bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Role of Paraoxonases in the Pathogenesis of Coronary Artery Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Abelló David , Sancho Elena , Camps Jordi , Joven Jorge
Published: November 2014

Paraoxonases (PON) are three enzymes (PON1, PON2 and PON3) that play a role in the organism’s antioxidant system; alterations in which are associated with diseases involving oxidative stress. In this review, we summarize the evidence of PON related to the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD) and atherosclerosis. We searched three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane Database) with no date limit. All of the articles selected investigated PON enzymatic activity and/or PON gene polymorphisms. The selection focused on PON in relation to atherosclerosis, CAD and myocardial infarction. The exclusion criteria were a sample size <100 patients, non-human studies, editorials and systematic reviews without restrictions on the country of origin. With these criteria, we identified thirty-five prospective studies published between 1986 and 2014 with a total of 28,164 participants. The relationship between PON gene polymorphisms and CAD was not conclusive, but most studies support the concept that alterations in PON1 enzymatic activity levels do influence atheroma formation. Conversely, relationships between PON2 and PON3 vs. CAD have not been extensively investigated. Our review of the current data concludes that the bases of paraoxonases involvement in atherosclerosis are poorly understood and that this issue requires future comprehensive, multi-centered studies.
Interferons and Their Receptors in Birds: A Comparison of Gene Structure, Phylogenetic Analysis, and Cross Modulation
Authors: Zhou Hao , Chen Shun , Wang Mingshu , Cheng Anchun
Published: November 2014

Interferon may be thought of as a key, with the interferon receptor as the signal lock: Crosstalk between them maintains their balance during viral infection. In this review, the protein structure of avian interferon and the interferon receptor are discussed, indicating remarkable similarity between different species. However, the structures of the interferon receptors are more sophisticated than those of the interferons, suggesting that the interferon receptor is a more complicated signal lock system and has considerable diversity in subtypes or structures. Preliminary evolutionary analysis showed that the subunits of the interferon receptor formed a distinct clade, and the orthologs may be derived from the same ancestor. Furthermore, the development of interferons and interferon receptors in birds may be related to an animal’s age and the maintenance of a balanced state. In addition, the equilibrium between interferon and its receptor during pathological and physiological states revealed that the virus and the host influence this equilibrium. Birds could represent an important model for studies on interferon’s antiviral activities and may provide the basis for new antiviral strategies.
Cobalt Alleviates GA-Induced Programmed Cell Death in Wheat Aleurone Layers via the Regulation of H2O2 Production and Heme Oxygenase-1 Expression
Authors: Wu Mingzhu , Li Jiale , Wang Fangquan , Li Feng , Yang Jun , Shen Wenbiao
Published: November 2014

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) are key signaling molecules that are produced in response to various environmental stimuli. Here, we demonstrate that cobalt is able to delay gibberellic acid (GA)-induced programmed cell death (PCD) in wheat aleurone layers. A similar response was observed when samples were pretreated with carbon monoxide (CO) or bilirubin (BR), two end-products of HO catalysis. We further observed that increased HO-1 expression played a role in the cobalt-induced alleviation of PCD. The application of HO-1-specific inhibitor, zinc protoporphyrin-IX (ZnPPIX), substantially prevented the increases of HO-1 activity and the alleviation of PCD triggered by cobalt. The stimulation of HO-1 expression, and alleviation of PCD might be caused by the initial H2O2 production induced by cobalt. qRT-PCR and enzymatic assays revealed that cobalt-induced gene expression and the corresponding activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), three enzymes that metabolize reactive oxygen species, were consistent with the H2O2 accumulation during GA treatment. These cobalt responses were differentially blocked by co-treatment with ZnPPIX. We therefore suggest that HO-1 functions in the cobalt-triggered alleviation of PCD in wheat aleurone layers, which is also dependent on the enhancement of the activities of antioxidant enzymes.
Analysis of Characteristics of Power Consumption for Context-Aware Mobile Applications
Authors: Lee Meeyeon , Kim Deok-Ki , Lee Jung-Won
Published: November 2014

In recent years, a large portion of smartphone applications (Apps) has targeted context-aware services. They aim to perceive users’ real-time context like his/her location, actions, or even emotion, and to provide various customized services based on the inferred context. However, context-awareness in mobile environments has some challenging issues due to limitations of devices themselves. Limited power is regarded as the most critical problem in context-awareness on smartphones. Many studies have tried to develop low-power methods, but most of them have focused on the power consumption of H/W modules of smartphones such as CPU and LCD. Only a few research papers have recently started to present some S/W-based approaches to improve the power consumption. That is, previous works did not consider energy consumed by context-awareness of Apps. Therefore, in this paper, we focus on the power consumption of context-aware Apps. We analyze the characteristics of context-aware Apps in a perspective of the power consumption, and then define two main factors which significantly influence the power consumption: a sort of context that context-aware Apps require for their services and a type of ways that a user uses them. The experimental result shows the reasonability and the possibility to develop low-power methods based on our analysis. That is, our analysis presented in this paper will be a foundation for energy-efficient context-aware services in mobile environments.
Fundus Autofluorescence and RPE Lipofuscin in Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Sparrow Janet , Duncker Tobias
Published: November 2014

