bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aminopropyl-Silica Hybrid Particles as Supports for Humic Acids Immobilization
Authors: Sándor Mónika , Nistor Cristina , Szalontai Gábor , Stoica Rusandica , Nicolae Cristian , Alexandrescu Elvira , Fazakas József , Oancea Florin , Donescu Dan
Published: January 2016

A series of aminopropyl-functionalized silica nanoparticles were prepared through a basic two step sol-gel process in water. Prior to being aminopropyl-functionalized, silica particles with an average diameter of 549 nm were prepared from tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), using a Stöber method. In a second step, aminopropyl-silica particles were prepared by silanization with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES), added drop by drop to the sol-gel mixture. The synthesized amino-functionalized silica particles are intended to be used as supports for immobilization of humic acids (HA), through electrostatic bonds. Furthermore, by inserting beside APTES, unhydrolysable mono-, di- or trifunctional alkylsilanes (methyltriethoxy silane (MeTES), trimethylethoxysilane (Me3ES), diethoxydimethylsilane (Me2DES) and 1,2-bis(triethoxysilyl)ethane (BETES)) onto silica particles surface, the spacing of the free amino groups was intended in order to facilitate their interaction with HA large molecules. Two sorts of HA were used for evaluating the immobilization capacity of the novel aminosilane supports. The results proved the efficient functionalization of silica nanoparticles with amino groups and showed that the immobilization of the two tested types of humic acid substances was well achieved for all the TEOS/APTES = 20/1 (molar ratio) silica hybrids having or not having the amino functions spaced by alkyl groups. It was shown that the density of aminopropyl functions is low enough at this low APTES fraction and do not require a further spacing by alkyl groups. Moreover, all the hybrids having negative zeta potential values exhibited low interaction with HA molecules.
Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Tanzawaic Acid Derivatives from a Marine-Derived Fungus Penicillium steckii 108YD142
Authors: Shin Hee , Pil Gam , Heo Soo-Jin , Lee Hyi-Seung , Lee Jong , Lee Yeon-Ju , Lee Jihoon , Won Ho
Published: January 2016

Chemical investigation of a marine-derived fungus, Penicillium steckii 108YD142, resulted in the discovery of a new tanzawaic acid derivative, tanzawaic acid Q (1), together with four known analogues, tanzawaic acids A (2), C (3), D (4), and K (5). The structures of tanzawaic acid derivatives 1–5 were determined by the detailed analysis of 1D, 2D NMR and LC-MS data, along with chemical methods and literature data analysis. These compounds significantly inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production and the new tanzawaic acid Q (1) inhibited the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) proteins and mRNA expressions in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Additionally, compound 1 reduced the mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines. Taken together, the results of this study demonstrated that the new tanzawaic acid derivative inhibits LPS-induced inflammation. This is the first report on the anti-inflammatory activity of tanzawaic acid Q (1).
Effective Synthesis and Recovery of Silver Nanowires Prepared by Tapered Continuous Flow Reactor for Flexible and Transparent Conducting Electrode
Authors: Yun Hyung , Seo Duck , Lee Min , Kwon Soon , Park Lee
Published: January 2016

Silver nanowires (AgNWs) with high aspect ratio were obtained utilizing a tapered tubular reactor by the polyol process. The tapered tubular type flow reactor allowed us to obtain nanowires in high yield without defects that is generally encountered in a closed reactor due to excessive shearing for a long time. After reaction the AgNWs were precipitated in the aqueous solution with the aid of a hydrogen bond breaker and were recovered effectively without using a high-cost centrifugation process. Dispersion of the AgNWs were used to prepare transparent conducting electrode (TCE) films by a spray coating method, which showed 86% transmittance and 90 Ωsq−1 sheet resistance.
Using Molecular Networking for Microbial Secondary Metabolite Bioprospecting
Authors: Purves Kevin , Macintyre Lynsey , Brennan Debra , Hreggviðsson Guðmundur , Kuttner Eva , Ásgeirsdóttir Margrét , Young Louise , Green David , Edrada-Ebel Ruangelie , Duncan Katherine
Published: January 2016

The oceans represent an understudied resource for the isolation of bacteria with the potential to produce novel secondary metabolites. In particular, actinomyces are well known to produce chemically diverse metabolites with a wide range of biological activities. This study characterised spore-forming bacteria from both Scottish and Antarctic sediments to assess the influence of isolation location on secondary metabolite production. Due to the selective isolation method used, all 85 isolates belonged to the phyla Firmicutes and Actinobacteria, with the majority of isolates belonging to the genera Bacillus and Streptomyces. Based on morphology, thirty-eight isolates were chosen for chemical investigation. Molecular networking based on chemical profiles (HR-MS/MS) of fermentation extracts was used to compare complex metabolite extracts. The results revealed 40% and 42% of parent ions were produced by Antarctic and Scottish isolated bacteria, respectively, and only 8% of networked metabolites were shared between these locations, implying a high degree of biogeographic influence upon secondary metabolite production. The resulting molecular network contained over 3500 parent ions with a mass range of m/z 149–2558 illustrating the wealth of metabolites produced. Furthermore, seven fermentation extracts showed bioactivity against epithelial colon adenocarcinoma cells, demonstrating the potential for the discovery of novel bioactive compounds from these understudied locations.
Nutrition Composition and Single, 14-Day and 13-Week Repeated Oral Dose Toxicity Studies of the Leaves and Stems of Rubus coreanus Miquel
Authors: Om Ae-Son , Song Yu-Na , Noh GeonMin , Kim HaengRan , Choe JeongSook
Published: January 2016

