bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Third Walker
Authors: Mays J.C.C.
Published: April 2016

A review of the two most recent collections by Billy Mills and Catherine Walsh: namely, Imaginary Gardens and Astonished Birds/Cara, Jane, Bob and James, both published by hardPressed poetry in 2012. An attempt is made to describe how both authors are concerned to write a different kind of poetry than that which achieves greater public success in our time, as represented by recent collections by Harry Clifton.
The Poetics of Elegy in Maurice Scully's Humming
Authors: Fryatt Kit
Published: April 2016

Maurice Scully published Humming (2009), a single, self-contained work, after the completion of the monumental eight-book ‘set’ Things That Happen (1987–2008). Humming is an elegy, dedicated to the poet's brother, who died in 2004. This article explores Humming as a poem of mourning, assessing the extent to which it expresses and subverts some of the traditional characteristics and functions of elegy. Elegies often include pastoral motifs, repetitions (particularly repeated questions), an element of imprecation, multivocal performance, commentary on the elegist's ambition and achievement, and enact a general movement from grief to consolation; this essay considers the forms these take. For Scully, whose poetic practice advocates self-effacement, the egoistical nature of elegy, its emphasis on accomplishment and aspiration, presents a problem which is perhaps only partially overcome by the formal strategies discussed here. Poetry without designs upon its subjects or readers remains a goal to be achieved: 'it is hard/ work whichever way/ you look at it.' In conclusion, however, it might be said that Humming, like many elegies, enacts a transition between different phases of the poet's work.
Coherent Momentum Exchange above and within a Scots Pine Forest
Authors: Mohr Manuel , Schindler Dirk
Published: April 2016

Biorthogonal decomposition (BOD) is used to detect and study synchronous coherent structures occurring at multiple levels in the vertical momentum flux (u′w′) within and above a planted Scots pine forest during a 12-week continuous measurement period. In this study, the presented method allowed for the simultaneous detection and quantification of the number of coherent structures (N), their duration (D) and separation (S) at five measurement heights (z1–z5) covering the range z1/h = 0.11 to z5/h = 1.67, with h being the mean stand height at the measurement site. Results presented for five different exchange regimes (C1–C5) and for four different atmospheric stability conditions (stable, transition to stable, near-neutral, forced convection) demonstrate that during the measurement period, above-canopy momentum flux was only to a limited extent involved in the evolution of spatiotemporal momentum flux patterns found within the below-canopy space. Fully-coupled turbulent momentum exchange over the investigated height range occurred during 19% of all analyzed half-hourly datasets. Across the analyzed exchange regimes, the median contribution of strong sweeps and ejections to total momentum transfer above the canopy varied between 30% and 39% while covering 28%–32% of the time. In the below-canopy space, the contribution of coherent structures varied between 19% and 21% while covering the same amount of time. This suggests that momentum transfer through synchronous coherent structures is very efficient above the forest canopy, but attenuated in the below-canopy space. Since the majority of the presented results agrees well with the results from previous studies that analyzed coherent structures at single levels, the BOD is a promising tool for the consistent investigation of synchronous coherent structures at multiple measurement heights.
Analyses of the Instabilities in the Discretized Diffusion Equations via Information Theory
Authors: Bigerelle Maxence , Naceur Hakim , Iost Alain
Published: April 2016

In a previous investigation (Bigerelle and Iost, 2004), the authors have proposed a physical interpretation of the instability λ = Δt/Δx2 > 1/2 of the parabolic partial differential equations when solved by finite differences. However, our results were obtained using integration techniques based on erf functions meaning that no statistical fluctuation was introduced in the mathematical background. In this paper, we showed that the diffusive system can be divided into sub-systems onto which a Brownian motion is applied. Monte Carlo simulations are carried out to reproduce the macroscopic diffusive system. It is shown that the amount of information characterized by the compression ratio of information of the system is pertinent to quantify the entropy of the system according to some concepts introduced by the authors (Bigerelle and Iost, 2007). Thanks to this mesoscopic discretization, it is proved that information on each sub-cell of the diffusion map decreases with time before the unstable equality λ = 1/2 and increases after this threshold involving an increase in negentropy, i.e., a decrease in entropy contrarily to the second principle of thermodynamics.
Code-to-Code Validation and Application of a Dynamic Simulation Tool for the Building Energy Performance Analysis
Authors: Buonomano Annamaria
Published: April 2016

In this paper details about the results of a code-to-code validation procedure of an in-house developed building simulation model, called DETECt, are reported. The tool was developed for research purposes in order to carry out dynamic building energy performance and parametric analyses by taking into account new building envelope integrated technologies, novel construction materials and innovative energy saving strategies. The reliability and accuracy of DETECt was appropriately tested by means of the standard BESTEST validation procedure. In the paper, details of this validation process are accurately described. A good agreement between the obtained results and all the reference data of the BESTEST qualification cases is achieved. In particular, the obtained results vs. standard BESTEST output are always within the provided ranges of confidence. In addition, several test cases output obtained by DETECt (e.g., dynamic profiles of indoor air and building surfaces temperature and heat fluxes and spatial trends of temperature across walls) are provided.
The Sociocultural and Economic Evolution of Mansaf in Hartha, Northern Jordan
Authors: Alobiedat Ammar
Published: April 2016

