bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Ameliorative Effects of a Tocotrienol-Rich Fraction on the AGE-RAGE Axis and Hypertension in High-Fat-Diet-Fed Rats with Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Cheng Hong , Ton So , Tan Joash , Abdul Kadir Khalid
Published: September 2017

The clinical value of tocotrienols is increasingly appreciated because of the unique therapeutic effects that are not shared by tocopherols. However, their effect on metabolic syndrome is not well-established. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) from palm oil in high-fat-diet-treated rats. Male, post-weaning Sprague Dawley rats were provided high-fat (60% kcal) diet for eight weeks followed by a TRF (60 mg/kg) treatment for another four weeks. Physical, metabolic, and histological changes were compared to those on control and high-fat diets respectively. High-fat feeding for eight weeks induced all hallmarks of metabolic syndrome. The TRF reversed systolic and diastolic hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, hepatic steatosis, impaired antioxidant defense, and myeloperoxidase hyperactivity triggered by the high-fat diet. It also conferred an inhibitory effect on protein glycation to reduce glycated hemoglobin A1c and advanced glycation end products (AGE). This was accompanied by the suppression of the receptor for advanced glycation end product (RAGE) expression in the liver. The treatment effects on visceral adiposity, glycemic control, triglyceride level, as well as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α and γ expression were negligible. To conclude, treatment with a TRF exhibited protective effects on the cardiovascular and liver health in addition to the amelioration of plasma redox imbalance and AGE-RAGE activation. Further investigation as a therapy for metabolic syndrome is therefore worthwhile.
Western Dietary Pattern Is Associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome in the French NutriNet Cohort
Authors: Buscail Camille , Sabate Jean-Marc , Bouchoucha Michel , Kesse-Guyot Emmanuelle , Hercberg Serge , Benamouzig Robert , Julia Chantal
Published: September 2017

Background: Diet appears to play a key role in the pathogenesis of the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Some dietary patterns (DP) could increase the risk of triggering or worsening IBS symptoms. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the association between a posteriori derived DP and IBS in a large French population, the web-based NutriNet-Santé cohort. Methods: Study population included participants of the NutriNet-Santé study who completed a questionnaire based on Rome III criteria assessing IBS. A principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to identify major DPs based on 29 food groups’ consumption. Associations between DP quintiles and IBS were investigated with multivariable logistic regressions. Results: 44,350 participants were included, with 2423 (5.5%) presenting IBS. Three major DP were extracted using PCA, “healthy,” “western,” and “traditional.” After adjustments on confounders, the “western” DP was positively associated with IBS (OR Q5 vs. Q1 = 1.38, 95% CI 1.19–1.61, p trend < 0.0001) and the “traditional” DP was positively associated with IBS in women (OR Q5 vs. Q1 = 1.29 95% CI 1.08–1.54, p trend = 0.001). Conclusions: In this study, a “western” DP—highly correlated with the consumption of fatty and sugary products and snacks—was associated with a moderate increased risk of IBS.
Comparative Pharmacokinetic Study for Linezolid and Two Novel Antibacterial Oxazolidinone Derivatives in Rabbits: Can Differences in the Pharmacokinetic Properties Explain the Discrepancies between Their In Vivo and In Vitro Antibacterial Activities?
Authors: Hedaya Mohsen , Thomas Vidhya , Abdel-Hamid Mohamed , Kehinde Elijah , Phillips Oludotun
Published: September 2017

This is a comparative pharmacokinetics study of linezolid (Lzd), and two novel oxazolidinone antibacterial agents—PH027 and PH051—in rabbits to determine if the discrepancy between the in vitro and in vivo activities of the novel compounds is due to pharmacokinetic factors. The pharmacokinetics after IV and oral administration, plasma protein binding and tissue distribution for the three compounds were compared. The elimination half-lives were 52.4 ± 6.3, 68.7 ± 12.1 and 175 ± 46.1 min for Lzd, PH027 and PH051, respectively. The oral bioavailability for Lzd, PH027 and PH051 administered as suspension were 38.7%, 22.1% and 4.73%, which increased significantly when administered as microemulsion to 51.7%, 72.9% and 13.9%. The plasma protein binding were 32–34%, 37–38% and 90–91% for Lzd, PH027 and PH051. The tissue distribution for PH027 and PH051 in all investigated tissues were higher than that for Lzd. It can be concluded that the lower bioavailability of PH027 and PH051 compared to Lzd when administered as suspension is the main cause of their lower in vivo activity, despite their comparable in vitro activity. Differences in the other pharmacokinetic characteristics cannot explain the lower in vivo activity. The in vivo activity of the novel compounds should be re-evaluated using formulations with good oral bioavailability.
The Influence of Cellulose Nanocrystals on the Hydration and Flexural Strength of Portland Cement Pastes
Authors: Fu Tengfei , Montes Francisco , Suraneni Prannoy , Youngblood Jeffrey , Weiss Jason
Published: September 2017

