bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design, Fabrication and Performance Analysis of a Two Input—Single Output DC-DC Converter
Authors: Athikkal Sivaprasad , Sundaramoorthy Kumaravel , Sankar Ashok
Published: September 2017

A novel modified bridge-type dual input DC-DC converter, which is proficient for integrating distinct V-I characteristic sources such as solar-PV, wind, etc., and storages including battery, ultracapacitor, fuel cell, etc., is proposed in this paper. Three modes of operations such as boost, buck, and buck-boost are possible using the same structure of the converter, and the converter can operate even with the failure of any one of the input energy sources to deliver power to the load. A software simulation and experimental realization of the converter have been carried out for the buck, boost, and buck-boost operations. The voltage and current stress analysis of the power switches available in the converter have been carried out for the better selection of power switches. A simple power control strategy is proposed for the steady state, and dynamic performance analysis of the converter and performance comparison with existing converter topologies have been carried out based on the different parameters like duty ratio, efficiency, etc. The performance comparison shows that the proposed converter has high voltage gain, low voltage stress, reduced part counts and high efficiency.
New Methods to Address Old Challenges: The Use of Administrative Data for Longitudinal Replication Studies of Child Maltreatment
Authors: Hurren Emily , Stewart Anna , Dennison Susan
Published: September 2017

Administrative data are crucial to the “big data” revolution of social science and have played an important role in the development of child maltreatment research. These data are also of value to administrators, policy makers, and clinicians. The focus of this paper is the use of administrative data to produce and replicate longitudinal studies of child maltreatment. Child protection administrative data have several advantages. They are often population-based, and allow longitudinal examination of child maltreatment and complex multi-level analyses. They also allow comparison across subgroups and minority groups, remove burden from individuals to disclose traumatic experiences, and can be less biased than retrospective recall. Finally, they can be linked to data from other agencies to explore comorbidity and outcomes, and are comparatively cost and time effective. The benefits and challenges associated with the use of administrative data for longitudinal child maltreatment research become magnified when these data are used to produce replications. Techniques to address challenges and support future replication efforts include developing a biographical understanding of the systems from which the data are drawn, using multiple data sources to contextualize the data and research results, recognizing and adopting various approaches to replication, and documenting all data coding and manipulation processes. These techniques are illustrated in this paper via a case study of previous replication work.
Response to Elwood, M. et al., Comment on: Maternal Exposure to Domestic Hair Cosmetics and Occupational Endocrine Disruptors Is Associated with a Higher Risk of Hypospadias in the Offspring. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14, 27
Authors: Haraux Elodie , Braun Karine , Buisson Philippe , Stéphan-Blanchard Erwan , Devauchelle Camille , Ricard Jannick , Boudailliez Bernard , Tourneux Pierre , Gouron Richard , Chardon Karen
Published: September 2017

Dear Editor, Thank you for inviting us to reply to a “Comment” paper to our published paper “Maternal Exposure to Domestic Hair Cosmetics and Occupational Endocrine Disruptors Is Associated with a Higher Risk of Hypospadias in the Offspring” (Authors: Elodie Haraux, Karine Braun, Philippe Buisson, Erwan Stéphan-Blanchard, Jannick Ricard, Camille Devauchelle, Bernard Boudailliez, Pierre Tourneux, Richard Gouron, Karen Chardon).[...]
Smoothed Temporal Atlases of Age-Gender All-Cause Mortality in South Africa
Authors: Manda Samuel O. M , Abdelatif Nada
Published: September 2017

Most mortality maps in South Africa and most contried of the sub-Saharan region are static, showing aggregated count data over years or at specific years. Lack of space and temporral dynamanics in these maps may adversely impact on their use and application for vigorous public health policy decisions and interventions. This study aims at describing and modeling sub-national distributions of age–gender specific all-cause mortality and their temporal evolutions from 1997 to 2013 in South Africa. Mortality information that included year, age, gender, and municipality administrative division were obtained from Statistics South Africa for the period. Individual mortality level data were grouped by three ages groups (0–14, 15–64, and 65 and over) and gender (male, female) and aggregated at each of the 234 municipalities in the country. The six age-gender all-cause mortality rates may be related due to shared common social deprivation, health and demographic risk factors. We undertake a joint analysis of the spatial-temporal variation of the six age-gender mortality risks. This is done within a shared component spatial model construction where age-gender common and specific spatial and temporal trends are estiamted using a hierarchical Bayesian spatial model. The results show municipal and temporal differentials in mortality risk profiles between age and gender groupings. High rates were seen in 2005, especially for the 15–64 years age group for both males and females. The dynamic geographical and time distributions of subnational age-gender all-cause mortality contribute to a better understanding of the temporal evolvement and geographical variations in the relationship between demographic composition and burden of diseases in South Africa. This provides useful information for effective monitoring and evaluation of public health policies and programmes targeting mortality reduction across time and sub-populations in the country.
The Future Challenge of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in Hypertension: From Bench to Bed Side
Authors: Togliatto Gabriele , Lombardo Giusy , Brizzi Maria Felice
Published: September 2017