Genes that increase susceptibility to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) have been identified; however, since many individuals carrying these risk alleles do not develop disease, other contributors are involved. One additional factor, long implicated in the pathogenesis of AMD, is the lipofuscin of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The fluorophores that constitute RPE lipofuscin also serve as a source of autofluorescence (AF) that can be imaged by confocal laser ophthalmoscopy. The AF originating from lipofuscin is excited by the delivery of short wavelength (SW) light. A second autofluorescence is emitted from the melanin of RPE (and choroid) upon near-infrared (NIR-AF) excitation. SW-AF imaging is currently used in the clinical management of retinal disorders and the advantages of NIR-AF are increasingly recognized. Here we visit the damaging properties of RPE lipofuscin that could be significant when expressed on a background of genetic susceptibility. To advance interpretations of disease-related patterns of fundus AF in AMD, we also consider the photochemical and spectrophotometric features of the lipofuscin compounds responsible for generating the fluorescence emission.
Copper Electrodeposition on a Magnesium Alloy (AZ80) with a U-Shaped Surface
Authors: Huang Ching , Yeh Yu , Lin Che , Hsieh Chen
Published: November 2014

Cu electrodeposition was performed on a cylindrical AZ80 substrate with a U-shaped surface. A uniform deposition of Cu was achieved on an AZ80 electrode via galvanostatic etching, followed by Cu electrodeposition in an eco-friendly alkaline Cu plating bath. Improper wetting and lower rotational speeds of the AZ80 electrode resulted in an uneven Cu deposition at the inner upper site of the U-shaped surface during the Cu electroplating process. This wetting effect could be deduced from the variation in the anodic potential during the galvanostatic etching. The corrosion resistance of the Cu-deposited AZ80 electrode can be considerably improved after Ni electroplating.
Ceo2 Based Catalysts for the Treatment of Propylene in Motorcycle’s Exhaust Gases
Authors: Pham Phuong , Minh Thang , Nguyen Tien , Van Driessche Isabel
Published: November 2014

In this work, the catalytic activities of several single metallic oxides were studied for the treatment of propylene, a component in motorcycles’ exhaust gases, under oxygen deficient conditions. Amongst them, CeO2 is one of the materials that exhibit the highest activity for the oxidation of C3H6. Therefore, several mixtures of CeO2 with other oxides (SnO2, ZrO2, Co3O4) were tested to investigate the changes in catalytic activity (both propylene conversion and CO2 selectivity). Ce0.9Zr0.1O2, Ce0.8Zr0.2O2 solid solutions and the mixtures of CeO2 and Co3O4 was shown to exhibit the highest propylene conversion and CO2 selectivity. They also exhibited good activities when tested under oxygen sufficient and excess conditions and with the presence of co-existing gases (CO, H2O).
Sustained Release of Hydrophilic l-ascorbic acid 2-phosphate Magnesium from Electrospun Polycaprolactone Scaffold—A Study across Blend, Coaxial, and Emulsion Electrospinning Techniques
Authors: Zhao Xinxin , Lui Yuan , Toh Pei , Loo Say
Published: November 2014

The purpose of this study was to achieve a sustained release of hydrophilic l-ascorbic acid 2-phosphate magnesium (ASP) from electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds, so as to promote the osteogenic differentiation of stem cells for bone tissue engineering (TE). ASP was loaded and electrospun together with PCL via three electrospinning techniques, i.e., coaxial, emulsion, and blend electrospinning. For blend electrospinning, binary solvent systems of dichloromethane–methanol (DCM–MeOH) and dichloromethane–dimethylformamide (DCM–DMF) were used to achieve the desired ASP release through the effect of solvent polarity and volatility. The scaffold prepared via a blend electrospinning technique with a binary solvent system of DCM–MeOH at a 7:3 ratio demonstrated a desirable, sustained ASP release profile for as long as two weeks, with minimal burst release. However, an undesirable burst release (~100%) was observed within the first 24 h for scaffolds prepared by coaxial electrospinning. Scaffolds prepared by emulsion electrospinning displayed poorer mechanical properties. Sustained releasing blend electrospun scaffold could be a good potential candidate as an ASP-eluting scaffold for bone tissue engineering.
Polyketide Synthases in the Microbiome of the Marine Sponge Plakortis halichondrioides: A Metagenomic Update
Authors: Della Sala Gerardo , Hochmuth Thomas , Teta Roberta , Costantino Valeria , Mangoni Alfonso
Published: November 2014

Sponge-associated microorganisms are able to assemble the complex machinery for the production of secondary metabolites such as polyketides, the most important class of marine natural products from a drug discovery perspective. A comprehensive overview of polyketide biosynthetic genes of the sponge Plakortis halichondrioides and its symbionts was obtained in the present study by massively parallel 454 pyrosequencing of complex and heterogeneous PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) products amplified from the metagenomic DNA of a specimen of P. halichondrioides collected in the Caribbean Sea. This was accompanied by a survey of the bacterial diversity within the sponge. In line with previous studies, sequences belonging to supA and swfA, two widespread sponge-specific groups of polyketide synthase (PKS) genes were dominant. While they have been previously reported as belonging to Poribacteria (a novel bacterial phylum found exclusively in sponges), re-examination of current genomic sequencing data showed supA and swfA not to be present in the poribacterial genome. Several non-supA, non-swfA type-I PKS fragments were also identified. A significant portion of these fragments resembled type-I PKSs from protists, suggesting that bacteria may not be the only source of polyketides from P. halichondrioides, and that protistan PKSs should receive further investigation as a source of novel polyketides.
Beta-N-Methylamino-l-Alanine: LC-MS/MS Optimization, Screening of Cyanobacterial Strains and Occurrence in Shellfish from Thau, a French Mediterranean Lagoon
Authors: Réveillon Damien , Abadie Eric , Séchet Véronique , Brient Luc , Savar Véronique , Bardouil Michèle , Hess Philipp , Amzil Zouher
Published: November 2014

