bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BIOPOLÍTICA DE LA DIVERSIDAD Y LA COLABORACIÓN ANTROPOLÓGICA POSTMODERNISTA EN LA HABILITACIÓN DE IDENTIDADES
Authors: Fernández Tamer Sarkis
Published: March 2017

Mi artículo es el fruto de articular lasnociones foucaultianas de”capilaridad” y “prácticas discursivas”en su engarzamiento real, pues ellascomponen la pinza que me permitecaptar las líneas actuales de acción ydesarrollo del poder burgués:La “inter-culturización” capitalista deprocesos productivos y de orden,siendo potenciado un bagaje “precapitalista”técnico, jurídico o deconsumo, en la fábrica y sobre elámbito “comunitario” endesmembración o en formación.El estudio de las identidadesentrantes en los espacios y en losámbitos de movilidad territorialadscritos a tales procesos.El cultivo, la promoción, la represióno el control -y, en cualquier caso, laasignación de espacios y el estudiodelas “identidades de adaptación”que emergen y se extiendensocialmente en correlación a losprocesos de movilidad poblacional,precarización, exclusión laboral ylumpenización hoy abiertos en losdenominados “centros capitalistas”.Las remodelaciones jurídicas ylegislativas necesarias a la tarea depolitización de todas esasidentidades, a su conjunción, a suintegración y a des-problematizar suparticularidad.La producción y elevaciónparadigmática de unasAntropologías, unas Sociologías...,especializadas en articularobjetivamente a los grupos humanosy al capitalismo que los contiene, enuna especie de “juego de prestacionesy de contra-prestaciones” -jurídicas,de atención, de reconocimiento, de“puesta en reserva”, etc. Suexaltación de la particularidad comohorizonte de lo “real”, con que estasnuevas modalidades cognitivasocultan el  ser social objetivocompartido, junto con surelativización idealista de lasidentidades, son un curioso nuevomodo de esencializar los tipossociales originados (fetichismo delhecho subjetivo).
A MORTE E O MORRER NOS FILMES LOVE STORY E A CULPA É DAS ESTRELAS
Authors: Oliveira Adilson Silva
Published: March 2017

Este texto apresenta breves considerações acerca da morte e do morrer, com base, sobremaneira, nos posicionamentos de Kübler-Ross (2012). A teoria está dividida em duas partes: significações da morte e do morrer para diferentes culturas e apresentação sucinta dos cinco estágios pelos quais passa um paciente terminal – negação/isolamento, raiva, barganha, depressão e aceitação. Analisam-se os filmes “Love story”, de Arthur Hiller, e “A culpa é das estrelas”, de Josh Boone, no tocante à temática da morte e do morrer.
LA DIGNIDAD HUMANA Y LA ÉTICA MÉDICA EN ESLOVAQUIA
Authors: Gluchman Vasil
Published: March 2017

La dignidad humana es un concepto significativo en las Declaraciones de la UNESCOsobre bioética, así como también en la ética médica (incluyendo a todas las profesionesmédicas). En Eslovaquia, los primeros intentos más significativos de formalizar éticasprofesionales ocurrieron durante la segunda mitad de la década de 1990.Tradicionalmente, la esfera de la biomedicina (la ética profesional de los doctores,enfermeras, etc.) tuvo el desarrollo más intenso entre las éticas profesionales en laRepública Eslovaca. Sin embargo, los temas de ética médica son muy a menudo reducidossólo al código de ética. Me gustaría investigar la idea de dignidad humana en lasrelaciones entre doctores, enfermeras y pacientes en Eslovaquia. La dignidad humana esun concepto que usamos para describir un agregado de valores y cualidades de alguien oalgo que merece estima y respeto. Sin embargo, ¿cómo es la dignidad humana de losdoctores, enfermeras y pacientes? ¿Es un valor primario de todos los seres humanos sindiferencias en su estatus social o depende de habilidades de agentes morales (incluyendoa los doctores, enfermeras y pacientes)? ¿Cómo es preservada la dignidad humana dedoctores, enfermeras, otros trabajadores de la salud y pacientes por los códigos de ética delas profesiones médicas en Eslovaquia?
Prometeica nº 2
Authors: Editorial Equipe
Published: March 2017

Prometeica nº 2
El desafío de la síntesis
Authors: Misseri Lucas E.
Published: March 2017

El desafío de la síntesisPor Lucas E. Misseri - Editor en jefe
PICO DELLA MIRANDOLA Y SAVONAROLA
Authors: Delgado Jorge Velázquez
Published: March 2017

En este artículo se aborda la relaciónentre Gerolamo Savonarola y GiovanniPico de la Mirandola, partiendo de labase de la amistad que sostuvieronambos y problematizando la dificultadque se presenta ante dospersonalidades aparentementeirreductibles. En tanto que símbolosemblemáticos del Renacimientoitaliano, su análisis supone un análisisde las ideas y el  ethos del período.
LA FÍSICA DEL GÉNESIS
Authors: De La Torre Alberto Clemente
Published: March 2017

Desde una perspectiva física y atea se revisita el problema del origen deluniverso haciendo hincapié en el proceso secularizador que suponen lasnuevas teorías científicas.
Bajo la corteza de la letra, de Carlos Ruta
Authors: Misseri Lucas E.
Published: March 2017

