bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Robust Productivity Model for Grapple Yarding in Fast-Growing Tree Plantations
Authors: Engelbrecht Riaan , McEwan Andrew , Spinelli Raffaele
Published: October 2017

New techniques have recently appeared that can extend the advantages of grapple yarding to fast-growing plantations. The most promising technique consists of an excavator-base un-guyed yarder equipped with new radio-controlled grapple carriages, fed by another excavator stationed on the cut-over. This system is very productive, avoids in-stand traffic, and removes operators from positions of high risk. This paper presents the results of a long-term study conducted on 12 different teams equipped with the new technology, operating in the fast-growing black wattle (Acacia mangium Willd) plantations of Sarawak, Malaysia. Data were collected continuously for almost 8 months and represented 555 shifts, or over 55,000 cycles—each recorded individually. Production, utilization, and machine availability were estimated, respectively at: 63 m3 per productive machine hour (excluding all delays), 63% and 93%. Regression analysis of experimental data yielded a strong productivity forecast model that was highly significant, accounted for 50% of the total variability in the dataset and was validated with a non-significant error estimated at less than 1%. The figures reported in this study are especially robust, because they were obtained from a long-term study that covered multiple teams and accumulated an exceptionally large number of observations.
The Local Colocation Patterns of Crime and Land-Use Features in Wuhan, China
Authors: Yue Han , Zhu Xinyan , Ye Xinyue , Guo Wei
Published: October 2017

Most studies of spatial colocation patterns of crime and land-use features in geographical information science and environmental criminology employ global measures, potentially obscuring spatial inhomogeneity. This study investigated the relationships of three types of crime with 22 types of land-use in Wuhan, China. First, global colocation patterns were examined. Then, local colocation patterns were examined based on the recently-proposed local colocation quotient, followed by a detailed comparison of the results. Different types of crimes were encouraged or discouraged by different types of land-use features with varying intensity, and the local colocation patterns demonstrated spatial inhomogeneity.
The Specific Mitogen- and Stress-Activated Protein Kinase MSK1 Inhibitor SB-747651A Modulates Chemokine-Induced Neutrophil Recruitment
Authors: Hossain Mokarram , Omran Entesar , Xu Najia , Liu Lixin
Published: October 2017

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling is involved in a variety of cellular functions. MAPK-dependent functions rely on phosphorylation of target proteins such as mitogen- and stress-activated protein kinase 1 (MSK1). MSK1 participates in the early gene expression and in the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. However, the role of MSK1 in neutrophil recruitment remains elusive. Here, we show that chemokine macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (CXCL2) enhances neutrophil MSK1 expression. Using intravital microscopy and time-lapsed video analysis of cremasteric microvasculature in mice, we studied the effect of pharmacological suppression of MSK1 by SB-747651A on CXCL2-elicited neutrophil recruitment. SB-747651A treatment enhanced CXCL2-induced neutrophil adhesion while temporally attenuating neutrophil emigration. CXCL2-induced intraluminal crawling was reduced following SB-747651A treatment. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis of integrin expression revealed that SB-747651A treatment attenuated neutrophil integrin αMβ2 (Mac-1) expression following CXCL2 stimulation. Both the transmigration time and detachment time of neutrophils from the venule were increased following SB-747651A treatment. It also decreased the velocity of neutrophil migration in cremasteric tissue in CXCL2 chemotactic gradient. SB-747651A treatment enhanced the extravasation of neutrophils in mouse peritoneal cavity not at 1–2 h but at 3–4 h following CXCL2 stimulation. Collectively, our data suggest that inhibition of MSK1 by SB-747651A treatment affects CXCL2-induced neutrophil recruitment by modulating various steps of the recruitment cascade in vivo.
Contributions of Noncanonical Smoothened Signaling During Embryonic Development
Authors: Pandit Tanushree , Ogden Stacey
Published: October 2017

The Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway is active during embryonic development in metazoans, and provides instructional cues necessary for proper tissue patterning. The pathway signal transducing component, Smoothened (Smo), is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that has been demonstrated to signal through at least two effector routes. The first is a G protein–independent canonical route that signals to Gli transcriptional effectors to establish transcriptional programs specifying cell fate during early embryonic development. The second, commonly referred to as the noncanonical Smo signal, induces rapid, transcription-independent responses that are essential for establishing and maintaining distinct cell behaviors during development. Herein, we discuss contributions of this noncanonical route during embryonic development. We also highlight important open questions regarding noncanonical Smo signal route selection during development, and consider implications of noncanonical signal corruption in disease.
Multiple Competences of Judicial and Social Intervention: Portuguese Public Prosecutors in Action
Authors: Dias João
Published: October 2017

