bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Next‐Generation Sequencing‐Based RiboMethSeq Protocol for Analysis of tRNA 2′‐O‐Methylation
Authors: Marchand Virginie , Pichot Florian , Thüring Kathrin , Ayadi Lilia , Freund Isabel , Dalpke Alexander , Helm Mark , Motorin Yuri
Published: February 2017

Analysis of RNA modifications by traditional physico‐chemical approaches is labor intensive, requires substantial amounts of input material and only allows site‐by‐site measurements. The recent development of qualitative and quantitative approaches based on next‐generation sequencing (NGS) opens new perspectives for the analysis of various cellular RNA species. The Illumina sequencing‐based RiboMethSeq protocol was initially developed and successfully applied for mapping of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) 2′‐O‐methylations. This method also gives excellent results in the quantitative analysis of rRNA modifications in different species and under varying growth conditions. However, until now, RiboMethSeq was only employed for rRNA, and the whole sequencing and analysis pipeline was only adapted to this long and rather conserved RNA species. A deep understanding of RNA modification functions requires large and global analysis datasets for other important RNA species, namely for transfer RNAs (tRNAs), which are well known to contain a great variety of functionally‐important modified residues. Here, we evaluated the application of the RiboMethSeq protocol for the analysis of tRNA 2′‐O‐methylation in Escherichia coli and in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. After a careful optimization of the bioinformatic pipeline, RiboMethSeq proved to be suitable for relative quantification of methylation rates for known modified positions in different tRNA species.
Electrode Surface Composition of Dual-Intercalation, All-Graphite Batteries
Authors: Dyatkin Boris , Halim Joseph , Read Jeffrey
Published: February 2017

Dual-intercalation batteries implement graphite electrodes as both cathodes and anodes and offer high specific energy, inexpensive and environmentally sustainable materials, and high operating voltages. Our research investigated the influence of surface composition on capacities and cycling efficiencies of chemically functionalized all-graphite battery electrodes. We subjected coreshell spherical particles and synthetic graphite flakes to high-temperature air oxidation, and hydrogenation to introduce, respectively, –OH, and –H surface functional groups. We identified noticeable influences of electrode surface chemistry on first-cycle efficiencies and charge storage densities of anion and cation intercalation into graphite electrodes. We matched oxidized cathodes and hydrogenated anodes in dual-ion batteries and improved their overall performance. Our approach provides novel fundamental insight into the anion intercalation process and suggests inexpensive and environmentally sustainable methods to improve performance of these grid-scale energy storage systems
Silicides and Nitrides Formation in Ti Films Coated on Si and Exposed to (Ar-N2-H2) Expanding Plasma
Authors: Jauberteau Isabelle , Mayet Richard , Cornette Julie , Mangin Denis , Bessaudou Annie , Carles Pierre , Jauberteau Jean , Passelergue Armand
Published: February 2017

The physical properties including the mechanical, optical and electrical properties of Ti nitrides and silicides are very attractive for many applications such as protective coatings, barriers of diffusion, interconnects and so on. The simultaneous formation of nitrides and silicides in Ti films improves their electrical properties. Ti films coated on Si wafers are heated at various temperatures and processed in expanding microwave (Ar-N2-H2) plasma for various treatment durations. The Ti-Si interface is the centre of Si diffusion into the Ti lattice and the formation of various Ti silicides, while the Ti surface is the centre of N diffusion into the Ti film and the formation of Ti nitrides. The growth of silicides and nitrides gives rise to two competing processes which are thermodynamically and kinetically controlled. The effect of thickness on the kinetics of the formation of silicides is identified. The metastable C49TiSi2 phase is the main precursor of the stable C54TiSi2 phase, which crystallizes at about 600 °C, while TiN crystallizes at about 800 °C.
A Validated HPLC Method for the Determination of Vanillyl Butyl Ether in Cosmetic Preparations
Authors: Ríos Francisco , Alberola Antonio , Melendez Joaquin , Muedra Gema , Trigo Francisco
Published: February 2017

A specific HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) method has been developed and validated for the determination of vanillyl butyl ether in cosmetic products. The extraction procedure with an isopropanol water 1:1 mixture is described. The method uses a RP-C-18 column with isocratic elution and an ultraviolet (UV) detector. The mobile phase consists of a mixture of acetonitrile and buffer (Na2HPO4 20 mM in water) (30:70 v/v) with a variable flow rate. The method was validated with respect to accuracy, precision (repeatability and reproducibility), specificity and linearity. The procedure described here is simple, selective and reliable for routine quality control analysis and stability tests of commercially available cosmetic products.
Disassembly of Faceted Macrosteps in the Step Droplet Zone in Non-Equilibrium Steady State
Authors: Akutsu Noriko
Published: February 2017

