bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydro-Climatic Variability in the Karnali River Basin of Nepal Himalaya
Authors: Khatiwada Kabi , Panthi Jeeban , Shrestha Madan , Nepal Santosh
Published: March 2016

Global climate change has local implications. Focusing on datasets from the topographically-challenging Karnali river basin in Western Nepal, this research provides an overview of hydro-climatic parameters that have been observed during 1981–2012. The spatial and temporal variability of temperature and precipitation were analyzed in the basin considering the seven available climate stations and 20 precipitation stations distributed in the basin. The non-parametric Mann–Kendall test and Sen’s method were used to study the trends in climate data. Results show that the average precipitation in the basin is heterogeneous, and more of the stations trend are decreasing. The precipitation shows decreasing trend by 4.91 mm/year, i.e., around 10% on average. Though the increasing trends were observed in both minimum and maximum temperature, maximum temperature trend is higher than the minimum temperature and the maximum temperature trend during the pre-monsoon season is significantly higher (0.08 °C/year). River discharge and precipitation observations were analyzed to understand the rainfall-runoff relationship. The peak discharge (August) is found to be a month late than the peak precipitation (July) over the basin. Although the annual precipitation in most of the stations shows a decreasing trend, there is constant river discharge during the period 1981–2010.
Chaos on the Vallis Model for El Niño with Fractional Operators
Authors: Alkahtani Badr , Atangana Abdon
Published: March 2016

The Vallis model for El Niño is an important model describing a very interesting physical problem. The aim of this paper is to investigate and compare the models using both integer and non-integer order derivatives. We first studied the model with the local derivative by presenting for the first time the exact solution for equilibrium points, and then we presented the exact solutions with the numerical simulations. We further examined the model within the scope of fractional order derivatives. The fractional derivatives used here are the Caputo derivative and Caputo–Fabrizio type. Within the scope of fractional derivatives, we presented the existence and unique solutions of the model. We derive special solutions of both models with Caputo and Caputo–Fabrizio derivatives. Some numerical simulations are presented to compare the models. We obtained more chaotic behavior from the model with Caputo–Fabrizio derivative than other one with local and Caputo derivative. When compare the three models, we realized that, the Caputo derivative plays a role of low band filter when the Caputo–Fabrizio presents more information that were not revealed in the model with local derivative.
Electrochemical Mechanism for FeS2/C Composite in Lithium Ion Batteries with Enhanced Reversible Capacity
Authors: Wang Shengping , Yu Jingxian
Published: March 2016

Nanoscale FeS2 was synthesized via a simple hydrothermal method and was decorated by hydrothermal carbonization (FeS2@C). The structural properties of the synthesized materials detected by X-ray diffraction (XRD), together with the morphologies characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated that the hydrothermal carbonization only had an impact on the morphology of pyrite. Additionally, the electrochemical performance of the coated pyrite in Li/FeS2 batteries was evaluated by galvanostatic discharge-charge tests and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results showed that the initial capacity of FeS2@C was 799.2 mAh·g−1 (90% of theoretical capacity of FeS2) and that of uncoated FeS2 was only 574.6 mAh·g−1. XRD and ultraviolet (UV) visible spectroscopy results at different depths of discharge-charge for FeS2 were discussed to clarify the electrochemical mechanism, which play an important part in Li/FeS2 batteries.
A Methodology for Constructing Marginal Abatement Cost Curves for Climate Action in Cities
Authors: Ibrahim Nadine , Kennedy Christopher
Published: March 2016

As drivers of climate action, cities are taking measures to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which if left unabated pose a challenge to meeting long-term climate targets. The economics of climate action needs to be at the forefront of climate dialogue to prioritize investments among competing mitigation measures. A marginal abatement cost (MAC) curve is an effective visualization of climate action that initiates a technical and economic discussion of the cost-effectiveness and abatement potential of such actions among local leaders, policy makers, and climate experts. More commonly demonstrated for countries, MAC curves need to be developed for cities because of their heterogeneity, which vary in their urban activities, energy supply, infrastructure stock, and commuting patterns. The methodology for constructing bottom-up MAC curves for cities is presented for technologies that offer fuel switching and/or energy efficiencies, while considering technology lifetimes, city-specific electricity and fuel prices, and emission intensities. Resulting MAC curves are unique to every city, and chart the pathway towards low-carbon growth by prioritizing measures based on cost-effectiveness. A case study of Toronto’s climate targets demonstrates the prioritization of select technologies. Leveraging MAC curves to support climate programs enables cities to strategically invest in financing climate action and designing incentives.
Food Contamination: Major Challenges of the Future
Authors: Hussain Malik
Published: March 2016

This issue of Foods is dedicated to discuss the microbial, chemical and physical contamination challenges of food products.[...]
De Novo Transcriptome Sequencing of Desert Herbaceous Achnatherum splendens (Achnatherum) Seedlings and Identification of Salt Tolerance Genes
Authors: Liu Jiangtao , Zhou Yuelong , Luo Changxin , Xiang Yun , An Lizhe
Published: March 2016

