bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
De Novo Transcriptome Analysis of Differential Functional Gene Expression in Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) after Challenge with Nocardia seriolae
Authors: Byadgi Omkar , Chen Chi-Wen , Wang Pei-Chyi , Tsai Ming-An , Chen Shih-Chu
Published: August 2016

Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) are common hosts of an epizootic bacterial infection by Nocardia seriolae. We conducted transcriptome profiling of M. salmoides to understand the host immune response to N. seriolae infection, using the Illumina sequencing platform. De novo assembly of paired-end reads yielded 47,881 unigenes, the total length, average length, N50, and GC content of which were 49,734,288, 1038, 1983 bp, and 45.94%, respectively. Annotation was performed by comparison against non-redundant protein sequence (NR), non-redundant nucleotide (NT), Swiss-Prot, Clusters of Orthologous Groups (COG), Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), Gene Ontology (GO), and Interpro databases, yielding 28,964 (NR: 60.49%), 36,686 (NT: 76.62%), 24,830 (Swissprot: 51.86%), 8913 (COG: 18.61%), 20,329 (KEGG: 42.46%), 835 (GO: 1.74%), and 22,194 (Interpro: 46.35%) unigenes. Additionally, 8913 unigenes were classified into 25 Clusters of Orthologous Groups (KOGs) categories, and 20,329 unigenes were assigned to 244 specific signalling pathways. RNA-Seq by Expectation Maximization (RSEM) and PossionDis were used to determine significantly differentially expressed genes (False Discovery Rate (FDR) < 0.05) and we found that 1384 were upregulated genes and 1542 were downregulated genes, and further confirmed their regulations using reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Altogether, these results provide information on immune mechanisms induced during bacterial infection in largemouth bass, which may facilitate the prevention of nocardiosis.
The Trans Influence in Unsymmetrical Pincer Palladacycles: An Experimental and Computational Study
Authors: Boonseng Sarote , Roffe Gavin , Jones Rhiannon , Tizzard Graham , Coles Simon , Spencer John , Cox Hazel
Published: August 2016

A library of unsymmetrical SCN pincer palladacycles, [ClPd{2-pyr-6-(RSCH2)C6H3}], R = Et, Pr, Ph, p-MePh, and p-MeOPh, pyr = pyridine, has been synthesized via C–H bond activation, and used, along with PCN and N’CN unsymmetrical pincer palladacycles previously synthesized by the authors, to determine the extent to which the trans influence is exhibited in unsymmetrical pincer palladacycles. The trans influence is quantified by analysis of structural changes in the X-ray crystal and density functional theory (DFT) optimized structures and a topological analysis of the electron density using quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) to determine the strength of the Pd-donor atom interaction. It is found that the trans influence is controlled by the nature of the donor atom and although the substituents on the donor-ligand affect the Pd-donor atom interaction through the varied electronic and steric constraints, they do not influence the bonding of the ligand trans to it. The data indicate that the strength of the trans influence is P > S > N. Furthermore, the synthetic route to the family of SCN pincer palladacycles presented demonstrates the potential of late stage derivitization for the effective synthesis of ligands towards unsymmetrical pincer palladacycles.
Template-Free Synthesis of Monoclinic BiVO4 with Porous Structure and Its High Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Dong Pengyu , Xi Xinguo , Zhang Xinjiang , Hou Guihua , Guan Rongfeng
Published: August 2016

Monoclinic BiVO4 photocatalysts with porous structures were synthesized by a two-step approach without assistance of any templates. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), photocurrent responses, and electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS). It is found that the as-prepared BiVO4 samples had a porous structure with aperture diameter of 50–300 nm. Moreover, the BET specific surface area of the porous BiVO4-200 °C sample reaches up to 5.69 m2/g, which is much higher than that of the sample of BiVO4 particles without porous structure. Furthermore, a possible formation mechanism of BiVO4 with porous structure was proposed. With methylene blue (MB) as a model compound, the photocatalytic oxidation of organic contaminants in aqueous solution was investigated under visible light irradiation. It is found that the porous BiVO4-200 °C sample exhibits the best photocatalytic activity, and the photocatalytic rate constant is about three times of that of the sample of BiVO4 particles without porous structure. In addition, the photocurrent responses and electrochemical impedance spectra strongly support this conclusion.
On the Improvement of AA2024 Wear Properties through the Deposition of a Cold-Sprayed Titanium Coating
Authors: Astarita Antonello , Rubino Felice , Carlone Pierpaolo , Ruggiero Alessandro , Leone Claudio , Genna Silvio , Merola Massimiliano , Squillace Antonino
Published: August 2016

