bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic Potential of Tricyclo-DNA antisense oligonucleotides
Authors: Goyenvalle Aurelie , Leumann Christian , Garcia Luis
Published: May 2016

Oligonucleotide therapeutics hold great promise for the treatment of various diseases and the antisense field is constantly gaining interest due to the development of more potent and nuclease resistant chemistries. Despite a rather low success rate with only three antisense drugs being clinically approved, the frontiers of AON therapeutic applications have increased over the past three decades and continue to expand thanks to a steady increase in understanding the mechanisms of action of these molecules, progress in chemical modification and delivery.

In this review, we will examine the recent advances obtained with the tricyclo-DNA chemistry which displays unique pharmacological properties and unprecedented uptake in many tissues after systemic administration. We will review their specific properties and their therapeutic applications mainly for neuromuscular disorders, including exon-skipping for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and exon-inclusion for spinal muscular atrophy, but also aberrant splicing correction for Pompe disease. Finally, we will discuss their advantages and potential limitations, with a focus on the need for careful toxicological screen early in the process of AON drug development.
Sil1-Mutant Mice Elucidate Chaperone Function in Neurological Disorders
Authors: Buchkremer Stephan , González Coraspe José Andrés , Weis Joachim , Roos Andreas
Published: May 2016

Chaperone dysfunction leading to the build-up of misfolded proteins could frequently be linked to clinical manifestations also affecting the nervous system and the skeletal muscle. In addition, increase in chaperone function is beneficial to antagonize protein aggregation and thus represents a promising target for therapeutic concepts for many genetic and acquired chaperonopathies. However, little is known on the precise molecular mechanisms defining the cell and tissue abnormalities in the case of impaired chaperone function as well as on underlying effects in the case of compensatory up-regulation of chaperones. This scarcity of knowledge often arises from a lack of appropriate animal models that mimic closely the human molecular, cellular, and histological characteristics. Here, we introduce the Sil1-mutant woozy mouse as a suitable model to investigate molecular and cellular mechanisms of impaired ER-chaperone function affecting the integrity of nervous system and skeletal muscle. The overlapping clinical findings in man and mouse indicate that woozy is a good copy of a human phenotype called Marinesco-Sjögren syndrome. We confirm the presence of ER-stress and expand the biochemical knowledge of altered nuclear envelope in muscle, a hallmark of SIL1-disease. In addition, our data suggest that impaired excitation-contraction coupling might be part of the SIL1-pathophysiology. Our results moreover indicate that divergent expression of pro- and anti-survival proteins is decisive for Purkinje cell survival. By summarizing the current knowledge of woozy, we focus on the suitability of this animal model to study neuroprotective co-chaperone function and to investigate the involvement of co-chaperones in the predisposition of other disorders such as diabetic neuropathy.
Enhancement of Satellite Cell Transplantation Efficiency by Leukemia Inhibitory Factor
Authors: Ito N. , Shimizu N. , Tanaka H. , Takeda S.
Published: May 2016

Background and Objectives: Cell transplantation is a promising therapy for several muscle diseases, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Satellite cells are stem cells in skeletal muscle that provide an important cell source for transplantation therapy. However, culture of satellite cells in vitro causes them to lose their undifferentiated state, associated with reduced transplantation efficiency. It is therefore necessary to develop optimal culture conditions for maintaining the undifferentiated state of satellite cells.

Methods: Primary satellite cells were cultured with or without leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). The expression of undifferentiation and differentiation markers, and the transplantation efficiency were analyzed.

Results: LIF-treated satellite cells showed increased expression of Pax7, and enhanced transplantation efficiency in a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Conclusions: Our study showed that the treatment with LIF effectively maintained the undifferentiated state of satellite cells, and enhanced their transplantation efficiency. These results will contribute to the optimization of culture conditions for cell transplantation therapy.
Determination of Optimal Initial Weights of an Artificial Neural Network by Using the Harmony Search Algorithm: Application to Breakwater Armor Stones
Authors: Lee Anzy , Geem Zong , Suh Kyung-Duck
Published: May 2016

In this study, an artificial neural network (ANN) model is developed to predict the stability number of breakwater armor stones based on the experimental data reported by Van der Meer in 1988. The harmony search (HS) algorithm is used to determine the near-global optimal initial weights in the training of the model. The stratified sampling is used to sample the training data. A total of 25 HS-ANN hybrid models are tested with different combinations of HS algorithm parameters. The HS-ANN models are compared with the conventional ANN model, which uses a Monte Carlo simulation to determine the initial weights. Each model is run 50 times and the statistical analyses are conducted for the model results. The present models using stratified sampling are shown to be more accurate than those of previous studies. The statistical analyses for the model results show that the HS-ANN model with proper values of HS algorithm parameters can give much better and more stable prediction than the conventional ANN model.
Public Opinions and Use of Various Types of Recreational Infrastructure in Boreal Forest Settings
Authors: Gundersen Vegard , Vistad Odd
Published: May 2016

