bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New technique for access-borehole drilling in shelf glaciers using lightweight drills
Authors: Zagorodnov V. , Tyler S. , Holland D. , Stern A. , Thompson L.G. , Sladek C. , Kobs S. , Nicolas J.P.
Published: September 2014

This paper describes a new, environmentally friendly drilling technique for making short-and long-term access boreholes in shelf glaciers using lightweight drills. The new drilling technique was successfully developed for installation of small-diameter sensors under the Ross Ice Shelf through ~ 193 m thick ice at Windless Bight, McMurdo Ice Shelf, Antarctica. The two access boreholes were drilled and sensors installed in 110 working hours. The total weight of the drilling equipment including the power system and fuel is <400 kg. Installation of small-diameter sensors was possible for 1.8– 6 hours after penetration through the glacier into the sea water beneath. The new drilling technique does not require drilling fluid and therefore has minimal environmental impact. It should permit access through ice-shelf ice up to 350 m thick, or glaciers on grounded ice or subglacial lakes if there is no water-permeable interface at the base. Modifications, presented in this work, of the drilling equipment and protocol will allow for (1) ~ 21 working hours for penetration through 200 m of ice, (2) installation of sensors up to 120 mm in diameter and (3) drilling long-term open boreholes through 400 m thick ice in 100 working hours.
A qualitative study of the knowledge-brokering role of middle-level managers in service innovation: managing the translation gap in patient safety for older persons’ care
Authors: Currie Graeme , Burgess Nicola , White Leroy , Lockett Andy , Gladman John , Waring Justin
Published: September 2014

Background

Brokering of evidence into service delivery is crucial for patient safety. We study knowledge brokering by ‘hybrid’ middle-level managers (H-MLMs), who hold responsibility for clinical service delivery as well as a managerial role, in the context of falls, medication management and transition, in care of older people.

Objectives

Generate insight into processes and structures for brokering of patient safety knowledge (PSK) by H-MLMs.

Design

We utilise mixed methods: semistructured interviews, social network analysis, observation, documentary analysis, tracer studies and focus groups.

Setting

NHS East and NHS West Midlands.

Participants

One hundred and twenty-seven H-MLMs, senior managers and professionals, in three hospitals, and external producers of PSK.

Main outcome measures

Which H-MLMs broker what PSK, and why? (1) How do H-MLMs broker PSK? (2) What are contextual features for H-MLM knowledge brokering? (3) How can H-MLMs be enabled to broker PSK more effectively in older persons’ care?

Results

Health-care organisations fail to leverage PSK for service improvement. Attempts by H-MLMs to broker PSK downwards or upwards are framed by policy directives and professional/managerial hierarchy. External performance targets and incentives compel H-MLMs in clinical governance to focus upon compliance. This diverts attention from pulling knowledge downwards, or upwards, for service improvement. Lower-status H-MLMs, closer to service delivery, struggle to push endogenous knowledge upwards, because they lack professional and managerial legitimacy. There is a difference between how PSK is brokered within ranks of nurses and doctors, due to differences in hierarchal characteristics. Rather than a ‘broker chain’ upwards and downwards, a ‘broken chain’ ensues, which constrains learning and service improvement.

Conclusions

Clinical governance is decoupled from service delivery. Brokering knowledge for service improvement is a ‘peopled’ activity in which H-MLMs are central. Intervention needs to mediate interprofessional and intraprofessional hierarchy, which, combined with compliance pressures, engender a ‘broken’ chain for applying PSK for service improvement, rather than a ‘brokering’ chain. Lower-status H-MLMs need to have their legitimacy and disposition enhanced to broker knowledge for service improvement. More informal ‘social mechanisms’ are required to complement clinical governance for development of a brokering chain. More research is needed to (1) examine why some H-MLMs are more disposed and able than others to broker PSK for service improvement, and (2) understand how knowledge brokering might be enhanced so that exogenous and endogenous knowledge is better fused for service improvement.

Funding

The National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research programme.
Looking Like People; Feeling Like People: The Black Body, Dress and Aesthetic Therapy in the Caribbean
Authors: Pearce Marsha
Published: September 2014

In the Caribbean, the practice of getting dressed matters because it is a practice of attending to the body. Under a colonial regime, black bodies were ill-treated and selves were negated. Clothing played an instrumental role in the abuse of bodies and the stripping of a sense of wellbeing. Attire was one key way of demarcating master and slave and rendering some members of society null and void. Enslaved Africans, who were forcibly brought across the Atlantic to the New World, were considered chattel or commodities rather than people and clothes functioned in a way that reinforced that notion. Yet, dress became a strategy of subversion – of making chattel, property or ‘non-people’ look like people. The enslaved recognised that, through clothes, it was possible to look and feel free. Today that legacy remains. Clothing is seen not only as that which can make a people ‘look like people’ but also feel like people – clothing sets up a specific structure of feeling. This paper pivots on notions of looking and feeling like people while deploying Joanne Entwistle’s conceptual framework of dress as situated bodily practice. The article locates its investigation in the Caribbean, examining the philosophy and practice of Trinidadian clothing designer Robert Young. The article establishes him as a source of aesthetic therapeutic solutions in the Caribbean. It argues that his clothing designs produce a therapeutic discourse on the Black Caribbean body – a discourse, which facilitates a practice of getting dressed that gives a sense of agency, self-empowerment and psychic security even if that sense is embodied temporarily; lasting perhaps only as long as the garment is worn.
Inner Peace and Global Harmony: Individual Wellbeing and Global Solutions in the Art of Living
Authors: Jacobs Stephen
Published: September 2014

