bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Skeletonization, Geometrical Analysis, and Finite Element Modeling of Nanoporous Gold Based on 3D Tomography Data
Authors: Richert Claudia , Huber Norbert
Published: April 2018

Various modeling approaches simplify and parametrize the complex network structure of nanoporous gold (NPG) for studying the structure–property relationship based on artificially generated structures. This paper presents a computational efficient and versatile finite element method (FEM) beam model that is based on skeletonization and diameter information derived from the original 3D focused ion beam-scanning electron microscope (FIB-SEM) tomography data of NPG. The geometrical skeleton network is thoroughly examined for a better understanding of the NPG structure. A skeleton FEM beam model is derived that can predict the macroscopic mechanical behavior of the material. Comparisons between the mechanical response of this skeleton beam model and a solid FEM model are conducted. Results showed that the biggest-sphere diameter algorithm implemented in the open-source software FIJI, commonly used for geometrical analysis of microstructural data, overestimates the diameter of the curved NPG ligaments. The larger diameters lead to a significant overestimation of macroscopic stiffness and strength by the skeleton FEM beam model. For a parabolic shaped ligament with only 20% variation in its diameter, a factor of more than two was found in stiffness. It is concluded that improved algorithms for image processing are needed that provide accurate diameter information along the ligament axis.
The Effects of Metalloid Elements on the Nanocrystallization Behavior and Soft Magnetic Properties of FeCBSiPCu Amorphous Alloys
Authors: Lu Zhichao , Li Hongxiang , Lei Zhifeng , Chang Chuntao , Wang Xianzhen , Lu Zhaoping
Published: April 2018

Soft magnetic properties of Fe-based metallic glasses (MGs) are dependent on their nanocrystallization behavior, particularly the precipitation of α-Fe embedded in the amorphous matrix. In this study, the effects of metalloid elements of C, B, Si, and P on thermal stability, nanocrystallization behavior, and soft magnetic properties of typical Fe-based amorphous alloys, i.e., the Fe-Cu-(CBSiP) glassy alloys, were investigated systematically. It is found that the addition of the metalloid elements can effectively retard the precipitation process of α-Fe during reheating of the Fe-based MGs due to the long-range diffusion of the metalloids; however, their individual effects on the compositional portioning and formation of other crystalline phases are varied. To achieve desirable soft magnetic properties, a species of metalloids and their concentrations have to be carefully controlled so that the formation of α-Fe does not interfere with that of other crystalline phases, especially those hard-magnetic phases.
Growth Morphologies and Primary Solidification Modes in a Dissimilar Weld between a Low-Alloy Steel and an Austenitic Stainless Steel
Authors: Mas Fanny , Tassin Catherine , Roch François , Yescas Miguel , Todeschini Patrick , Bréchet Yves
Published: April 2018

Dissimilar welds close to the fusion boundary exhibit a variety of solidification microstructures that strongly impact their service behavior. Investigations were therefore undertaken to clarify the origins of the morphological and microstructural evolutions encountered in a 18MND5/309L dissimilar joint produced by submerged arc welding, using a combination of microstructural characterizations, thermodynamic computations, and solidification modelling. An unexpected evolution was observed in the solidification mode, from primary austenite towards primary ferrite with increasing growth rate. Solidification of austenite at the fusion boundary was assigned to its epitaxial growth on the metastable austenitic structure of the base metal resulting from an incipient melting mechanism. The evolution of the solidification mode toward primary ferrite was explained based on computations of the solute built up between austenite cells followed using the so-called “interface response function model”. Analyzing macro- and microstructural characteristic lengths with the published solidification model and data enabled evaluation of local values of the solidification rate, thermal gradient, and cooling rate close to the fusion boundary, thus providing useful data for numerical modelling of the submerged arc-welding process.
Biflavonoids Isolated from Selaginella tamariscina and Their Anti-Inflammatory Activities via ERK 1/2 Signaling
Authors: Shim Sun-Yup , Lee Seul-gi , Lee Mina
Published: April 2018

Selaginella tamariscina (S. tamariscina) (Beauv.) Spring (Selaginellaceae) has been used in oriental medicine for the treatment of dysmenorrhea, chronic hepatitis, hyperglycemia, amenorrhea, hematuria, prolapse of the anus and metrorrhagia. In the present study, we isolated two strong anti-inflammatory compounds, the biflavonoids hinokiflavone (H) and 7′-O-methyl hinokiflavone (mH), from S. tamariscina and examined their anti-inflammatory activities in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated murine macrophages (RAW 264.7) and colon epithelial cells (HT-29). H and mH suppressed the production of the inflammatory mediators nitric oxide (NO), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and tumor-necrosis factor (TNF)-α, which are most highly activated in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In addition, Western blot analysis revealed that H and mH suppressed the LPS-induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and the activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and extracellular regulated kinases (ERK) 1/2. These results suggest that H and mH are compounds having potent anti-inflammatory effects that could be used to treat such diseases as IBD.
Pursuing Intracellular Pathogens with Hyaluronan. From a ‘Pro-Infection’ Polymer to a Biomaterial for ‘Trojan Horse’ Systems
Authors: Montanari Elita , Di Meo Chiara , Oates Angela , Coviello Tommasina , Matricardi Pietro
Published: April 2018

