bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The multifaceted nature of denominal adjectives
Authors: Fradin Bernard
Published: March 2017

This study proposes a fine-grained classification and analysis of French denominal adjectives based mainly on the semantic relationships that exist between the noun the adjective modifies (the head-noun) and the noun it is derived from. Capitalizing on previous works, it is argued that these relationships are intrinsic whenever they focus on a dimension proper to the referent of the head-noun, but they are extrinsic whenever this referent is conceived of as a participant in an event denoted either by the head or the modified noun. After a brief characterization of denominal adjectives in relation with other adjectives, the article lists the variety of meanings these adjectives exhibit in French and tries to shed light on the reasons why only some of them sound acceptable when occurring with a degree adverb or in a predicative structure. In the account sketched in the final section, denominal adjectives are dealt with in the same way as intersective adjectives.
Denominal adjectives as mixed categories
Authors: Spencer Andrew , Nikolaeva Irina
Published: March 2017

Many languages have morphological devices to turn a noun into an adjective. Often this morphology is genuinely derivational in that it adds semantic content such as ‘similar-to-N’ (similitudinal), ‘located-on/in’ (locational) and so on. In other cases the denominal adjective expresses no more than a pragmatically determined relationship, as in preposition-al phrase (see the synonymous preposition phrase), often called ‘relational adjectives’. In many languages relational adjectives are noun-to-adjective transpositions, that is, adjectival forms (‘representations’) of nominals. In some languages and constructions they retain some of the noun-related properties of the base. For example, the base can be modified by an attribute as though it were still a syntactically represented noun, giving rise to what we will call ‘syntagmatic category mixing’. We also find instances of ‘paradigmatic category mixing’ in which the derived adjectival form retains some of the inflectional morphology (case and/or number and/or possessive) of its base noun, as in a number of Uralic and Altaic languages. We address this kind of categorial mixing within the descriptive framework for lexical relatedness proposed in Spencer (2013) . A true transposition has a complex ‘semantic function’ (sf) role, consisting of the semantic function role of the derived category overlaid over that of the base. We explain how the complex semantic structure role of noun-to-adjective transpositions maps onto c-structure nodes, using the syntactic framework of Lexical Functional Grammar.
Lysine-Specific Histone Demethylases Contribute to Cellular Differentiation and Carcinogenesis
Authors: Verde Gaetano , Querol-Paños Jessica , Cebrià-Costa Joan , Pascual-Reguant Laura , Serra-Bardenys Gemma , Iturbide Ane , Peiró Sandra
Published: March 2017

Histone modifications regulate chromatin structure, gene transcription, and other nuclear processes. Among the histone modifications, methylation has been considered to be a stable, irreversible process due to the slow turnover of methyl groups in chromatin. However, the discovery of three different classes of lysine-specific demethylases—KDM1, Jumonji domain-containing demethylases, and lysyl oxidase-like 2 protein—has drastically changed this view, suggesting a role for dynamic histone methylation in different biological process. In this review, we describe the different mechanisms that these enzymes use to remove lysine histone methylation and discuss their role during physiological (cell differentiation) and pathological (carcinogenesis) processes.
Climate Change Impacts on Water Use in Horticulture
Authors: Snyder Richard
Published: March 2017

The evidence for anthropogenic global climate change is strong, and the projected climate changes could greatly impact horticultural production. For horticulture, two of the biggest concerns are related to the scarcity of water for crop production and the potential for increased evapotranspiration (ET). While ET is known to increase with air temperature, it is also known to decrease with increasing humidity and atmospheric CO2 concentration. Considering all of these factors and a plausible climate projection, this paper demonstrates that ET may increase or decrease depending on the magnitude of atmospheric changes including wind speed. On the other hand, the evidence is still strong that water resources will become less reliable in many regions where horticultural crops are grown.
Evaluation of Satellite-Derived Rainfall Estimates for an Extreme Rainfall Event over Uttarakhand, Western Himalayas
Authors: Parida Bikash , Behera Sailesh , Bakimchandra Oinam , Pandey Arvind , Singh Nilendu
Published: March 2017

The extreme rainfall event during June 2013 in the Western Himalayas caused widespread flash floods, which triggered landslides, a lake-outburst, and debris flow. For the hydrological study of such an unexpected extreme event, it is essential to have reliable and accurate rainfall predictions based on satellite observations. The mountainous state of Uttarakhand is covered by complex topography, and this state has few, unevenly distributed, rain gauge networks. This unique study was conducted to evaluate three satellite based rainfall products (i.e., TMPA-3B42, Global Satellite Mapping of Precipitation (GSMaP), and NOAA CPC Morphing Technique (CMORPH)) against the observed rain gauge-based India Meteorological Department (IMD) gridded dataset for this rainfall episode. The results from this comprehensive study confirmed that the magnitude of precipitation and peak rainfall intensity were underestimated in TMPA-3B42 and CMORPH against gauge-based IMD data, while GSMaP showed dual trends with under- and over-predictions. From the results of the statistical approach on the determination of error statistic metrics (MAE (mean absolute error), NRMSE (normalized root mean square error), PBIAS (percent bias), and NSE (Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency)) of respective satellite products, it was revealed that TMPA-3B42 predictions were more relevant and accurate compared to predictions from the other two satellite products for this major event. The TMPA-3B42-based rainfall was negatively biased by 18%. Despite these caveats, this study concludes that TMPA-3B42 rainfall was useful for monitoring extreme rainfall event in the region, where rain-gauges are sparse.
The Legibility and Permeability of Cities: Examining the Role of Spatial Data and Metrics
Authors: Silavi Tolue , Hakimpour Farshad , Claramunt Christophe , Nourian Farshad
Published: March 2017

