not been fully established. Therefore, in a crossover design, twelve obese men (age, 27.0 ± 2.2 years) were randomly assigned to ingest (within 30 min of sleep) casein protein (CAS, 120 kcal) or a non-nutritive placebo (PLA) before going to sleep. Markers of fat metabolism (lipolysis, substrate utilization, growth hormone), insulin, glucose, resting energy expenditure (REE), and appetite (questionnaire and ghrelin) were measured. During sleep and the next morning, interstitial glycerol from the subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue (SCAAT) was measured using microdialysis. There were no differences in SCAAT glycerol (overnight: CAS, 177.4 ± 26.7; PLA, 183.8 ± 20.2 μmol/L; morning: CAS, 171.6 ± 19.1; PLA, 161.5 ± 18.6 μmol/L), substrate utilization, REE, or any blood markers between CAS and PLA. Desire to eat was greater for CAS compared to baseline (p = 0.03), but not different from PLA (baseline: 39 ± 6, CAS: 62 ± 8, PLA: 55 ± 5 mm). CAS consumption before sleep did not affect fat or glucose metabolism, REE, or suppress appetite in hyperinsulemic obese men. CAS may be consumed before sleep without impeding overnight or morning fat metabolism in young, obese men.
Chinese Postgraduate Medical Students Researching for Publication
Authors: Li Yongyan
Published: July 2016

The value of including a research component in medical students’ training programs has been widely recognized. Nevertheless, examples of how this may be done are rarely found in the literature. The case study reported in this short paper aimed to address this gap in the literature by investigating how a group of postgraduate students attached to the Orthopedics Department of a major hospital in China engaged in research for publication. Fourteen students were interviewed, and their “mission lists” were analyzed to reveal the students’ research profiles, the sources of their research ideas, and their data collection activities. The study showed that the students pursued more clinical than basic research topics, their research topics often fell under their immediate supervisors’ larger projects, and the students were actively engaged in the gathering of research data on the wards and at the outpatient clinic. The reported study does not claim generalizability of its findings. More of such reports from various settings in different parts of the world are needed to enhance constructive exchanges and mutual learning.
The EU Circular Economy and Its Relevance to Metal Recycling
Authors: Hagelüken Christian , Lee-Shin Ji , Carpentier Annick , Heron Chris
Published: July 2016

This paper provides an overview of ongoing European policy actions to improve the circular management of non-ferrous metals. After explaining why metals are at the center of the European Union’s circular economy initiative, the authors outline a number of issues that still need tackling to “close the loop”, and prevent Europe’s metals from being landfilled, incinerated, or exported without guarantee of high-quality treatment. Electronic waste is focused on in detail during this analysis, because of the special challenges in environmentally sound recovery of smaller quantities of valuable and precious metals. In particular, the authors find that a mandatory certification scheme for recyclers of electronic waste, in or out of Europe, would help to incentivize high-quality treatment processes and efficient material recovery. More generally, the article finds that the European Commission’s waste legislation proposals and Action Plan begins to address key challenges, provided the requirements are implemented strongly and consistently across Member States. In particular, it is crucial that EU policy establishes level playing field conditions for European metals recyclers
Revealing Nucleic Acid Mutations Using Förster Resonance Energy Transfer-Based Probes
Authors: Junager Nina , Kongsted Jacob , Astakhova Kira
Published: July 2016

Nucleic acid mutations are of tremendous importance in modern clinical work, biotechnology and in fundamental studies of nucleic acids. Therefore, rapid, cost-effective and reliable detection of mutations is an object of extensive research. Today, Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) probes are among the most often used tools for the detection of nucleic acids and in particular, for the detection of mutations. However, multiple parameters must be taken into account in order to create efficient FRET probes that are sensitive to nucleic acid mutations. In this review; we focus on the design principles for such probes and available computational methods that allow for their rational design. Applications of advanced, rationally designed FRET probes range from new insights into cellular heterogeneity to gaining new knowledge of nucleic acid structures directly in living cells.
High-Accuracy Self-Calibration for Smart, Optical Orbiting Payloads Integrated with Attitude and Position Determination
Authors: Li Jin , Xing Fei , Chu Daping , Liu Zilong
Published: July 2016