RUTA, Carlos. Bajo la corteza de la letra. “Tiempo ysignificado en la obra del Maestro Eckhart”. UNSaM-Edita,San Martín, Argentina, 2011. ISBN 978-987-1788-05-7.
“PODERIA A CIÊNCIA ATUAL ENTENDER O INÍCIO DO UNIVERSO?”
Authors: Bessada Dennis
Published: March 2017

“PODERIA A CIÊNCIA ATUAL ENTENDER O INÍCIO DO UNIVERSO?”
L’ontologie politique de Cornelius Castoriadis, N. Poirier
Authors: Aldegani Emilliano
Published: March 2017

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Superficial siderosis of the central nervous system associated with intraspinal hemorrhage from ventral thoracic epidural veins and a ventral spinal CSF leak: case report
Authors: Takai Keisuke , Komori Takashi , Niimura Manabu , Taniguchi Makoto
Published: March 2017

In most patients with superficial siderosis of the CNS, the exact source of bleeding remains unknown because of a lack of objective surgical data. The authors herein describe the case of a 58-year-old man with superficial siderosis of the CNS. The patient also had spinal CSF leakage due to a spinal dural defect. Repair surgery for the dural defect was performed using posterior laminoplasty with a transdural approach without spinal fixation. During repair surgery, the bleeding source was found to be the epidural vein around the defect. The intraoperative and histological results of the present case suggest that epidural veins exposed to CSF represent a chronic bleeding source in patients with superficial siderosis of the CNS complicated by CSF leakage. Dural repair surgery may result in discontinuation of the CSF leaks, resolution of the epidural CSF collection, and cessation of chronic epidural bleeding.
A study of cognitive function in treatment-refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder treated with capsulotomy
Authors: Gong Feilong , Li Peng , Li Bin , Zhang Shizhen , Zhang Xinjie , Yang Sen , Liu Hongbin , Wang Wei
Published: March 2017

OBJECTIVE

Anterior capsulotomy (AC) is sometimes used as a last resort for treatment-refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Previous studies assessing neuropsychological outcomes in patients with OCD have identified several forms of cognitive dysfunction that are associated with the disease, but few have focused on changes in cognitive function in OCD patients who have undergone surgery. In the present study, the authors investigated the effects of AC on the cognitive function of patients with treatment-refractory OCD.

METHODS

The authors selected 14 patients with treatment-refractory OCD who had undergone bilateral AC between 2007 and 2013, 14 nonsurgically treated OCD patients, and 14 healthy control subjects for this study. The 3 groups were matched for sex, age, and education. Several neuropsychological tests, including Similarities and Block Design, which are subsets of the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence; Immediate and Delayed Logical Memory and Immediate and Delayed Visual Reproduction, which are subsets of the Wechsler Memory Scale–Revised; and Corrects, Categories, Perseverative Errors, Nonperseverative Errors, and Errors, subtests of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, were conducted in all 42 subjects at baseline and after AC, after nonsurgical treatment, or at 6-month intervals, as appropriate. The Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) was used to measure OCD symptoms in all 28 OCD patients.

RESULTS

The Y-BOCS scores decreased significantly in both OCD groups during the 12-month follow-up period. Surgical patients showed higher levels of improvement in verbal memory, visual memory, visuospatial skills, and executive function than the nonsurgically treated OCD patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study suggest that AC not only reduces OCD symptoms but also attenuates moderate cognitive deficits.
Sidney and Shakespeare at Sonnets
Authors: Martz Louis L.
Published: March 2017

The contrast between the sonnet cycles of Sidney and Shakespeare may be seen as analogous to the movement from High Renaissance to Mannerist styles of painting in the late sixteenth century. Harmony and symmetry, both thematic and stylistic, characterize Sidney’s “Astrophil and Stella.” Shakespeare’s sonnets, as a whole and in each unit, reveal a darker mood and a Jess settled poetics: ideal forms have been corroded and dissolved.
Quia fecisti nos ad te: Thomas More’s Open Endings
Authors: Murphy Clare M.
Published: March 2017

St. Augustine’s formulation of the soul’s restless longing for union with God describes the tradition of both Scripture and of medieval allegory to focus on the perfection of heavenly perception over the incomplete vision of earth. From the preaching of Savonarola cited in his earl y biography of Pico through the classical oxymoron en ding Utopia and the possible disillusionment with the Tudors that stopped the writing of Richard III to the heroic clinging to faith and hope found in the Tower works, More’s religious nature led him as a writer to produce the open-ended works favored by these traditions.
The Vocation of Erasmus
Authors: Schoeck Richard J.
Published: March 2017

Using vocation in its core sense of a call from God to follow a personal path with a definite mission, the author reads Erasmus’ life as the progressive implementation of that heaven-assigned task; he sees no basic discontinuity between Erasmus’ youth as a student of the Brethren of the Common Life, then as an Augustinian canon, and in his independent career as a pious priest busy editing the New Testament and the Church fathers. Even his secular writings, such as the Adages and the Colloquies, breathe the spirit of devotio moderna. His last masterpiece, Ecclesiastes, is a treatise on preaching.
Robert Burton/Democritus Junior and Thomas More
Authors: McCutcheon Elizabeth
Published: March 2017