It has been long recognised that the underlying spatial structure plays an important role when navigating in urban environments. However, the modelling of the forms and properties that emerge from the city is still a difficult issue to address. The objective of the research developed in this paper is to study and represent two important qualities of urban environments as identified by Lynch and Bentley in their respective seminal works, that is, legibility and permeability. Our objective is to identify and implement a series of metrics applied to the layout of a given city that reflects these concepts of legibility, and then to evaluate to which degree these measures are correlated to different human perceptions of the city, particularly differences between humans who have or have not had an experience of a given urban environment. The whole approach is applied to the context of a neighbourhood of the city of Tehran in Iran. The findings show that permeability match relatively well with residents’ evaluations while legibility rather complies with newcomers’ evaluations.
Copper to Zinc Ratio as Disease Biomarker in Neonates with Early-Onset Congenital Infections
Authors: Wisniewska Monika , Cremer Malte , Wiehe Lennart , Becker Niels-Peter , Rijntjes Eddy , Martitz Janine , Renko Kostja , Bührer Christoph , Schomburg Lutz
Published: March 2017

Copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) are essential trace elements for regular development. Acute infections alter their metabolism, while deficiencies increase infection risks. A prospective observational case-control study was conducted with infected (n = 21) and control (n = 23) term and preterm newborns. We analyzed trace element concentrations by X-ray fluorescence, and ceruloplasmin (CP) by Western blot. Median concentration of Cu at birth (day 1) was 522.8 [387.1–679.7] μg/L, and Zn was 1642.4 ± 438.1 μg/L. Cu and Zn correlated positively with gestational age in control newborns. Cu increased in infected newborns from day 1 to day 3. CP correlated positively to Cu levels at birth in both groups and on day 3 in the group of infected neonates. The Cu/Zn ratio was relatively high in infected newborns. Interleukin (IL)-6 concentrations on day 1 were unrelated to Cu, Zn, or the Cu/Zn ratio, whereas C-reactive protein (CRP) levels on day 3 correlated positively to the Cu/Zn -ratio at both day 1 and day 3. We conclude that infections affect the trace element homeostasis in newborns: serum Zn is reduced, while Cu and CP are increased. The Cu/Zn ratio combines both alterations, independent of gestational age. It may, thus, constitute a meaningful diagnostic biomarker for early-onset infections.
Multi-Scale Validation of SMAP Soil Moisture Products over Cold and Arid Regions in Northwestern China Using Distributed Ground Observation Data
Authors: Ma Chunfeng , Li Xin , Wei Long , Wang Weizhen
Published: March 2017

The Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission was designed to provide global mapping of soil moisture (SM) on nested 3, 9, and 36 km earth grids measured by L-band passive and active microwave sensors. The validation of SMAP SM products is crucial for the application of the products and improvement of the retrieval algorithm. Since the SMAP SM products were released, much effort has been invested in the evaluation of the SMAP radiometer SM product (SMAP_P). However, there has been little validation of SMAP radar (SMAP_A) and active/passive combined (SMAP_AP) SM products. This paper presents an evaluation of SMAP_P, SMAP_A and SMAP_AP SM products by using distributed ground observations networks in different landscapes in the Heihe River Basin of northwestern China. The standard error metrics of SMAP products and relative error are applied to measure the products’ performances. The results show that the SMAP SM products exhibit consistent spatial-temporal variation with the ground measurements and typical precipitation events. Three products show various types of performance capability (e.g., active, passive and combined), surface coverage (e.g., bare, vegetated) and climatic region (e.g., cold, arid). Relatively, the SMAP_P shows the best performance, while the SMAP_A performs the worst. The best performances are observed over bare soils but with overestimation and the largest relative error, and unsatisfactory accuracies are observed over cold regions and woody vegetated surfaces with underestimation. The vegetation effect and the freezing-thawing cycle may be major factors that led to an unsatisfactory performance. Efforts on resolving the influence of these factors are expected to improve the accuracy and to promote the application of SMAP SM products over these regions. Overall, this evaluation provides an understanding of SMAP SM products over cold and arid regions, and suggestions for the further refinement of the SMAP SM retrieval algorithms.
Niche Modeling of Dengue Fever Using Remotely Sensed Environmental Factors and Boosted Regression Trees
Authors: Ashby Jeffrey , Moreno-Madriñán Max , Yiannoutsos Constantin , Stanforth Austin
Published: March 2017