Food and cooking techniques play key roles in preserving cultural sustainability and individual identity. Everything people eat becomes a part of not only their biological being, but also represents and identifies a part of a community’s sociocultural fabric. Using the loom approach, a new model to heritage interpretation, this paper intends to examine the sociocultural and economic dynamics during the preparation, cooking, and eating of mansaf—Jordan’s national dish—throughout its history. To reconstruct the heritage of mansaf and present it as a complete picture, both the tangible heritage, such as cooking equipment, whether modern or traditional, and the intangible heritage, such as the cooking techniques and associated traditions and activities, were analyzed. Mansaf has changed greatly over the past decades; however, living memory does not extend much beyond the 1940s within the informants to further examine mansaf’s changes in the case study of the village of Hartha, Northwest Jordan. Mansaf still remains an important signifier of major occasions, a tie to local heritage, and part of local and national identities.
Foodways, Campervans and the Terms of Mobility: Transnational Belonging, Home, and Heritage in the Narrative of “Sud Italia”
Authors: Wall Georgia
Published: April 2016

International popular culture continues to remediate and perpetuate the link between food and ideas of Italian identity. A range of analytical approaches have become concerned with food and drink in Italian culture: the importance of food industries in patterns of Italian migration and Italy’s economy, the recurrence of the Mediterranean diet in public health debates, the emotive value attached to foodways, and their role in constructing subjectivity are all recognized as fertile terrain for research. Nevertheless, a lack of audience-reception research on the social and cultural uses of both food and food-related media has been identified. Responding to this inviting opening, the following article is based on data collated between October 2014 and January 2016 as part of the ongoing “Transnationalizing Modern Languages” project. Focusing on London as a particular axis of both contemporary and historic Italian migration to England and the UK, my research utilizes selected small-medium food enterprises in the UK capital, and the personal narratives of migration they form part of, to reflect simultaneously upon the contemporary appeal of foodways read as Italian in Britain and the practical implications of meanings ascribed to foodways by subjects identifying as Italian. Positing the intersection between public and private represented in these food narratives as one of the most productive sites for reflection upon more general social development and experience, I offer a critical reading of “Sud Italia”, a mobile pizzeria in which the contradictory dynamics of subjectivity/objectivity and mobility/fixity are symbolised. Drawing on participatory ethnography, the article seeks to contribute further understanding to the multifaceted concepts of “belonging”, “home” and “heritage” by grounding their relevance in practical, day-to-day realities.
Health Aspects of Climate Change in Cities with Mediterranean Climate, and Local Adaptation Plans
Authors: Paz Shlomit , Negev Maya , Clermont Alexandra , Green Manfred
Published: April 2016

Cities with a Mediterranean-type climate (Med-cities) are particularly susceptible to health risks from climate change since they are located in biogeographical hot-spots that experience some of the strongest effects of the changing climate. The study aims to highlight health impacts of climate change in Med-cities, analyze local climate adaptation plans and make adaptation policy recommendations for the Med-city level. We identified five Med-cities with a climate change adaptation plan: Adelaide, Barcelona, Cape Town, Los Angeles and Santiago. Beyond their similar Med-climate features (although Santiago’s are slightly different), the cities have different socio-economic characteristics in various aspects. We analyzed each plan according to how it addresses climate change-related drivers of health impacts among city dwellers. For each driver, we identified the types of policy adaptation tools that address it in the urban climate adaptation plans. The surveyed cities address most of the fundamental climate change-related drivers of risks to human health, including rising temperatures, flooding and drought, but the policy measures to reduce negative impacts vary across cities. We suggest recommendations for Med-cities in various aspects, depending on their local needs and vulnerability challenges: assessment of health risks, extreme events management and long-term adaptation, among others.
Shape-Dependent Single-Electron Levels for Au Nanoparticles
Authors: Barmparis Georgios , Kopidakis Georgios , Remediakis Ioannis
Published: April 2016

The shape of metal nanoparticles has a crucial role in their performance in heterogeneous catalysis as well as photocatalysis. We propose a method of determining the shape of nanoparticles based on measurements of single-electron quantum levels. We first consider nanoparticles in two shapes of high symmetry: cube and sphere. We then focus on Au nanoparticles in three characteristic shapes that can be found in metal/inorganic or metal/organic compounds routinely used in catalysis and photocatalysis. We describe the methodology we use to solve the Schrödinger equation for arbitrary nanoparticle shape. The method gives results that agree well with analytical solutions for the high-symmetry shapes. When we apply our method in realistic gold nanoparticle models, which are obtained from Wulff construction based on first principles calculations, the single-electron levels and their density of states exhibit distinct shape-dependent features. Results for clean-surface nanoparticles are closer to those for cubic particles, while CO-covered nanoparticles have energy levels close to those of a sphere. Thiolate-covered nanoparticles with multifaceted polyhedral shape have distinct levels that are in between those for sphere and cube. We discuss how shape-dependent electronic structure features could be identified in experiments and thus guide catalyst design.
Stagnation-Point Flow towards a Stretching Vertical Sheet with Slip Effects
Authors: Zaimi Khairy , Ishak Anuar
Published: April 2016