his paper explores the discourse in the Art of Living (AOL), a Hindu derived transnational meditation movement, which suggests that solutions to global problems are best addressed at the individual level. Ethnographic fieldwork, qualitative interviews and an analysis of published material suggest that the primary concern of the AOL is the reduction of stress and anxiety for the individual practitioner. This reduction of stress not only means that the individual practitioner develops ‘inner peace’, but also contributes to global harmony. AOL is an exemplar of ‘therapeutic solutions’, which are characterized by disillusionment with established institutions and a quest for inner meaning. AOL articulates this therapeutic solution, not only in terms of narcissistic needs, but links this quest for inner meaning to wider social and global concerns.
Fast Frequency Response Capability of Photovoltaic Power Plants: The Necessity of New Grid Requirements and Definitions
Authors: Rahmann Claudia , Castillo Alfredo
Published: September 2014

In recent years, only a small number of publications have been presented addressing power system stability with the increased use of large-scale photovoltaic (PV) generation around the world. The focus of these publications was on classical stability problems, such as transient and small signal stability, without considering frequency stability. Nevertheless, with increased PV generation, its effects on system frequency response during contingencies can no longer be ignored, especially in the case of weakly interconnected networks or isolated power systems. This paper addresses the impacts of large scale PV generation on the frequency stability of power systems. The positive effects of deloaded PV power plants (PV-PPs) able to support system frequency recovery during the initial seconds after major contingencies are also examined. Because this type of frequency support is not covered by current definitions, a new terminology is proposed that includes the frequency response of inertia-less generation units immediately after major power imbalances. We refer to this type of frequency support as fast frequency response (FFR). Finally, a discussion is also presented regarding the applicability and pertinence of frequency-related grid requirements for PV-PPs in the case of real power systems. The investigation is based on the isolated power system of northern Chile. The obtained results indicate that in the case of major power imbalances, no significant effects arise on the system frequency response until PV penetration levels exceed approximately 20%. From a system security perspective, the problems arise for PV penetration levels of approximately 50%, in which case, the frequency response capability in PV-PPs would be justified during certain hours of the year.
Case Study Report: REDD+ Pilot Project in Community Forests in Three Watersheds of Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Shanti , Karky Bhaskar , Karki Seema
Published: September 2014

Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) is an international climate policy instrument that is expected to tap into the large mitigation potential for conservation and better management of the world’s forests through financial flows from developed to developing countries. This paper describes the results and lessons learned from a pioneering REDD+ pilot project in Nepal, which is based on a community forest management approach and which was implemented from 2009–2013 with support from NORAD’s Climate and Forest Initiative. The major focus of the project was to develop and demonstrate an innovative benefit-sharing mechanism for REDD+ incentives, as well as institutionally and socially inclusive approaches to local forest governance. The paper illustrates how community-based monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) and performance-based payments for forest management can be implemented. The lessons on REDD+ benefit sharing from this demonstration project could provide insights to other countries which are starting to engage in REDD+, in particular in South Asia.
De Novo Assembly and Characterization of Pericarp Transcriptome and Identification of Candidate Genes Mediating Fruit Cracking in Litchi chinensis Sonn.
Authors: Li Wei-Cai , Wu Jian-Yang , Zhang Hong-Na , Shi Sheng-You , Liu Li-Qin , Shu Bo , Liang Qing-Zhi , Xie Jiang-Hui , Wei Yong-Zan
Published: September 2014

Fruit cracking has long been a topic of great concern for growers and researchers of litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.). To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying fruit cracking, high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was first used for de novo assembly and characterization of the transcriptome of cracking pericarp of litchi. Comparative transcriptomic analyses were performed on non-cracking and cracking fruits. A total of approximately 26 million and 29 million high quality reads were obtained from the two groups of samples, and were assembled into 46,641 unigenes with an average length of 993 bp. These unigenes can be useful resources for future molecular studies of the pericarp in litchi. Furthermore, four genes (LcAQP, 1; LcPIP, 1; LcNIP, 1; LcSIP, 1) involved in water transport, five genes (LcKS, 2; LcGA2ox, 2; LcGID1, 1) involved in GA metabolism, 21 genes (LcCYP707A, 2; LcGT, 9; Lcβ-Glu, 6; LcPP2C, 2; LcABI1, 1; LcABI5, 1) involved in ABA metabolism, 13 genes (LcTPC, 1; Ca2+/H+ exchanger, 3; Ca2+-ATPase, 4; LcCDPK, 2; LcCBL, 3) involved in Ca transport and 24 genes (LcPG, 5; LcEG, 1; LcPE, 3; LcEXP, 5; Lcβ-Gal, 9; LcXET, 1) involved in cell wall metabolism were identified as genes that are differentially expressed in cracked fruits compared to non-cracked fruits. Our results open new doors to further understand the molecular mechanisms behind fruit cracking in litchi and other fruits, especially Sapindaceae plants.
TCDD Induces the Hypoxia-Inducible Factor (HIF)-1α Regulatory Pathway in Human Trophoblastic JAR Cells
Authors: Liao Tien-Ling , Chen Su-Chee , Tzeng Chii-Reuy , Kao Shu-Huei
Published: September 2014

