bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of graphene oxide on UV curing kinetics and properties of SU8 nanocomposites
Authors: Sharif Mehdi , Pourabbas Behzad , Sangermano Marco , Sadeghi Moghadam Farjam , Mohammadi Mahsa , Roppolo Ignazio , Fazli Ali
Published: September 2016

In the present study SU8 nanocomposites were prepared by incorporating graphene oxide (GO), and its effect on the UV curing kinetics, morphology, electrical, hardness and thermal properties of the nanocomposites were investigated at different loading levels of GO (0.1 − 3 wt%). Studying the reaction kinetics of the UV curing process by means of real‐time infrared spectroscopy showed that the polymerization rate and the final conversion of epoxy groups was related to the loading level of GO in the nanocomposites. An autocatalytic kinetics model of the curing reaction confirmed the effect of GO nanoparticles on the curing rate constant (k), the order of the initiation reaction (m) and the ultimate conversion of the UV‐cured nanocomposites. Appropriate experimental observations indicated that dispersion of GO within the resin plays a critical role on the cure kinetics and final conversion. The results of the kinetics modeling and morphological observations showed that the curing rate constant of the nanocomposites is highly dependent on the GO content and its dispersion state, indicating that GO prevents epoxy resin crosslinking by photoinitator deactivation. Moreover, oxygen functionalities, such as hydroxyl and carboxyl groups, on the surface of GO facilitate interfacial interactions between epoxy groups from the matrix and GO. Electrical conductivity measurements demonstrated that the UV‐induced photo‐cured GO filled resins are conductive SU8 nanocomposites. It was observed that the thermal stability of the nanocomposites is enhanced due to the dispersion of GO in the matrix. Moreover, the microhardness analysis showed that addition of GO to neat SU8 increases the mechanical hardness of the nanocomposite. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
COMMON CHARACTERISTICS OF WRITING INTERVENTIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES: A SYNTHESIS OF THE LITERATURE
Authors: Kaldenberg Erica R. , Ganzeveld Paula , Hosp John L. , Rodgers Derek B.
Published: September 2016

Twenty‐three single‐subject studies aimed at improving the writing achievement of students identified as having a learning disability were analyzed meta‐analytically. The effect size phi was used to compare the writing strategies. The dependent measures used to assess the efficacy of the interventions were also coded and reviewed. Results suggest intervention studies using the self‐regulated strategy development (SRSD) or a non‐SRSD writing strategy produced high effect sizes, suggesting the overall success of the writing interventions. Findings also indicate the 23 studies used a total of 39 dependent measures, which show the way writing achievement is measured varies greatly. Furthermore, many of the dependent measures were not standardized or technically sound.
Total chemical synthesis, refolding, and crystallographic structure of fully active immunophilin calstabin 2 (FKBP12.6)
Authors: Bacchi Marine , Jullian Magali , Sirigu Serena , Fould Benjamin , Huet Tiphaine , Bruyand Lisa , Antoine Mathias , Vuillard Laurent , Ronga Luisa , Chavas Leonard M. G. , Nosjean Olivier , Ferry Gilles , Puget Karine , Boutin Jean A.
Published: September 2016

Synthetic biology (or chemical biology) is a growing field to which the chemical synthesis of proteins, particularly enzymes, makes a fundamental contribution. However, the chemical synthesis of catalytically active proteins (enzymes) remains poorly documented because it is difficult to obtain enough material for biochemical experiments. We chose calstabin, a 107‐amino‐acid proline isomerase, as a model. We synthesized the enzyme using the native chemical ligation approach and obtained several tens of milligrams. The polypeptide was refolded properly, and we characterized its biophysical properties, measured its catalytic activity, and then crystallized it in order to obtain its tridimensional structure after X‐ray diffraction. The refolded enzyme was compared to the recombinant, wild‐type enzyme. In addition, as a first step of validating the whole process, we incorporated exotic amino acids into the N‐terminus. Surprisingly, none of the changes altered the catalytic activities of the corresponding mutants. Using this body of techniques, avenues are now open to further obtain enzymes modified with exotic amino acids in a way that is only barely accessible by molecular biology, obtaining detailed information on the structure‐function relationship of enzymes reachable by complete chemical synthesis.
Structural characterization reveals a novel bilobed architecture for the ectodomains of insect stage expressed Trypanosoma brucei PSSA‐2 and Trypanosoma congolense ISA
Authors: Ramaswamy Raghavendran , Goomeshi Nobary Sarah , Eyford Brett A. , Pearson Terry W. , Boulanger Martin J.
Published: September 2016