A high-accuracy space smart payload integrated with attitude and position (SSPIAP) is a new type of optical remote sensor that can autonomously complete image positioning. Inner orientation parameters (IOPs) are a prerequisite for image position determination of an SSPIAP. The calibration of IOPs significantly influences the precision of image position determination of SSPIAPs. IOPs can be precisely measured and calibrated in a laboratory. However, they may drift to a significant degree because of vibrations during complicated launches and on-orbit functioning. Therefore, laboratory calibration methods are not suitable for on-orbit functioning. We propose an on-orbit self-calibration method for SSPIAPs. Our method is based on an auto-collimating dichroic filter combined with a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) point-source focal plane. A MEMS procedure is used to manufacture a light transceiver focal plane, which integrates with point light sources and a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor. A dichroic filter is used to fabricate an auto-collimation light reflection element. The dichroic filter and the MEMS point light sources focal plane are integrated into an SSPIAP so it can perform integrated self-calibration. Experiments show that our method can achieve micrometer-level precision, which is good enough to complete real-time calibration without temporal or spatial limitations.
CORRELATION OF CORONAL PLASMA PROPERTIES AND SOLAR MAGNETIC FIELD IN A DECAYING ACTIVE REGION
Authors: Ko Yuan-Kuen , Young Peter R. , Muglach Karin , Warren Harry P. , Ugarte-Urra Ignacio
Published: July 2016

We present the analysis of a decaying active region observed by the EUV Imaging Spectrometer on Hinode during 2009 December 7–11. We investigated the temporal evolution of its structure exhibited by plasma at temperatures from 300,000 to 2.8 million degrees, and derived the electron density, differential emission measure, effective electron temperature, and elemental abundance ratios of Si/S and Fe/S (as a measure of the First Ionization Potential (FIP) Effect). We compared these coronal properties to the temporal evolution of the photospheric magnetic field strength obtained from the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory Michelson Doppler Imager magnetograms. We find that, while these coronal properties all decreased with time during this decay phase, the largest change was at plasma above 1.5 million degrees. The photospheric magnetic field strength also decreased with time but mainly for field strengths lower than about 70 Gauss. The effective electron temperature and the FIP bias seem to reach a “basal” state (at 1.5 × 106 K and 1.5, respectively) into the quiet Sun when the mean photospheric magnetic field (excluding all areas <10 G) weakened to below 35 G, while the electron density continued to decrease with the weakening field. These physical properties are all positively correlated with each other and the correlation is the strongest in the high-temperature plasma. Such correlation properties should be considered in the quest for our understanding of how the corona is heated. The variations in the elemental abundance should especially be considered together with the electron temperature and density.
TESTING MODELS FOR THE SHALLOW DECAY PHASE OF GAMMA-RAY BURST AFTERGLOWS WITH POLARIZATION OBSERVATIONS
Authors: Lan Mi-Xiang , Wu Xue-Feng , Dai Zi-Gao
Published: July 2016

The X-ray afterglows of almost one-half of gamma-ray bursts have been discovered by the Swift satellite to have a shallow decay phase of which the origin remains mysterious. Two main models have been proposed to explain this phase: relativistic wind bubbles (RWBs) and structured ejecta, which could originate from millisecond magnetars and rapidly rotating black holes, respectively. Based on these models, we investigate polarization evolution in the shallow decay phase of X-ray and optical afterglows. We find that in the RWB model, a significant bump of the polarization degree evolution curve appears during the shallow decay phase of both optical and X-ray afterglows, while the polarization position angle abruptly changes its direction by 90°. In the structured ejecta model, however, the polarization degree does not evolve significantly during the shallow decay phase of afterglows whether the magnetic field configuration in the ejecta is random or globally large-scale. Therefore, we conclude that these two models for the shallow decay phase and relevant central engines would be testable with future polarization observations.
BAYES’ THEOREM AND EARLY SOLAR SHORT-LIVED RADIONUCLIDES: THE CASE FOR AN UNEXCEPTIONAL ORIGIN FOR THE SOLAR SYSTEM
Authors: Young Edward D.
Published: July 2016

The presence of excesses of short-lived radionuclides in the early solar system evidenced in meteorites has been taken as testament to close encounters with exotic nucleosynthetic sources, including supernovae or AGB stars. An analysis of the likelihoods associated with different sources of these extinct nuclides in the early solar system indicates that, rather than being exotic, their abundances were typical of star-forming regions like those observed today in the Galaxy. The radiochemistry of the early solar system is therefore unexceptional, being the consequence of extensive averaging of solids from molecular clouds.
WATER MASERS IN THE ANDROMEDA GALAXY. II. WHERE DO MASERS ARISE?
Authors: Amiri Nikta , Darling Jeremy
Published: July 2016