The leaves and stems of the plant Rubus coreanus Miquel (RCMLS) are rich in vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals which have antioxidant, anti-hemolytic, anti-inflammatory, anti-fatigue and anti-cancer effects. However, RCMLS is not included in the Korean Food Standards Codex due to the lack of safety assurance concerning RCMLS. We evaluated single and repeated oral dose toxicity of RCMLS in Sprague-Dawley rats. RCMLS did not induce any significant toxicological changes in both male and female rats at a single doses of 2500 mg/kg/day. Repeated oral dose toxicity studies showed no adverse effects in clinical signs, body weight, food consumption, ophthalmic examination, urinalysis, hematology, serum biochemistry, necropsy findings, organ weight, and histopathology at doses of 625, 1250, and 2500 mg/kg/day. The LD50 and LOAEL of RCMLS might be over 2500 mg/kg body weight/day and no target organs were identified. Therefore, this study revealed that single and repeated oral doses of RCMLS are safe.
Design, Synthesis, DFT Study and Antifungal Activity of Pyrazolecarboxamide Derivatives
Authors: Mu Jin-Xia , Shi Yan-Xia , Yang Ming-Yan , Sun Zhao-Hui , Liu Xing-Hai , Li Bao-Ju , Sun Na-Bo
Published: January 2016

A series of novel pyrazole amide derivatives were designed and synthesized by multi-step reactions from phenylhydrazine and ethyl 3-oxobutanoate as starting materials, and their structures were characterized by NMR, MS and elemental analysis. The antifungal activity of the title compounds was determined. The results indicated that some of title compounds exhibited moderate antifungal activity. Furthermore, DFT calculations were used to study the structure-activity relationships (SAR).
Garlic Supplementation Ameliorates UV-Induced Photoaging in Hairless Mice by Regulating Antioxidative Activity and MMPs Expression
Authors: Kim Hye
Published: January 2016

UV exposure is associated with oxidative stress and is the primary factor in skin photoaging. UV-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) cause the up-regulation of metalloproteinase (MMPs) and the degradation of dermal collagen and elastic fibers. Garlic and its components have been reported to exert antioxidative effects. The present study investigated the protective effect of garlic on UV-induced photoaging and MMPs regulation in hairless mice. Garlic was supplemented in the diet, and Skh-1 hairless mice were exposed to UV irradiation five days/week for eight weeks. Mice were divided into four groups; Non-UV, UV-irradiated control, UV+1% garlic powder diet group, and UV+2% garlic powder diet group. Chronic UV irradiation induced rough wrinkling of the skin with hyperkeratosis, and administration of garlic diminished the coarse wrinkle formation. UV-induced dorsal skin and epidermal thickness were also ameliorated by garlic supplementation. ROS generation, skin and serum malondialdehyde levels were significantly increased by UV exposure and were ameliorated by garlic administration although the effects were not dose-dependent. Antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in skin tissues were markedly reduced by UV irradiation and garlic treatment increased these enzyme activities. UV-induced MMP-1 and MMP-2 protein levels were suppressed by garlic administration. Furthermore, garlic supplementation prevented the UV-induced increase of MMP-1 mRNA expression and the UV-induced decrease of procollagen mRNA expression. These results suggest that garlic may be effective for preventing skin photoaging accelerated by UV irradiation through the antioxidative system and MMP regulation.
The Coupled Photothermal Reaction and Transport in a Laser Additive Metal Nanolayer Simultaneous Synthesis and Pattering for Flexible Electronics
Authors: Tsai Song-Ling , Liu Yi-Kai , Pan Heng , Liu Chien-Hung , Lee Ming-Tsang
Published: January 2016

The Laser Direct Synthesis and Patterning (LDSP) technology has advantages in terms of processing time and cost compared to nanomaterials-based laser additive microfabrication processes. In LDSP, a scanning laser on the substrate surface induces chemical reactions in the reactive liquid solution and selectively deposits target material in a preselected pattern on the substrate. In this study, we experimentally investigated the effect of the processing parameters and type and concentration of the additive solvent on the properties and growth rate of the resulting metal film fabricated by this LDSP technology. It was shown that reactive metal ion solutions with substantial viscosity yield metal films with superior physical properties. A numerical analysis was also carried out the first time to investigate the coupled opto-thermo-fluidic transport phenomena and the effects on the metal film growth rate. To complete the simulation, the optical properties of the LDSP deposited metal film with a variety of thicknesses were measured. The characteristics of the temperature field and the thermally induced flow associated with the moving heat source are discussed. It was shown that the processing temperature range of the LDSP is from 330 to 390 K. A semi-empirical model for estimating the metal film growth rate using this process was developed based on these results. From the experimental and numerical results, it is seen that, owing to the increased reflectivity of the silver film as its thickness increases, the growth rate decreases gradually from about 40 nm at initial to 10 nm per laser scan after ten scans. This self-controlling effect of LDSP process controls the thickness and improves the uniformity of the fabricated metal film. The growth rate and resulting thickness of the metal film can also be regulated by adjustment of the processing parameters, and thus can be utilized for controllable additive nano/microfabrication.
White Light-Emitting Diodes Based on AgInS2/ZnS Quantum Dots with Improved Bandwidth in Visible Light Communication
Authors: Ruan Cheng , Zhang Yu , Lu Min , Ji Changyin , Sun Chun , Chen Xiongbin , Chen Hongda , Colvin Vicki , Yu William
Published: January 2016