This paper deals with the study of the enhancement of the tribological properties of AA2024 through the deposition of a titanium coating. In particular two different coatings were studied: (1) untreated titanium coating; and (2) post-deposition laser-treated titanium coating. Titanium grade 2 powders were deposited onto an aluminium alloy AA2024-T3 sheet through the cold gas dynamic spray process. The selective laser post treatment was carried out by using a 220 W diode laser to further enhance the wear properties of the coating. Tribo-tests were executed to analyse the tribological behaviour of materials in contact with an alternative moving counterpart under a controlled normal load. Four different samples were tested to assess the effectiveness of the treatments: untreated aluminium sheets, titanium grade 2 sheets, as-sprayed titanium powders and the laser-treated coating layer. The results obtained proved the effectiveness of the coating in improving the tribological behaviour of the AA2024. In particular the laser-treated coating showed the best results in terms of both the friction coefficient and mass lost. The laser treatment promotes a change of the wear mechanism, switching from a severe adhesive wear, resulting in galling, to an abrasive wear mechanism.
Protein Requirements during Aging
Authors: Courtney-Martin Glenda , Ball Ronald , Pencharz Paul , Elango Rajavel
Published: August 2016

Protein recommendations for elderly, both men and women, are based on nitrogen balance studies. They are set at 0.66 and 0.8 g/kg/day as the estimated average requirement (EAR) and recommended dietary allowance (RDA), respectively, similar to young adults. This recommendation is based on single linear regression of available nitrogen balance data obtained at test protein intakes close to or below zero balance. Using the indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) method, we estimated the protein requirement in young adults and in both elderly men and women to be 0.9 and 1.2 g/kg/day as the EAR and RDA, respectively. This suggests that there is no difference in requirement on a gender basis or on a per kg body weight basis between younger and older adults. The requirement estimates however are ~40% higher than the current protein recommendations on a body weight basis. They are also 40% higher than our estimates in young men when calculated on the basis of fat free mass. Thus, current recommendations may need to be re-assessed. Potential rationale for this difference includes a decreased sensitivity to dietary amino acids and increased insulin resistance in the elderly compared with younger individuals.
Effect of Argon Plasma Treatment on Tribological Properties of UHMWPE/MWCNT Nanocomposites
Authors: Naresh Kumar Nitturi , Yap Seong , Bt Samsudin Farah , Khan Muhammad , Pattela Srinivasa Rama
Published: August 2016

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is widely used in artificial joints in the replacement of knee, hip and shoulder that has been impaired as a result of arthritis or other degenerative joint diseases. The UHMWPE made plastic cup is placed in the joint socket in contact with a metal or ceramic ball affixed to a metal stem. Effective reinforcement of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in UHMWPE results in improved mechanical and tribological properties. The hydrophobic nature of the nanocomposites surface results in lesser contact with biological fluids during the physiological interaction. In this project, we investigate the UHMWPE/MWCNTs nanocomposites reinforced with MWCNTs at different concentrations. The samples were treated with cold argon plasma at different exposure times. The water contact angles for 60 min plasma-treated nanocomposites with 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 wt % MWCNTs were found to be 55.65°, 52.51°, 48.01°, 43.72°, and 37.18° respectively. Increasing the treatment time of nanocomposites has shown transformation from a hydrophobic to a hydrophilic nature due to carboxyl groups being bonded on the surface for treated nanocomposites. Wear analysis was performed under dry, and also under biological lubrication, conditions of all treated samples. The wear factor of untreated pure UHMWPE sample was reduced by 68% and 80%, under dry and lubricated conditions, respectively, as compared to 2 wt % 60 min-treated sample. The kinetic friction co-efficient was also noted under both conditions. The hardness of nanocomposites increased with both MWCNTs loading and plasma treatment time. Similarly, the surface roughness of the nanocomposites was reduced.
Monitoring Deforestation at Sub-Annual Scales as Extreme Events in Landsat Data Cubes
Authors: Hamunyela Eliakim , Verbesselt Jan , De Bruin Sytze , Herold Martin
Published: August 2016

Current methods for monitoring deforestation from satellite data at sub-annual scales require pixel time series to have many historical observations in the reference period to model normal forest dynamics before detecting deforestation. However, in some areas, pixel time series often do not have many historical observations. Detecting deforestation at a pixel with scarce historical observations can be improved by complementing the pixel time series with spatial context information. In this work, we propose a data-driven space-time change detection method that detects deforestation events at sub-annual scales in data cubes of satellite image time series. First we spatially normalised observations in the local space-time data cube to reduce seasonality. Subsequently, we detected deforestation by assessing whether a newly acquired observation in the monitoring period is an extreme when compared against spatially normalised values in a local space-time data cube defined over reference period. We demonstrated our method at two sites, a dry tropical Bolivian forest and a humid tropical Brazilian forest, by varying the spatial and temporal extent of data cube. We emulated a “near real-time” monitoring scenario, implying that observations in the monitoring period were sequentially rather than simultaneously assessed for deforestation. Using Landsat normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) time series, we achieved a median temporal detection delay of less than three observations, a producer’s accuracy above 70%, a user’s accuracy above 65%, and an overall accuracy above 80% at both sites, even when the reference period of the data cube only contained one year of data. Our results also show that large percentile thresholds (e.g., 5th percentile) achieve higher producer’s accuracy and shorter temporal detection delay, whereas smaller percentiles (e.g., 0.1 percentile) achieve higher user’s accuracy, but longer temporal detection delay. The method is data-driven, not based on statistical assumption on the data distribution, and can be applied on different forest types. However, it may face challenges in mixed forests where, for example, deciduous and evergreen forests coexist within short distances. A pixel to be assessed for deforestation should have a minimum of three temporal observations, the first of which must be known to represent forest. Such short time series allow rapid deployment of newly launched sensors (e.g., Sentinel-2) for detecting deforestation events at sub-annual scales.
Mathematical Model and Calibration Experiment of a Large Measurement Range Flexible Joints 6-UPUR Six-Axis Force Sensor
Authors: Zhao Yanzhi , Zhang Caifeng , Zhang Dan , Shi Zhongpan , Zhao Tieshi
Published: August 2016