Hyaluronan (HA) is among the most important bioactive polymers in mammals, playing a key role in a number of biological functions. In the last decades, it has been increasingly studied as a biomaterial for drug delivery systems, thanks to its physico-chemical features and ability to target and enter certain cells. The most important receptor of HA is ‘Cluster of Differentiation 44’ (CD44), a cell surface glycoprotein over-expressed by a number of cancers and heavily involved in HA endocytosis. Moreover, CD44 is highly expressed by keratinocytes, activated macrophages and fibroblasts, all of which can act as ‘reservoirs’ for intracellular pathogens. Interestingly, both CD44 and HA appear to play a key role for the invasion and persistence of such microorganisms within the cells. As such, HA is increasingly recognised as a potential target for nano-carriers development, to pursuit and target intracellular pathogens, acting as a ‘Trojan Horse’. This review describes the biological relationship between HA, CD44 and the entry and survival of a number of pathogens within the cells and the subsequent development of HA-based nano-carriers for enhancing the intracellular activity of antimicrobials.
Talarodiolide, a New 12-Membered Macrodiolide, and GC/MS Investigation of Culture Filtrate and Mycelial Extracts of Talaromyces pinophilus
Authors: Salvatore Maria Michela , DellaGreca Marina , Nicoletti Rosario , Salvatore Francesco , Vinale Francesco , Naviglio Daniele , Andolfi Anna
Published: April 2018

Talarodiolide, a new 12-membered macrodiolide, was isolated and characterized from the culture filtrate of strain LT6 of Talaromyces pinophilus. The structure of (Z)-4,10-dimethyl-1,7-dioxa-cyclododeca-3,9-diene-2,8-dione was assigned essentially based on NMR and MS data. Furthermore, several known compounds were isolated and identified in the crude extract of the culture filtrate and mycelium of this strain. EI mass spectrum at 70 eV of all isolated metabolites was acquired and compiled in a custom GC/MS library to be employed to detect metabolites in the crude extracts.
Recent Advances in Metal Chalcogenides (MX; X = S, Se) Nanostructures for Electrochemical Supercapacitor Applications: A Brief Review
Authors: Theerthagiri Jayaraman , Karuppasamy K. , Durai Govindarajan , Rana Abu ul Hassan Sarwar , Arunachalam Prabhakarn , Sangeetha Kirubanandam , Kuppusami Parasuraman , Kim Hyun-Seok
Published: April 2018

Supercapacitors (SCs) have received a great deal of attention and play an important role for future self-powered devices, mainly owing to their higher power density. Among all types of electrical energy storage devices, electrochemical supercapacitors are considered to be the most promising because of their superior performance characteristics, including short charging time, high power density, safety, easy fabrication procedures, and long operational life. An SC consists of two foremost components, namely electrode materials, and electrolyte. The selection of appropriate electrode materials with rational nanostructured designs has resulted in improved electrochemical properties for high performance and has reduced the cost of SCs. In this review, we mainly spotlight the non-metallic oxide, especially metal chalcogenides (MX; X = S, Se) based nanostructured electrode materials for electrochemical SCs. Different non-metallic oxide materials are highlighted in various categories, such as transition metal sulfides and selenides materials. Finally, the designing strategy and future improvements on metal chalcogenide materials for the application of electrochemical SCs are also discussed.
Effects of Whey Protein Hydrolysate Ingestion on Postprandial Aminoacidemia Compared with a Free Amino Acid Mixture in Young Men
Authors: Nakayama Kyosuke , Sanbongi Chiaki , Ikegami Shuji
Published: April 2018

To stimulate muscle protein synthesis, it is important to increase the plasma levels of essential amino acids (EAA), especially leucine, by ingesting proteins. Protein hydrolysate ingestion can induce postprandial hyperaminoacidemia; however, it is unclear whether protein hydrolysate is associated with higher levels of aminoacidemia compared with a free amino acid mixture when both are ingested orally. We assessed the effects of whey protein hydrolysate (WPH) ingestion on postprandial aminoacidemia, especially plasma leucine levels, compared to ingestion of a free amino acid mixture. This study was an open-label, randomized, 4 × 4 Latin square design. After 12–15 h of fasting, 11 healthy young men ingested the WPH (3.3, 5.0, or 7.5 g of protein) or the EAA mixture (2.5 g). Blood samples were collected before ingestion and at time points from 10 to 120 min after ingestion, and amino acids, insulin, glucose and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations in plasma were measured. Even though the EAA mixture and 5.0 g of the WPH contained similar amounts of EAA and leucine, the WPH was associated with significantly higher plasma EAA and leucine levels. These results suggest that the WPH can induce a higher level of aminoacidemia compared with a free amino acid mixture when both are ingested orally.
Factors Influencing Parental Engagement in an Early Childhood Obesity Prevention Program Implemented at Scale: The Infant Program
Authors: Love Penelope , Laws Rachel , Litterbach Eloise , Campbell Karen J.
Published: April 2018