The exposure to dioxin can compromise pregnancy outcomes and increase the risk of preterm births. 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) has been demonstrated to induce placental hypoxia at the end of pregnancy in a rat model, and hypoxia has been suggested to be the cause of abnormal trophoblast differentiation and placental insufficiency syndromes. In this study, we demonstrate that the non-hypoxic stimulation of human trophoblastic cells by TCDD strongly increased hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) stabilization. TCDD exposure induced the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide. TCDD-induced HIF-1α stabilization and Akt phosphorylation was inhibited by pretreatment with wortmannin (a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor) or N-acetylcysteine (a ROS scavenger). The augmented HIF-1α stabilization by TCDD occurred via the ROS-dependent activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway. Additionally, a significant increase in invasion and metallomatrix protease-9 activity was found in TCDD-treated cells. The gene expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and placental growth factor was induced upon TCDD stimulation, whereas the protein levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), PPARγ coactivator-1α, mitochondrial transcription factor, and uncoupling protein 2 were decreased. Our results indicate that an activated HIF-1α pathway, elicited oxidative stress, and induced metabolic stress contribute to TCDD-induced trophoblastic toxicity. These findings may provide molecular insight into the TCDD-induced impairment of trophoblast function and placental development.
Influence of Unmodified and β-Glycerophosphate Cross-Linked Chitosan on Anti-Candida Activity of Clotrimazole in Semi-Solid Delivery Systems
Authors: Szymańska Emilia , Winnicka Katarzyna , Wieczorek Piotr , Sacha Paweł , Tryniszewska Elżbieta
Published: September 2014

The combination of an antifungal agent and drug carrier with adjunctive antimicrobial properties represents novel strategy of complex therapy in pharmaceutical technology. The goal of this study was to investigate the unmodified and ion cross-linked chitosan’s influence on anti-Candida activity of clotrimazole used as a model drug in hydrogels. It was particularly crucial to explore whether the chitosans’ structure modification by β-glycerophosphate altered its antifungal properties. Antifungal studies (performed by plate diffusion method according to CLSI reference protocol) revealed that hydrogels obtained with chitosan/β-glycerophosphate displayed lower anti-Candida effect, probably as a result of weakened polycationic properties of chitosan in the presence of ion cross-linker. Designed chitosan hydrogels with clotrimazole were found to be more efficient against tested Candida strains and showed more favorable drug release profile compared to commercially available product. These observations indicate that novel chitosan formulations may be considered as promising semi-solid delivery system of clotrimazole.
The Beneficial Effects of Combined Grape Pomace and Omija Fruit Extracts on Hyperglycemia, Adiposity and Hepatic Steatosis in db/db Mice: A Comparison with Major Index Compounds
Authors: Cho Su-Jung , Park Hae-Jin , Jung Un , Kim Hye-Jin , Moon Byoung , Choi Myung-Sook
Published: September 2014

This study investigated the effects of combined grape pomace and omija fruit extracts (GO) on diabetes-related metabolic changes in type 2 diabetic db/db mice. The effects of GO were compared with those of a resveratrol and schizandrin mixture (RS), which is a mixture of major components of GO. Mice were fed a normal diet with RS (0.005% resveratrol and 0.02% schizandrin in diet, w/w) or GO (0.3% grape pomace ethanol extract and 0.05% omija fruit ethanol extract in diet, w/w) for seven weeks. RS and GO not only lowered the levels of blood and plasma glucose, HbA1c, insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) with a simultaneous decrease in hepatic gluconeogenic enzymes activities and adiposity, but also improved preservation of the pancreatic β-cells. Plasma leptin and resistin levels were lower while the plasma adiponectin level was higher in the RS and GO groups than in the control group. Especially, GO increased hepatic glucokinase activity and gene expression and improved hepatic steatosis by elevating fatty acid oxidation compared to RS. These findings suggest that GO ameliorates hyperglycemia, adiposity and hepatic steatosis in type 2 diabetic mice.
Microbial Communities and Bioactive Compounds in Marine Sponges of the Family Irciniidae—A Review
Authors: Hardoim Cristiane , Costa Rodrigo
Published: September 2014

Marine sponges harbour complex microbial communities of ecological and biotechnological importance. Here, we propose the application of the widespread sponge family Irciniidae as an appropriate model in microbiology and biochemistry research. Half a gram of one Irciniidae specimen hosts hundreds of bacterial species—the vast majority of which are difficult to cultivate—and dozens of fungal and archaeal species. The structure of these symbiont assemblages is shaped by the sponge host and is highly stable over space and time. Two types of quorum-sensing molecules have been detected in these animals, hinting at microbe-microbe and host-microbe signalling being important processes governing the dynamics of the Irciniidae holobiont. Irciniids are vulnerable to disease outbreaks, and concerns have emerged about their conservation in a changing climate. They are nevertheless amenable to mariculture and laboratory maintenance, being attractive targets for metabolite harvesting and experimental biology endeavours. Several bioactive terpenoids and polyketides have been retrieved from Irciniidae sponges, but the actual producer (host or symbiont) of these compounds has rarely been clarified. To tackle this, and further pertinent questions concerning the functioning, resilience and physiology of these organisms, truly multi-layered approaches integrating cutting-edge microbiology, biochemistry, genetics and zoology research are needed.
The Metabolic Basis of Pollen Thermo-Tolerance: Perspectives for Breeding
Authors: Paupière Marine , Van Heusden Adriaan , Bovy Arnaud
Published: September 2014