We have investigated public preferences for use intensity and visual quality of forest recreational infrastructure. Forest infrastructure covers five classes, along a continuum from unmarked paths to paved walkways. Altogether, 39 sites were categorized into the five classes and measured with automatic counters. A sample of 545 respondents living in southeastern and middle Norway were asked to rate 15 forest scenes and 35 preconceptions of recreational settings. The path scenarios were depicted as digitally calibrated photos that systematically displayed physical path feature in boreal, semi-natural settings. Survey participants showed a clearly greater preference for photos and preconceptions of forests settings containing minor elements of forest infrastructure; unmarked paths received the highest score and forest roads/walkways/bikeways the lowest. We identified a clear mismatch between public preferences for forest infrastructure and the intensity of use; the less appreciated infrastructure was the most used. Planning and management has to consider these different needs for recreational infrastructure, and we propose an area zoning system that meets the different segments of forest visitors.
Fertilization Response, Light Use, and Growth Efficiency in Eucalyptus Plantations across Soil and Climate Gradients in Brazil
Authors: Da Silva Renato , Hakamada Rodrigo , Bazani José , Otto Marina , Stape José
Published: May 2016

Fertilization increases productivity in Eucalyptus plantations, but losses in productivity associated with soil fertility continue at operational scales. In this study, we evaluated the fertilization response (FR), light use efficiency (LUE) and growth efficiency (GE), i.e., the amount of wood biomass accumulated per unit of light absorbed (LUE) and per unit of leaf area index of Eucalyptus plantations. We used a “twin plot” approach, with 161 blocks representing 52,700 ha of planted forests that spanned a broad range of edaphoclimatic conditions in southeastern Brazil. The normal plots (NP) were part of a permanent inventory network, whereas the twin plots (TP) received extra high levels of fertilization and extra weed control after fertilization. The intensive management (twin plots) led to a large increase of 5.3 Mg·ha−1·year−1 of wood increment. The region without dry periods and with soils with high clay content was most responsive to fertilization, with a 15% increment in the LUE and 10% increase in the GE of the TPs compared with those of the NPs. Our results suggested that water availability was the primary element affecting productivity and potential response to fertilization. With this information, decisions can be made on which regions should receive priority fertilization investments. However, more research is required to determine the most limiting nutrient in each type of environment.
Comparative Mitogenomic Analysis of Species Representing Six Subfamilies in the Family Tenebrionidae
Authors: Zhang Hong-Li , Liu Bing-Bing , Wang Xiao-Yang , Han Zhi-Ping , Zhang Dong-Xu , Su Cai-Na
Published: May 2016

To better understand the architecture and evolution of the mitochondrial genome (mitogenome), mitogenomes of ten specimens representing six subfamilies in Tenebrionidae were selected, and comparative analysis of these mitogenomes was carried out in this study. Ten mitogenomes in this family share a similar gene composition, gene order, nucleotide composition, and codon usage. In addition, our results show that nucleotide bias was strongly influenced by the preference of codon usage for A/T rich codons which significantly correlated with the G + C content of protein coding genes (PCGs). Evolutionary rate analyses reveal that all PCGs have been subjected to a purifying selection, whereas 13 PCGs displayed different evolution rates, among which ATPase subunit 8 (ATP8) showed the highest evolutionary rate. We inferred the secondary structure for all RNA genes of Tenebrio molitor (Te2) and used this as the basis for comparison with the same genes from other Tenebrionidae mitogenomes. Some conserved helices (stems) and loops of RNA structures were found in different domains of ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) and the cloverleaf structure of transfer RNAs (tRNAs). With regard to the AT-rich region, we analyzed tandem repeat sequences located in this region and identified some essential elements including T stretches, the consensus motif at the flanking regions of T stretch, and the secondary structure formed by the motif at the 3′ end of T stretch in major strand, which are highly conserved in these species. Furthermore, phylogenetic analyses using mitogenomic data strongly support the relationships among six subfamilies: ((Tenebrionidae incertae sedis + (Diaperinae + Tenebrioninae)) + (Pimeliinae + Lagriinae)), which is consistent with phylogenetic results based on morphological traits.
Nutraceutical Properties of Olive Oil Polyphenols. An Itinerary from Cultured Cells through Animal Models to Humans
Authors: Rigacci Stefania , Stefani Massimo
Published: May 2016

The increasing interest in the Mediterranean diet hinges on its healthy and anti-ageing properties. The composition of fatty acids, vitamins and polyphenols in olive oil, a key component of this diet, is considered a key feature of its healthy properties. Therefore, it is of significance that the Rod of Asclepius lying on a world map surrounded by olive tree branches has been chosen by the World Health Organization as a symbol of both peace and well-being. This review travels through most of the current and past research, recapitulating the biochemical and physiological correlations of the beneficial properties of olive tree (Olea europaea) polyphenols and their derivatives found in olive oil. The factors influencing the content and beneficial properties of olive oil polyphenols will also be taken into account together with their bioavailability. Finally, the data on the clinical and epidemiological relevance of olive oil and its polyphenols for longevity and against age- and lifestyle-associated pathologies such as cancer, cardiovascular, metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases are reviewed.
Sustainability of Land Groups in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Karigawa Lepani , Babarinde Jacob , Holis Suman
Published: May 2016