This article studies the different ways in which Thomas More and his writings appear in Robert Burton’s Anatomy of Melancholy. Democritus Junior, Burton’s reinvented persona, links Burton with More, whom Erasmus associates with Democritus in the preface to his Praise of Folly. Burton also draws directly upon two of More’s humanist works, his epigrams and the Utopia. The article traces the connections between these works in detail and discusses Burton’s “poeticall commonwealth” in relation to the Utopia: there are overlaps in theme, structure, and movement of thought. Though very different from More, Burton was an active and engaged reader, and the Utopia is an indispensable part of the Anatomy.
Augustinianism and Carnival in More’s Utopia
Authors: Marius Richard C.
Published: March 2017

In Utopia, More reveals his deeply Augustinian view of fallen human nature. The work is a kind of literary carnival in Bakhtin’s sense, in which More imagines the operations of a benevolent corporate society able to control the natural depravity of individuals. It helps us to see what we are without telling us in detail what we are destined to be.
Zero-Voltage Ride-Through Capability of Single-Phase Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Yang Yongheng , Ma Ruiqing , Blaabjerg Frede
Published: March 2017

Distributed renewable energy systems play an increasing role in today’s energy paradigm. Thus, intensive research activities have been centered on improving the performance of renewable energy systems, including photovoltaic (PV) systems, which should be of multiple-functionality. That is, the PV systems should be more intelligent in the consideration of grid stability, reliability, and fault protection. Therefore, in this paper, the performance of single-phase grid-connected PV systems under an extreme grid fault (i.e., when the grid voltage dips to zero) is explored. It has been revealed that combining a fast and accurate synchronization mechanism with appropriate control strategies for the zero-voltage ride-through (ZVRT) operation is mandatory. Accordingly, the representative synchronization techniques (i.e., the phase-locked loop (PLL) methods) in the ZVRT operation are compared in terms of detection precision and dynamic response. It shows that the second-order generalized integrator (SOGI-PLL) is a promising solution for single-phase systems in the case of fault ride-through. A control strategy by modifying the SOGI-PLL scheme is then introduced to single-phase grid-connected PV systems for ZVRT operation. Simulations are performed to verify the discussions. The results have demonstrated that the proposed method can help single-phase PV systems to temporarily ride through zero-voltage faults with good dynamics.
Fall Detection for Elderly from Partially Observed Depth-Map Video Sequences Based on View-Invariant Human Activity Representation
Authors: Alazrai Rami , Momani Mohammad , Daoud Mohammad
Published: March 2017

This paper presents a new approach for fall detection from partially-observed depth-map video sequences. The proposed approach utilizes the 3D skeletal joint positions obtained from the Microsoft Kinect sensor to build a view-invariant descriptor for human activity representation, called the motion-pose geometric descriptor (MPGD). Furthermore, we have developed a histogram-based representation (HBR) based on the MPGD to construct a length-independent representation of the observed video subsequences. Using the constructed HBR, we formulate the fall detection problem as a posterior-maximization problem in which the posteriori probability for each observed video subsequence is estimated using a multi-class SVM (support vector machine) classifier. Then, we combine the computed posteriori probabilities from all of the observed subsequences to obtain an overall class posteriori probability of the entire partially-observed depth-map video sequence. To evaluate the performance of the proposed approach, we have utilized the Kinect sensor to record a dataset of depth-map video sequences that simulates four fall-related activities of elderly people, including: walking, sitting, falling form standing and falling from sitting. Then, using the collected dataset, we have developed three evaluation scenarios based on the number of unobserved video subsequences in the testing videos, including: fully-observed video sequence scenario, single unobserved video subsequence of random lengths scenarios and two unobserved video subsequences of random lengths scenarios. Experimental results show that the proposed approach achieved an average recognition accuracy of 93 . 6 % , 77 . 6 % and 65 . 1 % , in recognizing the activities during the first, second and third evaluation scenario, respectively. These results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach to detect falls from partially-observed videos.
Sensing Performance of a Vibrotactile Glove for Deaf-Blind People
Authors: Carrera Albano , Alonso Alonso , De la Rosa Ramón , Abril Evaristo
Published: March 2017

This paper presents a glove designed to assess the viability of communication between a deaf-blind user and his/her interlocutor through a vibrotactile device. This glove is part of the TactileCom system, where communication is bidirectional through a wireless link, so no contact is required between the interlocutors. Responsiveness is higher than with letter by letter wording. The learning of a small set of concepts is simpler and the amount learned can be increased at the user’s convenience. The number of stimulated fingers, the keying frequencies and finger response were studied. Message identification rate was 97% for deaf-blind individuals and 81% for control subjects. Identification by single-finger stimulation was better than by multiple-finger stimulation. The interface proved suitable for communication with deaf-blind individuals and can also be used in other conditions, such as multilingual or noisy environments.
Investigation of Interactive Strategies Used in Undertaking Collaborative Tasks
Authors: Lo Kan , Zeng Tao , Hu Yaoping
Published: March 2017

