bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Q-Space Analysis of the Light Scattering Phase Function of Particles with Any Shape
Authors: Sorensen Christopher , Heinson Yuli , Heinson William , Maughan Justin , Chakrabarti Amit
Published: March 2017

Q-space analysis is applied to the light scattering phase function of a wide variety of non-spherical and irregularly shaped particles including a great many types of dusts, fractal aggregates, spheroids, irregular spheres, Gaussian random spheres, thickened clusters and nine types of ice crystals. The phase functions were either experimental data or calculations. This analysis method uncovers many specific and quantitative similarities and differences between the scattering by various shapes and also when compared to spheres. From this analysis a general description for scattering by a particle of any shape emerges with specific details assigned to various shapes.
The Separation of Blood Components Using Standing Surface Acoustic Waves (SSAWs) Microfluidic Devices: Analysis and Simulation
Authors: Soliman Ahmed , Eldosoky Mohamed , Taha Taha
Published: March 2017

The separation of blood components (WBCs, RBCs, and platelets) is important for medical applications. Recently, standing surface acoustic wave (SSAW) microfluidic devices are used for the separation of particles. In this paper, the design analysis of SSAW microfluidics is presented. Also, the analysis of SSAW force with Rayleigh angle effect and its attenuation in liquid-loaded substrate, viscous drag force, hydrodynamic force, and diffusion force are explained and analyzed. The analyses are provided for selecting the piezoelectric material, width of the main microchannel, working area of SAW, wavelength, minimum input power required for the separation process, and widths of outlet collecting microchannels. The design analysis of SSAW microfluidics is provided for determining the minimum input power required for the separation process with appropriated the displacement contrast of the particles.The analyses are applied for simulation the separation of blood components. The piezoelectric material, width of the main microchannel, working area of SAW, wavelength, and minimum input power required for the separation process are selected as LiNbO3, 120 μm, 1.08 mm2, 300 μm, 371 mW. The results are compared to other published results. The results of these simulations achieve minimum power consumption, less complicated setup, and high collecting efficiency. All simulation programs are built by MATLAB.
Detection of 17 β-Estradiol in Environmental Samples and for Health Care Using a Single-Use, Cost-Effective Biosensor Based on Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV)
Authors: Dai Yifan , Liu Chung
Published: March 2017

Environmental estrogen pollution and estrogen effects on the female reproductive system are well recognized scientifically. Among the estrogens, 17 β-estradiol is a priority in environmental estrogen pollution, and it is also a major contributor to estrogen which regulates the female reproductive system. 17 β-estradiol is carcinogenic and has a tumor promotion effect relating to breast cancer, lung cancer and others. It also affects psychological well-being such as depression, fatigue and others. Thus, a simple method of detecting 17 β-estradiol will be important for both environmental estrogen pollution and health care. This study demonstrates a single-use, cost-effective 17 β-estradiol biosensor system which can be used for both environmental and health care applications. The bio-recognition mechanism is based on the influence of the redox couple, K3Fe(CN)6/K4Fe(CN)6 by the interaction between 17 β-estradiol antigen and its α-receptor (ER-α; α-estrogen antibody). The transduction mechanism is an electrochemical analytical technique, differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The levels of 17 β-estradiol antigen studied were between 2.25 pg/mL and 2250 pg/mL; Phosphate buffered saline (PBS), tap water from the Cleveland regional water district, and simulated urine were used as the test media covering the potential application areas for 17 β-estradiol detection. An interference study by testosterone, which has a similar chemical structure and molecular weight as those of 17 β-estradiol, was carried out, and this 17 β-estradiol biosensor showed excellent specificity without any interference by similar chemicals.
PI3K Signaling in Tissue Hyper-Proliferation: From Overgrowth Syndromes to Kidney Cysts
Authors: De Santis Maria , Sala Valentina , Martini Miriam , Ferrero Giovanni , Hirsch Emilio
Published: March 2017

The members of the PhosphoInositide-3 Kinase (PI3K) protein family are well-known regulators of proliferative signals. By the generation of lipid second messengers, they mediate the activation of AKT/PKB (AKT) and mammalian Target Of Rapamycin (mTOR) pathways. Although mutations in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway are highly characterized in cancer, recent evidence indicates that alterations in the proliferative signals are major drivers of other diseases such as overgrowth disorders and polycystic kidney disease. In this review, we briefly summarize the role of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in cell proliferation by comparing the effect of alterations in PI3K enzymes in different tissues. In particular, we discuss the most recent findings on how the same pathway may lead to different biological effects, due to the convergence and cooperation of different signaling cascades.
Trailblazing the Carbon Cycle of Tropical Forests from Puerto Rico
Authors: Brown Sandra , Lugo Ariel
Published: March 2017

We review the literature that led to clarifying the role of tropical forests in the global carbon cycle from a time when they were considered sources of atmospheric carbon to the time when they were found to be atmospheric carbon sinks. This literature originates from work conducted by US Forest Service scientists in Puerto Rico and their collaborators. It involves the classification of forests by life zones, estimation of carbon density by forest type, assessing carbon storage changes with ecological succession and land use/land cover type, describing the details of the carbon cycle of forests at stand and landscape levels, assessing global land cover by forest type and the complexity of land use change in tropical regions, and assessing the ecological fluxes and storages that contribute to net carbon accumulation in tropical forests. We also review recent work that couples field inventory data, remote sensing technology such as LIDAR, and GIS analysis in order to more accurately determine the role of tropical forests in the global carbon cycle and point out new avenues of carbon research that address the responses of tropical forests to environmental change.
Text Messaging: An Intervention to Increase Physical Activity among African American Participants in a Faith-Based, Competitive Weight Loss Program
Authors: McCoy Pamela , Leggett Sophia , Bhuiyan Azad , Brown David , Frye Patricia , Williams Bryman
Published: March 2017