Recent research has shown that cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) can be used at low dosage levels (approximately 0.2% by volume of cement) to increase the extent of hydration and to improve the flexural strength of cement pastes. However, the previous work was based on using a CNC made from a single source material and processing technique and was performed using only Type V cement. This work examines the influence of various raw material sources and processing techniques used to make the CNCs. In total, nine different CNCs were investigated with pastes made using Type I/II and Type V cements. Isothermal calorimetry (IC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and ball-on-three-ball (B3B) flexural strength testing were used to quantify the performance of CNC-cement composites. IC and TGA results showed that CNCs increased the degree of hydration in all systems. IC results showed that the increase in total heat release was greater in the Type V than in the Type I/II cement paste systems. B3B flexural testing indicated an increase in flexural strength of up to 20% with both Type I/II and Type V systems. These results also showed that the performance of CNC-cement composites can be affected by the source and manufacturing process used to make the CNC.
Mechanism of Base-Catalyzed Resorcinol-Formaldehyde and Phenol-Resorcinol-Formaldehyde Condensation Reactions: A Theoretical Study
Authors: Li Taohong , Cao Ming , Liang Jiankun , Xie Xiaoguang , Du Guanben
Published: September 2017

The base-catalyzed resorcinol-formaldehyde condensation reactions were theoretically investigated in this study by employing a quantum chemistry method. The condensation reaction includes two steps: (1) formation of the quinonemethide (QM) intermediate from hydroxymethylresorcinol; (2) Michael addition between the quinonemethide and resorcinol anion. The first step is the rate-determining step. Two mechanisms, unimolecular elimination of the conjugate base (E1cb) and water-aided elimination (WAE), were identified for the formation of QM. The hydroxymethylresorcinol anion produces neutral QM while the dianion produces a quinonemethide anion (QMA). The calculated potential energy barriers suggested that the QMA formation is much more favorable. Although resorcinol-formaldehyde and phenol-formaldehyde condensations share a common mechanism, the former would be faster if the QMA participates in condensations. The potential energy barriers for formation of 2-QM, 4-QM, 6-QM, 2-QMA, and 4-QMA were calculated. The results show that the formations of 6-QM and 4-QMA have relatively lower energy barriers. This rationalized previous experimental observations that the 2,4-(2,6-) and 6,6′-(4,4′-) methylene linkages were dominant, whereas the 2,2′-linkage was almost absent. The resorcinol-phenol-formaldehyde co-condensations were also calculated. The cold-setting characteristic of phenol-resorcinol-formaldehyde co-condensed resin can be attributed to participation of resorcinol quinonemethides in condensations.
Graphene Oxide-Graft-Poly(l-lactide)/Poly(l-lactide) Nanocomposites: Mechanical and Thermal Properties
Authors: Wang Li-Na , Guo Wang Pei-Yao , Wei Jun-Chao
Published: September 2017

The surface modification of graphene sheets with polymer chains may greatly hinder its aggregation and improve its phase compatibility with a polymer matrix. In this work, poly(l-lactic acid)-grafted graphene oxide (GO-g-PLLA) was prepared via a simple condensation polymerization method, realizing its dispersion well in organic solvents, which demonstrated that the surface of GO changed from hydrophilic to hydrophobic. GO-g-PLLA can disperse homogeneously in the PLLA matrix, and the tensile test showed that the mechanical properties of GO-g-PLLA/PLLA were much better than that of GO/PLLA; compared with GO, only 3% GO-g-PLLA content can realize a 37.8% increase in the tensile strength for their PLLA composites. Furthermore, the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarized optical microscopy (POM) results demonstrated that GO-g-PLLA shows a nucleating agent effect and can promote the crystallization of PLLA.
Laboratory Investigation of the Effect of Slenderness Effect on the Non-Darcy Groundwater Flow Characteristics in Bimsoils
Authors: Wang Yu , Li Changhong , Wei Xiaoming , Hou Zhiqiang
Published: September 2017

A series of experimental flow tests for artificial block-in-matrix-soils (bimsoils) samples with various slenderness ratios were performed to study the Non-Darcy groundwater flow characteristics. The variations of seepage velocity, permeability coefficient, critical sample height, and non-Darcy flow factor for samples against slenderness ratios were investigated. A servo-controlled flow testing system that was developed by the authors was adopted to conduct the flow test. Cylindrical bimsoil samples (50 mm diameter and various heights) with staggered rock block percentages (RBPs) (30, 40, 50, and 60%, by mass) were prepared by compaction tests to roughly insure the same porosity of the soil matrix. The testing results show that flow the distance has a strong influence on the flow characteristics of bimsoil, and the relationship between the permeability coefficient and slenderness ratio is proposed. In addition, the critical sample height to eliminate the slenderness effect was determined, and the relationship between the critical sample height and RBP was established. Moreover, the responses of non-Darcy flow were studied by using an index of non-Darcy βfactor, which reveals the internal mechanism of the effect of flow distance on groundwater flow characteristics. The research results can be useful to the prediction of flow piping disaster for geological body made up of bimsoils.
Managing Multiple Catchment Demands for Sustainable Water Use and Ecosystem Service Provision
Authors: Stosch Kathleen , Quilliam Richard , Bunnefeld Nils , Oliver David
Published: September 2017

Ensuring water, food and energy security for a growing world population represents a 21st century catchment management challenge. Failure to recognise the complexity of interactions across ecosystem service provision can risk the loss of other key environmental and socioeconomic benefits from the natural capital of catchment systems. In particular, the ability of soil and water to meet human needs is undermined by uncertainties around climate change effects, ecosystem service interactions and conflicting stakeholder interests across catchments. This critical review draws from an extensive literature to discuss the benefits and challenges of utilising an ecosystem service approach for integrated catchment management (ICM). State-of-the-art research on ecosystem service assessment, mapping and participatory approaches is evaluated and a roadmap of the key short- and longer-term research needs for maximising landscape-scale ecosystem service provision from catchments is proposed.
Effects of Climate Change on Lake Thermal Structure and Biotic Response in Northern Wilderness Lakes
Authors: Edlund Mark , Almendinger James , Fang Xing , Hobbs Joy , VanderMeulen David , Key Rebecca , Engstrom Daniel
Published: September 2017

