bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal Shock and Oxidation Behavior of HiPIMS TiAlN Coatings Grown on Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb Intermetallic Alloy
Authors: Badini Claudio , Deambrosis Silvia , Padovano Elisa , Fabrizio Monica , Ostrovskaya Oxana , Miorin Enrico , D’Amico Giuseppe , Montagner Francesco , Biamino Sara , Zin Valentina
Published: November 2016

A High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering (HiPIMS) method for depositing TiAlN environmental barrier coatings on the surface of Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb alloy was developed in view of their exploitation in turbine engines. Three differently engineered TiAlN films were processed and their performance compared. Bare intermetallic alloy coupons and coated specimens were submitted to thermal cycling under oxidizing atmosphere up to 850 °C or 950 °C, at high heating and cooling rates. For this purpose, a burner rig able to simulate the operating conditions of the different stages of turbine engines was used. Microstructures of the samples were compared before and after each test using several techniques (microscopy, XRD, and XPS). Coating-intermetallic substrate adhesion and tribological properties were investigated too. All the TiAlN films provided a remarkable increase in oxidation resistance. Good adhesion properties were observed even after repeated thermal shocks. HiPIMS pretreatments of the substrate surfaces performed before the coating deposition significantly affected the oxidation rate, the oxide layer composition and the coating/substrate adhesion.
Combating Ebola with Repurposed Therapeutics Using the CANDO Platform
Authors: Chopra Gaurav , Kaushik Sashank , Elkin Peter , Samudrala Ram
Published: November 2016

Ebola virus disease (EVD) is extremely virulent with an estimated mortality rate of up to 90%. However, the state-of-the-art treatment for EVD is limited to quarantine and supportive care. The 2014 Ebola epidemic in West Africa, the largest in history, is believed to have caused more than 11,000 fatalities. The countries worst affected are also among the poorest in the world. Given the complexities, time, and resources required for a novel drug development, finding efficient drug discovery pathways is going to be crucial in the fight against future outbreaks. We have developed a Computational Analysis of Novel Drug Opportunities (CANDO) platform based on the hypothesis that drugs function by interacting with multiple protein targets to create a molecular interaction signature that can be exploited for rapid therapeutic repurposing and discovery. We used the CANDO platform to identify and rank FDA-approved drug candidates that bind and inhibit all proteins encoded by the genomes of five different Ebola virus strains. Top ranking drug candidates for EVD treatment generated by CANDO were compared to in vitro screening studies against Ebola virus-like particles (VLPs) by Kouznetsova et al. and genetically engineered Ebola virus and cell viability studies by Johansen et al. to identify drug overlaps between the in virtuale and in vitro studies as putative treatments for future EVD outbreaks. Our results indicate that integrating computational docking predictions on a proteomic scale with results from in vitro screening studies may be used to select and prioritize compounds for further in vivo and clinical testing. This approach will significantly reduce the lead time, risk, cost, and resources required to determine efficacious therapies against future EVD outbreaks.
Multivalent Aptamers: Versatile Tools for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Applications
Authors: Vorobyeva Mariya , Vorobjev Pavel , Venyaminova Alya
Published: November 2016

Nucleic acid aptamers generated through an in vitro selection are currently extensively applied as very valuable biomolecular tools thanks to their prominent advantages. Diversity of spatial structures, ease of production through chemical synthesis and a large variety of chemical modifications make aptamers convenient building blocks for the generation of multifunctional constructs. An opportunity to combine different aptamer functionalities with other molecules of interest such as reporter groups, nanoparticles, chemotherapeutic agents, siRNA or antisense oligonucleotides provides a widest range of applications of multivalent aptamers. The present review summarizes approaches to the design of multivalent aptamers, various examples of multifunctional constructs and the prospects of employing them as components of biosensors, probes for affinity capture, tools for cell research and potential therapeutic candidates.
Charge Transfer Enhancement in the D-π-A Type Porphyrin Dyes: A Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory (TD-DFT) Study
Authors: Kang Guo-Jun , Song Chao , Ren Xue-Feng
Published: November 2016

The electronic geometries and optical properties of two D-π-A type zinc porphyrin dyes (NCH3-YD2 and TPhe-YD) were systematically investigated by density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) to reveal the origin of significantly altered charge transfer enhancement by changing the electron donor of the famous porphyrin-based sensitizer YD2-o-C8. The molecular geometries and photophysical properties of dyes before and after binding to the TiO2 cluster were fully investigated. From the analyses of natural bond orbital (NBO), extended charge decomposition analysis (ECDA), and electron density variations (Δρ) between the excited state and ground state, it was found that the introduction of N(CH3)2 and 1,1,2-triphenylethene groups enhanced the intramolecular charge-transfer (ICT) character compared to YD2-o-C8. The absorption wavelength and transition possess character were significantly influenced by N(CH3)2 and 1,1,2-triphenylethene groups. NCH3-YD2 with N(CH3)2 groups in the donor part is an effective way to improve the interactions between the dyes and TiO2 surface, light having efficiency (LHE), and free energy change (ΔGinject), which is expected to be an efficient dye for use in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).
A New Two-Photon Ratiometric Fluorescent Probe for Detecting Alkaline Phosphatase in Living Cells
Authors: Zhou Xiaohong , Jiang Yuren , Zhao Xiongjie , Zhu Yao
Published: November 2016