A Wulff figure—the polar graph of the surface tension of a crystal—with a discontinuity was calculated by applying the density matrix renormalization group method to the p-RSOS model, a restricted solid-on-solid model with a point-contact-type step–step attraction. In the step droplet zone in this model, the surface tension is discontinuous around the (111) surface and continuous around the (001) surface. The vicinal surface of 4H-SiC crystal in a Si–Cr–C solution is thought to be in the step droplet zone. The dependence of the vicinal surface growth rate and the macrostep size 〈 n 〉 on the driving force Δ μ for a typical state in the step droplet zone in non-equilibrium steady state was calculated using the Monte Carlo method. In contrast to the known step bunching phenomenon, the size of the macrostep was found to decrease with increasing driving force. The detachment of elementary steps from a macrostep was investigated, and it was found that 〈 n 〉 satisfies a scaling function. Moreover, kinetic roughening was observed for | Δ μ | > Δ μ R , where Δ μ R is the crossover driving force above which the macrostep disappears.
Object‐Oriented RFID with IoT: A Design Concept of Information Systems in Manufacturing
Authors: Kamigaki Tamotsu
Published: February 2017

The Internet of Things (IoT) has increasingly become important in industry. Connectivity over the internet of not only people but also devices (such as sensors, appliances, machines, robots, and vehicles) is leading to a paradigm shift in manufacturing. The Japanese government recognizes this and has stated that IoT connectivity and the methodologies to exploit it are paramount for Japanese industry. Currently, the necessary changes have been realized in large Japanese companies; however, implementation in smaller companies has been lagging, despite the advantages of introducing IoT technologies, due to the high cost. The objective of this research is to suggest a design concept which combines IoT and object‐oriented radio frequency identification (RFID). IoT technology is used for collecting, analyzing, and managing data, and an object‐oriented RFID system is used as a control process in manufacturing systems. In previous research, the objectoriented RFID system was shown to provide flexible management through the use of a variety of OORFID tags. The current research extends this by introducing object‐oriented RFID into IoT systems to improve the flexibility in the manufacturing systems. For the verification of this concept, an experimental IoT system using object‐oriented RFID was designed and implemented
Altered Intracellular Milieu of ADAR2-Deficient Motor Neurons in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Yamashita Takenari , Akamatsu Megumi , Kwak Shin
Published: February 2017

Transactive response DNA-binding protein (TDP-43) pathology, and failure of A-to-I conversion (RNA editing) at the glutamine/arginine (Q/R) site of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) receptor subunit GluA2, are etiology-linked molecular abnormalities that concomitantly occur in the motor neurons of most patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Adenosine deaminase acting on RNA 2 (ADAR2) specifically catalyzes GluA2 Q/R site-RNA editing. Furthermore, conditional ADAR2 knockout mice (AR2) exhibit a progressive ALS phenotype with TDP-43 pathology in the motor neurons, which is the most reliable pathological marker of ALS. Therefore, the evidence indicates that ADAR2 downregulation is a causative factor in ALS, and AR2 mice exhibit causative molecular changes that occur in ALS. We discuss the contributors to ADAR2 downregulation and TDP-43 pathology in AR2 mouse motor neurons. We describe mechanisms of exaggerated Ca2+ influx amelioration via AMPA receptors, which is neuroprotective in ADAR2-deficient motor neurons with normalization of TDP-43 pathology in AR2 mice. Development of drugs to treat diseases requires appropriate animal models and a sensitive method of evaluating efficacy. Therefore, normalization of disrupted intracellular environments resulting from ADAR2 downregulation may be a therapeutic target for ALS. We discuss the development of targeted therapy for ALS using the AR2 mouse model.
A Review of Mercury Bioavailability in Humans and Fish
Authors: Bradley Mark , Barst Benjamin , Basu Niladri
Published: February 2017

To estimate human exposure to methylmercury (MeHg), risk assessors often assume 95%–100% bioavailability in their models. However, recent research suggests that assuming all, or most, of the ingested mercury (Hg) is absorbed into systemic circulation may be erroneous. The objective of this paper is to review and discuss the available state of knowledge concerning the assimilation or bioavailability of Hg in fish and humans. In fish, this meant reviewing studies on assimilation efficiency, that is the difference between ingested and excreted Hg over a given period of time. In humans, this meant reviewing studies that mostly investigated bioaccessibility (digestive processes) rather than bioavailability (cumulative digestive + absorptive processes), although studies incorporating absorption for a fuller picture of bioavailability were also included where possible. The outcome of this review shows that in a variety of organisms and experimental models that Hg bioavailability and assimilation is less than 100%. Specifically, 25 studies on fish were reviewed, and assimilation efficiencies ranged from 10% to 100% for MeHg and from 2% to 51% for Hg(II). For humans, 20 studies were reviewed with bioaccessibility estimates ranging from 2% to 100% for MeHg and 0.2% to 94% for Hg(II). The overall absorption estimates ranged from 12% to 79% for MeHg and 49% to 69% for Hg(II), and were consistently less than 100%. For both fish and humans, a number of cases are discussed in which factors (e.g., Hg source, cooking methods, nutrients) are shown to affect Hg bioavailability. The summaries presented here challenge a widely-held assumption in the Hg risk assessment field, and the paper discusses possible ways forward for the field.
A Conjecture on the Nature of Information, with a “Simple” Example
Authors: Salthe Stanley
Published: February 2017