Nowadays improving the accuracy and enlarging the measuring range of six-axis force sensors for wider applications in aircraft landing, rocket thrust, and spacecraft docking testing experiments has become an urgent objective. However, it is still difficult to achieve high accuracy and large measuring range with traditional parallel six-axis force sensors due to the influence of the gap and friction of the joints. Therefore, to overcome the mentioned limitations, this paper proposed a 6-Universal-Prismatic-Universal-Revolute (UPUR) joints parallel mechanism with flexible joints to develop a large measurement range six-axis force sensor. The structural characteristics of the sensor are analyzed in comparison with traditional parallel sensor based on the Stewart platform. The force transfer relation of the sensor is deduced, and the force Jacobian matrix is obtained using screw theory in two cases of the ideal state and the state of flexibility of each flexible joint is considered. The prototype and loading calibration system are designed and developed. The K value method and least squares method are used to process experimental data, and in errors of kind Ι and kind II linearity are obtained. The experimental results show that the calibration error of the K value method is more than 13.4%, and the calibration error of the least squares method is 2.67%. The experimental results prove the feasibility of the sensor and the correctness of the theoretical analysis which are expected to be adopted in practical applications.
Gram-Scale Purification of Dihydrorobinetin from Robinia pseudoacacia L. Wood by Centrifugal Partition Chromatography
Authors: Destandau Emilie , Charpentier Jean-Paul , Bostyn Stéphane , Zubrzycki Sandrine , Serrano Valérie , Seigneuret Jean-Marc , Breton Christian
Published: August 2016

Robinia pseudoacacia L. is a tree widely dispersed in France that is characterized by good growth rates and important biomass production, which produces wood with very high natural durability used for outdoor fence posts, timber, and barrels to age vinegars and wines. Its mature heartwood presents high resistance against wood fungi decay and contains two main flavonoid extractives, dihydrorobinetin—the most abundant—and robinetin that present interesting biological activities. The aim of the present study was to optimize a procedure allowing an important recovery of purified dihydrorobinetin from R. pseudoacacia wood, representing an interesting sustainable, local, highly available, and, consequently, economical source of bioactive components. The extraction of dihydrorobinetin was first optimized by evaluating the influence of various extraction parameters such as temperature, extraction time, solvent nature, and wood/solvent mass ratio to obtain an efficient, safe, and low cost extraction. Then, dihydrorobinetin was purified over 95% using centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC). CPC purification was first developed on a small volume column with low amounts of injected extract, then scaled-up on a 200 mL column with higher sample loading capacity in order to purify more than 1.3 g of dihydrorobinetin in one run.
The Death of Democracy and the Forces of Power and Control: The Case of Europe
Authors: Gavrielides Theo
Published: August 2016

At the time of writing, the United Kingdom is grabbling with its decision to abandon its European Union membership. As the country is divided and hate incidents are increased by almost 50%, this think-piece presents a critical analysis of Europe’s missed opportunity for social justice. The paper presents evidence by analysing the civil and political rights jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights in order to explore the potential of what it calls the “human rights project” for a regional democracy. The paper shows that a key objective of the European Convention of Human Rights was the development of case law that would construct a regional democracy for bringing consistency in the enjoyment of civil and political rights across the continent. This “human rights project” was well underway, but is now hampered by contemporary forces of power and control that are ridiculing the work and status of the Council of Europe. The paper identifies three levers that move these forces, namely: financial and security terror as well as nationalism. The paper warns that if these forces are not managed, the backlash in social justice will continue while the human rights project for a regional democracy will come to its demise.
A Global Perspective on the Sustainable Performance of Urbanization
Authors: Shen Liyin , Shuai Chenyang , Jiao Liudan , Tan Yongtao , Song Xiangnan
Published: August 2016

Urbanization, particularly in developing countries, is a major strategy for development. However, major concerns accompany it, such as air pollution, habitat destruction, and loss of arable land. In responding to these challenges, governments throughout the world have been implementing various policy mechanisms to guide the practice of urbanization towards sustainable development. It appears that there is little research investigating the outcomes of those efforts in implementing sustainable urbanization strategies. This paper provides a profile of sustainable urbanization from a global perspective. Data used for this research cover 111 countries and are collected from the World Bank database and the United Nation database. A ranking list of sustainable performance of urbanization between these countries is produced and discussed. The study suggests that countries at different stages of urbanization have achieved different levels of sustainable performance. The research results provide significant references for future study in the field of urbanization from a global perspective.
Decomposition of Net CO2 Emission in the Wuhan Metropolitan Area of Central China
Authors: Yang Xin , Ma Chunbo , Zhang Anlu
Published: August 2016

