bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Allometric Equations for Estimating Biomass and Carbon Stocks in the Temperate Forests of North-Western Mexico
Authors: Vargas-Larreta Benedicto , López-Sánchez Carlos Antonio , Corral-Rivas José Javier , López-Martínez Jorge Omar , Aguirre-Calderón Cristóbal Gerardo , Álvarez-González Juan Gabriel
Published: July 2017

This paper presents new equations for estimating above-ground biomass (AGB) and biomass components of seventeen forest species in the temperate forests of northwestern Mexico. A data set corresponding to 1336 destructively sampled oak and pine trees was used to fit the models. The generalized method of moments was used to simultaneously fit systems of equations for biomass components and AGB, to ensure additivity. In addition, the carbon content of each tree component was calculated by the dry combustion method, in a TOC analyser. The results of cross-validation indicated that the fitted equations accounted for on average 91%, 82%, 83% and 76% of the observed variance in stem wood and stem bark, branch and foliage biomass, respectively, whereas the total AGB equations explained on average 93% of the total observed variance in AGB. The inclusion of total height (h) or diameter at breast height2 × total height (d2h) as a predictor in the d-only based equations systems slightly improved estimates for stem wood, stem bark and total above-ground biomass, and greatly improved the estimates produced by the branch and foliage biomass equations. The predictive power of the proposed equations is higher than that of existing models for the study area. The fitted equations were used to estimate stand level AGB stocks from data on growing stock in 429 permanent sampling plots. Three machine-learning techniques were used to model the estimated stand level AGB and carbon contents; the selected models were used to map the AGB and carbon distributions in the study area, for which mean values of respectively 129.84 Mg ha−1 and 63.80 Mg ha−1 were obtained.
Visual Interface Evaluation for Wearables Datasets: Predicting the Subjective Augmented Vision Image QoE and QoS
Authors: Bauman Brian , Seeling Patrick
Published: July 2017

As Augmented Reality (AR) applications become commonplace, the determination of a device operator’s subjective Quality of Experience (QoE) in addition to objective Quality of Service (QoS) metrics gains importance. Human subject experimentation is common for QoE relationship determinations due to the subjective nature of the QoE. In AR scenarios, the overlay of displayed content with the real world adds to the complexity. We employ Electroencephalography (EEG) measurements as the solution to the inherent subjectivity and situationality of AR content display overlaid with the real world. Specifically, we evaluate prediction performance for traditional image display (AR) and spherical/immersive image display (SAR) for the QoE and underlying QoS levels. Our approach utilizing a four-position EEG wearable achieves high levels of accuracy. Our detailed evaluation of the available data indicates that less sensors would perform almost as well and could be integrated into future wearable devices. Additionally, we make our Visual Interface Evaluation for Wearables (VIEW) datasets from human subject experimentation publicly available and describe their utilization.
Human Health Risk Assessment Applied to Rural Populations Dependent on Unregulated Drinking Water Sources: A Scoping Review
Authors: Ford Lorelei , Bharadwaj Lalita , McLeod Lianne , Waldner Cheryl
Published: July 2017

Safe drinking water is a global challenge for rural populations dependent on unregulated water. A scoping review of research on human health risk assessments (HHRA) applied to this vulnerable population may be used to improve assessments applied by government and researchers. This review aims to summarize and describe the characteristics of HHRA methods, publications, and current literature gaps of HHRA studies on rural populations dependent on unregulated or unspecified drinking water. Peer-reviewed literature was systematically searched (January 2000 to May 2014) and identified at least one drinking water source as unregulated (21%) or unspecified (79%) in 100 studies. Only 7% of reviewed studies identified a rural community dependent on unregulated drinking water. Source water and hazards most frequently cited included groundwater (67%) and chemical water hazards (82%). Most HHRAs (86%) applied deterministic methods with 14% reporting probabilistic and stochastic methods. Publications increased over time with 57% set in Asia, and 47% of studies identified at least one literature gap in the areas of research, risk management, and community exposure. HHRAs applied to rural populations dependent on unregulated water are poorly represented in the literature even though almost half of the global population is rural.
Quantifying Grain-Size Variability of Metal Pollutants in Road-Deposited Sediments Using the Coefficient of Variation
Authors: Zhao Hongtao , Wang Xiaoxue , Li Xuyong
Published: July 2017

Particle grain size is an important indicator for the variability in physical characteristics and pollutants composition of road-deposited sediments (RDS). Quantitative assessment of the grain-size variability in RDS amount, metal concentration, metal load and GSFLoad is essential to elimination of the uncertainty it causes in estimation of RDS emission load and formulation of control strategies. In this study, grain-size variability was explored and quantified using the coefficient of variation (Cv) of the particle size compositions, metal concentrations, metal loads, and GSFLoad values in RDS. Several trends in grain-size variability of RDS were identified: (i) the medium class (105–450 µm) variability in terms of particle size composition, metal loads, and GSFLoad values in RDS was smaller than the fine (<105 µm) and coarse (450–2000 µm) class; (ii) The grain-size variability in terms of metal concentrations increased as the particle size increased, while the metal concentrations decreased; (iii) When compared to the Lorenz coefficient (Lc), the Cv was similarly effective at describing the grain-size variability, whereas it is simpler to calculate because it did not require the data to be pre-processed. The results of this study will facilitate identification of the uncertainty in modelling RDS caused by grain-size class variability.
The HGF/SF Mouse Model of UV-Induced Melanoma as an In Vivo Sensor for Metastasis-Regulating Gene
Authors: Leonard M. Kathryn , Pamidimukkala Nidhi , Puts Gemma S. , Snyder Devin E. , Slominski Andrzej T. , Kaetzel David M.
Published: July 2017