Collaborative virtual environments (CVEs) present ways for human users to work together on a task. Research efforts of CVEs have mainly focused on the factors that affect the task performance of the users, such as awareness, communication, and presence. Furthermore, the users involved normally have the same task experience or knowledge background. In this paper, we examined the effect of interactive strategies for human/human interaction, which involves human users with different levels of expertise. Within a CVE for an expert and a novice, we deployed three interactive strategies—Tele-Operation, Tele-Assistance3, and Tele-Assistance7—to give the three degrees of autonomy to the novice. Focusing on the performance of the novice, our findings revealed that each interactive strategy has a different effect on the task performance of the novice. These findings could aid in choosing an optimal interactive strategy for performing a collaborative task between an expert and a novice.
Analyses of the Effect of Cycle Inlet Temperature on the Precooler and Plant Efficiency of the Simple and Intercooled Helium Gas Turbine Cycles for Generation IV Nuclear Power Plants
Authors: Gad-Briggs Arnold , Nikolaidis Theoklis , Pilidis Pericles
Published: March 2017

Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) precooler coolant temperature is critical to performance because it impacts the work required to increase the coolant pressure. Variation of the coolant temperature results in varied precooler hot gas temperatures, which are cooled before re-entry. For recirculation, the heat sink (usually sea water), could exit the precooler at unfavourable temperatures and impact the re-entering coolant, if not recirculated properly at the source. The study objective is to analyse the effects of coolant inlet temperature on the heat sink and cycle efficiency. The cycles are Simple Cycle Recuperated (SCR), Intercooler Cycle Recuperated (ICR), and Intercooled Cycle without Recuperation (IC). Results show that the co-current precooler provides favourable outlet heat sink temperatures but compromises compactness. For a similar technology level, the counter-current precooler yields excessive heat sink outlet temperatures due to a compact, robust, and efficient heat transfer design, but could be detrimental to precooler integrity due to corrosion, including the cycle performance, if not recirculated back into the sea effectively. For the counter-current, the ICR has the best heat sink average temperature ratio of 1.4; the SCR has 2.7 and IC has 3.3. The analyses aid the development of Gas Cooled Fast Reactors (GFRs) and Very High Temperature Reactors (VHTRs), where helium is used as the coolant.
EGFR Family Members’ Regulation of Autophagy Is at a Crossroads of Cell Survival and Death in Cancer
Authors: Henson Elizabeth , Chen Yongqiang , Gibson Spencer
Published: March 2017

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathways are altered in many cancers contributing to increased cell survival. These alterations are caused mainly through increased expression or mutation of EGFR family members EGFR, ErbB2, ErbB3, and ErbB4. These receptors have been successfully targeted for cancer therapy. Specifically, a monoclonal antibody against ErbB2, trastuzumab, and a tyrosine kinase inhibitor against EGFR, gefitinib, have improved the survival of breast and lung cancer patients. Unfortunately, cancer patients frequently become resistant to these inhibitors. This has led to investigating how EGFR can contribute to cell survival and how cancer cells can overcome inhibition of its signaling. Indeed, it is coming into focus that EGFR signaling goes beyond a single signal triggering cell proliferation and survival and is a sensor that regulates the cell’s response to microenvironmental stresses such as hypoxia. It acts as a switch that modulates the ability of cancer cells to survive. Autophagy is a process of self-digestion that is inhibited by EGFR allowing cancer cells to survive under stresses that would normally cause death and become resistant to chemotherapy. Inhibiting EGFR signaling allows autophagy to contribute to cell death. This gives new opportunities to develop novel therapeutic strategies to treat cancers that rely on EGFR signaling networks and autophagy. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of EGFR family member regulation of autophagy in cancer cells and how new therapeutic strategies could be developed to overcome drug resistance.
A Comparative Study of Phenols in Apulian Italian Wines
Authors: Ragusa Andrea , Centonze Carla , Grasso Maria , Latronico Maria , Mastrangelo Pier , Sparascio Federica , Fanizzi Francesco , Maffia Michele
Published: March 2017

Nutraceutics is a growing research field in which researchers study and attempt to improve the biological properties of metabolites in food. Wine is one of the most consumed products in the world and contains a plethora of molecules biologically relevant to human health. In this article, several polyphenols with potential antioxidant activity were measured in wines from Apulia, in Southeast Italy. Hydroxytyrosol, gallic and syringic acids, luteolin, quercetin, and trans-resveratrol were identified and quantified by HPLC. The amount of the analyzed metabolites in wines were largely dependent on their color, with red ones being the richest compared to white and rose wines. Gallic acid was the most abundant polyphenol, followed by syringic acid and luteolin. Nevertheless, significant amounts of hydroxytyrosol, quercetin, and trans-resveratrol were also found. The average concentration of polyphenols found in these wines could have potential health-promoting effects, especially if consumed in moderate quantities on a regular basis.
Study of the Accumulation of Toxic and Essential Ultra-Trace Elements in Fruits of Sorbus domestica L.
Authors: Zeiner Michaela , Juranović Cindrić Iva , Majić Boris , Stingeder Gerhard
Published: March 2017