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) act as signaling molecules that control physiological processes, including cell adaptation to stress. Redox signaling via ROS has quite recently become the focus of much attention in numerous pathological contexts, including neurodegenerative diseases, kidney and cardiovascular disease. Imbalance in ROS formation and degradation has also been implicated in essential hypertension. Essential hypertension is characterized by multiple genetic and environmental factors which do not completely explain its associated risk factors. Thereby, even if advances in therapy have led to a significant reduction in hypertension-associated complications, to interfere with the unbalance of redox signals might represent an additional therapeutic challenge. The decrease of nitric oxide (NO) levels, the antioxidant activity commonly found in preclinical models of hypertension and the ability of antioxidant approaches to reduce ROS levels have spurred clinicians to investigate the contribution of ROS in humans. Indeed, particular effort has recently been devoted to understanding how redox signaling may contribute to vascular pathobiology in human hypertension. However, although biomarkers of oxidative stress have been found to positively correlate with blood pressure in preclinical model of hypertension, human data are less convincing. We herein provide an overview of the most relevant mechanisms via which oxidative stress might contribute to the pathophysiology of essential hypertension. Moreover, alternative approaches, which are directed towards improving antioxidant machinery and/or interfering with ROS production, are also discussed.
Dynamic Recrystallization of the Constituent γ Phase and Mechanical Properties of Ti-43Al-9V-0.2Y Alloy Sheet
Authors: Zhang Yu , Wang Xiaopeng , Kong Fantao , Chen Yuyong
Published: September 2017

A crack-free Ti-43Al-9V-0.2Y alloy sheet was successfully fabricated via hot-pack rolling at 1200 °C. After hot-rolling, the β/γ lamellar microstructure of the as-forged TiAl alloy was completely converted into a homogeneous duplex microstructure with an average γ grain size of 10.5 μm. The dynamic recrystallization (DRX) of the γ phase was systematically investigated. A recrystallization fraction of 62.5% was obtained for the γ phase in the TiAl alloy sheet, when a threshold value of 0.8° was applied to the distribution of grain orientation spread (GOS) values. The high strain rate and high stress associated with hot-rolling are conducive for discontinuous dynamic recrystallization (DDRX) and continuous dynamic recrystallization (CDRX), respectively. A certain high-angle boundary (HAGB: θ = 89° ± 3°<100>), which is associated with DDRX, occurs in both the recrystallized and deformed γ grains. The twin boundaries play an important role in the DDRX of the γ phase. Additionally, the sub-structures and sub-boundaries originating from low-angle boundaries in the deformed grains also indicate that CDRX occurs. The mechanical properties of the alloy sheet were determined at both room and elevated temperatures. At 750 °C, the alloy sheet exhibited excellent elongation (53%), corresponding to a failure strength of 467 MPa.
Effects of Pulse Parameters on Weld Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Extra Pulse Current Aided Laser Welded 2219 Aluminum Alloy Joints
Authors: Zhang Xinge , Li Liqun , Chen Yanbin , Yang Zhaojun , Chen Yanli , Guo Xinjian
Published: September 2017

In order to expand the application range of laser welding and improve weld quality, an extra pulse current was used to aid laser-welded 2219 aluminum alloy, and the effects of pulse current parameters on the weld microstructure and mechanical properties were investigated. The effect mechanisms of the pulse current interactions with the weld pool were evaluated. The results indicated that the coarse dendritic structure in the weld zone changed to a fine equiaxed structure using an extra pulse current, and the pulse parameters, including medium peak current, relatively high pulse frequency, and low pulse duty ratio benefited to improving the weld structure. The effect mechanisms of the pulse current were mainly ascribed to the magnetic pinch effect, thermal effect, and electromigration effect caused by the pulse current. The effect of the pulse parameters on the mechanical properties of welded joints were consistent with that of the weld microstructure. The tensile strength and elongation of the optimal pulse current-aided laser-welded joint increased by 16.4% and 105%, respectively, compared with autogenous laser welding.
Torsional Fatigue Strength of Newly Developed Case Hardening TRIP-Aided Steel
Authors: Sugimoto Koh-ichi , Hojo Tomohiko , Mizuno Yuta
Published: September 2017

The torsional fatigue strength of newly developed case hardening steel, i.e., transformation-induced plasticity-aided martensitic steel subjected to vacuum carburizing followed by fine particle peening, was investigated for the fabrication of downsized precision gears with high torque capacity and wear resistance. The surface-hardened layer properties—i.e., high Vickers hardness, high compressive residual stress, and a large amount of retained austenite—considerably increased the torsional fatigue limits of vacuum-carburized and fine particle peened TM and JIS-SNCM420 steels, although the notch-sensitivity to fatigue was increased. The relation between torsional and rotational bending fatigue limits for the smooth specimens was found to be between the maximum principal stress and the minimum shear strain energy criterions. On the other hand, this relation for the notched specimens was represented through the maximum principal stress criterion.
Ceramic Materials in a Ti–C–Co–Ca3(PO4)2–Ag–Mg System Obtained by MA SHS for the Deposition of Biomedical Coatings
Authors: Potanin Artem , Pogozhev Yury , Novikov Alexander , Levashov Evgeny
Published: September 2017