Cutaneous malignant melanoma is an aggressive and potentially lethal form of skin cancer, particularly in its advanced and therapy-resistant stages, and the need for novel therapeutics and prognostic tools is acute. Incidence of melanoma has steadily increased over the past few decades, with exposure to the genome-damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) well-recognized as a primary cause. A number of genetically-engineered mouse models (GEMMs) have been created that exhibit high incidence of spontaneous and induced forms of melanoma, and a select subset recapitulates its progression to aggressive and metastatic forms. These GEMMs hold considerable promise for providing insights into advanced stages of melanoma, such as potential therapeutic targets and prognostic markers, and as in vivo systems for testing of novel therapies. In this review, we summarize how the HGF/SF transgenic mouse has been used to reveal metastasis-regulating activity of four different genes (CDK4R24C, survivin and NME1/NME2) in the context of UV-induced melanoma. We also discuss how these models can potentially yield new strategies for clinical management of melanoma in its most aggressive forms.
Review of Tidal Lagoon Technology and Opportunities for Integration within the UK Energy System
Authors: Todeschini Grazia
Published: July 2017

The number of distributed resources for renewable energy installed worldwide has been increasing rapidly in the last decade, and the great majority of these installations consist of solar panels and wind turbines. Other renewable sources of energy are not exploited to the same level: for instance, tidal energy is still a minute portion of the global energy capacity, in spite of the large amount of potential energy stored in tidal waves, and of the successful experience of the few existing plants. The world’s second largest tidal range occurs in the UK but at the moment tidal installations in this country are limited to a few prototypes. More recently, there has been a renewed interest in harnessing tidal energy in the UK, and a few tidal lagoon projects have been evaluated by the UK government. This paper provides an overview of the historical and current developments of tidal plants, a description of operation of tidal lagoons, challenges and opportunities for their integration within the UK energy systems and solutions to improve the dispatchability of tidal energy. The concepts described in the paper are applied to a tidal project proposed for South Wales.
A Cost-Effective Approach to Optimizing Microstructure and Magnetic Properties in Ce17Fe78B6 Alloys
Authors: Tan Xiaohua , Li Heyun , Xu Hui , Han Ke , Li Weidan , Zhang Fang
Published: July 2017

Optimizing fabrication parameters for rapid solidification of Re-Fe-B (Re = Rare earth) alloys can lead to nanocrystalline products with hard magnetic properties without any heat-treatment. In this work, we enhanced the magnetic properties of Ce17Fe78B6 ribbons by engineering both the microstructure and volume fraction of the Ce2Fe14B phase through optimization of the chamber pressure and the wheel speed necessary for quenching the liquid. We explored the relationship between these two parameters (chamber pressure and wheel speed), and proposed an approach to identifying the experimental conditions most likely to yield homogenous microstructure and reproducible magnetic properties. Optimized experimental conditions resulted in a microstructure with homogeneously dispersed Ce2Fe14B and CeFe2 nanocrystals. The best magnetic properties were obtained at a chamber pressure of 0.05 MPa and a wheel speed of 15 m·s−1. Without the conventional heat-treatment that is usually required, key magnetic properties were maximized by optimization processing parameters in rapid solidification of magnetic materials in a cost-effective manner.
Superplasticity of Annealed H13 Steel
Authors: Duan Zhenxin , Pei Wen , Gong Xuebo , Chen Hua
Published: July 2017

H13 steel is a widely used hot work die material. A new type of hot working method is imperative to develop complex and precise dies. In this paper, the heat treatment of H13 steel (AISI) was carried out by annealing, the final structure is a point or spherical pearlite, and the grain size is about 30–40 μm. The tensile properties of the annealed microstructure were investigated at 650, 750, and 850 °C with the strain rates of 1 × 10−3 s−1, 5 × 10−4 s−1, and 1 × 10−4 s−1. The tensile fracture and microstructure were analyzed by SEM and HREM. The results show that the tensile samples reach superplasticity at the strain rate of 1 × 10−4 s−1 in the temperature range of 750–850 °C. When the temperature is 850 °C, the maximum elongation rate reaches 112.5%. This demonstrates the possibility of making superplastic forming molds. During the tensile process, the refined M23C6 and other high hardness carbides which are dispersed uniformly in the matrix, effectively inhibits grain growth and hinders dislocation movement, leading to the improvement of plasticity.
Use of Almond Shells and Rice Husk as Fillers of Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) (PMMA) Composites
Authors: Sabbatini Alessandra , Lanari Silvia , Santulli Carlo , Pettinari Claudio
Published: July 2017