Policy-makers have been sharing growing concerns that climate change has significant impacts on human society and economic activates. Knowledge of the influencing factors of CO2 emission is the crucial step to reduce it. In this paper, both CO2 emission and CO2 sink on a city-level of the nine cities in Wuhan Metropolitan Area are calculated using the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change approach. Moreover, the logarithmic mean Divisia index (LMDI) model was employed to decompose the net CO2 emission from 2001 to 2009. Results showed that (1) the largest amount of CO2 emission comes from energy while the largest amount CO2 sink comes from cropland; (2) economic level (S) was the largest positive driving factor for net CO2 emission growth in the Wuhan Metropolitan Area, population (P) also played a positive driving role, but with very weak contribution; and as negative inhibiting factors, energy structure (E) and energy efficiency (C) significantly reduced the net CO2 emission.
Investigating Yield Variability and Inefficiency in Rice Production: A Case Study in Central China
Authors: Yang Zhihai , Mugera Amin , Zhang Fan
Published: August 2016

Insufficient and high variability in rice yield is a threat to food security in China, prompting the need for strategies to mitigate yield variability and increase productivity. This study investigates the presence of production risk and technical inefficiency for a sample of rice farms in the Xiangyang city of China using a stochastic production frontier framework. Results from the risk function reveal that labor and better soil quality have significant risk-reducing effects while machinery exerts a significant risk-increasing effect on rice production. The estimated mean technical efficiency score is 84%, suggesting that, on average, farmers could increase their rice production by 16%, without increasing the existing input levels by improving their management techniques. Factors that significantly affect technical efficiency are the age of farmers, female ratio, access and use of extension services, off-farm income, and the size of cultivated land. Results from this study suggest that yield variability and technical inefficiency in rice production can be reduced by appropriate choice of input combinations and elimination of mistakes in the production process through efficient management practices. Strategies, such as providing better extension services, loosening liquidity constraints facing farmers, and expanding rice farmers’ producing area, would help to achieve minimum inefficiency in production.
Urban Green Infrastructure Impacts on Climate Regulation Services in Sydney, Australia
Authors: Lin Brenda , Meyers Jacqui , Beaty R. , Barnett Guy
Published: August 2016

In many parts of the world, urban planning has a renewed focus on addressing the multiple challenges associated with population growth and climate change. Focused on local needs and priorities, these planning processes are raising tensions between more compact and dense urban form to reduce energy use and associated emissions and the provision of urban green infrastructure for ecosystem services and climate adaptation. In this study, we investigated the spatial distribution of green infrastructure at the neighbourhood scale in Sydney, Australia and examined how a mix of landscape types (pavement, bare soil/dry grass, green grass, and tree cover) affect temperature variation in three important locations for urban residents—around the home, in the roads and footpaths where people walk, and in parkland areas. Considering that residential and parkland areas contribute to the majority of green space in Sydney, it is important to understand how changes in landscape mix within these three neighbourhood areas will affect local temperature for urban residents. For residential houses, it was found that the percentage of tree canopy cover around the house had a significant negative relationship (p = 0.002) with surface temperatures of rooftops where greater tree cover led to lower rooftop temperatures. In streetscapes, both the percentage of tree cover (p < 0.0001) and the percentage of green grass (p < 0.0001) within the road segment had a significant negative relationship with the surface temperature of the road pavement. In the parks, the percentage of pavement (p < 0.0001) and the percentage of bare soil/dry grass (p < 0.0001) showed a significantly positive trend with land surface temperatures where greater land cover in the form of pavement and bare soil/dry grass led to higher temperatures. Collectively, these findings highlight the importance of promoting or reducing certain landscape covers depending on the land use type in order to maximise the cooling potential of green infrastructure.
Urban Expansion and Agricultural Land Loss in China: A Multiscale Perspective
Authors: Shi Kaifang , Chen Yun , Yu Bailang , Xu Tingbao , Li Linyi , Huang Chang , Liu Rui , Chen Zuoqi , Wu Jianping
Published: August 2016

China’s rapid urbanization has contributed to a massive agricultural land loss that could threaten its food security. Timely and accurate mapping of urban expansion and urbanization-related agricultural land loss can provide viable measures to be taken for urban planning and agricultural land protection. In this study, urban expansion in China from 2001 to 2013 was mapped using the nighttime stable light (NSL), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and water body data. Urbanization-related agricultural land loss during this time period was then evaluated at national, regional, and metropolitan scales by integrating multiple sources of geographic data. The results revealed that China’s total urban area increased from 31,076 km2 in 2001 to 80,887 km2 in 2013, with an average annual growth rate of 13.36%. This widespread urban expansion consumed 33,080 km2 of agricultural land during this period. At a regional scale, the eastern region lost 18,542 km2 or 1.2% of its total agricultural land area. At a metropolitan scale, the Shanghai–Nanjing–Hangzhou (SNH) and Pearl River Delta (PRD) areas underwent high levels of agricultural land loss with a decrease of 6.12% (4728 km2) and 6.05% (2702 km2) of their total agricultural land areas, respectively. Special attention should be paid to the PRD, with a decline of 13.30% (1843 km2) of its cropland. Effective policies and strategies should be implemented to mitigate urbanization-related agricultural land loss in the context of China’s rapid urbanization.
Corporate Sustainability Strategies: A Case Study in Brazil Focused on High Consumers of Electricity
Authors: Casarejos Fabricio , Frota Mauricio , Rocha José , Da Silva Walquíria , Barreto José
Published: August 2016