This study aimed to obtain biocompatible ceramic materials in a Ti–C–Co–Ca3(PO4)2–Ag–Mg system by the combustion mode of mechanically activated (MA) reaction mixtures. The influence of the MA time on the reaction ability capability of the mixtures, on their structural and chemical homogeneity, on the combustion parameters and structural-phase conversions in the combustion wave, as well as on the structure and phase composition of the electrode materials has been researched. It was found that the intense treatment of powder mixtures causes plastic deformation of components, the formation of lamellar composite granules, a reduction in the sizes of coherent scattering regions, and also the formation of minor amounts of products. The influence of the activation duration of the ignition temperature and heat release during the combustion of the reaction mixtures was studied. By the method of quenching the combustion front, it was demonstrated that in a combustion wave, chemical transformations occur within the lamellar structures formed during the process of mechanoactivation. It was shown that in the combustion wave, parallel chemical reactions of Ti with C as well as Ti with Co and Ca3(PO4)2 occur, with a Ti–Co-based melt forming the reaction surface. Ceramic electrodes with different contents of Ag and Mg were synthesized by force self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS)-pressing technology using the MA mixtures. The microstructure of the materials consisted of round-shaped grains of nonstoichiometric titanium carbide TiCx grains, intermetallic matrix (TiCo, TiCo2, CoTiP), inclusions of Ca and Mg oxides, and grains of the Ag-based solid solution. An increased content of Ag and Mg in the composition of the electrodes, as well as an increased MA duration, leads to an enlargement of the inclusions of the Ag-containing phase size and deterioration in the uniformity of their distribution.
An NMR-Based Metabolomic Approach to Unravel the Preventive Effect of Water-Soluble Extract from Dendrobium officinale Kimura & Migo on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes in Mice
Authors: Zheng Hong , Pan Linlin , Xu Pengtao , Zhu Jianjun , Wang Ruohan , Zhu Wenzong , Hu Yongsheng , Gao Hongchang
Published: September 2017

Dendrobium officinale Kimura & Migo (D. officinale) is a precious herbal medicine. In this study, we investigated metabolic mechanism underlying the effect of D. officinale water extract (DOWE) on diabetes prevention in mice after streptozotocin (STZ) exposure using NMR-based metabolomics. Interestingly, we found a decrease in blood glucose and an increase in liver glycogen in mice pretreated with DOWE after STZ exposure. The DOWE pretreatment significantly increased citrate and glutamine in the serum as well as creatine, alanine, leucine, isoleucine, valine, glutamine, glutathione and taurine in the liver of STZ-treated mice. Furthermore, serum glucose was significantly negatively correlated with citrate, pyruvate, alanine, isoleucine, histidine and glutamine in the serum as well as alanine and taurine in the liver. These findings suggest that the effect of DOWE on diabetes prevention may be linked to increases in liver glycogen and taurine as well as the up-regulation of energy and amino acid metabolism.
Cytotoxic Evaluation of (2S)-5,7-Dihydroxy-6-prenylflavanone Derivatives Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles against MiaPaCa-2 Cells
Authors: Andrade-Carrera Berenice , Clares Beatriz , Noé Véronique , Mallandrich Mireia , Calpena Ana , García María , Garduño-Ramírez María
Published: September 2017

The search for new alternatives for the prevention and treatment of cancer is extremely important to minimize human mortality. Natural products are an alternative to chemical drugs, since they are a source of many potential compounds with anticancer properties. In the present study, the (2S)-5,7-dihydroxy-6-prenylflavanone (semi-systematic name), also called (2S)-5,7-dihydroxy-6-(3-methyl-2-buten-1-yl)-2-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-4H-1-Benzopyran-4-one (CAS Name registered) (1) was isolated from Eysenhardtia platycarpa leaves. This flavanone 1 was considered as the lead compound to generate new cytotoxic derivatives 1a, 1b, 1c and 1d. These compounds 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d were then loaded in nanosized drug delivery systems such as polymeric nanoparticles (NPs). Small homogeneous spherical shaped NPs were obtained. Cytotoxic activity of free compounds 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d and encapsulated in polymeric NPs (NPs1, NPs1a, NPs1b, NPs1c and NPs1d) were evaluated against the pancreatic cancer cell line MiaPaCa-2. The obtained results demonstrated that NPs1a and NPs1b exhibited optimal cytotoxicity, and an even higher improvement of the cytotoxic efficacy was exhibited with the encapsulation of 1a. Based on these results, NPs1a were proposed as promising anticancer agent candidates.
Biocompatibility of Titania Nanotube Coatings Enriched with Silver Nanograins by Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Piszczek Piotr , Lewandowska Żaneta , Radtke Aleksandra , Jędrzejewski Tomasz , Kozak Wiesław , Sadowska Beata , Szubka Magdalena , Talik Ewa , Fiori Fabrizio
Published: September 2017

Bioactivity investigations of titania nanotube (TNT) coatings enriched with silver nanograins (TNT/Ag) have been carried out. TNT/Ag nanocomposite materials were produced by combining the electrochemical anodization and chemical vapor deposition methods. Fabricated coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Raman spectroscopy. The release effect of silver ions from TNT/Ag composites immersed in bodily fluids, has been studied using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The metabolic activity assay (MTT) was applied to determine the L929 murine fibroblasts adhesion and proliferation on the surface of TNT/Ag coatings. Moreover, the results of immunoassays (using peripheral blood mononuclear cells—PBMCs isolated from rats) allowed the estimation of the immunological activity of TNT/Ag surface materials. Antibacterial activity of TNT/Ag coatings with different morphological and structural features was estimated against two Staphylococcus aureus strains (ATCC 29213 and H9). The TNT/Ag nanocomposite layers produced revealed a good biocompatibility promoting the fibroblast adhesion and proliferation. A desirable anti-biofilm activity against the S. aureus reference strain was mainly noticed for these TiO2 nanotube coatings, which contain dispersed Ag nanograins deposited on their surface.
The 1-Week and 8-Month Effects of a Ketogenic Diet or Ketone Salt Supplementation on Multi-Organ Markers of Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Function in Rats
Authors: Kephart Wesley , Mumford Petey , Mao Xuansong , Romero Matthew , Hyatt Hayden , Zhang Yufeng , Mobley Christopher , Quindry John , Young Kaelin , Beck Darren , Martin Jeffrey , McCullough Danielle , D’Agostino Dominic , Lowery Ryan , Wilson Jacob , Kavazis Andreas , Roberts Michael
Published: September 2017