Climate disrupts aquatic ecosystems directly through changes in temperature, wind, and precipitation, and indirectly through watershed effects. Climate-induced changes in northern lakes include longer ice-free season, stronger stratification, browning, shifts in algae, and more cyanobacterial blooms. We compared retrospective temperature-depth relationships modeled using MINLAKE2012 with biogeochemical changes recorded in sediment cores. Four lakes in Voyageurs National Park (VOYA) and four lakes in Isle Royale National Park (ISRO) were studied. Meteorological data from International Falls and Duluth, Minnesota, were used for VOYA and ISRO, respectively. Model output was processed to analyze epilimnetic and hypolimnetic water temperatures and thermal gradients between two periods (1962–1986, 1987–2011). Common trends were increased summer epilimnion temperatures and, for deep lakes, increased frequency and duration of thermoclines. Changes in diatom communities differed between shallow and deep lakes and the parks. Based on changes in benthic and tychoplanktonic communities, shallow lake diatoms respond to temperature, mixing events, pH, and habitat. Changes in deep lakes are evident in the deep chlorophyll layer community of Cyclotella and Discostella species, mirroring modeled changes in thermocline depth and stability, and in Asterionella and Fragilaria species, reflecting the indirect effects of in-lake and watershed nutrient cycling and spring mixing.
Analysis of Changes in Spatio-Temporal Patterns of Drought across South Korea
Authors: Maeng Seung , Azam Muhammad , Kim Hyung , Hwang Ju
Published: September 2017

Since the climatic features of South Korea are highly complex and time variable, spatio-temporal-based drought frequency analysis is a prerequisite for drought risk management. The spatial extent of drought risk analysis in a bivariate framework has scarcely been applied in South Korea before. In this study, the spatio-temporal changes in drought events are investigated at 55 stations across South Korea during 1980–2015. A variety of probability distributions and copulas are applied, and the best fitted is selected on the basis the goodness of fit. The spatial distributions of primary and secondary return periods showed a high risk of drought due to the unusual precipitation pattern in the western coast areas and at Uljin station and a relative low risk of drought in the northwestern portion and surrounding areas of Yeongju, Uiseong, Boeun and Daejeon stations. Overall, the spatial distribution patterns of primary and secondary (Kendall) return periods are similar. However, their applicability changes according to the type of drought risk to be considered. The spatio-temporal quantification of the return period can be used for establishing the proper water demand and supply system and helps to overcome the challenges faced in the hydrometeorological regulations of reservoirs in the southwest coast.
Climate Change Impacts on Sediment Quality of Subalpine Reservoirs: Implications on Management
Authors: Laura Marziali , Tartari Gianni , Salerno Franco , Valsecchi Lucia , Bravi Clara , Lorenzi Erika , Genoni Pietro , Guzzella Licia
Published: September 2017

Reservoirs are characterized by accumulation of sediments where micropollutants may concentrate, with potential toxic effects on downstream river ecosystems. However, sediment management such as flushing is needed to maintain storage capacity. Climate change is expected to increase sediment loads, but potential effects on their quality are scarcely known. In this context, sediment contamination by trace elements (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn) and organics (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons PAHs, Polychlorinated Biphenyls PCBs and C > 12 hydrocarbons) was analyzed in 20 reservoirs located in Italian Central Alps. A strong As and a moderate Cd, Hg and Pb enrichment was emphasized by Igeo, with potential ecotoxicological risk according to Probable Effect Concentration quotients. Sedimentation rate, granulometry, total organic carbon (TOC) and altitude resulted as the main drivers governing pollutant concentrations in sediments. According to climate change models, expected increase of rainfall erosivity will enhance soil erosion and consequently the sediment flow to reservoirs, potentially increasing coarse grain fractions and thus potentially diluting pollutants. Conversely, increased weathering may enhance metal fluxes to reservoirs. Increased vegetation cover will potentially result in higher TOC concentrations, which may contrast contaminant bioavailability and thus toxicity. Our results may provide elements for a proper management of contaminated sediments in a climate change scenario aiming at preserving water quality and ecosystem functioning.
MicroRNA-384 Inhibits the Growth and Invasion of Renal Cell Carcinoma Cells by Targeting Astrocyte Elevated Gene 1
Authors: Song Haitao , Rao Yanwei , Zhang Gang , Kong Xiangbo
Published: September 2017

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as pivotal regulators in the development and progression of various cancers, including renal cell carcinoma (RCC). MicroRNA-384 (miR-384) has been found to be an important cancer-related miRNA in several types of cancers. However, the role of miR-384
in RCC remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential function of miR-384 in regulating tumorigenesis in RCC. Here we found that miR-384 was significantly downregulated in RCC tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of miR-384 significantly inhibited the growth and invasion
of RCC cells, whereas inhibition of miR-384 had the opposite effects. Bioinformatic analysis and luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-384 directly targeted the 3-untranslated region of astrocyte elevated gene 1 (AEG-1). Further data showed that miR-384 could negatively regulate the expression
of AEG-1 in RCC cells. Importantly, miR-384 expression was inversely correlated with AEG-1 expression in clinical RCC specimens. Moreover, miR-384 regulates the activation of Wnt signaling. Overexpression of AEG-1 significantly reversed the antitumor effects of miR-384. Overall, these findings
suggest that miR-384 suppresses the growth and invasion of RCC cells via downregulation of AEG-1, providing a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of RCC.
Carbon nano-onions as fluorescent on/off modulated nanoprobes for diagnostics
Authors: Lettieri Stefania , d’Amora Marta , Camisasca Adalberto , Diaspro Alberto , Giordani Silvia
Published: September 2017