The ‘early years’ is a crucial period for the prevention of childhood obesity. Health services are well placed to deliver preventive programs to families, however, they usually rely on voluntary attendance, which is challenging given low parental engagement. This study explored factors influencing engagement in the Infant Program: a group-based obesity prevention program facilitated by maternal and child health nurses within first-time parent groups. Six 1.5 h sessions were delivered at three-month intervals when the infants were 3–18 months. A multi-site qualitative exploratory approach was used, and program service providers and parents were interviewed. Numerous interrelated factors were identified, linked to two themes: the transition to parenthood, and program processes. Personal factors enabling engagement included parents’ heightened need for knowledge, affirmation and social connections. Adjusting to the baby’s routine and increased parental self-efficacy were associated with diminished engagement. Organisational factors that challenged embedding program delivery into routine practice included aspects of program promotion, referral and scheduling and workforce resources. Program factors encompassed program content, format, resources and facilitators, with the program being described as meeting parental expectations, although some messages were perceived as difficult to implement. The study findings provide insight into potential strategies to address modifiable barriers to parental engagement in early-year interventions.
Seed Dormancy Involves a Transcriptional Program That Supports Early Plastid Functionality during Imbibition
Authors: Gianinetti Alberto , Finocchiaro Franca , Bagnaresi Paolo , Zechini Antonella , Faccioli Primetta , Cattivelli Luigi , Valè Giampiero , Biselli Chiara
Published: April 2018

Red rice fully dormant seeds do not germinate even under favorable germination conditions. In several species, including rice, seed dormancy can be removed by dry-afterripening (warm storage); thus, dormant and non-dormant seeds can be compared for the same genotype. A weedy (red) rice genotype with strong dormancy was used for mRNA expression profiling, by RNA-Seq, of dormant and non-dormant dehulled caryopses (here addressed as seeds) at two temperatures (30 °C and 10 °C) and two durations of incubation in water (8 h and 8 days). Aim of the study was to highlight the differences in the transcriptome of dormant and non-dormant imbibed seeds. Transcript data suggested important differences between these seeds (at least, as inferred by expression-based metabolism reconstruction): dry-afterripening seems to impose a respiratory impairment onto non-dormant seeds, thus glycolysis is deduced to be preferentially directed to alcoholic fermentation in non-dormant seeds but to alanine production in dormant ones; phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, pyruvate phosphate dikinase and alanine aminotransferase pathways appear to have an important gluconeogenetic role associated with the restoration of plastid functions in the dormant seed following imbibition; correspondingly, co-expression analysis pointed out a commitment to guarantee plastid functionality in dormant seeds. At 8 h of imbibition, as inferred by gene expression, dormant seeds appear to preferentially use carbon and nitrogen resources for biosynthetic processes in the plastid, including starch and proanthocyanidins accumulation. Chromatin modification appears to be a possible mechanism involved in the transition from dormancy to germination. Non-dormant seeds show higher expression of genes related to cell wall modification, suggesting they prepare for acrospire/radicle elongation.
The Role of Chain Molecular Weight and Hofmeister Series Ions in Thermal Aggregation of Poly(2-Isopropyl-2-Oxazoline) Grafted Nanoparticles
Authors: Schroffenegger Martina , Zirbs Ronald , Kurzhals Steffen , Reimhult Erik
Published: April 2018

Thermoresponsive nanoparticles are promising smart materials for many applications. However, a rational design for applications requires a deeper understanding and experimental verification of the various parameters that influence the thermoresponsiveness of the spherical polymer brushes that define most of such nanomaterials. Therefore, we investigate superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) grafted with poly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline) (6–33 kg mol−1) by temperature-cycled dynamic light scattering and differential scanning calorimetry. The grafting of dense spherical polymer brushes leads to lower aggregation temperatures and transition enthalpies when compared with the free polymer. The transition enthalpy and temperature depend on the polymer shell size and structure. The addition of kosmotropic salts decreases the aggregation temperature following the Hofmeister series.
Laboratory Investigation of Granite Permeability after High-Temperature Exposure
Authors: He Lixin , Yin Qian , Jing Hongwen
Published: April 2018

This study experimentally analysed the influence of temperature levels (200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 800 °C) on the permeability of granite samples. At each temperature level, the applied confining pressure was in the range of 10–30 MPa, and the inlet hydraulic pressure varied below the corresponding confining pressure. The results are as follows: (i) With an increase in the temperature level, induced micro-fractures in the granites develop, and the decrement ratios of both the P-wave velocity and the density of the granite increase; (ii) The relationship between the volume flow rate and the pressure gradient is demonstrably linear and fits very well with Darcy’s law. The equivalent permeability coefficient shows an increasing trend with the temperature, and it can be best described using the mathematical expression K0 = A × 1.01T; (iii) For a given temperature level, as the confining pressure increases, the transmissivity shows a decrease, and the rate of its decrease diminishes gradually.
How Does Distress Acquisition Incentivized by Government Purchases of Distressed Loans Affect Bank Default Risk?
Authors: Lin Jyh-Jiuan , Chang Chuen-Ping , Chen Shi
Published: April 2018

The topic of bank default risk in connection with government bailouts has recently attracted a great deal of attention. In this paper, the question of how a bank’s default risk is affected by a distress acquisition is investigated. Specifically, the government provides a bailout program of distressed loan purchases for a strong bank to acquire a bank in distress. The acquirer bank may likely refuse the acquisition with a bailout when the amount of distressed loan purchases is large or the knock-out value of the acquired bank is high. When the acquirer bank realizes acquisition gains, the default risk in the consolidated bank’s equity return is negatively related to loan purchases, but positively to the knock-out value of the acquired bank. The government bailout, as such, in large part contributes to banking stability.
Downscaling of ASTER Thermal Images Based on Geographically Weighted Regression Kriging
Authors: Pereira Osvaldo José Ribeiro , Melfi Adolpho José , Montes Célia Regina , Lucas Yves
Published: April 2018