β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) is a neurotoxic non-protein amino acid suggested to be involved in neurodegenerative diseases. It was reported to be produced by cyanobacteria, but also found in edible aquatic organisms, thus raising concern of a widespread human exposure. However, the chemical analysis of BMAA and its isomers are controversial, mainly due to the lack of selectivity of the analytical methods. Using factorial design, we have optimized the chromatographic separation of underivatized analogues by a hydrophilic interaction chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC-MS/MS) method. A combination of an effective solid phase extraction (SPE) clean-up, appropriate chromatographic resolution and the use of specific mass spectral transitions allowed for the development of a highly selective and sensitive analytical procedure to identify and quantify BMAA and its isomers (in both free and total form) in cyanobacteria and mollusk matrices (LOQ of 0.225 and 0.15 µg/g dry weight, respectively). Ten species of cyanobacteria (six are reported to be BMAA producers) were screened with this method, and neither free nor bound BMAA could be found, while both free and bound DAB were present in almost all samples. Mussels and oysters collected in 2009 in the Thau Lagoon, France, were also screened, and bound BMAA and its two isomers, DAB and AEG, were observed in all samples (from 0.6 to 14.4 µg/g DW), while only several samples contained quantifiable free BMAA.
Resveratrol: Anti-Obesity Mechanisms of Action
Authors: Aguirre Leixuri , Fernández-Quintela Alfredo , Arias Noemí , Portillo Maria
Published: November 2014

Resveratrol is a non-flavonoid polyphenol which belongs to the stilbenes group and is produced naturally in several plants in response to injury or fungal attack. Resveratrol has been recently reported as preventing obesity. The present review aims to compile the evidence concerning the potential mechanisms of action which underlie the anti-obesity effects of resveratrol, obtained either in cultured cells lines and animal models. Published studies demonstrate that resveratrol has an anti-adipogenic effect. A good consensus concerning the involvement of a down-regulation of C/EBPα and PPARγ in this effect has been reached. Also, in vitro studies have demonstrated that resveratrol can increase apoptosis in mature adipocytes. Furthermore, different metabolic pathways involved in triacylglycerol metabolism in white adipose tissue have been shown to be targets for resveratrol. Both the inhibition of de novo lipogenesis and adipose tissue fatty acid uptake mediated by lipoprotein lipase play a role in explaining the reduction in body fat which resveratrol induces. As far as lipolysis is concerned, although this compound per se seems to be unable to induce lipolysis, it increases lipid mobilization stimulated by β-adrenergic agents. The increase in brown adipose tissue thermogenesis, and consequently the associated energy dissipation, can contribute to explaining the body-fat lowering effect of resveratrol. In addition to its effects on adipose tissue, resveratrol can also acts on other organs and tissues. Thus, it increases mitochondriogenesis and consequently fatty acid oxidation in skeletal muscle and liver. This effect can also contribute to the body-fat lowering effect of this molecule.
Synthesis and in Vitro Antitumor Activity of a Novel Series of 2-Pyrazoline Derivatives Bearing the 4-Aryloxy-7-chloroquinoline Fragment
Authors: Montoya Alba , Quiroga Jairo , Abonia Rodrigo , Nogueras Manuel , Cobo Justo , Insuasty Braulio
Published: November 2014

A new series of NH-pyrazoline derivatives 6 was synthesized by cyclocondensation reaction of novel [(7-chloroquinolin-4-yl)oxy]chalcones 5 with hydrazine hydrate. The treatment of pyrazolines 6 with acetic anhydride or formic acid yielded the N-acetyl- or N-formylpyrazoline derivatives 7–8, respectively. These novel 2-pyrazoline derivatives 6–8 were evaluated by the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Compounds 7b,d,f and 8c,f showed remarkable antitumor activity against 58 cancer cell lines, with the most important GI50 values from in vitro assays ranging from 0.48 to 1.66 μM. The 2-pyrazoline derivatives bearing the 4-aryloxy-7-chloroquinoline fragment are thus considered to be useful leads for the rational design of new antitumor agents.
A Review of Recent Research Progress on the Astragalus Genus
Authors: Li Xiaoxia , Qu Lu , Dong Yongzhe , Han Lifeng , Liu Erwei , Fang Shiming , Zhang Yi , Wang Tao
Published: November 2014

Astragalus L., is one of the largest genuses of flowering plants in the Leguminosae family. Roots of A. membranaceus Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao, A. membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. and its processed products are listed in the China Pharmacopeia for “qi deficiency” syndrome treatment. However, more and more researches on other species of Astragalus have been conducted recently. We summarize the recent researches of Astragalus species in phytochemistry and pharmacology. More than 200 constituents, including saponins and flavonoids, obtained from 46 species of Astragalus genus were collected for this article. In pharmacological studies, crude extracts of Astragalus, as well as isolated constituents showed anti-inflammatory, immunostimulant, antioxidative, anti-cancer, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, and antiviral activities. The goal of this article is to provide an overview of chemical and pharmacological studies on the Astragalus species over the last 10 years, which could be of value to new drug or food supplement research and development.
Increasing Iron and Zinc in Pre-Menopausal Women and Its Effects on Mood and Cognition: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lomagno Karla , Hu Feifei , Riddell Lynn , Booth Alison , Szymlek-Gay Ewa , Nowson Caryl , Byrne Linda
Published: November 2014