Multishell fullerenes, known as carbon nano-onions (CNOs), have emerged as a platform for bioimaging because of their cell-penetration properties and minimal systemic toxicity. Here, we describe the covalent functionalization of CNOs with a π-extended distyryl-substituted boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) dye with on/off modulated fluorescence emission activated by an acidic environment. The switching properties are linked to the photoinduced electron transfer (PET) characteristics of the dimethylamino functionalities attached to the BODIPY core. The on/off emission of the fluorescent CNOs is fast and reversible both in solution and in vitro, making this nanomaterial suitable as pH-dependent probes for diagnostic applications.
A Spatially Resolved Study of Cold Dust, Molecular Gas, H ii Regions, and Stars in the z = 2.12 Submillimeter Galaxy ALESS67.1
Authors: Chen 陳建 Chian-Chou 州 , Hodge J. A. , Smail Ian , Swinbank A. M. , Walter Fabian , Simpson J. M. , Rivera Gabriela Calistro , Bertoldi F. , Brandt W. N. , Chapman S. C. , Cunha Elisabete da , Dannerbauer H. , Breuck C. De , Harrison C. M. , Ivison R. J. , Karim A. , Knudsen K. K. , Wardlow J. L. , Weiß A. , Werf P. P. van der
Published: September 2017

We present detailed studies of a z = 2.12 submillimeter galaxy, ALESS67.1, using sub-arcsecond resolution ALMA, adaptive optics-aided VLT/SINFONI, and Hubble Space Telescope (HST)/CANDELS data to investigate the kinematics and spatial distributions of dust emission (870 μm continuum), 12CO(J = 3–2), strong optical emission lines, and visible stars. Dynamical modeling of the optical emission lines suggests that ALESS67.1 is not a pure rotating disk but a merger, consistent with the apparent tidal features revealed in the HST imaging. Our sub-arcsecond resolution data set allows us to measure half-light radii for all the tracers, and we find a factor of 4–6 smaller sizes in dust continuum compared to all the other tracers, including 12CO; also, ultraviolet (UV) and Hα emission are significantly offset from the dust continuum. The spatial mismatch between the UV continuum and the cold dust and gas reservoir supports the explanation that geometrical effects are responsible for the offset of the dusty galaxy on the IRX–β diagram. Using a dynamical method we derive an

, consistent with other submillimeter galaxies (SMGs) that also have resolved CO and dust measurements. Assuming a single

value we also derive resolved gas and star formation rate surface densities, and find that the core region of the galaxy (

kpc) follows the trend of mergers on the Schmidt–Kennicutt relationship, whereas the outskirts (

kpc) lie on the locus of normal star-forming galaxies, suggesting different star formation efficiencies within one galaxy. Our results caution against using single size or morphology for different tracers of the star formation activity and gas content of galaxies, and therefore argue the need to use spatially resolved, multi-wavelength observations to interpret the properties of SMGs, and perhaps even for

galaxies in general.
L’image de marque de la destination et son impact sur les comportements post-visite des touristes
Authors: Marchat Anne-Cécile , Camelis Christèle
Published: September 2017

La recherche étudie l’influence de l’image de marque de la destination sur les comportements post-visite des touristes à travers l’attachement à la destination, l’intention de revisite et l’intention de recommandation. Une étude empirique a été menée auprès de touristes français ayant séjourné sur l’île de La Réunion. Sur la base d’une phase qualitative préalable, l’image de marque a été mesurée de manière quantitative auprès de 149 touristes en fin de séjour. Les résultats obtenus par la méthode des modèles d’équations structurelles montrent les liens positifs entre image de marque et comportements touristiques.
Le Conseil de l’Arctique, la force des liens faibles
Authors: Escudé Camille
Published: September 2017

Le Conseil de l’Arctique a été créé en 1996. Il permet aux huit États possédant des territoires au nord du cercle polaire de dialoguer et de développer des projets de coopération. Conçu comme une structure souple orientée vers les échanges scientifiques, il évolue progressivement vers une plus forte institutionnalisation et permet de désamorcer certaines tensions. Des sujets plus politiques y sont désormais abordés, et des normes juridiquement contraignantes y ont été adoptées.
Élections allemandes : le jour d’après
Authors: Stark Hans
Published: September 2017

Angela Merkel profite à la fois de sa stature internationale et de la faiblesse de son adversaire social démocrate. Ce dernier a mal géré une série de scrutins régionaux, et la chancelière a toutes les chances de remporter les élections de septembre. Mais elle devra songer à organiser une inévitable sortie. Et la formation d’une nouvelle coalition ne sera pas sans problème, la crise des réfugiés ayant produit une droitisation de ses alliés les plus proches, et d’une part de l’opinion publique.
Forces nucléaires françaises : quel renouvellement ?
Authors: Brustlein Corentin
Published: September 2017

Au cours des prochaines années, la France devra renouveler son arsenal nucléaire pour qu’il demeure une source de dissuasion crédible aux yeux de ses adversaires potentiels. Ce renouvellement intervient dans un contexte défavorable : l’environnement stratégique, marqué par la multiplication des foyers djihadistes, est dégradé, et la rigueur budgétaire est de mise. Sacrifier la dissuasion nucléaire sur l’autel de la lutte contre le terrorisme serait toutefois une erreur funeste.
Les hiérarchies de l'information
Authors: Lafarge Géraud , Marchetti Dominique
Published: September 2017