Achnatherum splendens is an important forage herb in Northwestern China. It has a high tolerance to salinity and is, thus, considered one of the most important constructive plants in saline and alkaline areas of land in Northwest China. However, the mechanisms of salt stress tolerance in A. splendens remain unknown. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies can be used for global gene expression profiling. In this study, we examined sequence and transcript abundance data for the root/leaf transcriptome of A. splendens obtained using an Illumina HiSeq 2500. Over 35 million clean reads were obtained from the leaf and root libraries. All of the RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) reads were assembled de novo into a total of 126,235 unigenes and 36,511 coding DNA sequences (CDS). We further identified 1663 differentially-expressed genes (DEGs) between the salt stress treatment and control. Functional annotation of the DEGs by gene ontology (GO), using Arabidopsis and rice as references, revealed enrichment of salt stress-related GO categories, including “oxidation reduction”, “transcription factor activity”, and “ion channel transporter”. Thus, this global transcriptome analysis of A. splendens has provided an important genetic resource for the study of salt tolerance in this halophyte. The identified sequences and their putative functional data will facilitate future investigations of the tolerance of Achnatherum species to various types of abiotic stress.
4D-SAS: A Distributed Dynamic-Data Driven Simulation and Analysis System for Massive Spatial Agent-Based Modeling
Authors: Li Zhenqiang , Guan Xuefeng , Li Rui , Wu Huayi
Published: March 2016

Significant computation challenges are emerging as agent-based modeling becomes more complicated and dynamically data-driven. In this context, parallel simulation is an attractive solution when dealing with massive data and computation requirements. Nearly all the available distributed simulation systems, however, do not support geospatial phenomena modeling, dynamic data injection, and real-time visualization. To tackle these problems, we propose a distributed dynamic-data driven simulation and analysis system (4D-SAS) specifically for massive spatial agent-based modeling to support real-time representation and analysis of geospatial phenomena. To accomplish large-scale geospatial problem-solving, the 4D-SAS system was spatially enabled to support geospatial model development and employs high-performance computing to improve simulation performance. It can automatically decompose simulation tasks and distribute them among computing nodes following two common schemes: order division or spatial decomposition. Moreover, it provides streaming channels and a storage database to incorporate dynamic data into simulation models; updating agent context in real-time. A new online visualization module was developed based on a GIS mapping library, SharpMap, for an animated display of model execution to help clients understand the model outputs efficiently. To evaluate the system’s efficiency and scalability, two different spatially explicitly agent-based models, an en-route choice model, and a forest fire propagation model, were created on 4D-SAS. Simulation results illustrate that 4D-SAS provides an efficient platform for dynamic data-driven geospatial modeling, e.g., both discrete multi-agent simulation and grid-based cellular automata, demonstrating efficient support for massive parallel simulation. The parallel efficiency of the two models is above 0.7 and remains nearly stable in our experiments.
Monocyte Subsets and Related Chemokines in Carotid Artery Stenosis and Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Grosse Gerrit , Schulz-Schaeffer Walter , Teebken Omke , Schuppner Ramona , Dirks Meike , Worthmann Hans , Lichtinghagen Ralf , Maye Gerrit , Limbourg Florian , Weissenborn Karin
Published: March 2016

Carotid stenosis (CS) is an important cause of ischemic stroke. However, reliable markers for the purpose of identification of high-risk, so-called vulnerable carotid plaques, are still lacking. Monocyte subsets are crucial players in atherosclerosis and might also contribute to plaque rupture. In this study we, therefore, aimed to investigate the potential role of monocyte subsets and associated chemokines as clinical biomarkers for vulnerability of CS. Patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic CS (n = 21), patients with cardioembolic ischemic strokes (n = 11), and controls without any cardiovascular disorder (n = 11) were examined. Cardiovascular risk was quantified using the Essen Stroke Risk Score (ESRS). Monocyte subsets in peripheral blood were measured by quantitative flow cytometry. Plaque specimens were histologically analyzed. Furthermore, plasma levels of monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) and fractalkine were measured. Intermediate monocytes (Mon2) were significantly elevated in symptomatic and asymptomatic CS-patients compared to controls. Mon2 counts positively correlated with the ESRS. Moreover, stroke patients showed an elevation of Mon2 compared to controls, independent of the ESRS. MCP-1 levels were significantly higher in patients with symptomatic than in those with asymptomatic CS. Several histological criteria significantly differed between symptomatic and asymptomatic plaques. However, there was no association of monocyte subsets or chemokines with histological features of plaque vulnerability. Due to the multifactorial influence on monocyte subsets, the usability as clinical markers for plaque vulnerability seems to be limited. However, monocyte subsets may be critically involved in the pathology of CS.
Mechanical and IL-1β Responsive miR-365 Contributes to Osteoarthritis Development by Targeting Histone Deacetylase 4
Authors: Yang Xu , Guan Yingjie , Tian Shaoqi , Wang Yuanhe , Sun Kang , Chen Qian
Published: March 2016

