bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phenotypic and Genotypic Correlations for Wood Properties of Hybrid Poplar Clones of Southern Quebec
Authors: Huda A.S.M. , Koubaa Ahmed , Cloutier Alain , Hernández Roger , Périnet Pierre , Fortin Yves
Published: March 2018

This study aims to understand the phenotypic and genotypic correlations among wood anatomical, physical, and mechanical properties of hybrid poplar clones. Samples were taken from seven clones grown on three sites in Southern Quebec, Canada. Five trees per clone were randomly sampled from each site to measure anatomical (fiber length, fiber proportion, vessel proportion, fiber wall thickness, tension wood), physical (basic density, volumetric, longitudinal, tangential, and radial shrinkage), and mechanical wood properties (flexural modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), ultimate crushing strength parallel to the grain). The observed phenotypic and genotypic correlations between these wood properties were moderate to strong, except for fiber length and vessel proportion. Genotypic correlations for all wood properties were higher than for corresponding phenotypic correlations. Furthermore, fiber length showed weak correlations, whereas, vessel proportion showed strongly negative correlations with all other properties. Strong correlations were also found among fiber proportion, fiber wall thickness, basic density, and mechanical properties. Furthermore, results from this study show close genotypic and phenotypic correlations between fiber proportion, fiber wall thickness, and wood density, which consequently affect the mechanical performance of wood products. These findings indicate that there is a substantial opportunity to improve wood quality by selecting several wood properties for different end uses.
Factors Affecting Natural Regeneration of Tropical Forests across a Precipitation Gradient in Myanmar
Authors: Khaine Inkyin , Woo Su , Kwak MyeongJa , Lee Seong , Je Sun , You Hana , Lee Taeyoon , Jang Jihwi , Lee Hyun , Cheng Hyo , Park Jeong , Lee Euddeum , Li Yang , Kim Haenaem , Lee Jong , Kim Jieun
Published: March 2018

Natural regeneration is an essential component of forest dynamics and the recovery of ecosystem functions. Therefore, understanding regeneration status, and how abiotic and biotic factors affect it, is important for ecological studies. This study discovered different regeneration statuses of tropical forests in response to differences in rainfall in Myanmar, and the environmental and overstory factors that had the most influence on understory regeneration. Study sites were set up in regions with 625 to 2035 mm of annual rainfall, and ecological characteristics were measured. According to the results, natural regeneration increased with rainfall, showing a good regeneration status at all sites. Forests within a range of 1411–2035 mm of annual rainfall had a significantly higher density and species diversity at specific natural regeneration stages than those with 625–1029 mm. Not only abiotic but also overstory structure affected the natural regeneration of forests. However, not all factors influenced natural regeneration status. Overstory size distribution parameters did not show a significant influence on natural regeneration. Average annual rainfall (abiotic), as well as ecosystem complexity, density, species richness, and diversity (overstory), were found to be the most influential factors for the density and diversity of natural regeneration. The results of this study will support silviculture and the management of tropical forests.
An Emerging Paradigm for the UNESCO Global Geoparks: The Ecosystem’s Health Provision
Authors: Gabriel Ronaldo , Moreira Helena , Alencoão Ana , Faria Aurélio , Silva Elizabeth , Sá Artur
Published: March 2018

During the 38th General Conference of UNESCO, the Member States ratified the creation of the International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP) expressing governmental recognition of the importance of managing outstanding geological sites and landscapes in a holistic manner. In this context, the importance of human interactions with the natural environment to promote healthy lifestyles was primarily a response to the need to preserve and enhance the value of the UNESCO Global Geoparks as well as highlighting their usefulness for the sustainable development of local populations. The aim of this paper is to suggest an interdisciplinary approach to be applied to UNESCO Global Geoparks for a standardized survey and grading methodology that can be used to assess the ability to provide and promote healthy lifestyles, which is called the Ecosystem’s Health Provision Spectrum (EHPS) on an ecological scale. The suggested EHPS is in line with UNESCO’s priorities, in particular with the IGGP and its motto of “Geosciences in the Service of Society”. Therefore, the EHPS on an ecological scale will be another important tool for the UNESCO Global Geoparks, facilitating efficient management and promoting economic development, wellbeing and health.
SPI Trend Analysis of New Zealand Applying the ITA Technique
Authors: Caloiero Tommaso
Published: March 2018

A natural temporary imbalance of water availability, consisting of persistent lower-than-average or higher-than-average precipitation, can cause extreme dry and wet conditions that adversely impact agricultural yields, water resources, infrastructure, and human systems. In this study, dry and wet periods in New Zealand were expressed using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI). First, both the short term (3 and 6 months) and the long term (12 and 24 months) SPI were estimated, and then, possible trends in the SPI values were detected by means of a new graphical technique, the Innovative Trend Analysis (ITA), which allows the trend identification of the low, medium, and high values of a series. Results show that, in every area currently subject to drought, an increase in this phenomenon can be expected. Specifically, the results of this paper highlight that agricultural regions on the eastern side of the South Island, as well as the north-eastern regions of the North Island, are the most consistently vulnerable areas. In fact, in these regions, the trend analysis mainly showed a general reduction in all the values of the SPI: that is, a tendency toward heavier droughts and weaker wet periods.
Carbon Nanotubes Grown Using Solid Polymer Chemical Vapor Deposition in a Fluidized Bed Reactor with Iron(III) Nitrate, Iron(III) Chloride and Nickel(II) Chloride Catalysts
Authors: Wang Chuhsuan , Chang Jingshiun , Amatosa Teodoro , Guo Yizhen , Lin Fujen , Yen Yeewen
Published: March 2018