African trypanosomiasis, caused by parasites of the genus Trypanosoma, is a complex of devastating vector‐borne diseases of humans and livestock in sub‐Saharan Africa. Central to the pathogenesis of African trypanosomes is their transmission by the arthropod vector, Glossina spp. (tsetse fly). Intriguingly, the efficiency of parasite transmission through the vector is reduced following depletion of Trypanosoma brucei Procyclic‐Specific Surface Antigen‐2 (TbPSSA‐2). To investigate the underlying molecular mechanism of TbPSSA‐2, we determined the crystal structures of its ectodomain and that of its homolog T. congolense Insect Stage Antigen (TcISA) to resolutions of 1.65 Å and 2.45 Å, respectively using single wavelength anomalous dispersion. Both proteins adopt a novel bilobed architecture with the individual lobes displaying rotational flexibility around the central tether that suggest a potential mechanism for coordinating a binding partner. In support of this hypothesis, electron density consistent with a bound peptide was observed in the inter‐lob cleft of a TcISA monomer. These first reported structures of insect stage transmembrane proteins expressed by African trypanosomes provide potentially valuable insight into the interface between parasite and tsetse vector.
Frequency and trends of disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) use in Germany
Authors: Fassmer Alexander M. , Garbe Edeltraut , Schmedt Niklas
Published: September 2016

The aim of this study was to analyze the population‐based frequency of classic (c‐) and biologic (b‐) disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) use over time, selected underlying indications and the specialty of the prescribing physicians in Germany. Based on the claims data of the German Pharmacoepidemiological Research Database (GePaRD), yearly cross‐sectional studies were conducted from 2004 to 2011. The prevalence of DMARD use was calculated as the number of persons with at least one dispensation per 1000 persons stratified by sex and age. In 2011, we also obtained the proportion of c‐ and b‐DMARDs users with diagnoses of selected indications and the proportion of dispensations by specialty of the physician. Between 2004 and 2011, the annual prevalence of b‐DMARD and c‐DMARD use increased from 0.35‰ to 1.54‰ and from 6.53‰ to 8.93‰, respectively. In 2011, the study population comprised 12.8 million insurants with a mean age of 44.0 years. During this year, among c‐DMARDs, methotrexate was prescribed most frequently (4.76‰), followed by azathioprine (1.72‰) and sulfasalazine (1.20‰). For b‐DMARDs, adalimumab (0.57‰), etanercept (0.46‰), and rituximab (0.23‰) were most frequently used. Notably, b‐DMARD users more often had a diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis and psoriasis compared to c‐DMARD‐users (20.7% vs. 2.9% and 20.0% vs. 11.4%, respectively) and b‐DMARDs were more frequently prescribed by rheumatologists and other specialists. Our population‐based study highlights the increasing use of c‐ and b‐DMARDs in Germany. Compared to c‐DMARDs, b‐DMARDs were commonly used for indications besides rheumatoid arthritis. Future research should therefore also focus on their prescription patterns and safety aspects in indications other than RA.
Change‐Point Detection on Solar Panel Performance Using Thresholded LASSO
Authors: Choe Youngjun , Guo Weihong , Byon Eunshin , Jin Jionghua (Judy) , Li Jingjing
Published: September 2016

Solar energy is a fast growing energy source and has allowed the development of efficient, affordable, and easy‐to‐install photovoltaic systems over the years. Solar energy stakeholders are, however, concerned with sudden deterioration of photovoltaic systems' performance. Thus, effective change‐point detection in solar panel performance analysis is essential for better harnessing solar energy and making photovoltaic systems more efficient. In particular, this study focuses on retrospectively identifying the time points of abrupt changes. Because the power generations from the solar panels are affected by a wide variety of factors, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to find a parametric model to detect abrupt changes in the power generation. We present a nonparametric detection method based on thresholded least absolute shrinkage and selection operator. The proposed method has low computational complexity and is able to accurately detect performance changes while being robust against false detection under noisy signals. The performance of the proposed method in detection of abrupt changes is evaluated and compared with state‐of‐the‐art methods through extensive simulations and a case study using data collected from four solar energy facilities. We demonstrate that the proposed method is superior to benchmark methods. The proposed method will help solar energy stakeholders in several aspects including operations planning, maintenance scheduling, warranty underwriting, and cost–benefit analysis. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How to prepare a manuscript fit‐for‐purpose for submission and avoid getting a ‘desk‐reject’
Authors: Volmer Dietrich A. , Stokes Caroline S.
Published: September 2016