Mechanical stress plays an important role in the initiation and progression of osteoarthritis. Studies show that excessive mechanical stress can directly damage the cartilage extracellular matrix and shift the balance in chondrocytes to favor catabolic activity over anabolism. However, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as important regulators in osteoarthritis pathogenesis. We have found that mechanical loading up-regulated microRNA miR-365 in growth plate chondrocytes, which promotes chondrocyte differentiation. Here, we explored the role of the mechanical responsive microRNA miR-365 in pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). We found that miR-365 was up-regulated by cyclic loading and IL-1β stimulation in articular chondrocytes through a mechanism that involved the transcription factor NF-κB. miR-365 expressed significant higher level in rat anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery induced OA cartilage as well as human OA cartilage from primary OA patients and traumatic OA Patients. Overexpression of miR-365 in chondrocytes increases gene expression of matrix degrading enzyme matrix metallopeptidase 13 (MMP13) and collagen type X (Col X). The increase in miR-365 expression in OA cartilage and in response to IL-1 may contribute to the abnormal gene expression pattern characteristic of OA. Inhibition of miR-365 down-regulated IL-1β induced MMP13 and Col X gene expression. We further showed histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) is a direct target of miR-365, which mediates mechanical stress and inflammation in OA pathogenesis. Thus, miR-365 is a critical regulator of mechanical stress and pro-inflammatory responses, which contributes cartilage catabolism. Manipulation of the expression of miR-365 in articular chondrocytes by miR-365 inhibitor may be a potent therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis.
Multiple Layers of Stress-Induced Regulation in tRNA Biology
Authors: Huang Hsiao-Yun , Hopper Anita
Published: March 2016

tRNAs are the fundamental components of the translation machinery as they deliver amino acids to the ribosomes during protein synthesis. Beyond their essential function in translation, tRNAs also function in regulating gene expression, modulating apoptosis and several other biological processes. There are multiple layers of regulatory mechanisms in each step of tRNA biogenesis. For example, tRNA 3′ trailer processing is altered upon nutrient stress; tRNA modification is reprogrammed under various stresses; nuclear accumulation of tRNAs occurs upon nutrient deprivation; tRNA halves accumulate upon oxidative stress. Here we address how environmental stresses can affect nearly every step of tRNA biology and we describe the possible regulatory mechanisms that influence the function or expression of tRNAs under stress conditions.
Antimicrobial Silver Chloride Nanoparticles Stabilized with Chitosan Oligomer for the Healing of Burns
Authors: Kang Yun , Jung Ju-Young , Cho Donghwan , Kwon Oh , Cheon Ja , Park Won
Published: March 2016

Recently, numerous compounds have been studied in order to develop antibacterial agents, which can prevent colonized wounds from infection, and assist the wound healing. For this purpose, novel silver chloride nanoparticles stabilized with chitosan oligomer (CHI-AgCl NPs) were synthesized to investigate the influence of antibacterial chitosan oligomer (CHI) exerted by the silver chloride nanoparticles (AgCl NPs) on burn wound healing in a rat model. The CHI-AgCl NPs had a spherical morphology with a mean diameter of 42 ± 15 nm. The burn wound healing of CHI-AgCl NPs ointment was compared with untreated group, Vaseline ointment, and chitosan ointment group. The burn wound treated with CHI-AgCl NPs ointment was completely healed by 14 treatment days, and was similar to normal skin. Particularly, the regenerated collagen density became the highest in the CHI-AgCl NPs ointment group. The CHI-AgCl NPs ointment is considered a suitable healing agent for burn wounds, due to dual antibacterial activity of the AgCl NPs and CHI.
The Enhancement of Mg Corrosion Resistance by Alloying Mn and Laser-Melting
Authors: Yang Youwen , Wu Ping , Wang Qiyuan , Wu Hong , Liu Yong , Deng Youwen , Zhou Yuanzhuo , Shuai Cijun
Published: March 2016

Mg has been considered a promising biomaterial for bone implants. However, the poor corrosion resistance has become its main undesirable property. In this study, both alloying Mn and laser-melting were applied to enhance the Mg corrosion resistance. The corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, and microstructure of rapid laser-melted Mg-xMn (x = 0–3 wt %) alloys were investigated. The alloys were composed of dendrite grains, and the grains size decreased with increasing Mn. Moreover, Mn could dissolve and induce the crystal lattice distortion of the Mg matrix during the solidification process. Mn ranging from 0–2 wt % dissolved completely due to rapid laser solidification. As Mn contents further increased up to 3 wt %, a small amount of Mn was left undissolved. The compressive strength of Mg-Mn alloys increased first (up to 2 wt %) and then decreased with increasing Mn, while the hardness increased continuously. The refinement of grains and the increase in corrosion potential both made contributions to the enhancement of Mg corrosion resistance.
In Vitro Cell Proliferation and Mechanical Behaviors Observed in Porous Zirconia Ceramics
Authors: Li Jing , Wang Xiaobei , Lin Yuanhua , Deng Xuliang , Li Ming , Nan Cewen
Published: March 2016