Here, I take the position that information is a result of interactions between observers. In order to proceed with this, I construct a simple physical example, with forces standing in for observers. That example leads me to consider the relation between investigative work and energy constraints, which in turn leads toward a surprising suggestion concerning the most general motivation for work.
A Framework for Multiple Object Tracking in Underwater Acoustic MIMO Communication Channels
Authors: Rodriguez Domingo , Aceros Cesar , Valera Juan , Anaya Edwin
Published: February 2017

This work presents a computational framework for the analysis and design of large-scale algorithms utilized in the estimation of acoustic, doubly-dispersive, randomly time-variant, underwater communication channels. Channel estimation results are used, in turn, in the proposed framework for the development of efficient high performance algorithms, based on fast Fourier transformations, for the search, detection, estimation and tracking (SDET) of underwater moving objects through acoustic wavefront signal analysis techniques associated with real-time electronic surveillance and acoustic monitoring (eSAM) operations. Particular importance is given in this work to the estimation of the range and speed of deep underwater moving objects modeled as point targets. The work demonstrates how to use Kronecker products signal algebra (KSA), a branch of finite-dimensional tensor signal algebra, as a mathematical language for the formulation of novel variants of parallel orthogonal matching pursuit (POMP) algorithms, as well as a programming aid for mapping these algorithms to large-scale computational structures, using a modified Kuck’s paradigm for parallel computation.
Electrochemical Migration Behavior of Copper-Clad Laminate and Electroless Nickel/Immersion Gold Printed Circuit Boards under Thin Electrolyte Layers
Authors: Yi Pan , Xiao Kui , Ding Kangkang , Dong Chaofang , Li Xiaogang
Published: February 2017

The electrochemical migration (ECM) behavior of copper-clad laminate (PCB-Cu) and electroless nickel/immersion gold printed circuit boards (PCB-ENIG) under thin electrolyte layers of different thicknesses containing 0.1 M Na2SO4 was studied. Results showed that, under the bias voltage of 12 V, the reverse migration of ions occurred. For PCB-Cu, both copper dendrites and sulfate precipitates were found on the surface of FR-4 (board material) between two plates. Moreover, the Cu dendrite was produced between the two plates and migrated toward cathode. Compared to PCB-Cu, PCB-ENIG exhibited a higher tendency of ECM failure and suffered from seriously short circuit failure under high relative humidity (RH) environment. SKP results demonstrated that surface potentials of the anode plates were greater than those of the cathode plates, and those potentials of the two plates exhibited a descending trend as the RH increased. At the end of the paper, an electrochemical migration corrosion failure model of PCB was proposed.
Microstructures and Tensile Properties of Al–Cu Matrix Composites Reinforced with Nano-Sized SiCp Fabricated by Semisolid Stirring Process
Authors: Qiu Feng , Gao Xiang , Tang Jian , Gao Yu-Yang , Shu Shi-Li , Han Xue , Li Qiang , Jiang Qi-Chuan
Published: February 2017

The nano-sized SiCp/Al–Cu composites were successfully fabricated by combining semisolid stirring with ball milling technology. Microstructures were examined by an olympus optical microscope (OM), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Tensile properties were studied at room temperature. The results show that the α-Al dendrites of the composites were strongly refined, especially in the composite with 3 wt. % nano-sized SiCp, of which the morphology of the α-Al changes from 200 μm dendritic crystal to 90 μm much finer equiaxial grain. The strength and ductility of the composites are improved synchronously with the addition of nano-sized SiCp particles. The as-cast 3 wt. % nano-sized SiCp/Al–Cu composite displays the best tensile properties, i.e., the yield strength, ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and fracture strain increase from 175 MPa, 310 MPa and 4.1% of the as-cast Al–Cu alloy to 220 MPa, 410 MPa and 6.3%, respectively. The significant improvement in the tensile properties of the composites is mainly due to the refinement of the α-Al dendrites, nano-sized SiCp strengthening, and good interface combination between the SiCp and Al–Cu alloys.
QSRR Modeling for Metabolite Standards Analyzed by Two Different Chromatographic Columns Using Multiple Linear Regression
Authors: Zisi Chrysostomi , Sampsonidis Ioannis , Fasoula Stella , Papachristos Konstantinos , Witting Michael , Gika Helen , Nikitas Panagiotis , Pappa-Louisi Adriani
Published: February 2017

Modified quantitative structure retention relationships (QSRRs) are proposed and applied to describe two retention data sets: A set of 94 metabolites studied by a hydrophilic interaction chromatography system under organic content gradient conditions and a set of tryptophan and its major metabolites analyzed by a reversed-phase chromatographic system under isocratic as well as pH and/or simultaneous pH and organic content gradient conditions. According to the proposed modification, an additional descriptor is added to a conventional QSRR expression, which is the analyte retention time, tR(R), measured under the same elution conditions, but in a second chromatographic column considered as a reference one. The 94 metabolites were studied on an Amide column using a Bare Silica column as a reference. For the second dataset, a Kinetex EVO C18 and a Gemini-NX column were used, where each of them was served as a reference column of the other. We found in all cases a significant improvement of the performance of the QSRR models when the descriptor tR(R) was considered.
Eu, Gd-Codoped Yttria Nanoprobes for Optical and T1-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Atabaev Timur , Lee Jong , Shin Yong , Han Dong-Wook , Choo Ki , Jeon Ung , Hwang Jae , Yeom Jeong , Kim Hyung-Kook , Hwang Yoon-Hwae
Published: February 2017