The lower spatial resolution of thermal infrared (TIR) satellite images and derived land surface temperature (LST) is one of the biggest challenges in mapping temperature at a detailed map scale. An extensive range of scientific and environmental applications depend on the availability of fine spatial resolution temperature data. All satellite-based sensor systems that are equipped with a TIR detector depict a spatial resolution that is coarser than most of the multispectral bands of the same system. Certain studies may therefore be not feasible if applied in areas that depict a high spatial variation in temperature at small spatial scales, such as urban centers and flooded pristine areas. To solve this problem, this study applied an image downscaling method to enhance the spatial resolution of LST data by combining TIR, multispectral images, and derived data, such as Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), according to the geographically weighted regression (GWRK) and area-to-point kriging of regressed residuals. The resulting LST images of the natural and anthropogenic urban areas of the Brazilian Pantanal are very highly correlated to the reference LST images. The approach, combining ASTER TIR with ASTER visible/infrared (VNIR) and Sentinel-2 images according to the GWRK method, performed better than all of the remaining state-of-the-art downscaling methods.
Effects of Thinning on the Spatial Structure of Larix principis-rupprechtii Plantation
Authors: Ye Shengxing , Zheng Zhirong , Diao Zhaoyan , Ding Guodong , Bao Yanfeng , Liu Yundong , Gao Guanglei
Published: April 2018

Structure-based forest management is a scientific and easy-to-operate method for sustainable forest management. We analyzed the stand spatial structure of Larix principis-rupprechtii plantation under five reserve densities. The results indicated that with the decrease of densities after thinning, the average mingling degree and uniform angle index had an increasing tendency, but the amplitude was small. Most of the trees were in zero mix, and a few of them were in moderate, strong, and relatively strong mix; the horizontal distribution patterns were uniform or near-uniform random. The distribution of neighborhood comparison and opening degree changed with a fluctuant pattern, but thinning decreased the competitive intensities to some extent. A composite structure index (Ci) was established, based on the relative importance of the above four indicators, to evaluate the overall effect of thinning on stand structure characteristics. The findings showed that Ci increased with the increase of thinning intensity, that is, the stand spatial structure became more complex. This indicated that Ci may be a simple and rapid indicator to evaluate the overall effect of thinning on stand spatial structure within densities after thinning.
Understanding the Dynamics of the Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations of Taxicabs in the Context of a Subsidy War among E-Hailing Apps
Authors: Su Rongxiang , Fang Zhixiang , Luo Ningxin , Zhu Jingwei
Published: April 2018

The locations where taxicabs pick up and drop off passengers are crucial to understanding the dynamics of taxi trip demand. Investigating their spatial distribution and derived dynamic features is still a key task in the fields of urban geography and transportation. Such investigations are urgently needed, considering the competition created by new communication technology services, specifically e-hailing apps such as Uber, Didi and Kuaidi. For example, a subsidy war between two e-hailing apps occurred in China in 2014. However, how the pick-up and drop-off locations of taxicabs change during subsidy wars is still an open question. This paper introduces a methodological framework that can be used to derive the pick-up and drop-off dynamics of taxicabs. It also proposes three indexes that can be used to assess the dynamics of the pick-up and drop-off locations at the city and sub-district scales, namely the numbers of daily pick ups and drop offs per taxi, average transfer distance per unit area of weighted mean centers of pick-up and drop-off locations, and degree of dispersion in the spatial distribution of pick-up and drop-off locations. This paper employs data from taxicabs in the city of Shenzhen to uncover the dynamics of their pick-up and drop-off locations. The results show that the methodological framework and the indexes introduced are powerful tools for uncovering the dynamics of the pick-up and drop-off locations of taxicabs in urban environments.
Urban Vulnerability in Spanish Medium-Sized Cities during the Post-Crisis Period (2009–2016). The Cases of A Coruña and Vigo (Spain)
Authors: Piñeira-Mantiñán María José , Durán-Villa Francisco R. , Taboada-Failde José
Published: April 2018

The economic crisis and post-crisis austerity policies have had harmful effects on urban spaces, mainly in those neighborhoods that have historically been characterized by their vulnerability (social problems, long-term unemployment, low incomes, immigration, etc.). This vulnerability has become more evident in cities that are greater in size (Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville). However, such casuistry is also observed in medium-sized cities (250,000–500,000 inhabitants) that are prominent urban and economic hubs in their regions. In this article we will analyze to what extent the crisis has impacted the different urban sectors through the analysis of degree of vulnerability. For this, the cities of A Coruña and Vigo—the two main urban poles of the Autonomous Region of Galicia—will be taken as case studies. In addition, we will analyze the proposals to combat vulnerability presented by the ruling parties in their programs for the 2015 municipal elections. Elections that in Spain marked a turning point in the form of governance and priorities to attend (attention to those most affected by the crisis, stop eviction processes, reduction of intra-urban inequality). We will analyze to what extent they have implemented.
Methyl isocyanide as a convertible functional group for the synthesis of spirocyclic oxindole γ-lactams via post-Ugi-4CR/transamidation/cyclization in a one-pot, three-step sequence
Authors: Maddirala Amarendar Reddy , Andreana Peter R
Published: April 2018