The effects of partial slip on stagnation-point flow and heat transfer due to a stretching vertical sheet is investigated. Using a similarity transformation, the governing partial differential equations are reduced into a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. The resulting equations are solved numerically using a shooting method. The effect of slip and buoyancy parameters on the velocity, temperature, skin friction coefficient and the local Nusselt number are graphically presented and discussed. It is found that dual solutions exist in a certain range of slip and buoyancy parameters. The skin friction coefficient decreases while the Nusselt number increases as the slip parameter increases.
A Micro Saddle Coil with Switchable Sensitivity for Local High-Resolution Imaging of Luminal Tissue
Authors: Dohi Tetsuji , Murashige Kousuke
Published: April 2016

This paper reports on a micro saddle coil for local high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) fabricated by embedding a flexible coil pattern into a polydimethyilsiloxane (PDMS) tube. We can change the sensitivity of the micro coil by deforming the shape of the coil from a saddle-shaped mode to a planar-shaped mode. The inductance, the resistance, and the Q-factor of the coil in the saddle-shaped mode were 2.45 μH, 3.31 Ω, and 39.9, respectively. Those of the planar-shaped mode were 3.07 μH, 3.92 Ω, and 42.9, respectively. In MRI acquired in saddle-shaped mode, a large visible area existed around the coil. Although the sensitive area was considerably reduced in the planar-shaped mode, clear MRI images were obtained. The signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) of the saddle-shaped and planar-shaped modes were 194.9 and 505.9, respectively, at voxel size of 2.0 × 2.0 × 2.0 mm3 and 11.7 and 37.4, respectively, at voxel size of 0.5 × 0.5 × 1.0 mm3. The sensitivity of the saddle-shaped and the planar-shaped modes were about 3 times and 10 times higher, respectively, than those of the medical head coil at both voxel sizes. Thus, the micro saddle coil enabled large-area imaging and highly sensitive imaging by switching the shape of the coil.
The Effect of an Optimized Wet Milling Technology on the Crystallinity, Morphology and Dissolution Properties of Micro- and Nanonized Meloxicam
Authors: Bartos Csilla , Szabó-Révész Piroska , Bartos Csaba , Katona Gábor , Jójárt-Laczkovich Orsolya , Ambrus Rita
Published: April 2016

This article reports on the effects of a new combined wet milling technique on the physicochemical properties of meloxicam (MEL). The influence of milling time on the particle size, the crystallinity, the morphology and the dissolution rate of MEL has been studied in the presence and absence of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a stabilizer agent. Micronized MEL particles were produced in aqueous medium which did not contain additive after milling for 10 min. For nanonization an additive and longer milling time were required. After particle size determination the structural and morphological characterization of the wet milled, dried products containing MEL were studied. X-ray powder diffractometry (XRPD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) examinations revealed the change in the crystallinity of MEL. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that aggregates of nanosized MEL particles were formed, regardless of the presence of PVA. The nanonized MEL crystals (D50 = 126 nm) exhibited a regular shape and a smooth surface. The increased specific surface area resulted in a high dissolution rate and concentration of free MEL. According to the results, the produced samples could be applied as a basic material (micronized MEL) and intermediate product (micronized and nanonized MEL with PVA) for the design of dosage forms.
Natural Phytochemicals in the Treatment and Prevention of Dementia: An Overview
Authors: Libro Rosaliana , Giacoppo Sabrina , Soundara Rajan Thangavelu , Bramanti Placido , Mazzon Emanuela
Published: April 2016

The word dementia describes a class of heterogeneous diseases which etiopathogenetic mechanisms are not well understood. There are different types of dementia, among which, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), vascular dementia (VaD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are the more common. Currently approved pharmacological treatments for most forms of dementia seem to act only on symptoms without having profound disease-modifying effects. Thus, alternative strategies capable of preventing the progressive loss of specific neuronal populations are urgently required. In particular, the attention of researchers has been focused on phytochemical compounds that have shown antioxidative, anti-amyloidogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties and that could represent important resources in the discovery of drug candidates against dementia. In this review, we summarize the neuroprotective effects of the main phytochemicals belonging to the polyphenol, isothiocyanate, alkaloid and cannabinoid families in the prevention and treatment of the most common kinds of dementia. We believe that natural phytochemicals may represent a promising sources of alternative medicine, at least in association with therapies approved to date for dementia.
Delivery of Gemcitabine Prodrugs Employing Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles
Authors: Malfanti Alessio , Miletto Ivana , Bottinelli Emanuela , Zonari Daniele , Blandino Giulia , Berlier Gloria , Arpicco Silvia
Published: April 2016