Nanoprobes with multimodal functionality have attracted significant interest recently because of their potential applications in nanomedicine. This paper reports the successful development of lanthanide-doped Y2O3 nanoprobes for potential applications in optical and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The morphology, structural, and optical properties of these nanoprobes were characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), and photoluminescence (PL). The cytotoxicity test showed that the prepared lanthanide-doped Y2O3 nanoprobes have good biocompatibility. The obvious contrast enhancement in the T1-weighted MR images suggested that these nanoprobes can be used as a positive contrast agent in MRI. In addition, the clear fluorescence images of the L-929 cells incubated with the nanoprobes highlight their potential for optical imaging. Overall, these results suggest that prepared lanthanide-doped Y2O3 nanoprobes can be used for simultaneous optical and MR imaging.
Evidence of Protein Adsorption in Pegylated Liposomes: Influence of Liposomal Decoration
Authors: Sangrà Marc , Estelrich Joan , Sabaté Raimon , Espargaró Alba , Busquets Maria
Published: February 2017

In order to contribute to a better knowledge of the events involved in the formation of the protein corona when nanoparticles (NPs) come in contact with proteins, we report a study about the changes on the physicochemical properties of pristine, PEGylated and Cyclic Arginine-Glycine-Aspartate peptide (RGD)-functionalized large unilamelar liposomes (LUVs) or magnetoliposomes (MLs) upon incubation with Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA). The main phospholipid component of both LUVs and MLs was l-α-phosphatydylcholine (PC) or 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC) with 20% of cholesterol. The most obvious indication of the interaction of BSA-nanosystems is given by changes in the hydrodynamic diameter of the particles but other evidence is needed to corroborate the process. Our findings indicate that size modification is a process that is accomplished in few hours and that is strongly dependent not only on the surface decoration but also of the lipid composition of both LUVs and MLs. Fluorescence quenching experiments as well as cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (Cryo-TEM) images assessed these changes and confirmed that although each system has to be studied in a particular way, we can establish three distinctive features that turn into more reactive systems: (a) compositions containing PC compared with their DMPC counterparts; (b) the presence of PEG and/or RGD compared to the pristine counterparts; and (c) the presence of SPIONs: MLs show higher interaction than LUVs of the same lipid composition. Consequently, PEGylation (that is supposed to make stealth NPs) actually fails in preventing complete protein binding.
Evolution and Divergence of H3N8 Equine Influenza Viruses Circulating in the United Kingdom from 2013 to 2015
Authors: Rash Adam , Morton Rachel , Woodward Alana , Maes Olivia , McCauley John , Bryant Neil , Elton Debra
Published: February 2017

Equine influenza viruses (EIV) are a major cause of acute respiratory disease in horses worldwide and occasionally also affect vaccinated animals. Like other influenza A viruses, they undergo antigenic drift, highlighting the importance of both surveillance and virus characterisation in order for vaccine strains to be kept up to date. The aim of the work reported here was to monitor the genetic and antigenic changes occurring in EIV circulating in the UK from 2013 to 2015 and to identify any evidence of vaccine breakdown in the field. Virus isolation, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and sequencing were performed on EIV-positive nasopharyngeal swab samples submitted to the Diagnostic Laboratory Services at the Animal Health Trust (AHT). Phylogenetic analyses were completed for the haemagglutinin-1 (HA1) and neuraminidase (NA) genes using PhyML and amino acid sequences compared against the current World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)-recommended Florida clade 2 vaccine strain. Substitutions between the new isolates and the vaccine strain were mapped onto the three-dimensional structure protein structures using PyMol. Antigenic analyses were carried out by haemagglutination inhibition assay using a panel of post-infection ferret antisera. Sixty-nine outbreaks of equine influenza in the UK were reported by the AHT between January 2013 and December 2015. Forty-seven viruses were successfully isolated in eggs from 41 of the outbreaks. Only three cases of vaccine breakdown were identified and in each case the vaccine used contained a virus antigen not currently recommended for equine influenza vaccines. Nucleotide sequencing of the HA and NA genes revealed that all of the viruses belonged to the Florida clade 2 sub-lineage of H3N8 EIV. Phylogenetic and sequence analyses showed that the two sub-populations, previously identified within clade 2, continued to circulate and had accrued further amino acid substitutions. Antigenic characterisation using post-infection ferret antisera in haemagglutination inhibition assays however, failed to detect any marked antigenic differences between the isolates. These findings show that Florida clade 2 EIV continue to circulate in the UK and support the current OIE recommendation to include an example of Florida clade 2 in vaccines.
Experimental Demonstration of an Electro-Absorption Modulated Laser for High-Speed Transmissions at 1.55-μm Window Using Digital Signal Processing
Authors: Karinou Fotini , Stojanovic Nebojsa , Prodaniuc Cristian , Zhang Qiang
Published: February 2017