Crop production is highly sensitive to elevated temperatures. A rise of a few degrees above the optimum growing temperature can lead to a dramatic yield loss. A predicted increase of 1–3 degrees in the twenty first century urges breeders to develop thermo-tolerant crops which are tolerant to high temperatures. Breeding for thermo-tolerance is a challenge due to the low heritability of this trait. A better understanding of heat stress tolerance and the development of reliable methods to phenotype thermo-tolerance are key factors for a successful breeding approach. Plant reproduction is the most temperature-sensitive process in the plant life cycle. More precisely, pollen quality is strongly affected by heat stress conditions. High temperature leads to a decrease of pollen viability which is directly correlated with a loss of fruit production. The reduction in pollen viability is associated with changes in the level and composition of several (groups of) metabolites, which play an important role in pollen development, for example by contributing to pollen nutrition or by providing protection to environmental stresses. This review aims to underline the importance of maintaining metabolite homeostasis during pollen development, in order to produce mature and fertile pollen under high temperature. The review will give an overview of the current state of the art on the role of various pollen metabolites in pollen homeostasis and thermo-tolerance. Their possible use as metabolic markers to assist breeding programs for plant thermo-tolerance will be discussed.
Compact Birefringent Waveplates Photo-Induced in Silica by Femtosecond Laser
Authors: Lancry Matthieu , Desmarchelier Rudy , Cook Kevin , Poumellec Bertrand , Canning John
Published: September 2014

Recently, we showed that femtosecond laser induced “nanogratings” consist of thin regions with a low refractive index (Δn = −0.15), due to the formation of nanoporous silica surrounded by regions with a positive index change. In this paper, we investigate a wide range of laser parameters to achieve very high retardance within a single layer; as much as 350 nm at λ = 546 nm but also to minimize the competing losses. We show that the total retardance depends on the number of layers present and can be accumulated in the direction of laser propagation to values higher than 1600 nm. This opens the door to using these nanostructures as refined building blocks for novel optical elements based on strong retardance.
3D Microporous Scaffolds Manufactured via Combination of Fused Filament Fabrication and Direct Laser Writing Ablation
Authors: Malinauskas Mangirdas , Rekštytė Sima , Lukoševičius Laurynas , Butkus Simas , Balčiūnas Evaldas , Pečiukaitytė Milda , Baltriukienė Daiva , Bukelskienė Virginija , Butkevičius Arūnas , Kucevičius Povilas , Rutkūnas Vygandas , Juodkazis Saulius
Published: September 2014

A 3D printing fused filament fabrication (FFF) approach has been implemented for the creation of microstructures having an internal 3D microstructure geometry. These objects were produced without any sacrificial structures or additional support materials, just by precisely tuning the nozzle heating, fan cooling and translation velocity parameters. The manufactured microporous structures out of polylactic acid (PLA) had fully controllable porosity (20%–60%) and consisted of desired volume pores (~0.056 μm3). The prepared scaffolds showed biocompatibility and were suitable for the primary stem cell growth. In addition, direct laser writing (DLW) ablation was employed to modify the surfaces of the PLA structures, drill holes, as well as shape the outer geometries of the created objects. The proposed combination of FFF printing with DLW offers successful fabrication of 3D microporous structures with functionalization capabilities, such as the modification of surfaces, the generation of grooves and microholes and cutting out precisely shaped structures (micro-arrows, micro-gears). The produced structures could serve as biomedical templates for cell culturing, as well as biodegradable implants for tissue engineering. The additional micro-architecture is important in connection with the cell types used for the intention of cell growing. Moreover, we show that surface roughness can be modified at the nanoscale by immersion into an acetone bath, thus increasing the hydrophilicity. The approach is not limited to biomedical applications, it could be employed for the manufacturing of bioresorbable 3D microfluidic and micromechanic structures.
Optimizing Effectiveness in Electronic Prescriptions for Pediatric Outpatients: A Call for Responsive Action
Authors: II Richard , Benavides Sandra , Malak Joseph , Potts Amy , Guirguis Micheal , Hagemann Tracy
Published: September 2014

A pediatric compounded non-sterile products repository (pCNP) to optimize the effectiveness and safety of “off-label” use of compounded pharmacotherapy through complete transmission of electronic prescriptions across the continuum of care is described. The advent of electronic prescribing has the potential to refocus and resolve long-standing issues of prescription therapy for pediatric patients related to formulation, indication, dosing, and outcomes follow-up, among others. This white paper describes the architecture and function of the pCNP repository. Further, it calls on professional societies, health information technology (HIT) and pharmaceutical industries, universities, and government to create a safer pediatric pharmacotherapy system across the continuum of care. This system would include pCNPs within the existing federal and corporate database structures for medical language, and integrates advanced system safety features as requirements for prescribing, compounding, and dispensing non-mass produced prescription therapies for children.
Urban Area Extent Extraction in Spaceborne HR and VHR Data Using Multi-Resolution Features
Authors: Iannelli Gianni , Lisini Gianni , Dell'Acqua Fabio , Feitosa Raul , Costa Gilson , Gamba Paolo
Published: September 2014

