bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Archaeal Clusters of Orthologous Genes (arCOGs): An Update and Application for Analysis of Shared Features between Thermococcales, Methanococcales, and Methanobacteriales
Authors: Makarova Kira , Wolf Yuri , Koonin Eugene
Published: March 2015

With the continuously accelerating genome sequencing from diverse groups of archaea and bacteria, accurate identification of gene orthology and availability of readily expandable clusters of orthologous genes are essential for the functional annotation of new genomes. We report an update of the collection of archaeal Clusters of Orthologous Genes (arCOGs) to cover, on average, 91% of the protein-coding genes in 168 archaeal genomes. The new arCOGs were constructed using refined algorithms for orthology identification combined with extensive manual curation, including incorporation of the results of several completed and ongoing research projects in archaeal genomics. A new level of classification is introduced, superclusters that untie two or more arCOGs and more completely reflect gene family evolution than individual, disconnected arCOGs. Assessment of the current archaeal genome annotation in public databases indicates that consistent use of arCOGs can significantly improve the annotation quality. In addition to their utility for genome annotation, arCOGs also are a platform for phylogenomic analysis. We explore this aspect of arCOGs by performing a phylogenomic study of the Thermococci that are traditionally viewed as the basal branch of the Euryarchaeota. The results of phylogenomic analysis that involved both comparison of multiple phylogenetic trees and a search for putative derived shared characters by using phyletic patterns extracted from the arCOGs reveal a likely evolutionary relationship between the Thermococci, Methanococci, and Methanobacteria. The arCOGs are expected to be instrumental for a comprehensive phylogenomic study of the archaea.
N,N-Bis(3β-acetoxypregn-5(6)-en-20-on-16α-yl)hydroxylamine
Authors: Skoda-Földes Rita
Published: March 2015

A steroid with the dimeric structure, N,N-bis(3β-acetoxypregn-5(6)-en-20-on-16α-yl)hydroxylamine was synthesized in the base catalyzed reaction of 3β-acetoxypregn-5,16-dien-20-one with O-(trimethylsilyl)hydroxylamine. The structure of the product was determined by NMR (including 2D techniques), FAB MS, IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis.
Development of Advanced Macrosphelides: Potent Anticancer Agents
Authors: Paek Seung-Mann
Published: March 2015

Synthetic approaches to macrosphelide derivatives, based on medicinal chemistry, are summarized. This review contains conventional medicinal chemistry approaches, combinatorial chemistry, fluorous tagging techniques and affinity chromatography preparation. In addition, advances in their apoptosis-inducing activities are also included.
New Sesquiterpenoids from Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.
Authors: Ding Wenbing , Huang Rui , Zhou Zhongshi , Li Youzhi
Published: March 2015

A new pseudoguaianolide 1 and two new guaiane-type sesquiterpene glucosides 2 and 3, were isolated from the aerial parts of Ambrosia artemisiifolia L together with two known sesquiterpene dilactones 4 and 5. The new compounds were determined on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical methods to be 3β-acetoxy-4β-hydroxy-1α,7α, 10β,11αH-pseudoguaia-12,8β-olide (1), 1β,7β,9β,10β,13αH-guaia-4(5)-en-12,6β-olide 9-O-β-d-glucoside (2) and 4β-hydroxy-1α,5α,7α,9αH-guaia-10(14),11(13)-dien-12-acid 9-O-β-d-glucoside (3). The isolated compounds were evaluated for cytotoxicity against human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cell lines in vitro, but were all inactive.
Inhibitory Effect of Duabanga grandiflora on MRSA Biofilm Formation via Prevention of Cell-Surface Attachment and PBP2a Production
Authors: Santiago Carolina , Lim Kuan-Hon , Loh Hwei-San , Ting Kang
Published: March 2015

Formation of biofilms is a major factor for nosocomial infections associated with methicillin-resistance Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This study was carried out to determine the ability of a fraction, F-10, derived from the plant Duabanga grandiflora to inhibit MRSA biofilm formation. Inhibition of biofilm production and microtiter attachment assays were employed to study the anti-biofilm activity of F-10, while latex agglutination test was performed to study the influence of F-10 on penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a) level in MRSA biofilm. PBP2a is a protein that confers resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics. The results showed that, F-10 at minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC, 0.75 mg/mL) inhibited biofilm production by 66.10%; inhibited cell-surface attachment by more than 95%; and a reduced PBP2a level in the MRSA biofilm was observed. Although ampicilin was more effective in inhibiting biofilm production (MIC of 0.05 mg/mL, 84.49%) compared to F-10, the antibiotic was less effective in preventing cell-surface attachment. A higher level of PBP2a was detected in ampicillin-treated MRSA showing the development of further resistance in these colonies. This study has shown that F-10 possesses anti-biofilm activity, which can be attributed to its ability to reduce cell-surface attachment and attenuate the level of PBP2a that we postulated to play a crucial role in mediating biofilm formation.
Iodized Salt Sales in the United States
Authors: Maalouf Joyce , Barron Jessica , Gunn Janelle , Yuan Keming , Perrine Cria , Cogswell Mary
Published: March 2015