We experimentally investigate the transmission performance of 56 Gb/s four-level pulse amplitude modulation (PAM-4) over 30-km standard single mode fiber (SMF) using a C-band EML for low-cost metro and short-reach wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) applications. Bit error rate (BER) performance below the HD-FEC threshold is achieved for up to 30-km maximum reported distance without employing dispersion compensation fiber (DCF) in the link.
History, Hysteria, and Hype: Government Contracting with Faith-Based Social Service Agencies
Authors: Queen Edward
Published: February 2017

In light of the adoption of the Charitable Choice Provision of the Welfare Reform Bill and the creation of White House Offices on faith based initiatives this article examines the history of government contracting with faith-based organizations to deliver human and social services with a particular focus on how the U. S. Supreme Court has viewed the legal status of such contracts.
A Survey on Banknote Recognition Methods by Various Sensors
Authors: Lee Ji , Hong Hyung , Kim Ki , Park Kang
Published: February 2017

Despite a decrease in the use of currency due to the recent growth in the use of electronic financial transactions, real money transactions remain very important in the global market. While performing transactions with real money, touching and counting notes by hand, is still a common practice in daily life, various types of automated machines, such as ATMs and banknote counters, are essential for large-scale and safe transactions. This paper presents studies that have been conducted in four major areas of research (banknote recognition, counterfeit banknote detection, serial number recognition, and fitness classification) in the accurate banknote recognition field by various sensors in such automated machines, and describes the advantages and drawbacks of the methods presented in those studies. While to a limited extent some surveys have been presented in previous studies in the areas of banknote recognition or counterfeit banknote recognition, this paper is the first of its kind to review all four areas. Techniques used in each of the four areas recognize banknote information (denomination, serial number, authenticity, and physical condition) based on image or sensor data, and are actually applied to banknote processing machines across the world. This study also describes the technological challenges faced by such banknote recognition techniques and presents future directions of research to overcome them.
The Role of Health Promotion in Disease Outbreaks and Health Emergencies
Authors: Laverack Glenn
Published: February 2017

Health promotion has a key role to play in disease outbreaks and health emergencies because it can offer well-established bottom-up approaches that engage with people to be an active part of a response. International agencies did learn from their earlier mistakes in, for example, the recent Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa, even though an attempt to engage with communities was not initially widely implemented. Many agencies preferred to use pre-packaged approaches which had an emphasis on individual behavior changes and health care delivery. This had a questionable effect because disease outbreaks and health emergencies must actively communicate with and involve people to be successful. Health promotion practice recognizes the value of community capacity-building, participation and empowerment—aspects that are already intrinsic to many health promotion programs. An understanding of how this is achieved in practice will help agencies to find an appropriate way forward to involve and better communicate with communities when the next disease outbreak inevitably occurs.
Spatial Variability and Ecological Effects of Anthropogenic Activities in a Nature Reserve: A Case Study in the Baijitan National Nature Reserve, China
Authors: Song Xiaoyang , Huang Yaohuan , Fu Jingying , Jiang Dong , Tian Guangjin
Published: February 2017

Nature reserves play an essential role in protecting natural resources and maintaining an ecological balance. However, certain nature reserves are increasingly disturbed by human activities in the form of settlements, roads, farmland, etc. How to monitor the status of nature reserves by using remote sensing methods has been a focus of scholars for a long time. In this study, remote sensing satellite images from 2009 and 2014 were used to extract and analyze the distribution of anthropogenic activities, such as agriculture, industry, residency, traffic, and other human activities. On this basis, the Nature Reserve Human Interference (NRHI) and landscape indices (LI) were calculated to describe the intensity of anthropogenic disturbance; in addition, the slope and aspect were analyzed to describe the regularity in the distribution of anthropogenic activities. The results showed that more than 90% of the anthropogenic activity occurred in the experimental and buffer zones. Likewise, the NRHI increased from 0.0901 in 2009 to 0.1127 in 2014. The NRHI was proportional to the patch density (PD), landscape shape index (LSI), landscape division index (DIVISION), Shannon’s diversity index (SHDI), and Shannon′s evenness index (SHEI), and it was inversely proportional to the contagion index (CONTAG). Moreover, 84.54% of the anthropogenic activity occurred in a range from 0 to 3.6 degrees, and 14.44% of the activity occurred in a range from 3.6 to 7.2 degrees. More than 60% of the anthropogenic activity occurred on sunny slopes because of the human adaptability to the environment and the possibility for humans to fulfill their physical needs (warmth and comfort). Thus, the monitoring of this nature reserve needs to be further strengthened and focused on the area with a range of 0–7.2 degrees and on the sunny slopes.
Current Mercury Exposure from Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in Bombana, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia—Future Significant Health Risks
Authors: Basri  , Sakakibara Masayuki , Sera Koichiro
Published: February 2017