Cet article restitue les légitimités et illégitimités professionnelles dans une fraction spécifique de l'univers journalistique français, celle des étudiants en journalisme ayant intégré les écoles spécialisées les plus reconnues. L'enquête par questionnaire complétée par des entretiens ex post montre la permanence de hiérarchies que l'on retrouve dans de nombreux autres univers culturels (interne/externe, nationale/locale et « généraliste »/« spécialisée ») et les précise : le relatif déclin du prestige de la rubrique Politique et la consécration de la rubrique Société, qui renvoie au poids des logiques économiques au détriment des logiques partisanes, le rejet affiché et la dénégation de ces dimensions commerciales, une orientation politique majoritairement ancrée à gauche, etc. Si les écoles contribuent à l'intériorisation par les étudiants de ces légitimités professionnelles, ces dernières s'avèrent être plus largement l'expression de légitimités sociales. D'une part, ces hiérarchies journalistiques sont différenciées selon l'origine sociale, le capital scolaire et le sexe des étudiants. D'autre part, celles-ci sont déterminées par la position sociale que ces élèves visent et, dans une logique d'homologie, par celle des publics auxquels ils souhaitent s'adresser, c'est-à-dire avant tout les fractions dominantes de l'espace social.
Le phénomène José Bové ou la fabrique sociale d'un « miracle politique »
Authors: Bourad Aïcha
Published: September 2017

Cet article analyse les conditions de possibilité de l'apparent « miracle politique » et médiatique que constitue le phénomène José Bové à partir d'une enquête sur sa candidature à l'élection présidentielle de 2007. Il s'agit d'interroger les conditions de sa forte médiatisation et le rôle de celle-ci dans ses leaderships successifs : syndical, altermondialiste et enfin politique. Sont ainsi étudiés conjointement son profil social et sa trajectoire militante ainsi que le contexte politique et médiatique au sein duquel il parvient à s'imposer. Cette étude montre que si les conditions qui permettent l'émergence de José Bové dans le paysage politique français sont relativement spécifiques, son intrusion dans le champ politique reste redevable des règles de fonctionnement du champ. Sa médiatisation apparaît comme une ressource qui vient bonifier un capital politique sans le remplacer.
La gestion des temps professionnels du journalisme
Authors: Schoch Lucie
Published: September 2017

Cet article analyse la gestion du temps par les journalistes de sport de la presse suisse romande, parmi lesquels les femmes sont toujours plus nombreuses depuis les années 2000. Les observations participantes et les entretiens montrent que les hommes journalistes de sport font valoir des rythmes professionnels qui les placent fréquemment dans des conditions « d’urgence », sources de « bon » stress qui attestent de surcroît de leur dévouement au travail. De par leur parcours et les plus fortes contraintes de leur vie domestique et familiale, les femmes ne peuvent suivre ce modèle professionnel. Ainsi, les discours des hommes, qui ne reflètent pas nécessairement leurs pratiques objectives, sont un moyen de définir la légitimité de l’activité professionnelle selon des normes éloignées de celles auxquelles adhèrent les femmes ; ceci facilite leur éviction des positions de pouvoir.
Ciliary Muscle Electrostimulation to Restore Accommodation in Patients With Early Presbyopia: Preliminary Results
Authors: Gualdi Luca , Gualdi Federica , Rusciano Dario , Ambrósio Renato , Salomão Marcella Q. , Lopes Bernardo , Cappello Veronica , Fintina Tatiana , Gualdi Massimo
Published: September 2017

PURPOSE:

To report short-term results of pulsed ciliary muscle electrostimulation to improve near vision, likely through restoring accommodation in patients with emmetropic presbyopia.

METHODS:

In a prospective non-randomized trial, 27 patients from 40 to 51 years old were treated and 13 age- and refraction-matched individuals served as untreated controls. All patients had emmetropia and needed near sphere add between +0.75 and +1.50 diopters. The protocol included four sessions (one every 2 weeks within a 2-month period) of bilateral pulsed (2 sec on; 6 sec off) micro-electrostimulation with 26 mA for 8 minutes, using a commercially available medical device. The uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) (logMAR) for each eye, uncorrected near (40 cm) visual acuity in each eye (UNVA) and with both eyes (UNVA OU) (logMAR), and reading speed (number of words read per minute at 40 cm) were measured preoperatively and 2 weeks after each session. Overall satisfaction (0 to 4 scale) was assessed 2 weeks after the last session.

RESULTS:

UDVA did not change and no adverse events were noted in either group. Bilateral and monocular UNVA and reading speed were stable in the control group, whereas they continuously improved in the treated group (Friedman,
P
< .00001). Post-hoc significant differences were found for monocular and binocular UNVA after the second treatment and after the first treatment considering words read per minute (
P
< .001). One patient (3.7%) was not satisfied and 18 patients (66.7%) were very satisfied (score of 4). Average satisfaction score was 3 (satisfied).

CONCLUSIONS:

Ciliary muscle contraction to restore accommodation was safe and improved the short-term accommodative ability of patients with early emmetropic presbyopia.

[
J Refract Surg.
2017;33(9):578–583.]
Comparison of Corneal Dynamic and Tomographic Analysis in Normal, Forme Fruste Keratoconic, and Keratoconic Eyes
Authors: Wang Yu Meng , Chan Tommy C.Y. , Yu Marco , Jhanji Vishal
Published: September 2017

PURPOSE:

To investigate and compare the diagnostic ability of corneal tomography and dynamic corneal response to differentiate between normal eyes and those with forme fruste keratoconus and keratoconus.