Public Prosecutors have not received much attention from international, suprastate, state and/or associative institutions in terms of seeking to influence the adoption of a common organisational model by the most diverse countries. What we have instead is mainly the approval, at different moments, of guiding principles for the exercise of functions—primarily of judges, but also, since the late 1980s, of Public Prosecutors—with special emphasis on issues of autonomy and impartiality regarding their competences and the conditions in which prosecution is carried out. However, in countries such as Portugal, Public Prosecutors exercise a wide range of competences in various legal areas, a fact that turns them into key actors in a context of evaluating the performance of the judicial system and when efforts are being made to improve its functioning, even in the midst of financial constraints. This is the backdrop to the present article, which stems from the need to discuss the functioning of the Public Prosecution Service and its professional practices in order to promote the circulation of ideas and solutions for possible judicial reforms in the model currently in force in Portugal. It is not a question of looking for the “perfect model” or of trying to achieve an “ideal synthesis,” but rather of highlighting the main aspects that can contribute to the defence of legality and the promotion of access to law and justice through the action of Public Prosecutors. In order to achieve such a goal, it is necessary for Public Prosecutors to assume a new paradigm, centred on the defence of citizenship rights. The main objective here is to discuss and reflect on the identity, competences and professional practice of Portugal’s Public Prosecutors in the context of major transformations in the judicial systems and in the legal professions themselves, both as key actors and as promoters of citizens' access to law and justice in the various legal areas in which they are active participants. The aim of this article is thus to analyse the way in which the Public Prosecutors’ exercise of their multiple competences, not only in relation to citizens but also with regard to their intermediary role between the courts and the various entities and professions at play, both public and private, contributes to achieving better justice for all.
Amplitude Dependent Internal Friction in a Mg-Al-Zn Alloy Studied after Thermal and Mechanical Treatment
Authors: Trojanová Zuzanka , Lukáč Pavel , Džugan Ján , Halmešová Kristýna
Published: October 2017

The amplitude-dependent internal friction of continuously-cast and rolled AZ31 magnesium alloy was measured in this study. Samples were annealed and quenched step by step; immediately after the treatment, the amplitude dependence of the logarithmic decrement was measured. Changes in the microstructure due to thermomechanical treatment were reflected in changes in the damping. Internal friction is influenced by the dislocation substructure and its modification due to solute atoms migration, microplastic deformation, and twins’ formation. Internal friction in the rolled sheets is affected by the rolling texture.
Insights into Alkali-Acid Leaching of Sericite: Dissolution Behavior and Mechanism
Authors: Wang Hao , Feng Qiming , Tang Xuekun , Zuo Kesheng , Liu Kun
Published: October 2017

Sericite is a typical silicate impurity in microcrystalline graphite ores, and its removal is important in the preparation of high-purity graphite preparations. Alkali-acid leaching is an effective method used to purify graphite and remove silicate minerals. In this study, the dissolution behavior and mechanism of sericite in alkali-acid leaching were investigated. The dissolution of sericite was mainly affected by alkali leaching temperature, sodium hydroxide concentration, and alkali leaching time. According to the XRD, FTIR, and SEM-EDS analyses, the dissolution mechanism of sericite is a three-stage process: (1) sericite is dissolved in the form of soluble silicate and aluminate; (2) the dissolved silicate and aluminate then react with each other to form aluminosilicate; and (3) finally the aluminosilicate mainly composed of hydroxycancrinite and sodalite is almost completely dissolved in the hydrochloric acid solution.
Crosstalk Influence between P38MAPK and Autophagy on Mitochondria-Mediated Apoptosis Induced by Anti-Fas Antibody/Actinomycin D in Human Hepatoma Bel-7402 Cells
Authors: Wang Yu , Xia Chunhui , Lv Yanxin , Li Chengjun , Mei Qingbu , Li Hongmei , Wang Haijun , Li Shuang
Published: October 2017

Our previous study indicated that anti-Fas antibody/actinomycin D (AF/AD) induced apoptosis of human hepatocellular carcinoma Bel-7402 cells; however, crosstalk influence between P38MAPK and autophagy on mitochondria-mediated apoptosis induced by AF/AD in Bel-7402 cells remains unclear. Therefore, effect of AF/AD on apoptosis, autophagy, phosphorylated-P38MAPK (p-P38MAPK), and membrane potential (ΔΨm) with or without the P38MAPK inhibitor SB203580 or the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) in Bel-7402 cells was investigated in the present study. The results showed that AF/AD resulted in induction of apoptosis concomitant with autophagy, upregulation of p-P38MAPK and autophagy-associated gene proteins (Atg5-Atg12 protein complex, Atg7, Atg10, Beclin-1, LC3 I, and LC3 II), and downregulation of ΔΨm in Bel-7402 cells. In contrast, SB203580 attenuated the effects of AF/AD in Bel-7402 cells. Furthermore, the findings also demonstrated that 3-MA inhibited the impact of AF/AD on autophagy, Atg5-Atg12 protein complex, Atg7, Atg10, Beclin-1, LC3 I, LC3 II, and ΔΨm, and promoted the influence of AF/AD on apoptosis and p-P38MAPK in Bel-7402 cells. Taken together, we conclude that crosstalk between P38MAPK and autophagy regulates mitochondria-mediated apoptosis induced by AF/AD in Bel-7402 cells.
Pharmacokinetic Comparison of Seven Major Bio-Active Components in Normal and Blood Stasis Rats after Oral Administration of Herb Pair Danggui-Honghua by UPLC-TQ/MS
Authors: Jin Yi , Tang Yu-Ping , Zhu Zhen-Hua , Shang Er-Xin , Pang Han-Qing , Shi Xu-Qin , Chen Yan-Yan , Wang Jin , Chang Xing , Kang An , Zhou Gui-Sheng , Shi Ya-Jun , Sun Jin , Tang Zhi-Shu , Li Shao-Ping , Duan Jin-Ao
Published: October 2017