The rapid expansion of the artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) industry in developing countries has marginalized the local communities in poverty, and resulted in occupational exposure to mercury via the gold extraction process. We investigated the mercury exposure of the mining workers lived inside and outside the mining area. Based on the occupations of the contributors, the hair samples were divided into three subgroups: directly exposed, indirectly exposed, and a control. A total of 81 hair samples were analyzed by particle-induced X-ray emission spectrometry. The median mercury concentration was highest in the hair from the directly exposed group (12.82 μg/g hair) (control group median: 4.8 μg/g hair, p < 0.05), and the concentrations in hair from 45 respondents exceeded the Human Biomonitoring I (HBM I) threshold limit. Mercury concentrations were also elevated in the hair from the indirectly exposed group (median 7.64 μg/g hair, p < 0.05), and concentrations in hair from 24 respondents exceeded the HBM I threshold limits. Exposure to mercury during ASGM presents health risks and is harmful for the miners; mercury is also at hazardous levels for people who live in the mining area but who are not engaged in mercury-based gold extraction.
The disregarded karst of the arid and semiarid domain / Le karst méconnu du domaine aride et semi-aride
Authors: Jennings Joseph Newell
Published: February 2017

Le karst méconnu du domaine aride et semi-aride. Les connaissances actuelles sur les karsts arides et semi-arides sont pauvres. Cela tient à trois causes essentielles : inactivité ou maigre activité des processus karstiques actuelles par quasi absence de précipitations, forte évaporation et très faible rôle du CO 2 d'origine biologique. Si la pauvreté des formes actives de surface est réelle, l'importance des formes héritées est par contre capitale. L'explication d'un modelé karstique bien développé en domaine aride ou semi-aride doit donc envisager en détail les conditions paléo-climatiques et paléo-géographiques de l'environnement. L'appauvrissement du modelé karstique avec l'aridité est démontré comme dans le karst australien de Nullarbor. Si l'essentiel des cavités connues se situe près de la bande côtière, il faut être prudent quant aux conclusions : le karst de Nullarbor est immense (200000km2). L'auteur analyse également les problèmes existant entre la notion de karst et la notion de désert. L'individualité du karst aride ne repose pas vraiment sur des types de formes très distinctives puisqu'il existe des modelés karstiques variés selon les régions arides et semi-arides (ex : Nullarbor, Sahara, Sierra Madré /Mexique, Neguev, Nouveau Mexique...). Les études sur les processus de formation suggèrent en fait de larges variations dans les conditions d'évolution du karst aride et semi-aride actuel.
Music as a Therapeutic Assistant: Strategy to Reduce Work Stress
Authors: Lima Dereck Sena de , Alves Farias Jamilton , Cartaxo Gomes de Arruda Aurilene Josefa , Cavalcanti da Silva Cesar , Caxias de Souza Maurício , Fernandes Braga João Euclides , De Cássia Tavares da Fonseca Leila , Alves Alany Bezerra da Rocha , Oliveira Lúcia Raiza Feitosa Alves de , Carvalho da Silva Irany , Araújo Milca Correia Marinho de , Azevedo da Silva Thássia Christina , Soares de Lima Laysa Karen , Costa de Santana Sely , Anderson de Oliveira Cruz Ronny
Published: February 2017

Objective: to understand the influence of music as a therapeutic assistant in reducing work stress of nursing professionals in a basic health unit.

Method: it is an exploratory and descriptive research with a quantitative approach, developed with 9 nursing professionals from UBS Integrated Nova Esperança in João Pessoa, Paraíba. Data collection began after approval of the Research Ethics Committee of the Health Sciences Center of the Federal University of Paraíba, nº. 0508/16, CAAE: 58741916.6.0000.5188.

Results: we identified that 33.3% of nursing professionals presented signs of stress, of the 33.3% who presented stress, 100% demonstrated to be in the resistance phase, 100% of the nursing professionals evaluated the musical strategy in a positive way.

Conclusion: the musical strategy received extremely positive evaluations by the participants of the research, about 100% of professionals said that listening to music can reduce work stress.
Violence as psychosocial risk in the work of psychiatric nurses and management strategies
Authors: Santos Scozzafave Maria Carolina , Henriques Camelo Silvia Helena , Inácio Soares Mirelle , Rossi Rocha Fernanda Ludmilla , Leonardo de Oliveira Gaioli Cheila Cristina , Andrian Leal Laura
Published: February 2017

Objective: To analyze the presence of violence as psychosocial risk from the perception of nurses in a psychiatric hospital, as well as the management strategies implemented to address this risk.

Methods: Qualitative study with 25 nurses working in a psychiatric hospital. Data collection was carried out from November 2014 to January 2015 through semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed and organized into thematic categories following three stages: pre-analysis, exploration of the material and treatment of the results obtained. Participants were identified by the letter "E" and received sequential Arabic numeral numbers, thus guaranteeing the anonymity of the speeches. Thus, they were referenced from E1 to E25. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Brazil.

Results: Violence exists in the everyday routine of psychiatric nurses, with the presence of scratches, pinches, kicks, pushes, squeezes against the wall, biting, aggression with the use of objects, among others, and the management strategies consist in appeals to the family, the cinema, music, reading, exercise, therapy, religion.

Conclusion: It is important that preventive measures be adopted aimed at promoting safety in the workplace. The discussion on actions to improve the training and practices of nurses working in the mental health area are also important.