Detection of urban area extents by means of remotely sensed data is a difficult task, especially because of the multiple, diverse definitions of what an “urban area” is. The models of urban areas listed in technical literature are based on the combination of spectral information with spatial patterns, possibly at different spatial resolutions. Starting from the same data set, “urban area” extraction may thus lead to multiple outputs. If this is done in a well-structured framework, however, this may be considered as an advantage rather than an issue. This paper proposes a novel framework for urban area extent extraction from multispectral Earth Observation (EO) data. The key is to compute and combine spectral and multi-scale spatial features. By selecting the most adequate features, and combining them with proper logical rules, the approach allows matching multiple urban area models. Experimental results for different locations in Brazil and Kenya using High-Resolution (HR) data prove the usefulness and flexibility of the framework.
An Integrated Sustainable Business and Development System: Thoughts and Opinions
Authors: Chen Rachel
Published: September 2014

Companies understand the importance of monitoring and managing their environmental impacts and aim to integrate, with consistent quality control, effective reduce-reuse-recycle programs and risk preventions. By building an integrated sustainable business and development system to meet certain environmental standards, many companies are eligible to be “green” certified. Companies may consider recognizing global visions on sustainability while implementing local best practices. An integrated sustainable business and development system includes talent management, sustainable supply chain, practicing strategies of leveraging resources effectively, implementing social responsibilities, initiating innovative programs of recycling, reducing, and reusing, advancing leaders’ perceptions towards sustainability, reducing innovation barriers, and engaging sustainable practices strategically.
Toxins VapC and PasB from Prokaryotic TA Modules Remain Active in Mammalian Cancer Cells
Authors: Wieteska Łukasz , Skulimowski Aleksander , Cybula Magdalena , Szemraj Janusz
Published: September 2014

Among the great number of addictive modules which have been discovered, only a few have been characterized. However, research concerning the adoption of toxins from these systems shows their great potential as a tool for molecular biology and medicine. In our study, we tested two different toxins derived from class II addictive modules, pasAB from plasmid pTF-FC2 (Thiobacillus ferrooxidans) and vapBC 2829Rv (Mycobacterium tuberculosis), in terms of their usefulness as growth inhibitors of human cancer cell lines, namely KYSE 30, MCF-7 and HCT 116. Transfection of the pasB and vapC genes into the cells was conducted with the use of two different expression systems. Cellular effects, such as apoptosis, necrosis and changes in the cell cycle, were tested by applying flow cytometry with immunofluorescence staining. Our findings demonstrated that toxins VapC and PasB demonstrate proapoptotic activity in the human cancer cells, regardless of the expression system used. As for the toxin PasB, observed changes were more subtle than for the VapC. The level of expression for both the genes was monitored by QPCR and did not reveal statistically significant differences within the same cell line.
Estimating the Determinants of Residential Water Demand in Italy
Authors: Romano Giulia , Salvati Nicola , Guerrini Andrea
Published: September 2014

The aim of this study was to estimate the determinants of residential water demand for chief towns of every Italian province, in the period 2007–2009, using the linear mixed-effects model estimated with the restricted-maximum-likelihood method. Results confirmed that the applied tariff had a negative effect on residential water consumption and that it was a relevant driver of domestic water consumption. Moreover, income per capita had a positive effect on water consumption. Among measured climatic and geographical features, precipitation and altitude exerted a strongly significant negative effect on water consumption, while temperature did not influence water demand. Further, data show that small towns in terms of population served were characterized by lower levels of consumption. Water utilities ownership itself did not have a significant effect on water consumption but tariffs were significantly lower and residential water consumption was higher in towns where the water service was managed by publicly owned water utilities. However, further research is needed to gain a better understanding of the connection between ownership of water utilities and water prices and water consumption.
Quantifying and Predicting the Water Quality Associated with Land Cover Change: A Case Study of the Blesbok Spruit Catchment, South Africa
Authors: Du Plessis Anja , Harmse Tertius , Ahmed Fethi
Published: September 2014

The integrity of the Blesbok Spruit catchment has been significantly compromised over the past decades, mainly due to the discharge of mining effluent and sewage. This research investigated the hydrological responses, in terms of water quality, in the event of land cover change within the catchment to make predictions on the future sustainability of the region’s water resources with the application of Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression analysis. The quantification of hydrological responses in terms of water quality towards land cover changes has not been completed by previous research studies within the catchment. This research established the catchment’s present state of water quality and formulated PLS model equations to enable the prediction of future concentrations of specific water quality parameters in association with future land cover change. A change in land cover was found to have various negative influences. The retransformation of land cover into natural areas is accompanied with unintended and undesirable effects due to the degradation of the catchment’s buffering capabilities and the absence of the enforcement of the decommissioning of mining operations. For the Blesbok Spruit catchment to avoid a future water predicament, systematic and interdisciplinary measures need to be implemented according to these and other related findings, to ensure the future sustainability of the catchment and the region as a whole.
Changing Perspectives on the Economics of Water
Authors: Viaggi Davide , Zanni Giacomo , Raggi Meri
Published: September 2014