This paper consists of a review of existing literature relating to Incorporated Land Groups in Papua New Guinea (PNG), followed by a case study of two urban incorporated land groups (ILGs) in the city of Lae. The paper is an attempt at assessing the sustainability of ILGs in the country. The challenges facing the ILGs have heightened public fears that the land groups may not be sustainable. Based on the argument in previous studies that the ILGs are not sustainable, the paper used primary data from two separate questionnaire surveys of randomly selected ILG landowners (including legal settlers) and ILG stakeholders to investigate the problem. The combined sample size of 129 respondents (32.7%) was representative of the total ILG population, while a total of 25 indicators were used to test the respondents’ perceptions regarding ILG sustainability. Findings reveal that only one of the indicators received the positive support of the stakeholders, while no indicator was supported by the landowners. This suggests that the ILGs in PNG are not sustainable legal entities. This dilemma is a consequence of the challenges facing the ILGs, including the issues of corruption in the Lands Department, illiteracy among landowners, poor publicity given to ILGs’ functions, and the dysfunctional ILG legal framework.
The Role of Counter-Face Roughness on the Tribological Performance of a Clutch System Tested with a Pin-On-Disc Tribometer
Authors: Fernandes Graciliano , Zanotto Paulo , Sinatora Amilton
Published: May 2016

This study was a continuous investigation of the roles played by the tribofilm on dry automotive clutch system performance. Tribological experiments were performed by the addition of wear debris at the beginning of tribometer tests and by reducing the surface roughness of a cast iron counter-face. The initial surface conditions of cast discs were 0.2 and 1.2 µm. The pin-on-disc tests were carried out at three different PV levels: 3.08, 7.88, and 10.09 MPa·ms−1, and the current results were correlated to those previously obtained in the standard tribometer procedure. When the wear debris was added into the tribosystem, the friction coefficient level dropped drastically while the assembly wear rate rose. In contrast, the modified cast discs provided a reduced wear rate of assembly and a higher and more stable friction coefficient level. These improvements were obtained in a severe condition where higher temperature levels were reached. For the tests with added debris, SEM observations revealed a more intense tribofilm development over the worn surfaces of the clutch friction material. The smoothest cast disc did not damage the developed tribofilms and maintained them more stably due to a reduction in contact area stresses at the highest tribometer test.
Effect of Friction Stir Welding Parameters on the Mechanical and Microstructure Properties of the Al-Cu Butt Joint
Authors: Celik Sare , Cakir Recep
Published: May 2016

Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is a solid-state welding process used for welding similar and dissimilar materials. FSW is especially suitable to join sheet Al alloys, and this technique allows different material couples to be welded continuously. In this study, 1050 Al alloys and commercially pure Cu were produced at three different tool rotation speeds (630, 1330, 2440 rpm) and three different tool traverse speeds (20, 30, 50 mm/min) with four different tool position (0, 1, 1.5, 2 mm) by friction stir welding. The influence of the welding parameters on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the joints was investigated. Tensile and bending tests and microhardness measurements were used to determine the mechanical properties. The microstructures of the weld zone were investigated by optical microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM) and were analyzed in an energy dispersed spectrometer (EDS). Intermetallic phases were detected based on the X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis results that evaluated the formation of phases in the weld zone. When the welding performance of the friction stir welded butt joints was evaluated, the maximum value obtained was 89.55% with a 1330 rpm tool rotational speed, 20 mm/min traverse speed and a 1 mm tool position configuration. The higher tensile strength is attributed to the dispersion strengthening of the fine Cu particles distributed over the Al material in the stir zone region.
Organocatalyzed Intramolecular Carbonyl-Ene Reactions
Authors: Dahlmann Heidi , McKinney Amanda , Santos Maria , Davis Lindsey
Published: May 2016

An organocatalyzed intramolecular carbonyl-ene reaction was developed to produce carbocyclic and heterocyclic 5- and 6-membered rings from a citronellal-derived trifluoroketone and a variety of aldehydes. A phosphoramide derivative was found to promote the cyclization of the trifluoroketone, whereas a less acidic phosphoric acid proved to be a superior catalyst for the aldehyde substrates.
Reconfiguration of N Metabolism upon Hypoxia Stress and Recovery: Roles of Alanine Aminotransferase (AlaAT) and Glutamate Dehydrogenase (GDH)
Authors: Diab Houssein , Limami Anis
Published: May 2016

In the context of climatic change, more heavy precipitation and more frequent flooding and waterlogging events threaten the productivity of arable farmland. Furthermore, crops were not selected to cope with flooding- and waterlogging-induced oxygen limitation. In general, low oxygen stress, unlike other abiotic stresses (e.g., cold, high temperature, drought and saline stress), received little interest from the scientific community and less financial support from stakeholders. Accordingly, breeding programs should be developed and agronomical practices should be adapted in order to save plants’ growth and yield—even under conditions of low oxygen availability (e.g., submergence and waterlogging). The prerequisite to the success of such breeding programs and changes in agronomical practices is a good knowledge of how plants adapt to low oxygen stress at the cellular and the whole plant level. In the present paper, we summarized the recent knowledge on metabolic adjustment in general under low oxygen stress and highlighted thereafter the major changes pertaining to the reconfiguration of amino acids syntheses. We propose a model showing (i) how pyruvate derived from active glycolysis upon hypoxia is competitively used by the alanine aminotransferase/glutamate synthase cycle, leading to alanine accumulation and NAD+ regeneration. Carbon is then saved in a nitrogen store instead of being lost through ethanol fermentative pathway. (ii) During the post-hypoxia recovery period, the alanine aminotransferase/glutamate dehydrogenase cycle mobilizes this carbon from alanine store. Pyruvate produced by the reverse reaction of alanine aminotransferase is funneled to the TCA cycle, while deaminating glutamate dehydrogenase regenerates, reducing equivalent (NADH) and 2-oxoglutarate to maintain the cycle function.
Sinusitis and Respiratory Disease at Pediatric Age
Authors: Muñoz-López Francisco
Published: May 2016