First impressions are very important and, when these are negative, they can adversely affect a manuscript's journey through the scientific publication system. This short guide highlights some crucial factors to take into consideration before submitting a manuscript for review in a scientific journal. The aim is to advise authors on the best way to present their research, to comply with formal requirements of a journal and to optimize the first impression made. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A prospective, randomized, controlled trial of robot‐assisted vs freehand pedicle screw fixation in spine surgery
Authors: Kim Ho‐Joong , Jung Whan‐Ik , Chang Bong‐Soon , Lee Choon‐Ki , Kang Kyoung‐Tak , Yeom Jin S.
Published: September 2016

Background

The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy and safety of an instrumented posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) using a robot‐assisted minimally invasive (Robot‐PLIF) or a conventional open approach (Freehand‐PLIF).

Methods

Patients undergoing an instrumented PLIF were randomly assigned to be treated using a Robot‐PLIF (37 patients) and a Freehand‐PLIF (41 patients).

Results

For intrapedicular accuracy, there was no significant difference between the groups (P = 0.534). For proximal facet joint accuracy, none of the 74 screws in the Robot‐PLIF group violated the proximal facet joint, while 13 of 82 in the Freehand‐PLIF group violated the proximal facet joint (P < 0.001). The average distance of the screws from the facets was 5.2 ± 2.1 mm and 2.7 ± 1.6 mm in the Robot‐PLIF and Freehand‐PLIF groups, respectively (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Robotic‐assisted pedicle screw placement was associated with fewer proximal facet joint violations and better convergence orientations.
Segmented polynomials for incidence rate estimation from prevalence data
Authors: Mahiané Severin Guy , Laeyendecker Oliver
Published: September 2016

The study considers the problem of estimating incidence of a non remissible infection (or disease) with possibly differential mortality using data from a(several) cross‐sectional prevalence survey(s). Fitting segmented polynomial models is proposed to estimate the incidence as a function of age, using the maximum likelihood method. The approach allows automatic search for optimal position of knots, and model selection is performed using the Akaike information criterion. The method is applied to simulated data and to estimate HIV incidence among men in Zimbabwe using data from both the NIMH Project Accept (HPTN 043) and Zimbabwe Demographic Health Surveys (2005–2006). Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tracking the Fate of Surface Plasmon Resonance‐Generated Hot Electrons by In Situ SERS Surveying of Catalyzed Reaction
Authors: Liu Rui , He Zuoliang , Sun Jiefang , Liu Jingfu , Jiang Guibin
Published: September 2016

Plasmonic catalysis is an emerging process that utilizes surface plasmon resonance (SPR) process to harnesses solar energy for the promotion of catalyzed reactions. In most cases, SPR generated hot electrons (HEs) play an indispensable role in this solar‐chemical energy shift process. Therefore, understanding the effectiveness of the HEs in promoting chemical reactions, and identifying the key factors that contribute to this utilization efficiency is of profound importance. Herein, the authors outline an in situ surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy protocol to track the fate of HEs. This is based on the unheeded HEs‐acceleration nature of the p‐nitirothiophenol hydrogenation reaction. By this way, the authors discover that unlike Au@Pd nanostructures which experience a 20‐fold increase in rate constant, HEs primary leak to surrounding H+/O species through Ag pinholes in Ag@Pd. This work sheds light on why Ag is seldom employed as a plasmonic cocatalyst, and provides a new viewpoint to design plasmonic nanocatalysts with efficient light utilization.
Tetraphenylcyclopentadiene Derivatives: Aggregation‐Induced Emission, Adjustable Luminescence from Green to Blue, Efficient Undoped OLED Performance and Good Mechanochromic Properties
Authors: Ruan Zhijun , Li Le , Wang Can , Xie Yujun , Hu Quanyuan , Peng Qian , Ye Shanghui , Li Qianqian , Li Zhen
Published: September 2016