Zirconia ceramics with porous structure have been prepared by solid-state reaction using yttria-stabilized zirconia and stearic acid powders. Analysis of its microstructure and phase composition revealed that a pure zirconia phase can be obtained. Our results indicated that its porosity and pore size as well as the mechanical characteristics can be tuned by changing the content of stearic acid powder. The optimal porosity and pore size of zirconia ceramic samples can be effective for the increase of surface roughness, which results in higher cell proliferation values without destroying the mechanical properties.
Internal Stress Monitoring of In-Service Structural Steel Members with Ultrasonic Method
Authors: Li Zuohua , He Jingbo , Teng Jun , Wang Ying
Published: March 2016

Internal stress in structural steel members is an important parameter for steel structures in their design, construction, and service stages. However, it is hard to measure via traditional approaches. Among the existing non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, the ultrasonic method has received the most research attention. Longitudinal critically refracted (Lcr) waves, which propagate parallel to the surface of the material within an effective depth, have shown great potential as an effective stress measurement approach. This paper presents a systematic non-destructive evaluation method to determine the internal stress in in-service structural steel members using Lcr waves. Based on theory of acoustoelasticity, a stress evaluation formula is derived. Factor of stress to acoustic time difference is used to describe the relationship between stress and measurable acoustic results. A testing facility is developed and used to demonstrate the performance of the proposed method. Two steel members are measured by using the proposed method and the traditional strain gauge method for verification. Parametric studies are performed on three steel members and the aluminum plate to investigate the factors that influence the testing results. The results show that the proposed method is effective and accurate for determining stress in in-service structural steel members.
Failure Mechanisms of Hollow Fiber Supported Ionic Liquid Membranes
Authors: Zeh Matthew , Wickramanayake Shan , Hopkinson David
Published: March 2016

Hollow fiber supported ionic liquid membranes (SILMs) were tested using the bubble point method to investigate potential failure modes, including the maximum transmembrane pressure before loss of the ionic liquid from the support. Porous hollow fiber supports were fabricated with different pore morphologies using Matrimid® and Torlon® as the polymeric material and 1-hexyl-3-methylimidalzolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([C6mim][Tf2N]) as the ionic liquid (IL) component. Hollow fiber SILMs were tested for their maximum pressure before failure, with pressure applied either from the bore side or shell side. It was found that the membranes exhibited one or more of three different modes of failure when pressurized: liquid loss (occurring at the bubble point), rupture, and collapse.
Photothermal Effects and Applications of Polydimethylsiloxane Membranes with Carbon Nanoparticles
Authors: Pimentel-Domínguez Reinher , Velázquez-Benítez Amado , Vélez-Cordero J. , Hautefeuille Mathieu , Sánchez-Arévalo Francisco , Hernández-Cordero Juan
Published: March 2016

The advent of nanotechnology has triggered novel developments and applications for polymer-based membranes with embedded or coated nanoparticles. As an example, interaction of laser radiation with metallic and carbon nanoparticles has shown to provide optically triggered responses in otherwise transparent media. Incorporation of these materials inside polymers has led to generation of plasmonic and photothermal effects through the enhanced optical absorption of these polymer composites. In this work, we focus on the photothermal effects produced in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membranes with embedded carbon nanoparticles via light absorption. Relevant physical parameters of these composites, such as nanoparticle concentration, density, geometry and dimensions, are used to analyze the photothermal features of the membranes. In particular, we analyze the heat generation and conduction in the membranes, showing that different effects can be achieved and controlled depending on the physical and thermal properties of the composite material. Several novel applications of these light responsive membranes are also demonstrated, including low-power laser-assisted micro-patterning and optomechanical deformation. Furthermore, we show that these polymer-nanoparticle composites can also be used as coatings in photonic and microfluidic applications, thereby offering an attractive platform for developing light-activated photonic and optofluidic devices.
Charge Transport in LDPE Nanocomposites Part II—Computational Approach
Authors: Hoang Anh , Serdyuk Yuriy , Gubanski Stanislaw
Published: March 2016

A bipolar charge transport model is employed to investigate the remarkable reduction in dc conductivity of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) based material filled with uncoated nanofillers (reported in the first part of this work). The effect of temperature on charge transport is considered and the model outcomes are compared with measured conduction currents. The simulations reveal that the contribution of charge carrier recombination to the total transport process becomes more significant at elevated temperatures. Among the effects caused by the presence of nanoparticles, a reduced charge injection at electrodes has been found as the most essential one. Possible mechanisms for charge injection at different temperatures are therefore discussed.
Green Synthesis of Smart Metal/Polymer Nanocomposite Particles and Their Tuneable Catalytic Activities
Authors: Tan Noel , Lee Cheng , Li Pei
Published: March 2016