Iodized salt has been an important source of dietary iodine, a trace element important for regulating human growth, development, and metabolic functions. This analysis identified iodized table salt sales as a percentage of retail salt sales using Nielsen ScanTrack. We identified 1117 salt products, including 701 salt blends and 416 other salt products, 57 of which were iodized. When weighted by sales volume in ounces or per item, 53% contained iodized salt. These findings may provide a baseline for future monitoring of sales of iodized salt.
Strawberry Phytochemicals Inhibit Azoxymethane/Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Colorectal Carcinogenesis in Crj: CD-1 Mice
Authors: Shi Ni , Clinton Steven , Liu Zhihua , Wang Yongquan , Riedl Kenneth , Schwartz Steven , Zhang Xiaoli , Pan Zui , Chen Tong
Published: March 2015

Human and experimental colon carcinogenesis are enhanced by a pro-inflammatory microenvironment. Pharmacologically driven chemopreventive agents and dietary variables are hypothesized to have future roles in the prevention of colon cancer by targeting these processes. The current study was designed to determine the ability of dietary lyophilized strawberries to inhibit inflammation-promoted colon carcinogenesis in a preclinical animal model. Mice were given a single i.p. injection of azoxymethane (10 mg kg−1 body weight). One week after injection, mice were administered 2% (w/v) dextran sodium sulfate in drinking water for seven days and then an experimental diet containing chemically characterized lyophilized strawberries for the duration of the bioassay. Mice fed control diet, or experimental diet containing 2.5%, 5.0% or 10.0% strawberries displayed tumor incidence of 100%, 64%, 75% and 44%, respectively (p < 0.05). The mechanistic studies demonstrate that strawberries reduced expression of proinflammatory mediators, suppressed nitrosative stress and decreased phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, Akt, extracellular signal-regulated kinase and nuclear factor kappa B. In conclusion, strawberries target proinflammatory mediators and oncogenic signaling for the preventive efficacies against colon carcinogenesis in mice. This works supports future development of fully characterized and precisely controlled functional foods for testing in human clinical trials for this disease.
Effects of Supplementation with the Fat-Soluble Vitamins E and D on Fasting Flow-Mediated Vasodilation in Adults: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Joris Peter , Mensink Ronald
Published: March 2015

The effects of fat-soluble vitamin supplementation on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk are not clear. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to quantify effects of fat-soluble vitamin supplements on fasting flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) of the brachial artery, a validated marker to assess CVD risk. Randomized placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) were identified by a systematic search till July 2014. Seven RCTs studying the effects of vitamin E supplements (range: 300 to 1800 IU per day) and nine RCTs examining the effects of vitamin D supplements, that involved, respectively, 303 and 658 adults, were included. No studies with carotenoid or vitamin K supplements were found. Vitamin E supplementation increased FMD vs. control by 2.42% (95% CI: 0.46% to 4.37%; p = 0.015). No effects of vitamin D supplementation were found (0.15%; 95% CI: −0.21% to 0.51%; p = 0.41). These effects did not depend on subject characteristics, treatment characteristics or technical aspects of the FMD measurement. However, no dose-response relationship was evident for vitamin E, statistical significance depended on one study, while the levels of supplement were far above recommended intakes. The current meta-analysis, therefore, does not provide unambiguous evidence to support the use of fat-soluble vitamin supplements to improve fasting FMD in adults.
An Overview of Mode of Action and Analytical Methods for Evaluation of Gas Phase Activities of Flame Retardants
Authors: Salmeia Khalifah , Fage Julien , Liang Shuyu , Gaan Sabyasachi
Published: March 2015

The latest techniques used to prove, describe and analyze the gas phase activity of a fire retardant used in polymeric materials are briefly reviewed. Classical techniques, such as thermogravimetric analysis or microscale combustion calorimetry, as well as complex and advanced analytical techniques, such as modified microscale combustion calorimeter (MCC), molecular beam mass spectroscopy and vacuum ultra violet (VUV) photoionization spectroscopy coupled with time of flight MS (TOF-MS), are described in this review. The recent advances in analytical techniques help not only in determining the gas phase activity of the flame-retardants but also identify possible reactive species responsible for gas phase flame inhibition. The complete understanding of the decomposition pathways and the flame retardant activity of a flame retardant system is essential for the development of new eco-friendly-tailored flame retardant molecules with high flame retardant efficiency.
A Comparison of Novel Optical Remote Sensing-Based Technologies for Forest-Cover/Change Monitoring
Authors: Lui Gillian , Coomes David
Published: March 2015

Remote sensing is gaining considerable traction in forest monitoring efforts, with the Carnegie Landsat Analysis System lite (CLASlite) software package and the Global Forest Change dataset (GFCD) being two of the most recently developed optical remote sensing-based tools for analysing forest cover and change. Due to the relatively nascent state of these technologies, their abilities to classify land cover and monitor forest dynamics have yet to be evaluated against more established approaches. Here, we compared maps of forest cover and change produced by the more traditional supervised classification approach with those produced by CLASlite and the GFCD, working with imagery collected over Sierra Leone, West Africa. CLASlite maps of forest change from 2001–2007 and 2007–2014 exhibited the highest overall accuracies (79.1% and 89.6%, respectively) and, importantly, the greatest capacity to discriminate natural from planted mature forest growth. CLASlite’s comparative advantage likely derived from its more robust sub-pixel classification logic and numerous user-defined parameters, which resulted in classified products with greater site relevance than those of the two other classification approaches. In light of today’s continuously growing body of analytical toolsets for remotely sensed data, our study importantly elucidates the ways in which methodological processes and limitations inherent in certain classification tools can impact the maps they are capable of producing, and demonstrates the need to understand and weigh such factors before any one tool is selected for a given application.
Estimation and Validation of RapidEye-Based Time-Series of Leaf Area Index for Winter Wheat in the Rur Catchment (Germany)
Authors: Ali Muhammad , Montzka Carsten , Stadler Anja , Menz Gunter , Thonfeld Frank , Vereecken Harry
Published: March 2015