The synthesis of spiro[indoline-3,2'-pyrrole]-2,5'(1'H)-diones and spiro[indoline-3,2'-pyrrolidine]-2,5'-diones, via a post-Ugi-domino transamidation/cyclization sequential process, has been achieved in three sequential steps utilizing a one-pot reaction protocol. The variation in carboxylic acid substrates allows for the generation of new chiral racemic quaternary carbon centers under basic conditions providing molecular diversity and a small library of spirocyclic oxindoles.
BIURO PATALPOS ŠILUMOS PRITEKIŲ EKSPERIMENTINIS TYRIMAS
Authors: Juršėnaitė Laura , Motuzienė Violeta
Published: April 2018

Pastato mikroklimatui bei šiluminiam režimui didelę įtaką daro vidiniai (nuo patalpoje dirbančių žmonių, naudojamos
įrangos, dirbtinio apšvietimo) ir išoriniai (nuo saulės spinduliuotės pro langus) šilumos pritekiai. Projektuojant
pastatus iškyla tam tikrų problemų numatant jų energijos poreikį. Vidiniai pritekiai dažniausiai nustatomi tik apytiksliai,
naudojant normose pateiktus dydžius, tačiau jie gali smarkiai skirtis nuo susidarančių jau eksploatuojamame pastate. Artėjant
laikui, kuomet pastatai turės būti beveik nulinės energijos, vidinių šilumos pritekių įtaka pastato šilumos balansui
didėja. Tokiems pastatams būdingas aukšto lygio sandarumas ir visiška atskirtis nuo aplinkos, todėl svarbu nustatyti pastato
viduje vykstančių procesų įtaką. Dideliais vidiniais šilumos pritekiais pasižymi informacinių technologijų (IT) personalo
biurai, dėl juose gausiai naudojamos kompiuterinės įrangos, intensyvaus apšvietimo bei darbuotojų gausos. Todėl šiame
darbe pasirinktas tyrimo objektas yra IT personalo biuras. Jo šilumos pritekiai nustatomi eksperimentiniu būdu. Lyginant
su pateikiamais LST EN ISO 13779 normose dydžiais vidiniai šilumos pritekiai nustatyti eksperimentiniu būdu yra 47 %
didesni.
Excitation of Ion Cyclotron Waves by Ion and Electron Beams in Compensated-current System
Authors: Xiang L. , Wu D. J. , Chen L.
Published: April 2018

Ion cyclotron waves (ICWs) can play important roles in the energization of plasma particles. Charged particle beams are ubiquitous in space, and astrophysical plasmas and can effectively lead to the generation of ICWs. Based on linear kinetic theory, we consider the excitation of ICWs by ion and electron beams in a compensated-current system. We also investigate the competition between reactive and kinetic instabilities. The results show that ion and electron beams both are capable of generating ICWs. For ICWs driven by ion beams, there is a critical beam velocity, v

bi

c
, and critical wavenumber, k

z

c
, for a fixed beam density; the reactive instability dominates the growth of ICWs when the ion-beam velocity

and the wavenumber

, and the maximal growth rate is reached at

for a given

. For the slow ion beams with

, the kinetic instability can provide important growth rates of ICWs. On the other hand, ICWs driven by electron beams are excited only by the reactive instability, but require a critical velocity,

(the Alfvén velocity). In addition, the comparison between the approximate analytical results based on the kinetic theory and the exact numerical calculation based on the fluid model demonstrates that the reactive instabilities can well agree quantitatively with the numerical results by the fluid model. Finally, some possible applications of the present results to ICWs observed in the solar wind are briefly discussed.
A Short-term ESPERTA-based Forecast Tool for Moderate-to-extreme Solar Proton Events
Authors: Laurenza M. , Alberti T. , Cliver E. W.
Published: April 2018

The ESPERTA (Empirical model for Solar Proton Event Real Time Alert) forecast tool has a Probability of Detection (POD) of 63% for all >10 MeV events with proton peak intensity ≥10 pfu (i.e., ≥S1 events, S1 referring to minor storms on the NOAA Solar Radiation Storms scale), from 1995 to 2014 with a false alarm rate (FAR) of 38% and a median (minimum) warning time (WT) of ∼4.8 (0.4) hr. The NOAA space weather scale includes four additional categories: moderate (S2), strong (S3), severe (S4), and extreme (S5). As S1 events have only minor impacts on HF radio propagation in the polar regions, the effective threshold for significant space radiation effects appears to be the S2 level (100 pfu), above which both biological and space operation impacts are observed along with increased effects on HF propagation in the polar regions. We modified the ESPERTA model to predict ≥S2 events and obtained a POD of 75% (41/55) and an FAR of 24% (13/54) for the 1995–2014 interval with a median (minimum) WT of ∼1.7 (0.2) hr based on predictions made at the time of the S1 threshold crossing. The improved performance of ESPERTA for ≥S2 events is a reflection of the big flare syndrome, which postulates that the measures of the various manifestations of eruptive solar flares increase as one considers increasingly larger events.
Habitability from Tidally Induced Tectonics
Authors: Valencia Diana , Tan Vivian Yun Yan , Zajac Zachary
Published: April 2018