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an important diagnostic indicator of many human diseases. To quantitatively track ALP in biosystems, herein, for the first time, we report an efficient two-photon ratiometric fluorescent probe, termed probe 1 and based on classic naphthalene derivatives with a donor–π–acceptor (D–π–A) structure and deprotection of the phosphoric acid moiety by ALP. The presence of ALP causes the cleave of the phosphate group from naphthalene derivatives and the phosphate group changes the ability of the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) and remarkably alters the probe’s photophysical properties, thus an obvious ratiometric signal with an isoemissive point is observed. The fluorescence intensity ratio displayed a linear relationship against the concentration of ALP in the concentration range from 20 to 180 U/L with the limit of detection of 2.3 U/L. Additionally, the probe 1 is further used for fluorescence imaging of ALP in living cells under one-photon excitation (405 nm) or two-photon excitation (720 nm), which showed a high resolution imaging, thus demonstrating its practical application in biological systems.
Modified Nanoemulsions with Iron Oxide for Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Fan Yongyi , Guo Rui , Shi Xiangyang , Allen Steven , Cao Zhengyi , Baker James , Wang Su
Published: November 2016

A nanoemulsion (NE) is a surfactant-based, oil-in-water, nanoscale, high-energy emulsion with a mean droplet diameter of 400–600 nm. When mixed with antigen and applied nasally, a NE acts as a mucosal adjuvant and induces mucosal immune responses. One possible mechanism for the adjuvant effect of this material is that it augments antigen uptake and distribution to lymphoid tissues, where the immune response is generated. Biocompatible iron oxide nanoparticles have been used as a unique imaging approach to study the dynamics of cells or molecular migration. To study the uptake of NEs and track them in vivo, iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized and dispersed in soybean oil to make iron oxide-modified NEs. Our results show that iron oxide nanoparticles can be stabilized in the oil phase of the nanoemulsion at a concentration of 30 µg/μL and the iron oxide-modified NEs have a mean diameter of 521 nm. In vitro experiments demonstrated that iron oxide-modified NEs can affect uptake by TC-1 cells (a murine epithelial cell line) and reduce the intensity of magnetic resonance (MR) images by shortening the T2 time. Most importantly, in vivo studies demonstrated that iron oxide-modified NE could be detected in mouse nasal septum by both transmission electron microscopy and MR imaging. Altogether these experiments demonstrate that iron oxide-modified NE is a unique tool that can be used to study uptake and distribution of NEs after nasal application.
Effects of Hazelnut Consumption on Blood Lipids and Body Weight: A Systematic Review and Bayesian Meta-Analysis
Authors: Perna Simone , Giacosa Attilio , Bonitta Gianluca , Bologna Chiara , Isu Antonio , Guido Davide , Rondanelli Mariangela
Published: November 2016

Hazelnuts are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidant bioactive substances: their consumption has been associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease events. A systematic review and a meta-analysis was performed to combine the results from several trials and to estimate the pooled (overall) effect of hazelnuts on blood lipids and body weight outcomes. Specifically, a Bayesian random effect meta-analysis of mean differences of Δ-changes from baseline across treatment (MDΔ) (i.e., hazelnut-enriched diet vs. control diet) has been conducted. Nine studies representing 425 participants were included in the analysis. The intervention diet lasted 28–84 days with a dosage of hazelnuts ranging from 29 to 69 g/day. Out of nine studies, three randomized studies have been meta-analyzed showing a significant reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (pooled MDΔ = −0.150 mmol/L; 95% highest posterior density interval (95%HPD) = −0.308; −0.003) in favor of a hazelnut-enriched diet. Total cholesterol showed a marked trend toward a decrease (pooled MDΔ = −0.127 mmol/L; 95%HPD = −0.284; 0.014) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol remained substantially stable (pooled MDΔ = 0.002 mmol/L; 95%HPD = −0.140; 0.147). No effects on triglycerides (pooled MDΔ = 0.045 mmol/L; 95%HPD = −0.195; 0.269) and body mass index (BMI) (pooled MDΔ = 0.062 kg/m2; 95%HPD = −0.293; 0.469) were found. Hazelnut-enriched diet is associated with a decrease of LDL and total cholesterol, while HDL cholesterol, triglycerides and BMI remain substantially unchanged.
Patient Survival and Costs on Moderately Restricted Low-Protein Diets in Advanced CKD: Equivalent Survival at Lower Costs?
Authors: Piccoli Giorgina , Nazha Marta , Capizzi Irene , Vigotti Federica , Mongilardi Elena , Bilocati Marilisa , Avagnina Paolo , Versino Elisabetta
Published: November 2016