In this study, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MW-CNT) were successfully synthesized using a chemical vapor deposition-fluidized bed (CVD-FB), with 10% hydrogen and 90% argon by volume, and a reaction temperature between 750 and 850 °C in a specially designed three-stage reactor. A solid state of polyethylene (PE) was used as a carbon source and iron(III) nitrate, iron(III) chloride, and nickel(II) chloride were used as catalysts. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectrum analysis were used to analyze and examine the morphology and characteristics of the CNTs. A thermogravimetric analyzer was used to determine the purification temperature for the CNTs. Experimental results showed that the synthesis with iron-based catalysts produced more carbon filaments. Nickel(II) chloride catalysis resulted in the synthesis of symmetrical MW-CNTs with diameters between 30 and 40 nanometers. This catalyst produced the best graphitization level (ID/IG) with a value of 0.89. Excessively large particle size catalysts do not cluster carbon effectively enough to grow CNTs and this is the main reason for the appearance of carbon filaments.
A Combined Hybrid 3-D/2-D Model for Flow and Solidification Prediction during Slab Continuous Casting
Authors: Long Mujun , Chen Huabiao , Chen Dengfu , Yu Sheng , Liang Bin , Duan Huamei
Published: March 2018

A combined hybrid 3-D/2-D simulation model was developed to investigate the flow and solidification phenomena in turbulent flow and laminar flow regions during slab continuous casting (CC). The 3-D coupling model and 2-D slicing model were applied to the turbulent flow and laminar flow regions, respectively. In the simulation model, the uneven distribution of cooling water in the width direction of the strand was taken into account according to the nozzle collocation of secondary cooling zones. The results from the 3-D turbulent flow region show that the impact effect of the molten steel jet on the formation of a solidification shell is significant. The impact point is 457 mm below the meniscus, and the plug flow is formed 2442 mm below the meniscus. In the laminar flow region, grid independence tests indicate that the grids with a cell size of 10 × 10 mm2 are sufficient in simulations to attain the precise temperature distribution and solidification profile. The liquid core of the strand is not entirely uniform, and the solidification profile agrees well with the integrated distribution of cooling water in secondary cooling zones. The final solidification points are at a position of 400–500 mm in the width direction and are 17.66 m away from the meniscus.
Analysis of Microstructure and Chip Formation When Machining Ti-6Al-4V
Authors: Shyha Islam , Gariani Salah , El-Sayed Mahmoud , Huo Dehong
Published: March 2018

Microstructure and chip formation were evaluated during the step shoulder down-milling of Ti-6Al-4V using a water-miscible vegetable oil-based cutting fluid. Experiments were conducted using the Cut-list fluid supply system previous developed by the authors and a conventional cutting fluid supply system. A thin plastically deformed layer below the machined surface was observed during the metallurgical investigation of the surfaces produced using both systems. Despite noticeable reductions in cutting fluid consumption achieved by Cut-list, no significant disparity was found in microstructural damage. The microstructure of the machined surfaces was strongly affected by cutting speed and fluid flow rate with a discontinuous serrated chip being the principal type. However, increases in cutting fluid flow rate associated with increased cutting speed significantly changed chip morphology where average distance between chip segments increased with cutting speed. Cut-list produced smaller saw-tooth height and larger segmented width, while the transition from aperiodic to periodic serrated chip formation was governed by cutting speed and feed rate. Chip segmentation frequency and shear angle were also sensitive to cutting speed.
The Effect of Laminin Surface Modification of Electrospun Silica Nanofiber Substrate on Neuronal Tissue Engineering
Authors: Chen Wen , Guo Ling , Tang Chia , Tsai Cheng , Huang Hui , Chin Ting , Yang Mong-Lin , Chen-Yang Yui
Published: March 2018

In this study, we first synthesized a slow-degrading silica nanofiber (SNF2) through an electrospun solution with an optimized tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) to polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) ratio. Then, laminin-modified SNF2, namely SNF2-AP-S-L, was obtained through a series of chemical reactions to attach the extracellular matrix protein, laminin, to its surface. The SNF2-AP-S-L substrate was characterized by a combination of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform–infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms, and contact angle measurements. The results of further functional assays show that this substrate is a biocompatible, bioactive and biodegradable scaffold with good structural integrity that persisted beyond 18 days. Moreover, a synergistic effect of sustained structure support and prolonged biochemical stimulation for cell differentiation on SNF2-AP-S-L was found when neuron-like PC12 cells were seeded onto its surface. Specifically, neurite extensions on the covalently modified SNF2-AP-S-L were significantly longer than those observed on unmodified SNF and SNF subjected to physical adsorption of laminin. Together, these results indicate that the SNF2-AP-S-L substrate prepared in this study is a promising 3D biocompatible substrate capable of sustaining longer neuronal growth for tissue-engineering applications.
Relative Bioavailability of Iron in Bangladeshi Traditional Meals Prepared with Iron-Fortified Lentil Dal
Authors: Podder Rajib , M. DellaValle Diane , T. Tyler Robert , P. Glahn Raymond , Tako Elad , Vandenberg Albert
Published: March 2018