African American adults are less likely to meet the recommended physical activity guidelines for aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity than Caucasian adults. The purpose of this study was to assess whether a text message intervention would increase physical activity in this population. This pilot study used a pre-/post-questionnaire non-randomized design. Participants in a faith-based weight loss competition who agreed to participate in the text messaging were assigned to the intervention group (n = 52). Participants who declined to participate in the intervention, but agreed to participate in the study, were assigned to the control group (n = 30). The text messages provided strategies for increasing physical activity and were based on constructs of the Health Belief Model and the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Model. Chi square tests determined the intervention group participants increased exercise time by approximately eight percent (p = 0.03), while the control group’s exercise time remained constant. The intervention group increased walking and running. The control group increased running. Most participants indicated that the health text messages were effective. The results of this pilot study suggest that text messaging may be an effective method for providing options for motivating individuals to increase physical activity.
Urinary Concentrations of Insecticide and Herbicide Metabolites among Pregnant Women in Rural Ghana: A Pilot Study
Authors: Wylie Blair , Ae-Ngibise Kenneth , Boamah Ellen , Mujtaba Mohammed , Messerlian Carmen , Hauser Russ , Coull Brent , Calafat Antonia , Jack Darby , Kinney Patrick , Whyatt Robin , Owusu-Agyei Seth , Asante Kwaku
Published: March 2017

Use of pesticides by households in rural Ghana is common for residential pest control, agricultural use, and for the reduction of vectors carrying disease. However, few data are available about exposure to pesticides among this population. Our objective was to quantify urinary concentrations of metabolites of organophosphate (OP), pyrethroid, and select herbicides during pregnancy, and to explore exposure determinants. In 2014, 17 pregnant women from rural Ghana were surveyed about household pesticide use and provided weekly first morning urine voids during three visits (n = 51 samples). A total of 90.1% (46/51) of samples had detectable OP metabolites [geometric mean, GM (95% CI): 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol 0.54 µg/L (0.36–0.81), para-nitrophenol 0.71 µg/L (0.51–1.00)], 75.5% (37/49) had detectable pyrethroid metabolites [GM: 3-phenoxybenzoic acid 0.23 µg/L (0.17, 0.32)], and 70.5% (36/51) had detectable 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid levels, a herbicide [GM: 0.46 µg/L (0.29–0.73)]. Concentrations of para-nitrophenol and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid in Ghanaian pregnant women appear higher when compared to nonpregnant reproductive-aged women in a reference U.S. population. Larger studies are necessary to more fully explore predictors of exposure in this population.
Wedelolactone Acts as Proteasome Inhibitor in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Nehybová Tereza , Šmarda Jan , Daniel Lukáš , Stiborek Marek , Kanický Viktor , Spasojevič Ivan , Preisler Jan , Damborský Jiří , Beneš Petr
Published: March 2017

Wedelolactone is a multi-target natural plant coumestan exhibiting cytotoxicity towards cancer cells. Although several molecular targets of wedelolactone have been recognized, the molecular mechanism of its cytotoxicity has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we show that wedelolactone acts as an inhibitor of chymotrypsin-like, trypsin-like, and caspase-like activities of proteasome in breast cancer cells. The proteasome inhibitory effect of wedelolactone was documented by (i) reduced cleavage of fluorogenic proteasome substrates; (ii) accumulation of polyubiquitinated proteins and proteins with rapid turnover in tumor cells; and (iii) molecular docking of wedelolactone into the active sites of proteasome catalytic subunits. Inhibition of proteasome by wedelolactone was independent on its ability to induce reactive oxygen species production by redox cycling with copper ions, suggesting that wedelolactone acts as copper-independent proteasome inhibitor. We conclude that the cytotoxicity of wedelolactone to breast cancer cells is partially mediated by targeting proteasomal protein degradation pathway. Understanding the structural basis for inhibitory mode of wedelolactone might help to open up new avenues for design of novel compounds efficiently inhibiting cancer cells.
Mineral-Based Coating of Plasma-Treated Carbon Fibre Rovings for Carbon Concrete Composites with Enhanced Mechanical Performance
Authors: Schneider Kai , Lieboldt Matthias , Liebscher Marco , Fröhlich Maik , Hempel Simone , Butler Marko , Schröfl Christof , Mechtcherine Viktor
Published: March 2017