We determined the short- and long-term effects of a ketogenic diet (KD) or ketone salt (KS) supplementation on multi-organ oxidative stress and mitochondrial markers. For short-term feedings, 4 month-old male rats were provided isocaloric amounts of KD (n = 10), standard chow (SC) (n = 10) or SC + KS (~1.2 g/day, n = 10). For long-term feedings, 4 month-old male rats were provided KD (n = 8), SC (n = 7) or SC + KS (n = 7) for 8 months and rotarod tested every 2 months. Blood, brain (whole cortex), liver and gastrocnemius muscle were harvested from all rats for biochemical analyses. Additionally, mitochondria from the brain, muscle and liver tissue of long-term-fed rats were analyzed for mitochondrial quantity (maximal citrate synthase activity), quality (state 3 and 4 respiration) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays. Liver antioxidant capacity trended higher in short-term KD- and SC + KS-fed versus SC-fed rats, and short-term KD-fed rats exhibited significantly greater serum ketones compared to SC + KS-fed rats indicating that the diet (not KS supplementation) induced ketonemia. In long term-fed rats: (a) serum ketones were significantly greater in KD- versus SC- and SC + KS-fed rats; (b) liver antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase protein was significantly greater in KD- versus SC-fed rats, respectively, while liver protein carbonyls were lowest in KD-fed rats; and (c) gastrocnemius mitochondrial ROS production was significantly greater in KD-fed rats versus other groups, and this paralleled lower mitochondrial glutathione levels. Additionally, the gastrocnemius pyruvate-malate mitochondrial respiratory control ratio was significantly impaired in long-term KD-fed rats, and gastrocnemius mitochondrial quantity was lowest in these animals. Rotarod performance was greatest in KD-fed rats versus all other groups at 2, 4 and 8 months, although there was a significant age-related decline in performance existed in KD-fed rats which was not evident in the other two groups. In conclusion, short- and long-term KD improves select markers of liver oxidative stress compared to SC feeding, although long-term KD feeding may negatively affect skeletal muscle mitochondrial physiology.
Baseline and Estimated Trends of Sodium Availability and Food Sources in the Costa Rican Population during 2004–2005 and 2012–2013
Authors: Blanco-Metzler Adriana , Moreira Claro Rafael , Heredia-Blonval Katrina , Caravaca Rodríguez Ivannia , Montero-Campos María , Legetic Branka , L’Abbe Mary
Published: September 2017

In 2012, Costa Rica launched a program to reduce salt and sodium consumption to prevent cardiovascular disease and associated risk factors, but little was known about the level of sodium consumption or its sources. Our aim was to estimate the magnitude and time trends of sodium consumption (based on food and beverage acquisitions) in Costa Rica. Data from the National Household Income and Expenditure Surveys carried out in 2004–2005 (n = 4231) and 2012–2013 (n = 5705) were used. Records of food purchases for household consumption were converted into sodium and energy using food composition tables. Mean sodium availability (per person/per day and adjusted for a 2000-kcal energy intake) and the contribution of food groups to this availability were estimated for each year. Sodium availability increased in the period from 3.9 to 4.6 g/person/day (p < 0.001). The income level was inversely related to sodium availability. The main sources of sodium in the diet were domestic salt (60%) in addition to processed foods and condiments (with added sodium) (27.4%). Dietary sources of sodium varied within surveys (p < 0.05). Sodium available for consumption in Costa Rican households largely exceeds the World Health Organization-recommended intake levels (<2 g sodium/person/day). These results are essential for the design and implementation of effective policies and interventions.
Flavonolignans Inhibit IL1-β-Induced Cross-Talk between Blood Platelets and Leukocytes
Authors: Bijak Michal , Dziedzic Angela , Synowiec Ewelina , Sliwinski Tomasz , Saluk-Bijak Joanna
Published: September 2017

Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β)—the most potent pro-inflammatory is responsible for a broad spectrum of immune and inflammatory responses, it induces T-cell and B-cell activation and consequently the synthesis of other pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as IFN-γ and TNF). IL-1β induces the formation of blood platelet-leukocyte aggregates (PLAs), which suggests that IL-1β significantly affects the cross-talk between blood platelets and the immune response system, leading to coronary thrombosis. The aim of our study is to investigate the effect of flavonolignans (silybin, silychristin and silydianin) on the IL-1β-induced interaction between platelets and leukocytes, as well as on the expression and the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors. Whole blood samples were pre-incubated with commercially available flavonolignans (silybin, silychristin and silydianin) in a concentration range of 10–100 µM (30 min, 37 °C). Next, samples were activated by IL-1β for 1 h. Blood platelet-leukocyte aggregates were detected by using the double-labeled flow cytometry (CD61/CD45). The level of produced cytokines was estimated via the ELISA immunoenzymatic method. IFN-γ and TNF gene expression was evaluated using Real Time PCR with TaqMan arrays. We observed that in a dose-dependent manner, silybin and silychristin inhibit the IL-1β-induced formation of blood platelet-leukocyte aggregates in whole blood samples, as well as the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines—IL-2, TNF, INF-α, and INF-γ. Additionally, these two flavonolignans abolished the IL-1β-induced expression of mRNA for IFN-γ and TNF. Our current results demonstrate that flavonolignans can be novel compounds used in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases with dual-use action as antiplatelet and anti-inflammatory agents.
What Are the “Long Nostrils” of YHWH?
Authors: Amzallag Nissim
Published: September 2017

The mention of YHWH’s “nostrils” (ʾapayīm) in the Bible is classically interpreted as a metonymy of the face and/or a metaphor for anger. The reference to their length and even to their elongation, however, rules out any entirely satisfying explanation in this semantic context. If this term is construed as a tuyère, as is identified in Dan 10:20, the use of ʾapayīm in Ex 15:8 becomes clear. This interpretation also explains the denotation of patience and loving-kindness as ʾerek ʾapayīm (the so-called “long nostrils” of YHWH) because the air pressure generated by a blast from a tuyère (=its power) decreases proportionally to its length. Accordingly, the liturgical formulae that includes this expression (Ex 34:6; Num 14:18; Joel 2:13; Jon 4:2; Pss 86:15; 103:8; 145:8; Neh 9:17) praise YHWH for the forbearance of voluntarily restraining the power of his reaction to annoying events on earth. This interpretation also clarifies the use of ʾap/ʾapayīm in Isa 48:9; Jer 15:15, and Nah 1:3. Furthermore, these last-mentioned instances reveal that beyond their metaphoric meaning, the divine ʾapayīm evoke an essential attribute of YHWH. The significance of these findings is discussed in view of the duality of anthropomorphic and aniconic representations of YHWH in ancient Israel.
From Fitnah to Thaura: The Metamorphosis of the Arab-Muslim Protest Movements
Authors: Shishkina Alisa , Issaev Leonid
Published: September 2017

Since 2011, the Arab world has entered a period of political turbulence accompanied by widespread growth of protest activity. The events that were metaphorically called the “Arab Spring” referring to the “Spring of Nations” of 1848, affected virtually all countries of the Middle East and North Africa. In Libya, Syria, and Yemen, antigovernment demonstrations led to almost complete destruction of statehood raising the question of the existence of these political entities in their former borders. Egypt and Tunisia ended up with a change in the ruling regimes that repeated many times. The ruling elites of other Arab countries, having experienced the wrath of the Arab streets to varying degrees, managed to stay in power. The “Arab Spring” events should be more adequately viewed in the framework of “fitnah”, a form of protest traditional in the Arab-Muslim political culture. Indeed, since the emergence of Islam, fitnah was one of the most common forms of protest activity in the Middle East. However, in the last two centuries, it was replaced by “thaura” or the “revolution,” much more common in the European mentality. While the term "fitnah" has mainly negative connotations, “thaura” has been praised in every possible way and even became the basis for commemorative practices. This paper makes an attempt to compare these two forms of protest in the Muslim world.
Planning of Knotting Based on Manipulation Skills with Consideration of Robot Mechanism/Motion and Its Realization by a Robot Hand System
Authors: Yamakawa Yuji , Namiki Akio , Ishikawa Masatoshi , Shimojo Makoto
Published: September 2017

This paper demonstrates the relationship between the production process of a knot and manipulation skills. First, we define the description (rope intersections, grasp type and fixation positions) of a knot. Second, we clarify the characteristics of the manipulation skills from the viewpoint of the knot description. Next, in order to obtain the production process of the knot, we propose an analysis method based on the structure of the knot and the characteristics of the manipulation skills. Using the proposed analysis method, we analyzed eight kinds of knots, formed with a single rope, two ropes or a single rope and an object. Finally, in order to validate the production process obtained by the proposed analysis method, we show experimental results of an overhand knot and a half hitch produced by using a robot hand system.
Antiallodynic Effects of Bee Venom in an Animal Model of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type 1 (CRPS-I)
Authors: Lee Sung , Lee Jae , Kim Yun , Choi Jung , Jeon Seung , Kim Dong , Jeong Hyeon , Lee You , Park Hue
Published: September 2017

Neuropathic pain in a chronic post-ischaemic pain (CPIP) model mimics the symptoms of complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS I). The administration of bee venom (BV) has been utilized in Eastern medicine to treat chronic inflammatory diseases accompanying pain. However, the analgesic effect of BV in a CPIP model remains unknown. The application of a tight-fitting O-ring around the left ankle for a period of 3 h generated CPIP in C57/Bl6 male adult mice. BV (1 mg/kg ; 1, 2, and 3 times) was administered into the SC layer of the hind paw, and the antiallodynic effects were investigated using the von Frey test and by measuring the expression of neurokinin type 1 (NK-1) receptors in dorsal root ganglia (DRG). The administration of BV dose-dependently reduced the pain withdrawal threshold to mechanical stimuli compared with the pre-administration value and with that of the control group. After the development of the CPIP model, the expression of NK-1 receptors in DRG increased and then decreased following the administration of BV. SC administration of BV results in the attenuation of allodynia in a mouse model of CPIP. The antiallodynic effect was objectively proven through a reduction in the increased expression of NK-1 receptors in DRG.
LEDGF/p75 Deficiency Increases Deletions at the HIV-1 cDNA Ends
Authors: Bueno Murilo , Reyes Daniel , Llano Manuel
Published: September 2017