In recent years, wood fibres have often been applied as the reinforcement of thermoplastic materials, such as polypropylene, whereas their use in combination with thermosetting resin has been less widespread. This study concerns the production of PMMA-based composites by partly replacing alumina trihydrate (ATH) with wood waste fillers, namely rice husks and almond shells, which would otherwise be disposed by incineration. The amount of filler introduced was limited to 10% as regards rice husks and 10 or 15% almond shells, since indications provided by reactivity tests and viscosity measurements did not suggest the feasibility of total replacement of ATH. As a matter of fact, the introduction of these contents of wood waste filler in PMMA-based composite did not result in any significant deterioration of its mechanical properties (Charpy impact, Rockwell M hardness and flexural performance). Some reduction of these properties was only observed in the case of introduction of 15% almond shells. A further issue concerned the yellowing of the organic filler under exposure to UV light. On the other hand, a very limited amount of water was absorbed, never exceeding values around 0.6%, despite the significant porosity revealed by the filler’s microscopic evaluation. These results are particularly interesting in view of the application envisaged for these composites, i.e., wood replacement boards.
Thermal Performance Study of Composite Phase Change Material with Polyacrylicand Conformal Coating
Authors: Kee Shin , Munusamy Yamuna , Ong Kok , Cornelis Metselaar Hendrik , Chee Swee , Lai Koon
Published: July 2017

The composite PCM was prepared by blending polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and myristic acid (MA) in different weight percentages. The MA and PMMA were selected as PCM and supporting material, respectively. As liquid MA may leak out during the phase transition, this study proposes the use of two coatings, namely a polyacrylic coating and a conformal coating to overcome the leakage problem. Both coatings were studied in terms of the leakage test, chemical compatibility, thermal stability, morphology, and reliability. No leakage was found in the PCMs with coatings compared to those without under the same proportions of MA/PMMA, thus justifying the use of coatings in the present study. The chemically compatibility was confirmed by FTIR spectra: the functional groups of PCMs were in accordance with those of coatings. DSC showed that the coatings did not significantly change the melting and freezing temperatures, however, they improved the thermal stability of composite PCMs as seen in TGA analysis. Furthermore, the composite PCMs demonstrated good thermal reliability after 1000 times thermal cycling. The latent heat of melting reduced by only 0.16% and 1.02% for the PCMs coated with conformal coating and polyacrylic coating, respectively. Therefore, the proposed coatings can be considered in preparing fatty acid/PMMA blends attributed to the good stability, compatibility and leakage prevention.
Confidence Intervals for Mean and Difference between Means of Normal Distributions with Unknown Coefficients of Variation
Authors: Thangjai Warisa , Niwitpong Suparat , Niwitpong Sa-Aat
Published: July 2017

This paper proposes confidence intervals for a single mean and difference of two means of normal distributions with unknown coefficients of variation (CVs). The generalized confidence interval (GCI) approach and large sample (LS) approach were proposed to construct confidence intervals for the single normal mean with unknown CV. These confidence intervals were compared with existing confidence interval for the single normal mean based on the Student’s t-distribution (small sample size case) and the z-distribution (large sample size case). Furthermore, the confidence intervals for the difference between two normal means with unknown CVs were constructed based on the GCI approach, the method of variance estimates recovery (MOVER) approach and the LS approach and then compared with the Welch–Satterthwaite (WS) approach. The coverage probability and average length of the proposed confidence intervals were evaluated via Monte Carlo simulation. The results indicated that the GCIs for the single normal mean and the difference of two normal means with unknown CVs are better than the other confidence intervals. Finally, three datasets are given to illustrate the proposed confidence intervals.
Myth or Reality—Transdermal Magnesium?
Authors: Gröber Uwe , Werner Tanja , Vormann Jürgen , Kisters Klaus
Published: July 2017

In the following review, we evaluated the current literature and evidence-based data on transdermal magnesium application and show that the propagation of transdermal magnesium is scientifically unsupported. The importance of magnesium and the positive effects of magnesium supplementation are extensively documented in magnesium deficiency, e.g., cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. The effectiveness of oral magnesium supplementation for the treatment of magnesium deficiency has been studied in detail. However, the proven and well-documented oral magnesium supplementation has become questioned in the recent years through intensive marketing for its transdermal application (e.g., magnesium-containing sprays, magnesium flakes, and magnesium salt baths). In both, specialist and lay press as well as on the internet, there are increasing numbers of articles claiming the effectiveness and superiority of transdermal magnesium over an oral application. It is claimed that the transdermal absorption of magnesium in comparison to oral application is more effective due to better absorption and fewer side effects as it bypasses the gastrointestinal tract.
Cyanidin Stimulates Insulin Secretion and Pancreatic β-Cell Gene Expression through Activation of l-type Voltage-Dependent Ca2+ Channels
Authors: Suantawee Tanyawan , Elazab Sara , Hsu Walter , Yao Shaomian , Cheng Henrique , Adisakwattana Sirichai
Published: July 2017