Surfaces of carbon fibre roving were modified by means of a low temperature plasma treatment to improve their bonding with mineral fines; the latter serving as an inorganic fibre coating for the improved mechanical performance of carbon reinforcement in concrete matrices. Variation of the plasma conditions, such as gas composition and treatment time, was accomplished to establish polar groups on the carbon fibres prior to contact with the suspension of mineral particles in water. Subsequently, the rovings were implemented in a fine concrete matrix and their pull-out performance was assessed. Every plasma treatment resulted in increased pull-out forces in comparison to the reference samples without plasma treatment, indicating a better bonding between the mineral coating material and the carbon fibres. Significant differences were found, depending on gas composition and treatment time. Microscopic investigations showed that the samples with the highest pull-out force exhibited carbon fibre surfaces with the largest areas of hydration products grown on them. Additionally, the coating material ingresses into the multifilament roving in these specimens, leading to better force transfer between individual carbon filaments and between the entire roving and surrounding matrix, thus explaining the superior mechanical performance of the specimens containing appropriately plasma-treated carbon roving.
Deformation Modes and Anisotropy of Anti-Perovskite Ti3AN (A = Al, In and Tl) from First-Principle Calculations
Authors: Chen Kuankuan , Li Cong , Hu Meng , Hou Xun , Li Chunmei , Chen Zhiqian
Published: March 2017

Deformation modes were studied for Ti3AN (A = Al, In and Tl) by applying strain to the materials using first-principle calculations. The states of the bonds changed during the deformation process, and the Ti-N bonds remained structurally stable under deformation. The elastic anisotropy, electronic structures, hardness, and minimum thermal conductivity of anti-perovskite Ti3AN were investigated using the pseudo potential plane-wave method based on density functional theory. We found that the anisotropy of Ti3InN was significantly larger than that of Ti3AlN and Ti3TlN. All three compounds were mechanically stable. The band structures of the three compounds revealed that they were conductors. The minimum thermal conductivities at high temperature in the propagation directions of [100], [110], and [111] were calculated by the acoustic wave velocity, which indicated that the thermal conductivity was also anisotropic. It is indicated that Ti3InN is a good thermal barrier material.
Paper-Based Colorimetric Biosensor for Tear Glucose Measurements
Authors: Gabriel Ellen , Garcia Paulo , Lopes Flavio , Coltro Wendell
Published: March 2017

This paper describes a paper-based colorimetric biosensor for measuring glucose concentration levels in human tear samples. Colorimetric biosensors were wax printed on paper platforms and modified with chitosan previously prepared in acetic acid. The proposed device was explored to measure the glucose levels in human tear samples using 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzydine (TMB) as the chromogenic reagent. The paper-based colorimetric biosensor exhibited a linear behavior for the glucose concentration range between 0.1 and 1.0 mM. The achieved analytical sensitivity and limit of detection (LOD) were 84 AU/mM and 50 µM, respectively. Moreover, the device provided analytical reliability and no statistical difference when compared to the data recorded with a commercial glucometer. The proof-of-concept of our device was successfully demonstrated by measuring the glucose levels in six tear samples from nondiabetic subjects. In general, the results showed that the colorimetric biosensor has noticeable potential to be used as a powerful tool for tear glucose monitoring, since this fluid offers lower potential interferences, non-invasive sample collection and is pain-free. Furthermore, the proposed device could facilitate the treatment of diabetic patients who need constant control of glucose levels and cannot tolerate multiple finger sticks per day.
The Effect of Polystyrene on the Carrier Flotation of Fine Smithsonite
Authors: Zhang Xiangfeng , Hu Yuehua , Sun Wei , Xu Longhua
Published: March 2017

Carrier flotation is a common technique used to improve flotation recovery of ultrafine ores. In this study, we used coarse polystyrene as the carrier material to enhance flotation recovery of fine smithsonite (ZnCO3) particles. Sodium oleate was used as the collector and played a role in the adhesion of fine smithsonite to polystyrene due to its amphipathic properties. The carrier feature of polystyrene was demonstrated using particle size analysis, total organic carbon, and scanning electron microscopy. The fine smithsonite particles coated the polystyrene particles through a reaction between the active zinc sites and the carboxyl head groups of the oleate adsorbed on smithsonite and through a hydrophobic interaction between polystyrene and the hydrocarbon chains of the oleate. Newly enlarged particle aggregates with smithsonite shells enhanced collision and attachment of the hydrophobized aggregates with bubbles, which accelerated smithsonite flotation recovery.
Metal-Free α-C(sp3)–H Functionalized Oxidative Cyclization of Tertiary N,N-Diaryl Amino Alcohols: Theoretical Approach for Mechanistic Pathway
Authors: Ullah Zakir , Kim Mihyun
Published: March 2017

The mechanistic pathway of TEMPO/I2-mediated oxidative cyclization of N,N-diaryl amino alcohols 1 was investigated. Based on direct empirical experiments, three key intermediates (aminium radical cation 3, α-aminoalkyl radical 4, and iminium 5), four types of reactive species (radical TEMPO, cationic TEMPO, TEMPO-I, and iodo radical), and three types of pathways ((1) SET/PCET mechanism; (2) HAT/1,6-H transfer mechanism; (3) ionic mechanism) were assumed. Under the assumption, nine free energy diagrams were acquired through density functional theory calculations. From the comparison of solution-phase free energy, some possible mechanisms were excluded, and then the chosen plausible mechanisms were concretized using the more stable intermediate 7.
Black Tea High-Molecular-Weight Polyphenol-Rich Fraction Promotes Hypertrophy during Functional Overload in Mice
Authors: Aoki Yuki , Ozawa Tetsuo , Takemasa Tohru , Numata Osamu
Published: March 2017