The compatibility between Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) and Honghua (Carthami Flos) is a known herb pair, which could activate blood circulation and dissipate blood stasis effects. In this paper, we quantified seven main bio-active components (hydroxysafflor yellow A, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, ferulic acid, 3-n-butylphthalide, and ligustilide) in plasma samples in vivo by UPLC-TQ/MS method and investigatedwhether the pharmacokinetic (PK) behaviors of the seven components could be altered in blood stasis rats after oral administration of the Gui-Hong extracts. It was found that the Cmax and AUC0-t of these components in blood stasis rats had increasing tendency compared with normal rats. Most components in model and normal rats had significant difference in some pharmacokinetic parameters, which indicated that the metabolism enzymes and transporters involved in the metabolism and disposition of these bio-active componentsmay bealtered in blood stasis rats. This study was the first report about the pharmacokinetic investigation between normal and blood stasis rats after oral administrationof Gui-Hong extracts, and these results are important and valuable for better clinical applications of Gui-Hong herb pair and relatedTCM formulae.
New Cassane Diterpenoids from Caesalpinia sappan and their Antiplasmodial Activity
Authors: Zhu Nai-Liang , Sun Zhong-Hao , Hu Mei-Geng , Wu Tong-Yu , Yuan Jing-Quan , Wu Hai-Feng , Tian Yu , Li Peng-Fei , Yang Jun-Shan , Ma Guo-Xu , Xu Xu-Dong
Published: October 2017

One new cassane diterpene possessing an unusual N bridge between C-19 and C-20 named caesalsappanin R (1), as well as another new diterpene caesalsappanin S (2), were isolated from the seeds of Caesalpinia sappanwith methanol extract. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis and examined alongside existing data from prior studies. Their biological activities were profiled by their antiplasmodial activity.
AuPd Bimetallic Nanocrystals Embedded in Magnetic Halloysite Nanotubes: Facile Synthesis and Catalytic Reduction of Nitroaromatic Compounds
Authors: Jia Lei , Zhou Tao , Xu Jun , Li Fenghai , Xu Zhouqing , Zhang Beibei , Guo Shengli , Shen Xiaoke , Zhang Wensheng
Published: October 2017

In this research, a facile and effective approach was developed for the preparation of well-designed AuPd alloyed catalysts supported on magnetic halloysite nanotubes (HNTs@Fe3O4@AuPd). The microstructure and the magnetic properties of HNTs@Fe3O4@AuPd were confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high resolution TEM (HRTEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) analyses. The catalysts, fabricated by a cheap, environmentally friendly, and simple surfactant-free formation process, exhibited high activities during the reduction of 4-nitrophenol and various other nitroaromatic compounds. Moreover, the catalytic activities of the HNTs@Fe3O4@AuPd nanocatalysts were tunable via adjusting the atomic ratio of AuPd during the synthesis. As compared with the monometallic nanocatalysts (HNTs@Fe3O4@Au and HNTs@Fe3O4@Pd), the bimetallic alloyed HNTs@Fe3O4@AuPd nanocatalysts exhibited excellent catalytic activities toward the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol. Furthermore, the as-obtained HNTs@Fe3O4@AuPd can be recycled several times, while retaining its functionality due to the stability and magnetic separation property.
Microstructuring of Mesoporous Titania Films Loaded with Silver Salts to Enhance the Photocatalytic Degradation of Methyl Blue under Visible Light
Authors: Crespo-Monteiro Nicolas , Cazier Anthony , Vocanson Francis , Lefkir Yaya , Reynaud Stéphanie , Michalon Jean-Yves , Kämpfe Thomas , Destouches Nathalie , Jourlin Yves
Published: October 2017

The microstructuring of the distribution of silver nanoparticles (NPs) in mesoporous titania films loaded with silver salts, using two-beam interference lithography leading to 1 Dimension (1D) grating, induces variations in the photocatalytic efficiency. The influence of the structuration was tested on the degradation of methyl blue (MB) under ultraviolet (UV) and visible illumination, giving rise to a significant improvement of the photocatalytic efficiency. The periodic distribution of the NPs was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Stability of Commercially Available Macular Carotenoid Supplements in Oil and Powder Formulations
Authors: Phelan David , Prado-Cabrero Alfonso , Nolan John
Published: October 2017

We previously identified that the concentration of zeaxanthin in some commercially available carotenoid supplements did not agree with the product’s label claim. The conclusion of this previous work was that more quality assurance was needed to guarantee concordance between actual and declared concentrations of these nutrients i.e., lutein (L) zeaxanthin (Z) and meso-zeaxanthin (MZ) in commercially available supplements. Since this publication, we performed further analyses using different commercially available macular carotenoid supplements. Three capsules from one batch of eight products were analysed at two different time points. The results have been alarming. All of the powder filled products (n = 3) analysed failed to comply with their label claim (L: 19–74%; Z: 57–73%; MZ: 83–97%); however, the oil filled soft gel products (n = 5) met or were above their label claim (L: 98–122%; Z: 117–162%; MZ: 97–319%). We also identified that the carotenoid content of the oil filled capsules were stable over time (e.g., L average percentage change: −1.7%), but the powder filled supplements degraded over time (e.g., L average percentage change: −17.2%). These data are consistent with our previous work, and emphasize the importance of using carotenoid interventions in oil based formulas rather than powder filled formulas.
Modeling of Body Weight Metrics for Effective and Cost-Efficient Conventional Factor VIII Dosing in Hemophilia A Prophylaxis
Authors: McEneny-King Alanna , Chelle Pierre , Henrard Severine , Hermans Cedric , Iorio Alfonso , Edginton Andrea
Published: October 2017