In the present work, the accumulation of selected toxic and essential ultra-trace elements in fruits of service tree (Sorbus domestica L.) were determined depending on harvest time. Samples were collected from the same sampling area in two different years and within one year in September and October (maturity state). Harvesting the fruits in the same area excludes the influence of metals taken up via roots, thus the impact of airborne contamination by heavy metal translocation can be studied. All samples were dried and digested using an acidic microwave assisted digestion system prior to quantification by inductively coupled plasma—sector field mass spectrometry (ICP–SFMS). The elements chosen were Arsenic and Cadmium as well as Lithium, Molybdenum, and Selenium. The Arsenic content rose with maturity in mesocarp. Cadmium found in the mesocarp was unaffected by ripeness. For Selenium and Molybdenum, no statistically significant effect of ripeness could be found on their content in mesocarp. Lithium could not be detected in the majority of fruit samples. Differences between the metal concentrations based on the year of harvest were found for Arsenic, Molybdenum, and Selenium, depending on precipitation. The drier the season, the more Arsenic was accumulated. For Molybdenum and Selenium, the opposite effect was observed.
Ectopic Expression of Aeluropus littoralis Plasma Membrane Protein Gene AlTMP1 Confers Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Transgenic Tobacco by Improving Water Status and Cation Homeostasis
Authors: Ben Romdhane Walid , Ben-Saad Rania , Meynard Donaldo , Verdeil Jean-Luc , Azaza Jalel , Zouari Nabil , Fki Lotfi , Guiderdoni Emmanuel , Al-Doss Abdullah , Hassairi Afif
Published: March 2017

We report here the isolation and functional analysis of AlTMP1 gene encoding a member of the PMP3 protein family. In Aeluropus littoralis, AlTMP1 is highly induced by abscisic acid (ABA), cold, salt, and osmotic stresses. Transgenic tobacco expressing AlTMP1 exhibited enhanced tolerance to salt, osmotic, H2O2, heat and freezing stresses at the seedling stage. Under greenhouse conditions, the transgenic plants showed a higher level of tolerance to drought than to salinity. Noteworthy, AlTMP1 plants yielded two- and five-fold more seeds than non-transgenic plants (NT) under salt and drought stresses, respectively. The leaves of AlTMP1 plants accumulated lower Na+ but higher K+ and Ca2+ than those of NT plants. Tolerance to osmotic and salt stresses was associated with higher membrane stability, low electrolyte leakage, and improved water status. Finally, accumulation of AlTMP1 in tobacco altered the regulation of some stress-related genes in either a positive (NHX1, CAT1, APX1, and DREB1A) or negative (HKT1 and KT1) manner that could be related to the observed tolerance. These results suggest that AlTMP1 confers stress tolerance in tobacco through maintenance of ion homeostasis, increased membrane integrity, and water status. The observed tolerance may be due to a direct or indirect effect of AlTMP1 on the expression of stress-related genes which could stimulate an adaptive potential not present in NT plants.
In Silico and In Vitro Analysis of Interaction between Ximelagatran and Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)-DRB1*07:01
Authors: Hirasawa Makoto , Hagihara Katsunobu , Abe Koji , Ando Osamu , Hirayama Noriaki
Published: March 2017

Idiosyncratic ximelagatran-induced hepatotoxicity has been reported to be associated with human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DRB1*07:01 and ximelagatran has been reported to inhibit the binding of the ligand peptide to HLA-DRB1*07:01 in vitro. In order to predict the possible interaction modes of ximelagatran with HLA-DR molecules, in silico docking simulations were performed. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were also performed to predict the effect of ximelagatran on the binding mode of the ligand peptide to HLA-DRB1*07:01. A series of in silico simulations supported the inhibitory effect of ximelagatran on the binding of the ligand peptide to HLA-DRB1*07:01 in vitro. Furthermore, direct interactions of ximelagatran with HLA-DR molecules were evaluated in vitro, which supported the simulated interaction mode of ximelagatran with HLA-DRB1*07:01. These results indicated that ximelagatran directly interacts with the peptide binding groove of HLA-DRB1*07:01 and competes with the ligand peptide for the binding site, which could alter the immune response and lead to the idiosyncratic ximelagatran-induced hepatotoxicity.
Life cycle, Ecological Characteristics, and Control of Trachys yanoi (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), an Important Pest of Zelkova serrata
Authors: Ohsawa Masashi
Published: March 2017

This study was conducted to elucidate the life cycle and the ecological characteristics of Trachys yanoi Y. Kurosawa, an important pest of Zelkova serrata (Thunb.) Makino. Life cycle, mortality rates in developmental stages, annual population dynamics, and early leaf abscission were investigated. Adults emerged from under the bark of Zelkova trees in April and fed on Zelkova leaves. Females laid 49 eggs on average, mainly in May and early June. Eggs hatched after 17 days, and the larvae fed inside the leaves. They developed through three instars. In July, leaves with the final stage of larvae were abscised. Four days after abscission, the larvae pupated. New adults eclosed from pupae seven days after pupation, and the adults emerged from abscised leaves after an additional two days. In total, 1650 adults emerged per 1 m2 of forest floor, resulting in a major population increase. The newly emerged adults fed on the remaining Zelkova leaves, compounding the damage. In October, adults overwintered under the tree bark. Mortality rates in the egg, larval, and pupal stages were 41%, 58%, and 31%, respectively. The mortality rate among overwintering individuals was 43%. Because only Zelkova leaves that were abscised in July contained the larvae, and because only a small number of beetles emerged from non-abscised, mined leaves, the removal of abscised leaves at nine-day intervals over period of early leaf abscission is a simple and effective way to control the beetle.
The Value of Coenzyme Q10 Determination in Mitochondrial Patients
Authors: Yubero Delia , Allen George , Artuch Rafael , Montero Raquel
Published: March 2017