Iron and zinc are essential minerals often present in similar food sources. In addition to the adverse effects of frank iron and zinc-deficient states, iron insufficiency has been associated with impairments in mood and cognition. This paper reviews current literature on iron or zinc supplementation and its impact on mood or cognition in pre-menopausal women. Searches included MEDLINE complete, Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), psychINFO, psychARTICLES, pubMED, ProQuest Health and Medical Complete Academic Search complete, Scopus and ScienceDirect. Ten randomized controlled trials and one non-randomized controlled trial were found to meet the inclusion criteria. Seven studies found improvements in aspects of mood and cognition after iron supplementation. Iron supplementation appeared to improve memory and intellectual ability in participants aged between 12 and 55 years in seven studies, regardless of whether the participant was initially iron insufficient or iron-deficient with anaemia. The review also found three controlled studies providing evidence to suggest a role for zinc supplementation as a treatment for depressive symptoms, as both an adjunct to traditional antidepressant therapy for individuals with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder and as a therapy in its own right in pre-menopausal women with zinc deficiency. Overall, the current literature indicates a positive effect of improving zinc status on enhanced cognitive and emotional functioning. However, further study involving well-designed randomized controlled trials is needed to identify the impact of improving iron and zinc status on mood and cognition.
Smuggling Drugs into the Brain: An Overview of Ligands Targeting Transcytosis for Drug Delivery across the Blood–Brain Barrier
Authors: Georgieva Julia , Hoekstra Dick , Zuhorn Inge
Published: November 2014

The blood–brain barrier acts as a physical barrier that prevents free entry of blood-derived substances, including those intended for therapeutic applications. The development of molecular Trojan horses is a promising drug targeting technology that allows for non-invasive delivery of therapeutics into the brain. This concept relies on the application of natural or genetically engineered proteins or small peptides, capable of specifically ferrying a drug-payload that is either directly coupled or encapsulated in an appropriate nanocarrier, across the blood–brain barrier via receptor-mediated transcytosis. Specifically, in this process the nanocarrier–drug system (“Trojan horse complex”) is transported transcellularly across the brain endothelium, from the blood to the brain interface, essentially trailed by a native receptor. Naturally, only certain properties would favor a receptor to serve as a transporter for nanocarriers, coated with appropriate ligands. Here we briefly discuss brain microvascular endothelial receptors that have been explored until now, highlighting molecular features that govern the efficiency of nanocarrier-mediated drug delivery into the brain.
Fabrication of Functional Wrinkled Interfaces from Polymer Blends: Role of the Surface Functionality on the Bacterial Adhesion
Authors: Palacios-Cuesta Marta , Cortajarena Aitziber , García Olga , Rodríguez-Hernández Juan
Published: November 2014

The generation of nano-microstructured surfaces is a current challenge in polymer science. The fabrication of such surfaces has been accomplished mainly following two different alternatives i.e., by adapting techniques, such as molding (embossing) or nano/microimprinting, or by developing novel techniques including laser ablation, soft lithography or laser scanning. Surface instabilities have been recently highlighted as a promising alternative to induce surface features. In particular, wrinkles have been extensively explored for this purpose. Herein, we describe the preparation of wrinkled interfaces by confining a photosensitive monomeric mixture composed of monofunctional monomer and a crosslinking agent within a substrate and a cover. The wrinkle characteristics can be controlled by the monomer mixture and the experimental conditions employed for the photopolymerization. More interestingly, incorporation within the material of a functional copolymer allowed us to vary the surface chemical composition while maintaining the surface structure. For that purpose we incorporated either a fluorinated copolymer that enhanced the surface hydrophobicity of the wrinkled interface or an acrylic acid containing copolymer that increased the hydrophilicity of the wrinkled surface. Finally, the role of the hydrophobicity on the bacterial surface adhesion will be tested by using Staphylococcus aureus.
Parameterization of the Satellite-Based Model (METRIC) for the Estimation of Instantaneous Surface Energy Balance Components over a Drip-Irrigated Vineyard
Authors: Carrasco-Benavides Marcos , Ortega-Farías Samuel , Lagos Luis , Kleissl Jan , Morales-Salinas Luis , Kilic Ayse
Published: November 2014