The decline of socio-ecological resilience has emerged as an unprecedented truth with high risks to local and global economies, thereby increasing the vulnerability of businesses and markets while potentially threatening the wellbeing of civil society as a whole. From a business perspective, corporate strategies towards sustainability are crucial to strengthen the social and economic foundations that foster sustainable development. In order to assist enterprises pursuing leading market positions, this work proposes a set of strategic actions towards sustainability and an evaluation scheme to assess the effectiveness of their implementation process. This proposed global strategy encompasses five key sustainability indices—commitment, investment, difficulty, proactivity and vulnerability—focusing the investigation on a sample of enterprises representing the highest consumers of electricity in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Addressing the energy consumption, this study also discusses the concerning level of GHG emissions that are associated with the generation of electricity. Although 85% of the enterprises participating in this survey recognized the relevance of the actions proposed, the current degree of proactivity and vulnerability associated with these enterprises indicate that very few of them have effectively implemented and invested in corporate sustainability programs, certainly a symptom of their institutional vulnerability.
Telomere Length, Proviral Load and Neurologic Impairment in HTLV-1 and HTLV-2-Infected Subjects
Authors: Usadi Benjamin , Bruhn Roberta , Lin Jue , Lee Tzong-Hae , Blackburn Elizabeth , Murphy Edward
Published: August 2016

Short or damaged telomeres have been implicated in degenerative conditions. We hypothesized that analysis of telomere length (TL) in human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) infection and HTLV-associated neuropathy might provide clues to the etiology of HTLV-associated disease and viral dynamics. A subset of 45 human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1), 45 human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 2 (HTLV-2), and 45 seronegative subjects was selected from the larger HTLV Outcomes Study (HOST) cohort, matched on age, sex and race/ethnicity. Telomere-to-single-copy gene (T/S) ratio (a measure of TL) and HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 proviral loads were measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) using quantitative PCR (qPCR). Vibration sensation measured by tuning fork during neurologic examinations performed as part of the HOST study allowed for an assessment of peripheral neuropathy. TL was compared between groups using t-tests, linear and logistic regression. Mean T/S ratio was 1.02 ± 0.16 in HTLV-1, 1.03 ± 0.17 in HTLV-2 and 0.99 ± 0.18 in HTLV seronegative subjects (p = 0.322). TL was not associated with HTLV-1 or -2 proviral load. Shorter TL was significantly associated with impaired vibration sense in the HTLV-2 positive group only. Overall, we found no evidence that telomere length was affected by chronic HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 infection. That TL was only associated with peripheral neuropathy in the HTLV-2-positive group is intriguing, but should be interpreted cautiously. Studies with larger sample size and telomere length measurement in lymphocyte subsets may clarify the relationship between TL and HTLV-infection.
Tomato Infection by Whitefly-Transmitted Circulative and Non-Circulative Viruses Induce Contrasting Changes in Plant Volatiles and Vector Behaviour
Authors: Fereres Alberto , Peñaflor Maria , Favaro Carla , Azevedo Kamila , Landi Carolina , Maluta Nathalie , Bento José , Lopes Joao
Published: August 2016

Virus infection frequently modifies plant phenotypes, leading to changes in behaviour and performance of their insect vectors in a way that transmission is enhanced, although this may not always be the case. Here, we investigated Bemisia tabaci response to tomato plants infected by Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV), a non-circulative-transmitted crinivirus, and Tomato severe rugose virus (ToSRV), a circulative-transmitted begomovirus. Moreover, we examined the role of visual and olfactory cues in host plant selection by both viruliferous and non-viruliferous B. tabaci. Visual cues alone were assessed as targets for whitefly landing by placing leaves underneath a Plexiglas plate. A dual-choice arena was used to assess whitefly response to virus-infected and mock-inoculated tomato leaves under light and dark conditions. Thereafter, we tested the whitefly response to volatiles using an active air-flow Y-tube olfactometer, and chemically characterized the blends using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Visual stimuli tests showed that whiteflies, irrespective of their infectious status, always preferred to land on virus-infected rather than on mock-inoculated leaves. Furthermore, whiteflies had no preference for either virus-infected or mock-inoculated leaves under dark conditions, but preferred virus-infected leaves in the presence of light. ToSRV-infection promoted a sharp decline in the concentration of some tomato volatiles, while an increase in the emission of some terpenes after ToCV infection was found. ToSRV-viruliferous whiteflies preferred volatiles emitted from mock-inoculated plants, a conducive behaviour to enhance virus spread, while volatiles from ToCV-infected plants were avoided by non-viruliferous whiteflies, a behaviour that is likely detrimental to the secondary spread of the virus. In conclusion, the circulative persistent begomovirus, ToSRV, seems to have evolved together with its vector B. tabaci to optimise its own spread. However, this type of virus-induced manipulation of vector behaviour was not observed for the semi persistent crinivirus, ToCV, which is not specifically transmitted by B. tabaci and has a much less intimate virus-vector relationship.
Measuring the Sustainability of Water Plans in Inter-Regional Spanish River Basins
Authors: Borrego-Marín María , Riesgo Laura
Published: August 2016