Due to low Fe bioavailability and low consumption per meal, lentil must be fortified to contribute significant bioavailable Fe in the Bangladeshi diet. Moreover, since red lentil is dehulled prior to consumption, an opportunity exists at this point to fortify lentil with Fe. Thus, in the present study, lentil was Fe-fortified (using a fortificant Fe concentration of 2800 µg g−1) and used in 30 traditional Bangladeshi meals with broad differences in concentrations of iron, phytic acid (PA), and relative Fe bioavailability (RFeB%). Fortification with NaFeEDTA increased the iron concentration in lentil from 60 to 439 µg g−1 and resulted in a 79% increase in the amount of available Fe as estimated by Caco-2 cell ferritin formation. Phytic acid levels were reduced from 6.2 to 4.6 mg g−1 when fortified lentil was added, thereby reducing the PA:Fe molar ratio from 8.8 to 0.9. This effect was presumably due to dephytinization of fortified lentil during the fortification process. A significant (p ≤ 0.01) Pearson correlation was observed between Fe concentration and RFeB% and between RFeB% and PA:Fe molar ratio in meals with fortified lentil, but not for the meal with unfortified lentil. In conclusion, fortified lentil can contribute significant bioavailable Fe to populations at risk of Fe deficiency.
Comparative Study of Ex Vivo Transmucosal Permeation of Pioglitazone Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Silva-Abreu Marcelle , Espinoza Lupe , Halbaut Lyda , Espina Marta , García María , Calpena Ana
Published: March 2018

Pioglitazone has been reported in the literature to have a substantial role in the improvement of overall cognition in a mouse model. With this in mind, the aim of this study was to determine the most efficacious route for the administration of Pioglitazone nanoparticles (PGZ-NPs) in order to promote drug delivery to the brain for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. PGZ-loaded NPs were developed by the solvent displacement method. Parameters such as mean size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, encapsulation efficacy, rheological behavior, and short-term stability were evaluated. Ex vivo permeation studies were then carried out using buccal, sublingual, nasal, and intestinal mucosa. PGZ-NPs with a size around of 160 nm showed high permeability in all mucosae. However, the permeation and prediction parameters revealed that lag-time and vehicle/tissue partition coefficient of nasal mucosa were significantly lower than other studied mucosae, while the diffusion coefficient and theoretical steady-state plasma concentration of the drug were higher, providing biopharmaceutical results that reveal more favorable PGZ permeation through the nasal mucosa. The results suggest that nasal mucosa represents an attractive and non-invasive pathway for PGZ-NPs administration to the brain since the drug permeation was demonstrated to be more favorable in this tissue.
Recent Advances in RAFT Polymerization: Novel Initiation Mechanisms and Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: Tian Xiangyu , Ding Junjie , Zhang Bin , Qiu Feng , Zhuang Xiaodong , Chen Yu
Published: March 2018

Reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) is considered to be one of most famous reversible deactivation radical polymerization protocols. Benefiting from its living or controlled polymerization process, complex polymeric architectures with controlled molecular weight, low dispersity, as well as various functionality have been constructed, which could be applied in wide fields, including materials, biology, and electrology. Under the continuous research improvement, main achievements have focused on the development of new RAFT techniques, containing fancy initiation methods (e.g., photo, metal, enzyme, redox and acid), sulfur-free RAFT system and their applications in many fields. This review summarizes the current advances in major bright spot of novel RAFT techniques as well as their potential applications in the optoelectronic field, especially in the past a few years.
Late Pleistocene Deer in the Region of the National Park “Serra da Capivara” (Piauí, Brazil)
Authors: Valli Andrea
Published: March 2018

The analysis of the cervid fossil remains from the late Pleistocene fossiliferous deposit Lagoa dos Porcos (in the region of the National Park “Serra da Capivara”, Piauí, Brazil) proves the presence of at least two species: a small deer, belonging to the genus Mazama, and a larger one (Morenelaphus sp.). The latter taxon is recognized for the first time not only in this area, but in the whole Piauí State, enlarging the paleogeographic distribution of the genus. This study also points out the difference between the cervid fauna found in the karstic area of Park and Lagoa dos Porcos, which lies in the alluvial plain.
A Day in the Life of an Aesthetic Tāntrika: From Synaesthetic Garden to Lucid Dreaming and Spaciousness
Authors: Skora Kerry
Published: March 2018

This essay addresses the question of the relationship between Aesthetics and Tantra, in the world-view and life-world of Hindu Tantric visionary Abhinavagupta (ca. 975–1025 C.E.) and his tradition. I respond to a classic work on Abhinavagupta’s understanding of aesthetic experience and religious experience by shifting the focus from ultimate experience to the life of a liberated being. I argue that Abhinavagupta’s blending of Aesthetics and Tantra naturally follows from his view of liberation, which re-integrates the body and senses into the religious life, and affirms the reality of the material world in which the liberated being is embedded. I recover the very humanness and boundedness of Abhinavagupta as an additional way of understanding liberation. I draw on hymns of praise, descriptions of ritual, thoughts on hermeneutics of Being, and complex metaphors, from Abhinavagupta’s tradition, and engage with various thinkers, including Performance Theorist Richard Schechner and neurologist James Austin, to flesh out complex metaphors depicting the relationship between consciousness and the world. I conclude by reflecting on similarities between the Trika model of Self, as interpreted by Abhinavagupta’s student Kṣemarāja, and lucid dreaming.
Evaluating Heavy Metal Stress Levels in Rice Based on Remote Sensing Phenology
Authors: Liu Tianjiao , Liu Xiangnan , Liu Meiling , Wu Ling
Published: March 2018