Mitochondria activation factor (MAF) is a high-molecular-weight polyphenol extracted from black tea that stimulates training-induced 5′ adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation and improves endurance capacity. Originally, MAF was purified from black tea using butanol and acetone, making it unsuitable for food preparation. Hence, we extracted a MAF-rich sample “E80” from black tea, using ethanol and water only. Here, we examined the effects of E80 on resistance training. Eight-week old C57BL/6 mice were fed with a normal diet or a diet containing 0.5% E80 for 4, 7 and 14 days under conditions of functional overload. It was found that E80 administration promoted overload-induced hypertrophy and induced phosphorylation of the Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway proteins, such as Akt, P70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70S6K), and S6 in the plantaris muscle. Therefore, functional overload and E80 administration accelerated mTOR signaling and increased protein synthesis in the muscle, thereby inducing hypertrophy.
The ‘Molecule of the Month’ Website—An Extraordinary Chemistry Educational Resource Online for over 20 Years
Authors: May Paul W. , Cotton Simon A. , Harrison Karl , Rzepa Henry S.
Published: March 2017

The Molecule of the Month website (http://www.chm.bris.ac.uk/motm/motm.htm) is an educational resource that is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Here we reflect on its pioneering role in promoting new technology for visualizing and presenting chemical information on the web, as well as its achievements, as a free educational resource, both as a teaching aid and as a multi-user, multi-author learning platform. We discuss the legal aspects of such sites, as well as issues around how to make the content permanent. Finally, we look forward to how such sites may evolve in the future.
Physicochemical Properties of Jatropha Oil-Based Polyol Produced by a Two Steps Method
Authors: Saalah Sariah , Abdullah Luqman Chuah , Aung Min Min , Salleh Mek Zah , Awang Biak Dayang Radiah , Basri Mahiran , Jusoh Emiliana Rose , Mamat Suhaini
Published: March 2017

A low cost, abundant, and renewable vegetable oil source has been gaining increasing attention due to its potential to be chemically modified to polyol and thence to become an alternative replacement for the petroleum-based polyol in polyurethane production. In this study, jatropha oil-based polyol (JOL) was synthesised from non-edible jatropha oil by a two steps process, namely epoxidation and oxirane ring opening. In the first step, the effect of the reaction temperature, the molar ratio of the oil double bond to formic acid, and the reaction time on the oxirane oxygen content (OOC) of the epoxidised jatropha oil (EJO) were investigated. It was found that 4.3% OOC could be achieved with a molar ratio of 1:0.6, a reaction temperature of 60 °C, and 4 h of reaction. Consequently, a series of polyols with hydroxyl numbers in the range of 138–217 mgKOH/g were produced by oxirane ring opening of EJOs, and the physicochemical and rheological properties were studied. Both the EJOs and the JOLs are liquid and have a number average molecular weight (Mn) in the range of 834 to 1457 g/mol and 1349 to 2129 g/mol, respectively. The JOLs exhibited Newtonian behaviour, with a low viscosity of 430–970 mPas. Finally, the JOL with a hydroxyl number of 161 mgKOH/g was further used to synthesise aqueous polyurethane dispersion, and the urethane formation was successfully monitored by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR).
Optimization of an Optical Test Bench for Tire Properties Measurement and Tread Defects Characterization
Authors: Castillo Aguilar Juan , Cabrera Carrillo Juan , Guerra Fernández Antonio , Postigo Pozo Sergio
Published: March 2017

Tire characteristics and behavior are of great importance in vehicle dynamics since the forces transmitted in the tire-road contact are the main contributors to global vehicle performance. Several research groups have focused on the study and modeling of tires. Some of the most important factors that need to be known are tread characteristics and pressure distribution in the tire-ground contact patch. In this work, a test bench has been used to adequately determine the aforementioned factors. The measurement principle of the test bench is the frustration of total internal reflection (FTIR) of light. It makes use of a laterally illuminated glass on which the tire leans. An interposed plastic interface between them causes the reflection of light. Finally, a video camera captures the bright image formed through the glass. The brightness level in each pixel of the image is related to existing normal pressure. A study of the parameters that affect the test bench calibration such as type of interface material used, diffuse light, hysteresis, creep and transverse light absorption is performed. Experimental tests are conducted to relate tire inflation pressure and camber angle to the pressure distribution. Furthermore, the test bench is used to detect and evaluate the influence of defects in the tire on the contact pressures.
Modeling and Density Estimation of an Urban Freeway Network Based on Dynamic Graph Hybrid Automata
Authors: Chen Yangzhou , Guo Yuqi , Wang Ying
Published: March 2017

In this paper, in order to describe complex network systems, we firstly propose a general modeling framework by combining a dynamic graph with hybrid automata and thus name it Dynamic Graph Hybrid Automata (DGHA). Then we apply this framework to model traffic flow over an urban freeway network by embedding the Cell Transmission Model (CTM) into the DGHA. With a modeling procedure, we adopt a dual digraph of road network structure to describe the road topology, use linear hybrid automata to describe multi-modes of dynamic densities in road segments and transform the nonlinear expressions of the transmitted traffic flow between two road segments into piecewise linear functions in terms of multi-mode switchings. This modeling procedure is modularized and rule-based, and thus is easily-extensible with the help of a combination algorithm for the dynamics of traffic flow. It can describe the dynamics of traffic flow over an urban freeway network with arbitrary topology structures and sizes. Next we analyze mode types and number in the model of the whole freeway network, and deduce a Piecewise Affine Linear System (PWALS) model. Furthermore, based on the PWALS model, a multi-mode switched state observer is designed to estimate the traffic densities of the freeway network, where a set of observer gain matrices are computed by using the Lyapunov function approach. As an example, we utilize the PWALS model and the corresponding switched state observer to traffic flow over Beijing third ring road. In order to clearly interpret the principle of the proposed method and avoid computational complexity, we adopt a simplified version of Beijing third ring road. Practical application for a large-scale road network will be implemented by decentralized modeling approach and distributed observer designing in the future research.
An Improved Approach for RSSI-Based only Calibration-Free Real-Time Indoor Localization on IEEE 802.11 and 802.15.4 Wireless Networks
Authors: Passafiume Marco , Maddio Stefano , Cidronali Alessandro
Published: March 2017