Leaf Area Index (LAI) is an important variable for numerous processes in various disciplines of bio- and geosciences. In situ measurements are the most accurate source of LAI among the LAI measuring methods, but the in situ measurements have the limitation of being labor intensive and site specific. For spatial-explicit applications (from regional to continental scales), satellite remote sensing is a promising source for obtaining LAI with different spatial resolutions. However, satellite-derived LAI measurements using empirical models require calibration and validation with the in situ measurements. In this study, we attempted to validate a direct LAI retrieval method from remotely sensed images (RapidEye) with in situ LAI (LAIdestr). Remote sensing LAI (LAIrapideye) were derived using different vegetation indices, namely SAVI (Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index) and NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index). Additionally, applicability of the newly available red-edge band (RE) was also analyzed through Normalized Difference Red-Edge index (NDRE) and Soil Adjusted Red-Edge index (SARE). The LAIrapideye obtained from vegetation indices with red-edge band showed better correlation with LAIdestr (r = 0.88 and Root Mean Square Devation, RMSD = 1.01 & 0.92). This study also investigated the need to apply radiometric/atmospheric correction methods to the time-series of RapidEye Level 3A data prior to LAI estimation. Analysis of the the RapidEye Level 3A data set showed that application of the radiometric/atmospheric correction did not improve correlation of the estimated LAI with in situ LAI.
Estimating Forest Biomass Dynamics by Integrating Multi-Temporal Landsat Satellite Images with Ground and Airborne LiDAR Data in the Coal Valley Mine, Alberta, Canada
Authors: Badreldin Nasem , Sanchez-Azofeifa Arturo
Published: March 2015

Assessing biomass dynamics is highly critical for monitoring ecosystem balance and its response to climate change and anthropogenic activities. In this study, we introduced a direct link between Landsat vegetation spectral indices and ground/airborne LiDAR data; this integration was established to estimate the biomass dynamics over various years using multi-temporal Landsat satellite images. Our case study is located in an area highly affected by coal mining activity. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), enhanced vegetation index (EVI and EVI2), chlorophyll vegetation index (CVI), and tasseled cap transformations were used as vegetation spectral indices to estimate canopy height. In turn, canopy height was used to predict a coniferous forest’s biomass using Jenkins allometric and Lambert and Ung allometric equations. The biophysical properties of 700 individual trees at eight different scan stations in the study area were obtained using high-resolution ground LiDAR. Nine models (Hi) were established to discover the best relationship between the canopy height model (CHM) from the airborne LiDAR and the vegetation spectral indices (VSIs) from Landsat images for the year 2005, and HB9 (Jenkins allometric equation) and HY9 (Lambert and Ung allometric equation) proved to be the best models (r2 = 0.78; root mean square error (RMSE) = 44 Mg/H, r2 = 0.67; RMSE = 58.01 Mg/H, respectively; p < 0.001) for estimating the canopy height and the biomass. This model accurately captured the most affected areas (deforested) and the reclaimed areas (forested) in the study area. Five years were chosen for studying the biomass change: 1988, 1990, 2001, 2005, and 2011. Additionally, four pixel-based image comparisons were analyzed (i.e., 1988–1990, 1990–2005, 2005–2009, and 2009–2011), and Mann-Kendall statistics for the subsets of years were obtained. The detected change showed that, in general, the environment in the study area was recovering and regaining its initial biomass after the dramatic decrease that occurred in 2005 as a result of intensive mining activities and disturbance.
Sensor-Based Auto-Focusing System Using Multi-Scale Feature Extraction and Phase Correlation Matching
Authors: Jang Jinbeum , Yoo Yoonjong , Kim Jongheon , Paik Joonki
Published: March 2015

This paper presents a novel auto-focusing system based on a CMOS sensor containing pixels with different phases. Robust extraction of features in a severely defocused image is the fundamental problem of a phase-difference auto-focusing system. In order to solve this problem, a multi-resolution feature extraction algorithm is proposed. Given the extracted features, the proposed auto-focusing system can provide the ideal focusing position using phase correlation matching. The proposed auto-focusing (AF) algorithm consists of four steps: (i) acquisition of left and right images using AF points in the region-of-interest; (ii) feature extraction in the left image under low illumination and out-of-focus blur; (iii) the generation of two feature images using the phase difference between the left and right images; and (iv) estimation of the phase shifting vector using phase correlation matching. Since the proposed system accurately estimates the phase difference in the out-of-focus blurred image under low illumination, it can provide faster, more robust auto focusing than existing systems.
Fracture of Human Femur Tissue Monitored by Acoustic Emission Sensors
Authors: Aggelis Dimitrios. , Strantza Maria , Louis Olivia , Boulpaep Frans , Polyzos Demosthenes , Van Hemelrijck Danny
Published: March 2015