Heavy metal pollution of croplands is a major environmental problem worldwide. Methods for accurately and quickly monitoring heavy metal stress have important practical significance. Many studies have explored heavy metal stress in rice in relation to physiological function or physiological factors, but few studies have considered phenology, which can be sensitive to heavy metal stress. In this study, we used an integrated Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) time-series image set to extract remote sensing phenology. A phenological indicator relatively sensitive to heavy metal stress was chosen from the obtained phenological periods and phenological parameters. The Dry Weight of Roots (WRT), which directly affected by heavy metal stress, was simulated by the World Food Study (WOFOST) model; then, a feature space based on the phenological indicator and WRT was established for monitoring heavy metal stress. The results indicated that the feature space can distinguish the heavy metal stress levels in rice, with accuracy greater than 95% for distinguishing the severe stress level. This finding provides scientific evidence for combining rice phenology and physiological characteristics in time and space, and the method is useful to monitor heavy metal stress in rice.
Aliasing Signal Separation of Superimposed Abrasive Debris Based on Degenerate Unmixing Estimation Technique
Authors: Li Tongyang , Wang Shaoping , Zio Enrico , Shi Jian , Hong Wei
Published: March 2018

Leakage is the most important failure mode in aircraft hydraulic systems caused by wear and tear between friction pairs of components. The accurate detection of abrasive debris can reveal the wear condition and predict a system’s lifespan. The radial magnetic field (RMF)-based debris detection method provides an online solution for monitoring the wear condition intuitively, which potentially enables a more accurate diagnosis and prognosis on the aviation hydraulic system’s ongoing failures. To address the serious mixing of pipe abrasive debris, this paper focuses on the superimposed abrasive debris separation of an RMF abrasive sensor based on the degenerate unmixing estimation technique. Through accurately separating and calculating the morphology and amount of the abrasive debris, the RMF-based abrasive sensor can provide the system with wear trend and sizes estimation of the wear particles. A well-designed experiment was conducted and the result shows that the proposed method can effectively separate the mixed debris and give an accurate count of the debris based on RMF abrasive sensor detection.
The Composition and Stability of Clay-Associated Organic Matter along a Soil Profile
Authors: Chen Chunmei , Leinweber Peter , Eckhardt Kai-Uwe , Sparks Donald
Published: March 2018

Organic carbon in subsoil generally has longer turnover times than that in surface soil, but little is known about how the stability of the specific organic compound classes changes with soil depth. The objective of this study was to analyze the composition and thermal stability of clay-associated organic matter (OM) at varying soil depths in the summit and footslope of a pasture hillslope using C X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and pyrolysis-field ionization mass spectrometry (Py-FIMS). C XANES showed aromatic C was relatively enriched in the subsoil, relative to the surface soil. Py-FIMS demonstrated a relative enrichment of phenols/lignin monomers and alkylaromatics with increasing profile depth in the summit soil, and to a greater extent in the footslope soil, followed by a decreasing abundance of sterols. In surface soil, the thermostability of clay-associated OM increases in the order: carbohydrates and N compounds < phenols/lignin monomers < lignin dimers and alkylaromatics, suggesting the intrinsic chemical nature of OM as a major driver for OM persistent in surface soil. The thermal stability of clay-associated carbohydrates, N compounds, and phenols/lignin monomers increased with profile depth, likely due to stronger organic-organic/organic-mineral binding. In subsoil, the thermal stability of clay-associated carbohydrates and N compounds can be as high as that of alkylaromatic and lignin dimers, implying that persistent subsoil OM could be composed of organic compound classes, like carbohydrates, that were traditionally considered as biochemically labile compounds. In contrast, the thermally-stable compound classes, like lignin dimers and alkylaromatics, showed no changes in the thermal stability with soil depth. This study suggests that stability of the more labile OM compounds may be more strongly influenced by the change in environmental conditions, relative to the more stable forms.
Spectrum Graph Coloring and Applications to Wi-Fi Channel Assignment
Authors: Orden David , Gimenez-Guzman Jose , Marsa-Maestre Ivan , De la Hoz Enrique
Published: March 2018

We introduce and explore a family of vertex-coloring problems, which, surprisingly enough, have not been considered before despite stemming from the problem of Wi-Fi channel assignment. Given a spectrum of colors, endowed with a matrix of interferences between each pair of colors, the Threshold Spectrum Coloring problem fixes the number of colors available and aims to minimize the interference threshold, i.e., the maximum of the interferences at the vertices. Conversely, the Chromatic Spectrum Coloring problem fixes a threshold and aims to minimize the number of colors for which respecting that threshold is possible. As the main theoretical results, we prove tight upper bounds for the solutions to each problem. Since both problems turn out to be NP-hard, we complete the scene with experimental results. We propose a DSATUR-based heuristic and study its performance to minimize the maximum vertex interference in Wi-Fi channel assignment, both for randomly-generated graphs and for a real-world scenario. Further, for all these graphs, we experimentally check the goodness of the theoretical bounds.
Carbon Oxides Gases for Occupancy Counting and Emergency Control in Fog Environment
Authors: Duan Kairong , Fong Simon , Zhuang Yan , Song Wei
Published: March 2018