The total body weight-based dosing strategy currently used in the prophylactic treatment of hemophilia A may not be appropriate for all populations. The assumptions that guide weight-based dosing are not valid in overweight and obese populations, resulting in overdosing and ineffective resource utilization. We explored different weight metrics including lean body weight, ideal body weight, and adjusted body weight to determine an alternative dosing strategy that is both safe and resource-efficient in normal and overweight/obese adult patients. Using a validated population pharmacokinetic model, we simulated a variety of dosing regimens using different doses, weight metrics, and frequencies; we also investigated the implications of assuming various levels of endogenous factor production. Ideal body weight performed the best across all of the regimens explored, maintaining safety while moderating resource consumption for overweight and obese patients.
Diffusive and Metabolic Constraints to Photosynthesis in Quinoa during Drought and Salt Stress
Authors: Killi Dilek , Haworth Matthew
Published: October 2017

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) has been proposed as a hardy alternative to traditional grain crops in areas with warm-to-hot climates that are likely to experience increased drought and salt stress in the future. We characterised the diffusive and metabolic limitations to photosynthesis in quinoa exposed to drought and salt stress in isolation and combination. Drought-induced pronounced stomatal and mesophyll limitations to CO2 transport, but quinoa retained photosynthetic capacity and photosystem II (PSII) performance. Saline water (300 mmol NaCl-equivalent to 60% of the salinity of sea-water) supplied in identical volumes to the irrigation received by the control and drought treatments induced similar reductions in stomatal and mesophyll conductance, but also reduced carboxylation of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase, regeneration of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate, increased non-photochemical dissipation of energy as heat and impaired PSII electron transport. This suggests that ion toxicity reduced PN via interference with photosynthetic enzymes and degradation of pigment–protein complexes within the thylakoid membranes. The results of this study demonstrate that the photosynthetic physiology of quinoa is resistant to the effects of drought, but quinoa may not be a suitable crop for areas subject to strong salt stress or irrigation with a concentration of saline water equivalent to a 300 mmol NaCl solution.
An Emergency Georeferencing Framework for GF-4 Imagery Based on GCP Prediction and Dynamic RPC Refinement
Authors: Li Pengfei , Sun Kaimin , Li Deren , Sui Haigang , Zhang Yong
Published: October 2017

GaoFen-4 (GF-4) imagery has very potential in terms of emergency response due to its gazing mode. However, only poor geometric accuracy can be obtained using the rational polynomial coefficient (RPC) parameters provided, making ground control points (GCPs) necessary for emergency response. However, selecting GCPs is traditionally time-consuming, labor-intensive, and not fully reliable. This is mainly due to the facts that (1) manual GCP selection is time-consuming and cumbersome because of too many human interventions, especially for the first few GCPs; (2) typically, GF-4 gives planar array imagery acquired at rather large tilt angles, and the distortion introduces problems in image matching; (3) reference data will not always be available, especially under emergency circumstances. This paper provides a novel emergency georeferencing framework for GF-4 Level 1 imagery. The key feature is GCP prediction based on dynamic RPC refinement, which is able to predict even the first GCP and the prediction will be dynamically refined as the selection goes on. This is done by two techniques: (1) GCP prediction using RPC parameters and (2) dynamic RPC refinement using as few as only one GCP. Besides, online map services are also adopted to automatically provide reference data. Experimental results show that (1) GCP predictions improve using dynamic RPC refinement; (2) GCP selection becomes more efficient with GCP prediction; (3) the integration of online map services constitutes a good example for emergency response.
Mapping the Dabus Wetlands, Ethiopia, Using Random Forest Classification of Landsat, PALSAR and Topographic Data
Authors: Dubeau Pierre , King Douglas , Unbushe Dikaso , Rebelo Lisa-Maria
Published: October 2017