Here, we present a review of the development of paranasal sinuses and pathologies associated to them, allergic and/or infectious sinusitis, in children. A review of 200 medical records of children and adolescents affected with respiratory disease is carried out. 66 patients (33%) were diagnosed with sinusitis, six of which did not present any other respiratory processes. Of the remainder, association with rhinitis, asthma, or wheezy bronchitis, and one case with immune deficiency, was found. Other associated pathologies, such as cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, and other processes described as associated with sinusitis, were not detected in any case.
The Effects of Exercise on Natriuretic Peptides in Individuals without Heart Failure
Authors: Hamasaki Hidetaka
Published: May 2016

Cardiac natriuretic peptides (NPs) play an important role in the regulation of energy expenditure in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. A systematic review on the effects of exercise on NPs in patients with heart failure reported that aerobic and resistance training reduced NPs; however, the effects of exercise on NPs and the underlying mechanism of exercise-induced NP secretion in subjects without heart failure remain unknown. In athletes and young, healthy subjects, the NP concentration at rest is not elevated, but strenuous endurance exercise significantly increases NPs. The exercise-induced increase in NPs may be caused by transient myocardial wall stress, cardiomyocyte metabolic changes, or neuroendocrinological response, which may have cytoprotective and growth-regulating effects on the heart. On the other hand, in elderly, overweight/obese subjects, and patients with hypertension, NP concentrations also increase during exercise; however, NP secretion may be more susceptible to cardiac stress compared to young, healthy individuals. Recent studies have shown that NPs are associated with thermogenesis in fat tissue and oxidative capacity in skeletal muscles. NPs may also have a protective role for skeletal muscle in humans, although further studies are warranted to elucidate the physiological mechanism of exercise-induced NP secretion.
From Pilot to the National Emissions Trading Scheme in China: International Practice and Domestic Experiences
Authors: Dong Jun , Ma Yu , Sun Hongxing
Published: May 2016

In order to tackle climate change and build a low-carbon economy, China has selected seven provinces and cities as carbon trading pilots and plans to establish the national emissions trading scheme (ETS) in 2017. However, since China has not yet reached peak carbon emissions, and as a major developing country, the conflict between increasing energy demand and the requirement to reduce emissions brings challenges to the design of a national ETS suitable for China’s development. In this paper, we summarize the current situation of China’s seven ETS pilots with respect to coverage, allowance allocation, transactions, punishment mechanisms and especially the market performance. By analyzing the common practice of three international mandatory schemes, combined with China’s current circumstances and characteristics of market construction and regulation, we emphasize China’s own economic reality, and propose several recommendations for building a suitable and effective national ETS. This paper could provide new perspectives towards scheme design for China and other similar countries.
An Assessment of the Knowledge and Demand of Young Residents regarding the Ecological Services of Urban Green Spaces in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Authors: Yen Yat , Wang Zhanqi , Shi Yumin , Soeung Bunly
Published: May 2016

The fast and steady economic growth and social changes in recent years in Cambodia have brought rapid expansion and restructuring to its cities. These phenomena have brought numerous challenges including threats to urban green spaces (UGS’s). This study addresses problems of UGS’s by investigating the knowledge and perceptions of young residents of Phnom Penh (YRPPs) toward UGS’s in relation to the following: (1) basic knowledge of YRPPs on ecological services (KES) of UGS’s; (2) perceptions of YRPPs on the current state of UGS’s (PUGS’s) in Phnom Penh; (3) demand of YRPPs for UGS’s in the city (DUGS); and (4) associations between KES, PUGS’s, social profiles (SoPs), and DUGS. A questionnaire was designed to solicit knowledge from 554 respondents randomly selected from the study area. The findings revealed that 83.1% of total respondents strongly recognized ecological services of UGS’s. Four subgroups of ecological services, namely microclimate (89.7%), environmental quality and functions (83.8%), recreational and public health services (88.5%), and economic benefits (70.4%) were all rated highly. Because the current state of UGS’s was very poor (68.4%), demand for UGS’s was high (94.43%). Public toilets (84.7%) and rubbish bins (75.6%) were both rated the poorest. The PUGS’s were significantly associated with KES (r = 0.307, F (3, 543) = 18.83, p < 0.001). This study offers a deep understanding about knowledge and demand of YRPPs for UGS’s.
Energy Efficient Networks for Monitoring Water Quality in Subterranean Rivers
Authors: Ge Fei , Wang Yuanni
Published: May 2016