This paper analyses and compares the sustainability of the water plans in the Spanish River basins according to the objectives of the Water Framework Directive. Even though the concept of sustainability has been traditionally associated with the triple bottom line framework, composed of economic, environmental, and social dimensions, in this paper sustainability has been enlarged by including governance aspects. Two multicriteria decision analysis approaches are proposed to aggregate the sustainability dimensions. Results show that the environmental dimension plays the most important role in the whole sustainability (40%) of water basins, followed by both economic and social criteria (25%). By contrast, the dimension of governance is the least important for sustainability (11%). A classification of the Spanish basins according to their sustainability indicates that the water agency with the highest sustainability is Western Cantabrian, followed by Eastern Cantabrian and Tagus. By contrast, Minho-Sil, Jucar, and Douro are the least sustainable.
Overexpression of miR-509 Increases Apoptosis and Inhibits Invasion via Suppression of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Hs578T Cells
Authors: Zhang Guoqiang , Liu Zengyan , Han Yong , Wang Xiaohong , Yang Zhenlin
Published: August 2016

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is associated with high recurrence rates of metastasis and death. miR-509 has been reported to be a tumor suppressor in many cancers, but its effect in TNBC has not yet been identified. In this article, we explored the effects of miR-509 on the malignant
phenotype of TNBC cells, including proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion. We transiently transfected TNBC cells, Hs578T, with miR-509 mimic. Upon transfection, the expression of miR-509 was upregulated about 50-fold compared with cells transfected with scramble mimic. Overexpression
of miR-509 inhibited cell proliferation, induced cell apoptosis, and suppressed cell invasion of Hs578T cells. Moreover, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was involved in miR-509-mediated suppressive effects of TNBC cells, as being treated with TNF-α could partially abolish
the suppressive effects of miR-509. Collectively, these data suggest that miR-509 could reverse the malignant phenotype of TNBC cells, probably by suppressing TNF-α.
HST IMAGING OF THE LOCAL VOLUME DWARF GALAXIES PISCES A AND B: PROTOTYPES FOR LOCAL GROUP DWARFS
Authors: Tollerud Erik J. , Geha Marla C. , Grcevich Jana , Putman Mary E. , Weisz Daniel R. , Dolphin Andrew E.
Published: August 2016

We present observations of the Pisces A and B galaxies with the Advanced Camera for Surveys on the Hubble Space Telescope. Photometry from these images clearly resolves a red giant branch (RGB) for both objects, demonstrating that they are nearby dwarf galaxies. We describe a Bayesian inferential approach to determining the distance to these galaxies using the magnitude of the tip of the RGB, and then apply this approach to these galaxies. This reveals the distance to these galaxies as

and

for Pisces A and B, respectively, placing both within the Local Volume but not the Local Group (LG). We estimate the star formation histories of these galaxies, which suggests that they have recently undergone an increase in their star formation rates. Together these yield luminosities for Pisces A and B of

and −12.9 ± 0.2, respectively, and estimated stellar masses of

and

. We further show that these galaxies are likely at the boundary between nearby voids and higher-density filamentary structure. This suggests that they are entering a higher-density region from voids, where they would have experienced delayed evolution, consistent with their recent increased star formation rates. If this is indeed the case, they are useful for study as proxies of the galaxies that later evolved into typical LG satellite galaxies.
HIGH-SPEED BULLET EJECTIONS DURING THE AGB-TO-PLANETARY NEBULA TRANSITION: HST OBSERVATIONS OF THE CARBON STAR, V HYDRAE
Authors: Sahai R. , Scibelli S. , Morris M. R.
Published: August 2016

The well-studied carbon star, V Hya, showing evidence for high-speed, collimated outflows and dense equatorial structures, is a key object in the study of the poorly understood transition of AGB stars into aspherical planetary nebulae. Using the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph instrument on board the Hubble Space Telescope, we have obtained high spatial-resolution long-slit optical spectra of V Hya that show high-velocity emission in [S ii] and [Fe ii] lines. Our data set, spanning three epochs spaced apart by a year during each of two periods (in 2002–2004 and 2011–2013), shows that V Hya ejects high-speed (∼200–250

) bullets once every ∼8.5 years. The ejection axis flip–flops around a roughly eastern direction, both in and perpendicular to the sky-plane, and the radial velocities of the ejecta also vary in concert between low and high values. We propose a model in which the bullet ejection is associated with the periastron passage of a binary companion in an eccentric orbit around V Hya with an orbital period of ∼8.5 years. The flip–flop phenomenon is likely the result of collimated ejection from an accretion disk (produced by gravitational capture of material from the primary) that is warped and precessing, and/or that has a magnetic field that is misaligned with that of the companion or the primary star. We show how a previously observed 17 year period in V Hya’s light-cycle can also be explained in our model. Additionally, we describe how the model proposed here can be extended to account for multipolar nebulae.
AN OPPORTUNISTIC SEARCH FOR EXTRATERRESTRIAL INTELLIGENCE (SETI) WITH THE MURCHISON WIDEFIELD ARRAY
Authors: Tingay S. J. , Tremblay C. , Walsh A. , Urquhart R.
Published: August 2016