We present a comparative multiwavelength analysis of water-maser-emitting regions and non-maser-emitting luminous 24 μm star-forming regions in the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) to identify the sites most likely to produce luminous water masers useful for astrometry and proper motion studies. Included in the analysis are Spitzer 24 μm photometry, Herschel 70 and 160 μm photometry, Hα emission, dust temperature, and star-formation rate. We find significant differences between the maser-emitting and non-maser-emitting regions: water-maser-emitting regions tend to be more infrared-luminous and show higher star-formation rates. The five water masers in M31 are consistent with being analogs of water masers in Galactic star-forming regions and represent the high-luminosity tail of a larger (and as yet undetected) population. Most regions likely to produce water masers bright enough for proper motion measurements using current facilities have already been surveyed, but we suggest three ways to detect additional water masers in M31: (1) reobserve the most luminous mid- or far-infrared sources with higher sensitivity than was used in the Green Bank Telescope survey; (2) observe early-stage star-forming regions selected by millimeter continuum that have not already been selected by their 24 μm emission, and (3) reobserve the most luminous mid- or far-infrared sources and rely on maser variability for new detections.
TEMPORAL AND SPATIAL RELATIONSHIP OF FLARE SIGNATURES AND THE FORCE-FREE CORONAL MAGNETIC FIELD
Authors: Thalmann J. K. , Veronig A. , Su Y.
Published: July 2016

We investigate the plasma and magnetic environment of active region NOAA 11261 on 2011 August 2 around a GOES M1.4 flare/CME (SOL2011-08-02T06:19). We compare coronal emission at the (extreme) ultraviolet and X-ray wavelengths, using SDO AIA and RHESSI images, in order to identify the relative timing and locations of reconnection-related sources. We trace flare ribbon signatures at ultraviolet wavelengths in order to pin down the intersection of previously reconnected flaring loops in the lower solar atmosphere. These locations are used to calculate field lines from three-dimensional (3D) nonlinear force-free magnetic field models, established on the basis of SDO HMI photospheric vector magnetic field maps. Using this procedure, we analyze the quasi-static time evolution of the coronal model magnetic field previously involved in magnetic reconnection. This allows us, for the first time, to estimate the elevation speed of the current sheet’s lower tip during an on-disk observed flare as a few kilometers per second. A comparison to post-flare loops observed later above the limb in STEREO EUVI images supports this velocity estimate. Furthermore, we provide evidence for an implosion of parts of the flaring coronal model magnetic field, and identify the corresponding coronal sub-volumes associated with the loss of magnetic energy. Finally, we spatially relate the build up of magnetic energy in the 3D models to highly sheared fields, established due to the dynamic relative motions of polarity patches within the active region.
THE YOUNG AND BRIGHT TYPE IA SUPERNOVA ASASSN-14lp: DISCOVERY, EARLY-TIME OBSERVATIONS, FIRST-LIGHT TIME, DISTANCE TO NGC 4666, AND PROGENITOR CONSTRAINTS
Authors: Shappee B. J. , Piro A. L. , Holoien T. W.-S. , Prieto J. L. , Contreras C. , Itagaki K. , Burns C. R. , Kochanek C. S. , Stanek K. Z. , Alper E. , Basu U. , Beacom J. F. , Bersier D. , Brimacombe J. , Conseil E. , Danilet A. B. , Dong Subo , Falco E. , Grupe D. , Hsiao E. Y. , Kiyota S. , Morrell N. , Nicolas J. , Phillips M. M. , Pojmanski G. , Simonian G. , Stritzinger M. , Szczygieł D. M. , Taddia F. , Thompson T. A. , Thorstensen J. , Wagner M. R. , Woźniak P. R.
Published: July 2016

On 2014 December 9.61, the All-sky Automated Survey for SuperNovae (ASAS-SN or “Assassin”) discovered ASASSN-14lp just ∼2 days after first light using a global array of 14 cm diameter telescopes. ASASSN-14lp went on to become a bright supernova (V = 11.94 mag), second only to SN 2014J for the year. We present prediscovery photometry (with a detection less than a day after first light) and ultraviolet through near-infrared photometric and spectroscopic data covering the rise and fall of ASASSN-14lp for more than 100 days. We find that ASASSN-14lp had a broad light curve (

), a B-band maximum at 2457015.82 ± 0.03, a rise time of

days, and moderate host-galaxy extinction (

). Using ASASSN-14lp, we derive a distance modulus for NGC 4666 of

, corresponding to a distance of 14.7 ± 1.5 Mpc. However, adding ASASSN-14lp to the calibrating sample of Type Ia supernovae still requires an independent distance to the host galaxy. Finally, using our early-time photometric and spectroscopic observations, we rule out red giant secondaries and, assuming a favorable viewing angle and explosion time, any nondegenerate companion larger than 0.34