The study describes the acoustic emission (AE) activity during human femur tissue fracture. The specimens were fractured in a bending-torsion loading pattern with concurrent monitoring by two AE sensors. The number of recorded signals correlates well with the applied load providing the onset of micro-fracture at approximately one sixth of the maximum load. Furthermore, waveform frequency content and rise time are related to the different modes of fracture (bending of femur neck or torsion of diaphysis). The importance of the study lies mainly in two disciplines. One is that, although femurs are typically subjects of surgical repair in humans, detailed monitoring of the fracture with AE will enrich the understanding of the process in ways that cannot be achieved using only the mechanical data. Additionally, from the point of view of monitoring techniques, applying sensors used for engineering materials and interpreting the obtained data pose additional difficulties due to the uniqueness of the bone structure.
Fortified Anonymous Communication Protocol for Location Privacy in WSN: A Modular Approach
Authors: Abuzneid Abdel-Shakour , Sobh Tarek , Faezipour Miad , Mahmood Ausif , James John
Published: March 2015

Wireless sensor network (WSN) consists of many hosts called sensors. These sensors can sense a phenomenon (motion, temperature, humidity, average, max, min, etc.) and represent what they sense in a form of data. There are many applications for WSNs including object tracking and monitoring where in most of the cases these objects need protection. In these applications, data privacy itself might not be as important as the privacy of source location. In addition to the source location privacy, sink location privacy should also be provided. Providing an efficient end-to-end privacy solution would be a challenging task to achieve due to the open nature of the WSN. The key schemes needed for end-to-end location privacy are anonymity, observability, capture likelihood, and safety period. We extend this work to allow for countermeasures against multi-local and global adversaries. We present a network model protected against a sophisticated threat model: passive /active and local/multi-local/global attacks. This work provides a solution for end-to-end anonymity and location privacy as well. We will introduce a framework called fortified anonymous communication (FAC) protocol for WSN.
Accurate Calibration and Uncertainty Estimation of the Normal Spring Constant of Various AFM Cantilevers
Authors: Song Yunpeng , Wu Sen , Xu Linyan , Fu Xing
Published: March 2015

Measurement of force on a micro- or nano-Newton scale is important when exploring the mechanical properties of materials in the biophysics and nanomechanical fields. The atomic force microscope (AFM) is widely used in microforce measurement. The cantilever probe works as an AFM force sensor, and the spring constant of the cantilever is of great significance to the accuracy of the measurement results. This paper presents a normal spring constant calibration method with the combined use of an electromagnetic balance and a homemade AFM head. When the cantilever presses the balance, its deflection is detected through an optical lever integrated in the AFM head. Meanwhile, the corresponding bending force is recorded by the balance. Then the spring constant can be simply calculated using Hooke’s law. During the calibration, a feedback loop is applied to control the deflection of the cantilever. Errors that may affect the stability of the cantilever could be compensated rapidly. Five types of commercial cantilevers with different shapes, stiffness, and operating modes were chosen to evaluate the performance of our system. Based on the uncertainty analysis, the expanded relative standard uncertainties of the normal spring constant of most measured cantilevers are believed to be better than 2%.
Estimation of CN Parameter for Small Agricultural Watersheds Using Asymptotic Functions
Authors: Kowalik Tomasz , Walega Andrzej
Published: March 2015

This paper investigates a possibility of using asymptotic functions to determine the value of curve number (CN) parameter as a function of rainfall in small agricultural watersheds. It also compares the actually calculated CN with its values provided in the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) National Engineering Handbook Section 4: Hydrology (NEH-4) and Technical Release 20 (TR-20). The analysis showed that empirical CN values presented in the National Engineering Handbook tables differed from the actually observed values. Calculations revealed a strong correlation between the observed CN and precipitation (P). In three of the analyzed watersheds, a typical pattern of the observed CN stabilization during abundant precipitation was perceived. It was found that Model 2, based on a kinetics equation, most effectively described the P-CN relationship. In most cases, the observed CN in the investigated watersheds was similar to the empirical CN, corresponding to average moisture conditions set out by NEH-4. Model 2 also provided the greatest stability of CN at 90% sampled event rainfall.
Water Scarcity and Future Challenges for Food Production
Authors: Mancosu Noemi , Snyder Richard , Kyriakakis Gavriil , Spano Donatella
Published: March 2015

Present water shortage is one of the primary world issues, and according to climate change projections, it will be more critical in the future. Since water availability and accessibility are the most significant constraining factors for crop production, addressing this issue is indispensable for areas affected by water scarcity. Current and future issues related to “water scarcity” are reviewed in this paper so as to highlight the necessity of a more sustainable approach to water resource management. As a consequence of increasing water scarcity and drought, resulting from climate change, considerable water use for irrigation is expected to occur in the context of tough competition between agribusiness and other sectors of the economy. In addition, the estimated increment of the global population growth rate points out the inevitable increase of food demand in the future, with an immediate impact on farming water use. Since a noteworthy relationship exists between the water possessions of a country and the capacity for food production, assessing the irrigation needs is indispensable for water resource planning in order to meet food needs and avoid excessive water consumption.
Saint-Laurent-de-la-Salanque : étude de structure sociale, 1801-1906
Authors: Loubère Léo A. , Sandstrom Roy
Published: March 2015