Quantum dot white light-emitting diodes (QD-WLEDs) were fabricated from green- and red-emitting AgInS2/ZnS core/shell QDs coated on GaN LEDs. Their electroluminescence (EL) spectra were measured at different currents, ranging from 50 mA to 400 mA, and showed good color stability. The modulation bandwidth of previously prepared QD-WLEDs was confirmed to be much wider than that of YAG:Ce phosphor-based WLEDs. These results indicate that the AgInS2/ZnS core/shell QDs are good color-converting materials for WLEDs and they are capable in visible light communication (VLC).
Association of Dietary Sugars and Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Intake with Obesity in Korean Children and Adolescents
Authors: Ha Kyungho , Chung Sangwon , Lee Haeng-Shin , Kim Cho-il , Joung Hyojee , Paik Hee-Young , Song YoonJu
Published: January 2016

Few studies have examined the association between dietary sugar intake and obesity in Asian children and adolescents. We evaluated the association of dietary sugar intake and its food source with obesity in Korean children and adolescents. In this cross-sectional analysis, data were obtained from five studies conducted between 2002 and 2011. The study included 2599 children and adolescents who had completed more than three days of dietary records and had anthropometric data. Total sugar intake was higher in girls than in boys (54.3 g for girls and 46.6 g for boys, p < 0.0001). Sugar intake from milk and fruits was inversely associated with overweight or obesity in girls only (OR for overweight, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.32–0.84; p for trend = 0.0246 and OR for obesity, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.23–0.79; p for trend = 0.0113). Sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption was not associated with obesity in girls, while boys had lower odds ratios for obesity (OR for obesity, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.26–1.05; p for trend = 0.0310). These results suggest that total sugars and SSB intake in Asian children and adolescents remains relatively low and sugar intake from milk and fruits is associated with a decreased risk of overweight or obesity, especially in girls.
Design and Analysis of Enhanced Modulation Response in Integrated Coupled Cavities DBR Lasers Using Photon-Photon Resonance
Authors: Bardella Paolo , Chow Weng , Montrosset Ivo
Published: January 2016

In the last few decades, various solutions have been proposed to increase the modulation bandwidth and, consequently, the transmission bit-rate of semiconductor lasers. In this manuscript, we discuss a design procedure for a recently proposed laser cavity realized with the monolithic integration of two distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) lasers allowing one to extend the modulation bandwidth. Such an extension is obtained introducing in the dynamic response a photon-photon resonance (PPR) at a frequency higher than the modulation bandwidth of the corresponding single-section laser. Design guidelines will be proposed, and dynamic small and large signal simulations results, calculated using a finite difference traveling wave (FDTW) numerical simulator, will be discussed to confirm the design results. The effectiveness of the design procedure is verified in a structure with PPR frequency at 35 GHz allowing one to obtain an open eye diagram for a non-return-to-zero (NRZ) digital signal up to 80 GHz . Furthermore, the investigation of the rich dynamics of this structure shows that with proper bias conditions, it is possible to obtain also a tunable self-pulsating signal in a frequency range related to the PPR design.
The Politics of Clerical Sexual Abuse
Authors: Formicola Jo
Published: January 2016

This article examines the complex politics surrounding the Catholic Bishops’ responses to clerical sexual abuse in the United States from the first, public revelations of the scandal in Boston in 2002 to the present. It asks a compelling leadership question on three levels: how did the Bishops respond politically as individual diocesan leaders; as members of their canonical organization, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB); and as appointed officials of the Vatican? This article argues that the members of the hierarchy implemented disparate and often conflicting religious and legal responses to clerical sexual abuse in their various roles. They did this by accepting misguided psychological advice, relying on traditional religious exemptions, attempting to implement confusing institutional policies, and usually mounting ineffective legal challenges to canon law in civil courts. These actions reflected hierarchical ignorance and arrogance as well as a political underestimation of the compelling state interest to protect the safety of children over religious concerns to insure the autonomy of the Church.
Mapping Rice Cropping Systems in Vietnam Using an NDVI-Based Time-Series Similarity Measurement Based on DTW Distance
Authors: Guan Xudong , Huang Chong , Liu Gaohuan , Meng Xuelian , Liu Qingsheng
Published: January 2016

Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) derived from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) time-series data has been widely used in the fields of crop and rice classification. The cloudy and rainy weather characteristics of the monsoon season greatly reduce the likelihood of obtaining high-quality optical remote sensing images. In addition, the diverse crop-planting system in Vietnam also hinders the comparison of NDVI among different crop stages. To address these problems, we apply a Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) distance-based similarity measure approach and use the entire yearly NDVI time series to reduce the inaccuracy of classification using a single image. We first de-noise the NDVI time series using S-G filtering based on the TIMESAT software. Then, a standard NDVI time-series base for rice growth is established based on field survey data and Google Earth sample data. NDVI time-series data for each pixel are constructed and the DTW distance with the standard rice growth NDVI time series is calculated. Then, we apply thresholds to extract rice growth areas. A qualitative assessment using statistical data and a spatial assessment using sampled data from the rice-cropping map reveal a high mapping accuracy at the national scale between the statistical data, with the corresponding R2 being as high as 0.809; however, the mapped rice accuracy decreased at the provincial scale due to the reduced number of rice planting areas per province. An analysis of the results indicates that the 500-m resolution MODIS data are limited in terms of mapping scattered rice parcels. The results demonstrate that the DTW-based similarity measure of the NDVI time series can be effectively used to map large-area rice cropping systems with diverse cultivation processes.
Assessment of Image-Based Point Cloud Products to Generate a Bare Earth Surface and Estimate Canopy Heights in a Woodland Ecosystem
Authors: Jensen Jennifer , Mathews Adam
Published: January 2016