Cyanidin is a natural anthocyanidin present in fruits and vegetables with anti-diabetic properties including stimulation of insulin secretion. However, its mechanism of action remains unknown. In this study, we elucidated the mechanisms of cyanidin for stimulatory insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells. Rat pancreatic β-cells INS-1 were used to investigate the effects of cyanidin on insulin secretion, intracellular Ca2+ signaling, and gene expression. We detected the presence of cyanidin in the intracellular space of β-cells. Cyanidin stimulated insulin secretion and increased intracellular Ca2+ signals in a concentration-dependent manner. The Ca2+ signals were abolished by nimodipine, an l-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel (VDCC) blocker or under extracellular Ca2+ free conditions. Stimulation of cells with cyanidin activated currents typical for VDCCs and up-regulated the expression of glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2), Kir6.2, and Cav1.2 genes. Our findings indicate that cyanidin diffuses across the plasma membrane, leading to activation of l-type VDCCs. The increase in intracellular Ca2+ stimulated insulin secretion and the expression of genes involved in this process. These findings suggest that cyanidin could be used as a promising agent to stimulate insulin secretion.
Biodegradation of Halloysite Nanotubes-Polyester Nanocomposites Exposed to Short Term Seawater Immersion
Authors: Saharudin Mohd , Wei Jiacheng , Shyha Islam , Inam Fawad
Published: July 2017

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs)-polyester nanocomposites with four different concentrations were produced using solution casting technique and the biodegradation effect of short-term seawater exposure (120 h) was studied. Monolithic polyester was observed to have the highest seawater absorption with 1.37%. At 0.3 wt % HNTs reinforcement, the seawater absorption dropped significantly to the lowest value of 0.77% due to increase of liquid diffusion path. For samples tested in dry conditions, the Tg, storage modulus, tensile properties and flexural properties were improved. The highest improvement of Tg was from 79.3 to 82.4 °C (increase 3.1 °C) in the case of 0.3 wt % HNTs. This can be associated with the exfoliated HNTs particles, which restrict the mobility of polymer chains and thus raised the Tg. After seawater exposure, the Tg, storage modulus, tensile properties and flexural properties of polyester and its nanocomposites were decreased. The Young’s modulus of 0.3 wt % HNTs-polyester dropped 20% while monolithic polyester dropped up to 24% compared to their values in dry condition. Apart from that, 29% flexural modulus reduction was observed, which was 18% higher than monolithic polyester. In contrast, fracture toughness and surface roughness increased due to plasticization effect. The presence of various microbial communities caused gradual biodegradation on the microstructure of the polyester matrix as also evidently shown by SEM images.
Exceptionally High Negative Electro-Caloric Effects of Poly(VDF–co–TrFE) Based Nanocomposites Tuned by the Geometries of Barium Titanate Nanofillers
Authors: Jiang Zhi-Yuan , Zheng Guang-Ping , Zheng Xiu-Cheng , Wang Hao
Published: July 2017

Exceptionally high electro-caloric effects (ECEs) are observed in nanocomposites consisting of poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoroethylene) (VDF–co–TrFE) copolymer and barium titanate (BT) nanoparticles and nanowires. The poly(VDF–co–TrFE) matrix nanocomposites containing 5% volume fraction of BT nanowires are found to exhibit a negative ECE temperature change as large as 12 °C or a refrigeration effect of 8.3 J/g, which is much larger than those reported to date. The mechanisms of negative ECE and the enhanced negative ECE in the nanocomposites consisting of poly(VDF–co–TrFE) and BT nanowires are explained by the Kauzmann theory on glassy polar states and the interaction between BT nanofillers and the copolymer matrix. The effects of geometries of BT nanofillers on the negative ECEs are elucidated by P-E loop measurements, and dielectric and dynamical mechanical analyses. The nanocomposites, with their enhanced negative ECE tuned by the geometries of BT nanofillers, provide us with promising ECE refrigerants for practical application to small-sized and environmentally-friendly ECE coolers in the heat management of electronic devices.
A Combination of Histological, Physiological, and Proteomic Approaches Shed Light on Seed Desiccation Tolerance of the Basal Angiosperm Amborella trichopoda
Authors: Villegente Matthieu , Marmey Philippe , Job Claudette , Galland Marc , Cueff Gwendal , Godin Béatrice , Rajjou Loïc , Balliau Thierry , Zivy Michel , Fogliani Bruno , Sarramegna-Burtet Valérie , Job Dominique
Published: July 2017

Desiccation tolerance allows plant seeds to remain viable in a dry state for years and even centuries. To reveal potential evolutionary processes of this trait, we have conducted a shotgun proteomic analysis of isolated embryo and endosperm from mature seeds of Amborella trichopoda, an understory shrub endemic to New Caledonia that is considered to be the basal extant angiosperm. The present analysis led to the characterization of 415 and 69 proteins from the isolated embryo and endosperm tissues, respectively. The role of these proteins is discussed in terms of protein evolution and physiological properties of the rudimentary, underdeveloped, Amborella embryos, notably considering that the acquisition of desiccation tolerance corresponds to the final developmental stage of mature seeds possessing large embryos.
Aptamer-Modified Semiconductor Quantum Dots for Biosensing Applications
Authors: Wen Lin , Qiu Liping , Wu Yongxiang , Hu Xiaoxiao , Zhang Xiaobing
Published: July 2017