Dengue fever (DF), a vector-borne flavivirus, is endemic to the tropical countries of the world with nearly 400 million people becoming infected each year and roughly one-third of the world’s population living in areas of risk. The main vector for DF is the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is also the same vector of yellow fever, chikungunya, and Zika viruses. To gain an understanding of the spatial aspects that can affect the epidemiological processes across the disease’s geographical range, and the spatial interactions involved, we created and compared Bernoulli and Poisson family Boosted Regression Tree (BRT) models to quantify the overall annual risk of DF incidence by municipality, using the Magdalena River watershed of Colombia as a study site during the time period between 2012 and 2014. A wide range of environmental conditions make this site ideal to develop models that, with minor adjustments, could be applied in many other geographical areas. Our results show that these BRT methods can be successfully used to identify areas at risk and presents great potential for implementation in surveillance programs.
A Density-Based Clustering Method for Urban Scene Mobile Laser Scanning Data Segmentation
Authors: Li You , Li Lin , Li Dalin , Yang Fan , Liu Yu
Published: March 2017

The segmentation of urban scene mobile laser scanning (MLS) data into meaningful street objects is a great challenge due to the scene complexity of street environments, especially in the vicinity of street objects such as poles and trees. This paper proposes a three-stage method for the segmentation of urban MLS data at the object level. The original unorganized point cloud is first voxelized, and all information needed is stored in the voxels. These voxels are then classified as ground and non-ground voxels. In the second stage, the whole scene is segmented into clusters by applying a density-based clustering method based on two key parameters: local density and minimum distance. In the third stage, a merging step and a re-assignment processing step are applied to address the over-segmentation problem and noise points, respectively. We tested the effectiveness of the proposed methods on two urban MLS datasets. The overall accuracies of the segmentation results for the two test sites are 98.3% and 97%, thereby validating the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Policy Analysis to Reduce Climate Change-Induced Risks in Urban and Rural Areas in Korea
Authors: Moon Tae , Kim Dong-Hwan , Park Chang , Lee Dong-Sung
Published: March 2017

The purpose of this paper was to project changes in climate change-induced risks over time and to investigate policy alternatives to mitigate the risks from increases in sea level, heavy rains, and heat waves in urban and rural areas. System dynamics simulation was used to build a model and conduct policy analysis for a simulation period over the years 2000–2050. The model was built with a focus on the interaction among three factors: damage restoration costs from heavy rains, heat waves, and sea level rise; the total cost of food imports due to decreases in arable land and agricultural productivity; and changes in the government budget to respond to climate change problems. A policy experiment was conducted with the model under four scenarios mainly based on the government budget for climate change. The results indicated, firstly, that the climate budget needs to be increased to at least 13 trillion Korean Won (US $11.6 billion) per year. Secondly, an earlier budget increase would more effectively reduce the total disaster restoration cost than a delayed budget increase. Third, if an earlier budget increase is difficult, the next best alternative would be to allocate a greater fraction of the climate budget to urban rather than to rural areas. Lastly, an early response to climate change would more effectively reduce food import costs, maintain agricultural productivity, and improve infrastructure for climate change adaptation than a delayed response. In conclusion, an earlier increase in the climate change budget would be more effective than a delayed budget increase of the same amount, and allocating a larger fraction of the climate budget to urban areas could be more cost-effective than increasing the budget, if urban and rural parties could agree on the method of allocation.
Probing the Gravitational Dependence of the Fine-Structure Constant from Observations of White Dwarf Stars
Authors: Bainbridge Matthew , Barstow Martin , Reindl Nicole , Tchang-Brillet W.-Ü , Ayres Thomas , Webb John , Barrow John , Hu Jiting , Holberg Jay , Preval Simon , Ubachs Wim , Dzuba Vladimir , Flambaum Victor , Dumont Vincent , Berengut Julian
Published: March 2017

Hot white dwarf stars are the ideal probe for a relationship between the fine-structure constant and strong gravitational fields, providing us with an opportunity for a direct observational test. We study a sample of hot white dwarf stars, combining far-UV spectroscopic observations, atomic physics, atmospheric modelling, and fundamental physics in the search for variation in the fine structure constant. This variation manifests as shifts in the observed wavelengths of absorption lines, such as quadruply ionized iron (FeV) and quadruply ionized nickel (NiV), when compared to laboratory wavelengths. Berengut et al. (Phys. Rev. Lett. 2013, 111, 010801) demonstrated the validity of such an analysis using high-resolution Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) spectra of G191-B2B. We have made three important improvements by: (a) using three new independent sets of laboratory wavelengths; (b) analysing a sample of objects; and (c) improving the methodology by incorporating robust techniques from previous studies towards quasars (the Many Multiplet method). A successful detection would be the first direct measurement of a gravitational field effect on a bare constant of nature. Here we describe our approach and present preliminary results from nine objects using both FeV and NiV.
Le retour des commerces en centre-ville comme stratégie d’aménagement local
Authors: Fijalkow Ygal , Martin Elsa , Calvignac Cédric
Published: March 2017

Cet article propose d’interroger la présence des commerces du centre-ville d’Albi. L’analyse quantitative et longitudinale de l’activité commerciale révèle que les différentes opérations d’urbanisme, la cohérence de l’action publique menée sur un temps long ainsi que le classement du centre ancien par l’Unesco participent au retour des commerces en centre-ville. Au-delà de ce premier constat, les résultats dévoilent une importante mobilité commerçante, une spécialisation spatiale de l’économie et une organisation du temps marchand qui préoccupent de plus en plus la municipalité de cette ville moyenne.
Dynamisme et fragilité du développement non-métropolitain en Inde. L’exemple de Kartarpur, une petite ville-cluster d’artisans-menuisiers
Authors: de Bercegol Rémi , Gowda Shankare
Published: March 2017