Silole derivatives, the first reported and famous AIEgens, are a series of Si‐containing conjugated rings with the σ*–π* conjugation, and this unique electronic structure imparts them high electron affinity and fast electron mobility, but not ideal blue luminogens due to their relatively long conjugation length. By replacing the Si atom with the C one, six new AIEgens without the σ*–π* conjugation effect are successfully synthesized based on a tetraphenylcyclopentadiene core. In addition to the sky‐blue emission (λEL = 492 nm) with Lmax, ηC,max, and ηP,max up to 24 096 cd m−2, 6.80 cd A−1, and 4.07 lm W−1, respectively, the careful control of the conjugation degree by changing the linkage mode, results in the blue one (λEL = 440 nm) with relatively good performance (Lmax: 8721 cd m−2 and ηC,max: 3.40 cd A−1), indicating that the replacement of the Si atom by C one is an alternative design strategy to yield blue even deep‐blue AIEgens with good device performance. Meanwhile, their reversible mechanochromic properties are realized with apparent fluorescence changes between deep‐blue and green emissive colors, offering them additional promising applications in optoelectronic devices.
Sustainable Hydrothermal Carbonization Synthesis of Iron/Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanofiber Aerogels as Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Song Lu‐Ting , Wu Zhen‐Yu , Zhou Fei , Liang Hai‐Wei , Yu Zi‐You , Yu Shu‐Hong
Published: September 2016

It is urgent to develop new kinds of low‐cost and high‐performance nonprecious metal (NPM) catalysts as alternatives to Pt‐based catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in fuel cells and metal–air batteries, which have been proved to be efficient to meet the challenge of increase of global energy demand and CO2 emissions. Here, an economical and sustainable method is developed for the synthesis of Fe, N codoped carbon nanofibers (Fe–N/CNFs) aerogels as efficient NPM catalysts for ORR via a mild template‐directed hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) process, where cost‐effective biomass‐derived d(+)‐glucosamine hydrochloride and ferrous gluconate are used as precursors and recyclable ultrathin tellurium nanowires are used as templates. The prepared Fe/N‐CNFs catalysts display outstanding ORR activity, i.e., onset potential of 0.88 V and half‐wave potential of 0.78 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode in an alkaline medium, which is highly comparable to that of commercial Pt/C (20 wt% Pt) catalyst. Furthermore, the Fe/N‐CNFs catalysts exhibit superior long‐term stability and better tolerance to the methanol crossover effect than the Pt/C catalyst in both alkaline and acidic electrolytes. This work suggests the great promise of developing new families of NPM ORR catalysts by the economical and sustainable HTC process.
Biosynthesized Gold Nanoclusters and Iron Complexes as Scaffolds for Multimodal Cancer Bioimaging
Authors: Zhao Chunqiu , Du Tianyu , Rehman Fawad ur , Lai Lanmei , Liu Xiaoli , Jiang Xuerui , Li Xiaoqi , Chen Yun , Zhang Hang , Sun Yi , Luo Shouhua , Jiang Hui , Selke Matthias , Wang Xuemei
Published: September 2016

Cancer treatment has a far greater chance of success if the neoplasm is diagnosed before the onset of metastasis to vital organs. Hence, cancer early diagnosis is extremely important and remains a major challenge in modern therapeutics. In this contribution, facile and new method for rapid multimodal tumor bioimaging is reported by using biosynthesized iron complexes and gold nanoclusters via simple introduction of AuCl4
− and Fe2+ ions. The observations demonstrate that the biosynthesized Au nanoclusters may act as fluorescent and computed tomography probes for cancer bioimaging while the iron complexes behave as effective contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging. The biosynthesized iron complexes and gold nanoclusters are found biocompatible in vitro (MTT (3‐(4, 5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2, 5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay) and in vivo for all the vital organs of circulatory and excretory system. These observations raise the possibility that the biosynthesized probes may find applications in future clinical diagnosis for deep seated early neoplasms by multimodal imaging.
Do Strategic Motives Affect Ownership Mode of Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) in Emerging African Markets? Evidence from Ghana
Authors: Dadzie Samuel Ato , Owusu Richard Afriyie , Amoako Kwarteng , Aklamanu Alphonse
Published: September 2016

The objective of this study is to examine the influence of ownership, location, and internalization‐specific factors, as well as strategic motives on ownership choice of foreign subsidiaries in Ghana. The authors use a quantitative methodology in order to statistically explore the relationships between dependent and independent variables by using the logistic regression model. The analysis was based on 115 manufacturing investments made by multinational corporations (MNCs) from different countries in 1994–2013. The results indicate that contractual risk leads to the choice of whollymowned subsidiary while cultural distance and country risk lead to the choice of the joint venture. In the case of the motives, efficiency‐seeking and resource‐seeking FDIs lead to the choice of the joint venture. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hepatectomy for Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases in the Era of Modern Preoperative Chemotherapy: Evaluation of Postoperative Complications
Authors: Fukuoka Kengo , Nara Satoshi , Honma Yoshitaka , Kishi Yoji , Esaki Minoru , Shimada Kazuaki
Published: September 2016

Background

Recently, an increasing number of patients with liver metastases from colorectal cancer have received chemotherapy before hepatectomy. However, the effect of chemotherapy on postoperative short‐term outcome is not well defined.