The stability of Earth’s climate on geological timescales is enabled by the carbon–silicate cycle that acts as a negative feedback mechanism stabilizing surface temperatures via the intake and outgassing of atmospheric carbon. On Earth, this thermostat is enabled by plate tectonics that sequesters outgassed CO2 back into the mantle via weathering and subduction at convergent margins. Here we propose a separate tectonic mechanism—vertical recycling—that can serve as the vehicle for CO2 outgassing and sequestration over long timescales. The mechanism requires continuous tidal heating, which makes it particularly relevant to planets in the habitable zone of M stars. Dynamical models of this vertical recycling scenario and stability analysis show that temperate climates stable over timescales of billions of years are realized for a variety of initial conditions, even as the M star dims over time. The magnitude of equilibrium surface temperatures depends on the interplay of sea weathering and outgassing, which in turn depends on planetary carbon content, so that planets with lower carbon budgets are favored for temperate conditions. The habitability of planets such as found in the Trappist-1 system may be rooted in tidally driven tectonics.
A Long Decay of X-Ray Flux and Spectral Evolution in the Supersoft Active Galactic Nucleus GSN 069
Authors: Shu X. W. , Wang S. S. , Dou L. M. , Jiang N. , Wang J. X. , Wang T. G.
Published: April 2018

GSN 069 is an optically identified very low-mass active galactic nuclei (AGN) that shows supersoft X-ray emission. The source is known to exhibit a huge X-ray outburst, with flux increased by more than a factor of ∼240 compared to the quiescence state. We report its long-term evolution in the X-ray flux and spectral variations over a timescale of ∼decade, using both new and archival X-ray observations from the XMM-Newton and Swift. The new Swift observations detected the source in its lowest level of X-ray activity since the outburst, a factor of ∼4 lower in the 0.2–2 keV flux than that obtained with the XMM-Newton observations nearly eight years ago. Combining with the historical X-ray measurements, we find that the X-ray flux is decreasing slowly. There seemed to be spectral softening associated with the drop of X-ray flux. In addition, we find evidence for the presence of a weak, variable, hard X-ray component, in addition to the dominant thermal blackbody emission reported before. The long decay of X-ray flux and spectral evolution, as well as the supersoft X-ray spectra, suggest that the source could be a tidal disruption event (TDE), though a highly variable AGN cannot be fully ruled out. Further continued X-ray monitoring would be required to test the TDE interpretation, by better determining the flux evolution in the decay phase.
A new species of Pristimantis (Anura, Craugastoridae) from the Cajas Massif, southern Ecuador
Authors: Sánchez-Nivicela Juan C. , Celi-Piedra Elvis , Posse-Sarmiento Valentina , Urgilés Verónica L. , Yánez-Muñoz Mario , Cisneros-Heredia Diego F.
Published: April 2018

A new species ofPristimantisis described from the highland paramos on the eastern slopes of the Cajas Massif, southern Andes of Ecuador, at 3400 m. This new species is characterized by having a distinctive reddish color, cutaneous macroglands in suprascapular region and surfaces of arm and legs, and by lacking dentigerous processes of vomers. The cutaneous macroglands are similar to those exhibited by several species of thePristimantisorcesigroup, and may suggest a close phylogenetic relationship. The new species could be a latitudinal substitution ofPristimantisorcesiin the southern Andes of Ecuador.
Revenu pour toutes et tous : l’introuvable universalité
Authors: Eydoux Anne
Published: April 2018

Les propositions d’expérimenter ou de généraliser un revenu universel ont refleuri dans le débat public en France, dans un contexte marqué par la récession et les élections présidentielles. Ce revenu universel est censé porter une redistribution de nature à éviter certains problèmes posés par la conditionnalité des minima sociaux classiques (non recours, non accès). Mais son universalité mérite d’être interrogée. Cet article commence par une analyse détaillée des propositions de revenu universel récemment débattues en France. Il étudie ensuite, à partir de l’examen d’expériences ou d’expérimentations se réclamant du dispositif, la possibilité d’une mise en œuvre à grande échelle. Il questionne également les propositions de revenu universel dans une perspective de genre, en montrant qu’elles sont au mieux aveugles aux inégalités, et en soulignant qu’elles s’inscrivent souvent dans un déni de la centralité du travail. L’article conclut à l’introuvable universalité du dispositif.
Impact du Crédit d’impôt recherche
Authors: Salies Evens
Published: April 2018

Cet article propose une revue de la littérature des études d’impact du Crédit d’impôt recherche (CIR). Après un examen des facteurs de souscription au CIR, nous faisons une synthèse des effets du dispositif sur les dépenses de recherche et développement (RD) et autres variables retenues dans ces études. Parmi les résultats saillants, le poids de la RD et l’accès aux aides à la RD dans le passé affectent significativement la décision de souscrire au CIR. L’effet d’addition du CIR sur les dépenses de RD l’emporte, même s’il n’est pas garanti à moyen terme et s’il est plus probable pour des montants de CIR moyens. Avant 2004, l’effet qui l’emporte est plutôt un effet de substitution dès lors que les montants de CIR sont faibles. La réforme de 2008 n’aurait pas d’effet sur les dépôts de brevets ; ce résultat reste cependant à confirmer. En outre, l’effet du CIR sur l’embauche de chercheurs est élevé, malgré des effets d’aubaine probables pour les petites entreprises. Nous discutons également quelques problèmes relatifs au protocole expérimental et à la spécification des modèles estimés pour le calcul des effets du CIR. Parmi ces problèmes, nous relevons la trop grande hétérogénéité des sous-populations retenues, l’inadéquation de la variable CIR à sa définition légale et l’omission de variables-clés d’appariement.
Décrire et faire les territoires de la ville en marchant
Authors: Schaut Christine
Published: April 2018