METHODS:

Corneal tomography was performed using Pentacam (Pentacam HR; Oculus Optikgeräte, Wetzlar, Germany). Corneal deformation response was captured via Corvis ST (Optikgeräte) using a beta version of Corvis software. Classification analysis between normal eyes and eyes with forme fruste keratoconus and between normal and keratoconic eyes was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) and partial AUC (pAUC) for each classifying parameter were compared.

RESULTS:

Twenty-one patients with forme fruste keratoconus in one eye and clinically evident keratoconus in the fellow eye and 38 normal individuals were recruited. Overall, 21 eyes with forme fruste keratoconus and 18 eyes with keratoconus were compared with 73 normal eyes. The mean age of the participants was comparable between groups. Comparative analysis between Pentacam and Corvis ST parameters showed significantly lower AUC and pAUC for Corvis ST parameters in differentiating keratoconic from normal eyes (
P
≥ .049). However, comparable AUC and pAUC was observed between the Corvis Biomechanical Index (AUC = 0.785; pAUC = 0.079) and D value of the Belin/Ambrósio Enhanced Ectasia Display (AUC = 0.757; pAUC = 0.068) (
P
≥ .477) for detection of forme fruste keratoconus with sensitivities of 63.2% and 52.6%, given a common specificity of 80.3%.

CONCLUSIONS:

The current study showed the feasibility of use of non-tomographical parameters obtained from the Corvis ST for differentiating normal eyes and those with forme fruste keratoconus and keratoconus. The diagnostic ability of the Corvis ST was comparable to that of the Pentacam for differentiating normal eyes and eyes with forme fruste keratoconus.

[
J Refract Surg.
2017;33(9):632–638.]
Plataformas emergentes para monitorear la ocurrencia y amenazas de aves marinas críticamente en peligro: El albatros de Galápagos en Chile y en el Pacífico Sudeste
Authors: Suazo Cristián G. , Yates Oliver , Azócar Jorge , Díaz Pablo , González But Juan C. , Cabezas Luis A.
Published: September 2017

Las especies de aves marinas longevas, tales como albatros y petreles ampliamente distribuidos en el mar y con poblaciones reducidas, tienen a la captura incidental en pesquerías como una de las principales amenazas para su conservación. Entre estas, el albatros de Galápagos Phoebastria irrorata es escasamente detectado en las Zonas Económicas Exclusivas (ZEE) de países más allá de su distribución tradicional a lo largo del Pacífico Sudeste. En este artículo se recopilan registros distribucionales del albatros de Galápagos in situ y obtenidos desde observaciones no sistemáticas en el mar, tales como actividades de turismo (i.e., observación pelágica de aves) desde la década de 1980s en adelante. A su vez, se incorporan registros desde monitoreos sistemáticos en pesquerías de palangre y arrastre, operando entre el norte y centro-sur de Chile (Pacífico Sudeste). La ocurrencia de avistamientos fue analizada según características ambientales relacionadas a estos, como presencia/ausencia de periodo reproductivo e indicadores de eventos El Niño, tal como valores negativos en el Índice de Oscilación Sur (IOS), entre otros. Se describió un total de 13 avistamientos del albatros de Galápagos y con 76,9% de estos fuera de su periodo reproductivo (diciembre a abril). Los registros evidencian una distribución meridional del albatros de Galápagos hasta el centro-sur de Chile (38°S), alcanzando 4.391 km al sur de Islas Galápagos, así como hasta 920 km al oeste (79°O) desde la costa Sudamericana. El albatros de Galápagos fue registrado en asociación con pesquerías industriales de palangre pelágico y arrastre demersal. No hubo registros de captura incidental, aunque la observación de individuos asociados a barcos de estas pesquerías para alimentarse de descartes y eviscerados sugiere un potencial riesgo de mortalidad para esta especie. El 53,8% de los avistamientos fueron durante lecturas positivas del Índice de Oscilación Sur (IOS), representando condiciones más frías que las neutrales de El Niño Oscilación Sur (ENOS).
Distribución potencial de mamíferos marinos durante el verano austral en el Golfo San Jorge, Argentina
Authors: Retana María Valeria , Lewis Mirtha Noemí
Published: September 2017

El Golfo San Jorge (GSJ) es una región oceanográfica importante debido a la influencia de dos frentes de marea, siendo uno de los sectores más productivos y con alta biodiversidad marina del Mar Argentino. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar cuáles variables oceanográficas explican la presencia de mamíferos marinos y explorar el solapamiento de la riqueza predicha con las áreas frontales del GSJ durante el verano austral. La distribución potencial de las 9 especies (Balaenoptera sp., Cephalorhynchus commersonii, Globicephala melas, Grampus griseus, Lagenorhynchus australis, L. obscurus, Mirounga leonina, Orcinus orca, Otaria flavescens) fue modelada con Maxent utilizando 6 variables ambientales (batimetría, pendiente del fondo marino, distancia a la costa, distancia al frente de marea, temperatura superficial y concentración de clorofila). Los mamíferos marinos se encontraron más cerca de las áreas frontales que al azar (9,48 km y 13,34 km, respectivamente). La profundidad, la distancia a la costa y la pendiente fueron las variables más importantes en la distribución de todas las especies. Balaenoptera sp., G. melas, G. griseus, L. australis y O. orca mostraron una distribución costera (< 10 km), principalmente al noroeste del golfo. M. leonina, O. flavescens y C. commersonii siguieron la isobata de los 80 m, mientras que L. obscurus se distribuyó en todo el golfo. Las áreas de mayor riqueza predicha se solaparon un 75% con las áreas frontales localizadas al noroeste y sudeste del golfo. Este trabajo provee información de base para el diseño de futuros muestreos que pueden explicar la influencia de los procesos y variación estacional de la distribución de los mamíferos marinos del GSJ.
Composición proximal y perfil de aminoácidos de estadios tempranos del pargo flamenco Lutjanus guttatus
Authors: Abdo de la Parra María Isabel , Rodríguez Montes de Oca Gustavo Alejandro , Rodríguez Ibarra L. Estela , Domínguez Jiménez Patricia , Román Reyes José Cristóbal , Velasco Blanco Gabriela , Ibarra Castro Leonardo
Published: September 2017