Entre 1801 et 1906, le village de pêcheurs de Saint-Laurent-de-la-Salanque se transforma en une petite ville vinicole. Cette évolution eut pour conséquence une diminution du nombre des pêcheurs et une augmentation de celui des viticulteurs. Alors qu'à l'origine l'entreprise familiale prédominait, les salariés formant une minorité, après 1870 l'extension du vignoble nécessita l'emploi d'ouvriers à gages, qui représentaient les deux tiers de la population entre 1896 et 1906.
Cold tolerance in Arabidopsis kamchatica
Authors: Armstrong Jessica J. , Takebayashi Naoki , Sformo Todd , Wolf Diana E.
Published: March 2015

• Premise of the study: Cold tolerance is a critically important factor determining how plants will be influenced by climate change, including changes in snowcover and extreme weather events. Although a great deal is known about cold tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana, it is not highly cold tolerant. This study examined cold tolerance and its genetic diversity in an herbaceous subarctic relative, Arabidopsis kamchatica, which generally occurs in much colder climates.

• Methods: Thermal analysis and electrolyte leakage were used to estimate supercooling points and lethal temperatures (LT50) in cold‐acclimated and nonacclimated families from three populations of A. kamchatica.

• Key results: Arabidopsis kamchatica was highly cold tolerant, with a mean LT50 of −10.8°C when actively growing, and −21.8°C when cold acclimated. It also was able to supercool to very low temperatures. Surprisingly, actively growing plants supercooled more than acclimated plants (−14.7 vs. −12.7°C). There was significant genetic variation for cold tolerance both within and among populations. However, both cold tolerance and genetic diversity were highest in the midlatitude population rather than in the far north, indicating that adaptations to climate change are most likely to arise in the center of the species range rather than at the edges.

• Conclusions: Arabidopsis kamchatica is highly cold tolerant throughout its range. It is far more freeze tolerant than A. thaliana, and supercooled to lower temperatures, suggesting that A. kamchatica provides a valuable complement to A. thaliana for cold tolerance research.
Manipulation of magnetic vortex parameters in disk-on-disk nanostructures with various geometry
Authors: Stebliy Maxim E , Kolesnikov Alexander G , Ognev Alexey V , Samardak Alexander S , Chebotkevich Ludmila A
Published: March 2015

Magnetic nanostructures in the form of a sandwich consisting of two permalloy (Py) disks with diameters of 600 and 200 nm separated by a nonmagnetic interlayer are studied. Magnetization reversal of the disk-on-disk nanostructures depends on the distance between centers of the small and big disks and on orientation of an external magnetic field applied during measurements. It is found that manipulation of the magnetic vortex chirality and the trajectory of the vortex core in the big disk is only possible in asymmetric nanostructures. Experimentally studied peculiarities of a motion path of the vortex core and vortex parameters by the magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE) magnetometer are supported by the magnetic force microscopy imaging and micromagnetic simulations.
ASPECT RATIO FACTOR FOR FINITE ELEMENT METHOD ANALYSIS OF AXIALLY SYMMETRIC CYLINDRICAL SHELL WALLS
Authors: Bekdaş Gebrail , Öztorun Namık Kemal
Published: March 2015

Finite Element Method (FEM) is one of the most commonly used numerical analysis method for the structural analysis. The axially symmetric cylindrical shell walls analysis can be made by using FEM or similarity of beams on elastic foundation. The Superposition Method (SPM) is a method developed for the analysis of beams and can be employed in the analysis of cylindrical shell walls. In the analyses using FEM, there are some assumptions and boundaries for preparing mathematical models. One of these boundaries for shell walls is aspect ratio. In this study, it is investigated, the aspect ratio factor for FEM analysis of axially symmetric cylindrical shell walls. For that reason the FEM analysis results are compared with the Superposition Method (SPM). In order to obtain exact solution of cylindrical shell walls, the effects of loadings is calculated and defined to the computer program, which is developed for SPM analysis by using Visual Basic programming language. According to analysis results, aspect ratio has a significantly effect on analysis results. Also, it is occurred minor difference in the FEM analysis results even if in case of obeying the rules.
Normes comptables et création de valeur
Authors: Danjou Philippe
Published: March 2015

Cet article passe en revue les différentes approches de la création de valeur qui ont été développées par les praticiens de la finance, et les recommandations formulées par le régulateur du marché financier pour assurer la transparence et la rigueur méthodologique de telles communications au marché. Dans la mesure où ces indicateurs reposent sur des informations de nature comptable, l’article discute les mérites d’une harmonisation internationale des normes qui régissent la mesure et la présentation des transactions économiques. Il explique les limites actuelles de la comptabilité face à la complexité de l’appréciation de la valeur d’une entreprise, en particulier s’agissant des actifs incorporels. Classification JEL : G12, M41, M48.
Désintermédiation, protection des consommateurs et devoir de conseil
Authors: Vieillefond Édouard
Published: March 2015