This paper provides an overview of the special issue on “Water policy, productivity and economic efficiency”. In particular, it includes an overview of key topics on the future of water as a productive factor, in the context of alternative uses and perspective scenarios. The selected papers cover a wide range of relevant economic issues and are presented in three categories: productivity assessment, institutional framework and mechanisms, and governance aspects. The paper concludes by discussing future research challenges in this field.
Importance of exosome depletion protocols to eliminate functional and RNA‐containing extracellular vesicles from fetal bovine serum
Authors: Shelke Ganesh Vilas , Lässer Cecilia , Gho Yong Song , Lötvall Jan
Published: September 2014

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including the nano‐sized exosomes, have the capacity to transfer multiple functional molecules between cells. In cell culture experiments, fetal bovine serum (FBS) is often used to supplement cell culture medium as a nutrient, but it is important to know that the FBS also contain significant quantities of EVs. The aim of the current study was to determine whether the FBS EVs can influence cultured cell phenotype, and secondly to determine the efficiency of FBS‐EV elimination protocols. Firstly, FBS that had not been depleted of EVs induced a migratory phenotype in a lung cancer epithelial cell line (A549 cells), an effect that could be mimicked by isolated FBS EVs alone. FBS‐derived EVs also contained RNA, which was protected from consecutive proteinase K and RNase A treatment. Comparison of common isolation protocols suggested that an 18‐hour centrifugation period eliminates approximately 95% of RNA‐containing FBS EVs, whereas a 1.5‐hour protocol is insufficient. In conclusion, this study shows that FBS EVs substantially influence cultured cell behaviour, but also that they can be virtually removed by an 18‐hour ultracentrifugation protocol.
Synthesis of 2-trifluoromethylpyrazolo[5,1-a]isoquinolines via silver triflate-catalyzed or electrophile-mediated one-pot tandem reaction
Authors: Zhou Xiaoli , Liu Meiling , Luo Puying , Lai Yingjun , Yang Tangtao , Ding Qiuping
Published: September 2014

An efficient one-pot tandem cyclization/[3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of N’-(2-alkynylbenzylidene)hydrazides with ethyl 4,4,4-trifluorobut-2-ynoate under silver triflate-catalyzed or electrophile-mediated conditions is described. Various trifluoromethylated pyrazolo[5,1-a]isoquinolines were afforded in moderate to excellent yield by this developed method.
A new species of Anabarhynchus (Diptera: Therevidae) from an ocean beach in south east Victoria
Authors: Ferguson David , Yeates David
Published: September 2014

Anabarhynchus Macquart 1848 is a large genus of the Therevidae (Diptera) that are endemic to Australasia with a couple of described species from Melanesia. We describe and illustrate Anabarhynchus oceanus sp. n., a species found on ocean beaches in eastern Victoria, Australia. The species shares most characters with the monobasic A. kampmeierae species group of Lyneborg (2001), but also shares a unique feature of the male genitalia with the endemic New Zealand genus Megathereva Lyneborg, 1992. This new species brings the total number of described Australian species in the genus to 113.
La discontinuité neuropsychique
Authors: Bazalgette Gérard
Published: September 2014

Malgré les fausses évidences d’une certaine neurologie, la pensée n’est pas le cerveau . Dès les années 1895 et avec l’échec de « Projet d’une psychologie », la question de l’hystérie obligeait Freud à inventer un nouvel appareil, un appareil psychique (seelischer Apparat) , distinct de l’appareil neurologique. Cet article étudie la situation de cette problématique aujourd’hui. Ce sera pour conclure qu’il n’y a toujours pas de synapse neuropsychique.
L'enchevêtrement des causalités
Authors: Bazalgette Gérard
Published: September 2014

Étudier les rapports théorico-cliniques de la démarche pharmacologique et de la démarche psychanalytique en matière de fait mental pathologique suppose que l’on examine d’abord les formes de causalité qui sont privilégiées par chacune de ces démarches. On étudiera l’enchevêtrement de ces causalités, respectivement mécaniques-synaptiques et psychanalytiques et on en tirera les conséquences.
Sur la problématique d'un hypothétique processus psychosomatique impliqué dans la dépression
Authors: Dimitriadis Yorgos
Published: September 2014

Nous examinons d’abord la légitimité d’une conceptualisation de certains aspects de la dépression en tant que processus psychosomatique qui touche le cerveau. La médication est parfois nécessaire, surtout dans des cas où le transfert, qui est un puissant antidépresseur, n’arrive pas à être engagé. Mais, au contraire, il existe un autre type de « sortie » de la dépression par la cure psychanalytique, dans les cas où le transfert est opérant, et ce type laisserait au sujet la possibilité de faire le deuil du « manque de l’Autre » par des formations poétiques/métaphoriques de l’inconscient.
Le bonheur selon les neurosciences ou la psychanalyse
Authors: Pommier Gérard
Published: September 2014