Los embriones y las larvas de los peces marinos utilizan los aminoácidos (AA) como fuente de energía para el metabolismo aeróbico y para mantener la osmolalidad de los fluidos corporales durante los primeros estadios de desarrollo. El perfil de AA de los huevos y larvas puede utilizarse como un indicador aproximado del requerimiento de aminoácidos esenciales (AAE). Conocer la evolución de la composición bioquímica de los primeros estadios de las larvas de peces proporciona una fuente valiosa para comprender mejor las necesidades nutricionales para el comienzo de la alimentación exógena; etapa donde se han reportado altas mortalidades por deficiencias nutricionales. El objetivo fue determinar la composición química proximal y perfil de AA de huevos, larvas recién eclosionadas y larvas sin vitelo. Se tomaron muestras de los estadios mencionados y se determinó su contenido bromatológico y perfil de AA utilizando métodos estándar. El porcentaje de proteína fue significativamente mayor en las larvas sin vitelo y el porcentaje de lípidos fue menor. El porcentaje de histidina, arginina y metionina fue mayor en los huevos y el resto de AAE fue mayor en las larvas sin vitelo. El porcentaje de taurina fue significativamente mayor en los huevos. Los datos obtenidos podrán utilizarse como un indicador aproximado del requerimiento de AAE de las larvas de pargo flamenco al inicio de la alimentación exógena y coadyuvar a mejorar los protocolos de alimentación y al desarrollo de dietas balanceadas para mejorar el crecimiento y supervivencia de las larvas.
Ciclo reproductivo de la ascidia Pyura chilensis (Urochordata: Ascidiacea) procedente de líneas de cultivo de mitílidos
Authors: Pérez Valdés Margarita , Figueroa Aguilera Diego , Rojas Pérez Claudia
Published: September 2017

La ascidia solitaria Pyura chilensis, es considerada un recurso de importancia económica en el sector pesquero artesanal. Este organismo tiene una gran capacidad para colonizar sustratos artificiales, formando parte de la fauna incrustante en líneas de cultivo de ostreidos y moluscos, afectando la eficiencia de crecimiento de estos recursos. Por esta razón, es necesario conocer aspectos biológico - reproductivos de P. chilensis a fin de generar información para la futura implementación de un plan de manejo, de conservación o de cultivo de este recurso en la Región de Los Lagos, Chile. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar el ciclo reproductivo y patrones de asentamiento de P. chilensis, analizando el índice de condición e histología gonadal de organismos procedentes de un sistema de cultivo de mitilidos ubicado en Estero Huito, Calbuco (41°43’S;73°09’W), durante 12 meses. Adicionalmente se analizó la preferencia de sustrato de larvas de P. chilensis, usando dos superficies artificiales. El Índice de condición (masa corporal-distancia sifonal) mostró un aumento entre junio y septiembre, coincidiendo con un período de baja temperatura en primavera (organismos en estado IV); aun cuando la presencia de reclutas entre noviembre y junio estaría indicando posibles eventos de desove en otras estaciones. Se observó que entre el 40 y 100% de los organismos muestreados presentaron gónadas en estado II y/o III durante el período de estudio, lo cual sugiere una gametogénesis continua. El asentamiento larval fue mayor en sustrato rugoso obscuro (malla raschel) que en la superficie de plástico. Se concluye que en la zona de estudio es posible tener reclutamiento durante todo el año con diferentes niveles de intensidad. Esta información permitiría planificar la ubicación de colectores, para la captación de reclutas en distintas épocas, generando una producción continua de P. chilensis y disminuyendo la infestación de otros sustratos.
Variación estacional del nivel del mar en el Archipiélago de San Andrés, Providencia y Santa Catalina, Mar Caribe
Authors: Torres Parra Rafael Ricardo , Sánchez Reyes Diana Margarita , Moreno Calderón Maritza Y.
Published: September 2017

El ciclo estacional del nivel del mar fue analizado en el Archipiélago de San Andrés, Providencia y Santa Catalina en el Mar Caribe con base en 22 años de topografía dinámica absoluta. Se encontró gran variación espacial en el espectro estacional del nivel del mar en las 9 principales geoformas que componen el archipiélago dependiendo de su posición meridional y como consecuencia de diferentes forzantes de este ciclo presentes en la Cuenca Colombia. La variación anual del nivel del mar tiene un rango mínimo de 2,7 cm en Quitasueño y un rango máximo de 9,5 cm en Roncador. En el norte del archipiélago el ciclo estacional es máximo entre julio y agosto, y mínimo entre enero y marzo; por el contrario en el sur del archipiélago el ciclo estacional es máximo entre febrero y marzo y mínimo entre agosto y septiembre. El ciclo estacional explica entre el 3 y el 23% de la variación mensual del nivel del mar en el archipiélago y no es constante en el tiempo; se encontraron cambios de hasta 3,6 cm en amplitud y de 83° de fase cuando el ciclo anual fue evaluado fraccionando la serie de tiempo en segmentos de 5 años. La contribución del ciclo estacional debe incluirse para la evaluación de riesgos asociada a valores extremos del nivel del mar en el archipiélago.
On the Extraction of Anthropometric Parameters by Visual and Non-Visual Means
Authors: Kainz O. , Michalko M. , Jakab F.
Published: September 2017