A study was carried out to parameterize the METRIC (Mapping EvapoTranspiration at high Resolution with Internalized Calibration) model for estimating instantaneous values of albedo (shortwave albedo) (αi), net radiation (Rni) and soil heat flux (Gi), sensible (Hi) and latent heat (LEi) over a drip-irrigated Merlot vineyard (location: 35°25′ LS; 71°32′ LW; 125 m.a.s. (l). The experiment was carried out in a plot of 4.25 ha, processing 15 Landsat images, which were acquired from 2006 to 2009. An automatic weather station was placed inside the experimental plot to measure αi, Rni and Gi. In the same tower an Eddy Covariance (EC) system was mounted to measure Hi and LEi. Specific sub-models to estimate Gi, leaf area index (LAI) and aerodynamic roughness length for momentum transfer (zom) were calibrated for the Merlot vineyard as an improvement to the original METRIC model. Results indicated that LAI, zom and Gi were estimated using the calibrated functions with errors of 4%, 2% and 17%, while those were computed using the original functions with errors of 58%, 81%, and 5%, respectively. At the time of satellite overpass, comparisons between measured and estimated values indicated that METRIC overestimated αi in 21% and Rni in 11%. Also, METRIC using the calibrated functions overestimated Hi and LEi with errors of 16% and 17%, respectively while it using the original functions overestimated Hi and LEi with errors of 13% and 15%, respectively. Finally, LEi was estimated with root mean square error (RMSE) between 43 and 60 W∙m−2 and mean absolute error (MAE) between 35 and 48 W∙m−2 for both calibrated and original functions, respectively. These results suggested that biases observed for instantaneous pixel-by-pixel values of Rni, Gi and other intermediate components of the algorithm were presumably absorbed into the computation of sensible heat flux as a result of the internal self-calibration of METRIC.
Identification of Ecosystem Functional Types from Coarse Resolution Imagery Using a Self-Organizing Map Approach: A Case Study for Spain
Authors: Pérez-Hoyos Ana , Martínez Beatriz , García-Haro Francisco , Moreno Álvaro , Gilabert María
Published: November 2014

Ecosystem state can be characterized by a set of attributes that are related to the ecosystem functionality, which is a relevant issue in understanding the quality and quantity of ecosystem services and goods, adaptive capacity and resilience to perturbations. This study proposes a major identification of Ecosystem Functional Types (EFTs) in Spain to characterize the patterns of ecosystem functional diversity and status, from several functional attributes as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Land Surface Temperature (LST) and Albedo. For this purpose, several metrics, related to the spatial variability in seasonal and annual patterns (e.g., relative range), have been derived from remote sensing time series of 1 km MODIS over the period 2000–2009. Moreover, precipitation maps from data provided by the AEMet (Agencia Estatal de Meteorología) and the corresponding aridity and humidity indices were also included in the analysis. To create the EFTs, the potential of the joint use of Kohonen’s Self-Organizing Map (SOM) and the k-means clustering algorithm was tested. The EFTs were analyzed using different remote sensing (i.e., Gross Primary Production) and climatic variables. The relationship of the EFTs with existing land cover datasets and climatic data were analyzed through a correspondence analysis (CA). The trained SOM have shown feasible in providing a comprehensive view on the functional attributes patterns and a remarkable potential for the quantification of ecosystem function. The results highlight the potential of this technique to delineate ecosystem functional types as well as to monitor the spatial pattern of the ecosystem status as a reference for changes due to human or climate impacts.
Surface Roughness Evaluation Based on Acoustic Emission Signals in Robot Assisted Polishing
Authors: De Agustina Beatriz , Marín Marta , Teti Roberto , Rubio Eva
Published: November 2014

The polishing process is the most common technology used in applications where a high level of surface quality is demanded. The automation of polishing processes is especially difficult due to the high level of skill and dexterity that is required. Much of this difficulty arises because of the lack of reliable data on the effect of the polishing parameters on the resulting surface roughness. An experimental study was developed to evaluate the surface roughness obtained during Robot Assisted Polishing processes by the analysis of acoustic emission signals in the frequency domain. The aim is to find out a trend of a feature or features calculated from the acoustic emission signals detected along the process. Such an evaluation was made with the objective of collecting valuable information for the establishment of the end point detection of polishing process. As a main conclusion, it can be affirmed that acoustic emission (AE) signals can be considered useful to monitor the polishing process state.
Multispectral Filter Arrays: Recent Advances and Practical Implementation
Authors: Lapray Pierre-Jean , Wang Xingbo , Thomas Jean-Baptiste , Gouton Pierre
Published: November 2014

Thanks to some technical progress in interferencefilter design based on different technologies, we can finally successfully implement the concept of multispectral filter array-based sensors. This article provides the relevant state-of-the-art for multispectral imaging systems and presents the characteristics of the elements of our multispectral sensor as a case study. The spectral characteristics are based on two different spatial arrangements that distribute eight different bandpass filters in the visible and near-infrared area of the spectrum. We demonstrate that the system is viable and evaluate its performance through sensor spectral simulation.
Competitiveness vs. Sustainability: An Assessment of Profitability as a Component of an Approach on “Sustainable Competitiveness” in Extensive Farming Systems of Central Spain
Authors: Farah Andrea , Gómez-Ramos Almudena
Published: November 2014

The “Europe 2020 Strategy” launched by European Institutions is a commitment to increase growth based on the coexistence of both competitiveness and sustainable development. This paper analyzes the competitiveness of production systems in the cereal steppes of Castile, Spain. An indicator based on each production system’s profitability threshold was built. The diagnostic analysis methodology allowed the identification of 20 production system models related to agrarian, livestock and mixed farming systems. The results show very different levels of competitiveness which are not necessarily related to the farms’ sizes or capitalization levels but mostly to production costs and the farmers’ ages. The response of these models to future input and output price scenarios shows that mixed farms are less dependent on external production factors.
Efficiency Sustainability Resource Visual Simulator for Clustered Desktop Virtualization Based on Cloud Infrastructure
Authors: Park Jong , Kim Hyun-Woo , Jeong Young-Sik
Published: November 2014