.
FORBIDDEN IRON LINES AND DUST DESTRUCTION IN SUPERNOVA REMNANT SHOCKS: THE CASE OF N49 IN THE LARGE MAGELLANIC CLOUD
Authors: Dopita Michael A. , Seitenzahl Ivo R. , Sutherland Ralph S. , Vogt Frédéric P. A. , Winkler P. Frank , Blair William P.
Published: July 2016

We present the results of a complete integral-field survey of the bright supernova remnant (SNR) N49 in the Large Magellanic Cloud, obtained with the WiFeS instrument mounted on the ANU 2.3 m telescope at Siding Spring Observatory. From theoretical shock modeling with the new MAPPINGS 5.1 code, we have, for the first time, subjected the optical Fe emission line spectrum of an SNR to a detailed abundance and dynamical analysis covering eight separate stages of ionization. This allows us to derive the dust depletion factors as a function of ionization stage. We have shown that there is substantial (30%–90%) destruction of Fe-bearing dust grains in these fast shocks (v

s
∼ 250 km s−1), and we have confirmed that the dominant dust destruction occurs through the non-thermal sputtering and grain–grain collision mechanisms developed in a number of theoretical works.
Automated Versus Manual Blood Pressure Measurement: A Randomized Crossover Trial in the Emergency Department of a Tertiary Care Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan: Are Third World Countries Ready for the Change?
Authors: Mansoor Kanaan , Shahnawaz Saba , Rasool Mariam , Chaudhry Huwad , Ahuja Gul , Shahnawaz Sara
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND: Hypertension has proven to be a strong liability with 13.5% of all mortality worldwide being attributed to elevated blood pressures in 2001. An accurate blood pressure measurement lies at the crux of an appropriate diagnosis. Despite the mercury sphygmomanometer being the gold standard, the ongoing deliberation as to whether mercury sphygmomanometers should be replaced with the automated oscillometric devices stems from the risk mercury poses to the environment.AIM: This study was performed to check the validity of automated oscillometric blood pressure measurements as compared to the manual blood pressure measurements in Karachi, Pakistan.MATERIAL AND METHODS: Blood pressure was recorded in 200 individuals aged 15 and above using both, an automated oscillometric blood pressure device (Dinamap Procare 100) and a manual mercury sphygmomanometer concomitantly. Two nurses were assigned to each patient and the device, arm for taking the reading and nurses were randomly determined. SPSS version 20 was used for analysis. Mean and standard deviation of the systolic and diastolic measurements from each modality were compared to each other and P values of 0.05 or less were considered to be significant. Validation criteria of British Hypertension Society (BHS) and the US Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) were used. RESULTS: Two hundred patients were included. The mean of the difference of systolic was 8.54 Â± 9.38 while the mean of the difference of diastolic was 4.21 Â± 7.88. Patients were further divided into three groups of different systolic blood pressure <= 120, > 120 to = 150 and > 150, their means were 6.27 Â± 8.39 (p-value 0.175), 8.91 Â± 8.96 (p-value 0.004) and 10.98 Â± 10.49 (p-value 0.001) respectively. In our study 89 patients were previously diagnosed with hypertension; their difference of mean systolic was 9.43 Â± 9.89 (p-value 0.000) and difference of mean diastolic was 4.26 Â± 7.35 (p-value 0.000).CONCLUSIONS: Systolic readings from a previously validated device are not reliable when used in the ER and they show a higher degree of incongruency and inaccuracy when they are used outside validation settings. Also, readings from the right arm tend to be more precise.
Des acteurs, des règles et des savoirs : régulation sociale et apprentissage collectif dans une politique diversité
Authors: Bruna Maria Giuseppina
Published: July 2016

À la croisée de la sociologie des organisations et des sciences de gestion, cet article analyse l’enchevêtrement de processus de régulation sociale et d’apprentissage collectif qui caractérise le déploiement d’une politique de diversité en entreprise. Pour ce faire, il tente un rapprochement entre une lecture régulationniste et une perspective néo-structurale.
Le fondement de l’intelligence de la foi selon Karl Rahner
Authors: Sendrez David
Published: July 2016

On propose de tenir compte de la revendication du Discours d’Ignace de Loyola aux Jésuites d’aujourd’hui , celle d’une expérience immédiate de Dieu, pour interpréter le Traité fondamental de la foi . L’expérience transcendantale de Dieu peut alors être comprise comme dépendante d’un toucher de Dieu au creux de l’âme, expérience paradoxale, à la fois non noétique et non vide. Rahner pose donc une double médiation. L’expérience de Dieu ne s’atteste que de manière aveugle, à travers la médiation de signes qui expriment la présence intime de Dieu et qui en sont le symbole réel ; l’autre médiation est la Révélation positive, sans laquelle cette expérience resterait anonyme et inintelligible, ne sachant rien d’autre que la crainte devant le mystère infini. Le renvoi mutuel de ces deux médiations (signes en l’âme et Écriture sainte) n’est pas autre chose que l’affirmation d’un rapport circulaire entre la fides qua et la fides quae au plan basilaire où les facultés intellective et volitive sont encore indistinctes, et dont le premier niveau de réflexion, proposé par Rahner, est la prise en charge intellectuellement rigoureuse. Il faut donc reconnaître à l’épistémologie théologique rahnérienne, une qualité mystique.
Le concile de Vienne et les Templiers
Authors: Demurger Alain
Published: July 2016