In this paper, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) were studied as vehicles for the delivery of the antitumoral drug gemcitabine (GEM) and of its 4-(N)-acyl derivatives, (4-(N)-valeroyl-(C5GEM), 4-(N)-lauroyl-(C12GEM) and 4-(N)-stearoyl-gemcitabine (C18GEM)). The loading of the GEM lipophilic prodrugs on MSNs was explored with the aim to obtain both a physical and a chemical protection of GEM from rapid plasmatic metabolization. For this purpose, MSNs as such or with grafted aminopropyl and carboxyethyl groups were prepared and characterized. Then, their different drug loading capacity in relation to the nature of the functional group was evaluated. In our experimental conditions, GEM was not loaded in any MSNs, while C12GEM was the most efficiently encapsulated and employed for further evaluation. The results showed that loading capacity increased with the presence of functional groups on the nanoparticles; similarly, the presence of functional groups on MSNs’ surface influenced the drug release profile. Finally, the cytotoxicity of the different preparations was evaluated and data showed that C12GEM loaded MSNs are less cytotoxic than the free drug with an activity that increased with the incubating time, indicating that all these systems are able to release the drug in a controlled manner. Altogether, the results demonstrate that these MSNs could be an interesting system for the delivery of anticancer drugs.
The Effects of Fungicide, Soil Fumigant, Bio-Organic Fertilizer and Their Combined Application on Chrysanthemum Fusarium Wilt Controlling, Soil Enzyme Activities and Microbial Properties
Authors: Zhao Shuang , Chen Xi , Deng Shiping , Dong Xuena , Song Aiping , Yao Jianjun , Fang Weimin , Chen Fadi
Published: April 2016

Sustained monoculture often leads to a decline in soil quality, in particular to the build-up of pathogen populations, a problem that is conventionally addressed by the use of either fungicide and/or soil fumigation. This practice is no longer considered to be either environmentally sustainable or safe. While the application of organic fertilizer is seen as a means of combating declining soil fertility, it has also been suggested as providing some control over certain soil-borne plant pathogens. Here, a greenhouse comparison was made of the Fusarium wilt control efficacy of various treatments given to a soil in which chrysanthemum had been produced continuously for many years. The treatments comprised the fungicide carbendazim (MBC), the soil fumigant dazomet (DAZ), the incorporation of a Paenibacillus polymyxa SQR21 (P. polymyxa SQR21, fungal antagonist) enhanced bio-organic fertilizer (BOF), and applications of BOF combined with either MBC or DAZ. Data suggest that all the treatments evaluated show good control over Fusarium wilt. The MBC and DAZ treatments were effective in suppressing the disease, but led to significant decrease in urease activity and no enhancement of catalase activity in the rhizosphere soils. BOF including treatments showed significant enhancement in soil enzyme activities and microbial communities compared to the MBC and DAZ, evidenced by differences in bacterial/fungi (B/F) ratios, Shannon–Wiener indexes and urease, catalase and sucrase activities in the rhizosphere soil of chrysanthemum. Of all the treatments evaluated, DAZ/BOF application not only greatly suppressed Fusarium wilt and enhanced soil enzyme activities and microbial communities but also promoted the quality of chrysanthemum obviously. Our findings suggest that combined BOF with DAZ could more effectively control Fusarium wilt disease of chrysanthemum.
Effect of a School-Based Intervention on Nutritional Knowledge and Habits of Low-Socioeconomic School Children in Israel: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kaufman-Shriqui Vered , Fraser Drora , Friger Michael , Geva Dikla , Bilenko Natalya , Vardi Hillel , Elhadad Naama , Mor Karen , Feine Zvi , Shahar Danit
Published: April 2016

Early social and economic deprivation, associated with poor nutrition and physical inactivity, may lead to adverse health trajectories. A cluster-randomized controlled-trial examining the effect of a school-based comprehensive intervention on nutrition knowledge, eating habits, and behaviors among low socioeconomic status (LSES) school-aged children was performed. LSES school-aged children (4–7 years) and their mothers were recruited from 11 schools, located in one town. The intervention was implemented on three levels: children, mothers, and teachers. The intervention (IArm) included nutrition classes for children, mothers, and teachers and physical activity (PA) classes for children; the control (CArm) received PA only. Interventions were conducted by professional personnel, who were trained during in a two-day session to deliver the specific program in schools. Family data were obtained by parental interviews. Food knowledge observations, packed lunch records, and anthropometric measurements were obtained in school at baseline, six months, and at the end of the school year. Of 258 children enrolled, 220 (87.6%) completed the six-month program. Only children in the IArm improved their nutrition knowledge and eating-habits and increased food variety and fruit and vegetable consumption, quality score of packed lunches (p < 0.001 for all), habitual water drinking increased (p = 0.02), and decreased sweet-drink consumption (p = 0.05). A school-based comprehensive nutrition intervention targeting LSES population improved eating habits, nutritional knowledge, and healthier packed lunches.
Estimation of BER from Error Vector Magnitude for Optical Coherent Systems
Authors: Fatadin Irshaad
Published: April 2016

This paper presents the estimation of bit error ratio (BER) from error vector magnitude (EVM) for M-ary quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) formats in optical coherent systems employing carrier phase recovery with differential decoding to compensate for laser phase noise. Simulation results show that the relationship to estimate BER from EVM analysis for data-aided reception can also be applied to nondata-aided reception with a correction factor for different combined linewidth symbol duration product at the target BER of 10 − 3 . It is demonstrated that the calibrated BER, which would otherwise be underestimated without the correction factor, can reliably monitor the performance of optical coherent systems near the target BER for quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK), 16-QAM, and 64-QAM.
Design and Utility of Metal/Metal Oxide Nanoparticles Mediated by Thioether End-Functionalized Polymeric Ligands
Authors: Razzaque Shumaila , Hussain Syed , Hussain Irshad , Tan Bien
Published: April 2016