The information of human occupancy plays a crucial role in building management. For instance, fewer people, less demand for heat and electricity supply, and vice versa. Moreover, when there is a fire in a building, it is convenient to know how many persons in a single room there are in order to plan a more efficient rescue strategy. However, currently most buildings have not installed adequate devices that can be used to count the number of people, and the most popular embedded fire alarm system triggers a warning only when a fire breaks out with plenty of smoke. In view of this constraint, in this paper we propose a carbon oxides gases based warning system to detect potential fire breakouts and to estimate the number of people in the proximity. In order to validate the efficiency of the devised system, we simulate its application in the Fog Computing environment. Furthermore, we also improve the iFogSim by giving data analytics capacity to it. Based on this framework, energy consumption, latency, and network usage of the designed system obtained from iFogSim are compared with those obtained from Cloud environment.
Luteolin Suppresses Teratoma Cell Growth and Induces Cell Apoptosis via Inhibiting Bcl-2
Authors: Liu Teng , Xu Juan , Yan Hong Li , Cheng Feng Chun , Liu Xi Jie
Published: March 2018

Luteolin, which is found in plant foods, has a range of therapeutic applications. In order to examine the potential roles of luteolin in ovarian teratocarcinoma, the human ovarian teratocarcinoma cell line PA-1 was selected for functional experiments in vitro and in vivo. We demonstrated
that luteolin inhibited the proliferation and colony formation of PA-1 cells in vitro. The flow cytometry results suggested that luteolin induced apoptosis of PA-1 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Immunofluorescence and qRT-PCR results showed that the expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)
was decreased in luteolin-treated cells, whereas the expression of Bcl-2-associated X (Bax) was increased compared with that in the control group. In addition, luteolin inhibited the tumor growth of ovarian teratocarcinoma cells in a xenograft model. All the results suggested that luteolin
induced cell apoptosis and inhibited tumor growth of PA-1 cells.
Thrombospondin 1 Triggers Osteosarcoma Cell Metastasis and Tumor Angiogenesis
Authors: Jian Yue Kui , Zhu Huan Ye , Wu Xing Lin , Li Bo
Published: March 2018

Osteosarcomas, especially those with metastatic or unresectable disease, have limited treatment options. The antitumor effects of pharmacologic inhibitors of angiogenesis in osteosarcomas are hampered in patients by the rapid development of tumor resistance, notably through increased
invasiveness and accelerated metastasis. Here we demonstrated that thrombospondin 1 (TSP-1) is a potent inhibitor of the growth and metastasis of the osteosarcoma cell line MG-63. Moreover, we demonstrate that upregulation of TSP-1 facilitated expression of vasculostatin in MG-63 cells. In
angiogenesis assays, overexpression of TSP-1 inhibited MG-63 cells and induced tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in a CD36-dependent fashion. Finally, in xenografted tumors, we observed that TSP-1 overexpression inhibited angiogenesis and tumor growth. These
results provided strong evidence for an important role of the TSP-1/CD36/vasculostatin signaling axis in mediating the antiangiogenic activity of osteosarcoma.
Effect of annealing treatments on CeO2 grown on TiN and Si substrates by atomic layer deposition
Authors: Vangelista Silvia , Piagge Rossella , Ek Satu , Lamperti Alessio
Published: March 2018

In this work, we investigate the effect of thermal treatment on CeO2 films fabricated by using atomic layer deposition (ALD) on titanium nitride (TiN) or on silicon (Si) substrates. In particular, we report on the structural, chemical and morphological properties of 25 nm thick ceria oxide with particular attention to the interface with the substrate. The annealing treatments have been performed in situ during the acquisition of X-Ray diffraction patterns to monitor the structural changes in the film. We find that ceria film is thermally stable up to annealing temperatures of 900 °C required for the complete crystallization. When ceria is deposited on TiN, the temperature has to be limited to 600 °C due to the thermal instability of the underlying TiN substrate with a broadening of the interface, while there are no changes detected inside the CeO2 films. As-deposited CeO2 films show a cubic fluorite polycrystalline structure with texturing. Further, after annealing at 900 °C an increase of grain dimensions and an enhanced preferential (200) orientation are evidenced. These findings are a strong indication that the texturing is an intrinsic property of the system more than a metastable condition due to the ALD deposition process. This result is interpreted in the light of the contributions of different energy components (surface energy and elastic modulus) which act dependently on the substrate properties, such as its nature and structure.
Association Mapping of Flowering and Height Traits in Germplasm Enhancement of Maize Doubled Haploid (GEM‐DH) Lines
Authors: Vanous Adam , Gardner Candice , Blanco Michael , Martin‐Schwarze Adam , Lipka Alexander E. , Flint‐Garcia Sherry , Bohn Martin , Edwards Jode , Lübberstedt Thomas
Published: March 2018