The Dabus Wetland complex in the highlands of Ethiopia is within the headwaters of the Nile Basin and is home to significant ecological communities and rare or endangered species. Its many interrelated wetland types undergo seasonal and longer-term changes due to weather and climate variations as well as anthropogenic land use such as grazing and burning. Mapping and monitoring of these wetlands has not been previously undertaken due primarily to their relative isolation and lack of resources. This study investigated the potential of remote sensing based classification for mapping the primary vegetation groups in the Dabus Wetlands using a combination of dry and wet season data, including optical (Landsat spectral bands and derived vegetation and wetness indices), radar (ALOS PALSAR L-band backscatter), and elevation (SRTM derived DEM and other terrain metrics) as inputs to the non-parametric Random Forest (RF) classifier. Eight wetland types and three terrestrial/upland classes were mapped using field samples of observed plant community composition and structure groupings as reference information. Various tests to compare results using different RF input parameters and data types were conducted. A combination of multispectral optical, radar and topographic variables provided the best overall classification accuracy, 94.4% and 92.9% for the dry and wet season, respectively. Spectral and topographic data (radar data excluded) performed nearly as well, while accuracies using only radar and topographic data were 82–89%. Relatively homogeneous classes such as Papyrus Swamps, Forested Wetland, and Wet Meadow yielded the highest accuracies while spatially complex classes such as Emergent Marsh were more difficult to accurately classify. The methods and results presented in this paper can serve as a basis for development of long-term mapping and monitoring of these and other non-forested wetlands in Ethiopia and other similar environmental settings.
Improving Classification Accuracy of Multi-Temporal Landsat Images by Assessing the Use of Different Algorithms, Textural and Ancillary Information for a Mediterranean Semiarid Area from 2000 to 2015
Authors: Gomariz-Castillo Francisco , Alonso-Sarría Francisco , Cánovas-García Fulgencio
Published: October 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate three different strategies to improve classification accuracy in a highly fragmented semiarid area using, (i) different classification algorithms with parameter optimization in some cases; (ii) different feature sets including spectral, textural and terrain features; and (iii) different seasonal combinations of images. A three-way ANOVA was used to discern which of these approaches and their interactions significantly increases accuracy. Tukey–Kramer contrast using a heteroscedasticity-consistent estimation of the kappa covariances matrix was used to check for significant differences in accuracy. The experiment was carried out with Landsat TM, ETM and OLI images corresponding to the period 2000–2015. A combination of four images using random forest and the three feature sets was the best way to improve accuracy. Maximum likelihood, random forest and support vector machines do not significantly increase accuracy when textural information was added, but do so when terrain features were taken into account. On the other hand, sequential maximum a posteriori increased accuracy when textural features were used, but reduced accuracy substantially when terrain features were included. Random forest using the three feature subsets and sequential maximum a posteriori with spectral and textural features had the largest kappa values, around 0.9.
Natural Resource Economics, Planetary Boundaries and Strong Sustainability
Authors: Barbier Edward , Burgess Joanne
Published: October 2017

Earth systems science maintains that there are nine “planetary boundaries” that demarcate a sustainable, safe operating space for humankind for essential global sinks and resources. Respecting these planetary boundaries represents the “strong sustainability” perspective in economics, which argues that some natural capital may not be substituted and are inviolate. In addition, the safe operating space defined by these boundaries can be considered a depletable stock. We show that standard tools of natural resource economics for an exhaustible resource can thus be applied, which has implications for optimal use, price paths, technological innovation, and stock externalities. These consequences in turn affect the choice of policies that may be adopted to manage and allocate the safe operating space available for humankind.
Life-Cycle Assessment: A Comparison between Two Optimal Post-Tensioned Concrete Box-Girder Road Bridges
Authors: Penadés-Plà Vicent , Martí José V. , García-Segura Tatiana , Yepes Víctor
Published: October 2017

The goal of sustainability involves a consensus among economic, environmental and social factors. Due to climate change, environmental concerns have increased in society. The construction sector is among the most active high environmental impact sectors. This paper proposes new features to consider a more detailed life-cycle assessment (LCA) of reinforced or pre-stressed concrete structures. Besides, this study carries out a comparison between two optimal post-tensioned concrete box-girder road bridges with different maintenance scenarios. ReCiPe method is used to carry out the life-cycle assessment. The midpoint approach shows a complete environmental profile with 18 impact categories. In practice, all the impact categories make their highest contribution in the manufacturing and use and maintenance stages. Afterwards, these two stages are analyzed to identify the process which makes the greatest contribution. In addition, the contribution of CO2 fixation is taken into account, reducing the environmental impact in the use and maintenance and end of life stages. The endpoint approach shows more interpretable results, enabling an easier comparison between different stages and solutions. The results show the importance of considering the whole life-cycle, since a better design reduces the global environmental impact despite a higher environmental impact in the manufacturing stage.
Confronting the Emerging Threat to Public Health in Northern Australia of Neglected Indigenous Arboviruses
Authors: Gyawali Narayan , Taylor-Robinson Andrew
Published: October 2017

In excess of 75 arboviruses have been identified in Australia, some of which are now well established as causative agents of debilitating diseases. These include Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus, and Murray Valley encephalitis virus, each of which may be detected by both antibody-based recognition and molecular typing. However, for most of the remaining arboviruses that may be associated with pathology in humans, routine tests are not available to diagnose infection. A number of these so-called ‘neglected’ or ‘orphan’ arboviruses that are indigenous to Australia might have been infecting humans at a regular rate for decades. Some of them may be associated with undifferentiated febrile illness—fever, the cause of which is not obvious—for which around half of all cases each year remain undiagnosed. This is of particular relevance to Northern Australia, given the Commonwealth Government’s transformative vision for the midterm future of massive infrastructure investment in this region. An expansion of the industrial and business development of this previously underpopulated region is predicted. This is set to bring into intimate proximity infection-naïve human hosts, native reservoir animals, and vector mosquitoes, thereby creating a perfect storm for increased prevalence of infection with neglected Australian arboviruses. Moreover, the escalating rate and effects of climate change that are increasingly observed in the tropical north of the country are likely to lead to elevated numbers of arbovirus-transmitting mosquitoes. As a commensurate response, continuing assiduous attention to vector monitoring and control is required. In this overall context, improved epidemiological surveillance and diagnostic screening, including establishing novel, rapid pan-viral tests to facilitate early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of febrile primary care patients, should be considered a public health priority. Investment in a rigorous identification program would reduce the possibility of significant outbreaks of these indigenous arboviruses at a time when population growth accelerates in Northern Australia.
Optimization Strategy for Improving the Energy Efficiency of Irrigation Systems by Micro Hydropower: Practical Application
Authors: Pérez-Sánchez Modesto , Sánchez-Romero Francisco , Ramos Helena , López-Jiménez P. Amparo
Published: October 2017