Cet article porte l’ambition de prolonger celle de Certeau et de Debord de faire apparaître la ville par la marche laquelle, à leurs yeux, n’est pas seulement une méthodologie de recueil de données parmi d’autres mais est aussi une prise de position à l’égard d’un modèle de vi(ll)e au ras des expériences ordinaires et quotidiennes.
De la ville-refuge aux sanctuary cities : l’idéal de la ville comme territoire d’hospitalité
Authors: Boudou Benjamin
Published: April 2018

En 2015, pendant quelques jours entre fin août et début septembre, près de 63 000 réfugiés arrivent en gare de Munich, accueillis sur les quais par des mots de bienvenue. C’est bien aux portes identifiées par Le Corbusier que les réfugiés se sont présentés, et c’est bien la ville qui est devenue le premier point de contact entre l’intérieur et l’extérieur de la communauté politique.
La ville de Yaoundé : un volcan linguistique actif
Authors: Essono Louis Martin Onguéné
Published: April 2018

Le Cameroun pays bilingue français/anglais héberge une importante diversité géographique, sociologique, culturelle, économique et linguistique. Sa fulgurante évolution démographique croît de 9 % en moyenne. La population est jeune, variée et constituée de sans-emplois, de travailleurs informels. En 2017, le pays compte 23248044 habitants répartis en deux cents ethnies locutrices de 300 langues locales.
End-of-Life Education and Discussions With Assisted Living Certified Nursing Assistants
Authors: Mohlman Wendy L. , Dassel Kara , Supiano Katherine P. , Caserta Michael
Published: April 2018

In previous work, the current researchers examined attitudes and experiences of certified nursing assistants (CNAs) providing end-of-life (EOL) care in an assisted living facility (ALF). Results showed that 70% of participating CNAs felt unprepared to provide EOL care, largely due to not having received prior EOL care education within their schools or workplaces. Therefore, the goal of the current study was to implement and evaluate EOL and postmortem education to ALF CNAs. A focus group of 14 CNAs within an ALF was provided EOL education pertaining to the physiological and psychological changes observed in patients nearing EOL and postmortem care. Immediately following training, CNAs participated in a 30-minute focus group in which they discussed their experiences and educational needs regarding EOL care. Responses were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for common themes using descriptive qualitative inquiry. All participants reported that CNA programs need to place greater emphasis on teaching EOL care, and 80% desired continuing education on EOL care through their employers. There is a need for CNAs to receive EOL care education to understand the psychological and physical signs and symptoms associated with the dying process to provide best practices in postmortem care. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 44
(6), 41–48.]
Lean Perspectives: A Case for Implementing Parent–Child Relational Problem Screening
Authors: Okeoma Bryson C.
Published: April 2018

The purpose of the current study was to make a case for instituting parent–child relational problem (PCRP) screening as a standard of care in pediatric inpatient psychiatric units due to increasing evidence that PCRP may be an underreported problem that affects more adolescents than currently realized. Adolescents who are admitted to the hospital for mood exacerbation, suicidal ideation, self-harm behavior, or behavioral escalation may improve and be discharged. However, these adolescents often are readmitted, which may be associated with parent–child relational factors. By identifying adolescents with PCRP and initiating holistic therapy/intervention that addresses the underlying cause of their PCRP, it may be possible to improve the parent–adolescent relationship and break the cycle of admission, discharge, and readmission. PCRP is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for development and progression of childhood mental illnesses. Investment in screening and treatment for PCRP may result in significant cost savings from prevention or reduction of rehospitalization and/or amelioration of disability. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 56
(9), 27–32.]
Adolescent Sexual Health and Education: Where Does the Pediatrician's Responsibility Fall?
Authors: Dawson Rachel S.
Published: April 2018

Adolescence is a stressful time with a considerable amount of change, not only physically, with all the changes expected throughout puberty, but also emotionally, spiritually, and psychosocially. Teens are learning how to build and sustain relationships, learning boundaries in all areas of their lives, experimenting, as well as setting values that will sustain them throughout their lives. Home, school, various social settings, and places of worship all contribute to where adolescents learn what their values are, what they want their values to be, and how they start to make choices about their personal beliefs, which may not always align with their family values. Adolescents spend most of their time in school, so the classroom is a logical place where certain discussions, such as puberty and sexuality, should happen regarding changes that are occurring with their bodies. The home environment, as well as the willingness of parents to have open, honest dialogue about sexual education, is also a vital component of ensuring that adolescents feel safe to openly discuss this topic. Pediatric clinicians also play an important role in helping to inform adolescents and their families about sexual health and development.

[
Pediatr Ann.
2018;47(4):e136–e139.]
L’Aswadien : réévaluation de sa mise en évidence
Authors: Cauvin Marie-Claire
Published: April 2018

Il s’agit d’une critique de l’échantillon d’artefacts lithiques sur lequel des critères ont été choisis (caractères technologiques de pointes de flèches et de grandes lames) pour dater la phase IA de Tell Aswad du PPNA et en faire ainsi une culture spécifique, l’Aswadien. Cette réflexion, menée dans une perspective historique, permet de comprendre comment ces mêmes critères montrent l’appartenance au PPNB de ce magnifique site que redécouvrent les fouilles récentes. L’Aswadien perd ainsi sa signification.
Chronology of the Jafr Prehistory and Protohistory: a Key to the Process of Pastoral Nomadization in the Southern Levant
Authors: Fujii Sumio
Published: April 2018