De l’harmonie du corps dépend le bonheur. Or nous avons plusieurs corps, un corps anatomique qui ne grandit que grâce à la stimulation d’un corps psychique. Comme la tension entre le corps anatomique et le corps psychique ne se résout pas, un troisième corps vient à la rescousse : un corps de rêve, celui du désir. Ce corps de rêve cherche à s’actualiser grâce à la conjonction disjonctive du masculin et du féminin qui remet le bonheur aux bons soins de la sexualité. Cet article montre que le débat entre psychanalyse et neurosciences se résume à savoir lequel des trois corps est au poste de commande. Dans ce débat, les neurosciences elles-mêmes montrent la priorité du désir, bien qu’il ne puisse se passer de son ordinateur cérébral.
Mon corps m'appartient, il n'est l'honneur de personne
Authors: Ben Smaïl Nédra
Published: September 2014

S’appuyant sur la clinique et des pratiques en matière de sexualité féminine, ce texte tente une lecture de l’émergence du corps féminin comme surface d’écriture dans un espace public tunisien en profonde mutation. Surdéterminé par la culture et la religion, le moi-idéal, projection du narcissisme de la mère, est marqué par des pulsions meurtrières condamnant le féminin de l’enfant à naître. Une mère, au féminin dénarcissisé, aux accents mélancoliques, dont le bébé fille serait l’héritière. Dans d’autres cas, il s’agira d’une véritable forclusion par la mère de toute représentation du sexe. Ce qui pousse le sujet féminin à recourir à des modalités subjectivantes parfois non sans violence sur soi, pour inscrire dans le réel du corps, le signifiant manquant dans le champ de l’Autre maternel et social qui reconnait le sexe féminin et le valorise. L’écriture sur le corps apparaît comme un « forçage » qui témoigne d’une revendication existentielle, et signe la remise en cause d’un discours social qui ne peut plus se soutenir face aux transformations du monde.
Le choix de localisation des immigrés en France : le rôle du logement social et des réseaux ethniques
Authors: Verdugo Gregory
Published: September 2014

Cet article explore les déterminants du choix initial de localisation des immigrés arrivés en France entre 1975 et 1990. Nous étudions le rôle des réseaux ethniques et du logement social dans le choix de localisation. En informant sur les caractéristiques du logement social d’une localisation, les réseaux ethniques peuvent le rendre plus attractif et influencer la localisation des immigrés du même groupe. Nous testons cette hypothèse en estimant si les variations du taux d’accès au logement social entre groupes ethniques et localisations ont un effet sur la probabilité de choisir une localisation pour un nouvel immigré. Nous trouvons que les nouveaux immigrés non-européens en couple avec enfants sont attirés par des unités urbaines dans lesquelles leur groupe est surreprésenté dans le logement social. Ces résultats suggèrent que l’offre de logement social et les réseaux ethniques interagissent et influencent le choix de localisation.
Institutions régionales et choix de localisation des firmes étrangères dans les régions russes
Authors: Karhunen Päivi , Ledyaeva Svetlana
Published: September 2014

Nous utilisons des données sur 2520 firmes à participation étrangères enregistrées en Russie sur la période 1990 – 2007 afin de tester empiriquement l’impact du potentiel des institutions régionales sur les décisions de localisation des firmes étrangères en Russie. Nous montrons qu’en général les firmes étrangères tendent à se localiser dans les régions russes ayant un meilleur potentiel institutionnel. Nous concluons aussi que les firmes étrangères tendent à se localiser dans les régions russes ayant une taille de marché plus importante, une population plus éduquée, une meilleure infrastructure et pas de conflits civils.
Location of Foreign Direct Investment in Services: Some Cross-industrial Evidence from Sweden
Authors: Falck Simon
Published: September 2014

Cet article étudie la localisation des investissements directs à l’étranger (IDE) en Suède sur la période 2002-2009. Les IDE sont mesurés par la fréquence des entreprises étrangères par région et par industrie qui reflètent de nouvelles facilités opérationnelles via des investissements nouveaux. L’objectif est de fournir des observations inter-industries devant permettre de réévaluer la pertinence des facteurs explicatifs traditionnels dans la localisation des IDE : potentiel de marché, économies d’agglomération, infrastructure de transports et coûts des facteurs. Globalement, les régressions binomiales négatives indiquent que les régions avec une économie diversifiée, un bon accès à un aéroport international et une main-d’œuvre qualifiée sont les destinations les plus attractives. Des différences inter-industries existent également. La diversité, reliée aux externalités de JACOBS, semble être le seul factor de localisation qui explique les IDE à la fois dans le secteur industriel et les services. Cela dénote l’importance de l’information et des débordements (spillovers) de connaissance dans la phase actuelle de mondialisation.
The knowledge economy: a new source of regional divergence?
Authors: Compagnucci Fabiano , Cusinato Augusto
Published: September 2014

Il est généralement reconnu que la créativité et la capacité d’innovation sont les moteurs de la compétitivité, particulièrement là où les possibilités de diminution des coûts ont considérablement faiblies. L’économie a fait importants efforts pour endogénéiser des facteurs capables de renforcer ces moteurs. L’article traite de deux problématiques reliées à cette question : tout d’abord de l’obsolescence de l’approche cognitiviste à laquelle l’économie mainstream se réfère pour expliquer les relations entre connaissance et créativité et, inversement, du pouvoir heuristique d’une approche herméneutique ; ensuite des implications spatiales de cette approche en raison de sa nature fortement localisée. L’article suggère que de grandes économies d’agglomération ainsi que des effets cumulatifs se mettent en place engendrant de fortes disparités régionales, voire des divergences. L’étude du cas italien corrobore cette hypothèse et suggère également que les activités de la connaissance donnent lieu à de nouvelles formes de disparités régionales.
Elementos finitos con acciones repartidas equivalentes de cualquier orden. Aplicación a los modelos de vigas de Timoshenko y Bernoulli-Euler
Authors: Romero J. L. , Ortega M. A. , López E. M. , Río O.
Published: September 2014