In this paper the system for collection and recording of anthropometric data is presented, along with the novel techniques for extraction of such data. The very system is built on selected open-source platform having developed various plugins as a part of the project. Means for the extraction follow two approaches: visual and non-visual. The first presumes the acquiring of data from static 2D image, the latter gets data through the direct measurement. Visual approach utilizes several principles following the image processing and related face detection algorithms. Moreover, known anthropometric relations are utilized to estimate other human body proportions. As for the non-visual approach, the hardware for direct measurement of human body parameters is designed, implemented and tested in the real environment. The output in the form of data of individual user may serve for statistical comparison with other users. Further, data of all users is to be used for correlation studies with several diseases and changes of overall health condition. In addition, the extracted data follow the concept of newly proposed Human body description language (HBDL) that may be used in various scientific fields and applications or various programming languages. Thus providing the standardized and structured form of data entry.
A Wearable Personal Assistant for Surgeons – Design, Evaluation, and Future Prospects
Authors: Jalaliniya Shahram , Pederson Thomas , Mardanbegi Diako
Published: September 2017

In this paper, we present our body-and-mind-centric approach for the design of wearable personal assistants (WPAs) motivated by the fact that such devices are likely to play an increasing role in everyday life. We also report on the utility of such a device for orthopedic surgeons in hospitals. A prototype of the WPA was developed on Google Glass for supporting surgeons in three dierent scenarios: (1) touch-less interaction with medical images, (2) tele-presence during surgeries, and (3) mobile access to Electronic Patient Records (EPR) during ward rounds. We evaluated the system in a clinical simulation facility and found that while the WPA can be a viable solution for touch-less interaction and remote collaborations during surgeries, using the WPA in the ward rounds might interfere with social interaction between clinicians and patients. Finally, we present our ongoing exploration of gaze and gesture as alternative input modalities for WPAs inspired by the hospital study.
Primal-Dual Active Set Method for American Lookback Put Option Pricing
Authors: Song Haiming , Wang Xiaoshen , Zhang Kai , Zhang Qi
Published: September 2017

The pricing model for American lookback options can be characterised as a two-dimensional free boundary problem. The main challenge in this problem is the free boundary, which is also the main concern for financial investors. We use a standard technique to reduce the pricing model to a one-dimensional linear complementarity problem on a bounded domain and obtain a corresponding variational inequality. The inequality is discretised by finite differences and finite elements in the temporal and spatial directions, respectively. By enforcing inequality constraints related to the options using Lagrange multipliers, the discretised variational inequality is reformulated as a set of semi-smooth equations, which are solved by a primal-dual active set method. One of the major advantages of our algorithm is that we can obtain the option values and the free boundary simultaneously, and numerical simulations show that our approach is as efficient as some other methods.
W.F. Wertheim, een tegendraadse kroniekschrijver van maatschappelijke omwenteling
Authors: Breman Jan
Published: September 2017

Een portret van Willem Frederik Wertheim (1907-1998)
9-year spatial and temporal evolution of desert dust aerosols over South-East Asia as revealed by CALIOP
Authors: Proestakis Emmanouil , Amiridis Vassilis , Marinou Eleni , Georgoulias Aristeidis K. , Solomos Stavros , Kazadzis Stelios , Chimot Julien , Che Huizheng , Alexandri Georgia , Binietoglou Ioannis , Kourtidis Konstantinos A. , de Leeuw Gerrit , van der A Ronald J.
Published: September 2017

Abstract. We present a 3-D climatology of the desert dust distribution over South-East Asia derived using CALIPSO (Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation) data. To distinguish desert dust from total aerosol load we apply a methodology developed in the framework of EARLINET (European Aerosol Research Lidar Network), the particle linear depolarization ratio and updated lidar ratio values suitable for Asian dust, on multiyear CALIPSO observations (01/2007–12/2015). The resulting dust product provides information on the horizontal and vertical distribution of dust aerosols over SE (South-East) Asia along with the seasonal transition of dust transport pathways. Persistent high D_AOD (Dust Aerosol Optical Depth) values, of the order of 0.6, are present over the arid and semi-arid desert regions. Dust aerosol transport (range, height and intensity) is subject to high seasonality, with highest values observed during spring for northern China (Taklimakan/Gobi deserts) and during summer over the Indian subcontinent (Thar Desert). Additionally we decompose the CALIPSO AOD (Aerosol Optical Depth) into dust and non-dust aerosol components to reveal the non-dust AOD over the highly industrialized and densely populated regions of SE Asia, where the non-dust aerosols yield AOD values of the order of 0.5. Furthermore, the CALIPSO-based short-term AOD and D_AOD time series and trends between 01/2007 and 12/2015 are calculated over SE Asia and over selected sub-regions. Positive trends are observed over northwest and east China and the Indian subcontinent, whereas over southeast China are mostly negative. The calculated AOD trends agree well with the trends derived from Aqua/MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer), although significant differences are observed over specific regions.