Assuming a reliable and responsive spatial contextualization service is a must-have in IEEE 802.11 and 802.15.4 wireless networks, a suitable approach consists of the implementation of localization capabilities, as an additional application layer to the communication protocol stack. Considering the applicative scenario where satellite-based positioning applications are denied, such as indoor environments, and excluding data packet arrivals time measurements due to lack of time resolution, received signal strength indicator (RSSI) measurements, obtained according to IEEE 802.11 and 802.15.4 data access technologies, are the unique data sources suitable for indoor geo-referencing using COTS devices. In the existing literature, many RSSI based localization systems are introduced and experimentally validated, nevertheless they require periodic calibrations and significant information fusion from different sensors that dramatically decrease overall systems reliability and their effective availability. This motivates the work presented in this paper, which introduces an approach for an RSSI-based calibration-free and real-time indoor localization. While switched-beam array-based hardware (compliant with IEEE 802.15.4 router functionality) has already been presented by the author, the focus of this paper is the creation of an algorithmic layer for use with the pre-existing hardware capable to enable full localization and data contextualization over a standard 802.15.4 wireless sensor network using only RSSI information without the need of lengthy offline calibration phase. System validation reports the localization results in a typical indoor site, where the system has shown high accuracy, leading to a sub-metrical overall mean error and an almost 100% site coverage within 1 m localization error.
CO2 Emissions Reduction and Energy Efficiency Improvements in Paper Making Drying Process Control by Sensors
Authors: Calvo Luis , Domingo Rosario
Published: March 2017

The drying process of paper has many production parameters that can influence both the energy consumed and the characteristics of paper produced. It was found that most of the previous studies conducted on this process assume that the conditions of the facilities are always appropriate. The control of the variables associated with air circulating inside the drying hood is essential to obtain a paper with adequate quality and obtain low ratios of energy consumption and CO2 emissions. This article proposes a new indirect method based on the study of the enthalpy of the airflows inside the production hall and thermographic images that helps to analyze the maintenance state of the enclosure hood drying section in a general process, whereby it can also estimate the emissions and energy losses. The combined use of sensors and equipment has helped to identify energy losses and potential savings in CO2 emissions. The developed method is applied to a paper manufacturing plant that has ratios of energy consumption and CO2 emissions very close to the product benchmark set by the European Authorities. The study corroborates that it can be identified as a significant energy loss in paper making drying process. Analyzing facilities that are in apparently good maintenance conditions, leaks are evident. These energy losses are very significant compared with the theoretical energy consumption, and it can affect the paper moisture profile.
Entomofaune de Vanikoro (îles Salomon). 3e contribution : Coleoptera Histeridae. De l'étude de quelques escarbots miroitants provenant des deux récentes expéditions françaises aux antipodes à la recherche du sieur Jean-François Galaup, comte de Lapérouse
Authors: Gomy Yves , Aberlenc Henri-Pierre
Published: March 2017

L'un des auteurs a collecté des insectes en novembre 2003 et en mai 2005 au cours de deux expéditions archéologiques françaises à Vanikoro (îles Salomon) consacrées à des recherches sur le naufrage de Lapérouse en 1788. Trois espèces de Coléoptères Histeridae ont été trouvées et sont l'objet de la présente étude.
Mise à jour critique de la nomenclature des Vespidae (Hymenoptera) de France métropolitaine et premier inventaire des espèces du département des Alpes-de-Haute-Provence (France) - Première partie
Authors: Gereys Bruno
Published: March 2017

L'auteur compile les données disponibles sur les Vespidae observés dans le département des Alpes-de-Haute-Provence et propose une mise à jour critique de la nomenclature des taxons de France métropolitaine.
Inventaire des polypores des îles Sainte Marguerite, Port-Cros et Porquerolles, France
Authors: Pieri Max , Rivoire Bernard
Published: March 2017

Les auteurs présentent un inventaire commenté des polypores de l'île Sainte Marguerite (Cannes, Alpes-Maritimes, France) et des îles de Port-Cros et Porquerolles (Hyères, Var, France). Les polypores recensés sur les trois îles, d'une superficie totale d'environ 2000 ha, représentent approximativement 24 % de la fonge des polypores signalés en Europe. Dichomitus albidofuscus est une espèce signalée pour la première fois en France.
Réminiscences mycologiques : prospections dans les environs de Bourg-Argental (Loire)
Authors: Delaigue Jacques
Published: March 2017