The fresh water in rivers beneath the Earth’s surface is as significant to humans as that on the surface. However, the water quality is difficult to monitor due to its unapproachable nature. In this work, we consider building networks to monitor water quality in subterranean rivers. The network node is designed to have limited functions of floating and staying in these rivers when necessary. We provide the necessary conditions to set up such networks and a topology building method, as well as the communication process between nodes. Furthermore, we provide every an node’s energy consumption model in the network building stage, the data acquiring and transmission stage. The numerical results show that the energy consumption in every node is different, and the node number should be moderate to ensure energy efficiency.
Current Status of Marker Genes of Bacteroides and Related Taxa for Identifying Sewage Pollution in Environmental Waters
Authors: Ahmed Warish , Hughes Bridie , Harwood Valerie
Published: May 2016

Microbial source tracking (MST) endeavors to determine sources of fecal pollution in environmental waters by capitalizing on the association of certain microorganisms with the gastrointestinal tract and feces of specific animal groups. Several decades of research have shown that bacteria belonging to the gut-associated order Bacteroidales, and particularly the genus Bacteroides, tend to co-evolve with the host, and are, therefore, particularly suitable candidates for MST applications. This review summarizes the current research on MST methods that employ genes belonging to Bacteroidales/Bacteroides as tracers or “markers” of sewage pollution, including known advantages and deficiencies of the many polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods that have been published since 2000. Host specificity is a paramount criterion for confidence that detection of a marker is a true indicator of the target host. Host sensitivity, or the prevalence of the marker in feces/waste from the target host, is necessary for confidence that absence of the marker is indicative of the absence of the pollution source. Each of these parameters can vary widely depending on the type of waste assessed and the geographic location. Differential decay characteristics of bacterial targets and their associated DNA contribute to challenges in interpreting MST results in the context of human health risks. The HF183 marker, derived from the 16S rRNA gene of Bacteroides dorei and closely related taxa, has been used for almost two decades in MST studies, and is well characterized regarding host sensitivity and specificity, and in prevalence and concentration in sewage in many countries. Other markers such as HumM2 and HumM3 show promise, but require further performance testing to demonstrate their widespread utility. An important limitation of the one-marker-one-assay approach commonly used for MST is that given the complexities of microbial persistence in environmental waters, and the methodological challenges of quantitative PCR (qPCR) in such samples, the absence of a given marker does not ensure the absence of fecal pollution in the source water. Approaches under development, such as microarray and community analysis, have the potential to improve MST practices, thereby increasing our ability to protect human and ecosystem health.
VLT/SINFONI OBSERVATIONS OF EUROPA: NEW INSIGHTS INTO THE SURFACE COMPOSITION
Authors: Ligier N. , Poulet F. , Carter J. , Brunetto R. , Gourgeot F.
Published: May 2016

We present new insights into Europa’s surface composition on the global scale from linear spectral modeling of a high spectral resolution data set acquired during a ground-based observation campaign using SINFONI4, an adaptive optics near-infrared instrument on the Very Large Telescope (ESO). The spectral modeling confirms the typical “bullseye” distribution of sulfuric acid hydrate on the trailing hemisphere, which is consistent with Iogenic sulfur ion implantation. However, the traditional hypothesis of the presence of sulfate salts on the surface of the satellite is challenged as Mg-bearing chlorinated species (chloride, chlorate, and perchlorate) are found to provide improved spectral fits. The derived global distribution of Mg-chlorinated salts (and particularly chloride) is correlated with large-scale geomorphologic units such as chaos and darker areas, thus suggesting an endogenous origin. Based on the 1.65 μm water-ice absorption band shape and position, the surface temperature is estimated to be in the range 110–130 K, and water ice is found to be predominantly in its crystalline state rather than amorphous. While amorphous water ice exhibits a strong correlation with the expected intensity of the Ionian plasma torus bombardment, crystalline water ice is instead more associated with distinct geomorphological units. Endogenous processes such as jets and ice heating due to active geology may explain this relationship. Otherwise, no evidence of a correlation between grain size for the water ice and the sputtering rate has been detected so far.
THE IMPORTANCE OF 56Ni IN SHAPING THE LIGHT CURVES OF TYPE II SUPERNOVAE
Authors: Nakar Ehud , Poznanski Dovi , Katz Boaz
Published: May 2016

What intrinsic properties shape the light curves of SNe II? To address this question we derive observational measures that are robust (i.e., insensitive to detailed radiative transfer) and constrain the contribution from 56Ni as well as a combination of the envelope mass, progenitor radius, and explosion energy. By applying our methods to a sample of SNe II from the literature, we find that a 56Ni contribution is often significant. In our sample, its contribution to the time-weighted integrated luminosity during the photospheric phase ranges between 8% and 72% with a typical value of 30%. We find that the 56Ni relative contribution is anti-correlated with the luminosity decline rate. When added to other clues, this in turn suggests that the flat plateaus often observed in SNe II are not a generic feature of the cooling envelope emission, and that without 56Ni many of the SNe that are classified as II-P would have shown a decline rate that is steeper by up to 1 mag/100 days. Nevertheless, we find that the cooling envelope emission, and not 56Ni contribution, is the main driver behind the observed range of decline rates. Furthermore, contrary to previous suggestions, our findings indicate that fast decline rates are not driven by lower envelope masses. We therefore suggest that the difference in observed decline rates is mainly a result of different density profiles of the progenitors.
JETS, CORONAL “PUFFS,” AND A SLOW CORONAL MASS EJECTION CAUSED BY AN OPPOSITE-POLARITY REGION WITHIN AN ACTIVE REGION FOOTPOINT
Authors: Alzate N. , Morgan H.
Published: May 2016