Protéger l’épargne revêt une importance cruciale aujourd’hui. La place des banques et des marchés financiers a considérablement évolué en quelques années sous l’influence de plusieurs facteurs : montée en puissance d’acteurs nouveaux et de circuits de financement insuffisamment régulés, nouveaux risques, avec des produits financiers de plus en plus complexes, et innovations technologiques bousculant la réglementation existante. Ces débats, apparemment techniques, ont un impact très immédiat sur la perception, souvent empreinte de méfiance, qu’ont les particuliers du fonctionnement des marchés financiers. Plusieurs exemples, tirés de textes communautaires en cours de discussion ou de mise en place, soulignent ainsi le rôle fondamental aujourd’hui – plus encore depuis la crise – conféré à la régulation financière Classification JEL : G20, G28, K22.
Les perspectives des unions monétaires africaines
Authors: Cabrillac Bruno , Rocher Emmanuel
Published: March 2015

L’UMAC et l’UMOA, les plus anciennes unions monétaires de l’histoire économique, ont connu de profondes mutations au cours de ces cinquante dernières années. Ces mutations ont permis de renforcer le cadre institutionnel des unions monétaires et ont contribué à une plus forte intégration régionale en donnant naissance à des unions économiques, à partir de 1994. Beaucoup cependant reste encore à faire dans les deux unions monétaires pour tirer pleinement bénéfice de ce processus d’intégration régionale, en particulier pour renforcer l’efficacité de la politique monétaire, approfondir l’intégration financière et répondre aux défis qu’engendreront ces évolutions. Des voies de progrès peuvent d’ores et déjà être identifiées en faveur d’une politique monétaire plus active, d’un renforcement de la surveillance mutuelle des politiques budgétaires et des déséquilibres macroéconomiques et de mécanismes de gestion des crises. Classification JEL : E58, E63, F33, F36, O11, O55.
L'inclusion financière en Afrique subsaharienne : faits stylisés et déterminants
Authors: Guérineau Samuel , Jacolin Luc
Published: March 2015

L’inclusion financière favorise le développement économique en permettant à une part croissante des ménages et des PME d’accéder à une large palette de services financiers pour un coût raisonnable. Elle apparaît la plus faible en Afrique subsaharienne (AfSS) et en particulier en Zone franc, tant en termes de bancarisation, d’intensité d’utilisation des comptes bancaires que d’accès au crédit. La prévalence de l’exclusion financière en AfSS reflète des facteurs structurels provenant tant des insuffisances de l’offre (coût, gestion des asymétries d’information), de la demande des services financiers (revenus et éducation financière, phénomènes d’auto-exclusion) que de l’environnement réglementaire et du climat des affaires. L’inclusion financière implique, comme tout développement des activités financières, de nouveaux risques pour la stabilité financière et donc un renforcement des réglementations et de la supervision bancaire de façon à ce que la confiance du public et l’accès croissant aux services financiers aillent de pair avec une croissance économique stable et durable. Classification JEL : G21, G28, O16, O55.
Rencontres de médecines : s'opposer ou s'ajuster
Authors: Benoist Jean
Published: March 2015

Résumé Après avoir mis en évidence la tension et même la contradiction existant entre les thérapies traditionnelles, marquées par le spirituel et le rituel, et la biomédecine, l’auteur s’interroge sur la continuité qui peut exister néanmoins entre ces deux approches de soin ainsi que sur les voies d’un ajustement et d’une articulation dont il énonce les conditions à la fois critiques et éthiques.
Les « couples mixtes » et leurs enfants : une nouvelle problématique en psychiatrie transculturelle ?
Authors: Berlincioni Vanna , Bruno Davide , Cuni Estella
Published: March 2015

Résumé Les « familles mixtes » s’offrent à notre réflexion comme un vrai laboratoire où l’on peut faire l’expérience de la rencontre avec l’autre et du métissage. En même temps, cette expérience est difficile, car est liée au thème de l’identité, ainsi qu’à celui de l’étrangeté. Le métissage, en tant que composition dialectique, peut conduire à des solutions créatives et inédites au problème identitaire, mais parfois est marqué par les signes du conflit et de la douleur psychique. Nous analyserons ces questions à partir de notre travail de psychiatres et psychothérapeutes en utilisant une approche qualitative pour réaliser une « ethnographie de l’intime », centrée sur l’expérience des acteurs impliqués. Nous présenterons à ce propos un cas clinique suivi en psychothérapie individuelle durant un an et demi.
Gouverner par la communauté de quartier ( shequ ) en Chine
Authors: Audin Judith
Published: March 2015