The indications for delaying the start of dialysis have revived interest in low-protein diets (LPDs). In this observational prospective study, we enrolled all patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who followed a moderately restricted LPD in 2007–2015 in a nephrology unit in Italy: 449 patients, 847 years of observation. At the start of the diet, the median glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was 20 mL/min, the median age was 70, the median Charlson Index was 7. Standardized mortality rates for the “on-diet” population were significantly lower than for patients on dialysis (United States Renal Data System (USRDS): 0.44 (0.36–0.54); Italian Dialysis Registry: 0.73 (0.59–0.88); French Dialysis Registry 0.70 (0.57–0.85)). Considering only the follow-up at low GFR (≤15 mL/min), survival remained significantly higher than in the USRDS, and was equivalent to the Italian and French registries, with an advantage in younger patients. Below the e-GFR of 15 mL/min, 50% of the patients reached a dialysis-free follow-up of ≥2 years; 25% have been dialysis-free for five years. Considering an average yearly cost of about 50,000 Euros for dialysis and 1200 Euros for the diet, and different hypotheses of “spared” dialysis years, treating 100 patients on a moderately restricted LPD would allow saving one to four million Euros. Therefore, our study suggests that in patients with advanced CKD, moderately restricted LPDs may allow prolonging dialysis-free follow-up with comparable survival to dialysis at a lower cost.
How to Meet the Last OIE Expert Surveillance Panel Recommendations on Equine Influenza (EI) Vaccine Composition: A Review of the Process Required for the Recombinant Canarypox-Based EI Vaccine
Authors: Paillot Romain , Rash Nicola , Garrett Dion , Prowse-Davis Leah , Montesso Fernando , Cullinane Ann , Lemaitre Laurent , Thibault Jean-Christophe , Wittreck Sonia , Dancer Agnes
Published: November 2016

Vaccination is highly effective to prevent, control, and limit the impact of equine influenza (EI), a major respiratory disease of horses. However, EI vaccines should contain relevant equine influenza virus (EIV) strains for optimal protection. The OIE expert surveillance panel annually reviews EIV evolution and, since 2010, the use of Florida clade 1 and 2 sub-lineages representative vaccine strains is recommended. This report summarises the development process of a fully- updated recombinant canarypox-based EI vaccine in order to meet the last OIE recommendations, including the vaccine mode of action, production steps and schedule. The EI vaccine ProteqFlu contains 2 recombinant canarypox viruses expressing the haemagglutinin of the A/equine/Ohio/03 and A/equine/Richmond/1/07 isolates (Florida clade 1 and 2 sub-lineages, respectively). The updated EI vaccine was tested for efficacy against the representative Florida clade 2 EIV strain A/equine/Richmond/1/07 in the Welsh mountain pony model. Protective antibody response, clinical signs of disease and virus shedding were compared with unvaccinated control ponies. Significant protection was measured in vaccinated ponies, which supports the vaccine registration. The recombinant canarypox-based EI vaccine was the first fully updated EI vaccine available in the EU, which will help to minimise the increasing risk of vaccine breakdown due to constant EIV evolution through antigenic drift.
What Happens When Threading is Suppressed in Blends of Ring and Linear Polymers?
Authors: Crysup Benjamin , Shanbhag Sachin
Published: November 2016

Self-diffusivity of a large tracer ring polymer, D r , immersed in a matrix of linear polymers with N l monomers each shows unusual length dependence. D r initially increases, and then decreases with increasing N l . To understand the relationship between the nonmonotonic variation in D r and threading by matrix chains, we perform equilibrium Monte Carlo simulations of ring-linear blends in which the uncrossability of ring and linear polymer contours is switched on (non-crossing), or artificially turned off (crossing). The D r ≈ 6 . 2 × 10 − 7 N l 2 / 3 obtained from the crossing simulations, provides an upper bound for the D r obtained for the regular, non-crossing simulations. The center-of-mass mean-squared displacement ( g 3 ( t ) ) curves for the crossing simulations are consistent with the Rouse model; we find g 3 ( t ) = 6 D r t . Analysis of the polymer structure indicates that the smaller matrix chains are able to infiltrate the space occupied by the ring probe more effectively, which is dynamically manifested as a larger frictional drag per ring monomer.
Microfluidic Synthesis of Actuating Microparticles from a Thiol-Ene Based Main-Chain Liquid Crystalline Elastomer
Authors: Hessberger Tristan , Braun Lukas , Zentel Rudolf
Published: November 2016

In this article the microfluidic synthesis of strongly actuating particles on the basis of a liquid crystalline main-chain elastomer is presented. The synthesis is carried out in a capillary-based co-flow microreactor by photo-initiated thiol-ene click chemistry of a liquid crystalline monomer mixture. These microparticles exhibit a deformation from a spherical to a rod-like shape during the thermal-initiated phase transition of the liquid crystalline elastomer (LCE) at which the particles’ aspect ratio is almost doubled. Repeated contraction cycles confirm the complete reversibility of the particles’ actuation properties. The transition temperature of the LCE, the temperature range of the actuation process as well as the magnitude of the particles’ aspect ratio change are studied and controlled by the systematic variation of the liquid crystalline crosslinker content in the monomer mixture. Especially the variable actuation properties of these stimuli-responsive microparticles enable the possibility of an application as soft actuators or sensors.
‘The Way of Our Streets’: Exploring the Urban Sacred in Three Australian Poems
Authors: Brown Lachlan
Published: November 2016

This article examines three contemporary Australian poems that concern themselves with matters of the sacred within the modern Australian city. Noting that Australian poetry and the sacred have often been studied in terms of the landscape, the article approaches these poems as part of an undercurrent of spiritual or sacred writing that takes up urban Australian spaces as important and resonant sites. Through readings of Kevin Hart’s ‘Night Music’ (2008), Jill Jones’s ‘Where We Live’ (2007) and Benjamin Frater’s ‘Ourizen’ (2011), the article demonstrates the various ways that contemporary Australian spirituality is poetically expressed in cities such as Brisbane, Adelaide and Sydney.
Visualization of Venous Compliance of Superficial Veins Using Non-Contact Plethysmography Based on Digital Red-Green-Blue Images
Authors: Nakano Kazuya , Aoki Yuta , Satoh Ryota , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Nishidate Izumi
Published: November 2016