Analyses of possible synergies between energy recovery and water management are essential for achieving sustainable advances in the performance of pressurized irrigation networks. Nowadays, the use of micro hydropower in water systems is being analysed to improve the overall energy efficiency. In this line, the present research is focused on the proposal and development of a novel optimization strategy for increasing the energy efficiency in pressurized irrigation networks by energy recovering. The recovered energy is maximized considering different objective functions, including feasibility index: the best energy converter must be selected, operating in its best efficiency conditions by variation of its rotational speed, providing the required flow in each moment. These flows (previously estimated through farmers’ habits) are compared with registered values of flow in the main line with very suitable calibration results, getting a Nash–Sutcliffe value above 0.6 for different time intervals, and a PBIAS index below 10% in all time interval range. The methodology was applied to a Vallada network obtaining a maximum recovered energy of 58.18 MWh/year (41.66% of the available energy), improving the recovered energy values between 141 and 184% when comparing to energy recovery considering a constant rotational speed. The proposal of this strategy shows the real possibility of installing micro hydropower machines to improve the water–energy nexus management in pressurized systems.
Connecting the First Galaxies with Ultrafaint Dwarfs in the Local Group: Chemical Signatures of Population III Stars
Authors: Jeon Myoungwon , Besla Gurtina , Bromm Volker
Published: October 2017

We investigate the star formation history (SFH) and chemical evolution of isolated analogs of Local Group (LG) ultrafaint dwarf galaxies (UFDs; stellar mass range of

) and gas-rich, low-mass dwarfs (Leo P analogs; stellar mass range of

). We perform a suite of cosmological hydrodynamic zoom-in simulations to follow their evolution from the era of the first generation of stars down to z = 0. We confirm that reionization, combined with supernova (SN) feedback, is primarily responsible for the truncated star formation in UFDs. Specifically, halos with a virial mass of

form

of stars prior to reionization. Our work further demonstrates the importance of Population III stars, with their intrinsically high

yields and the associated external metal enrichment, in producing low-metallicity stars (

) and carbon-enhanced metal-poor (CEMP) stars. We find that UFDs are composite systems, assembled from multiple progenitor halos, some of which hosted only Population II stars formed in environments externally enriched by SNe in neighboring halos, naturally producing extremely low metallicity Population II stars. We illustrate how the simulated chemical enrichment may be used to constrain the SFHs of true observed UFDs. We find that Leo P analogs can form in halos with

(z = 0). Such systems are less affected by reionization and continue to form stars until z = 0, causing higher-metallicity tails. Finally, we predict the existence of extremely low metallicity stars in LG UFD galaxies that preserve the pure chemical signatures of Population III nucleosynthesis.
The Formation of Mini-Neptunes
Authors: Venturini Julia , Helled Ravit
Published: October 2017

Mini-Neptunes seem to be common planets. In this work we investigate the possible formation histories and predicted occurrence rates of mini-Neptunes, assuming that the planets form beyond the iceline. We consider pebble and planetesimal accretion accounting for envelope enrichment and two different opacity conditions. We find that the formation of mini-Neptunes is a relatively frequent output when envelope enrichment by volatiles is included, and that there is a “sweet spot” for mini-Neptune formation with a relatively low solid accretion rate of ∼10−6
M
⊕ yr−1. This rate is typical for low/intermediate-mass protoplanetary disks and/or disks with low metallicities. With pebble accretion, envelope enrichment and high opacity favor the formation of mini-Neptunes, with more efficient formation at large semimajor axes (∼30 au) and low disk viscosities. For planetesimal accretion, such planets can also form without enrichment, with the opacity being a key aspect in the growth history and favorable formation location. Finally, we show that the formation of Neptune-like planets remains a challenge for planet formation theories.
Dynamics of Large-scale Coronal Structures as Imaged during the 2012 and 2013 Total Solar Eclipses
Authors: Alzate Nathalia , Habbal Shadia R. , Druckmüller Miloslav , Emmanouilidis Constantinos , Morgan Huw
Published: October 2017

White light images acquired at the peak of solar activity cycle 24, during the total solar eclipses of 2012 November 13 and 2013 November 3, serendipitously captured erupting prominences accompanied by CMEs. Application of state-of-the-art image processing techniques revealed the intricate details of two “atypical” large-scale structures, with strikingly sharp boundaries. By complementing the processed white light eclipse images with processed images from co-temporal Solar Dynamics Observatory/AIA and SOHO/LASCO observations, we show how the shape of these atypical structures matches the shape of faint CME shock fronts, which traversed the inner corona a few hours prior to the eclipse observations. The two events were not associated with any prominence eruption but were triggered by sudden brightening events on the solar surface accompanied by sprays and jets. The discovery of the indelible impact that frequent and innocuous transient events in the low corona can have on large-scale coronal structures was enabled by the radial span of the high-resolution white light eclipse images, starting from the solar surface out to several solar radii, currently unmatched by any coronagraphic instrumentation. These findings raise the interesting question as to whether large-scale coronal structures can ever be considered stationary. They also point to the existence of a much larger number of CMEs that goes undetected from the suite of instrumentation currently observing the Sun.
Modeling the High-energy Emission in GRB 110721A and Implications on the Early Multiwavelength and Polarimetric Observations
Authors: Fraija N. , Lee W. H. , Araya M. , Veres P. , Duran R. Barniol , Guiriec S.
Published: October 2017