We examine the utility of Structure from Motion (SfM) point cloud products to generate a digital terrain model (DTM) and estimate canopy heights in a woodland ecosystem in the Texas Hill Country, USA. Very high spatial resolution images were acquired with a Canon PowerShot A800 digital camera mounted on an unmanned aerial system. Image mosaicking and dense point matching were accomplished using Agisoft PhotoScan. The resulting point cloud was classified according to ground/non-ground classes and used to interpolate a high resolution DTM which was both compared to a DTM from an existing lidar dataset and used to model vegetation height for fifteen 20 × 20 m plots. Differences in the interpolated DTM surfaces demonstrate that the SfM surface overestimates lidar-modeled ground height with a mean difference of 0.19 m and standard deviation of 0.66 m. Height estimates obtained solely from SfM products were successful with R2 values of 0.91, 0.90, and 0.89 for mean, median, and maximum canopy height, respectively. Use of the lidar DTM in the analyses resulted in R2 values of 0.90, 0.89, and 0.89 for mean, median, and maximum canopy height. Our results suggest that SfM-derived point cloud products function as well as lidar data for estimating vegetation canopy height for our specific study area.
Global Calibration of Multiple Cameras Based on Sphere Targets
Authors: Sun Junhua , He Huabin , Zeng Debing
Published: January 2016

Global calibration methods for multi-camera system are critical to the accuracy of vision measurement. Proposed in this paper is such a method based on several groups of sphere targets and a precision auxiliary camera. Each camera to be calibrated observes a group of spheres (at least three), while the auxiliary camera observes all the spheres. The global calibration can be achieved after each camera reconstructs the sphere centers in its field of view. In the process of reconstructing a sphere center, a parameter equation is used to describe the sphere projection model. Theoretical analysis and computer simulation are carried out to analyze the factors that affect the calibration accuracy. Simulation results show that the parameter equation can largely improve the reconstruction accuracy. In the experiments, a two-camera system calibrated by our method is used to measure a distance about 578 mm, and the root mean squared error is within 0.14 mm. Furthermore, the experiments indicate that the method has simple operation and good flexibility, especially for the onsite multiple cameras without common field of view.
Correction: Yuan, G., et al. A Microgripper with a Post-Assembly Self-Locking Mechanism. Sensors 2015, 15, 20140-20151
Authors: Yuan Guangmin , Yuan Weizheng , Hao Yongcun , Li Xiaoying , Chang Honglong
Published: January 2016

The authors wish to make the following correction to this paper [1] [...]
Strategic Planning for Land Use under Extreme Climate Changes: A Case Study in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Wen-Cheng , Lee Yi-Ying
Published: January 2016

Extreme weather caused by global climate change affects slope-land in Taiwan, causing soil loss, floods, and sediment hazards. Although Taiwan is a small island, the population density is ranked second highest worldwide. With three-fourths of the island area being slope-land, soil and water conservation (SWC) is crucial. Therefore, because of the impact of climate and social change, the means of maintaining sustainable development of slope-land and the safety of the living environment in Taiwan is a developing and crucial issue. This study applied four foresight analysis tools that covered both qualitative and quantitative aspects, including international trend analysis, a focus group, the Delphi method, and a strategy roadmap. By combining the four analysis tools, we developed corresponding strategies to address climate change for use as references for policy-makers. The findings of this study can contribute to consensus-forming among multiple stakeholders on the sustainable development of soil and water resources and to devising foresight strategies for SWC in short-term, middle-term, and long-term bases. Ultimately, the goal of “considering climate and socioeconomic change, watershed resources being managed on a multiple-use basis to avoid disasters and to sustain SWC” can be realized by the year 2025.
Four Perspectives of Sustainability Applied to the Local Food Strategy of Ghent (Belgium): Need for a Cycle of Democratic Participation?
Authors: Crivits Maarten , Prové Charlotte , Block Thomas , Dessein Joost
Published: January 2016

As part of cities’ increasing commitment to sustainable development, local food systems are becoming a policy priority. In this article we focus on the case of a local food system in Ghent, Belgium. We adopt the notion of Hajer et al. (2015) that top-down steering of environmental issues (so-called “cockpit-ism”) is insufficient, incomplete and in need of revision. Using their four perspectives on sustainable development (Hajer et al., 2015), we explore, analyze and valorize the potential of the actors, motives and logics for change within the agriculture and food system in the Ghent region. Applying these four perspectives, we have mapped the current positive developments as well as identified the weaknesses, pitfalls and opportunities of a local food strategy. The discussion section contains two important strategies for good governance of sustainable urban development: first, a governance approach to stimulate participation and representation in a complex, unequal and rapidly changing context; and second, a reflection on how local food strategies can drive global sustainability. In conclusion, we argue for the integration of a global sustainability approach within sustainable urban development.
Effect of Grazing Exclusion on Vegetation Characteristics and Soil Organic Carbon of Leymus chinensis Grassland in Northern China
Authors: Chen Jiao , Tang Haiping
Published: January 2016