Alors que les débats sur l’urbanisation en Inde se focalisent généralement sur les cas des très grandes métropoles, cet article prend le parti de s’intéresser aux cas des petites agglomérations, lesquelles témoignent de dynamiques tout aussi révélatrices des transformations urbaines contemporaines. L’étude de l’une d’entre elles, Kartarpur, une petite ville d’artisans menuisiers, permet de mettre en lumière le dynamisme et la fragilité de cette urbanisation non-métropolitaine. L’essor remarquable d’une petite industrie de l’ameublement y est issu d’un ensemble de facteurs endogènes ancrés dans un territoire particulier et hors des schémas développementalistes métropolitains. L’analyse montre que l’organisation territoriale en cluster des artisans locaux, en assurant la complémentarité des savoir-faire traditionnels, a permis de créer une véritable valeur ajoutée à un système qui se retrouve désormais bouleversé par les évolutions libérales actuelles.
Politiser la ville. Fragmentation, cohérence et mouvements sociaux dans le programme allemand Ville sociale
Authors: Holm Andrej , Lebuhn Henrik , Schmidt Dorothea , Blanc Maurice , Nahrath Stéphane
Published: March 2017

La recherche urbaine a mis en lumière un phénomène de polarisation sociale croissante dans les villes suite à la mise en œuvre des politiques urbaines néolibérales. Leurs effets sont décrits en termes de ségrégation, de ville duale et d’absence de mixité sociale dans les quartiers. En réaction, les villes ont développé des politiques territoriales ( area-based policies ) censées contrecarrer la dynamique de la fragmentation sociale. Cet article étudie le programme Ville sociale (Soziale Stadt) à Berlin (Allemagne) et examine si ce programme tient compte des mouvements sociaux urbains qui s’opposent à la politique urbaine néolibérale. Le programme Ville sociale vise à renforcer la cohésion et l’intégration sociales, et à créer une identité commune dans les quartiers, sans remettre réellement en question ces politiques néolibérales. Finalement, il soutient que les politiques urbaines devraient se recentrer sur les conflits politiques, les revendications des mouvements sociaux et sur les initiatives des acteurs extra-institutionnels.
Villes et chemins de fer : construction de territoires, São Paulo, Brésil, 1850-1920
Authors: Duarte Lanna Ana Lúcia , Reuillard Pascal
Published: March 2017

Au cours du xix e  siècle, les villes et les chemins de fer sont les symboles extérieurs les plus impressionnants du capitalisme. Les ouvrages sur le sujet insistent sur le rôle fondamental des voies ferrées sur la croissance et la formation des villes : augmentation de la demande de services et de commerce, stimulation des échanges, réduction des distances, modification de la notion de temporalité et introduction de la vitesse comme donnée permanente des modes de vie. Le chemin de fer matérialise le triomphe de la technique et l’incorpore au quotidien urbain ; il crée de nouveaux personnages et apparaît essentiel dans la (ré)organisation du monde du travail. Pour exister, il a besoin d’équipements nouveaux et inédits qui, insérés dans le réseau des villes, vont altérer les flux, les mouvements et les possibilités d’expansion. Ce travail vise à montrer la relation entre les chemins de fer, les villes et la construction du territoire en prenant comme référence l’État de São Paulo. Il s’agit de reconnaître les spécificités brésiliennes et, surtout, les diversités des situations observées à São Paulo en questionnant les lectures qui associent le chemin de fer au progrès.
L’Amour universel du Seigneur d’Israël. Le livre de Malachie
Authors: Simoens Yves
Published: March 2017

Dernier des prophètes et des recueils de l’Ancien Testament selon le canon catholique des Écritures, Malachie laisse parler en transparence et en énigmes le Seigneur de l’alliance conclue avec son peuple Israël. Empreint de Sagesse, il condense la Torah et les Prophètes pour se retrouver dans les évangiles et jusque dans l’Apocalypse en passant par l’épître aux Romains et aux Hébreux. Clé de voûte entre l’Ancien et le Nouveau Testament, le plus bref et le plus dense des Douze Petits Prophètes articule son message grâce à de nombreuses formulations stylistiques : le Seigneur d’Ésaü et de Jacob aime autant les nations que son peuple élu parce qu’il est le Père créateur des unes comme de l’autre.
En quête de vérité. Alasdair MacIntyre, inspirateur d’une théologie fractale
Authors: Rouard Christophe
Published: March 2017

De la vérité, il est beaucoup question dans l’œuvre d’Alasdair MacIntyre. Cette catégorie est au cœur de ses recherches, et ce depuis les débuts de son histoire intellectuelle. L’objet de cet article est de montrer comment le philosophe contemporain n’a cessé de chercher la vérité en se confrontant à nombre de penseurs marquants de son temps, et de tirer quelques enseignements théologiques de son parcours.
La honte comme outil de transformation de l’être humain. L’internement en République populaire de Bulgarie
Authors: Gruev Radoslav
Published: March 2017