GRB 110721A was detected by the Gamma-ray Burst Monitor and the Large Area Telescope (LAT) on board the Fermi satellite and the Gamma-ray Burst Polarimeter on board the IKAROS solar mission. Previous analysis of this burst showed: (i) a linear polarization signal with position angle stable (

ϕ

p

=
160
°
±
11

) and high degree of

Π
=

84

−
28

+
16

%

, (ii) an extreme peak energy of a record-breaking 15 ± 2 MeV, and (iii) a subdominant prompt thermal component observed right after the onset of this burst. In this paper, the LAT data around the reported position of GRB 110721A are analyzed with the most recent software and then, the LAT light curve above 100 MeV is obtained. The LAT light curve is modeled in terms of adiabatic early-afterglow external shocks when the outflow propagates into a stellar wind. Additionally, we discuss the possible origins and also study the implications of the early-afterglow external shocks on the extreme peak energy observed at 15 ± 2 MeV, the polarization observations, and the subdominant prompt thermal component.
Structure of Exhausts in Magnetic Reconnection with an X-line of Finite Extent
Authors: Shepherd L. S. , Cassak P. A. , Drake J. F. , Gosling J. T. , Phan T.-D. , Shay M. A.
Published: October 2017

We present quantitative predictions of the structure of reconnection exhausts in three-dimensional magnetic reconnection with an X-line of finite extent in the out-of-plane direction. Sasunov et al. showed that they have a tilted ribbon-like shape bounded by rotational discontinuities and tangential discontinuities. We show analytically and numerically that this prediction is largely correct. When there is an out-of-plane (guide) magnetic field, the presence of the upstream field that does not reconnect acts as a boundary condition in the normal direction, which forces the normal magnetic field to be zero outside the exhaust. This condition constrains the normal magnetic field inside the exhaust to be small. Thus, rather than the ribbon tilting in the inflow direction, the exhaust remains collimated in the normal direction and is forced to expand nearly completely in the out-of-plane direction. This exhaust structure is in stark contrast to the two-dimensional picture of reconnection, where reconnected flux expands in the normal direction. We present analytical predictions for the structure of the exhausts in terms of upstream conditions. The predictions are confirmed using three-dimensional resistive-magnetohydrodynamic simulations with a finite-length X-line achieved using a localized (anomalous) resistivity. Implications to reconnection in the solar wind are discussed. In particular, the results can be used to estimate a lower bound for the extent of the X-line in the out-of-plane direction solely using single-spacecraft data taken downstream in the exhausts.
Influence of Interleukin-6 (174G/C) Gene Polymorphism on Obesity in Egyptian Children
Authors: Ibrahim Ola M. , Gabre Azza A. , Sallam Sara F. , El-Alameey Inas R. , Sabry Rania N. , Galal Essam M. , Tawfik Sawsan M. , Zarouk Waheba A. , Mosaad Rehab M. , Ramadan Abeer
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a multi-factorial chronic disorder. A considerable number of studies have been performed to figure out whether there is an association between obesity and polymorphisms of gene IL-6 (174G/C), but the results are equivocal.AIM: This study aimed to find out whether the IL-6 (174G/C) gene was associated with the risk of developing obesity in Egyptian children.SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study included 149 children and adolescents with age ranged between 9.5 – 18 years. Eighty-five of them were obese which BMIZ-score is > 2, and sixty-four children with BMIZ-score ≤ 2 served as control group. Serum level of IL-6 and genetic analysis for IL-6 (174G/C) gene polymorphism were done.RESULTS: Obese children had significantly higher serum levels of IL-6 as compared to those of control children (P = 0.003). A high percentage of IL-6 polymorphism GC was found in obese subjects (93.7%), while the control group had a higher percentage of IL-6 polymorphism GG (70.6 %).CONCLUSION: Our study showed that carriers of the C allele for the IL-6 (174G/C) polymorphism have higher BMI. As the G174C polymorphism is likely to affect IL-6 expression and its physiological regulation; consequently this polymorphism may affect adiposity.
Endoscopic Removal of a Giant Complicated Hyperplastic Gastric Polyp
Authors: Gashi Zaim , Polloshka Aida Ferri , Veliu Arber , Kurshumliu Fisnik , Bahtiri Elton
Published: October 2017