Overgrazing has caused vegetation destruction and soil degradation in Leymus chinensis grassland, the widely distributed type of grassland in northern China. To restore the degraded ecosystem, grazing exclusion was implemented in 1979, 1999, and 2004. However, changes in the vegetation and soil organic carbon (SOC) in different years of grazing exclusion have not been thoroughly elucidated. This paper examines the changes in vegetation characteristics (i.e., biomass, cover, richness, degree of succession, and shannon diversity index) and SOC under free of grazing (FG), 6 years (6 GE), 11 years (11 GE), and 31 years (31 GE) of grazing exclusion plots in the Xilin River Basin, China. The results indicate that the vegetation characteristics and SOC increased during the restoration process. Both the vegetation characteristics and SOC in 6 GE did not differ significantly from FG (p > 0.05), while these indexes in 11 GE were significantly higher than in FG. The differences between the vegetation characteristics and SOC in 11 GE and those in 31 GE were not significant. To meet the tradeoff between ecosystem conservation and utilization, further studies with multi-year observation should be conducted to identify the optimal duration of grazing exclusion and the grazing exclusion time threshold in L. chinensis grassland. This study provides valuable insights into sustainable grassland management in northern China.
Students’ Assessment of Campus Sustainability at the University of Dammam, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Abubakar Ismaila , Al-Shihri Faez , Ahmed Sayed
Published: January 2016

Higher education institutions are major drivers of change in achieving environmental sustainability both within college campuses and beyond campuses in communities at large. However, achieving campus sustainability is not possible without the involvement of students as one of the major stakeholders of a university. Based on survey of 152 students of the College of Architecture and Planning, University of Dammam, Saudi Arabia, this study explores students’ assessment of campus sustainability components: curriculum and research; campus operations; and community involvement. The results show that even though the students indicate a great deal of awareness and concern about campus environmental sustainability, they lack interest and willingness to participate in initiatives towards achieving sustainability. Apart from some sustainable landscaping and waste recycling practices, there are few sustainability initiatives in transportation and energy and water conservation on the campus. Offered courses and student projects have also been reported to have modest focus on sustainability. The article concludes by highlighting the roles of incorporating sustainability into campus operations, and training university students in promoting environmental sustainability in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.
An Approach for Analyzing the Vulnerability of Small Family Businesses
Authors: Cowan Lisa , Wright Vic
Published: January 2016

In a given operating environment, small family businesses typically have fewer resources to minimize vulnerability. Identifying this exposure is basic to strategic analysis and, potentially, public policy analysis. This can become even more important when structural change in the environment is expected while its exact character is not known. The implications of climate change for Australian family farms are an example. This paper reports a study designed to analyse the vulnerability of dairy farms in Victoria, Australia. The study draws on production control (applied general systems) theory, value chains and image theory to capture comprehensively the lock-in arising from salient past decisions and impact on the current business structure and strategy. This is the path dependence that defines the constraints and associated options available to small family businesses. The authors identify benefits associated with the use of dynamic analysis of vulnerability over static analysis. Generalizable implications regarding analysis of vulnerability in small family businesses are offered.
Farmers’ Exposure to Pesticides: Toxicity Types and Ways of Prevention
Authors: Damalas Christos , Koutroubas Spyridon
Published: January 2016

Synthetic pesticides are extensively used in agriculture to control harmful pests and prevent crop yield losses or product damage. Because of high biological activity and, in certain cases, long persistence in the environment, pesticides may cause undesirable effects to human health and to the environment. Farmers are routinely exposed to high levels of pesticides, usually much greater than those of consumers. Farmers’ exposure mainly occurs during the preparation and application of the pesticide spray solutions and during the cleaning-up of spraying equipment. Farmers who mix, load, and spray pesticides can be exposed to these chemicals due to spills and splashes, direct spray contact as a result of faulty or missing protective equipment, or even drift. However, farmers can be also exposed to pesticides even when performing activities not directly related to pesticide use. Farmers who perform manual labor in areas treated with pesticides can face major exposure from direct spray, drift from neighboring fields, or by contact with pesticide residues on the crop or soil. This kind of exposure is often underestimated. The dermal and inhalation routes of entry are typically the most common routes of farmers’ exposure to pesticides. Dermal exposure during usual pesticide handling takes place in body areas that remain uncovered by protective clothing, such as the face and the hands. Farmers’ exposure to pesticides can be reduced through less use of pesticides and through the correct use of the appropriate type of personal protective equipment in all stages of pesticide handling.
Enterotoxins: Microbial Proteins and Host Cell Dysregulation
Authors: Krakauer Teresa
Published: January 2016

The special issue “Enterotoxins: Microbial Proteins and Host Cell Dysregulation” is comprised of research articles and reviews covering a diverse group of toxins that affect the gut and dysregulate host immune response in mechanistically different ways. [...]
Ultrasound-Guided Nerve Block with Botulinum Toxin Type A for Intractable Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Moon Young , Choi Jung , Park Hue , Park Ji , Kim Ji
Published: January 2016