The past few decades have witnessed significant advances in the development of functionalized metal/metal oxide nanoparticles including those of inorganic noble metals and magnetic materials stabilized by various polymeric ligands. Recent applications of such functionalized nanoparticles, including those in bio-imaging, sensing, catalysis, drug delivery, and other biomedical applications have triggered the need for their facile and reproducible preparation with a better control over their size, shape, and surface chemistry. In this perspective, the multidentate polymer ligands containing functional groups like thiol, thioether, and ester are important surface ligands for designing and synthesizing stable nanoparticles (NPs) of metals or their oxides with reproducibility and high yield. These ligands have offered an unprecedented control over the particle size of both nanoparticles and nanoclusters with enhanced colloidal stability, having tunable solubility in aqueous and organic media, and tunable optical, magnetic, and fluorescent properties. This review summarizes the synthetic methodologies and stability of nanoparticles and fluorescent nanoclusters of metals (Au, Ag, Cu, Pt, and other transition metal oxides) prepared by using thioether based ligands and highlights their applications in bio-imaging, sensing, drug delivery, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and catalysis. The future applications of fluorescent metal NPs like thermal gradient optical imaging, single molecule optoelectronics, sensors, and optical components of the detector are also envisaged.
Impulse Magnetization of Nd-Fe-B Sintered Magnets for Sensors
Authors: Przybylski Marek , Kapelski Dariusz , Ślusarek Barbara , Wiak Sławomir
Published: April 2016

Magnetization of large Nd-Fe-B sintered permanent magnets is still challenging. This type of permanent magnet is electrically conductive, so impulse magnetization causes a flow of eddy currents which prevent magnetization of the whole volume of the magnet. The paper deals with the impulse magnetization of sintered Nd-Fe-B permanent magnets and shows a method for the determination of suitable parameters for the supply system. The necessary magnetic field strength for magnetization of the magnet to saturation was determined. The optimal magnetizing fixture supply voltage for magnetization to saturation was determined from simulations in PSpice software, finite element analyses in Maxwell 15 and measurements. Measurements of magnetic induction on the surface of the Nd-Fe-B magnet are also presented to ensure that a magnet with 70 mm diameter and 20 mm in height is fully saturated.
Vibration Monitoring Using Fiber Optic Sensors in a Lead-Bismuth Eutectic Cooled Nuclear Fuel Assembly
Authors: De Pauw Ben , Lamberti Alfredo , Ertveldt Julien , Rezayat Ali , Van Tichelen Katrien , Vanlanduit Steve , Berghmans Francis
Published: April 2016

Excessive fuel assembly vibrations in nuclear reactor cores should be avoided in order not to compromise the lifetime of the assembly and in order to prevent the occurrence of safety hazards. This issue is particularly relevant to new reactor designs that use liquid metal coolants, such as, for example, a molten lead-bismuth eutectic. The flow of molten heavy metal around and through the fuel assembly may cause the latter to vibrate and hence suffer degradation as a result of, for example, fretting wear or mechanical fatigue. In this paper, we demonstrate the use of optical fiber sensors to measure the fuel assembly vibration in a lead-bismuth eutectic cooled installation which can be used as input to assess vibration-related safety hazards. We show that the vibration characteristics of the fuel pins in the fuel assembly can be experimentally determined with minimal intrusiveness and with high precision owing to the small dimensions and properties of the sensors. In particular, we were able to record local strain level differences of about 0.2 μϵ allowing us to reliably estimate the vibration amplitudes and modal parameters of the fuel assembly based on optical fiber sensor readings during different stages of the operation of the facility, including the onset of the coolant circulation and steady-state operation.
Diversification Models of Sales Activity for Steady Development of an Enterprise
Authors: Shpak Nestor , Kyrylych Tamara , Greblikaitė Jolita
Published: April 2016

The paper substantiates the importance of the optimal directionality choice of sales activity as one of the main lines of enterprise activity, the functioning of which should be complete, synchronous and complementary. Diversification is one of the powerful instruments to ensure the steady development of the sales activity of an enterprise. Three models of sales activity diversification of an enterprise are developed. The first model is based on unveiling the potential of sales channels and allows us to show the peculiarities of their use. The second model of the optimal quantitative distribution of production between sales channels is based on profit maximization. This approach not only takes into account the evaluation of the prescribed parameters of sales channels, but also provides the high profitability of each assortment item and of the whole enterprise. The third model of the optimal distribution of production between sales channels accounts for the experience of collaboration between the enterprise and sales channels during the past period and ensures the minimal risk and appropriate profitability for each sales channel. The proposed models are tested and compared to actual data of the enterprise; the advantages and peculiarities of each model are discussed.
Botulinum Toxin A and Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction: Pathophysiology and Mechanisms of Action
Authors: Jhang Jia-Fong , Kuo Hann-Chorng
Published: April 2016