The patient, a 40-year-old male, was referred to our clinic with intermittent nausea, vomiting and symptomatic anemia for 4 months. Notable hematological indices were low hemoglobin levels of 9.6 g/dl and hematocrit levels of 35.8%, while after receiving two units of concentrated red blood cells, at discharge; they achieved levels of 15.2 g/dl and 42.3%, respectively. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a 3 cm antral pedunculated polyp, prolapsing into pylorus thus causing intermittent pyloric obstruction and anemia. Histological examination revealed a hyperplastic polyp without evidences of malignancy. No atrophy, metaplasia, dysplastic changes or Helicobacter pylori infection were detected in samples taken from the antrum and the corpus; however, the examination provided evidence for gastritis. Follow-up endoscopy was provided after 12 weeks to see polypectomy site after a course of Pantoprazole administration, and to define symptom-free time after polypectomy. Endoscopic removal of complicated gastric polyps should be considered at the time of initial diagnostic endoscopy. Endoscopic resection of polyps enables to determine the exact histopathologic type as well as to effectively treat symptomatic gastric outlet obstruction and anemia.
Modèles macroéconomiques avec frictions financières et cycles d'assurance
Authors: Henriet Dominique , Rochet Jean-Charles
Published: October 2017

Certains marchés d’assurance sont sujets au phénomène bien connu des « cycles de souscription », composés d’une phase de tensions au cours de laquelle les primes et les profits augmentent alors que les capacités s’amenuisent, suivie d’une phase de relâchement caractérisée par des prix à la baisse et la reconstitution des capacités. Ces cycles sont difficiles à expliquer dans le cadre classique des marchés financiers parfaits. Ils impliquent une certaine prédictibilité des primes, une corrélation entre leROE(return on equity) des assureurs et les sinistres, ce qui semble contredire le principe d’absence d’opportunité d’arbitrage. Nous montrons que ces propriétés peuvent parfaitement s’expliquer dans un modèle d’équilibre concurrentiel avec frictions financières. Notre modèle étend l’approche classique de la théorie de la ruine à un modèle macroéconomique où les primes d’assurance sont endogènes et résultent de l’équilibre entre offre et demande de contrats. Les compagnies déterminent leurs politiques de souscription et d’émission ou rachat d’actions de façon à maximiser leur valeur boursière. Les primes d’assurance sont une fonction déterministe de la capitalisation boursière totale des assureurs. Nos résultats expliquent pourquoi les primes d’assurance sont prévisibles ainsi que la corrélation entreROEet sinistres. En fait, plutôt que de véritables cycles, les primes et les capacités oscillent entre deux valeurs extrêmes avec des renversements de tendance lorsque l’une de ces valeurs est atteinte.Notre modèle illustre la puissance de la nouvelle génération de modèles macroéconomiques avec frictions financières, initiée par Brunnermeier et Sannikov (2014), susceptibles de s’appliquer avec succès à l’analyse d’autres questions importantes pour les marchés d’assurance et de réassurance. Classification JEL : E10, G14, G22.
Le risque de longévité est-il assurable ?
Authors: El Karoui Nicole , Loisel Stéphane
Published: October 2017

Dans cet article, nous étudions la question de l’assurabilité du risque de longévité à travers le prisme de l’enterprise risk management (ERM). Nous commençons par identifier les différentes composantes du risque de longévité. Nous présentons ensuite les manières de modéliser, mesurer et détecter des évolutions de ce risque. Enfin, nous étudions les différents contrôles de risque possibles et les risques résiduels associés. Classification JEL : G22, I13, J11, J14.
La création de fonds de pension est-elle encore utile dans les économies avancées ?
Authors: Trainar Philippe
Published: October 2017

Le débat français sur les fonds de pension s’est limité à leur capacité à réduire les conséquences du retournement démographique, mais a occulté leurs autres avantages économiques par rapport au régime de répartition. Après avoir présenté les fonds de pension et leur grande diversité en matière de prestations, de faculté d’adhésion et de sortie, l’article présente leur place en France, où ils sont marginaux, et dans les autres économies avancées, ainsi que les enjeux socioéconomiques sous-jacents. Puis il présente et discute les principaux arguments longtemps employés en France pour s’opposer à leur développement. Les choses semblent toutefois évoluer avec la création par la récente loi Sapin du véhicule juridique et prudentiel nécessaire à leur développement. Reste à lui accorder un régime fiscal et social qui lui permettrait de jouer un véritable rôle de complément au système de répartition tout en participant au financement des entreprises françaises. Classification JEL : D14, G23, G28.
Médecine personnalisée, tests génétiques et assurance santé : une tension exacerbée entre antisélection et discrimination des risques
Authors: Bardey David , de Donder Philippe
Published: October 2017

Nous vivons actuellement l’avènement de la médecine personnalisée, souvent définie comme l’utilisation des caractéristiques génétiques individuelles à des fins de diagnostic, de prévention et de traitements médicaux. Ces avancées médicales et technologiques rendent urgente une réflexion sur les conséquences de cette nouvelle forme d’information sur le marché de l’assurance santé. Une décision fondamentale consiste à déterminer si l’information issue des tests génétiques doit ou non être révélée aux assureurs privés. Cet article présente d’abord les conséquences économiques qui découlent de la réponse donnée à cette question : discrimination des risques quand les assureurs ont accès à l’information génétique de leurs clients, et antisélection quand ils ne l’ont pas. Nous passons ensuite en revue les quatre formes de régulation de l’information génétique observées de par le monde, avant de présenter les principaux résultats d’une étude à la fois théorique et expérimentale que nous avons menée récemment, et qui a pour but de comparer deux régulations existantes. Nous concluons avec quelques pistes de recherche sur notre agenda. Classification JEL : C91, D82, G22, I18.