Neuropathic pain includes postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN), and trigeminal neuralgia, and so on. Although various drugs have been tried to treat neuropathic pain, the effectiveness of the drugs sometimes may be limited for chronic intractable neuropathic pain, especially when they cannot be used at an adequate dose, due to undesirable severe side effects and the underlying disease itself. Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) has been known for its analgesic effect in various pain conditions. Nevertheless, there are no data of nerve block in PHN and PDN. Here, we report two patients successfully treated with ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve block using BoNT-A for intractable PHN and PDN. One patient had PHN on the left upper extremity and the other patient had PDN on a lower extremity. Due to side effects of drugs, escalation of the drug dose could not be made. We injected 50 Botox units (BOTOX®, Allergan Inc., Irvine, CA, USA) into brachial plexus and lumbar plexus, respectively, under ultrasound. Their pain was significantly decreased for about 4–5 months. Ultrasound-guided nerve block with BoNT-A may be an effective analgesic modality in a chronic intractable neuropathic pain especially when conventional treatment failed to achieve adequate pain relief.
The Influenza Virus H5N1 Infection Can Induce ROS Production for Viral Replication and Host Cell Death in A549 Cells Modulated by Human Cu/Zn Superoxide Dismutase (SOD1) Overexpression
Authors: Lin Xian , Wang Ruifang , Zou Wei , Sun Xin , Liu Xiaokun , Zhao Lianzhong , Wang Shengyu , Jin Meilin
Published: January 2016

Highly pathogenic H5N1 infections are often accompanied by excessive pro-inflammatory response, high viral titer, and apoptosis; as such, the efficient control of these infections poses a great challenge. The pathogenesis of influenza virus infection is also related to oxidative stress. However, the role of endogenic genes with antioxidant effect in the control of influenza viruses, especially H5N1 viruses, should be further investigated. In this study, the H5N1 infection in lung epithelial cells decreased Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) expression at mRNA and protein levels. Forced SOD1 expression significantly inhibited the H5N1-induced increase in reactive oxygen species, decreased pro-inflammatory response, prevented p65 and p38 phosphorylation, and impeded viral ribonucleoprotein nuclear export and viral replication. The SOD1 overexpression also rescued H5N1-induced cellular apoptosis and alleviated H5N1-caused mitochondrial dysfunction. Therefore, this study described the role of SOD1 in the replication of H5N1 influenza virus and emphasized the relevance of this enzyme in the control of H5N1 replication in epithelial cells. Pharmacological modulation or targeting SOD1 may open a new way to fight H5N1 influenza virus.
Metaviromics of Namib Desert Salt Pans: A Novel Lineage of Haloarchaeal Salterproviruses and a Rich Source of ssDNA Viruses
Authors: Adriaenssens Evelien , Van Zyl Leonardo , Cowan Don , Trindade Marla
Published: January 2016

Viral communities of two different salt pans located in the Namib Desert, Hosabes and Eisfeld, were investigated using a combination of multiple displacement amplification of metaviromic DNA and deep sequencing, and provided comprehensive sequence data on both ssDNA and dsDNA viral community structures. Read and contig annotations through online pipelines showed that the salt pans harbored largely unknown viral communities. Through network analysis, we were able to assign a large portion of the unknown reads to a diverse group of ssDNA viruses. Contigs belonging to the subfamily Gokushovirinae were common in both environmental datasets. Analysis of haloarchaeal virus contigs revealed the presence of three contigs distantly related with His1, indicating a possible new lineage of salterproviruses in the Hosabes playa. Based on viral richness and read mapping analyses, the salt pan metaviromes were novel and most closely related to each other while showing a low degree of overlap with other environmental viromes.
A Reliability Analysis of a Rainfall Harvesting System in Southern Italy
Authors: Liuzzo Lorena , Notaro Vincenza , Freni Gabriele
Published: January 2016

Rainwater harvesting (RWH) may be an effective alternative water supply solution in regions affected by water scarcity. It has recently become a particularly important option in arid and semi-arid areas (like Mediterranean basins), mostly because of its many benefits and affordable costs. This study provides an analysis of the reliability of using a rainwater harvesting system to supply water for toilet flushing and garden irrigation purposes, with reference to a single-family home in a residential area of Sicily (Southern Italy). A flushing water demand pattern was evaluated using water consumption data collected from a sample of residential customers during an extended measurement campaign. A daily water balance simulation of the rainwater storage tank was performed, and the yield-after-spillage algorithm was used to define the tank release rule. The model’s performance was evaluated using rainfall data from more than 100 different sites located throughout the Sicilian territory. This regional analysis provided annual reliability curves for the system as a function of mean annual precipitation, which have practical applications in this area of study. The uncertainty related to the regional model predictions was also assessed. A cost-benefit analysis highlighted that the implementation of a rainwater harvesting system in Sicily can provide environmental and economic advantages over traditional water supply methods. In particular, the regional analysis identified areas where the application of this system would be most effective.
Le développement des sports d'hiver à Superbagnères (Luchon)
Authors: Gazes Georges
Published: January 2016

L'activité hivernale à Luchon-Superbagnères n'était, à ses débuts, qu'une annexe du tourisme estival : les principales installations d'accès et d'accueil avaient été conçues pour celui-ci. Mais les sports d'hiver sont devenus une activité autonome. La station est la mieux équipée des Pyrénées et reçoit jusqu'à 8 000 visiteurs par dimanche en 1964. Il ne semble pas, toutefois, que la ville même ait, jusqu'ici, beaucoup profité du succès de son annexe.
Les glacis du Valle de Mena et l'évolution morphologique au Sud-Ouest de Bilbao
Authors: Hazera Jean
Published: January 2016