Flowering and height related traits are extensively studied in maize for three main reasons: 1) easily obtained phenotypic measurements, 2) highly heritable, and 3) importance of these traits to adaptation and grain yield. However, variation in flowering and height traits is extensive and findings from previous studies are genotype specific. Herein, a diverse panel of exotic derived doubled haploid lines, in conjunction with genome‐wide association analysis, is used to further explore adaptation related trait variation of exotic germplasm for potential use in adapting exotic germplasm to the U.S. Corn‐Belt. Phenotypes for the association panel were obtained from six locations across the central‐U.S. and genotyping was performed using the genotyping‐by‐sequencing method. Nineteen flowering time candidate genes were found for three flowering traits. Eighteen candidate genes were found for four height related traits, with the majority of the candidate genes relating to plant hormones auxin and gibberellin. A single gene was discovered for ear height that also had effects on FT‐like flowering gene expression levels. Findings will be used to inform future research efforts of the USDA Germplasm Enhancement of Maize project and eventually aid in the rapid adaptation of exotic germplasm to temperate U.S. environments.
The Resolved Stellar Populations in the LEGUS Galaxies1*
Authors: Sabbi E. , Calzetti D. , Ubeda L. , Adamo A. , Cignoni M. , Thilker D. , Aloisi A. , Elmegreen B. G. , Elmegreen D. M. , Gouliermis D. A. , Grebel E. K. , Messa M. , Smith L. J. , Tosi M. , Dolphin A. , Andrews J. E. , Ashworth G. , Bright S. N. , Brown T. M. , Chandar R. , Christian C. , Clayton G. C. , Cook D. O. , Dale D. A. , de Mink S. E. , Dobbs C. , Evans A. S. , Fumagalli M. , Gallagher J. S. , Grasha K. , Herrero A. , Hunter D. A. , Johnson K. E. , Kahre L. , Kennicutt R. C. , Kim H. , Krumholz M. R. , Lee J. C. , Lennon D. , Martin C. , Nair P. , Nota A. , Östlin G. , Pellerin A. , Prieto J. , Regan M. W. , Ryon J. E. , Sacchi E. , Schaerer D. , Schiminovich D. , Shabani F. , Van Dyk S. D. , Walterbos R. , Whitmore B. C. , Wofford A.
Published: March 2018

The Legacy ExtraGalactic UV Survey (LEGUS) is a multiwavelength Cycle 21 Treasury program on the Hubble Space Telescope. It studied 50 nearby star-forming galaxies in 5 bands from the near-UV to the I-band, combining new Wide Field Camera 3 observations with archival Advanced Camera for Surveys data. LEGUS was designed to investigate how star formation occurs and develops on both small and large scales, and how it relates to the galactic environments. In this paper we present the photometric catalogs for all the apparently single stars identified in the 50 LEGUS galaxies. Photometric catalogs and mosaicked images for all filters are available for download. We present optical and near-UV color–magnitude diagrams for all the galaxies. For each galaxy we derived the distance from the tip of the red giant branch. We then used the NUV color–magnitude diagrams to identify stars more massive than 14 M
⊙, and compared their number with the number of massive stars expected from the GALEX FUV luminosity. Our analysis shows that the fraction of massive stars forming in star clusters and stellar associations is about constant with the star formation rate. This lack of a relation suggests that the timescale for evaporation of unbound structures is comparable or longer than 10 Myr. At low star formation rates this translates to an excess of mass in clustered environments as compared to model predictions of cluster evolution, suggesting that a significant fraction of stars form in unbound systems.
Scenarios as an Instruments for Determination of Capabilities
Authors: Spišák Ján , Kolkus Jaroslav
Published: March 2018

The article deals with scenario issues and their practical use for determining the capabilities to fulfill the missions of the Armed Forces. In the introduction, the article informs the reader about the basic terminology, the theoretical framework and the views of foreign and domestic experts on the given issue. In the next part, the paper presents critical attitude to the draft Concept of using the CAF until 2030, in relation to defined capabilities. Subsequently, the structural and content aspects of the hypothetical scenario are discussed, with the recommendation to use this method for processing similar documents in the national environment.
Hezbollah Rockets and Missiles: Deployment and Defence Programme
Authors: Kulhánek Ladislav
Published: March 2018

The paper addresses the issue of the proliferation of the rocket technology deployed in guerrilla warfare throughout the Near East. It evaluates assumptions and identifies potential regressions with respect to the most recent hot phase in the violent conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, with a focus on primary methods based on rocket shelling and resistance efforts. In comparing the two military forces, Israel emerges as the stronger, even if artillery and tactical ballistic missiles with warheads containing substances defined as weapons of mass destruction were to be deployed as an extreme first measure by Hezbollah, in which case an Israeli or American response would destroy at least parts of Lebanon.
A morphological gap for Iberian Zospeum filled: Zospeum percostulatum sp. n. (Gastropoda, Eupulmonata, Carychiidae) a new species from Asturias (Spain)
Authors: Alonso Alvaro , Prieto Carlos E. , Quiñonero-Salgado Sergio , Rolán Emilio
Published: March 2018

Zospeumpercostulatumsp. n. from Cueva de La Herrería (Llanes, Asturias) is described. It is characterized by a relatively large shell (1.4–1.8 mm height), conical, with ovate aperture, continuous peristome and thickened parietal callus; shell costulate except two first whorls; without any sort of inner formations. It is the first clearly costulate Iberian species, filling a morphological gap in the Iberian clade, and the largest species from the Cantabrian region, being the first species described from Asturias.
Development of Giant Cell Arteritis after Treating Polymyalgia or Peripheral Arthritis: A Retrospective Case-control Study
Authors: Liozon Eric , de Boysson Hubert , Dalmay François , Gondran Guillaume , Bezanahary Holy , Fauchais Anne-Laure , Ly Kim-Heang
Published: March 2018

Objective.