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ) is a lipid that is ubiquitously synthesized in tissues and has a key role in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Its biochemical determination provides insight into the CoQ status of tissues and may detect CoQ deficiency that can result from either an inherited primary deficiency of CoQ metabolism or may be secondary to different genetic and environmental conditions. Rapid identification of CoQ deficiency can also allow potentially beneficial treatment to be initiated as early as possible. CoQ may be measured in different specimens, including plasma, blood mononuclear cells, platelets, urine, muscle, and cultured skin fibroblasts. Blood and urinary CoQ also have good utility for CoQ treatment monitoring.
Tracing the Bioavailability of Three-Dimensional Graphene Foam in Biological Tissues
Authors: Tabish Tanveer , Chabi Sakineh , Ali Muhammad , Xia Yongde , Jabeen Farhat , Zhang Shaowei
Published: March 2017

Graphene-based materials with a three-dimensional (3D) framework have been investigated for a variety of biomedical applications because of their 3D morphology, excellent physiochemical properties, volume stability, and their controllable degradation rate. Current knowledge on the toxicological implications and bioavailability of graphene foam (GF) has major uncertainties surrounding the fate and behavior of GF in exposed environments. Bioavailability, uptake, and partitioning could have potential effects on the behavior of GF in living organisms, which has not yet been investigated. Here, we report a pilot toxicology study on 3D GF in common carps. Our results showed that GF did not show any noticeable toxicity in common carps, and the antioxidant enzymatic activities, biochemical and blood parameters persisted within the standard series. Further histological imaging revealed that GF remained within liver and kidney macrophages for 7 days without showing obvious toxicity. An in vivo study also demonstrated a direct interaction between GF and biological systems, verifying its eco-friendly nature and high biocompatibility.
Nerolidol and Farnesol Inhibit Some Cytochrome P450 Activities but Did Not Affect Other Xenobiotic-Metabolizing Enzymes in Rat and Human Hepatic Subcellular Fractions
Authors: Špičáková Alena , Szotáková Barbora , Dimunová Diana , Myslivečková Zuzana , Kubíček Vladimír , Ambrož Martin , Lněničková Kateřina , Krasulová Kristýna , Anzenbacher Pavel , Skálová Lenka
Published: March 2017

Sesquiterpenes, 15-carbon compounds formed from three isoprenoid units, are the main components of plant essential oils. Sesquiterpenes occur in human food, but they are principally taken as components of many folk medicines and dietary supplements. The aim of our study was to test and compare the potential inhibitory effect of acyclic sesquiterpenes, trans-nerolidol, cis-nerolidol and farnesol, on the activities of the main xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes in rat and human liver in vitro. Rat and human subcellular fractions, relatively specific substrates, corresponding coenzymes and HPLC, spectrophotometric or spectrofluorometric analysis of product formation were used. The results showed significant inhibition of cytochromes P450 (namely CYP1A, CYP2B and CYP3A subfamilies) activities by all tested sesquiterpenes in rat as well as in human hepatic microsomes. On the other hand, all tested sesquiterpenes did not significantly affect the activities of carbonyl-reducing enzymes and conjugation enzymes. The results indicate that acyclic sesquiterpenes might affect CYP1A, CYP2B and CYP3A mediated metabolism of concurrently administered drugs and other xenobiotics. The possible drug–sesquiterpene interactions should be verified in in vivo experiments.
Morphology Analysis and Optimization: Crucial Factor Determining the Performance of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zeng Wenjin , Liu Xingming , Guo Xiangru , Niu Qiaoli , Yi Jianpeng , Xia Ruidong , Min Yong
Published: March 2017

This review presents an overall discussion on the morphology analysis and optimization for perovskite (PVSK) solar cells. Surface morphology and energy alignment have been proven to play a dominant role in determining the device performance. The effect of the key parameters such as solution condition and preparation atmosphere on the crystallization of PVSK, the characterization of surface morphology and interface distribution in the perovskite layer is discussed in detail. Furthermore, the analysis of interface energy level alignment by using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy is presented to reveals the correlation between morphology and charge generation and collection within the perovskite layer, and its influence on the device performance. The techniques including architecture modification, solvent annealing, etc. were reviewed as an efficient approach to improve the morphology of PVSK. It is expected that further progress will be achieved with more efforts devoted to the insight of the mechanism of surface engineering in the field of PVSK solar cells.
Present Scenario of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Plants
Authors: Bhatia Garima , Goyal Neetu , Sharma Shailesh , Upadhyay Santosh , Singh Kashmir
Published: March 2017