En avant du talus actuel d'une cuesta élevée subsistent les restes d'un talus ancien, entre les incisions profondes de torrents anaclinaux. Ces éléments de glacis, tranchant des marnes tendres, sont recouverts par un mélange d'argile et de blocaille calcaire très hétérométrique, au faciès de coulée boueuse. L'abondance des éclats de gélivation fait penser à des coulées de type périglaciaire. Dans les vallons, creusés postérieurement, probablement par une longue série d'épisodes de fonte des neiges, un colmatage en fond de berceau évoque un autre épisode froid, mais peu humide, que confirme l'existence de travertins et de tufs abondants au fond de la dépression monoclinale.
Esquisse biogéographique de la Liébana (Massif Cantabrique, Espagne). La dynamique actuelle des paysages
Authors: Bertrand Georges
Published: January 2016

Le bassin de Liébana doit à son climat d'abri d'avoir conservé, en pleine montagne océanique, d'importantes stations de plantes méditerranéennes. On distingue cinq « domaines biogéographiques » (Chêne-Liège, Chêne Vert, Chênes caducifoliés, Hêtre, Supra-forestier) dans lesquels les plantes, les sols, le modelé des versants et les micro-climats sont liés par une dynamique commune. A l'intérieur de chaque domaine se succèdent des « faciès biogéographiques » progressifs ou régressifs par rapport au climax. Les domaines xérophiles méditerranéens, en déséquilibre écologique, se dégradent rapidement (tapis végétal ouvert, sols squelettiques, versants ravinés). Les domaines atlantiques et montagnards, la Hêtraie en particulier, sont moins éloignés du climax malgré la pression de l'économie sylvo-pastorale.
La progression de Lérida, ville sous-pyrénéenne
Authors: Deffontaines Pierre
Published: January 2016

Les progrès de l'irrigation ont fait de Lérida le centre d'une région de production agricole partiellement intensive, où se sont récemment accrues les productions de blé (variétés nouvelles), d'alfalfa pour le ravitaillement en fourrage d'autres régions espagnoles, de maïs hybride, et surtout les plantations fruitières, sous l'influence d'anciens réfugiés venant de la plaine garonnaise. La construction de nouveaux barrages hydro-électriques a attiré des usines alimentaires et textiles. Aussi Lérida a-t-elle doublé sa population en 20 ans, passant à 65 000 habitants.
L'évolution démographique de la vallée montagnarde du Ger
Authors: Touzet Georges
Published: January 2016

Les six villages de la vallée montagnarde du Ger ont connu un fort accroissement démographique jusqu'au milieu du XIXe siècle. On atteint alors un véritable surpeuplement. Mais l'émigration temporaire, active depuis le XVIIe siècle, devient définitive. Les habitants partent vers les villes du Bassin aquitain et vont s'installer aussi dans les agglomérations du pourtour de la Méditerranée et en Amérique hispanique. Malgré une petite immigration d'Espagnols, la vallée a perdu, en 1962, 80 % de sa population de 1841.
Les rapatriés d'Algérie dans la région Midi-Pyrénées
Authors: Toujas-Pinède Christiane
Published: January 2016

Les rapatriés d'Algérie qui ont afflué dans les huit départements de la région, et tout particulièrement à Toulouse, ont éprouvé de grandes difficultés de reclassement en raison de l'absence de qualification de la plupart des salariés — catégorie socio-professionnelle la plus nombreuse — et des faibles possibilités offertes par l'économie régionale. Aussi constate-t-on une grande mobilité parmi ces immigrés, qui ont essayé de se reclasser coûte que coûte dans le Sud-Ouest avant de tenter leur chance ailleurs. La vocation agricole de la région a été mise à profit par les agriculteurs d'Afrique du Nord dont les réussites ont été souvent remarquables, tandis que la réinstallation des commerçants s'avérait plus difficile et le résultat plus variable. Dans l'ensemble, malgré les difficiles problèmes de l'intégration sur le plan psychologique et économique, le milieu d'accueil a bénéficié de cet apport de population.
Electro-chimie et électro-métallurgie dans les Hautes-Pyrénées
Authors: Doumergue Yves
Published: January 2016

Troisième activité industrielle du département, après les industries mécaniques et le bâtiment, les industries électro-chimiques et électro-métallurgiques, attirées ici par les disponibilités hydroélectriques, ont pris un nouvel essor avec le gaz naturel de Lacq. L'usine d'aluminium de Lannemezan est la première du groupe UGINE et la troisième de France. Ses 50 000 t/an Représentent la quasi totalité de la production française d'aluminium pur. Tout à côté, la Société des Produits Azotés de Lannemezan ordonne ses fabrications en deux groupes : le groupe carbure, en stagnation (cyanamide calcique et dérivés), et le groupe azote, en plein essor grâce à sa récente ouverture sur les matières plastiques. A vingt kilomètres de Lannemezan, l'usine de Beyrède des Abrasifs du Sud-Ouest assure les deux-tiers de la production française de corindon. La Société de Pierrefitte (près d'Argelès-Gazost) est le 2e producteur français d'ammoniac, après l'O. N. I. A. de Toulouse, et le 2e producteur de phosphore. Occupant 1 150 ouvriers et employés, elle a enrayé le mouvement de dépopulation dans la haute vallée du Gave de Pau.
La culture de la lavande dans le Quercy
Authors: Lacaze Raymond
Published: January 2016