Le pouvoir totalitaire ne peut pas exister sans l’ennemi, et pour le punir et le contenir il se sert du camp de concentration. Dans l’idéologie communiste, l’ennemi est de type « social » et par conséquent rééducable. De cette acception découle l’appellation officielle des camps en Bulgarie : Foyers de rééducation par le travail. La raison d’être de ces institutions est la transformation physique et psychologique de l’individu pour qu’il ait le droit de vivre dans la société communiste en construction. Dans ce processus de rééducation/transformation de l’individu, le sentiment de honte a une place essentielle. Il est utilisé par l’institution afin de dominer l’être humain et de le contrôler dans sa totalité.
Le caractère public — un antécédent du leadership transformationnel. Le cas de la Norvège
Authors: Jacobsen Dag Ingvar
Published: March 2017

De nombreuses études empiriques indiquent que le leadership transformationnel, qui est sans doute le modèle de leadership prépondérant depuis deux décennies, a toute une série d’effets positifs. Dans la présente étude, nous examinons la question de savoir si ce type de leadership est aussi courant dans les organisations publiques que dans les privées. Nous avons analysé le style de leadership de 2488 responsables dans des organisations norvégiennes employant plus de dix personnes. L’idée était principalement de déterminer si l’existence d’un leadership transformationnel variait selon le caractère public de l’organisation. Nous partons du principe que l’influence du caractère public sur le leadership transformationnel est induite par la bureaucratisation, la centralisation, la professionnalisation, la motivation prosociale et le taux de féminité. L’étude tient compte de la taille et de la mission de l’organisation, des variables qui font souvent défaut dans les comparaisons entre organisations publiques et privées. Notre principale conclusion est que le caractère public n’a aucune influence directe sur le leadership transformationnel lorsque l’on tient compte de la mission principale de l’organisation, de sa taille et du sexe du responsable. Le caractère public a cependant bel et bien une influence indirecte sur le leadership transformationnel dans le cadre de la bureaucratisation, de la professionnalisation et du taux de féminité. C’est en nous basant sur nos observations que nous analyserons les implications plus générales pour la comparaison entre les organisations publiques et privées. Remarques à l’intention des praticiens On prétend souvent que le leadership dans le secteur public est différent de celui observé dans le secteur privé. La présente étude révèle que ce raisonnement est trop simple. Premièrement, il faut bien se rendre compte que le leadership n’est pas qu’une affaire de secteur public ou privé, et qu’il intervient aussi dans une série d’hybrides entre les secteurs public et privé. Deuxièmement, différents enjeux auxquels sont confrontés les responsables sont plus étroitement liés à des aspects de base tels que la taille de l’organisation ou sa mission qu’à la question de savoir si l’organisation est publique ou privée.
Learning & Development in Times of Digital Transformation: Facilitating a Culture of Change and Innovation
Authors: Vey Karin , Fandel-Meyer Tanja , Zipp Jan S. , Schneider Christian
Published: March 2017

The digital transformation is the very heart of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which is about to change our understanding of doing business, of learning & development in a fundamental way – and with unrivaled speed. However, many companies and individuals hesitate to acknowledge the depth and impact of current developments. We suggest to distinguish four reasons: the striking impact of advanced digitization is not yet fully recognized (1); there is a lack of imagination and strategy, coupled with increasing unpredictability (2); a lack of agility and insufficient encouragement towards innovation (3); and a lack of pertinent competencies and insufficient innovation culture (4). New roles and action areas for Learning & Development (L&D) professionals enable possibilities to overcome these innovation barriers: change agent & consultant; designer of an enriched learning portfolio of products and services; shaper of innovation culture. Also facilitating a learning friendly culture by using different pillars is a way to generate innovation and to secure the existence of organizations in times of digital transformation.
Software Server for Automatic Generation of Audio Lectures (uListenSrv)
Authors: Petrov Milen , Asenov Asen , Aleksieva-Petrova Adelina
Published: March 2017

Facilitation of new methods for learning materials delivery and adoption of new learning experiences and practices in e-learning is always a challenge. Using synthesis of digital audio learning assets and learning objects as one of main sources for conducting learning is not new, but research on using audio lectures or combined audio with presentation lecture is not well investigated and adopted in traditional online learning environments. The main goal of current paper is to present requirements elicitation, software analysis, design, construction and testing of secure and reusable software architecture for production and delivery of learning resources with audio elements in university programming courses. Paper presents different architecture styles for designing the system and finish with presentation of development and usage of contemporary Software Server for Automatic Generation of Audio Lectures (uListenSrv). Main difference here is support of languages, not only in English, but not so popular languages, like Bulgarian language.
Surface Micromorphology and Growth Rate Related to Supersaturation of KDP Crystals Grown at Different Temperature
Authors: Li Wei Dong , Wang Duan Liang , Gu Qing Tian , Wang Sheng Lai
Published: March 2017