We propose the visualization of venous compliance (VC) using a digital red-green-blue (RGB) camera. The new imaging method, which transforms RGB values into VC, combines VC evaluation with blood concentration estimation from the RGB values of each pixel. We evaluate a non-contact plethysmography (NCPG) system for VC based on comparisons with conventional strain gauge plethysmography (SPG). We conduct in vivo measurements using both systems and investigate their differences by evaluating the VC. The results show that the two methods measure different blood vessels and that errors caused by interstitial fluid accumulation are negligible for the NCPG system, whereas SPG is influenced by such errors. Additionally, we investigate the relationship between VC and physical activity using NCPG.
The Design and Characterization of a Flexible Tactile Sensing Array for Robot Skin
Authors: Ji Zhangping , Zhu Hui , Liu Huicong , Liu Nan , Chen Tao , Yang Zhan , Sun Lining
Published: November 2016

In this study, a flexible tactile sensing array based on a capacitive mechanism was designed, fabricated, and characterized for sensitive robot skin. A device with 8 × 8 sensing units was composed of top and bottom flexible polyethyleneterephthalate (PET) substrates with copper (Cu) electrodes, a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) dielectric layer, and a bump contact layer. Four types of microstructures (i.e., pyramids and V-shape grooves) atop a PDMS dielectric layer were well-designed and fabricated to enhance tactile sensitivity. The optimal sensing unit achieved a high sensitivity of 35.9%/N in a force range of 0–1 N. By incorporating a tactile feedback control system, the flexible sensing array as the sensitive skin of a robotic manipulator demonstrated a potential capability of robotic obstacle avoidance.
Goal Format in Small-Sided Soccer Games: Technical Actions and Offensive Scenarios of Prepubescent Players
Authors: Pulling Craig , Twitchen Alex , Pettefer Carl
Published: November 2016

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the number of goal-posts and the positioning of goal-posts used within small-sided games on the frequency of technical actions and offensive scenarios performed by prepubescent players within soccer. The participants were eight male prepubescent soccer players (12.1 ± 0.5 years). The participants were video recorded for 20 min playing four different formats of 4v4 small-sided games: (1) standard two goal game; (2) four goal game, one goal in each corner; (3) two goal game with goal-posts positioned 9.14 m/10 yd infield, scoring only through the back of the goal; (4) four goal-game, one goal positioned 9.14 m/10 yd infield in each corner, scoring through either the front or back of each goal. Chi-squared tests of independence were utilized to statistically explore the impact of the different small-sided game formats. There were significant associations (p < 0.05) observed between the different small-sided game formats and the frequency of turns, dribbles, shots, goals and overlaps performed. For example, players performed more turns in small-sided game format two and more shots during small-sided game format four. It is suggested coaches should consider using a variation of the number and positioning of goal-posts in small-sided games as an effective training tool in the development of prepubescent soccer players. This will enable coaches to vary the focus of sessions, and develop specific technical and tactical actions within a situation similar to that of real match-play.
Adjustment and Optimization of the Cropping Systems under Water Constraint
Authors: An Pingli , Ren Wei , Liu Xilin , Song Mengmei , Li Xuemin
Published: November 2016

The water constraint on agricultural production receives growing concern with the increasingly sharp contradiction between demand and supply of water resources. How to mitigate and adapt to potential water constraint is one of the key issues for ensuring food security and achieving sustainable agriculture in the context of climate change. It has been suggested that adjustment and optimization of cropping systems could be an effective measure to improve water management and ensure food security. However, a knowledge gap still exists in how to quantify potential water constraint and how to select appropriate cropping systems. Here, we proposed a concept of water constraint risk and developed an approach for the evaluation of the water constraint risks for agricultural production by performing a case study in Daxing District, Beijing, China. The results show that, over the whole growth period, the order of the water constraint risks of crops from high to low was wheat, rice, broomcorn, foxtail millet, summer soybean, summer peanut, spring corn, and summer corn, and the order of the water constraint risks of the cropping systems from high to low was winter wheat-summer grain crops, rice, broomcorn, foxtail millet, and spring corn. Our results are consistent with the actual evolving process of cropping system. This indicates that our proposed method is practicable to adjust and optimize the cropping systems to mitigate and adapt to potential water risks. This study provides an insight into the adjustment and optimization of cropping systems under resource constraints.
Microalgae Potential and Multiple Roles—Current Progress and Future Prospects—An Overview
Authors: Ravindran Balasubramani , Gupta Sanjay , Cho Won-Mo , Kim Jung , Lee Sang , Jeong Kwang-Hwa , Lee Dong , Choi Hee-Chul
Published: November 2016

Substantial progress has been made in algal technologies in past few decades. Initially, microalgae drew the attention of the scientific community as a renewable source of biofuels due to its high productivity over a short period of time and potential of significant lipid accumulation. As of now, a technological upsurge has elaborated its scope in phycoremediation of both organic and inorganic pollutants. The dual role of microalgae—i.e., phycoremediation coupled with energy production—is well established, however, commercially, algal biofuel production is not yet sustainable due to high energy inputs. Efforts are being made to make the algal biofuel economy through modification in the cultivation conditions, harvesting, and extraction of value added products. Recent studies have demonstrated algal biomass production with various types of wastewater and industrial effluents. Similarly, the recent advent of eco-friendly harvesting technologies—such as low-cost green coagulants, electrochemical harvesting, etc.—are energy efficient and economical. Contemporary improvement in efficient lipid extraction from biomass will make algal biodiesel economical. The absolute extraction of all the value added products from algal biomass, either whole cell or lipid extracted biomass, in a complete biorefinery approach will be more economical and eco-friendly.
Inventory and Policy Reduction Potential of Greenhouse Gas and Pollutant Emissions of Road Transportation Industry in China
Authors: Li Ye , Bao Lei , Li Wenxiang , Deng Haopeng
Published: November 2016