La culture de la lavande fit son apparition dans le Quercy vers 1929. Après avoir acquis, grâce à son excellente qualité, droit de cité sur le marché national, cette culture s'est rapidement répandue. Elle couvre actuellement près de 500 hectares. La vente de l'essence de lavande a permis d'améliorer sensiblement les revenus de nombreux agriculteurs des Causses. Malheureusement, les prix sont instables et les crises fréquentes. Aussi beaucoup de lavandiculteurs ont abandonné cette culture dont l'expansion dans notre région restera limitée par les possibilités du marché national.
Les laiteries et l'industrie laitière toulousaines
Authors: Daudé Marie-Rose
Published: January 2016

Toulouse possède les deux plus importantes laiteries de la région : l'Union Laitière Coopérative et la Société Superlait. Elles collectent 80 % de la production d'un bassin laitier qui s'étend sur les départements de la Haute-Garonne, du Gers, de l'Ariège, du Tarn et des Hautes-Pyrénées. Elles n'ont plus pour but unique l'approvisionnement de la ville, mais ont organisé un vaste réseau de redistribution qui s'étend sur tout le Midi de la France.
L'économie rurale des coteaux du Haut Villeneuvois : le canton de Monflanquin (Lot-et-Garonne)
Authors: Roudié Philippe
Published: January 2016

Pays de polyculture, les coteaux du Villeneuvois ont subi plusieurs crises : le phylloxéra a fait disparaître la vigne, remplacée par le prunier ; l'exode rural, mal compensé par un courant d'immigrants italiens ou venus de l'Ouest et du Nord de la France, a réduit la population de moitié en un siècle. L'agriculture repose actuellement sur les céréales, l'élevage bovin, le prunier. Mais quelle diversité des productions et surtout des revenus dans ces exploitations familiales de dimension moyenne (20 ha) ! Les chefs d'exploitation sont âgés, souvent endettés et l'habitat rural vétusté.
Pour une étude géographique de la végétation
Authors: Bertrand Georges
Published: January 2016

Les géographes, quelle que soit leur spécialité, ne peuvent se désintéresser de la végétation. On propose une méthode simplifiée pour l'étude et la représentation graphique des « formations végétales ». En partant des relevés floristiques (ahondance-dominance, sociabilité,) à la fois allégés et aménagés, on construit des « pyramides de végétation ». Du point de vue biogéographique, ces « pyramides » donnent une idée assez précise de la physionomie (stratification, conditions écologiques : pente, sol, etc.) et de la dynamique végétales (climats et sens de l'évolution, concurrence entre les espèces ou entre les strates). Du point de vue géomorphologique, elles mettent en évidence les rapports, en général négligés par les géographes, entre la végétation et la morphogénèse, C'est, avant tout, une méthode de terrain, « approchée » mais rapide, qui permet d'étudier le complexe d'évolution du versant dans toute son intégrité et qui précède normalement des analyses plus fines.
Les modalités de l'écoulement des eaux au Portugal
Authors: Vivian Huguette
Published: January 2016

L'originalité du Portugal, pays à la fois méditerranéen par sa latitude, et océanique par sa façade atlantique, donne à l'écoulement des eaux sur son territoire, des traits intéressants à souligner. L'étude du climat, de la répartition annuelle des précipitations, de l'évaporation, rend compte du fait que les cours d'eau bénéficiant de pluies de saison fraîche ou froide ont un déficit d'écoulement modéré. Toutefois des nuances dues à la position en latitude des bassins, au relief, à l'éloignement de l'océan, font que l'abondance fluviale varie très sensiblement du Nord au Sud, de l'Ouest à l'Est. Enfin les variations pluviométriques annuelles ont pour conséquence une grande inégalité des modules particuliers. On retrouve dans cet écoulement, souvent et conjointement, la modération océanique et les excès méditerranéens.
La géomorphologie du bassin du Touch (Haute-Garonne), ses implications pédologiques et hydrologiques
Authors: Tricart Jean , Hirsch A.-R. , Griesbach J.-C.
Published: January 2016

Cette étude géomorphologique a été réalisée en vue d'un aménagement agricole des eaux et fait ressortir l'influence de l'évolution du relief sur la répartition des sols et les caractéristiques hydrologiques (carte h. t.).

Deux nappes pliocènes de cailloutis, puis cinq accumulations quaternaires donnent des terrasses étagées, de plus en plus vigoureusement disséquées avec l'âge, dentifiées par leurs types d'altération et leur matériel. Des comparaisons sont faites entre ces altérations et celles des autres formations quaternaires de la France méridionale.
Quaternaire et géomorphologie sur le versant nord des Pyrénées centrales, d'après H. Alimen
Authors: Taillefer François
Published: January 2016

Analyse et critique de l'ouvrage de H. Alimen sur « Le Quaternaire des Pyrénées de la Bigarre ». On y trouve une description détaillée du Quaternaire du Gave de Pau et de l'Adour, sur la bordure des Pyrénées, plus sommaire de celui du Gave d'Ossau et de la Neste d'Aure. L'apport le plus neuf a trait à la pétrographie sédimentaire. Aucune découverte nouvelle d'importance n'est à noter en ce qui concerne la paléontologie et l'archéologie préhistorique. La pédologie, la palynologie, la géochronologie (dates - C 14) sont laissées de côté, ainsi que les données de la géomorphoiogie dynamique, pourtant fondamentales pour le Quaternaire. Aussi les conclusions paraissent-elles sujettes à révision, à la lumière des résultats acquis ou à attendre dans ces différents domaines.