A series of potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP) crystals are grown from various saturation temperature solutions by “point seed” technique. The prismatic faces growth rate of KDP crystals are measured by laser polarization system. The micromorphology of the steps on (100) face are comparatively researched by atomic force microscope (AFM) systematically. The results show that step bunching decreases with the supersaturation rise from 0.01 to 0.03 when the saturation temperature is around 35°C, the bunching increases in the case around 45°C, 55°C and 65°C, which is more significant around 65°C. The terrace width has the similar trend, it increases with the rise of supersaturation at different temperatures. The step slope has various trend with the change of supersaturation at various temperature. The normal growth rate and tangential velocity both increase with the rise of the supersaturation. In addition, at the same supersaturation, the higher the temperature, the faster the growth rate.
First-Principle Calculation of Al2O3(012)/SiC(310) Interface Model
Authors: Zhou Ting Ting , Huang Chuan Zhen , Yi Ming Dong
Published: March 2017

First-principle calculation is carried out on Al2O3(012)/SiC(310) interface model. It can be concluded from the electronic density and population analysis that Al-C and O-Si located at grain boundary primarily contribute to the interface bonding strength and creep resistance property. The electronic charges in grain boundaries and grains are compared with each other. And the valence electrons are found to be redistributed. The relationship of all kinds of chemical bonds in grains and grain boundary of the interface model is analyzed. Also the toughening mechanism of Al2O3/SiC multi-phase ceramic tool materials is explained in nano-scale.
Microstructural Evolution after Cold Forming and Recrystallization Annealing in Commercially Pure Titanium Sheet
Authors: Li Jin Yu , Li Zhuang , Lv Wei , Kang Shao Pu , Yu Huan Huan
Published: March 2017

Different cold rolling and recrystallization annealing of commercially pure titanium (CP-Ti) sheet was conducted. Microstructural evolution in commercially pure titanium sheet after cold forming and recrystallization annealing were investigated. Cold forming properties using a microstructural analysis, Vickers microhardness and erichsen value measurements were performed. Alpha grain sizes of processing 1 and 2 are 38.67μm and 40.12μm, respectively. Erichsen values of the specimens of processing 2 reaches the high value. This is attributed to recrystallization annealing. Equiaxed alpha grains are formed from the elongated grains and cold forming properties of CP-Ti were improved. The effect of the first recrystallization annealing was remained. Forming properties were a moderate value for processing 1 due to the presence of equiaxed grains.
Why Synthesizing Poly(1,4-Phenylene Sulfide) through Oxidative Polymerization Has not so far Been Adopted as the Industrial Process
Authors: Liu Ye Feng , Li Yan Fen , Yan Xiao Lan , Yan Jie , Li Min Jiao , Cui Yi Shun
Published: March 2017

Synthesis of poly (1, 4-phenylene sulfide) (PPS) through oxidative polymerization seems promising to us. Comparing with current commercial method to poly (1, 4-phenylene sulfide) from 1, 4-phenylene sulfide and sodium sulfide (Phillips’ Method), there are many advantages of the oxidative polymerization method. For example, it can synthesize PPS at normal temperature and pressure; the yield of reaction is very high; it provides pure PPS without salt contamination. However, several years have passed away; synthesis of poly (1, 4-phenylene sulfide) through oxidative polymerization has not so far been adopted as the industrial process. Many of us are puzzled, why? Through studying all kinds of reported preparation route to poly (1, 4-phenylene sulfide) through oxidative polymerization compared to Phillips’ Method, a generic polymerization mechanism is achieved for most of them excepting two with obvious shortcomings. We suddenly realize that synthesis of poly (1, 4-phenylene sulfide) through oxidative polymerization seems unsuitable to be used in industrial production recently because of its own limits.
IL-26 Confers Proinflammatory Properties to Extracellular DNA
Authors: Poli Caroline , Augusto Jean François , Dauvé Jonathan , Adam Clément , Preisser Laurence , Larochette Vincent , Pignon Pascale , Savina Ariel , Blanchard Simon , Subra Jean François , Chevailler Alain , Procaccio Vincent , Croué Anne , Créminon Christophe , Morel Alain , Delneste Yves , Fickenscher Helmut , Jeannin Pascale
Published: March 2017

In physiological conditions, self-DNA released by dying cells is not detected by intracellular DNA sensors. In chronic inflammatory disorders, unabated inflammation has been associated with a break in innate immune tolerance to self-DNA. However, extracellular DNA has to complex with DNA-binding molecules to gain access to intracellular DNA sensors. IL-26 is a member of the IL-10 cytokine family, overexpressed in numerous chronic inflammatory diseases, in which biological activity remains unclear. We demonstrate in this study that IL-26 binds to genomic DNA, mitochondrial DNA, and neutrophil extracellular traps, and shuttles them in the cytosol of human myeloid cells. As a consequence, IL-26 allows extracellular DNA to trigger proinflammatory cytokine secretion by monocytes, in a STING- and inflammasome-dependent manner. Supporting these biological properties, IL-10–based modeling predicts two DNA-binding domains, two amphipathic helices, and an in-plane membrane anchor in IL-26, which are structural features of cationic amphipathic cell-penetrating peptides. In line with these properties, patients with active autoantibody-associated vasculitis, a chronic relapsing autoimmune inflammatory disease associated with extensive cell death, exhibit high levels of both circulating IL-26 and IL-26–DNA complexes. Moreover, in patients with crescentic glomerulonephritis, IL-26 is expressed by renal arterial smooth muscle cells and deposits in necrotizing lesions. Accordingly, human primary smooth cells secrete IL-26 in response to proinflammatory cytokines. In conclusion, IL-26 is a unique cationic protein more similar to a soluble pattern recognition receptor than to conventional cytokines. IL-26 expressed in inflammatory lesions confers proinflammatory properties to DNA released by dying cells, setting up a positive amplification loop between extensive cell death and unabated inflammation.
Inducible TAP1 Negatively Regulates the Antiviral Innate Immune Response by Targeting the TAK1 Complex
Authors: Xia Zhangchuan , Xu Gang , Yang Xiaodan , Peng Nanfang , Zuo Qi , Zhu Shengli , Hao Hua , Liu Shi , Zhu Ying
Published: March 2017