A spectral line image cube generated from 115 minutes of MWA data that covers a field of view of 400 sq, deg. around the Galactic Center is used to perform the first Search for ExtraTerrestrial Intelligence (SETI) with the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA). Our work constitutes the first modern SETI experiment at low radio frequencies, here between 103 and 133 MHz, paving the way for large-scale searches with the MWA and, in the future, the low-frequency Square Kilometre Array. Limits of a few hundred mJy beam−1 for narrowband emission (10 kHz) are derived from our data, across our 400 sq. deg. field of view. Within this field, 45 exoplanets in 38 planetary systems are known. We extract spectra at the locations of these systems from our image cube to place limits on the presence of narrow line emission from these systems. We then derive minimum isotropic transmitter powers for these exoplanets; a small handful of the closest objects (10 s of pc) yield our best limits of order 1014 W (Equivalent Isotropic Radiated Power). These limits lie above the highest power directional transmitters near these frequencies currently operational on Earth. A SETI experiment with the MWA covering the full accessible sky and its full frequency range would require approximately one month of observing time. The MWA frequency range, its southern hemisphere location on an extraordinarily radio quiet site, its very large field of view, and its high sensitivity make it a unique facility for SETI.
RECONCILING DWARF GALAXIES WITH ΛCDM COSMOLOGY: SIMULATING A REALISTIC POPULATION OF SATELLITES AROUND A MILKY WAY–MASS GALAXY
Authors: Wetzel Andrew R. , Hopkins Philip F. , Kim Ji-hoon , Faucher-Giguère Claude-André , Kereš Dušan , Quataert Eliot
Published: August 2016

Low-mass “dwarf” galaxies represent the most significant challenges to the cold dark matter (CDM) model of cosmological structure formation. Because these faint galaxies are (best) observed within the Local Group (LG) of the Milky Way (MW) and Andromeda (M31), understanding their formation in such an environment is critical. We present first results from the Latte Project: the Milky Way on Feedback in Realistic Environments (FIRE). This simulation models the formation of an MW-mass galaxy to

z
=
0

within ΛCDM cosmology, including dark matter, gas, and stars at unprecedented resolution: baryon particle mass of

7070

M

⊙

with gas kernel/softening that adapts down to

1

pc

(with a median of

25
–
60

pc

at

z
=
0

). Latte was simulated using the GIZMO code with a mesh-free method for accurate hydrodynamics and the FIRE-2 model for star formation and explicit feedback within a multi-phase interstellar medium. For the first time, Latte self-consistently resolves the spatial scales corresponding to half-light radii of dwarf galaxies that form around an MW-mass host down to

M

star

≳

10

5

M

⊙

. Latte’s population of dwarf galaxies agrees with the LG across a broad range of properties: (1) distributions of stellar masses and stellar velocity dispersions (dynamical masses), including their joint relation; (2) the mass–metallicity relation; and (3) diverse range of star formation histories, including their mass dependence. Thus, Latte produces a realistic population of dwarf galaxies at

M

star

≳

10

5

M

⊙

that does not suffer from the “missing satellites” or “too big to fail” problems of small-scale structure formation. We conclude that baryonic physics can reconcile observed dwarf galaxies with standard ΛCDM cosmology.
La psychologie de la religion : dénominations, historique et controverses
Authors: Dargentas Magdalini
Published: August 2016

Dans cet article, l’auteur présente la psychologie de la religion selon une perspective historique. Ce domaine, actuellement peu connu en France, se développe surtout dans le monde anglo-saxon. Les dénominations différentes (psychologie de la religion / religieuse / pastorale / des religions) et son objet sont passés en revue. L’historique couvre trois périodes : le début du xx e siècle, la période après-guerre (les années 1950) et enfin la période qui débute dans les années 1970. Nous examinons ensuite les principaux débats, portant notamment sur les liens avec la psychologie, la validité de l’étude du religieux, l’implication des chercheurs et certaines controverses méthodologiques ou théoriques. L’article se termine par une ouverture sur une éventuelle quatrième période plus récente et par l’exposé de la situation en France. Ce domaine y reste institutionnellement absent, à l’exception des travaux de Deconchy et d’un intérêt récent pour l’étude du religieux, principalement au sein de la psychologie sociale.
Research on the Bearing Capacity of Double Row Steel Sheet Pile Reinforcement Depth of the Based on Soil between Piles
Authors: Hui Sun
Published: August 2016

With the complex force characteristics of double row steel sheet pile retaining structure. Through the PLAXIS 3D finite element model is established, the soil with HS-Small constitutive model, the cement soil reinforcement of double row steel sheet pile support retaining structure of pile soil, the simulation and analysis of the soil between piles reinforcement depth of double row steel sheet piles by the force and displacement. Analysis shows that with the increase of reinforcement depth:1） before and after the peak displacement of two rows of steel sheet pile becomes smaller; 2）outside row of pile axial force variation trend of different;3） outside row of steel sheet pile peak shear force and bending moment increases first and then decreases; 4）the peak reached maximum value when the reinforcement depth have different; 5）internal row pile internal force of absolute value was significantly larger than that of the outer row of piles, should according to the actual needs of the project using the appropriate reinforcement depth.
pH Influences on Optical Absorption of Anthocyanin from Black Rice as Sensitizer for Dye Sensitized Solar Cell TiO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Al Qibtiya Mariya , Prima Eka Cahya , Yuliarto Brian , Suyatman
Published: August 2016