Processing of unintegrated linear HIV-1 cDNA by the host DNA repair system results in its degradation and/or circularization. As a consequence, deficient viral cDNA integration generally leads to an increase in the levels of HIV-1 cDNA circles containing one or two long terminal repeats (LTRs). Intriguingly, impaired HIV-1 integration in LEDGF/p75-deficient cells does not result in a correspondent increase in viral cDNA circles. We postulate that increased degradation of unintegrated linear viral cDNA in cells lacking the lens epithelium-derived growth factor (LEDGF/p75) account for this inconsistency. To evaluate this hypothesis, we characterized the nucleotide sequence spanning 2-LTR junctions isolated from LEDGF/p75-deficient and control cells. LEDGF/p75 deficiency resulted in a significant increase in the frequency of 2-LTRs harboring large deletions. Of note, these deletions were dependent on the 3′ processing activity of integrase and were not originated by aberrant reverse transcription. Our findings suggest a novel role of LEDGF/p75 in protecting the unintegrated 3′ processed linear HIV-1 cDNA from exonucleolytic degradation.
A New Approach to Quantify Shallow Water Hydrologic Exchanges in a Large Regulated River Reach
Authors: Zhou Tian , Huang Maoyi , Bao Jie , Hou Zhangshuan , Arntzen Evan , Mackley Robert , Crump Alex , Goldman Amy , Song Xuehang , Xu Yi , Zachara John
Published: September 2017

Hydrologic exchange is a crucial component of the water cycle. The strength of the exchange directly affects the biogeochemical and ecological processes that occur in the hyporheic zone and aquifer from micro to reach scales. Hydrologic exchange fluxes (HEFs) can be quantified using many field measurement approaches, however, in a relatively large river (scale > 103 m), these approaches are limited by site accessibility, the difficulty of performing representative sampling, and the complexity of geomorphologic features and subsurface properties. In rivers regulated by hydroelectric dams, quantifying HEF rates becomes more challenging because of frequent hydropeaking events, featuring hourly to daily variations in flow and river stages created by dam operations. In this study, we developed and validated a new approach based on field measurements to estimate shallow water HEF rates across the river bed along the shoreline of the Columbia River, USA. Vertical thermal profiles measured by self-recording thermistors were combined with time series of hydraulic gradients derived from river stages and inland water levels to estimate the HEF rates. The results suggest that the HEF rates had high spatial and temporal heterogeneities over the riverbed, with predicted flux rates varied from +1 × 10−6 m s−1 to −1.5 × 10−6 m s−1 under different flow conditions.
High-speed vibration-milling-promoted synthesis of symmetrical frameworks containing two or three pyrrole units
Authors: Leonardi Marco , Villacampa Mercedes , Menéndez J Carlos
Published: September 2017

The pseudo-five-component reaction between β-dicarbonyl compounds (2 molecules), diamines and α-iodoketones (2 molecules), prepared in situ from aryl ketones, was performed efficiently under mechanochemical conditions involving high-speed vibration milling with a single zirconium oxide ball. This reaction afforded symmetrical frameworks containing two pyrrole or fused pyrrole units joined by a spacer, which are of interest in the exploration of chemical space for drug discovery purposes. The method was also extended to the synthesis of one compound containing three identical pyrrole fragments via a pseudo-seven-component reaction. Access to compounds having a double bond in their spacer chain was achieved by a different approach involving the homodimerization of 1-allyl- or 1-homoallylpyrroles by application of cross-metathesis chemistry.
ALMA Thermal Observations of a Proposed Plume Source Region on Europa
Authors: Trumbo Samantha K. , Brown Michael E. , Butler Bryan J.
Published: September 2017

We present a daytime thermal image of Europa taken with the Atacama Large Millimeter Array. The imaged region includes the area northwest of Pwyll Crater, which is associated with a nighttime thermal excess seen by the Galileo Photopolarimeter Radiometer and with two potential plume detections. We develop a global thermal model of Europa and simulate both the daytime and nighttime thermal emission to determine if the nighttime thermal anomaly is caused by excess endogenic heat flow, as might be expected from a plume source region. We find that the nighttime and daytime brightness temperatures near Pwyll Crater cannot be matched by including excess heat flow at that location. Rather, we can successfully model both measurements by increasing the local thermal inertia of the surface.
Orbital Advection with Magnetohydrodynamics and Vector Potential
Authors: Lyra Wladimir , McNally Colin P. , Heinemann Tobias , Masset Frédéric
Published: September 2017