The innate immune response is critical for host defense and must be tightly controlled, but the molecular mechanisms responsible for its negative regulation are not yet completely understood. In this study, we report that transporter 1, ATP-binding cassette, subfamily B (TAP1), a virus-inducible endoplasmic reticulum–associated protein, negatively regulated the virus-triggered immune response. In this study, we observed upregulated expression of TAP1 following virus infection in human lung epithelial cells (A549), THP-1 monocytes, HeLa cells, and Vero cells. The overexpression of TAP1 enhanced virus replication by inhibiting the virus-triggered activation of NF-κB signaling and the production of IFNs, IFN-stimulated genes, and proinflammatory cytokines. TAP1 depletion had the opposite effect. In response to virus infection, TAP1 interacted with the TGF-β–activated kinase (TAK)1 complex and impaired the phosphorylation of TAK1, subsequently suppressing the phosphorylation of the IκB kinase complex and NF-κB inhibitor α (IκBα) as well as NF-κB nuclear translocation. Our findings collectively suggest that TAP1 plays a novel role in the negative regulation of virus-triggered NF-κB signaling and the innate immune response by targeting the TAK1 complex.
The Granulocyte Progenitor Stage Is a Key Target of IRF8-Mediated Regulation of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cell Production
Authors: Netherby Colleen S. , Messmer Michelle N. , Burkard-Mandel Lauren , Colligan Sean , Miller Austin , Cortes Gomez Eduardo , Wang Jianmin , Nemeth Michael J. , Abrams Scott I.
Published: March 2017

Alterations in myelopoiesis are common across various tumor types, resulting in immature populations termed myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). MDSC burden correlates with poorer clinical outcomes, credited to their ability to suppress antitumor immunity. MDSCs consist of two major subsets, monocytic and polymorphonuclear (PMN). Intriguingly, the latter subset predominates in many patients and tumor models, although the mechanisms favoring PMN-MDSC responses remain poorly understood. Ordinarily, lineage-restricted transcription factors regulate myelopoiesis that collectively dictate cell fate. One integral player is IFN regulatory factor (IRF)–8, which promotes monocyte/dendritic cell differentiation while limiting granulocyte development. We recently showed that IRF8 inversely controls MDSC burden in tumor models, particularly the PMN-MDSC subset. However, where IRF8 acts in the pathway of myeloid differentiation to influence PMN-MDSC production has remained unknown. In this study, we showed that: 1) tumor growth was associated with a selective expansion of newly defined IRF8lo granulocyte progenitors (GPs); 2) tumor-derived GPs had an increased ability to form PMN-MDSCs; 3) tumor-derived GPs shared gene expression patterns with IRF8−/− GPs, suggesting that IRF8 loss underlies GP expansion; and 4) enforced IRF8 overexpression in vivo selectively constrained tumor-induced GP expansion. These findings support the hypothesis that PMN-MDSCs result from selective expansion of IRF8lo GPs, and that strategies targeting IRF8 expression may limit their load to improve immunotherapy efficacy.
Limited Presence of IL-22 Binding Protein, a Natural IL-22 Inhibitor, Strengthens Psoriatic Skin Inflammation
Authors: Martin Jérôme C. , Wolk Kerstin , Bériou Gaëlle , Abidi Ahmed , Witte-Händel Ellen , Louvet Cédric , Kokolakis Georgios , Drujont Lucile , Dumoutier Laure , Renauld Jean-Christophe , Sabat Robert , Josien Régis
Published: March 2017

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease resulting from dysregulated immune activation associated with a large local secretion of cytokines. Among them, IL-22 largely contributes to epithelial remodeling and inflammation through inhibiting the terminal differentiation of keratinocytes and inducing antimicrobial peptides and selected chemokines. The activity of IL-22 is regulated by IL-22 binding protein (IL-22BP); however, the expression and role of IL-22BP in psoriatic skin has remained unknown so far. Here we showed that nonaffected skin of psoriasis patients displayed lower expression of IL-22BP than skin of healthy controls. Furthermore, the strong IL-22 increase in lesional psoriatic skin was accompanied by a moderate induction of IL-22BP. To investigate the role of IL-22BP in controlling IL-22 during skin inflammation, we used imiquimod-induced skin disease in rodents and showed that rats with genetic IL-22BP deficiency (Il22ra2−/−) displayed exacerbated disease that associated with enhanced expression of IL-22–inducible antimicrobial peptides. We further recapitulated these findings in mice injected with an anti–IL-22BP neutralizing Ab. Hypothesizing that the IL-22/IL-22BP expression ratio reflects the level of bioactive IL-22 in psoriasis skin, we found positive correlations with the expression of IL-22–inducible molecules (IL-20, IL-24, IL-36γ, CXCL1, and BD2) in keratinocytes. Finally, we observed that serum IL-22/IL-22BP protein ratio strongly correlated with psoriasis severity. In conclusion, we propose that although IL-22BP can control deleterious actions of IL-22 in the skin, its limited production prevents a sufficient neutralization of IL-22 and contributes to the development and maintenance of epidermal alterations in psoriasis.
Gravity station location map, Canada
Authors: Jobin D M , Véronneau M , Miles W
Published: March 2017