Natural dyes extracted from black rice are used as sensitizer for dye sensitized solar cell. The anthocyanin extracted with various pH in acidic and neutral coditions. Preparation of fotolectrode TiO2 film using doctor blade method and resulting average grain size 33,9 nm using X-Ray Diffractometer. Characterization of morphology and cross-section film TiO2 is confirmed by Scanning Electron microscopy (SEM). Optical absorption using UV-Visible Spectroscopy to obtain spectrum absorbance of anthocyanin in various pH. The current-voltage (J-V) characterization shows the performance DSSC have a match relation to the optical absorption. The best absorption of anthocyanin obtained at pH 6 as well as conversion efficiency reaches 2.26% at this pH condition.
Study on the Surface Morphology of PVdF-LiBOB Solid Polymer Electrolyte with TiO2 Filler for Lithium-Ion Battery Application
Authors: Ratri Christin Rina , Sabrina Qolby
Published: August 2016

Solid polymer electrolyte with PVdF polymer and LiBOB salt has been prepared with doctor blade method. To improve the membrane ionic conductivity, TiO2 has been added. Surface morphology analysis was performed using SEM and EDX spectroscopy. Conductivity behaviour was studied with AC impedance spectroscopy (EIS). SEM and EDX analysis results have shown that TiO2 addition played a role in pore formation on solid polymer electrolyte membrane. The highest value of ionic conductivity in PVdF-LiBOB solid polymer electrolyte system in this research was found to be 5.79% x 10-6 Scm-1 in room temperature, i.e sample with 30% TiO2 addition. It was also studied that agglomeration of TiO2 particle occurred on the surface of the membrane resulted in decreasing of ionic conductivity.
Methyl Laurate Characterization from Enzymatic Esterification-Transesterification Process of Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO)
Authors: Suaniti Ni Made , Adnyana I. Wayan Bandem , Manurung Manuntun , Hartasiwi Nadya
Published: August 2016

This Lauric acid is the most abundant fat in coconut oil, which can undergo an esterification and trans-esterification reactions to form methyl laurate. The aim of this study was to characterize the results obtained from lauric acid esterification and tran-esterification VCO enzymatic produce methyl esters with a distinctive odor ester. VCO enzymatic_methanol esterification (9: 1) with phosphoric acid catalyst and tran-esterification results esterification_methanol (1: 3) with KOH catalyst with varies time were 0.5; 1; 1.5; and 2 hours with the percentage obtained FAME row is 73.97; 78.09; 91.75; and 89.83%. Characterizations of methyl laurate were (1) density: 857.97; 857.97; 859.90; and 860.00 kg/m3, (2) % FFA: 0.16; 0.12; 0.09; 0.07% and acid value: 0.44; 0.32; 0.24; 0.14 mg-KOH/g sample. (3) Functional groups showed similarities value with the methyl laurate standard by the FT-IR spectrophotometer, the presence of ester compounds such as C = O; C-O; C-H; CH3; and RCOOR.
Numerical Modelling of Surface Texturing of UHMWPE under Influence of Normal Load
Authors: Lestari Wahyu Dwi , Priyoga F.H. , Jamari J. , Bayuseno A.P.
Published: August 2016

The reduced wear rate of hip-joint bearing components is the main issues in biotribology researches for the biomedical implants. Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is extensively used as a bearing material because of having its great properties of friction and wear. Surface texturing can be selected as a method of enhancing tribology properties of engineering surfaces. In this present study, surface texturing examination was performed by 3D finite element method under influence of normal load. Stress distribution of UHMWPE surface under the influence of texturing with the variation in diameter cavities and separation was investigated. The result showed that the surface texturing provided the higher stress distribution of the lower separation in the cylindrical cavities.
Removal of Methylene Blue Dye Contaminant by Combination of Ultrasonic and Visible Light Irradiation Using Perovskite LaMnO3 Nanocatalyst
Authors: Afifah Nur , Saleh Rosari
Published: August 2016

The applicability of LaMnO3 perovskite as nanocatalyst was investigated for removing of methylene blue as a model compound of organic pollutant under visible light and ultrasonic irradiation simultaneously. The LaMnO3 perovskite was synthesized by co-precipitation method and it was characterized in terms of morphological, structural, compositional, optical and magnetic properties. The detailed characterization confirmed that LaMnO3 perovskite had a single-phase orthorhombic structure with estimated crystallite size of 44 nm. UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra showed a weak reflection with small band gap energy. The weak ferromagnetic behavior with a saturation magnetization of 3 emu/g was obtained at 1 Tesla. The photosonocatalytic showed significantly higher catalytic activity in decomposing methylene blue compared to that of sonocatalytic or photocatalytic alone. Radical scavenger experiments revealed that holes were the predominant oxidative species involved in the process.