Following IT innovations, manual operations have been automated, improving the overall quality of life. This has been possible because an organic topology has been formed among many diverse smart devices grafted onto real life. To provide services to these smart devices, enterprises or users use the cloud. Cloud services are divided into infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS) and software as a service (SaaS). SaaS is operated on PaaS, and PaaS is operated on IaaS. Since IaaS is the foundation of all services, algorithms for the efficient operation of virtualized resources are required. Among these algorithms, desktop resource virtualization is used for high resource availability when existing desktop PCs are unavailable. For this high resource availability, clustering for hierarchical structures is important. In addition, since many clustering algorithms show different percentages of the main resources depending on the desktop PC distribution rates and environments, selecting appropriate algorithms is very important. If diverse attempts are made to find algorithms suitable for the operating environments’ desktop resource virtualization, huge costs are incurred for the related power, time and labor. Therefore, in the present paper, a desktop resource virtualization clustering simulator (DRV-CS), a clustering simulator for selecting clusters of desktop virtualization clusters to be maintained sustainably, is proposed. The DRV-CS provides simulations, so that clustering algorithms can be selected and elements can be properly applied in different desktop PC environments through the DRV-CS.
Linear, Non-Linear and Alternative Algorithms in the Correlation of IEQ Factors with Global Comfort: A Case Study
Authors: Fassio Francesco , Fanchiotti Aldo , Vollaro Roberto
Published: November 2014

Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) factors usually considered in engineering studies, i.e., thermal, acoustical, visual comfort and indoor air quality are individually associated with the occupant satisfaction level on the basis of well-established relationships. On the other hand, the full understanding of how single IEQ factors contribute and interact to determine the overall occupant satisfaction (global comfort) is currently an open field of research. The lack of a shared approach in treating the subject depends on many aspects: absence of established protocols for the collection of subjective and objective measurements, the amount of variables to consider and in general the complexity of the technical issues involved. This case study is aimed to perform a comparison between some of the models available, studying the results of a survey conducted with objective and subjective method on a classroom within University of Roma TRE premises. Different models are fitted on the same measured values, allowing comparison between different weighting schemes between IEQ categories obtained with different methods. The critical issues, like differences in the weighting scheme obtained with different IEQ models and the variability of the weighting scheme with respect to the time of exposure of the users in the building, identified during this small scale comfort assessment study, provide the basis for a survey activity on a larger scale, basis for the development of an improved IEQ assessment method.
Genetic Diversity of PRRS Virus Collected from Air Samples in Four Different Regions of Concentrated Swine Production during a High Incidence Season
Authors: Brito Barbara , Dee Scott , Wayne Spencer , Alvarez Julio , Perez Andres
Published: November 2014

Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) is one of the most relevant swine diseases in the US, costing the industry millions of dollars per year. Unfortunately, disease control is difficult because of the virus dynamics, as PRRS virus (PRRSV) can be transmitted by air between farms, especially, in regions with high density of swine operations. While long distance airborne transport of PRRSV has been reported, there is little information regarding the dynamics of PRRSV airborne challenge in concentrated regions. The objective of this study was to describe the frequency of detection, dose and diversity of PRRSV in air samples collected across four concentrated production regions during the PRRS-high risk season in the Midwestern US (October–December) in 2012. Between 29% and 42% of the air samples were positive in all four sampling sites. Sequencing of the recovered virus showed a wide diversity of field and vaccine variants. Higher frequency, dose, and diversity of PRRSV were observed in air at locations with higher pig density. These findings suggest that regional spread of PRRSV due to aerosol transmission of PRRSV represents a significant risk to susceptible herds in concentrated regions of domestic pig production where PRRSV is endemic.
La légende de la consécration par le Christ de la basilique mérovingienne de Saint-Denis et de la guérison du lépreux
Authors: Lombard-Jourdan Anne
Published: November 2014

La légende de la consécration par le Christ de la basilique mérovingienne de Saint-Denis et de la guérison du lépreux.

L'anniversaire de la dédicace de la première basilique était fêté à l'abbaye de Saint-Denis le 24 février depuis la fin du IXe siècle au moins. La légende de la consécration par le Christ de l'église mérovingienne, prétendument construite par Dagobert Ier, fut composée à la fin du XIe siècle ; elle raconte la guérison par Jésus d'un lépreux, qui porta témoignage du miracle auprès du roi et des évêques. Le thème de la consécration miraculeuse se retrouve aux origines de plusieurs églises.

Pour Léon Levillain, le 24 février était la date de la dédicace de la première église dionysienne, qu'il croyait carolingienne. L'auteur montre qu'il s'agit de la première basilique mérovingienne élevée à Cadolacus, celle dédiée à, saint Pierre, qui accueillit les restes de saint Denis et de ses compagnons de martyre, lorsqu'ils y furent translatés depuis Yecclesia senior de Paris. La légende eut pour but de justifier la date liturgique du 24 février après que l'église fût passée sous le patronage principal de saint Denis, d'en fixer l'année à 636 et de consolider la tradition qui faisait de Dagobert un fondateur.

La guérison d'un lépreux se rencontre fréquemment en hagiographie. A Saint-Denis, elle s'appuie sur plusieurs témoins matériels. Le miracle fut toujours localisé du côté gauche de l'église abbatiale et finalement dans la chapelle de la Trinité, dite aussi « chapelle du Lépreux ». Les pierres râpées de la verrière par où entra le Christ, mêlées à une boisson, guérissaient des fièvres, tout comme l'eau du puits de la crypte. L'intérêt de ce puits, abrité par l'augmentum d'Hilduin et qui ne fut comblé qu'en 1683, est mis en évidence.