Methods

We retrospectively investigated the postoperative complications of 439 patients who underwent hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases in our division from 2005 to 2014. Patients were classified into two groups according to the presence (Cx; 84 patients) or absence (NCx; 355 patients) of preoperative chemotherapy. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine the predictive factors for postoperative complications.

Results

There was neither mortality nor liver failure after surgery. There was no significant difference in the frequency of postoperative complications between Groups Cx and NCx [29 vs 26 % for all complications; both 6 % for bile leakage that required therapeutic intervention; and 2 vs 3 % for Clavien–Dindo (CD) Grade ≥ IIIa, respectively]. In Group Cx, morbidity rates were similar among patients with different chemotherapy regimens. Chemotherapy‐related factors (administration of bevacizumab, oxaliplatin or irinotecan, duration of chemotherapy >150 days, and timing of hepatectomy) were not significantly associated with clinically relevant bile leakage and CD ≥ IIIa in multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

Even after combination chemotherapy including targeted therapy, hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases can be performed safely without increasing morbidity or mortality, if the patients fulfill the conventional criteria for surgery.
Landslide susceptibility mapping of the Sera River Basin using logistic regression model
Authors: Raja Nussaïbah B. , Çiçek Ihsan , Türkoğlu Necla , Aydin Olgu , Kawasaki Akiyuki
Published: September 2016

Of the natural hazards in Turkey, landslides are the second most devastating in terms of socio-economic losses, with the majority of landslides occurring in the Eastern Black Sea Region. The aim of this study is to use a statistical approach to carry out a landslide susceptibility assessment in one area at great risk from landslides: the Sera River Basin located in the Eastern Black Sea Region. This paper applies a multivariate statistical approach in the form of a logistics regression model to explore the probability distribution of future landslides in the region. The model attempts to find the best fitting function to describe the relationship between the dependent variable, here the presence or absence of landslides in a region and a set of independent parameters contributing to the occurrence of landslides. The dependent variable (0 for the absence of landslides and 1 for the presence of landslides) was generated using landslide data retrieved from an existing database and expert opinion. The database has information on a few landslides in the region, but is not extensive or complete, and thus unlike those normally used for research. Slope, angle, relief, the natural drainage network (including distance to rivers and the watershed index) and lithology were used as independent parameters in this study. The effect of each parameter was assessed using the corresponding coefficient in the logistic regression function. The results showed that the natural drainage network plays a significant role in determining landslide occurrence and distribution. Landslide susceptibility was evaluated using a predicted map of probability. Zones with high and medium susceptibility to landslides make up 38.8 % of the study area and are located mostly south of the Sera River Basin and along streams.
Outcome Comparison of Nerve Transfer with Different Donor Nerves in a Rat Model
Authors: Jia Xiaotian , Yu Cong , Yang Jianyun
Published: September 2016

Objective: The phrenic nerve and the contralateral seventh cervical (C7) nerve root are the most commonly used donor nerves in the treatment of total brachial plexus avulsion. The aim of this study was to determine if the phrenic nerve or the contralateral C7 nerve root yields a superior outcome for nerve transfer. Methods: A total of 60 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups. In Group A the phrenic nerve was used as the donor nerve; in Group B the contralateral C7 nerve root nerve was used as the donor nerve; in Group C the nerve was directly sutured. The results of behavioral assessment, electrophysiology, histology, nerve fiber count and muscle weight at 24 weeks postoperatively were recorded. Results: Group A showed a faster recovery time compared to Group B; however Group B showed a better functional recovery at the final outcome assessment compared to Group A. Conclusion: The contralateral C7 nerve root was better as the donor nerve for nerve transfer in the treatment of total brachial plexus avulsion.
A ‘Divorce Blueprint’? The Use of Heteronormative Strategies in Addressing Economic Inequalities on Civil Partnership Dissolution
Authors: Bendall Charlotte
Published: September 2016