Small non-coding RNAs have been extensively studied in plants over the last decade. In contrast, genome-wide identification of plant long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) has recently gained momentum. LncRNAs are now being recognized as important players in gene regulation, and their potent regulatory roles are being studied comprehensively in eukaryotes. LncRNAs were first reported in humans in 1992. Since then, research in animals, particularly in humans, has rapidly progressed, and a vast amount of data has been generated, collected, and organized using computational approaches. Additionally, numerous studies have been conducted to understand the roles of these long RNA species in several diseases. However, the status of lncRNA investigation in plants lags behind that in animals (especially humans). Efforts are being made in this direction using computational tools and high-throughput sequencing technologies, such as the lncRNA microarray technique, RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq), RNA capture sequencing, (RNA CaptureSeq), etc. Given the current scenario, significant amounts of data have been produced regarding plant lncRNAs, and this amount is likely to increase in the subsequent years. In this review we have documented brief information about lncRNAs and their status of research in plants, along with the plant-specific resources/databases for information retrieval on lncRNAs.
Targeted Stimulation Using Differences in Activation Probability across the Strength–Duration Space
Authors: Kuykendal Michelle , Potter Steve , Grover Martha , DeWeerth Stephen
Published: March 2017

Electrical stimulation is ubiquitous as a method for activating neuronal tissue, but there is still significant room for advancement in the ability of these electrical devices to implement smart stimulus waveform design to more selectively target populations of neurons. The capability of a device to encode more complicated and precise messages to a neuronal network greatly increases if the stimulus input space is broadened to include variable shaped waveforms and multiple stimulating electrodes. The relationship between a stimulating electrode and the activated population is unknown; a priori. For that reason, the population of excitable neurons must be characterized in real-time and for every combination of stimulating electrodes and neuronal populations. Our automated experimental system allows investigation into the stimulus-evoked neuronal response to a current pulse using dissociated neuronal cultures grown atop microelectrode arrays (MEAs). The studies presented here demonstrate that differential activation is achievable between two neurons using either multiple stimulating electrodes or variable waveform shapes. By changing the aspect ratio of a rectangular current pulse; the stimulus activated neurons in the strength–duration (SD) waveform space with differing probabilities. Additionally, in the case when two neuronal activation curves intersect each other in the SD space; one neuron can be selectively activated with short-pulse-width; high-current stimuli while the other can be selectively activated with long-pulse-width; low-current stimuli. Exploring the capabilities and limitations of electrical stimulation allows for improvements to the delivery of stimulus pulses to activate neuronal populations. Many state-of-the-art research and clinical stimulation solutions, including those using a single microelectrode, can benefit from waveform design methods to improve stimulus efficacy. These findings have even greater import into multi-electrode systems because spatially distributed electrodes further enhance accessibility to differential neuronal activation.
Kinetic control of aqueous polymerization using radicals generated in different spin states
Authors: Rintoul Ignacio
Published: March 2017

Background: Magnetic fields can interact with liquid matter in a homogeneous and instantaneous way, without physical contact, independently of its temperature, pressure, and agitation degree, and without modifying recipes nor heat and mass transfer conditions. In addition, magnetic fields may affect the mechanisms of generation and termination of free radicals. This paper is devoted to the elucidation of the appropriate conditions needed to develop magnetic field effects for controlling the kinetics of polymerization of water soluble monomers. Methods: Thermal- and photochemically-initiated polymerizations were investigated at different initiator and monomer concentrations, temperatures, viscosities, and magnetic field intensities. Results: Significant magnetic field impact on the polymerization kinetics was only observed in photochemically-initiated polymerizations carried out in viscous media and performed at relatively low magnetic field intensity. Magnetic field effects were absent in polymerizations in low viscosity media and thermally-initiated polymerizations performed at low and high magnetic field intensities. The effects were explained in terms of the radical pair mechanism for intersystem crossing of spin states. Conclusion: Polymerization kinetics of water soluble monomers can be potentially controlled using magnetic fields only under very specific reaction conditions.
An Intercomparison of Satellite-Based Daily Evapotranspiration Estimates under Different Eco-Climatic Regions in South Africa
Authors: Majozi Nobuhle , Mannaerts Chris , Ramoelo Abel , Mathieu Renaud , Mudau Azwitamisi , Verhoef Wouter
Published: March 2017

Knowledge of evapotranspiration (ET) is essential for enhancing our understanding of the hydrological cycle, as well as for managing water resources, particularly in semi-arid regions. Remote sensing offers a comprehensive means of monitoring this phenomenon at different spatial and temporal intervals. Currently, several satellite methods exist and are used to assess ET at various spatial and temporal resolutions with various degrees of accuracy and precision. This research investigated the performance of three satellite-based ET algorithms and two global products, namely land surface temperature/vegetation index (TsVI), Penman–Monteith (PM), and the Meteosat Second Generation ET (MET) and the Global Land-surface Evaporation: the Amsterdam Methodology (GLEAM) global products, in two eco-regions of South Africa. Daily ET derived from the eddy covariance system from Skukuza, a sub-tropical, savanna biome, and large aperture boundary layer scintillometer system in Elandsberg, a Mediterranean, fynbos biome, during the dry and wet seasons, were used to evaluate the models. Low coefficients of determination (R2) of between 0 and 0.45 were recorded on both sites, during both seasons. Although PM performed best during periods of high ET at both sites, results show it was outperformed by other models during low ET times. TsVI and MET were similarly accurate in the dry season in Skukuza, as GLEAM was the most accurate in Elandsberg during the wet season. The conclusion is that none of the models performed well, as shown by low R2 and high errors in all the models. In essence, our results conclude that further investigation of the PM model is possible to improve its estimation of low ET measurements.
A Formaldehyde Sensor Based on Molecularly-Imprinted Polymer on a TiO2 Nanotube Array
Authors: Tang Xiaohui , Raskin Jean-Pierre , Lahem Driss , Krumpmann Arnaud , Decroly André , Debliquy Marc
Published: March 2017