We investigated the development of giant cell arteritis (GCA) in patients with prior diagnoses of isolated polymyalgia rheumatica and/or peripheral arthritis (PMR/PA), and the potentially relevant characteristics of both illnesses in such patients.

Methods.

We retrospectively compared the features of 67 patients at the onset of PMR/PA, and their outcomes, to those of a random group of 65 patients with PMR/PA who did not develop late GCA. We also compared the features and outcomes of patients with late GCA to those of a random sample of patients with more usual GCA (65 with concurrent PMR/PA and 65 without).

Results.

Patients with late GCA represented 7.4% of all patients with GCA included in a large hospital-based inception cohort. PMR/PA preceded overt GCA by 27 months on average. Permanent visual loss developed in 10 patients, including 8 of 48 (17%) patients featuring cranial arteritis. A questionable female predominance was the only distinguishing feature of PMR/PA evolving into GCA; late GCA more often featured subclinical aortitis (OR 6.42, 95% CI 2.39–17.23; p < 0.001), headache (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.19–1.03; p = 0.06), and fever (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.13–0.64; p = 0.002) less often compared to the more usual form of GCA. Patients with either form of GCA experienced similar outcomes.

Conclusion.

A cranial arteritis pattern of late GCA is associated with a significant risk for ischemic blindness. However, compared to the usual form of GCA, late GCA is often less typical, with a higher frequency of silent aortitis. Patients with relapsing/refractory PMR may not be at increased risk for late GCA.
Increased Prevalence of Thyroid Disease in Patients with Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies–associated Vasculitis
Authors: Prendecki Maria , Martin Leyre , Tanna Anisha , Antonelou Marilina , Pusey Charles D.
Published: March 2018

Objective.

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)–associated vasculitis (AAV) has been linked with thyroid disease as a result of antithyroid medications. We assessed the prevalence of thyroid disease in our patients with AAV.

Methods.

Clinical records of 279 patients with AAV diagnosed between 1991 and 2014 were analyzed.

Results.

Thyroid disease was identified in 21.5% of patients, but only 2 had previously received propylthiouracil. There was a greater proportion of female patients, patients with antimyeloperoxidase antibodies, and patients with renal disease in the group with thyroid disease.

Conclusion.

Our data show a higher prevalence of thyroid disease in patients with AAV than the general population. This was not attributable to antithyroid drugs.
A Systematic Review and Metaanalysis of Antirheumatic Drugs and Vaccine Immunogenicity in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Subesinghe Sujith , Bechman Katie , Rutherford Andrew I. , Goldblatt David , Galloway James B.
Published: March 2018

Objective.

Vaccination is a key strategy to reduce infection risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and is advocated in internationally recognized rheumatology society guidelines. The aim was to evaluate to the effect of antirheumatic drugs on influenza and pneumococcal vaccine immunogenicity.

Methods.

We conducted a systematic literature review and metaanalysis comparing the humoral response to influenza (pandemic and seasonal trivalent subunit vaccines) and pneumococcal (23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, 7- and 13-valent pneumococcal conjugated vaccines) vaccination in adult patients with RA treated with antirheumatic drugs. Vaccine immunogenicity was assessed by seroprotection rates measured 3 to 6 weeks postimmunization. Risk ratios (RR) and 95% CI were pooled.

Results.

Nine studies were included in the metaanalysis (7 studies investigating antirheumatic drug exposures and influenza humoral response, 2 studies investigating pneumococcal vaccine response). Influenza vaccine responses to all subunit strains (H1N1, H3N2, B strain) were preserved with methotrexate (MTX) and tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) drug exposure. MTX but not TNFi drug exposure was associated with reduced 6B and 23F serotype pneumococcal vaccine response (RR 0.42, 95% CI 0.28–0.63 vs RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.58–1.67); however, limited data were available to draw any firm conclusions. Combination of MTX with tocilizumab or tofacitinib was associated with reduced pneumococcal and influenza vaccine responses.

Conclusion.

Antirheumatic drugs may limit humoral responses to vaccination as evidenced by pneumococcal responses with MTX exposure; however, they are safe and should not preclude immunization against vaccine-preventable disease. Vaccination should be considered in all patients with RA and encouraged as part of routine care. (Systematic review registration number: PROSPERO 2016: CRD42016048093.)
Le maréchal et les cheikhs : les stratégies religieuses du régime et leurs complications dans l’Égypte de al-Sissi
Authors: Lacroix Stéphane , Zaghloul Shalata Ahmed
Published: March 2018

Nous nous attachons ici à analyser les stratégies de gestion du champ religieux mises en œuvre en Égypte par le régime du maréchal al-Sissi, après le coup d’État de l’été 2013 qui a mis un terme à la « parenthèse révolutionnaire » de 2011-2013 marquée par le triomphe électoral des Frères musulmans. En fait, le régime suit une double stratégie : d’une part, dans un registre hérité de la période Moubarak, il s’appuie sur les seuls acteurs islamistes à avoir soutenu le coup d’État, la Prédication salafiste et son parti al-Nour, dans le but de les ériger en substitut légitimiste des Frères musulmans ; d’autre part, dans une logique plus « nassérienne », il cherche à remettre en selle les institutions d’un islam officiel à prétention hégémonique pour reprendre le contrôle des mosquées. Nous examinons les motivations des acteurs religieux impliqués dans ces stratégies, et nous intéressons aux tensions que celles-ci, ainsi que leur articulation, génèrent dans les champs politique et religieux. Cette étude de cas nous permet de nourrir la réflexion sur les ressorts de la légitimation religieuse des régimes autoritaires arabes.
Internet et propagande jihadiste : la régulation polycentrique du cyberespace
Authors: Crosset Valentine , Dupont Benoit
Published: March 2018