The use of onabotulinumtoxinA (BoNT-A) for the treatment of lower urinary tract diseases (LUTD) has increased markedly in recent years. The indications for BoNT-A treatment of LUTD now include neurogenic or idiopathic detrusor overactivity, interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome and voiding dysfunction. The mechanisms of BoNT-A action on LUTDs affect many different aspects. Traditionally, the effects of BoNT-A were believed to be attributable to inhibition of acetylcholine release from the presynaptic efferent nerves at the neuromuscular junctions in the detrusor or urethral sphincter. BoNT-A injection in the bladder also regulated sensory nerve function by blocking neurotransmitter release and reducing receptor expression in the urothelium. In addition, recent studies revealed an anti-inflammatory effect for BoNT-A. Substance P and nerve growth factor in the urine and bladder tissue decreased after BoNT-A injection. Mast cell activation in the bladder also decreased. BoNT-A-induced improvement of urothelium function plays an important mitigating role in bladder dysfunction. Vascular endothelial growth factor expression in urothelium decreased after BoNT-A injection, as did apoptosis. Studies also revealed increased apoptosis in the prostate after BoNT-A injection. Although BoNT-A injection has been widely used to treat different LUTDs refractory to conventional treatment, currently, onabotulinumtoxinA has been proven effective only on urinary incontinence due to IDO and NDO in several large-scale clinical trials. The effects of onabotulinumtoxinA on other LUTDs such as interstitial cystitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, dysfunctional voiding or detrusor sphincter dyssynergia have not been well demonstrated.
Molecular Insights into Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus
Authors: Zivcec Marko , Scholte Florine , Spiropoulou Christina , Spengler Jessica , Bergeron Éric
Published: April 2016

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a tick-borne pathogen that causes high morbidity and mortality. Efficacy of vaccines and antivirals to treat human CCHFV infections remains limited and controversial. Research into pathology and underlying molecular mechanisms of CCHFV and other nairoviruses is limited. Significant progress has been made in our understanding of CCHFV replication and pathogenesis in the past decade. Here we review the most recent molecular advances in CCHFV-related research, and provide perspectives on future research.
Constraints on the Genetic and Antigenic Variability of Measles Virus
Authors: Beaty Shannon , Lee Benhur
Published: April 2016

Antigenic drift and genetic variation are significantly constrained in measles virus (MeV). Genetic stability of MeV is exceptionally high, both in the lab and in the field, and few regions of the genome allow for rapid genetic change. The regions of the genome that are more tolerant of mutations (i.e., the untranslated regions and certain domains within the N, C, V, P, and M proteins) indicate genetic plasticity or structural flexibility in the encoded proteins. Our analysis reveals that strong constraints in the envelope proteins (F and H) allow for a single serotype despite known antigenic differences among its 24 genotypes. This review describes some of the many variables that limit the evolutionary rate of MeV. The high genomic stability of MeV appears to be a shared property of the Paramyxovirinae, suggesting a common mechanism that biologically restricts the rate of mutation.
Validation of the Filovirus Plaque Assay for Use in Preclinical Studies
Authors: Shurtleff Amy , Bloomfield Holly , Mort Shannon , Orr Steven , Audet Brian , Whitaker Thomas , Richards Michelle , Bavari Sina
Published: April 2016

A plaque assay for quantitating filoviruses in virus stocks, prepared viral challenge inocula and samples from research animals has recently been fully characterized and standardized for use across multiple institutions performing Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4) studies. After standardization studies were completed, Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)-compliant plaque assay method validation studies to demonstrate suitability for reliable and reproducible measurement of the Marburg Virus Angola (MARV) variant and Ebola Virus Kikwit (EBOV) variant commenced at the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID). The validation parameters tested included accuracy, precision, linearity, robustness, stability of the virus stocks and system suitability. The MARV and EBOV assays were confirmed to be accurate to ±0.5 log10 PFU/mL. Repeatability precision, intermediate precision and reproducibility precision were sufficient to return viral titers with a coefficient of variation (%CV) of ≤30%, deemed acceptable variation for a cell-based bioassay. Intraclass correlation statistical techniques for the evaluation of the assay’s precision when the same plaques were quantitated by two analysts returned values passing the acceptance criteria, indicating high agreement between analysts. The assay was shown to be accurate and specific when run on Nonhuman Primates (NHP) serum and plasma samples diluted in plaque assay medium, with negligible matrix effects. Virus stocks demonstrated stability for freeze-thaw cycles typical of normal usage during assay retests. The results demonstrated that the EBOV and MARV plaque assays are accurate, precise and robust for filovirus titration in samples associated with the performance of GLP animal model studies.
De Novo Transcriptome Analysis Shows That SAV-3 Infection Upregulates Pattern Recognition Receptors of the Endosomal Toll-Like and RIG-I-Like Receptor Signaling Pathways in Macrophage/Dendritic Like TO-Cells
Authors: Xu Cheng , Evensen Øystein , Munang’andu Hetron
Published: April 2016