Today, significant attention has been brought to the development of sensitive, specific, cheap, and reliable sensors for real-time monitoring. Molecular imprinting technology is a versatile and promising technology for practical applications in many areas, particularly chemical sensors. Here, we present a chemical sensor for detecting formaldehyde, a toxic common indoor pollutant gas. Polypyrrole-based molecularly-imprinted polymer (PPy-based MIP) is employed as the sensing recognition layer and synthesized on a titanium dioxide nanotube array (TiO2-NTA) for increasing its surface-to-volume ratio, thereby improving the sensor performance. Our sensor selectively detects formaldehyde in the parts per million (ppm) range at room temperature. It also shows a long-term stability and small fluctuation to humidity variations. These are attributed to the thin fishnet-like structure of the PPy-based MIP on the highly-ordered and vertically-aligned TiO2-NTA.
Risk Assessment for Distribution Systems Using an Improved PEM-Based Method Considering Wind and Photovoltaic Power Distribution
Authors: Gong Qingwu , Lei Jiazhi , Qiao Hui , Qiu Jingjing
Published: March 2017

The intermittency and variability of permeated distributed generators (DGs) could cause many critical security and economy risks to distribution systems. This paper applied a certain mathematical distribution to imitate the output variability and uncertainty of DGs. Then, four risk indices—EENS (expected energy not supplied), PLC (probability of load curtailment), EFLC (expected frequency of load curtailment), and SI (severity index)—were established to reflect the system risk level of the distribution system. For the certain mathematical distribution of the DGs’ output power, an improved PEM (point estimate method)-based method was proposed to calculate these four system risk indices. In this improved PEM-based method, an enumeration method was used to list the states of distribution systems, and an improved PEM was developed to deal with the uncertainties of DGs, and the value of load curtailment in distribution systems was calculated by an optimal power flow algorithm. Finally, the effectiveness and advantages of this proposed PEM-based method for distribution system assessment were verified by testing a modified IEEE 30-bus system. Simulation results have shown that this proposed PEM-based method has a high computational accuracy and highly reduced computational costs compared with other risk assessment methods and is very effective for risk assessments.
Four Thousand Years of Concepts Relating to Rabies in Animals and Humans, Its Prevention and Its Cure
Authors: Tarantola Arnaud
Published: March 2017

The epitome of the One Health paradigm—and of its shortcomings—rabies has been known to humankind for at least 4000 years. We review the evolution through history of concepts leading to our current understanding of rabies in dogs and humans and its prevention, as transmitted by accessible and surviving written texts. The tools and concepts currently available to control rabies were developed at the end of the 19th Century, including the first live, attenuated vaccine ever developed for humans and the first post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) regimen. No progress, however, has been made in etiological treatment, leaving clinicians who provide care to animals or patients with symptomatic rabies as powerless today as their colleagues in Mesopotamia, 40 centuries ago. Rabies remains to date the most lethal infectious disease known to humans. Widespread access to timely, effective, and affordable PEP in rural areas of developing countries is urgently needed.
Analyse comparée des critères de la première molaire inférieure entre différentes populations du campagnol basque de Microtus (Terricola) lusitanicus (Gerbe, 1879) (Rodentia, Arvicolinae) selon leur répartition géographique
Authors: Brunet-Lecomte Patrick
Published: March 2017

Comparative analysis of the first lower molar criteria between different populations of the Lusitanian vole Microtus (Terricola) lusitanicus (Gerbe, 1879) (Rodentia, Arvicolinae) from the point of view of the geographical distribution.

The objective of this study is the comparative analysis of the first lower molar (M1) criteria between seven geographical groups of the Lusitanian vole Microtus (Terricola) lusitanicus (Gerbe, 1879) from the whole area of distribution of the species. The main result is the differentiation of the French Pyrenees group, in particular characterised by a reduced relative development of the anterior part of the M1. In other Iberian groups, geographical differentiations are observed for each criterion, but these differences seem to be less significant than those observed for the French Pyrenees group. The subspecific status of French Pyrenees populations is posed.
Circaea x intermedia Ehrh. (Onagracées) dans la bordure est du Massif central (France)
Authors: Delaigue Jacques
Published: March 2017

L'auteur étudie la présence de Circaea x intermedia dans deux massifs de basse montagne, le massif du Pilat et, dans les Boutières, le complexe Pyfara - Grand Felletin - Roche des Vents. Il conclut à sa présence assez fréquente dans les endroits écologiquement les plus appropriés.
Note à propos de deux ténébrions saproxyliques du département du Rhône (Diaclina fagi et Palorus depressus Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae)
Authors: Ballot Pauline , Dodelin Benoît
Published: March 2017

Le Tenebrionidae Diaclina fagi est cité pour la première fois du département du Rhône à proximité de l'agglomération lyonnaise. Cette espèce longtemps considérée comme rare et sporadique semble en nette extension depuis une trentaine d'années. La découverte conjointe de Palorus depressus est pour nous une opportunité de présenter une clé d'identification en français pour les trois espèces de Palorus d'Europe.