Keywords: Violence; psychotherapy; emotion; occupational psychiatry; others psychosocial techniques/treatments
Deep-HiTS: Rotation Invariant Convolutional Neural Network for Transient Detection∗
Authors: Cabrera-Vives Guillermo , Reyes Ignacio , Förster Francisco , Estévez Pablo A. , Maureira Juan-Carlos
Published: February 2017

We introduce Deep-HiTS, a rotation-invariant convolutional neural network (CNN) model for classifying images of transient candidates into artifacts or real sources for the High cadence Transient Survey (HiTS). CNNs have the advantage of learning the features automatically from the data while achieving high performance. We compare our CNN model against a feature engineering approach using random forests (RFs). We show that our CNN significantly outperforms the RF model, reducing the error by almost half. Furthermore, for a fixed number of approximately 2000 allowed false transient candidates per night, we are able to reduce the misclassified real transients by approximately one-fifth. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time CNNs have been used to detect astronomical transient events. Our approach will be very useful when processing images from next generation instruments such as the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope. We have made all our code and data available to the community for the sake of allowing further developments and comparisons at https://github.com/guille-c/Deep-HiTS.
The Progenitor and Early Evolution of the Type IIb SN 2016gkg
Authors: Tartaglia L. , Fraser M. , Sand D. J. , Valenti S. , Smartt S. J. , McCully C. , Anderson J. P. , Arcavi I. , Elias-Rosa N. , Galbany L. , Gal-Yam A. , Haislip J. B. , Hosseinzadeh G. , Howell D. A. , Inserra C. , Jha S. W. , Kankare E. , Lundqvist P. , Maguire K. , Mattila S. , Reichart D. , Smith K. W. , Smith M. , Stritzinger M. , Sullivan M. , Taddia F. , Tomasella L.
Published: February 2017

We report initial observations and analysis on the Type IIb SN 2016gkg in the nearby galaxy NGC 613. SN 2016gkg exhibited a clear double-peaked light curve during its early evolution, as evidenced by our intensive photometric follow-up campaign. SN 2016gkg shows strong similarities with other Type IIb SNe, in particular, with respect to the He i emission features observed in both the optical and near-infrared. SN 2016gkg evolved faster than the prototypical Type IIb SN 1993J, with a decline similar to that of SN 2011dh after the first peak. The analysis of archival Hubble Space Telescope images indicate a pre-explosion source at SN 2016gkg’s position, suggesting a progenitor star with a ∼mid-F spectral type and initial mass

M

, depending on the distance modulus adopted for NGC 613. Modeling the temperature evolution within

of explosion, we obtain a progenitor radius of

R

, smaller than that obtained from the analysis of the pre-explosion images (

R

).
Les bénéfices du Toucher-Massage © : lien avec la spiritualité
Authors: Bollondi-Pauly Catherine , Boegli Monique
Published: February 2017

Les bénéfices potentiels du Toucher-Massage sur le bien-être spirituel de personnes hospitalisées dans le contexte d’une maladie grave, ou douleur chronique sont étudiés. Les commentaires de patients relevés à l’issue de séances de Toucher-massage sont analysés à l’aide du concept de spiritualité de L. Chiu d’une part et de la théorie de l’autotranscendance de P. Reed d’autre part. Le TM peut soutenir l’habilité de la personne en situation de vulnérabilité à trouver du sens dans sa vie en se tournant vers les choses, les autres ou vers soi-même, en dépassant les limites de sa situation actuelle.
Excursus XI (Modelage de vie)
Authors: Negarestani Reza , Labrecque Simon
Published: February 2017

Après une brève présentation de l’artiste et philosophe iranien Reza Negarestani et de la réception de son livre Cyclonopedia : Complicity with Anonymous Materials (re.press, 2008) dans la nébuleuse du réalisme spéculatif, S. Labrecque présente la première traduction française de l’un des nombreux « excursus » de cet ouvrage. Le court texte intitulé « Modelage de vie » propose une conception à la fois séduisante et horrifiante de la « créativité lépreuse », qui demeure inassignable au divin comme à l’humain puisqu’elle concerne précisément l’affaissement, voire le pourrissement et le mélange boueux de ces deux plans qu’on tente parfois de distinguer sous les noms de transcendance et d’immanence, ou d’idéalité et de matérialité.
Anthropocène, Capitalocène, Plantationocène, Chthulucène
Authors: Haraway Donna , Neyrat Frédéric
Published: February 2017

Nous sommes dans le « Chthulucène », l’époque au long cours où s’enchevêtrent des temporalités multiples, des forces non seulement humaines mais aussi plus qu’humaines et inhumaines, des noms-de-Terre dont Gaïa n’est qu’un exemple parmi d’autres. Une telle mise en perspective transhistorique considère l’Anthropocène non pas comme sommet de créativité anthropomorphique, mais comme terrible appauvrissement écologique, social et culturel. Dès lors la question devient : comment faire en sorte que l’Anthropocène ne puisse pas durer ? La réponse que donne Haraway est la suivante : « Faites des Parents pas des Bébés ! ».
Interrelationnisme
Authors: Carpenter Edmund , Bisson Frédéric , Neyrat Frédéric
Published: February 2017