La question de l’établissement d’une séquence chronologique est primordiale dans le cadre de l’archéologie de la Badia du Levant Sud, afin de permettre de définir une typo-chronologie des différentes structures rencontrées dans les périphéries désertiques. Les sites du Bassin d’al-Jafr, dans le sud de la Jordanie, permettent d’apporter des éléments de réponse significatifs sur cette question. Les recherches effectuées dans cette région ont montré que l’occupation post-pléistocène a commencé au cours du PPNB par le développement d’établissements agro-pastoraux dans le Wadi Abu Tulayha et à Wadi Ghuweir 17, suivi par la première Phase d’occupation pastorale nomade dans ce secteur, représentée par les nécropoles ou les sanctuaires ouverts du PPNC/Néolithique récent à Harra al-Juhayra et Qa’ Abu Tulayha West. Ce processus a abouti à la mise en place de sociétés véritablement nomades de l’âge du Bronze ancien, attestées par les champs de cairns funéraires du Wadi Burma et Tal’at ’Ubayda. À travers une synthèse de ces données issues des recherches entreprises dans le Bassin d’al-Jafr, une séquence chronologique de l’occupation pastorale préhistorique et protohistorique de ce secteur est proposée à titre provisoire dans cet article, permettant d’aborder la question du processus de développement du phénomène pastoral nomade à une échelle géographique plus large.
Disappeared by Climate Change. The Shepherd Cultures of Qulban Ceni Murra (2nd Half of the 5th Millennium bc) and their Aftermath
Authors: Gebel Hans Georg K. , Mahasneh Hamzeh M.
Published: April 2018

Le phénomène funéraire attesté dans le sud-est de la Jordanie témoigne d’une phase d’occupation méconnue de la région au cours du milieu de l’Holocène, en lien avec un mode de vie pastoral basé sur l’exploitation des ressources en eau des puits (« Early Mid-Holocene pastoral well cultures », 4500-4000 bc). À titre d’hypothèse, cette phase précoce d’occupation a pu aboutir au développement des premières « cultures des oasis » de la péninsule Arabique (« Oasis cultures », 4000-35000/3000 bc). Cette deuxième phase constitue, après la Néolithisation, un des derniers grands épisodes de sédentarisation des sociétés du Proche-Orient, reflet d’une importante capacité d’innovation et d’adaptation socio-économique permettant la conquête de nouveaux territoires arides pour une occupation sédentaire. L’occupation pastorale du Sud-Est jordanien constitue le prolongement oriental du phénomène de peuplement de la péninsule Arabique, caractérisé au cours de la période (acéramique) du Chalcolithique récent/Bronze ancien par la récurrence des structures funéraires mégalithiques de pierres dressées et des cairns. Le site de Qulban Beni Murra est l’un de ces complexes funéraires importants (>1 km2), et témoigne d’une grande diversité dans les types de tombes et de structures en présence. Il atteste aussi une série d’aménagements hydrauliques (dépressions creusées) alimentés par des puits (datés de 4400 av. J.-C. environ) qui sont le reflet d’une occupation pastorale qui a probablement abouti au développement dans cette région, après un assèchement du climat à partir de 4000, d’une économie basée sur l’exploitation des oasis, là où les ressources en eau étaient encore disponibles.
Análisis genético-poblacional del yacimiento neolítico de Tell Ramad, Siria
Authors: Fernández Eva , Arroyo Eduardo , Pérez-Pérez Alejandro , Turbón Daniel
Published: April 2018

Le phénomène de diffusion du Néolithique depuis le Proche-Orient vers l’Europe et son influence sur la néolithisation de l’Europe a été abordé par diverses disciplines. L’analyse génétique des populations humaines récentes a donné des résultats contradictoires. Tandis que la distribution et les fréquences allele des «  marqueurs classiques » (groupes sanguins et protéines), et la variabilité moléculaire du chromosome Y confortent le modèle de diffusion démique, la variabilité de l’ADN mitochondrie nous propose une origine surtout paléolithique des populations européennes actuelles, avec une petite contribution néolithique depuis le Proche-Orient. L’analyse génétique des échantillons biologiques nous permet d’établir cette hypothèse. Dans ce travail, nous avons étudié la variabilité mitochondrial de sept individus du néolithique PPNB de Tell Ramad (Syrie). Les séquences d’ADN mitochondrial obtenues sont très similaires à celles trouvées aujourd’hui en Europe et au Proche-Orient, et elles suggèrent que, dans cette région, il y aurait une continuité génétique depuis le Néolithique.
Chalcolithic/Early Bronze Age Flint Mines in the Northern Badia
Authors: Müller-Neuhof Bernd
Published: April 2018

Les mines de production d’éclats corticaux destinés à la confection d’outils en silex spécifiques (racloirs tabulaires, racloirs en éventail, industrie d’al-Jafr) sont connues dans le bassin d’al-Jafr, dans le sud-est de la Jordanie, depuis les années 1990. En 2000, des mines de production comparables ont été identifiées dans le nord-est de la Jordanie et ont fait l’objet d’une étude plus approfondie à partir de 2010. Cet article traite des caractéristiques de l’emplacement de ces ressources minérales ainsi que des modalités d’acquisition de la matière première dans ces mines. Enfin, les hypothèses sur le contexte socio-économique dans lequel s’intègre cette production seront évoquées.