Cet article étudie le statut et le travail quotidien des agents du comité de résidents à Pékin dans le cadre de la politique de construction des communautés de quartier ( shequ jianshe ). Il explique comment des normes administratives pénètrent une « organisation autonome de base des masses ». L’approche ethnographique analyse la subjectivation des agents des comités de résidents, responsables envers l’administration tout en devant dynamiser la participation locale. Ce rôle ambigu entretient la faible valorisation de l’emploi et sa précarité. Dans ce contexte, les agents inventent des savoir-faire variés, notamment dans le travail social, si bien que la bureaucratisation participante des comités ne débouche pas sur une crise de l’identité des agents ni sur une crise de la gestion locale.
Keratotomy Procedures for the Correction of Astigmatism
Authors: Franks Jon B , Binder Perry S
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACT: Seven patterned keratotomy procedures in an enucleated canine model were evaluated. Forty-four of 65 eyes achieved significant keratometry changes; some procedures produced steepening whereas others produced flattening of the meridian 90° away. Greater astigmatic shifts were produced with smaller optical zones. Three of the procedures produced equivalent flattening of the operated meridian without producing significant corneal distortion. We found no consistent relationship between the change in the vertical and horizontal meridian with a given procedure compared with other procedures.
Trapezoidal Astigmatic Keratotomy in Human Cadaver Eyes
Authors: Lavery G William , Lindstrom Richard L
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACT: Twenty human cadaver eyes underwent partial depth corneal incisions under an operating microscope equipped with a Terry keratometer. A pattern of radial and tangential incisions originated by Dr. Luis Ruiz were made with a diamond knife at 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, and 6.0 mm optical zones. Keratometric readings were taken at various stages of the operation to better understand the dynamics of the technique. Tangential incisions were found to have different effects on the central corneal curvature at different optical zone sizes. The change in keratometric readings induced by the completed astigmatic keratotomy was measured at different optical zone sizes. A linear regression of the total change in diopters by keratometry to the size of the optical zone revealed a downward slope significant to the p<.001 level.
Compensating Compression Sutures in Wedge Resection
Authors: Belmont S C , Troutman R C
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACT: Preoperative astigmatism may be reversed or eliminated by the Troutman corneal wedge resection.1 The effect of compensating compression sutures in corneal wedge resections is evaluated. Thirteen phakic patients with an average astigmatism of 10.6 diopters underwent corneal wedge resection combined with compensating compression sutures. "Sutures-in" astigmatism at one to three months averaged 3.2 diopters; four to six months the average was 1.5 diopters.
Corneal Pachymetry Prior to Radial Keratotomy: A Comparison of Techniques
Authors: Novak Anthony E , Lindstrom Richard L , Williams Patricia A , Everson Marshall
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACT: Central corneal thickness was measured by ultrasound in the clinic and compared with the intraoperative measurement. The central corneal pachymetry readings were not significantly different (p>0.05). Preoperative mapping of corneal thickness may therefore be satisfactory prior to refractive surgery.

Three different techniques of pachymetry were also compared: optical, specular microscope, and ultrasonic. Specular microscope and optical measurements were not significantly different; however, these two techniques differed significantly (p<0.001) from ultrasound, with ultrasound measuring an average of 0.01 mm thinner. A significant right/left difference in corneal thickness was found only with the specular microscope (p<0,01), with the left eye measuring an average 0.01 mm thinner than the right. Only the ultrasonic pachymeter allowed convenient mapping of corneal thickness outside the central corneal zone.
The Effect of Different Radial Keratotomy Patterns on Astigmatism in Rabbits
Authors: Yau Chi-Wang , Busin Massimo , McDonald Marguerite B , Kaufman Herbert E
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACT: Standard eight cut radial keratotomy (RK) and five modified incision patterns were evaluated in the rabbit cornea for effectiveness in the correction of astigmatism. Preoperative and postoperative keratometry readings snowed that the least effective patterns consisted of standard RK with an oval central optical zone or parallel double radial cuts at the steepest meridian; average corrections were 0.33 diopter and 0.46 diopter respectively, These results were not significantly different from the results with standard RK of eight radial incisions and a circular optical zone. The combination of these two patterns, as well as a single transverse cut added to the standard pattern, showed moderate effectiveness, 1.0 diopter and 1.38 diopter respectively. Double transverse cuts at the steepest meridian yielded the largest correction, up to 2.08 diopters. This study indicates that different RK patterns achieve different amounts of astigmatic correction. Suitable patterns for correcting different degrees of astigmatism may be selected by the surgeon, depending on the degree of correction required.
Change in Corneal Curvature After Radial Keratotomy: Effect of Antiviral Drugs
Authors: Busin Massimo , Lin Lu Hsuei-Yuh , Arffa Robert C , McDonald Marguerite B , Kaufman Herbert E
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACT: The ability of two antiviral medications, idoxuridine (IDU) and trifluorothymidine (JFT], to alter the change in corneal curvature after radial keratotomy was examined in a rabbit model. Both of these drugs have been demonstrated to inhibit wound healing in some models, but not in others. In this model, neither drug significantly affected the central corneal flattening observed after radial keratotomy. This may be because of an insufficient effect on wound healing, or because the effect of radial keratotomy is influenced by other factors in addition to wound healing.
Results of Myopic Keratomileusis
Authors: Barraquer José , Viteri Eduardo
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACT: The results of 77 consecutive cases of myopic keratomileusis are presented and analyzed. The study shows the variations in parameters that may influence the final correction, both preoperative^ (age, corneal thickness, etc.) and postoperatively (diameter and thickness of the disc resected, optical zone, etc.). In order to determine the effects of the mentioned parameters, the authors performed a multifactor analysis, \n the iate postoperative period, in addition to the diopters to be corrected (DC), the correction obtained, the thickness of the disc resected (ED), and the age of the patient (p<0,0001) also influenced the results. The diameter of the disc (DD) and the size of the optical zone (ZO) also affect the stability of the correction.
Características palinológicas de las subspecies de Linum mucronatum Bertol. con heterostilia
Authors: Talebi S. M. , Farahani F. , Sheidai M. , Noormohammadi Z.
Published: March 2015