A fundamental step in cellular defense mechanisms is the recognition of “danger signals” made of conserved pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) expressed by invading pathogens, by host cell germ line coded pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). In this study, we used RNA-seq and the Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) to identify PRRs together with the network pathway of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that recognize salmonid alphavirus subtype 3 (SAV-3) infection in macrophage/dendritic like TO-cells derived from Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L) headkidney leukocytes. Our findings show that recognition of SAV-3 in TO-cells was restricted to endosomal Toll-like receptors (TLRs) 3 and 8 together with RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs) and not the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptors NOD-like receptor (NLRs) genes. Among the RLRs, upregulated genes included the retinoic acid inducible gene I (RIG-I), melanoma differentiation association 5 (MDA5) and laboratory of genetics and physiology 2 (LGP2). The study points to possible involvement of the tripartite motif containing 25 (TRIM25) and mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS) in modulating RIG-I signaling being the first report that links these genes to the RLR pathway in SAV-3 infection in TO-cells. Downstream signaling suggests that both the TLR and RLR pathways use interferon (IFN) regulatory factors (IRFs) 3 and 7 to produce IFN-a2. The validity of RNA-seq data generated in this study was confirmed by quantitative real time qRT-PCR showing that genes up- or downregulated by RNA-seq were also up- or downregulated by RT-PCR. Overall, this study shows that de novo transcriptome assembly identify key receptors of the TLR and RLR sensors engaged in host pathogen interaction at cellular level. We envisage that data presented here can open a road map for future intervention strategies in SAV infection of salmon.
Experimental and Numerical Study of Bottom Rack Occlusion by Flow with Gravel-Sized Sediment. Application to Ephemeral Streams in Semi-Arid Regions
Authors: Castillo Luis , García Juan , Carrillo José
Published: April 2016

Rainfall runoff collection in ephemeral streams is an objective in semi-arid zones. Rack intake systems are proposed to collect these flash floods with intensive sediment transport. The design parameters address the problem of clogging the spacing between bars. Experiments for two different void ratio racks are shown. Flows, longitudinal slopes in the rack, and water with three gravel-sized sediments were tested. Results such as effective void ratio due to the gravel deposition over the rack, the evolution of the flow rejected during each test, and the quantification of materials collected and deposited, are presented. The optimal longitudinal rack slope seems to be close to 30%. The effective void ratio is related to several hydraulic parameters calculated at the beginning of the rack. Some adjustments were proposed to predict the effective void ratio.
Current Status of Groundwater Monitoring Networks in Korea
Authors: Lee Jin-Yong , Kwon Kideok
Published: April 2016

Korea has been operating groundwater monitoring systems since 1996 as the Groundwater Act enacted in 1994 enforces nationwide monitoring. Currently, there are six main groundwater monitoring networks operated by different government ministries with different purposes: National Groundwater Monitoring Network (NGMN), Groundwater Quality Monitoring Network (GQMN), Seawater Intrusion Monitoring Network (SIMN), Rural Groundwater Monitoring Network (RGMN), Subsidiary Groundwater Monitoring Network (SGMN), and Drinking Water Monitoring Network (DWMN). The Networks have a total of over 3500 monitoring wells and the majority of them are now equipped with automatic data loggers and remote terminal units. Most of the monitoring data are available to the public through internet websites. These Networks have provided scientific data for designing groundwater management plans and contributed to securing the groundwater resource particularly for recent prolonged drought seasons. Each Network, however, utilizes its own well-specifications, probes, and telecommunication protocols with minimal communication with other Networks, and thus duplicate installations of monitoring wells are not uncommon among different Networks. This mini-review introduces the current regulations and the Groundwater Monitoring Networks operated in Korea and provides some suggestions to improve the sustainability of the current groundwater monitoring system in Korea.
Pêches maritimes de loisir et gestion des ressources halieutiques : problématique et propositions
Authors: Quimbert Mikael
Published: April 2016

S'il est encore mal connu, l'impact sur certaines ressources naturelles de la mer de la pêche récréative, devenue loisir de masse, est réel et ne peut plus être négligé. Cette activité doit devenir un élément incontournable des politiques de gestion intégrée de la zone côtière. Or les connaissances scientifiques concernant la pêche de loisir sont lacunaires, fragmentées, et ne s'inscrivent pas dans le cadre d'une politique globale de gestion de la ressource halieutique. Les pêcheurs récréatifs peu organisés sont, par ailleurs, encore peu associés à la prise de décision concernant leur activité. L'encadrement réglementaire de la pêche de loisir, enfin, vise moins à garantir une exploitation durable de la ressource par les plaisanciers qu'à prévenir le développement du braconnage. C'est pourquoi, cet article formule un ensemble de treize propositions visant à mieux évaluer l'impact de la pêche maritime récréative, associer les plaisanciers à la gestion durable de la ressource halieutique, sensibiliser les pratiquants aux enjeux de cette gestion, et proposer un encadrement réglementaire cohérent pour cette activité.
Is conformation a fundamental descriptor in QSAR? A case for halogenated anesthetics
Authors: Guimarães Maria C , Duarte Mariene H , Silla Josué M , Freitas Matheus P
Published: April 2016