Semiconductor quantum dots have attracted extensive interest in the biosensing area because of their properties, such as narrow and symmetric emission with tunable colors, high quantum yield, high stability and controllable morphology. The introduction of various reactive functional groups on the surface of semiconductor quantum dots allows one to conjugate a spectrum of ligands, antibodies, peptides, or nucleic acids for broader and smarter applications. Among these ligands, aptamers exhibit many advantages including small size, high chemical stability, simple synthesis with high batch-to-batch consistency and convenient modification. More importantly, it is easy to introduce nucleic acid amplification strategies and/or nanomaterials to improve the sensitivity of aptamer-based sensing systems. Therefore, the combination of semiconductor quantum dots and aptamers brings more opportunities in bioanalysis. Here we summarize recent advances on aptamer-functionalized semiconductor quantum dots in biosensing applications. Firstly, we discuss the properties and structure of semiconductor quantum dots and aptamers. Then, the applications of biosensors based on aptamer-modified semiconductor quantum dots by different signal transducing mechanisms, including optical, electrochemical and electrogenerated chemiluminescence approaches, is discussed. Finally, our perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in this promising field are provided.
Analysis of Total Factor Efficiency of Water Resource and Energy in China: A Study Based on DEA-SBM Model
Authors: Yang Weixin , Li Lingguang
Published: July 2017

One of the serious issues that China faces during its fast economic development is the low input–output efficiency of water and energy resources and growing water pollution. With the current economic development model of China, economic growth still requires large input of water resource and energy resource. This paper has focused on the total factor efficiency of water resource and energy resource by each province in China. We treat the undesirable outputs as outputs in the DEA-SBM Model instead of as inputs in previous studies, and design a new MATLAB programming to achieve optimization solutions of multi-variable constrained nonlinear functions to evaluate the Total Factor Efficiency of Water resource (TFEW) and the Total Factor Efficiency of Energy (TFEE) in China accurately. By using the method, this paper has analyzed the TFEW and TFEE in China from 2003 to 2014 by economic zones and typical provinces and provided corresponding policy recommendations.
Coercive Tactics and Web Advertising Performance
Authors: Lee Jiwon , Kang Inwon , Stanfield Joseph
Published: July 2017

By questioning contemporary coercive or intrusive web advertising activities, this study sheds light on the recent conditions of web advertising by focusing on a comprehensive process that leads to web ad performance. A total of 400 questionnaires were distributed by the principal investigators of this study. 170 were returned from 200 distributed questionnaires given in South Korea and 100 were returned from 200 distributed questionnaires in China. The responses total 248 out of 400 distributed questionnaires. The relationships among the measured factors are analyzed by the structural equation modeling method. Results show that the use of web ad tactics often leads to negative consequences, creating a user present avoidance behavior condition towards both the ad and ad-hosting website. In terms of the performance of the ad-hosting website, website retention was strongly influenced by content blocking. In addition, the results of the comparative test suggest that the influence of avoidance on advertising performance is stronger among users of newspaper websites than e-commerce websites.
The Compliance of the Integrated Reports Issued by European Financial Companies with the International Integrated Reporting Framework
Authors: Sofian Ioana , Dumitru Mădălina
Published: July 2017

Integrated reporting (IR) is an emerging practice increasingly capturing the attention of companies. The purpose of this paper is to analyze how the integrated reports issued by companies from the financial sector in Europe are following the guidance of the International Integrated Reporting Framework (IIRF). To achieve this objective, we analyzed the way in which the integrated reports of eight companies are following the guidance provided by the IIRF. As a result, we noticed that the annual report of Generali scored the highest compliance level with the guidance of the IIRF, but each one of the companies stood out with respect to at least one of the guiding principles or fundamental concepts mentioned in the IIRF. Although the companies included in the sample are in different stages of IR adoption, our results contribute to understanding the practice of IR. The conclusions support the use of a tool to measure the compliance of an integrated report to the existing requirements in the context of an industry linked to many other domains.
Enhanced Rabies Surveillance to Support Effective Oral Rabies Vaccination of Raccoons in the Eastern United States
Authors: Kirby Jordona , Chipman Richard , Nelson Kathleen , Rupprecht Charles , Blanton Jesse , Algeo Timothy , Slate Dennis
Published: July 2017

Enhanced rabies surveillance (ERS) is essential for sound oral rabies vaccination (ORV) decisions to prevent the spread of specific rabies virus variants in meso-carnivores and to achieve disease elimination. Use of a direct rapid immunohistochemistry test (dRIT) in North America for timely, accurate rabies diagnosis in the field has facilitated greater ERS emphasis since 2005. ERS used in tandem with exposure-based public health surveillance provides a comprehensive understanding of the geographic distribution of rabies as an aid to formulate effective management strategies for raccoons and other meso-carnivores. In 2015, best management practices were implemented for improving, reinvigorating, and standardizing ERS. A point system for weighing ERS sample categories was evaluated, to determine whether sampling emphasis should be focused upon ill or strange-acting animals, the highest quality category. During 2016, 70.7% of rabid animals detected through ERS in raccoon rabies management states were obtained from strange-acting animals, followed by animals found dead (14.1%), road kills (9.1%), and nuisance-collected specimens (6.1%). Sample category weights may be adjusted based on additional evaluation to ensure continued emphasis on the highest value samples. High quality ERS, in conjunction with serologic evidence of population-based immunity, form the backbone for ORV decisions in the elimination of raccoon rabies.
Importance of Autophagy in Mediating Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Morphine-Induced Metabolic Dysfunction and Inflammation in Human Astrocytes
Authors: Rodriguez Myosotys , Lapierre Jessica , Ojha Chet , Estrada-Bueno Hary , Dever Seth , Gewirtz David , Kashanchi Fatah , El-Hage Nazira
Published: July 2017