This map shows the locations where gravity was measured over the Canadian landmass, lakes and surrounding oceans (Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic). Systematic gravity mapping began in Canada in 1944 and is ongoing. All Canadian gravity data are tied to the
International Gravity Standardization Network 1971 (IGSN71) to create a coherent dataset at the global scale.
ART adherence clubs: A long-term retention strategy for clinically stable patients receiving antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Wilkinson Lynne Susan
Published: March 2017

The ART-adherence club model described here provides patient-friendly access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) for clinically stable patients. It reduces the burden that stable patients place on healthcare facilities, increasing clinical human resources for new patients, and those clinically unstable and at risk of failing treatment. In the model, 30 patients are allocated to an ART club. The group meets either at a facility or community venue for less than an hour every 2 months. Group meetings are facilitated by a lay club facilitator who provides a quick clinical assessment, referral where necessary, and dispenses pre-packed ART. From January 2011 to December 2012, after adoption for phased rollout by the Western Cape Government, more than 600 ART clubs were established in Cape Town, providing ART care to over 16 000 patients. This extensive, rapid rollout demonstrates active buy-in from patients and facility staff. South Africa should consider a similar model for national rollout.
Challenges to delivering quality care in a prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV programme in Soweto, South Africa
Authors: Mnyani Coceka Nandipha , McIntyre James
Published: March 2017

Objectives: There has been little focus on quality of care provided in prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) services in South Africa. We assessed quality of care in PMTCT services in Soweto, South Africa, focusing on knowledge and experiences of healthcare workers and HIV-infected pregnant women accessing the services. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between November and December 2009. A total of 201 HIV-infected pregnant women and 80 healthcare workers, from 10 antenatal clinics, were interviewed using standardised questionnaires. Results: The median gestational age at first antenatal visit was 20 weeks and 32 weeks at the time of the interview. The majority of the women, 71.5%, discovered that they were HIV-infected in the index pregnancy, and 87.9% disclosed their HIV status. Overall, 97.5% received counselling and 33.5% were members of a support group. Knowledge of antenatal and intrapartum PMTCT interventions was correct in 62.7% and 43.3% of the women, respectively. Support group membership and current use of antiretroviral prophylaxis did not impact on the quality of knowledge. Of the healthcare workers, 43.8% were professional nurses and 37.5% were lay counsellors. The majority, 80.0%, felt satisfied with their knowledge of PMTCT guidelines and 96.3% felt competent in managing HIV-infected pregnant women. Yet, there were important deficiencies in knowledge of the guidelines. Conclusion: In our study, knowledge of PMTCT interventions was low in both clients and healthcare workers. These findings point to a need to improve quality of care in PMTCT services, especially with increasingly complex PMTCT interventions recommended by international policies.
Guideline for the prevention, diagnosis and management of cryptococcal meningitis among HIV-infected persons: 2013 update
Authors: Southern African HIV Clinicians Society The
Published: March 2017

Six years after the first Society guidelines were published, cryptococcal meningitis (CM) remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality among HIV-infected adults in South Africa. Several important developments have spurred the  publication of updated guidelines to manage this common fungal opportunistic infection. Recommendations described here include: (1) screening and pre-emptive treatment; (2) laboratory diagnosis and monitoring; (3) management of a first episode of CM; (4) amphotericin B deoxycholate toxicity prevention, monitoring and management; (5) timing of antiretroviral therapy among patients with CM; (6) management of raised intracranial pressure; (7) management of relapse episodes of CM.
Managing AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma and pregnancy
Authors: Barnardt Pieter
Published: March 2017

An estimated 30 - 40% of HIV-infected patients are likely to develop cancer during the progression of their disease. The occurrence of malignancy among these patients represents a difficult challenge in their care. Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) – currently the most common tumour observed with an estimated incidence of 15 - 20% – represents the first manifestation of AIDS in 30 - 40% of patients. Any organ may be involved, but the gastrointestinal tract and lung remain the most frequently involved locations. The case described here presented a clinical and ethical dilemma where visceral KS, pregnancy and medical complications required multi-disciplinary management.
Clinical challenge: Deteriorating liver function in TB and HIV co-treatment
Authors: Venter Francois , Masingi Ntsakisi , Stacey Sarah , Fidler Sarah
Published: March 2017

Editor’s note: In this section of the Journal, we present complex, real-world HIV medicine cases to two experienced clinicians working in very different environments, and ask them to describe the approach that they would take if they saw the case in their local hospital setting. In our first edition, a patient with deteriorating liver function is presented by Prof. Francois Venter and Dr Ntsakisi Masingi, and then discussed by Dr Sarah Stacey in Johannesburg and Dr Sarah Fidler in London.