Memories of a mycologue

The author, botanist and mycologue, enumerates, by reminding their outstanding characteristics, about 160 more or less rare or interesting mushroom species that he personally met during his previous prospectings. His prospection area includes especially the massif du Pilat, close to Saint-Etienne (Loire), but also some of surrounding areas.
Observation récente de Neomida haemorrhoidalis (Fabricius) en Isère (Rhône-Alpes) (Coleopt. Tenebrionidae)
Authors: Collomb Gérard , Ollagnon Jean-Louis , Dalmon Jacques
Published: March 2017

Le Ténébrionide Neomida haemorrhoidalis Fabricius, 1787 a été récolté en Isère à la limite départementale avec l'Ain. Il semblerait que l'insecte n'ait pas été trouvé dans la région Rhône-Alpes depuis la première moitié du XIXe siècle.
Description d'un nouveau Plinthisus du Sud-Est de la France (Heteroptera, Rhyparochromidae, Plinthisinae)
Authors: Matocq Armand , Pluot-Sigwalt Dominique
Published: March 2017

Description of a new Plinthisus from Southeast France (Alpes-Maritimes) (Heteroptera, Rhyparochromidae, Plinthisinae). - Plinthisus heteroclitus n. sp is described from Southeast France (Alpes-Maritimes), based on three brachypterous males. Habitus, abdomen, evaporatory area and male genitalia are illustrated. The species can be easily distinguished from all West Palaearctic species by its relatively large size (3.9-4 mm), the absence of ocular setae ; and by the presence of a large tooth-like spur on the protibia, and a pair of metapleural conical tubercles located on each side between the terminal lobe of the metathoracic glands and the outer margin of the metapleuron. Until now such metapleural tubercles have never been described in the genus Plinthisus. The presence of a large protibial spur characterizes the male representatives of the subgenus Dasythisus Wagner, 1964, comprised currently of five East Palaearctic species. However, P. heteroclitus n. sp. also shares numerous characters with the representatives of the subgenus Nanoplinthisus Wagner, 1963, particularly hemelytra apices transversely truncate and devoid of membrane. For this reason, the new species remains unclassified within the genus which, according to all specialists, is in great need of revision.
Contribution à l'étude des Araneidae de Guyane française. IV - Le genre Mangora
Authors: Dierkens Michaël
Published: March 2017

Neuf espèces de Mangora ont été récoltées en Guyane française, sept d'entre elles sont signalées pour la première fois de ce département. Le mâle de Mangora brokopondo Levi est décrit.
A Multiple Flux-tube Solar Wind Model
Authors: Pinto Rui F. , Rouillard Alexis P.
Published: March 2017

We present a new model, MULTI-VP, which computes the three-dimensional structure of the solar wind and includes the chromosphere, the transition region, and the corona and low heliosphere. MULTI-VP calculates a large ensemble of wind profiles flowing along open magnetic field lines that sample the entire three-dimensional atmosphere or, alternatively, a given region of interest. The radial domain starts from the photosphere and typically extends to about

. The elementary uni-dimensional wind solutions are based on a mature numerical scheme that was adapted in order to accept any flux-tube geometry. We discuss here the first results obtained with this model. We use Potential Field Source-surface extrapolations of magnetograms from the Wilcox Solar Observatory to determine the structure of the background magnetic field. Our results support the hypothesis that the geometry of the magnetic flux-tubes in the lower corona controls the distribution of slow and fast wind flows. The inverse correlation between density and speed far away from the Sun is a global effect resulting from small readjustments of the flux-tube cross-sections in the high corona (necessary to achieve global pressure balance and a uniform open flux distribution). In comparison to current global MHD models, MULTI-VP performs much faster and does not suffer from spurious cross-field diffusion effects. We show that MULTI-VP has the capability to predict correctly the dynamical and thermal properties of the background solar wind (wind speed, density, temperature, magnetic field amplitude, and other derived quantities) and to approach real-time operation requirements.
Degradation of Adenine on the Martian Surface in the Presence of Perchlorates and Ionizing Radiation: A Reflectron Time-of-flight Mass Spectrometric Study
Authors: Góbi Sándor , Bergantini Alexandre , Kaiser Ralf I.
Published: March 2017

The aim of the present work is to unravel the radiolytic decomposition of adenine (C5H5N5) under conditions relevant to the Martian surface. Being the fundamental building block of (deoxy)ribonucleic acids, the possibility of survival of this biomolecule on the Martian surface is of primary importance to the astrobiology community. Here, neat adenine and adenine–magnesium perchlorate mixtures were prepared and irradiated with energetic electrons that simulate the secondary electrons originating from the interaction of the galactic cosmic rays with the Martian surface. Perchlorates were added to the samples since they are abundant—and therefore relevant oxidizers on the surface of Mars—and they have been previously shown to facilitate the radiolysis of organics such as glycine. The degradation of the samples were monitored in situ via Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy and the electron ionization quadruple mass spectrometric method; temperature-programmed desorption profiles were then collected by means of the state-of-the-art single photon photoionization reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometry (PI-ReTOF-MS), allowing for the detection of the species subliming from the sample. The results showed that perchlorates do increase the destruction rate of adenine by opening alternative reaction channels, including the concurrent radiolysis/oxidation of the sample. This new pathway provides a plethora of different radiolysis products that were identified for the first time. These are carbon dioxide (CO2), isocyanic acid (HNCO), isocyanate (OCN−), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen monoxide (NO); an oxidation product containing carbonyl groups (R1R2–C=O) with a constrained five-membered cyclic structure could also be observed. Cyanamide (H2N–C≡N) was detected in both irradiated samples as well.
Production et usage des ressources urbaines en migration : les ateliers de confection à São Paulo
Authors: Souchaud Sylvain
Published: March 2017