Under physiological conditions, the function of astrocytes in providing brain metabolic support is compromised under pathophysiological conditions caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and opioids. Herein, we examined the role of autophagy, a lysosomal degradation pathway important for cellular homeostasis and survival, as a potential regulatory mechanism during pathophysiological conditions in primary human astrocytes. Blocking autophagy with small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting BECN1, but not the Autophagy-related 5 (ATG5) gene, caused a significant decrease in HIV and morphine-induced intracellular calcium release. On the contrary, inducing autophagy pharmacologically with rapamycin further enhanced calcium release and significantly reverted HIV and morphine-decreased glutamate uptake. Furthermore, siBeclin1 caused an increase in HIV-induced nitric oxide (NO) release, while viral-induced NO in astrocytes exposed to rapamycin was decreased. HIV replication was significantly attenuated in astrocytes transfected with siRNA while significantly induced in astrocytes exposed to rapamycin. Silencing with siBeclin1, but not siATG5, caused a significant decrease in HIV and morphine-induced interleukin (IL)-8 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) release, while secretion of IL-8 was significantly induced with rapamycin. Mechanistically, the effects of siBeclin1 in decreasing HIV-induced calcium release, viral replication, and viral-induced cytokine secretion were associated with a decrease in activation of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway.
Les actions en responsabilité civile dans la survenance des préjudices nés des effets néfastes des changements climatiques devant les juridictions américaines
Authors: Agbéko Nakou Fogan
Published: July 2017

Les actions en responsabilité contre les entreprises émettrices de gaz à effet de serre pour obtenir réparation des préjudices causés par les changements climatiques prennent de l’ampleur devant les juridictions américaines. Pourtant, ces préjudices présentent un caractère à la fois incertain et indéterminé. La cause de leur apparition est elle-même diffuse, variée, de même que la chaîne des responsabilités y afférente est imprécise et longue. La recevabilité de ces préjudices et l’engagement de la responsabilité de certaines entreprises se sont opérés finalement au moyen d’un renouvellement audacieux des mécanismes juridiques et politiques de limitation des émissions de gaz à effet de serre. Au demeurant, ce mouvement judiciaire permet le dépassement de la résistance des Etats à imposer des seuils chiffrés de limitation des émissions des gaz à effet de serre.
Droit de préemption et foresterie communautaire en droit camerounais de l’environnement
Authors: Kam Yogo Emmanuel D.
Published: July 2017

Consacré en faveur des communautés villageoises riveraines des zones forestières du Cameroun par la loi n° 94/ 01 du 20 janvier 1994 portant régime des forêts, le droit de préemption vise à créer des forêts communautaires que vont gérer des populations rurales. Ce droit s’appuie sur des bases juridiques qui relèvent aussi bien de la Constitution du Cameroun que d’un arsenal législatif et réglementaire. Malgré le caractère onéreux des modalités d’exercice de ce droit, sa mise en oeuvre favorise une gestion participative du patrimoine forestier camerounais. Le droit de préemption en matière forestière est finalement un moyen permettant de concrétiser, en faveur des communautés villageoises concernées, le droit à l’environnement et le droit au développement. C’est aussi un instrument d’opérationnalisation de la protection des populations autochtones des régions forestières du Cameroun.
Commentaire de l’arrêt de la CJUE du 20 octobre 2011, affaire C-474/10, Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland c/ Seaport (NI) Ltd et autres. «Qu’importe le flacon pourvu qu’on ait l’ivresse » : nouveau précepte pour la phase consultative de l’évaluation environnementale
Authors: Vidal Olivier
Published: July 2017

L’arrêt Seaport apporte un double éclairage sur les conditions de l’émission des avis requis par la directive n° 2001/ 42/ CE du 27 juin 2001 lors de l’évaluation des incidences de certains plans et programmes sur l’environnement. En premier lieu, le juge de l’Union précise que dans le cas où l’autorité consultée au titre de l’article 6, paragraphe 3, est aussi en charge de la conception du plan évalué, il est nécessaire, afin de préserver l’objectivité de l’avis, d’aménager une séparation fonctionnelle au profit d’une entité interne disposant d’une autonomie réelle. Cette exigence d’impartialité renforce les doutes pesant sur la conformité de la transposition française. En second lieu, la Cour considère que le «délai suffisant » accordé par l’article 6, paragraphe 2, aux personnes consultées pour rendre l’avis peut être fixé par le pétitionnaire, sous réserve que soit assurée une possibilité réelle d’exprimer cet avis. L’arrêt souligne cependant que la fixation du délai au cas par cas, qui n’est pas systématique en droit français, permet une plus grande prise en compte de la complexité de certains plans ou programmes.
L’avis de l’autorité environnementale dans le cadre des installations photovoltaïques au sol : simple formalité ou réelle garantie de protection de l’environnement ?
Authors: Ahoulouma Fortuné B.
Published: July 2017