Linum mucronatum es una especie con heterostilia, que pertenece a la sección Syllinum del género Linum, y tiene cuatro subespecies en Irán. En el presente estudio se examinan las características palinológicas de las subespecies heterostilas de Linum mucronatum Bertol., así como los caracteres polínicos de individuos de los morfos brevistilo (pin) y longistilo (thrum) de estas plantas, mediante microscopía electrónica de scanning y microscopía óptica usando el método de acetolisis prolongada. Se estudiaron un total de 16 caracteres cualitativos y cuantitativos. La forma ecuatorial del polen varía entre los morfos pin y thrum en todas las subspecies, excepto en L. mucronatum subsp. assyriacum. La ornamentación también varía entre las muestras de morfos pin y thrum de cada subespecie, en los que se puede observar polen gemado, clavado y baculado. En algunos caracteres palinológicos cuantitativos, se encontraron también diferencias entre morfos y el test de ANOVA muestra que son significativas en cuanto a la longitud ecuatorial, la anchura de los colpos y el diámetro del apocolpio. Los individuos heterostilos de cada susbespecie aparecen separados en el árbol UPGMA y también en los gráficos de PCO y PCA. Este estudio confirma las diferencias en las características del polen entre individuos pin y thrum de cada una de las subespecies.
Paleoecología ecológica: Un eslabón perdido entre ecología y evolución
Authors: Rull V.
Published: March 2015

La paleoecología es más que una disciplina ambiental, ya que proporciona las evidencias empíricas necesarias para verificar hipótesis ecológicas y contribuye a una mejor comprensión de la interfase ecología-evolución. El ámbito temporal de la paleoecología es la dimensión denominada Q-time (siglos a milenios), que parece ser la más adecuada para examinar las interacciones ecología-evolución. Este artículo discute el problema desde una perspectiva conceptual y proporciona ejemplos de la contribución de la paleoecología al estudio de dichas interacciones, además de advertir de las posibles consecuencias de ignorar esta disciplina. En concreto, se propone que una infravaloración de la paleoecología podría llevar a la pérdida de soporte empírico para la ecología y sus interacciones con la evolución. Los principales conceptos discutidos son el continuum temporal, la noción de paleoecología ecológica y la naturaleza empírica de la paleoecología, frente a enfoques más hipotéticos como las filogenias moleculares. En un sentido más práctico, se muestran ejemplos que enfatizan la utilidad de la paleoecología ecológica para la comprensión de procesos como la sucesión ecológica, el equilibrio comunidad-ambiente, el ensamblaje de comunidades, las respuestas bióticas a los cambios ambientales, eventos de especiación y extinción, o la conservación de la biodiversidad. La interfase ecología-evolución se analiza mediante dos procesos en los que estas disciplinas interactúan intensamente: La sucesión ecológica y la migración a gran escala. Se concluye que tanto la paleoecología ecológica (incluyendo los registros de ADN fósil) como la filogenia y filogeografía de ADN son necesarias para un mejor conocimiento ecológico de la biosfera y de los procesos que tienen lugar en la interfase ecología-evolución.
Gutierrezia mendocina (Asteraceae, Astereae), una nueva especie sudamericana
Authors: Ratto F. , Bartoli A.
Published: March 2015

En el marco de la revisión taxonómica del género Gutierrezia para Sudamérica fue hallada una nueva especie de Argentina, caracterizada por sus tallos con la porción basal postrada, enraizante en los nudos, capítulos con involucro turbinado y flores liguladas blancas. Se describe e ilustra la especie encontrada en el Departamento de Tunuyán de la Provincia de Mendoza (Argentina), y se incluye una clave para diferenciarla de las especies afines.
Relative Expression Levels of the HLA Class-I Proteins in Normal and HIV-Infected Cells
Authors: Apps Richard , Meng Zhaojing , Del Prete Gregory Q. , Lifson Jeffrey D. , Zhou Ming , Carrington Mary
Published: March 2015

The expression level of HLA class-I proteins is known to influence pathological outcomes: pathogens downregulate HLA to evade host immune responses, host inflammatory reactions upregulate HLA, and differences among people with regard to the steady-state expression levels of HLA associate with disease susceptibility. Yet precise quantification of relative expression levels of the various HLA loci is difficult because of the tremendous polymorphism of HLA. We report relative expression levels of HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, and HLA-E proteins for the specific haplotype A*02:01, B*44:02, C*05:01, which were characterized using two independent methods based on flow cytometry and mass spectrometry. PBLs from normal donors showed that HLA-A and HLA-B proteins are expressed at similar levels, which are 13–18 times higher than HLA-C by flow cytometry and 4–5 times higher than HLA-C by mass spectrometry; these differences may reflect variation in the conformation or location of proteins detected. HLA-E was detected at a level 25 times lower than that of HLA-C by mass spectrometry. Primary CD4+ T cells infected with HIV in vitro were also studied because HIV downregulates selective HLA types. HLA-A and HLA-B were reduced on HIV-infected cells by a magnitude that varied between cells in an infected culture. Averaging all infected cells from an individual showed HLA-A to be 1–3 times higher and HLA-B to be 2–5 times higher than HLA-C by flow cytometry. These results quantify substantial differences in expression levels of the proteins from different HLA loci, which are very likely physiologically significant on both uninfected and HIV-infected cells.