Manuscrit inachevé, retrouvé parmi les papiers non classés du Pr Carpenter après sa mystérieuse disparition, ce texte est considéré par certains comme une preuve de la folie tardive de son auteur. Dans un style analytique, il commence par rejeter à la fois le subjectivisme et les ontologies de l’objet, également écocidaires, au profit d’une conception « interrelationniste » de la réalité. Puis il se termine par des notes fragmentaires que leur densité rend très hermétiques, mais qui témoignent d’une crise intellectuelle radicale et d’une conversion ultime.
Les réserves spéculatives de pétrole des pays de l’Opep durant la « bataille des quotas »
Authors: Berthod Mathias
Published: February 2017

Cet article propose une simulation des comportements stratégiques des pays membres de l’Organisation des pays exportateurs de pétrole durant la « bataille des quotas » (1982-1988). Lors de cette période, une majorité d’entre eux ont subitement déclaré des réserves bien plus importantes, suite à la décision du cartel d’instaurer des quotas de production. Plus de 300 milliards de barils supplémentaires auraient été ainsi déclarés sans aucune justification prospective.
LASIK Enhancement: Clinical and Surgical Management
Authors: Moshirfar Majid , Jehangir Naz , Fenzl Carlton R. , McCaughey Michael
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE:

To review refractive regression and current therapeutic options for patients who have residual refractive error after LASIK.

METHODS:

An extensive literature search using PubMed was performed for terms such as “LASIK,” “PRK,” “enhancement,” “overcorrection,” “undercorrection,” “re-lift,” “mini-flap,” and related terms.

RESULTS:

The presence of residual refractive error following LASIK is a challenging situation. After excluding anatomical causes (eg, ocular surface disease, cataract, and macular pathology) and intraoperative flap complications, evaluation of the residual stromal bed must be performed. Depending on the length of time since primary LASIK, procedures such as flap re-lift, flap re-cut, and surface ablation may be performed.

CONCLUSIONS:

Residual refractive errors can be seen after LASIK surgery and may benefit from an enhancement procedure. Different options are available for enhancement, each requiring proper evaluation and an analytical approach to make the procedure safe and effective.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2017;33(2):116–127.]
Technologie céramique et « frontières culturelles »
Authors: Jadot Elsa
Published: February 2017

Les comportements techniques que l’on perçoit par l’étude des chaînes opératoires de fabrication des céramiques ont été reconnus comme des marqueurs d’identités socio-culturelles. On peut les caractériser à partir de l’identification des techniques, des gestes et des savoir-faire, afin d’évaluer ensuite dans quelle mesure les changements observés d’une période à l’autre sont endogènes (évolution culturelle des traditions locales) ou liés à des changements de population.Dans le cas du Malpaís de Zacapu, on souhaite vérifier, à travers l’analyse de la céramique de sites postclassiques, l’hypothèse selon laquelle la nouvelle organisation socio-politique constatée au xiiie siècle serait due à l’arrivée d’un groupe de migrants. Il s’agit d’examiner s’il existe ou non une continuité dans les traditions techniques entre les phases Palacio (900-1200 apr. J.‑C.) et Milpillas (1200-1450 apr. J.‑C.). L’étude présentée ici est restreinte à une étape de la chaîne opératoire céramique : celle de la décoration. Elle met en lumière des différences techniques entre les deux phases d’occupation, argumentant ainsi en faveur de l’hypothèse de l’arrivée d’un nouveau groupe, et confirmant la version rapportée par les sources ethnohistoriques.
Feature Extraction Algorithms to Color Image
Authors: Wu QingE , Yang Weidong
Published: February 2017

The existing image processing algorithms mainly studied on feature extraction of gray image with one-dimensional parameter, such as edges, corners. However, the extraction of some characteristic points to color image with three-dimensional parameters, such as the extraction of color edge, corner points, inflection points, etc., is an image problem to be urgently solved. In order to carry out a fast and accurate feature extraction on color image, this paper proposes two types of extraction algorithms to color edge and corner points of color image, i.e., similar color segment algorithm and pixel probabilistic algorithm, compares with the two algorithms, gives the two algorithms are used to different color distribution situations, as well as shows the extraction effect of color by the combination of the two algorithms, moreover, gives the contrast experiment and effect analysis of the two algorithms. To compare the similar color segment algorithm with the probabilistic algorithm, experimental results show that the similar color segment algorithm is better than the pixel probabilistic algorithm under the more obvious color edge, because it has the better edge detection, stronger anti-noise ability, faster processing speed and other advantages. Under the transition phase of color edge is gentle or color edge is no clear, the image detection effect of the pixel probabilistic algorithm is better than that of the similar color segment algorithm. But the combinative effect of the two algorithms is the best in this case, which is more close to the color effect of original image. Moreover, this paper analyzes the performance of the similar color segment algorithm, and gives the comparison of the proposed two algorithms and existing classical algorithms used usually to feature extraction of color image. The two algorithms proposed and these researches development in this paper have not only enriched the contents of image processing algorithms, but also provide a solution tool for image segmentation, feature extraction to target, precise positioning, etc., such as extraction of complexion, physiological color photographs processing, feature extraction of ionosphere, detection and extraction of biological composition of oceans, to be applied to a lots of departments, such as the police, hospital departments, surgery, polar department, and so on, as well as provide a way of thinking for the rapid, accurate detection of case, surgery, scientific research information search.