During a period of three days beginning 2013 January 17, twelve recurrent reconnection events occur within a small region of opposing flux embedded within one footpoint of an active region, accompanied by flares and jets observed in EUV and fast and faint structureless “puffs” observed by coronagraphs. During the same period a slow structured CME gradually erupts, with one end anchored close to, or within, the jetting region. Four of the jet events occur in pairs—a narrow, primary jet followed within a few tens of minutes by a wider, more massive, jet. All the jets are slow, with an apparent speed of ∼100 km s−1. The speed of the wide puffs in the coronagraph data is ∼300 km s−1, and the timing of their appearance rules out a direct association with the EUV jetting material. The jet material propagates along large-scale closed-field loops and does not escape to the extended corona. The rapid reconfiguration of the closed loops following reconnection causes an outwardly propagating disturbance, or wave front, which manifests as puffs in coronagraph data. Furthermore, the newly expanded closed flux tube forms a pressure imbalance, which can result in a secondary jet. The reconnection events, through recurrent field reconfiguration, also leads to the gradual eruption of the structured flux tube appearing as the slow CME. Faint propagating coronal disturbances resulting from flares/jets may be common, but are usually obscured by associated ejections. Occasionally, the associated material ejections are absent, and coronal puffs may be clearly observed.
DEPENDENCE OF STELLAR MAGNETIC ACTIVITY CYCLES ON ROTATIONAL PERIOD IN A NONLINEAR SOLAR-TYPE DYNAMO
Authors: Pipin V. V. , Kosovichev A. G.
Published: May 2016

We study the turbulent generation of large-scale magnetic fields using nonlinear dynamo models for solar-type stars in the range of rotational periods from 14 to 30 days. Our models take into account nonlinear effects of dynamical quenching of magnetic helicity, and escape of magnetic field from the dynamo region due to magnetic buoyancy. The results show that the observed correlation between the period of rotation and the duration of activity cycles can be explained in the framework of a distributed dynamo model with a dynamical magnetic feedback acting on the turbulent generation from either magnetic buoyancy or magnetic helicity. We discuss implications of our findings for the understanding of dynamo processes operating in solar-like stars.
THE HISTORY OF TIDAL DISRUPTION EVENTS IN GALACTIC NUCLEI
Authors: Aharon Danor , Battisti Alessandra Mastrobuono , Perets Hagai B.
Published: May 2016

The tidal disruption of a star by a massive black hole (MBH) is thought to produce a transient luminous event. Such tidal disruption events (TDEs) may play an important role in the detection and characterization of MBHs, and in probing the properties and dynamics of their nuclear stellar cluster (NSC) hosts. Previous studies estimated the recent rates of TDEs in the local universe. However, the long-term evolution of the rates throughout the history of the universe has been little explored. Here we consider TDE history, using evolutionary models for the evolution of galactic nuclei. We use a 1D Fokker–Planck approach to explore the evolution of MBH-hosting NSCs, and obtain the disruption rates of stars during their evolution. We complement these with an analysis of TDE history based on N-body simulation data, and find them to be comparable. We consider NSCs that are built up from close-in star formation (SF) or from far-out SF/cluster-dispersal, a few pc from the MBH. We also explore cases where primordial NSCs exist and later evolve through additional SF/cluster-dispersal processes. We study the dependence of the TDE history on the type of galaxy, as well as the dependence on the MBH mass. These provide several scenarios, with a continuous increase of the TDE rates over time for cases of far-out SF and a more complex behavior for the close-in SF cases. Finally, we integrate the TDE histories of the various scenarios to provide a total TDE history of the universe, which can be potentially probed with future large surveys (e.g., LSST).
HCV non-1b genotypes in injecting drug users from Romania
Authors: Ruta Simona , Sultana Camelia , Oprea Cristiana , Vagu Codruta , Ceausu Emanoil , Cernescu Costin
Published: May 2016

Introduction: Chronic hepatitis C cases diagnosed in Romania were mostly related to unsafe parenteral treatments and blood transfusions; HCV genotype 1b was prevalent. During the last decade, an increasing number of HCV infections was reported among people who inject drugs (PWID). The aim of the current study was to test if this epidemiological shift triggered a diversification of the circulating viral strains. Methodology: HCV genotypes were determined by reverse hybridization in 130 HCV-infected PWID (87.7% males; mean age 27.9 ± 6.7 years, injecting drugs for 8.1 ± 4.8 years). Results: HIV-HCV co-infection was diagnosed in 80.8% of the subjects and 26.9% were HIV-HCV-HBV triple infected. Active HCV viral replication was present in 104 PWID (80%), more frequently in those HIV-co-infected (91.4% vs. 52% in HCV mono-infected, and 77.148.5% in HIV-HCV-HBV triple-infected, p = 0.0001). Non-1b genotypes were prevalent (54.8%), with subtype 1a the most commonly detected (24%), followed by genotypes 3a (14.4%) and 4 (7.7%). Mixed infections with genotypes 1a and 1b were found in nine subjects (8.7%). There was no difference in the genotypes frequencies based on HIV or HBV co-infection status, length of drug usage, or associated risk factors (tattoos, piercing, detention). Conclusion: The continuous surveillance of HCV genotypes in PWID from Romania will add valuable information to the overall European epidemiological picture, with important therapeutic implications.
An outbreak of dermatophilosis and caseous lymphadenitis mixed infection in camels (Camelus dromedaries) in Jordan
Authors: Tarazi Yaser Hamadeh , Al-Ani Falah Khalil
Published: May 2016