In recent years, emissions from the road transportation industry in China have been increasing rapidly. To evaluate the reduction potential of greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions of the industry in China, its emission inventory was calculated and scenario analysis was created for the period between 2012 and 2030 in this paper. Based on the Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning System (LEAP) model, the development of China’s road transportation industry in two scenarios (the business-as-usual (BAU) scenario and the comprehensive-mitigation (CM) scenario) was simulated. In the Comprehensive Mitigation scenario, there are nine various measures which include Fuel Economy Standards, Auto Emission Standards, Energy-saving Technology, Tax Policy, Eco-driving, Logistics Informatization, Vehicle Liquidation, Electric Vehicles, and Alternative Fuels. The cumulative energy and emission reductions of these specific measures were evaluated. Our results demonstrate that China’s road transportation produced 881 million metric tons of CO2 and emitted 1420 thousand tons of CO, 2150 thousand tons of NOx, 148 thousand tons of PM10, and 745 thousand tons of HC in 2012. The reduction potential is quite large, and road freight transportation is the key mitigation subsector, accounting for 85%–92% of the total emission. For energy conservation and carbon emission mitigation, logistics informatization is the most effective method, potentially reducing 1.80 billion tons of coal equivalent and 3.83 billion tons of CO2 from 2012 to 2030. In terms of air pollutant emission mitigation, the auto emission standards measure performs best with respect to NOx, PM10, and HC emission mitigation, and logistic informatization measure is the best in CO emission reduction. In order to maximize the mitigation potential of China’s road transportation industry, the government needs to implement various measures in a timely and strict fashion.
The Link between Corporate Environmental and Corporate Financial Performance—Viewpoints from Practice and Research
Authors: Bergmann Anne
Published: November 2016

For more than 40 years, a tremendous number of studies have empirically explored the relationship between Corporate Environmental Performance (CEP) and Corporate Financial Performance (CFP). This study considers the relationship from a new perspective—via a qualitative research approach based on expert interviews. First, practitioners are queried for their view on the link between CEP and CFP and how to measure it. Since the vast majority see a positive relationship, this study contributes with a new form of evidence that it pays to be green. The chosen qualitative approach also allows a more detailed analysis of underlying cause-and-effect mechanisms. For instance, interviewed practitioners emphasize a direct and indirect impact from CEP on CFP. Second, the study conducts interviews with experts from research and associations (non-practitioners) and compares the viewpoints of the two interview groups. One prevalent difference refers to the fact that non-practitioners do not focus on the two impact levels. Moreover, business experts perceive the link between CEP and CFP as much less complex and reveal more pragmatically oriented considerations. The study then discusses how the interview results and identified differences can be used to direct future research and to support corporations in their move towards sustainability.
Hydraulic Performance of an Innovative Breakwater for Overtopping Wave Energy Conversion
Authors: Iuppa Claudio , Contestabile Pasquale , Cavallaro Luca , Foti Enrico , Vicinanza Diego
Published: November 2016

The Overtopping BReakwaterfor Energy Conversion (OBREC) is an overtopping wave energy converter, totally embedded in traditional rubble mound breakwaters. The device consists of a reinforced concrete front reservoir designed with the aim of capturing the wave overtopping in order to produce electricity. The energy is extracted through low head turbines, using the difference between the water levels in the reservoir and the sea water level. This paper analyzes the OBREC hydraulic performances based on physical 2D model tests carried out at Aalborg University (DK). The analysis of the results has led to an improvement in the overall knowledge of the device behavior, completing the main observations from the complementary tests campaign carried out in 2012 in the same wave flume. New prediction formula are presented for wave reflection, the overtopping rate inside the front reservoir and at the rear side of the structure. Such methods have been used to design the first OBREC prototype breakwater in operation since January 2016 at Naples Harbor (Italy).
Life Cycle Assessment of Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata) Production in Offshore Fish Farms
Authors: García García Benjamín , Rosique Jiménez Caridad , Aguado-Giménez Felipe , García García José
Published: November 2016

Life cycle assessment is used in this study to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of producing gilthead seabream in an offshore sea farm exposed to storms in the Spanish Mediterranean Sea. The farming methods used can be considered as “basic” since no centralized or automatic food distribution system exists and there is no control system. This study aims to identify the main hotspots under these conditions and to propose and compare viable alternatives to them. Contribution analysis found that the component of the system with the greatest potential environmental impact (48% of the overall impact) was fish feed, especially the raw material used. Other contributory factors were the fuel consumed by the vessels operating in the farm (35%), the dumping of N and P in the environment due to the metabolism of the fish (12%), the cages and their anchorage system (5%). A sensitivity analysis showed that a significant reduction in potential environmental impact can be achieved by increasing feeding efficiency. Feed formulation in raw materials is also an important factor and could serve to diminish overall adverse effects. A balance needs to be found between productive performance (growth, survival and feed conversion rate), feed price and its influence on production costs and the overall environmental consequences.
Treatment planning in PRRT based on simulated PET data and a PBPK model
Authors: Hardiansyah Deni , Guo Wei , Attarwala Ali Asgar , Kletting Peter , Mottaghy Felix M. , Glatting Gerhard
Published: November 2016