Herein we report a simple and green synthesis of smart Au and Ag@Au nanocomposite particles using poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)/polyethyleneimine (PNIPAm/PEI) core-shell microgels as dual reductant and templates in an aqueous system. The nanocomposite particles were synthesized through a spontaneous reduction of tetrachloroauric (III) acid to gold nanoparticles at room temperature, and in situ encapsulation and stabilization of the resultant gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with amine-rich PEI shells. The preformed gold nanoparticles then acted as seed nanoparticles for further generation of Ag@Au bimetallic nanoparticles within the microgel templates at 60 °C. These nanocomposite particles were characterized by TEM, AFM, XPS, UV-vis spectroscopy, zeta-potential, and particle size analysis. The synergistic effects of the smart nanocomposite particles were studied via the reduction of p-nitrophenol to p-aminophenol. The catalytic performance of the bimetallic Ag@Au nanocomposite particles was 25-fold higher than that of the monometallic Au nanoparticles. Finally, the controllable catalytic activities of the Au@PNIPAm/PEI nanocomposite particles were demonstrated via tuning the solution pH and temperature.
Poly(3-Methylthiophene) Thin Films Deposited Electrochemically on QCMs for the Sensing of Volatile Organic Compounds
Authors: Öztürk Sadullah , Kösemen Arif , Şen Zafer , Kılınç Necmettin , Harbeck Mika
Published: March 2016

Poly(3-methylthiophene) (PMeT) thin films were electrochemically deposited on quartz crystal microbalance QCM transducers to investigate their volatile organic compound (VOC) sensing properties depending on ambient conditions. Twelve different VOCs including alcohols, ketones, chlorinated compounds, amines, and the organosphosphate dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) were used as analytes. The responses of the chemical sensors against DMMP were the highest among the tested analytes; thus, fabricated chemical sensors based on PMeT can be evaluated as potential candidates for selectively detecting DMMP. Generally, detection limits in the low ppm range could be achieved. The gas sensing measurements were recorded at various humid air conditions to investigate the effects of the humidity on the gas sensing properties. The sensing performance of the chemical sensors was slightly reduced in the presence of humidity in ambient conditions. While a decrease in sensitivity was observed for humidity levels up to 50% r.h., the sensitivity was nearly unaffected for higher humidity levels and a reliable detection of the VOCs and DMMP was possible with detection limits in the low ppm range.
The Influence of Various Distraction Stimuli on Affective Responses during Recumbent Cycle Ergometry
Authors: Miller Paul , Hall Eric , Bailey Elizabeth
Published: March 2016

(1) Background: Acute bouts of exercise have been associated with affective changes. Exercise supplemented with distraction may divert attention from unpleasant feelings commonly associated with exercise to more pleasant feelings. The purpose of this study was to compare affective responses to exercise with and without distraction. (2) Methods: 25 individuals volunteered for this investigation and completed all three conditions. This study included three 30 min cycle ergometry exercise conditions, a control condition with no stimuli and two test conditions; one supplemented with a self-selected video and the other self-selected music. The Feeling Scale (FS) was administered prior to, every 10 min during, immediately following, and 10 min post exercise. (3) Results: These data demonstrate a significant condition effect for FS during exercise. The condition effect was due to FS being greater in the video and distraction conditions. There was no time by condition interaction seen during exercise. (4) Conclusion: These data indicate that distraction may be effective in supporting a more pleasant exercise experience and could potentially increase exercise adherence.
The Value of Green Infrastructure on Vacant and Residential Land in Roanoke, Virginia
Authors: Kim Gunwoo , Miller Patrick , Nowak David
Published: March 2016

Using the City of Roanoke, Virginia as a study site, this paper quantifies the forest structure, ecosystem services and values of vacant and residential land. Single family residential land had more trees (1,683,000) than vacant land (210,000) due largely to the differences in land area (32.44 km2 of vacant land vs. 57.94 km2 residential). While the percentage of tree coverage was almost identical across land uses (30.6% in vacant to 32.3% in residential), the number of trees per ha is greater on residential land (290.3) than on vacant land (63.4). The average healthy leaf surface area on individual trees growing on vacant land was greater than that of individual trees on residential land. The fact that trees in vacant land were found to provide more ecosystem services per tree than residential trees was attributed to this leaf area difference. Trees on vacant land are growing in more natural conditions and there are more large trees per ha. Assessing the forest structure and ecosystem services of Roanoke’s vacant and residential land provides a picture of the current extent and condition of the vacant and residential land. Understanding these characteristics provides the information needed for improved management and utilization of urban vacant land and estimating green infrastructure value.
Use of Botulinum Toxin A in the Treatment of Lower Urinary Tract Disorders: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Moore David , Cohn Joshua , Dmochowski Roger
Published: March 2016

Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is used to treat a variety of ailments, and its therapeutic application in lower urinary tract disorders (LUTDs) is well studied. Robust evidence supporting the efficacy and tolerability of BoNT in the treatment of neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) and non-neurogenic overactive bladder (OAB) has led to regulatory approval for these conditions. Use of BoNT in the treatment of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome, chronic pelvic pain, and detrusor sphincter dyssynergia has demonstrated some promise, but is still evolving and off-label for these indications. Trials to date do not support the use of BoNT for benign prostatic hyperplasia. This comprehensive review outlines the mechanisms of BoNT in the treatment of LUTDs in adults and presents background and updated data examining the efficacy and adverse events associated with the use of BoNT in common urologic applications.
The Impact of Impervious Surface on Water Quality and Its Threshold in Korea
Authors: Kim Hakkwan , Jeong Hanseok , Jeon Jihye , Bae Seungjong
Published: March 2016

The change in the impervious-pervious balance has significantly altered the stream water quality, and thus the threshold of the impervious surface area in the watershed has been an active research topic for many years. The objective of this study is to verify the correlation between impervious surfaces and water quality and to determine the threshold of the percentage of the impervious surface area (PISA) for diagnosing the severity of future stream water quality problems in the watershed as well as regulating the PISA in Korea. Statistical results indicated that the PISA is a suitable indicator of water quality at the watershed scale and can illustrate the water quality problems caused by the impervious surface. In addition, the results from this study suggest that controlling the PISA within about 10% in watersheds is a fundamental strategy to mitigate the degradation of water quality.
SN 2012cg: EVIDENCE FOR INTERACTION BETWEEN A NORMAL SN Ia AND A NON-DEGENERATE BINARY COMPANION
Authors: Marion G. H. , Brown Peter J. , Vinkó Jozsef , Silverman Jeffrey M. , Sand David J. , Challis Peter , Kirshner Robert P. , Wheeler J. Craig , Berlind Perry , Brown Warren R. , Calkins Michael L. , Camacho Yssavo , Dhungana Govinda , Foley Ryan J. , Friedman Andrew S. , Graham Melissa L. , Howell D. Andrew , Hsiao Eric Y. , Irwin Jonathan M. , Jha Saurabh W. , Kehoe Robert , Macri Lucas M. , Maeda Keiichi , Mandel Kaisey , McCully Curtis , Pandya Viraj , Rines Kenneth J. , Wilhelmy Steven , Zheng Weikang
Published: March 2016

We report evidence for excess blue light from the Type Ia supernova (Sn Ia) SN 2012cg at 15 and 16 days before maximum B-band brightness. The emission is consistent with predictions for the impact of the supernova on a non-degenerate binary companion. This is the first evidence for emission from a companion to a normal SN Ia. Sixteen days before maximum light, the

color of SN 2012cg is 0.2 mag bluer than for other normal SN Ia. At later times, this supernova has a typical SN Ia light curve, with extinction-corrected

mag and

. Our data set is extensive, with photometry in seven filters from five independent sources. Early spectra also show the effects of blue light, and high-velocity features are observed at early times. Near maximum, the spectra are normal with a silicon velocity v
Si = −10,500 km s−1. Comparing the early data with models by Kasen favors a main-sequence companion of about six solar masses. It is possible that many other SN Ia have main-sequence companions that have eluded detection because the emission from the impact is fleeting and faint.
KINEMATIC DISTANCES OF GALACTIC PLANETARY NEBULAE
Authors: Yang A. Y. , Tian W. W. , Zhu H. , Leahy D. A. , Wu D.
Published: March 2016

We construct H i absorption spectra for 18 planetary nebulae (PNs) and their background sources using data from the International Galactic Plane Survey. We estimate the kinematic distances of these PNs, among which 15 objects’ kinematic distances are obtained for the first time. The distance uncertainties of 13 PNs range from 10% to 50%, which is a significant improvement with uncertainties of a factor of two or three smaller than most previous distance measurements. We confirm that PN G030.2−00.1 is not a PN because of its large distance found here.
EARLY-TYPE HOST GALAXIES OF TYPE Ia SUPERNOVAE. I. EVIDENCE FOR DOWNSIZING
Authors: Kang Yijung , Kim Young-Lo , Lim Dongwook , Chung Chul , Lee Young-Wook
Published: March 2016

Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) cosmology provides the most direct evidence for the presence of dark energy. This result is based on the assumption that the lookback time evolution of SN Ia luminosity, after light curve corrections, would be negligible. Recent studies show, however, that the Hubble residual (HR) of SN Ia is correlated with the mass and morphology of host galaxies, implying the possible dependence of SN Ia luminosity on host galaxy properties. In order to investigate this more directly, we have initiated a spectroscopic survey for early-type host galaxies, for which population age and metallicity can be more reliably determined from the absorption lines. In this first paper of the series, we present here the results from high signal-to-noise ratio (≳100 per pixel) spectra for 27 nearby host galaxies in the southern hemisphere. For the first time in host galaxy studies, we find a significant (∼3.9σ) correlation between host galaxy mass (velocity dispersion) and population age, which is consistent with the “downsizing” trend among non-host early-type galaxies. This result is rather insensitive to the choice of population synthesis models. Since we find no correlation with metallicity, our result suggests that stellar population age is mainly responsible for the relation between host mass and HR. If confirmed, this would imply that the luminosity evolution plays a major role in the systematic uncertainties of SN Ia cosmology.
SICK: THE SPECTROSCOPIC INFERENCE CRANK
Authors: Casey Andrew R.
Published: March 2016