La peau couverte de pustules ôtée par le Christ du visage du lépreux (la « rafle du mesel ») était conservée dans un reliquaire du Trésor. On voyait sa trace à l'endroit où Jésus l'avait jetée contre la muraille ; l'habitude de gratter la pierre à cet emplacement fit naître une cavité ronde, dite « trou du lépreux », assez grande pour qu'on puisse y placer la tête. Près de là, scellée contre la paroi, était une dalle de marbre blanc du milieu du VIIe siècle, qu'on appelait le «tombeau de saint Ladre ».

À propos de deux petits monuments autrefois conservés dans la chapelle du Lépreux : la « représentation du Sépulcre » et la « colonne de la hauteur du Christ », l'auteur évoque la croyance en la vertu préservatrice de certaines longueurs. Enfin, dans cette même chapelle, la tombe-plate de Sédile de Sainte-Croix, morte en 1380, aurait permis de soustraire pendant deux ans à la fureur révolutionnaire les ossements que contenaient les châsses des trois martyrs.
Aspergiloid I, an unprecedented spirolactone norditerpenoid from the plant-derived endophytic fungus Aspergillus sp. YXf3
Authors: Guo Zhi Kai , Wang Rong , Huang Wei , Li Xiao Nian , Jiang Rong , Tan Ren Xiang , Ge Hui Ming
Published: November 2014

An unusual C18 norditerpenoid, aspergiloid I (1), was isolated from the culture broth of Aspergillus sp. YXf3, an endophytic fungus derived from Ginkgo biloba. Its structure was unambiguously established by analysis of HRMS–ESI and spectroscopic data, and the absolute configuration was determined by low-temperature (100 K) single crystal X-ray diffraction with Cu Kα radiation. This compound is structurally characterized by a new carbon skeleton with an unprecedented 6/5/6 tricyclic ring system bearing an α,β-unsaturated spirolactone moiety in ring B, and represents a new subclass of norditerpenoid, the skeleton of which is named aspergilane. The hypothetical biosynthetic pathway for 1 was also proposed. The cytotoxic, antimicrobial, anti-oxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities of 1 were evaluated.
Jorge Oteiza
Authors: Toussaint Évelyne
Published: November 2014

Résumé Venant, comme Eduardo Chillida, d’une tradition basque privilégiant les volumes ramassés et puissants, Jorge Oteiza Oteiza (1908-2003) passe, à la fin des années 1950, de l’organique au géométrique, du geste à la conception quasi mathématique de la forme, vers une abstraction de plus en plus affirmée. Admirateur de Mallarmé et de Malevitch, il multiplie les variations de polyèdres de fer, pliant et dépliant l’espace même, la matière et son absence. On trouve aussi, dans son Laboratoire Expérimental, de très nombreuses sculptures minuscules dont certaines ont donné lieu à des réalisations monumentales.
Les limites du ma
Authors: Lucken Michael
Published: November 2014

Depuis la fin des années 1970, le concept japonais de ma est régulièrement utilisé en Occident pour signifier une esthétique de la distance. Cet article est un parcours à rebours visant à comprendre comment ce terme s’est installé dans le discours critique en Europe (Nitschke, Barthes, Berque), mais aussi au Japon avec le philosophe Nakai Masakazu. Il tente de montrer que ce concept est une construction récente de la pensée japonaise, née dans un dialogue avec la phénoménologie allemande et en particulier Heidegger.
La présence de la totalité
Authors: Pouradier Maud
Published: November 2014

Les expressions d’œuvre d’art total, d’art total ou d’expérience totale sont utilisées par les critiques et historiens de l’art, sans qu’une définition précise de ces termes ne puisse être donnée. Ce flou terminologique témoigne d’un mouvement propre à l’art total. En effet tout projet d’art total suppose une distinction entre la totalité et le tout. En s’appuyant sur des analyses de Thomas d’Aquin dans la Somme de théologie , cet article propose une typologie des projets d’art total, selon qu’ils s’appuient sur une conception quantitative, essentielle ou intensive de la totalité. Toutes supposent qu’est présente à l’art une totalité infinie, distincte du tout de l’œuvre. Le soubassement théologique d’une telle pensée de l’art explique ainsi le mysticisme inhérent à tout projet d’art total, fût-il athée.
La puissance de la fiction à la recherche de la joie spinozienne
Authors: Rieusset-Lemarié Isabelle
Published: November 2014

Cet article explore la puissance de la fiction (créatrice d’un effet de monde) hors des sentiers battus de la narration et de la figuration, en analysant le pouvoir d’hallucination de l’image à la lumière conjuguée de la sémiotique peircienne et de Spinoza mais également des trompe-l’œil de Filippino Lippi. Au lieu de réduire l’effet de monde de la fiction et le principe de plaisir à un « paradis artificiel » opposé à une réalité prétendument immuable et assombrie par la souffrance et la mortalité, il s’agit d’envisager la « promesse de bonheur » de la fiction dans la perspective de la joie spinozienne où l’éternité, disjointe de l’immortalité, peut s’expérimenter comme jeu des intensités grâce à l’augmentation des facultés de perception et d’action.
La psychanalyse est-elle un féminisme manqué ?
Authors: Laufer Laurie
Published: November 2014