Orbital advection is a significant bottleneck in disk simulations, and a particularly tricky one when used in connection with magnetohydrodynamics. We have developed an orbital advection algorithm suitable for the induction equation with magnetic potential. The electromotive force is split into advection and shear terms, and we find that we do not need an advective gauge since solving the orbital advection implicitly precludes the shear term from canceling the advection term. We prove and demonstrate the third order in time accuracy of the scheme. The algorithm is also suited to non-magnetic problems. Benchmarked results of (hydrodynamical) planet–disk interaction and of the magnetorotational instability are reproduced. We include detailed descriptions of the construction and selection of stabilizing dissipations (or high-frequency filters) needed to generate practical results. The scheme is self-consistent, accurate, and elegant in its simplicity, making it particularly efficient for straightforward finite-difference methods. As a result of the work, the algorithm is incorporated in the public version of the Pencil Code, where it can be used by the community.
Dispersion Measure Variation of Repeating Fast Radio Burst Sources
Authors: Yang Yuan-Pei , Zhang Bing
Published: September 2017

The repeating fast radio burst (FRB) 121102 was recently localized in a dwarf galaxy at a cosmological distance. The dispersion measure (DM) derived for each burst from FRB 121102 so far has not shown significant evolution, even though an apparent increase was recently seen with newly detected VLA bursts. It is expected that more repeating FRB sources may be detected in the future. In this work, we investigate a list of possible astrophysical processes that might cause DM variation of a particular FRB source. The processes include (1) cosmological scale effects such as Hubble expansion and large-scale structure fluctuations; (2) FRB local effects such as gas density fluctuation, expansion of a supernova remnant (SNR), a pulsar wind nebula, and an H ii region; and (3) the propagation effect due to plasma lensing. We find that the DM variations contributed by the large-scale structure are extremely small, and any observable DM variation is likely caused by the plasma local to the FRB source. In addition to mechanisms that decrease DM over time, we suggest that an FRB source in an expanding SNR around a nearly neutral ambient medium during the deceleration (Sedov–Taylor and snowplow) phases or in a growing H ii region can increase DM. Some effects (e.g., an FRB source moving in an H ii region or plasma lensing) can produce either positive or negative DM variations. Future observations of DM variations of FRB 121102 and other repeating FRB sources can provide important clues regarding the physical origin of these sources.
Non-local Thermodynamic Equilibrium Stellar Spectroscopy with 1D and
Models. I. Methods and Application to Magnesium Abundances in Standard Stars
Authors: Bergemann Maria , Collet Remo , Amarsi Anish M. , Kovalev Mikhail , Ruchti Greg , Magic Zazralt
Published: September 2017

We determine Mg abundances in six Gaia benchmark stars using theoretical one-dimensional (1D) hydrostatic model atmospheres, as well as temporally and spatially averaged three-dimensional (

) model atmospheres. The stars cover a range of

from 4700 to 6500 K,

from 1.6 to 4.4 dex, and

from −3.0 dex to solar. Spectrum synthesis calculations are performed in local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) and in non-LTE (NLTE) using the oscillator strengths recently published by Pehlivan Rhodin et al. We find that: (a) Mg abundances determined from the infrared spectra are as accurate as the optical diagnostics, (b) the NLTE effects on Mg i line strengths and abundances in this sample of stars are minor (although for a few Mg i lines the NLTE effects on abundance exceed

in

and

in 1D, (c) the solar Mg abundance is

(total error), in excellent agreement with the Mg abundance measured in CI chondritic meteorites, (d) the 1D NLTE and

NLTE approaches can be used with confidence to analyze optical Mg i lines in spectra of dwarfs and sub-giants, but for red giants the Mg i 5711 Å line should be preferred, (e) low-excitation Mg i lines are sensitive to the atmospheric structure; for these lines, LTE calculations with

models lead to significant systematic abundance errors. The methods developed in this work will be used to study Mg abundances of a large sample of stars in the next paper in the series.
« Courtoisie routière » à Kinshasa et à Lubumbashi : un instrument politique pour le maintien de l’ordre public
Authors: Malukisa Nkuku Albert
Published: September 2017

La courtoisie routière relève traditionnellement des relations de politesse entre conducteurs ou usagers de la route. Cette grille de lecture est en décalage avec les réalités des villes congolaises, où la courtoisie routière désigne en fait la période au cours de laquelle les autorités publiques interdisent aux policiers d’arrêter les automobilistes pour lutter contre la corruption et les tracasseries. Contrairement à ce qui apparaît souvent dans la littérature, cet article démontre que les pratiques relevant de la « petite corruption » génèrent un certain ordre social à Kinshasa et à Lubumbashi, d’où l’intérêt des autorités publiques à fermer les yeux et à intervenir seulement lorsque l’ordre public est menacé par la rupture des ententes entre policiers et automobilistes.
Prédation et expropriation pour cause d’utilité publique au Cameroun
Authors: Lado Hervé
Published: September 2017

L’expropriation fait partie des impacts négatifs d’un projet, tout comme la pollution ou d’autres nuisances temporaires ou permanentes qui pèsent sur l’environnement naturel et humain. Au Cameroun, plusieurs dispositions juridiques encadrent l’expropriation pour cause d’utilité publique et imposent des compensations aux personnes affectées. Pourtant, même lorsque les normes sociétales internationales les plus rigoureuses sont appliquées, ces victimes, peu conscientes de leurs droits, demeurent exposées à des comportements de prédation qui se manifestent par la confiscation de leurs droits. Pour qu’elles soient efficaces, les réformes favorables à la lutte contre les pratiques de prédation dans les opérations d’expropriation doivent s’inscrire dans une dynamique sociétale plus large d’ouverture à tous des opportunités économiques et politiques.
Les underdog entrepreneurs : quand l’adversité crée des bâtisseurs
Authors: Miller Danny , Len Breton-Miller Isabelle
Published: September 2017