Depuis quelques années, les pouvoirs publics et la société civile rendent Internet responsable de la diffusion de contenus jihadistes. Pour faire face à cette accusation qui a pris une dimension internationale, les États, les entreprises technologiques et la société civile ont mis en place des pratiques et des solutions de contrôle qui se présentent cependant sous l’aspect d’un ensemble fragmenté et dispersé. Nous souhaitons ici rendre compte de ce système complexe en adoptant l’approche de la gouvernance polycentrique. Cette approche contraste avec une vision étato-centrique dans la mesure où elle favorise la mise en réseau de centres de régulation à plusieurs niveaux des problèmes globaux. Notre analyse s’appuie sur une cartographie détaillée des différents dispositifs impliqués dans la régulation des contenus jihadistes. Tout en montrant le caractère pluricentrique et hétérogène de ces dispositifs, nous présentons ceux-ci comme un système « agonistique », dans lequel les rapports sont à la fois marqués par le conflit et par une prise en compte mutuelle. Nous démontrons toutefois que le conflit n’empêche pas l’action, puisque, à terme, les structures d’autorité polycentriques ont permis l’émergence d’une nouvelle architecture et de nouvelles normes visant à faciliter le contrôle des flux informationnels.
Un vote organisé par des gangs ? Observation d’une mission d’observation internationale de l’élection présidentielle de 2014 au Salvador
Authors: Guevara Erica
Published: March 2018

Comment se construit le regard de l’observateur électoral international ? Si la normalisation, la généralisation et les conséquences des dispositifs d’observation électorale internationale abordés en tant qu’instruments de « promotion de la démocratie » ont été longuement analysées, les modalités concrètes de production des données de ces missions n’ont été que très peu explorées. À partir de l’observation participante d’une mission coordonnée par une organisation internationale lors de l’élection présidentielle de 2014 au Salvador, nous étudions la façon dont se définissent les critères de ce qui « mérite d’être observé », et dans quelle mesure le dispositif parvient à modeler et à orienter le regard de l’observateur. Le processus de formation permettant de transformer le volontaire néophyte en observateur international compétent est ici retracé, ainsi que les paradoxes du travail sur le terrain, notamment la difficulté pour l’œil étranger à qualifier ce qui est regardé. Ainsi, au Salvador, la standardisation de la méthode d’observation et l’impératif de neutralité ont conduit l’OI à dépolitiser et à écarter de l’étude l’un des principaux enjeux de l’élection : le comportement électoral des maras (gangs criminels transnationaux de jeunes, responsables de l’impressionnant taux de décès violents au Salvador), sur lequel il n’existe encore aucune donnée.
Aspects philosophiques. Pourquoi faire de l’embryon une question ?
Authors: Grassin Marc
Published: March 2018

Comment poser aujourd’hui la question de l’embryon ? Loin des certitudes et des évidences, il nous faut faire vivre les désaccords et les comprendre. L’embryon cristallise à lui seul les tensions de notre culture et de notre humanité. Au-delà des désaccords ontologiques possibles sur ce qu’est l’embryon, que souhaitons-nous pour l’homme d’aujourd’hui et de demain ? Par le détour d’une réflexion plus anthropologique, l’embryon nous met au défi d’avoir à ensemble décider.
Chapitre 3. La gouvernance de la recherche sur l’embryon
Authors: Bioy Xavier , Rial-Sebbag Emmanuelle
Published: March 2018

Largement commentées et analysées, les dispositions des lois de bioéthique depuis leur première adoption en 1994 jusqu’aux dernières propositions en date, ont montré la grande difficulté de donner une qualification juridique à l’embryon et aux cellules souches embryonnaires et également de leur adosser un statut. Les problèmes juridiques que posent ces hésitation impliquent essentiellement une instabilité tant pour les chercheurs que pour les professionnels de santé sur ce qu’ils peuvent ou ne peuvent pas faire lorsqu’il s’agit de l’embryon et de ses cellules. Ainsi, alors que la protection de l’embryon faisait l’objet d’un consensus (de façade) jusqu’à la fin des années 2000, il apparaît aujourd’hui comme l’objet d’une volonté politique de développement de la recherche suscitée par les chercheurs et agences de l’État. Les équilibres juridiques ont été modifiés par étapes pour conduire à une police administrative qui concilie liberté de la recherche et enjeux éthiques dont l’épaisseur juridique demeure faible et incertaine. Il s’agira donc de mettre en lumière les jalons juridiques et institutionnels qui ont présidé à l’acceptation des recherches sur l’embryon et donc à une libéralisation de son encadrement juridique. On émettra ensuite quelques doutes sur l’intérêt de cette libéralisation, car en effet, la jurisprudence relative à la brevetabilité des inventions issues de cette recherche hypothèque quelque peu les perspectives de développement, comme par ailleurs le contexte économique et scientifique semble vouer la recherche sur les cellules souches embryonnaires à demeurer marginales.