Introduction: This study describes and reports, for the first time, an outbreak of dermatophilosis that occurred concurrently with caseous lymphadenitis involving two camel herds (Camelus dromedaries) in north Jordan. Methodology: The affected animals were part of two herds comprising 52 Arabian camels in herd 1 and 65 camels in herd 2. The age of infected camels ranged from 18 months to 5 years. Pus and skin scab samples were aseptically collected and bacteriologically examined. Affected camels were treated by long-acting oxytetracycline injection in a dose rate of 10 mg/kg body weight every 48 hours for three successive treatments, and local antiseptic and antibiotic cutaneous spray treatment for five successive days. Results: The main clinical signs on affected camels were skin dermatitis and abscess formation. The isolated organisms were Dermatophilus congolensis and Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis were the causative agents of dermatophilosis and caseous lymphadenitis, respectively. Other organisms were isolated from skin abscesses, including α-hemolytic streptococci, hemolytic E. coli, Actinomyces pyogenes, and S. aureus. The affected camels were rapidly and effectively cured by the above-mentioned treatment protocol. No mortality was recorded. Conclusions: Introducing purchased camels from animal auctions without pre-examination and keeping camels in over-crowded small barns under cold, humid, and rainy conditions during winter may predispose the eruption of mixed infection of dermatophilosis and caseous lymphadenitis. Treatment by long-acting oxytetracycline injection with local antiseptic and antibiotic cutaneous spray can control such infection. A survey on camel herds raised near Jordan’s borders is needed to monitor the possibility of emerging infectious disease.
Characterization of Staphylococcus aureus from Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) patients in Accra, Ghana
Authors: Egyir Beverly , Oteng Akwasi Ampofo , Owusu Enid , Newman Mercy Jemimah , Addo Kennedy Kwasi , Rhod-Larsen Anders
Published: May 2016

Introduction: The aims of this study were to: a) determine the nasal carriage prevalence of Stahpylococcus aureus among HIV patients, b) to characterize S. aureus strains isolated. Methodology: Characterization of S. aureus isolates was done by antibiotyping, spa typing, and detection of Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) genes. Results: S. aureus isolated (10/124; 8%)  belonged to spa types t084 (n = 3), t10828 (n = 2), t311, t304, t774, t645, and t091. The isolates were resistant to penicillin (100%), tetracycline (40%), rifampicin (10%), fucidic acid (10%), norfloxacin (10%), erythromycin (10%), and sulfamethoxazole trimethoprim (10%). Multidrug resistance (MDR) was detected in 30% of the isolates. Conclusion: The finding of MDR S. aureus among HIV-positive patients suggests that surveillance of antimicrobial resistant S. aureus among this patient group could be considered as an infection control measure in the hospital.
L’agriculture métropolitaine à Santiago du chili : une agriculture urbaine qui prend la clé des champs
Authors: Faliès Cécile
Published: May 2016

L’agriculture est très présente dans la région centrale du Chili malgré l’avancée du front urbain de Santiago depuis les années 1970. Qu’elle soit héritée d’une ancienne ceinture maraîchère ou qu’elle se soit développée depuis le début des années 1990 autour de produits d’exportation, cette agriculture est très liée à la ville de Santiago et au port de Valparaiso qu’elle alimente et dont elle utilise les infrastructures pour se vendre. Même si quelques formes d’agriculture répondant aux nouveaux besoins des urbains et des pouvoirs publics apparaissent, comme l’agriculture biologique, il reste toutefois difficile de parler d’agriculture urbaine en raison de la situation périphérique des parcelles concernées et de leur nombre limité. Cet article propose un état des lieux de cette agriculture autour de Santiago sur la base d’un travail de terrain mené depuis 2005.
Nouveaux producteurs urbains, nouvelles agricultures urbaines ?
Authors: Le Gall Julie
Published: May 2016

À Buenos Aires, l’activité maraîchère périurbaine est caractérisée par la présence des migrants d’origine bolivienne. L’article s’interroge sur le rôle que tient cette origine dans les transformations des territoires agricoles. Il s’agit de dépasser l’idée de rupture évoquée par les acteurs traditionnels pour montrer que se surimposent à la fois des dynamiques innovantes initiées par ces derniers et relayées par les Boliviens, qui modernisent l’agriculture maraîchère, et d’autres dynamiques innovantes, initiées par les migrants d’origine bolivienne, qui lui (re)confèrent le visage d’une petite production familiale mais pas forcément paysanne.
Les élections locales en Bolivie. Un avertissement pour le gouvernement d’Evo Morales
Authors: Lavaud Jean-Pierre
Published: May 2016