Il s’agit de puiser dans les gender studies les critiques faites à la psychanalyse pour mettre en mouvement la psychanalyse elle-même, qui ne peut s’exclure de l’histoire dans laquelle elle s’inscrit. Gayle Rubin écrit que « la psychanalyse est un féminisme manqué » et « une théorie du genre ». Une approche épistémologique de la psychanalyse a pu montrer que là où elle a été le plus souvent dogmatique et le moins plastique (notamment dans certaines positions visant les femmes et les homosexualités), on a pu assister à l’émergence d’une pensée inventive et vivante en dehors de son domaine et le plus souvent très critique à son endroit. Dans cette démarche, il s’agit d’interroger dans quelle mesure la pratique analytique peut se trouver éclairée ou infléchie par d’autres discours sans y perdre sa spécificité. Pourquoi la psychanalyse est-elle si critiquée actuellement ? Est-elle si normative ? Il s’agit d’inventer, sans cesse, dans la pratique freudienne, ce qui déloge une norme de son pouvoir de normalisation et de catégorisation, il s’agit de lui donner sa puissance d’agir.
Psychologie scientifique, psychanalyse et politique des sexualités. La psychologie queer anglo-saxonne, un dépaysement épistémologique
Authors: Schnee Gabrielle
Published: November 2014

Dans l’après-mariage pour tous, la problématisation de l’hétéronormativité de la psychanalyse est un enjeu majeur pour une clinique contemporaine. Or, dans le contexte anglo-saxon, après l’expérience de Hooker et la naissance de la psychologie gay et lesbienne, le thème des « méthodologies queer  » a produit des effets surprenants dans une discipline pourtant réputée austère et normative, la psychologie scientifique. Les méthodologies queer pourraient permettre de penser l’historicité, la performativité et certaines étrangetés du régime épistémologique de la psychanalyse.
La densification récente de Lima et ses défis en matière de logement et de transport
Authors: Vega Centeno Sara Lafosse Pablo
Published: November 2014

La métropole de Lima connaît actuellement un boom économique porté par la croissance soutenue du PIB au cours dix dernières années. De même, après un demi-siècle d’expansion territoriale informelle et fragmentée, la ville connaît en ce début de 21 e siècle un processus de densification résidentielle promu par des instances aussi bien privées que publiques. Malgré ces bouleversements, la perception de la qualité de vie à Lima par ses habitants fait ressortir un grand mécontentement vis-à-vis des questions de sécurité et de transport, deux domaines sensibles du quotidien. Dans cet article, les récents développements en matière de logement et de transport sont analysés à la lumière de ce contexte et de la relation qu’ils entretiennent avec l’espace public urbain.
Retour au centre ? L'évolution sociale du centre-ville de São Paulo (2000-2010)
Authors: Cymbalista Renato , Souchaud Sylvain , Rolnik Xavier Iara
Published: November 2014

Après avoir connu une phase prolongée de déclin entre les années 1960 et les années 2000, le centre de São Paulo renoue avec la croissance démographique et attire à nouveau l’attention des pouvoirs publics et des milieux économiques : des populations aux profils variés s’y installent tandis que se déploient des activités économiques, que les investissements immobiliers reprennent et que se multiplient les projets d’aménagements. L’analyse des mouvements de population, de la composition des ménages, de la distribution de la richesse et de la valorisation immobilière généralisée dans les quartiers centraux nous permet d’éclairer le repeuplement du centre. Il résulte pour un bonne part de l’installation de populations des couches populaires, bien souvent des immigrés internationaux. Cependant, certains secteurs de la zone centrale connaissent aussi des formes d’embourgeoisement, même si ce phénomène n’atteint pas les proportions attendues.
Évolution de la division sociale de l'espace urbain à Mexico. Approche à partir des structures démographiques et de l'accès au diplôme (1990-2010)
Authors: Ribardière Antonine , Valette Jean-François
Published: November 2014

Cet article veut contribuer à l’analyse des différenciations socio-spatiales de la ville de Mexico, en proposant un suivi diachronique de deux dimensions de la division sociale de l’espace : une dimension démographique et une dimension socio-économique. À l’échelle de la zone métropolitaine d’une part et à celle des grands types de peuplement d’autre part, il s’agit d’interroger l’évolution des formes et des degrés de la division socio-spatiale engendrée par l’inégale répartition des groupes sociodémographiques dans la ville, ainsi que l’articulation entre les stratifications sociales et celles des parcs de logements. En portant l’analyse sur l’évolution des indicateurs censitaires au sein des différents types de peuplement entre 1990 et 2010, nous mettrons en évidence les trajectoires propres à chacun. Leur confrontation permettra d’identifier les différences de rythmes et d’intensité et ce faisant, d’apprécier comment les écarts se creusent ou au contraire se résorbent.
Remarks on the calculation of the potential composition of hydraulic cements
Authors: Calleja J.
Published: November 2014

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Chemistry and Portland cement
Authors: Virella Bloda A.
Published: November 2014

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Experimental work on the control of rotary Lepol kilns
Authors: Lusche K. , Sandow G.
Published: November 2014

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Description of the installation set up by «Áridos, S. A.», to obtain sand, rounded and crushed silicon aggregates
Authors: Editorial Equipo
Published: November 2014

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Symposium on the effect of aggressive fluids on concrete
Authors: Editorial Equipo
Published: November 2014

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Reinjection of powder in wet process rotary kilns
Authors: Fernández Vázquez-Gulias J.
Published: November 2014

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