Aim: To investigate the accuracy of treatment planning in peptide-receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) based on simulated PET data (using a PET noise model) and a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model. Methods: The parameters of a PBPK model were fitted to the biokinetic data of 15 patients. True mathematical phantoms of patients (MPPs) were the PBPK model with the fitted parameters. PET measurements after bolus injection of 150 MBq 68Ga-DOTATATE were simulated for the true MPPs. PET noise with typical noise levels was added to the data (i.e. c=0.3 [low], 3, 30 and 300 [high]). Organ activity data in the kidneys, tumour, liver and spleen were simulated at 0.5, 1 and 4 h p.i. PBPK model parameters were fitted to the simulated noisy PET data to derive the PET-predicted MPPs. Therapy was simulated assuming an infusion of 3.3 GBq of 90Y-DOTATATE over 30 min. Time-integrated activity coefficients (TIACs) of simulated therapy in tumour, kidneys, liver, spleen and remainder were calculated from both, true MPPs (true TIACs) and predicted MPPs (predicted TIACs). Variability v between true TIACs and predicted TIACs were calculated and analysed. Variability< 10 % was considered to be an accurate prediction. Results: For all noise level, variabilities for the kidneys, liver, and spleen showed an accurate prediction for TIACs, e.g. c=300: vkidney=(5 ± 2)%, vliver=(5 ± 2)%, vspleen=(4 ± 2)%. However, tumour TIAC predictions were not accurate for all noise levels, e.g. c=0.3: vtumour=(8 ± 5)%. Conclusion: PET based treatment planning with kidneys as the dose limiting organ seems possible for all reported noise levels using an adequate PBPK model and previous knowledge about the individual patient.
Higher Serum Alanine Transaminase Levels in Male Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator-Transgenic Mice are Associated with Improved Engraftment of Hepatocytes but not Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells
Authors: Fomin Marina E. , Beyer Ashley I. , Publicover Jean , Lu Kai , Bakkour Sonia , Simmons Graham , Muench Marcus O.
Published: November 2016

The effects of sex on the degree of liver damage and human cell engraftment were investigated in immunodeficient urokinase-type plasminogen activator-transgenic (uPA-NOG) mice. Liver damage, measured by serum alanine transaminase (ALT) levels, was compared in male and female uPA-NOG mice of different ages. Male mice had significantly higher ALT levels than females with a median of 334 versus 158 U/L in transgenic homozygous mice, respectively. Mice were transplanted with human adult hepatocytes or fetal liver cells and analyzed for any correlation of engraftment of hepatocytes, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs), and hematopoietic cells with the degree of liver damage. Hepatocyte engraftment was measured by human albumin levels in the mouse serum. Higher ALT levels correlated with higher hepatocyte engraftment, resulting in albumin levels in male mice that were 9.6 times higher than in females. LSEC and hematopoietic cell engraftment were measured by flow cytometric analysis of the mouse liver and bone marrow. LSEC and hematopoietic engraftment did not differ between male and female transplant recipients. Thus, the sex of uPA-NOG mice affects the degree of liver damage, which is reflected in the levels of human hepatocyte engraftment. However, the high levels of LSEC engraftment observed in uPA-NOG mice are not further improved among male mice, suggesting that a lower threshold of liver damage is sufficient to enhance endothelial cell engraftment. Previously described sex differences in human hematopoietic stem cell engraftment in immunodeficient mice were not observed in this model.
A new approach to grain boundary engineering for nanocrystalline materials
Authors: Kobayashi Shigeaki , Tsurekawa Sadahiro , Watanabe Tadao
Published: November 2016

A new approach to grain boundary engineering (GBE) for high performance nanocrystalline materials, especially those produced by electrodeposition and sputtering, is discussed on the basis of some important findings from recently available results on GBE for nanocrystalline materials. In order to optimize their utility, the beneficial effects of grain boundary microstructures have been seriously considered according to the almost established approach to GBE. This approach has been increasingly recognized for the development of high performance nanocrystalline materials with an extremely high density of grain boundaries and triple junctions. The effectiveness of precisely controlled grain boundary microstructures (quantitatively characterized by the grain boundary character distribution (GBCD) and grain boundary connectivity associated with triple junctions) has been revealed for recent achievements in the enhancement of grain boundary strengthening, hardness, and the control of segregation-induced intergranular brittleness and intergranular fatigue fracture in electrodeposited nickel and nickel alloys with initial submicrometer-grained structure. A new approach to GBE based on fractal analysis of grain boundary connectivity is proposed to produce high performance nanocrystalline or submicrometer-grained materials with desirable mechanical properties such as enhanced fracture resistance. Finally, the potential power of GBE is demonstrated for high performance functional materials like gold thin films through precise control of electrical resistance based on the fractal analysis of the grain boundary microstructure.
CORRIGENDUM
Authors: BERNARDO Luís F. A. , NEPOMUCENO Miguel C. S. , PINTO Hugo A. S.
Published: November 2016