Les engagements pris par la France conformément à la directive 2009/ 28/ CE du 23 avril 2009 relative à la promotion de l’utilisation de l’énergie produite à partir de sources renouvelables ont suscité le développement des projets de réalisation d’installations solaires sous l’impulsion des collectivités territoriales dotées de compétences en matière d’énergie. L’engouement des producteurs d’énergie solaire autour de ces infrastructures de production d’électricité a nécessité un encadrement réglementaire. Ainsi, le décret du 19 novembre 2009 relatif aux procédures administratives applicables à certains ouvrages de production d’électricité met en place des contraintes urbanistiques et environnementales susceptibles de garantir une meilleure insertion de ces ouvrages dans l’environnement avec le concours de l’Autorité environnementale dont l’avis sur l’étude d’impact, préalable à l’autorisation de réalisation de ces ouvrages, suscite des interrogations dépassant l’unique cadre de la réalisation des ouvrages de production d’électricité.
De la « bête noire » au touriste, le droit confronté à l’ouverture des forêts au public
Authors: Le Louarn Patrick
Published: July 2017

L’auteur propose une réflexion sur l’invention juridique de la fonction sociale des forêts depuis ses origines historiques jusqu’aux problèmes actuels que pose l’ouverture des forêts au public. Si la prise de conscience de l’existence d’une fonction sociale des forêts est ancienne, elle n’a été formulée que très récemment par le droit forestier moderne et plus tardivement encore par les forestiers, les chercheurs et les revues spécialisées. C’est donc l’émergence de l’ouverture des forêts au public, en tant que concept juridique, que l’auteur s’attache à débusquer dans la littérature spécialisée. Malgré une doctrine forestière hésitante et une série de formulations juridiques maladroites, c’est un véritable service public des loisirs en forêt qui serait en train de naître, résultat d’une sorte d’accord de développement durable entre le monde forestier et l’ensemble des citoyens. Il serait souhaitable qu’il soit enfin reconnu par ses protagonistes et définitivement formulé par le législateur.
Transcriptomic analysis, genic SSR development, and genetic diversity of proso millet (Panicum miliaceum; Poaceae)
Authors: Hou Siyu , Sun Zhaoxia , Li Yaoshen , Wang Yijie , Ling Hubin , Xing Guofang , Han Yuanhuai , Li Hongying
Published: July 2017

Premise of the study:

Proso millet (Panicum miliaceum; Poaceae) is a minor crop with good nutritional qualities and strong tolerance to drought stress and soil infertility. However, studies on genetic diversity have been limited due to a lack of efficient genetic markers.

Methods:

Illumina sequencing technology was used to generate short read sequences of proso millet, and de novo transcriptome assemblies were used to develop a de novo assembly of proso millet. Genic simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were identified and used to detect polymorphism among 56 accessions. Population structure and genetic similarity coefficient were estimated.

Results:

In total, 25,341 unique gene sequences and 4724 SSR loci were obtained from the transcriptome, of which 229 pairs of SSR primers were validated, which resulted in 14 polymorphic genic SSR primers exhibiting 43 total alleles. According to the ratio of polymorphic markers (6.1%, 14/229), there are potentially 288 polymorphic genic SSR markers available for genetic assay development in the future. Bayesian population analyses showed that the 56 accessions comprised two distinct groups.

Discussion:

A genetic structure and cluster assay indicated that the accessions from the Loess Plateau of China shared a high genetic similarity coefficient with those from other regions and that there was no correlation between genetic diversity and geographic origin. The transcriptome sequencing data and millet‐specific SSR markers developed in this study establish an excellent resource for gene discovery and may improve the development of breeding programs in proso millet in the future.
Palestinian Refugee Visits to Their Former Homes
Authors: Klein Menachem
Published: July 2017

This article compares Palestinian refugees and exiles' written accounts of their visits to their places of origin in present-day Israel. The discussion is based on texts published by educated, upper-middle-class Palestinians living in the diaspora or in the West Bank, who made their
visits as private citizens. After surveying the existing literature on refugee visits their homes in other post-conflict zones, the article discusses an aspect of Palestinian visits that previous studies have left untouched: the encounter between visitors and present occupants.
Cancer Symptoms and Side Effects: A Research Agenda to Advance Cancer Care Options
Authors: Swinson Evans Tammeka , West Suzanne , Lux Linda , Halpern Michael , Lohr Kathleen
Published: July 2017

Cancer survivors have unique physical, psychological, social, and spiritual health needs. These can include symptoms and side effects associated with cancer and cancer treatment, such as pain, cognitive dysfunction, insomnia, and elevated anxiety and depression. This research brief summarizes a landscape review done for the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) to develop a clear, comprehensive understanding of the state of research as of the mid-2000s.
We conducted a targeted search strategy to identify projects funded by federal and commercial sources and the American Cancer Society (ACS) in addition to identifying funding opportunities released by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). We conducted additional review to identify studies focused on symptom and side-effect measures and five priority topic areas (selected by PCORI prior to the review) in the following five databases (from January 2005- through September 2015) with an inclusion criteria in an adapted PICOTS framework (populations, interventions, comparators, outcomes, time frames, and settings).
We identified 692 unduplicated studies (1/2005 to 9/2015) and retained 189 studies about cancer symptom and side-effect management. Of these studies, NIH funded 40% and the ACS 33%. Academic institutions, health care systems, other government agencies, and private foundations or industry supported the remainder.
We identified critical gaps in the knowledge base pertaining to populations, interventions, comparators (when those are relevant for comparative effectiveness reviews), and outcomes. We also discovered gaps in cross-cutting topics, particularly for patient decision-making studies, patient self-management of cancer symptoms and side effects, and coordinated care.
The Spiral Arm Segments of the Galaxy within 3 kpc from the Sun: A Statistical Approach
Authors: Griv Evgeny , Jiang Ing-Guey , Hou Li-Gang
Published: July 2017