En este trabajo se introducen, en el contexto del Método de Elementos Finitos, dos alternativas posibles en relación con el concepto de acción repartida equivalente. La primera consiste en emplear pocos elementos, elevando el orden de dicha acción, mientras que la segunda se basa en emplear un mayor número de elementos dejando la acción en el orden más bajo posible. Se ilustran ambas situaciones mediante aplicaciones a los modelos de vigas de Timoshenko y Bernoulli-Euler, empleando estas acciones con diferentes órdenes, las cuales aproximan a la acción original, mediante polinomios ortogonales de Legendre en cada elemento. Como conclusión destacable, se indica que cuando se considera el menor número posible de elementos, es decir uno, para los casos de carga poco regular, ha bastado con utilizar acciones repartidas equivalentes de orden ligeramente superior al mínimo (orden cuatro), para obtener una excelente aproximación en los desplazamientos, giros y esfuerzos en el interior de los elementos.
Raman Spectroscopy Technology to Monitor the Carotenoids in Skin of Thalassemia Patients: A Novel Non-Invasive Tool Relating Oxidative Stress with Iron Burden
Authors: Perrone Anna , Tesoriere Luisa , Pintaudi Anna Maria , Attanzio Alessandro , Rigano Paolo , Maggio Aurelio , Livrea Maria Antonietta
Published: September 2014

In this work we approach the relationship between redox state and iron overload by noninvasive instrumental techniques. Intracardiac, liver iron and liver fibrosis have been monitored in transfusion-dependent thalassemia patients by magnetic resonance imaging and hepatic transient elastography examinations. These measurements have been matched with a non-invasive, and yet unexplored in clinical practice, evaluation of body’s oxidative stress through measurement of antioxidant carotenoids in skin, by a spectroscopic method based on Raman technology (RRS). The global body’s antioxidant status results from a balance between the level of antioxidants in cells and body fluids, including blood, and pro-oxidant species endogenously produced or coming from external sources. On this basis, the level of skin carotenoids can be considered a biomarker of the entire antioxidant status. In our work the use of RRS method provided information on the redox state of thalassemia patients, which was correlated with the iron status of the patients. Due to the highly adverse effects of accumulated iron, the novel, simple, non-invasive RRS to monitor dermal carotenoids with high compliance of the patients may be a useful tool for the management of thalassemia patients.
Role of Iron Metabolism Genetic Determinants in Response to Chelation Therapy in a Cohort of β-Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Syndromes Italian Patients
Authors: Renda Maria Concetta , Renda Disma , Piazza Angela , Calvaruso Giuseppina , Fecarotta Emanuela , Giangreco Antonino , Maggio Aurelio
Published: September 2014

In patients with β-thalassemia and sickle cell syndromes there is an important secondary iron overload due to regular blood transfusions and increased duodenal iron absorption. As in genetic hemochromatosis, also the secondary iron storage leads to tissue injury that involves all the major organs: liver, heart, kidney, endocrine glands. At present, in patients with β-thalassemia and sickle cell syndrome, iron chelation therapy is widely used for the treatment of secondary hemochromatosis, to limit the toxic effects of iron overload. In order to maintain the correct homeostasis, several genes are involved in the metabolic pathways of iron, including HFE, FPN (ferroportin) and TF (transferrin). In this study we analyzed the genes HFE, FPN and TF, to assess their possible effects on response to therapy with deferasirox and deferiprone, either as monotherapy or in combination therapy in a cohort of patients with β-thalassemia and sickle cell syndromes.
An Outbreak of Acute Febrile Illness Caused by Sandfly Fever Sicilian Virus in the Afar Region of Ethiopia, 2011
Authors: Woyessa Abyot Bekele , Omballa Victor , Wang David , Lambert Amy , Waiboci Lilian , Ayele Workenesh , Ahmed Abdi , Abera Negga Asamene , Cao Song , Ochieng Melvin , Montgomery Joel M. , Jima Daddi , Fields Barry
Published: September 2014

In malaria-endemic regions, many medical facilities have limited capacity to diagnose non-malarial etiologies of acute febrile illness (AFI). As a result, the etiology of AFI is seldom determined, although AFI remains a major cause of morbidity in developing countries. An outbreak of AFI was reported in the Afar region of Ethiopia in August of 2011. Retrospectively, 12,816 suspected AFI cases were identified by review of medical records. Symptoms were mild and self-limiting within 3 days after the date of onset; no fatalities were identified. All initial test results of AFI patient specimens were negative for selected pathogens using standard microbiological and molecular techniques. High-throughput sequencing of nucleic acid extracts of serum specimens from 29 AFI cases identified 17 (59%) of 29 samples as positive for Sandfly Fever Sicilian Virus (SFSV). These results were further confirmed by specific reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. This is the first study implicating SFSV as an etiological agent for AFI in Ethiopia.