Bien que globalement gagnées par les candidats du  Movimiento al socialismo  (MAS) les élections locales boliviennes (départementales et municipales) ont été marquées par des défaites cuisantes des suiveurs d’Evo Morales dans les plus grandes villes du pays et dans le département de La Paz, en dépit d’un ensemble de trucages et d’une campagne officielle outrageusement dispendieuse.
Cluster musical et territoire en création
Authors: Lefèvre Bruno
Published: May 2016

Dans le Nord-Est parisien, un cluster musical fédère depuis 2008 une vingtaine d’entreprises. D’abord centré sur les Musiques du Monde, le projet a progressivement perdu de sa lisibilité, alors que son implantation n’a pu se dérouler sur le territoire de la Goutte d’Or, pour lequel il avait été conçu. Cet article tente de caractériser, sur la base de ces opportunités et résistances territoriales, les enjeux que pose le territoire d’action du cluster pour la définition et la conduite de son projet de mise en concordance du développement économique d’entrepreneurs de la musique et de la construction d’un nouveau territoire symbolique. Les rapports de force entre partenaires locaux, notamment institutionnels et financeurs, s’avèrent décisifs pour la définition d’objectifs communs qui rendent acceptables par tous l’activité d’un tel dispositif. Face aux exigences de reconnaissance et de lisibilité, le cluster culturel est confronté à un faisceau de dynamiques locales et supra-locales. Celles-ci le contraignent à recomposer en permanence son projet et ses modalités d’action, mais également à construire une intrigue de son activité qui s’avère cohérente avec des cadres de référence dominants, qu’il contribue par ce processus à légitimer.
La performance des lieux de cocréation de connaissances
Authors: Suire Raphaël
Published: May 2016

Les laboratoires de fabrication numérique sont en plein essor. Leur réalité est diverse et les questions de performance et de la nature de leur encastrement socio-économique dans des clusters ou des éco-systèmes restent très largement ouvertes. A partir d’une base de données originales de 48 FabLab mondiaux nous montrons que la production de projets documentés, ie codifiés et mis à disposition de la communauté et de transformation de ces projets en nouvelles entreprises dépend des interactions nouées entre le FabLab et son éco-système. En particulier, toutes choses égales par ailleurs, l’interaction avec une périphérie foisonnante et plus exploratoire de petits acteurs favorise la créativité du FabLab et la production de projets documentés, en revanche la transformation en nouvelle entreprise est favorisée avec une position d’intermédiaire entre cette périphérie et un cœur d’acteurs en place, de taille plus importante en capacité d’exploiter et transformer la créativité du FabLab.
Les frontières de la fiction
Authors: Châteauvert Jean
Published: May 2016

Des séries web s’inspirent du vidéoblog et brisent le modèle narratologique impersonnel avec un récit audiovisuel à la première personne. L’analyse comparative des séries Lonely Girl 15 (Mesh Flinders, Miles Beckett et Greg Goodfried, 2006-2008), The Guild (Felicia Day, 2007-2013), Norman fait des vidéos (Norman Thavaud, 2010) et Solange te parle (Ina Mihalache, 2011) laisse voir les déclinaisons de ce récit adapté du vidéoblog et le rapport ambigu à la fiction que ces séries construisent avec la présence de leurs créateurs sur les réseaux sociaux. Dans cette expérience de visionnement transmédiatique, fiction et non-fiction se combinent et ouvrent à l’internaute-spectateur l’accès à une culture de participation dans laquelle il s’affiche comme un vis-à-vis du créateur.
Troubles neurovisuels d’origine centrale, une fenêtre sur la conscience
Authors: Chokron Sylvie
Published: May 2016

Le lien entre perception visuelle et conscience est extrêmement complexe. Nous ne sommes conscients ni des processus complexes impliqués dans la perception visuelle, ni du fait que nous apprenons à voir, ni du fait que la scène que nous avons devant nos yeux ne correspond pas à la réalité extérieure. De même, il existe une dissociation entre vision et conscience à la suite d’une lésion cérébrale dont la compréhension a des implications tant cliniques que fondamentales.
Les Systèmes d’Aide au Vote comme nouvel outil d’analyse de la dynamique de campagne : le cas de La Boussole présidentielle française
Authors: Vitiello Thomas , Krouwel André
Published: May 2016

L’élection présidentielle française est considérée comme la ‘clé de voûte’ du système politique français. Elle est le moment politique lors duquel la compétition partisane s’affirme et les évolutions au sein de l’électorat s’expriment. Cet article présente le travail réalisé par l’équipe de La Boussole présidentielle lors de l’élection présidentielle française de 2012 et les premières analyses réalisées à partir des données collectées. En effet, si les Systèmes d’Aide au Vote (SAV) ont comme objectif principal de permettre aux électeurs de comparer leurs positions à celles des candidats sur les enjeux saillants de la campagne, ils sont également un outil d’analyse novateur pour les politistes. En utilisant les données récoltées sur des variables classiques du comportement électoral, les analyses de cet article contribuent à illustrer les opportunités fournies par les SAV pour la recherche en science politique. Tout d’abord, nous proposons une typologie dynamique des utilisateurs de SAV qui aille au-delà de leurs caractéristiques sociodémographiques. Ensuite, grâce à plusieurs variables conatives et comportementales – probabilités de vote, vote déclaré au premier tour, intention de vote pour le second tour – nous illustrons la congruence sur les positions sur enjeux entre les électeurs et les candidats à l’élection présidentielle.