Les canons Vox in excelso (mars 1312) et Ad Providam (mai 1312) promulgués lors du concile de Vienne par le pape Clément V, mettent un point final à « l’Affaire des Templiers » commencée en 1307 : l’ordre du Temple est supprimé sans être condamné ; ses biens sont attribués à l’ordre des Hospitaliers de Saint-Jean de Jérusalem qui vient de s’installer dans l’île de Rhodes. Le concile de Vienne a traité d’autres questions (la croisade, la mission) mais il avait été convoqué d’abord pour régler l’affaire du Temple. À ce titre il représente la phase finale d’une procédure commencée par le pape Clément V en 1308 pour remettre dans le giron de l’Église une affaire initiée, au mépris de tout droit, par le roi de France Philippe le Bel en 1307. Traiter des « Templiers et du concile de Vienne » implique donc d’évoquer aussi ces procédures pontificales engagées contre les Templiers en tant que personne et contre le Temple en tant qu’ordre.
Preparing Engineering Students for the Global Sourcing Environment
Authors: Manzione L. , Abu-aisheh Akram Ahmad , Sumukadas N. , Congden S.
Published: July 2016

Globalization and rapid changes in modern product development and realization are creating gaps in engineering education systems around the world. The global economy has changed the way that engineering firms design, develop, and produce their products. Companies need to evaluate many options available worldwide, not just locally. The current trends are only likely to continue as the world economy becomes more competitive, interdependent, and characterized by global relationships among supply chain partners. This paper presents a plan for preparing engineering students for the new global sourcing environments and product realization processes. Infusions of supply chain management and project management skills into the curriculum are recommended, as well as use of university-industry partnerships, course portfolios, and study abroad programs.
Les terribles aigreurs du Péléide
Authors: Schilling Maryse
Published: July 2016

L’ode 1, 6 est une recusatio bien connue et les distorsions de la langue homérique que l’on rencontre dans le poème ont depuis longtemps été bien identifiées par la critique. Cependant, il semble que les commentaires n’ont pas complètement expliqué ce qu’ils nomment communément le ton parodique ou ironique. Par l’étude d’aspects insuffisamment analysés jusqu’alors, cet article a pour but de souligner comment Horace joue avec la langue épique, non pas pour se livrer à un jeu plaisant de subversion de la grandeur homérique ou pour moquer les poètes récents, mais bien pour montrer sa capacité à traiter de la matière et des conventions épiques et faire naître un questionnement sur sa propre poétique.
Ingénuité et subtilité de Servius
Authors: Scafoglio Giampiero
Published: July 2016

Cet article vise à démontrer, à travers quelques exemples tirés du commentaire sur les livres 7 et 8 de l’Énéide, que Servius n’est pas toujours un commentateur naïf, ingénu (ce qui n’est qu’un euphémisme pour dire stupide). Au contraire, il s’avère parfois un interprète aigu et raffiné en ce qui concerne la construction et la stratégie de la narration virgilienne, tout comme il exprime une sensibilité particulière pour la nature et ses spectacles, la sensibilité visuelle et esthétique typique de l’Antiquité tardive.
Modeler le prince ou critiquer le prince
Authors: Bureau Bruno
Published: July 2016

La lecture conjointe des panégyriques pour les quatrième et sixième consulats d’Honorius de Claudien et du De reditu suo de Rutilius Namatianus montre l’existence d’un débat dans lequel la notion de romanité est confrontée à la figure singulière du prince (et de ce prince-là, Honorius). À travers le thème du lien à la ville de Rome et de la présence du prince à Rome, l’article analyse les tensions entre une vision « civique » et romaine de la fonction princière et d’autres lectures du statut de l’empereur, en lien avec la représentation chrétienne du prince et les pratiques de la cour orientale. Une décennie après Claudien, Rutilius montre l’échec, au moins dans la frange de la société qu’il représente, de cette forme de reconfiguration de la figure d’Honorius qui, prince chrétien, pourrait en même temps se donner comme le nouveau Trajan.