"Corrigendum." Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 22(8), p. 1088
A GAME THEORY APPROACH FOR OPTIMUM STRATEGY OF THE OWNER AND CONTRACTOR IN DELAYED PROJECTS
Authors: KHANZADI Mostafa , ESHTEHARDIAN Ehsan , CHALEKAEE Alireza
Published: November 2016

Delay is one of the problems occurring between owners and contractors. Deviation from base plans can be found using project control methods, continuous assessment of the schedule, determining progress percentages and earned value parameters. In such circumstances, conflicts might arise between contractor and owner as restoring project’s original schedule needs added expenditures by the contractor. Moreover, continuation of the previous procedure and late completion of the project will cause the owner damage. In this research, a mathematical model using game theory has been presented. The model investigates the behaviour and strategies of the parties involved in a delayed project through bargaining. It helps owners and contractors gain deeper understanding of the given delay problem, get a fairly accurate analysis of their situation and consider possible strategies in facing with such circumstances without spending a long and inconclusive time. The points which both parties can agree rationally proposed with a numerical example. Results of the model indicate that parameters involved in the problem are effective in changing the range width of negotiation. In special cases, such as disproportionate delay penalty, these parameters even make it neutral in negotiation. Step by step analysis of the model showed which features can threaten negotiation.
DETECTION OF H i IN EMISSION IN THE LYα EMITTING GALAXY HARO 11
Authors: Pardy Stephen A. , Cannon John M. , Östlin Göran , Hayes Matthew , Bergvall Nils
Published: November 2016

We present the first robust detection of H i 21 cm emission in the blue compact galaxy Haro 11 using the 100 m Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope (GBT). Haro 11 is a luminous blue compact galaxy with emission in both Lyα and the Lyman continuum. We detect (5.1 ± 0.7 × 108) M
⊙ of H i gas at an assumed distance of 88 Mpc, making this galaxy H i deficient compared to other local galaxies with similar optical properties. Given this small H i mass, Haro 11 has an elevated M
H2/M
H i
ratio and a very low gas fraction compared to most local galaxies, and contains twice as much mass in ionized hydrogen as in neutral hydrogen. The H i emission has a linewidth of 71 km s−1 and is offset 60 km s−1 redward of the optical line center. It is undergoing a starburst after a recent merger that has elevated the star formation rate, and will deplete the gas supply in <0.2 Gyr. Although this starburst has elevated the star formation rate (SFR) compared to galaxies with similar H i masses and line widths, Haro 11 matches a trend of lower gas fractions toward higher SFRs and is below the general trend of increasing H i mass with increasing luminosity. Taken together, our results paint Haro 11 as a standard low-mass galaxy that is undergoing an unusually efficient star formation episode.
Treatment of the Aged Patients at a Large Cardiac Rehabilitation Center in the Southern Brazil and Some Aspects of Their Dropout from the Therapeutic Programs
Authors: Nesello Pietro Felice Tomazini , Tairova Olga , Tairova Maria , Graciolli Lucas , Baroni Allan , Comparsi Eduardo , De Marchi Thiago
Published: November 2016

AIM: This paper aims to assess the dropout rate in different age groups through the example of the large cardiac rehabilitation centre affiliated with the Institute of Sports Medicine, University of Caxias do Sul.MATERIAL AND METHODS: A historic cohort study comprising the following groups: Non-Old < 65 (n = 141); Young-Old 65-74 (n = 128); and Middle-Old 75-84 years old (n = 57). The exercise program lasted 48 sessions and dropout was defined as attendance of 50% of sessions or less. Logistic binominal regression was performed to assess the risk of dropout. For all analyses, a two-tailed P value of < 0.05 was used.RESULTS: The total dropout rate was 38.6%. The Young-Old and Middle-Old groups showed lower dropouts compared to Non-Old patients (p = 0.01). Young-Old has 96% less risk for dropout compared to Non-Old group (adjusted odds ratios = 1.96 [1.16â€“3.29]). Furthermore, patients underwent the Coronary Artery Bypass Graft showed a lower rate of dropout (p = 0.001). The absence of CABG involved three times more risk of dropout (p = 0.001).CONCLUSION: The Non-Old and the Middle-Old patients showed higher dropout rates compared to Young-Old. To ensure the best possible rehabilitation and to improve patientsÂ´ participation in CR, these programs should be adjusted to the needs of patients in terms of their age.
La jeunesse au crible des enquêtes de santé
Authors: Génolini Jean-Paul , Perrin Claire
Published: November 2016

Les enquêtes de santé sur la jeunesse sont des instruments permettant à la fois d’évaluer la santé des adolescents et d’orienter les politiques publiques préventives. Elles participent à construire des représentations de l’adolescence articulées simultanément à une culture du risque et à une perspective de promotion de la santé. S’appuyant sur l’analyse des différents rapports HBSC concernant la santé des collégiens âgés de 11 à 15 ans, cet article montre qu’au tournant des années 2000, les préoccupations sanitaires relatives à l’obésité, au diktat médiatique des stéréotypes du corps, au suicide et au mal-être des jeunes orientent vers la détection de risques inédits. De nouvelles figures de l’adolescence émergent par l’extension des indicateurs de risque et le changement des modèles interprétatifs de la santé. En résulte le portrait d’une adolescence aux fragilités multiples.
L’âge « normal » au premier rapport sexuel
Authors: Maillochon Florence , Ehlinger Virginie , Godeau Emmanuelle
Published: November 2016