Les gens seraient généralement encouragés à devenir des entrepreneurs grâce à des conditions favorables telles que le talent, l’énergie, de fortes personnalités ainsi que des environnements sociaux et économiques propices. Mais quand on examine la provenance de nombreux entrepreneurs en se basant sur des enquêtes nationales et internationales, on constate que des groupes fortement désavantagés sont nettement surreprésentés.
Parcours, bifurcations, ruptures, éléments de compréhension de la mobilisation actuelle de ces concepts
Authors: Bouquet Brigitte , Dubéchot Patrick
Published: September 2017

Ce premier article tente de fournir un cadre conceptuel à des termes qui aujourd’hui circulent, sont véhiculés par les textes de politiques publiques, les travaux des chercheurs, des professionnels de l’intervention sociale. Il n’est pas sans intérêt de resituer les conditions d’émergence de ce vocabulaire dans leurs contextes sociétaux. Cette brève approche des concepts de parcours, de bifurcations, de ruptures montre qu’ils sont encore en construction. Ils recouvrent des enjeux politiques et sociaux importants que vont éclairer les articles de ce numéro.
Les jeunes majeurs sans soutien familial : entre ruptures de parcours et trajectoires toutes tracées
Authors: Jung Céline
Published: September 2017

Alors que la continuité des parcours est devenue l’un des objectifs affichés de la protection de l’enfance, garantie par un projet pour l’enfant supposé prendre en compte le devenir à long terme, les études montrent que les jeunes protégés accédant à la majorité civile sont frappés par une rupture brutale au moment de leurs 18 ans. L’aide facultative dont peuvent bénéficier les jeunes sans soutien familial de 18 à 21 ans au titre de l’Aide sociale à l’enfance est en effet de plus en plus sous tension : fortement contraignante pour les jeunes, elle est aussi de plus en plus remise en cause, voire supprimée dans certains départements. L’alternative pour les jeunes se situe souvent entre rupture brutale ou adhésion contractuelle à un parcours stéréotypé imposé par les services. Dans un contexte de structuration des trajectoires des individus, non plus en statuts mais en parcours, les inflexions sur les parcours des enfants placés creusent des inégalités.
Parcours de vie, rupture de santé : quand se maintenir en vie devient un projet
Authors: Tourette-Turgis Catherine
Published: September 2017

Les progrès des connaissances dans le champ de la médecine ont considérablement contribué à l’amélioration de la condition des malades atteints d’affections chroniques en leur permettant de vivre mieux et surtout plus longtemps. Mais ce progrès n’a pas été assorti des transformations sociales qui auraient pu en découler, comme la mise en place de dispositifs de réinsertion professionnelle au service du développement ou du redéploiement personnel des malades.
Joint optimization of economic production quantity and preventive maintenance with considering multi-products and reserve time
Authors: Liu Xuejuan , Wang Binrong
Published: September 2017

Purpose: We deal with the problem of the joint determination of optimal economic production quantity (EPQ) and optimal preventive maintenance (PM) for a system that can produce multiple products alternately. The objective is to find the optimal number of production cycles and the PM policy simultaneously by minimizing the cost model.Design/methodology/approach: Considering the products go through the system in a sequence and a complete run of all products forms a production cycle. In each cycle, beyond production time we also consider some reserve time for maintenance and setup, shortage and overproduction may occur. We study the integrated problem based on two PM policies, and explain the situation with the other PM policies. The delay – time concept is used to model PM decisions.Findings: Using the integrated EPQ and PM model, we can calculate the optimal production planning and PM schedule simultaneously, especially we consider multiple products in each production cycle, which is more practical and economic than previous works.Originality/value: In modern companies, the production planning and maintenance schedule share the same system, and traditional research about two activities is separated, that always generate conflicts, such as inadequate or excessive maintenance, and shortages, etc., so we develop the integrated EPQ and PM model to avoid these undesirable effects.
Más sobre la cantidad de -u en los neutros de la 4ª declinación latina
Authors: Suárez-Martínez Pedro Manuel
Published: September 2017

En este artículo se discuten ciertos nuevos argumentos aportados para sostener que la cantidad de la -u final de las formas de nominativo, vocativo y acusativo singular de los nombres neutros de la cuarta declinación latina es larga. El autor se reafirma en su idea inicial de que es breve.
Villa en Cologny, Ginebra (Suiza)
Authors: Brera Georges
Published: September 2017

Las premisas fundamentales que han condicionado la redacción de este proyecto y han determinado la elección de la solución adoptada, han sido las siguientes: a) El declive del terreno situado sobre la loma de Cologny; b) Un punto de vista excepcional sobre la rada de Ginebra; c) Asegurar una intimidad particular a las cuatro partes de que consta esta importante vivienda: estar-recepción, huéspedes, privada y de personal; d) Crear un espacio suficientemente amplio para las recepciones estivales (relación entre la zona de estar-recepción, hall de verano y patio despejado hacia las vistas); e) Protección de todos los edificios y sus terrazas del cierzo (viento frío dominante en la región).