There exists an inordinate amount of spectral data in both public and private astronomical archives that remain severely under-utilized. The lack of reliable open-source tools for analyzing large volumes of spectra contributes to this situation, which is poised to worsen as large surveys successively release orders of magnitude more spectra. In this article I introduce sick, the spectroscopic inference crank, a flexible and fast Bayesian tool for inferring astrophysical parameters from spectra. sick is agnostic to the wavelength coverage, resolving power, or general data format, allowing any user to easily construct a generative model for their data, regardless of its source. sick can be used to provide a nearest-neighbor estimate of model parameters, a numerically optimized point estimate, or full Markov Chain Monte Carlo sampling of the posterior probability distributions. This generality empowers any astronomer to capitalize on the plethora of published synthetic and observed spectra, and make precise inferences for a host of astrophysical (and nuisance) quantities. Model intensities can be reliably approximated from existing grids of synthetic or observed spectra using linear multi-dimensional interpolation, or a Cannon-based model. Additional phenomena that transform the data (e.g., redshift, rotational broadening, continuum, spectral resolution) are incorporated as free parameters and can be marginalized away. Outlier pixels (e.g., cosmic rays or poorly modeled regimes) can be treated with a Gaussian mixture model, and a noise model is included to account for systematically underestimated variance. Combining these phenomena into a scalar-justified, quantitative model permits precise inferences with credible uncertainties on noisy data. I describe the common model features, the implementation details, and the default behavior, which is balanced to be suitable for most astronomical applications. Using a forward model on low-resolution, high signal-to-noise ratio spectra of M67 stars reveals atomic diffusion processes on the order of 0.05 dex, previously only measurable with differential analysis techniques in high-resolution spectra. sick is easy to use, well-tested, and freely available online through GitHub under the MIT license.
A STAR-FORMING RING AROUND κ Ori 250 pc FROM THE SUN
Authors: Pillitteri I. , Wolk S. J. , Megeath S. T.
Published: March 2016

X-rays are a powerful probe of activity in early stages of star formation. They allow us to identify young stars even after they have lost the IR signatures of circumstellar disks and provide constraints on their distance. Here, we report on XMM-Newton observations that detect 121 young stellar objects (YSOs) in two fields between L1641 S and κ Ori. These observations extend the Survey of Orion A with XMM and Spitzer (SOXS). The YSOs are contained in a ring of gas and dust apparent at millimeter wavelengths, and in far-IR and near-IR surveys. The X-ray luminosity function of the YSOs detected in the two fields indicates a distance of 250–280 pc, much closer than the Orion A cloud and similar to distance estimates of κ Ori. We propose that the ring is a 5–8 pc diameter shell that has been swept up by κ Ori. This ring contains several groups of stars detected by Spitzer and WISE including one surrounding the Herbig Ae/Be stars V1818 Ori. In this interpretation, the κ Ori ring is one of several shells swept up by massive stars within the Orion Eridanus Superbubble and is unrelated to the southern portion of Orion A/L1641 S.
The Analysis Portal and the Swedish LifeWatch e-infrastructure for biodiversity research
Authors: Leidenberger Sonja , Käck Martin , Karlsson Björn , Kindvall Oskar
Published: March 2016

During the last years, more and more online portals were generated and are now available for ecologists to run advanced models with extensive data sets. Some examples are the Biodiversity Virtual e-Laboratory (BioVel) Portal (https://portal.biovel.eu) for ecological niche modelling and the Mobyle SNAP Workbench (https://snap.hpc.ncsu.edu) for evolutionary and population genetics analysis. Such portals have the main goal to facilitate the run of advanced models, through access to large-capacity computers or servers. In this study, we present the Analysis Portal (www.analysisportal.se), which is a part of the Swedish LifeWatch e-infrastructure for biodiversity research that combines a variety of Swedish web services to perform different kinds of dataprocessing.

For the first time, the Swedish Analysis Portal for integrated analysis of species occurrence data is described in detail. It was launched in 2013 and today, over 60 Million Swedish species observation records can be assessed, visualized and analyzed via the portal. Datasets can be assembled using sophisticated filtering tools, and combined with environmental and climatic data from a wide range of providers. Different validation tools, for example the official Swedish taxon concept database Dyntaxa, ensure high data quality. Results can be downloaded in different formats as maps, tables, diagrams and reports.
Le Nigeria, une puissance continentale imaginaire ?
Authors: Page Steve
Published: March 2016