Cet article a pour objectif l’analyse de la production et de l’accès aux ressources urbaines dans un contexte migratoire. Les ressources urbaines sont considérées comme les dispositifs et les pratiques constitutives de l’environnement urbain. Pour les caractériser, nous ciblons des groupes de travailleurs immigrés sud-américains, ouvriers et petits patrons insérés dans les ateliers de confection qui sont des dispositifs où se cristallisent, entre accès et production, différentes façons d’articuler les ressources urbaines, selon les statuts sociaux-économiques et l’insertion dans l’environnement. Ainsi, nous verrons comment, dans le contexte métropolitain de São Paulo, les patrons d’ateliers se réapproprient le bâti dévalorisé du centre-ville pour y organiser leurs ateliers lesquels, afin de capter une main-d’œuvre marginalisée sur les marchés du travail et du logement, mêlent l’hébergement à l’offre d’activité. L’analyse des ressources urbaines, de leur usage (réaffectation de bâtiments dévalorisés à des fins économiques) et de leur production (offre de travail assortie d’une offre de logement) éclaire la spécificité sociale et économique des ateliers de confection et nous renseigne sur leur insertion métropolitaine.
Mobilités internationales et ressources en contexte métropolitain : trajectoires centraméricaines à Mexico
Authors: Faret Laurent
Published: March 2017

L'article vise à documenter et analyser les formes de mobilisation de ressources pour des migrants centraméricains accédant à un nouvel environnement métropolitain, celui de la région urbaine de Mexico. En cherchant à éclairer les enjeux contemporains de dynamiques migratoires où les situations de « trajectoires contrariées » sont devenues plus manifestes au gré de la complexification des parcours, l’article propose de réinterroger les rapports entre trajectoires de mobilité et installation dans l’espace métropolitain, mettant en tension ressources migratoires et ressources urbaines. Les présences, courtes ou plus durables, d'une population mobile en provenance du Triangle nord centraméricain (Salvador, Honduras et Guatemala) interrogent les formes d'ancrage dans la ville et les rapports socio-spatiaux de ces populations avec les différentes dynamiques urbaines et métropolitaines contemporaines, au-delà du seul transit. Si l’attractivité de la région urbaine de Mexico est réelle, les parcours de migrants sont aussi le résultat de trajectoires bloquées, soit dans une tentative de migration vers le Nord, soit face à des logiques de retour impossible dans le pays d’origine. Entre projets migratoires contrariés et faiblesse de réseaux familiaux et sociaux d’entraide, ces populations construisent des stratégies adaptatives d'installation et d'insertion socioéconomique, fabriquant malgré la vulnérabilité un nouvel horizon ancré localement.
Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraoperative chemotherapy is better with open or closed abdomen? Analysis of clinical outcomes
Authors: Ghermandi Claudio , Cipolat Lucia , Martignani Matteo , Ansaloni Luca , Coccolini Federico , Di Saverio Salomone , De Simone Belinda , Sartelli Massimo , Catena Fausto
Published: March 2017

The aim was to investigate and analyze clinical outcomes in patients submitted to hyperthermic intraoperative chemotherapy (HIPEC) with open and closed technique. This is a retrospective analysis of data about 30 patients submitted to HIPEC with open coliseum technique-group 1 and closed technique-group 2 between may 2014 and may 2015. Clinical data about intra-operative monitoring of these patients during hyperthermic chemoperfusion were matched and compared. Statistical analysis was made by SPSS program. No statistical significant difference was found in the modification of cardiac frequency (P=0.136), of the median arterial pressure (P=0.128), in central venous pressure (P=0.384), cardiac output (P=0.092), and in Stroke Volume Variation (P=0.815) between the 2 groups. Recovery time in the Intensive Care Unit was 5±3 days for group 1 and 5±2 days for group 2. Recovery time was 17±6 days for group 1 and 20±11 days for group 2. There are no data confirming better outcomes of HIPEC with open or closed technique. An experienced operating team is required to decrease morbidity and mortality rate.
Il dibattito in Bioetica - Con dignità, fino alla fine: paziente e medico “alleati per la vita”. Un contributo al dibattito pubblico sul fine-vita / The debate in Bioethics - With dignity, until the end: patient and physician "allies for life." A contribution to public debate about end of life
Authors: Scienza & Vita Associazione
Published: March 2017

Non disponibile / Not available
Elizabethkingia meningosepticum: an emerging nosocomial pathogen in a critical patient with septicaemia
Authors: Panetta Vittorio , Greco Rita , Costanzo Sandra , Morello Andrea , Costanzo Angelo , Canzano Giuseppe
Published: March 2017