D’après l’enquête HBSC (réalisée auprès de 5 875 jeunes de la quatrième à la seconde), la majorité des adolescents estiment à 16 ans l’âge moyen du premier rapport sexuel en France, alors même qu’en seconde (autour de 16 ans), à peine un quart de ces mêmes élèves déclare avoir déjà eu une relations sexuelle. L’initiation sexuelle demeure inscrite dans des normes différentes pour les filles et les garçons, celles-ci étant plus soumises à des contraintes sociales, familiales et culturelles que ceux-là. L’usage quotidien et intensif des réseaux sociaux contribue vraisemblablement à structurer l’image d’une sexualité adolescente précoce qui ne correspond pas nécessairement aux pratiques effectives des jeunes, ni à la représentation sociale qu’ils partagent directement avec leurs amis.
Émanciper le travail : une utopie périmée ?
Authors: Renault Emmanuel
Published: November 2016

Cet article part du constat que le renouveau des pensées de l'émancipation se fait généralement au détriment du travail. Alors que le mouvement ouvrier avait cherché à donner une expression théorique et politique au souhait de travailler non pas seulement moins, mais aussi dans des conditions plus justes et plus libres, l'émancipation est généralement pensée aujourd'hui ou bien contre le travail, ou bien à côté du travail. Dans une première partie, on s'interroge sur les présuppositions et les implications de ce refus de prendre en charge ce qui reste pourtant, aujourd'hui encore, l'une des sources du souhait utopique d'un monde meilleur : l'espoir de pouvoir travailler de manière plus satisfaisante. Dans une seconde partie, on cherche à reconstruire les processus qui ont conduit la gauche, de ses versions les plus réformistes à ses versions les plus anticapitalistes, à abandonner la critique transformative du travail et à laisser l'utopie du travail aux discours managériaux, en se rendant ainsi incapable d'affronter les défis politiques (dont la « loi travail » donne une illustration récente) posés par les transformations néolibérales du travail.
L’autonomie en devenir. L’émancipation comme (trans)formation infinie
Authors: Vitiello Audric
Published: November 2016

L’émancipation doit être pensée non à l’écart, mais à partir de l’éducation. L’autonomie exige non seulement la libération des dominations extérieures, mais aussi et surtout la formation d’une subjectivité animée d’un certain ethos , d’un certain rapport à soi et au monde, caractérisé par l’activité, la réflexivité et la créativité. Or cet ethos peut être favorisé par divers vecteurs éducatifs, en particulier par la constitution d’espaces sociaux alternatifs, d’hétérotopies susceptibles de produire des effets de décentrement et de contre-socialisation. L’autonomie apparaît alors comme une conquête incertaine et inachevée, toujours à reprendre et à prolonger, à travers un processus dynamique, animé par une tension agonique entre éducation et émancipation, de formation et d’autotransformation de la subjectivité.
Rendre justice à ce qui est. Ou l’émancipation comme parturition
Authors: Chanial Philippe
Published: November 2016

Et si le travail critique consistait moins à « rendre la réalité inacceptable » qu’à « rendre justice à ce qui est » ? Dans cette perspective, paradoxale, la question de l’émancipation viserait alors moins à définir de quoi nous devons nous émanciper mais, d’abord, ce que nous visons à émanciper. Bref, qu’est-ce qui, dans ce que nous sommes, dans ce que nous faisons déjà , mérite d’être valorisé et libéré de ses entraves afin qu’il lui soit donné libre cours ? Pourrait alors se dessiner, à la suite de Marcel Mauss et de John Dewey, les voies d’un socialisme pragmatiste qui ne serait autre qu’un idéalisme pratique, selon lequel l’idéal d’émancipation ne peut se réaliser qu’en tant qu’il est l’idéalisation pratique du réel qui s’anticipe en lui.
L’institution « spectrale » de la Marchandise. À propos de la fantomalisation de Marx par Derrida
Authors: Sobel Richard
Published: November 2016

Dans Spectre de Marx (1993), Derrida propose une interprétation de l’ontologie sociale de Marx à partir de la notion de «  spectre  », élaborant ainsi une « hantologie  » qui fait la «  différance  » . L’article revient d’abord sur le point nodal de cette déconstruction, à savoir l’analyse derridienne de l’énigme de la marchandise, cette «  chose sensible-suprasensible  » décrite dans le livre I du Capital . L’article défend ensuite la thèse suivante : Derrida va jusqu’au bout de la déconstruction de l’ontologie substantialiste propre à la critique de l’économie politique marxienne, là où sans doute Marx s’était arrêté en chemin et là où s’arrêtent sans doute aussi aujourd’hui les approches « constructivistes » de la valeur. À défaut d’en respecter la lettre, Derrida prétend ainsi faire vivre aujourd’hui tout l’esprit de Marx.
Le génogramme dans le cadre de la formation à la thérapie et à l’intervention systémique
Authors: Real del Sarte Olivier , Fehr-Fouvy Nathalie , Jobin Catherine
Published: November 2016

Au travers de l’expérience d’un groupe de génogramme sur l’espace d’un an, les auteurs mettent en évidence l’utilité d’un tel processus dans la formation d’étudiants à l’intervention et à la thérapie d’orientation systémique. Quelques éléments théoriques servent de charpente à la description technique du processus réalisé. Les aspects les plus significatifs de l’intérêt à une telle démarche didactique sont illustrés par des exemples concrets tirés de l’expérience vécue par les auteurs dans le cadre du Cerfasy (Neuchâtel).