An intriguing question in 3D-QSAR lies on which conformation(s) to use when generating molecular descriptors (MD) for correlation with bioactivity values. This is not a simple task because the bioactive conformation in molecule data sets is usually unknown and, therefore, optimized structures in a receptor-free environment are often used to generate the MD´s. In this case, a wrong conformational choice can cause misinterpretation of the QSAR model. The present computational work reports the conformational analysis of the volatile anesthetic isoflurane (2-chloro-2-(difluoromethoxy)-1,1,1-trifluoroethane) in the gas phase and also in polar and nonpolar implicit and explicit solvents to show that stable minima (ruled by intramolecular interactions) do not necessarily coincide with the bioconformation (ruled by enzyme induced fit). Consequently, a QSAR model based on two-dimensional chemical structures was built and exhibited satisfactory modeling/prediction capability and interpretability, then suggesting that these 2D MD´s can be advantageous over some three-dimensional descriptors.
Be STARS IN THE OPEN CLUSTER NGC 6830
Authors: Yu(俞伯傑) Po-Chieh , Lin(林建爭) Chien-Cheng , Lin(林省文) Hsing-Wen , Lee(李建德) Chien-De , Konidaris Nick , Ngeow(饒兆聰) Chow-Choong , Ip(葉永烜) Wing-Huen , Chen(陳文屏) Wen-Ping , Chen(陳慧真) Hui-Chen , Malkan Matthew A. , Chang(章展誥) Chan-Kao , Laher(良主嶺亞) Russ , Huang(黃立晴) Li-Ching , Cheng(鄭宇棋) Yu-Chi , Edelson Rick , Ritter Andreas , Quimby Robert , Ben-Ami Sagi , Ofek Eran. O. , Surace Jason , Kulkarni Shrinivas R.
Published: April 2016

We report the discovery of two new Be stars, and re-identify one known Be star in the open cluster NGC 6830. Eleven Hα emitters were discovered using the Hα imaging photometry of the Palomar Transient Factory Survey. Stellar membership of the candidates was verified with photometric and kinematic information using 2MASS data and proper motions. The spectroscopic confirmation was carried out by using the Shane 3 m telescope at the Lick observatory. Based on their spectral types, three Hα emitters were confirmed as Be stars with Hα equivalent widths greater than −10 Å. Two objects were also observed by the new spectrograph spectral energy distribution-machine (SED-machine) on the Palomar 60-inch Telescope. The SED-machine results show strong Hα emission lines, which are consistent with the results of the Lick observations. The high efficiency of the SED-machine can provide rapid observations for Be stars in a comprehensive survey in the future.
COSMOLOGISTS IN SEARCH OF PLANET NINE: THE CASE FOR CMB EXPERIMENTS
Authors: Cowan Nicolas B. , Holder Gil , Kaib Nathan A.
Published: April 2016

Cosmology experiments at millimeter wavelengths can detect Planet Nine if it is the size of Neptune, has an effective temperature of 40 K, and is 700 au from the Sun. It would appear as a ∼30 mJy source at 1 mm with an annual parallax of ∼5 arcmin. The challenge is to distinguish it from the approximately 4000 foreground asteroids brighter than 30 mJy. Fortunately, these asteroids are known to the Minor Planet Center and can be identified because they move across a resolution element in a matter of hours, orders of magnitude faster than Planet Nine. If Planet Nine is smaller, colder, and/or more distant than expected, then it could be as faint as 1 mJy at 1 mm. There are roughly 106 asteroids this bright and many are unknown, making current cosmology experiments confusion limited for moving sources. Nonetheless, it may still be possible to find the proverbial needle in the haystack using a matched filter. This would require millimeter telescopes with high angular resolution and high sensitivity in order to alleviate confusion and to enable the identification of moving sources with relatively short time baselines. Regardless of its millimeter flux density, searching for Planet Nine would require frequent radio measurements for large swaths of the sky, including the ecliptic and Galactic plane. Even if Planet Nine had already been detected by other means, measuring its millimeter flux would constrain its internal energy budget, and therefore help resolve the mystery of Uranus and Neptune, which have vastly different internal heat.
La tarification de l’eau : comment combiner équité et efficacité
Authors: Leroux Justin
Published: April 2016

La mission d’un service public consiste à offrir une prestation de qualité de manière pérenne, abordable et équitable. C’est d’autant plus vrai dans le cas des services dits essentiels, notamment l’approvisionnement en eau potable pour les usagers résidentiels. Quelles mesures le Québec peut-il prendre pour combiner équité et efficacité dans la gestion de l’eau ?
Obstacles au travail en équipe : se méfier des conclusions hâtives
Authors: Aubé Caroline , Rousseau Vincent , Auger Claudine
Published: April 2016

Vous ne savez plus comment inciter les membres de votre équipe à collaborer. Certains cherchent même à faire de l’ombre à leurs collègues en s’attribuant plus que leur part de mérite pour les succès collectifs. Et si cette problématique sous-tendait autre chose que des personnalités individualistes ou narcissiques ? Se pourrait-il que les comportements observés ne soient que la pointe de l’iceberg ?
Edificio Ford
Authors: Skidmore, Owings y Merrill Arquitectos Ingenieros
Published: April 2016

El nuevo y moderno Centro Administrativo de la Ford ocupa una de las dos torres prismáticas de la Ciudad del Automóvil, entre las cuales, un edificio bajo y espacioso que se destina a garaje, cumple el papel de plaza y jardín. Los tres bloques fundamentales están servidos por una compleja y perfecta red de tráfico rodado de acceso a los diversos servicios a distintos niveles, resuelta con maestría encomiable y funcionalismo excepcional.
Iglesia episcopal de Santo Tomás
Authors: Pekruhn John
Published: April 2016

Esta iglesia, situada en la localidad de Gibsonia (Pennsylvania), está emplazada en una zona de 4 Ha que serán urbanizadas en el futuro; la nave tiene una capacidad suficiente para 200 personas, disposición en planta rectangular de 12,20x24,40 metros y una altura de 6,10 metros.