En analysant la politique et les relations étrangères, de même que les représentations du Nigeria dans les domaines de la migration, de l’économie et du maintien de la paix, cet article pose la question de savoir si la démocratisation en cours donnera au Nigeria les moyens de s’affirmer comme une grande puissance africaine. Les conflits locaux débordant les frontières se nourrissent en premier lieu de déficiences institutionnelles de l’État nigérian. Tant que ces déficiences favorisent l’opacité et la corruption, dont plus d’une multinationale s’accommode, la population bénéficie peu des rapports économiques avec l’étranger et l’aspiration à un meilleur futur outre-mer reste largement partagée. On ne peut prédire quand les projets de pax nigeriana et de rayonnement économique gagneront en crédibilité, mais récemment plusieurs progrès en matière de gouvernance ont permis de surmonter des problèmes jusque-là attribués à la culture locale.
Des effets identitaires de la modernisation gestionnaire
Authors: Kaddouri Mokhtar
Published: March 2016

Résumé Distinguant, comme le fait Marc Uhalde, risque, incertitude probabiliste et incertitude radicale, l'article analyse les effets de la modernisation gestionnaire. Il met plus particulièrement l'accent sur les incertitudes épistémiques et identitaires ainsi que sur la façon dont les salariés s'engagent dans leurs activités pour ne pas subir les conséquences des transformations et de la crise qui les frappent de plein fouet au sein de leurs organisations. Les dynamiques identitaires dans lesquelles ils s'inscrivent leur permettent de résister et d'exister individuellement et collectivement.
L’intervention sociologique : un mode de production de connaissances entre science et société
Authors: Audoux Christine
Published: March 2016

Résumé La recherche intervention, théorisée par Marc Uhalde, est déployée dans les organisations par le sociologue pour produire des connaissances situées à des fins de transformation des rapports sociaux. Nous interrogeons la capacité de ce mode de recherche à produire des connaissances valides au regard de la discipline sociologique en le resituant dans la pluralité des rapports de production entre science et société. La recherche intervention, revisitée à l'aune des notions de « science en société » et de « démocratie technique », révèle les modalités hybrides qui la composent et en font une combinaison singulière entre production de connaissances à distance des acteurs de l'organisation et coproduction de sens et de capacités avec ces acteurs.
L’informatique, discipline scolaire
Authors: Archambault Jean-Pierre
Published: March 2016

L’informatique est partout, dans la vie quotidienne de chacun, l’entreprise et les administrations, la société. L’enjeu afférent est de donner à tous une culture générale informatique correspondant aux exigences de l’époque, de former l’homme, le travailleur et le citoyen, à savoir les missions traditionnelles de l’École.Selon quelles modalités ? L’approche pédagogique selon laquelle les apprentissages doivent se faire exclusivement à travers les usages de l’outil informatique dans les différentes matières scolaires existantes, traduite dans le B2i, s’est révélée être un échec, un échec prévisible d’ailleurs.Les sciences physiques sont devenues matière scolaire parce qu’elles sous-tendaient les réalisations de la société industrielle. Or le monde devient numérique... Un enseignement de spécialité optionnel « Informatique et Sciences du numérique » a été créé en Terminale S. Il entrera en vigueur à la rentrée 2012. Ce premier pas positif en appelle d’autres. Il existe une complémentarité entre l’informatique outil pour enseigner et l’informatique objet d’enseignement qui se renforcent mutuellement.Le long et tortueux cheminement de l’informatique discipline scolaire ne doit pas surprendre : le nouveau émerge toujours dans la douleur.
Practical Considerations for Standard Flaw Acceptance Criteria on Subsea Pipeline Girth Welds
Authors: Reeves K. D. , Tran T.
Published: March 2016

Modern subsea pipelines are now routinely exposed to high strains. When above yield they receive appropriate attention since Engineering Critical Assessment (ECA) derived flaw acceptance criteria would normally be considered mandatory. For stress based designs, (applied axial strain up to 0. 4%), standard flaw acceptance criteria, that originated with empirically based workmanship levels, will be applied unless an optional ECA has been performed. Some of the best current guidance for ECA on pipeline girth welds can be found in DNV-OS-F01 [1]. DNV also provide guidance for workmanship level flaw sizes, (height and length) to be used with Automated Ultrasonic Testing (AUT).

In this paper the tolerability of the DNV-guided workmanship level flaw sizes has been assessed using ECA. The methodology used in this study is in line with the guidance as per DNV-OS-F101 (2013) [1]. When applying this it can be seen that DNV-guided workmanship flaw sizes may not be considered appropriate when the applied strain approaches yield level. This finding implies that the extra testing and analysis required for ECA may result in more stringent acceptance criteria, which does not make sense and creates confusion in the industry. It may be that the recommended ECA methods are overly conservative or the recommended workmanship flaw sizes are not actually safe, or both.

New initiatives have recently been launched, (e.g. TWI) to standardize ECA for pipeline girth welds and based on the findings here it is recommended that these studies also check workmanship flaw acceptance and if necessary restrict further the domain in which they can be applied, e.g. adjust the maximum applied stress to well below yield. It would be useful if a standard ECA approach could consistently allow less stringent criteria over the domain that ‘workmanship’ acceptance criteria can be applied when overmatching weld strength and good toughness data are ensured by testing and enhanced welding control.