As can be reasonably expected, upcoming large-scale APOGEE, GAIA, GALAH, LAMOST, and WEAVE stellar spectroscopic surveys will yield rather noisy Galactic distributions of stars. In view of the possibility of employing these surveys, our aim is to present a statistical method to extract information about the spiral structure of the Galaxy from currently available data, and to demonstrate the effectiveness of this method. The model differs from previous works studying how objects are distributed in space in its calculation of the statistical significance of the hypothesis that some of the objects are actually concentrated in a spiral. A statistical analysis of the distribution of cold dust clumps within molecular clouds, H ii regions, Cepheid stars, and open clusters in the nearby Galactic disk within 3 kpc from the Sun is carried out. As an application of the method, we obtain distances between the Sun and the centers of the neighboring Sagittarius arm segment, the Orion arm segment in which the Sun is located, and the Perseus arm segment. Pitch angles of the logarithmic spiral segments and their widths are also estimated. The hypothesis that the collected objects accidentally form spirals is refuted with almost 100% statistical confidence. We show that these four independent distributions of young objects lead to essentially the same results. We also demonstrate that our newly deduced values of the mean distances and pitch angles for the segments are not too far from those found recently by Reid et al. using VLBI-based trigonometric parallaxes of massive star-forming regions.
Orbital Elements and Stellar Parameters of the Active Binary UX Arietis
Authors: Hummel C. A. , Monnier J. D. , Roettenbacher R. M. , Torres G. , Henry G. W. , Korhonen H. , Beasley A. , Schaefer G. H. , Turner N. H. , Brummelaar T. Ten , Farrington C. D. , Sturmann J. , Sturmann L. , Baron F. , Kraus S.
Published: July 2017

Stellar activity observed as large surface spots, radio flares, or emission lines is often found in binary systems. UX Arietis exhibits these signs of activity, originating on the K0 subgiant primary component. Our aim is to resolve the binary, measure the orbital motion, and provide accurate stellar parameters such as masses and luminosities to aid in the interpretation of the observed phenomena. Using the CHARA six-telescope optical long-baseline array on Mount Wilson, California, we obtained amplitudes and phases of the interferometric visibility on baselines up to 330 m in length, resolving the two components of the binary. We reanalyzed archival Center for Astrophysics spectra to disentangle the binary component spectra and the spectrum of the third component, which was resolved by speckle interferometry. We also obtained new spectra with the Nordic Optical Telescope, and we present new photometric data that we use to model stellar surface spot locations. Both interferometric visibilities and spectroscopic radial velocities are modeled with a spotted primary stellar surface using the Wilson–Devinney code. We fit the orbital elements to the apparent orbit and radial velocity data to derive the distance (52.1 ± 0.8 pc) and stellar masses (

,

). The radius of the primary can be determined to be

and that of the secondary to be

. The equivalent spot coverage of the primary component was found to be 62% with an effective temperature 20% below that of the unspotted surface.
Magnetic-distortion-induced Ellipticity and Gravitational Wave Radiation of Neutron Stars: Millisecond Magnetars in Short GRBs, Galactic Pulsars, and Magnetars
Authors: Gao He , Cao Zhoujian , Zhang Bing
Published: July 2017

Neutron stars may sustain a non-axisymmetric deformation due to magnetic distortion and are potential sources of continuous gravitational waves (GWs) for ground-based interferometric detectors. With decades of searches using available GW detectors, no evidence of a GW signal from any pulsar has been observed. Progressively stringent upper limits of ellipticity have been placed on Galactic pulsars. In this work, we use the ellipticity inferred from the putative millisecond magnetars in short gamma-ray bursts (SGRBs) to estimate their detectability by current and future GW detectors. For ∼1 ms magnetars inferred from the SGRB data, the detection horizon is ∼30 Mpc and ∼600 Mpc for the advanced LIGO (aLIGO) and Einstein Telescope (ET), respectively. Using the ellipticity of SGRB millisecond magnetars as calibration, we estimate the ellipticity and GW strain of Galactic pulsars and magnetars assuming that the ellipticity is magnetic-distortion-induced. We find that the results are consistent with the null detection results of Galactic pulsars and magnetars with the aLIGO O1. We further predict that the GW signals from these pulsars/magnetars may not be detectable by the currently designed aLIGO detector. The ET detector may be able to detect some relatively low-frequency signals (<50 Hz) from some of these pulsars. Limited by its design sensitivity, the eLISA detector seems to not be suitable for detecting the signals from Galactic pulsars and magnetars.