We describe a case of sepsis due to the non-fermenter Gram-negative bacillus Elizabethkingia meningosepticum in a patient (M, 23 y.o.) hospitalized at the Intensive Care and Critical Care Medicine suffering of a severe neurological disease and acute surgical abdomen, caused by suppurative peritonitis secondary to PEG removal. Two sets of blood cultures were collected at the time of persistent fever. The culture on chocolate and blood agar showed the presence of colonies with characteristic grey-shiny appearance and 1-2 mm in diameter. No growth was instead evident on Mac-Conkey agar. The Gram stain was performed, but the final identification of the isolate as E. meningosepticum was obtained by Vitek2 System, on the basis of growth characteristics, biochemical reaction results, and the peculiar antibiotic susceptibility profile. The identification was also confirmed by Vitek MS MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry instrument (bioMérieux, Marcy-l’Étoile, France). Results of susceptibility testing highlighted the resistance to most antibiotics useful against Gram-negative bacteria and a paradoxical susceptibility to those targeting mainly Gram-positives. The vancomycin and ciprofloxacin combined therapy improved the patient’s conditions, with a complete resolution of the E. meningosepticum bacteraemia. Unfortunately, due to the onset of important clinical and surgical complications, the patient died as a result of a septic shock caused by a MDR Acinetobacter baummannii. The present work underline the importance of correct species identification in the case of E. meningosepticum, a rare bacterium whose unique antimicrobial susceptibility pattern, require an ad hoc therapeutic approach.
The importance of an early alert from the Microbiology Laboratory and multidisciplinary collaboration during a suspected salmonellosis outbreak
Authors: Anesi Adriano , Panceri Maria Lucia , Asticcioli Sara , Baroni Dominga , Rognoni Vanina , Marazza Giovanni , Rossetti Eva , Labbadini Silvano , Archenti Anna , Luini Mario , Bertasi Barbara , Pontello Mirella , Belloni Annamaria
Published: March 2017

Background and aims. Salmonellosis is one of the most common and widely distributed food-borne diseases. The increasing complexity and globalization of the food industry are causing an increase of some of these large-scale food-borne illnesses, thus there is a need for improvements in public health signal detection and communication streams between laboratories and regulatory agencies. The aim of this study is to show how the early reporting of salmonellosis cases directly from the Laboratory of Microbiology to the Local Health Service Infectious Diseases Office along with the prompt response of the ASL, and the rapid involvement of the Local Veterinary Prevention Department resulted in an improved individuation and investigation of a suspected food-borne outbreak with anomalous manifestation.
Materials and methods. From August to November 2014 the early warning from the Laboratory of Microbiology regarding Salmonella spp. isolates with the identical serogroup and antibiotic resistance phenotype, allowed for prompt identification of a food-borne infection.
Results and conclusions. The genotyping analysis suggested that over the period considered there was more than a single monophasic Salmonella typhimurium isolate: one responsible for the sporadic cases that occurred in September and October, and another in November.
Generalized Hardy–Morrey Spaces
Authors: Akbulut Ali , Guliyev Vagif Sabir , Noi Takahiro , Sawano Yoshihiro
Published: March 2017

This paper is an off-spring of the contribution [Z. Anal. Anwend. 36 (2017)(1), 17–35]. We propose a way to consider the decomposition method of generalized Hardy–Morrey spaces. Generalized Hardy–Morrey spaces emerged from generalized Morrey spaces. By means of the grand maximal operator and the norm of generalized Morrey spaces, we can define generalized Hardy–Morrey spaces. With what we have culminated for the Hardy–Littlewood maximal operator, we can easily refine the existing results. As an application, we consider bilinear estimates, which is the "so-called" Olsen inequality. In particular, our results complement the one in the 2014 paper by Iida, the fourth author and Tanaka [Z. Anal. Anwend. 33 (2014)(2), 149–170]; there were two mistakes. One lies in the decomposition result and another lies in the proof of the Olsen inequality.
The effect of requesting a reason for non-adherence to a guideline in a long running automated reminder system for PONV prophylaxis
Authors: Kooij Fabian O. , Klok Toni , Preckel Benedikt , Hollmann Markus W. , Kal Jasper E.
Published: March 2017

Background: Automated reminders are employed frequently to improve guideline adherence, but limitations of automated reminders are becoming more apparent. We studied the reasons for non-adherence in the setting of automated reminders to test the hypothesis that a separate request for a reason in itself may further improve guideline adherence.

Methods: In a previously implemented automated reminder system on prophylaxis for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), we included additional automated reminders requesting a reason for non-adherence. We recorded these reasons in the pre-operative screening clinic, the OR and the PACU. We compared adherence to our PONV guideline in two study groups with a historical control group.

Results: Guideline adherence on prescribing and administering PONV prophylaxis (dexamethasone and granisetron) all improved compared to the historical control group (89 vs. 82% (p< 0.0001), 96 vs 95% (not significant) and 90 vs 82% (p<0.0001)) while decreasing unwarranted prescription for PONV prophylaxis (10 vs. 13 %). In the pre-operative screening clinic, the main reason for not prescribing PONV prophylaxis was disagreement with the risk estimate by the decision support system. In the OR/PACU, the main reasons for not administering PONV prophylaxis were: ‘unintended non-adherence’ and ‘failure to document’.

Conclusions: In this study requesting a reason for non-adherence is associated with improved guideline adherence. The effect seems to depend on the underlying reason for non-adherence. It also illustrates the importance of human factors principles in the design of decision support. Some reasons for non-adherence may not be influenced by automated reminders.
Clearing the Air: How an Effective Transparency Policy Can Help the U.S. Meet its Paris Agreement Promise
Authors: Baldwin Hannah L.
Published: March 2017

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