This article will explore data obtained through interviews with UK family law practitioners and clients with experience of financial relief on formalised same-sex relationship breakdown. It will focus on questions around how solicitors have approached and argued their dissolution cases (and the extent to which they have drawn upon heteronormative arguments and case law), and whether both they and the clients believed that civil partnerships are, and should be, treated similarly to marriages. The discussion will examine the different understandings of ‘equality’ employed, and question the ways that the participants relied on ideas of sameness and difference. It will be argued that the solicitors placed particular stress on sameness, and that heteronormative constructs of gendered inequalities have been transplanted into same-sex cases, in a system where practitioners’ submissions are based on ‘what works.’ This is despite the fact that lesbian and gay couples do not map onto the ‘template’ under which the parties have been subjected to different gendered expectations. Conversely, the clients were less willing to take on the full legal implications associated with (heterosexual) marital breakdown and less receptive of the solicitors ‘translating’ their matters to pigeonhole them into the existing framework.
Les logiques implicites de la prestation compensatoire dans le divorce : approches comparées européennes
Authors: Dandoy Nathalie , Granet Frédérique , Favier Yann
Published: September 2016

A une époque où les relations entre les hommes et les femmes sont gouvernées par des principes d’égalité et de liberté, on peut s’interroger sur la pertinence et la justification du maintien d’un droit à une prestation entre les conjoints au lendemain de leur divorce. Les législations européennes s’avérant peu disertes à cet égard, la recherche de la justification du droit à une prestation compensatoire des disparités pécuniaires nécessite l’élaboration préalable d’un outil qui permette de la mettre en évidence. Après avoir éprouvé un modèle diptyque, opposant les traditionnelles natures alimentaire et indemnitaire de la prestation financière après divorce et constaté que ce modèle ne permettait pas de comparaison pertinente entre les droits européens sélectionnés, un second modèle, conçu de manière triptyque, a été élaboré et appliqué à ces différents droits. Ce second modèle dissocie les justifications alimentaire, indemnitaire et assurantielle et permet d’identifier des différences de justification plus marquées, ce qui ne signifie cependant pas pour autant des différences notables entre les différentes prestations après divorce quant aux montants alloués.
Compenser les inégalités économiques des époux après divorce? Des critères légaux aux outils d’aide à la décision
Authors: Sayn Isabelle
Published: September 2016

La compensation des inégalités économiques des époux au moment du divorce est réalisée notamment par l’attribution d’une somme d’argent, versée mensuellement pendant une période plus ou moins longue ou versée sous forme de capital. Dans l’ensemble des pays européens analysés, les critères d’attribution de cette prestation sont comparables. Leur généralité aboutit à ce que le principe et le montant de cette prestation reposent en grande partie sur le pouvoir d’appréciation du juge.

Face aux incertitudes que ce pourvoir d’appréciation engendre, il n’existe pas nécessairement de barèmes ou de lignes directrices élaborés à l’initiative des autorités publiques dont l’objectif serait d’aider les magistrats et les parties dans cette évaluation. Cependant, des méthodes de calcul aux origines et aux logiques les plus variées ont vu le jour. L’article se propose de produire une revue de ces différentes méthodes et de s’interroger, pour la France, sur les logiques qu’elles défendent.
Protection sociale et compensation des inégalités économiques entre femmes et hommes
Authors: Letablier Marie-Thérèse , Dauphin Sandrine
Published: September 2016

Les politiques familiales, comme les systèmes de retraite, en France et dans divers pays européens, portent des mécanismes compensatoires des inégalités entre les femmes et les hommes liées à l’organisation familiale. Ces compensations sont parfois directement liées au mariage ou plus largement au couple, parfois à l’investissement parental et au temps dédié à l’entretien et au bien-être des membres de la famille. Dans cet article, nous examinons quels sont les principes compensatoires à l’œuvre dans les différentes législations de cinq pays européens relevant de différents systèmes de protection sociale. Nous utilisons le concept de familialisation pour caractériser les logiques de construction des droits sociaux des femmes dans différents systèmes, et pour en saisir la dynamique en reliant les évolutions des politiques familiales/sociales au double processus de dé-familialisation des activités parentales et de dé-spécialisation des rôles masculins et féminins.
Review of fiber superluminescent pulse amplifications
Authors: Zhang Haitao , Shen Xinglai , Hao He , Li Qinghua , Gong Mali
Published: September 2016

High coherence of the laser is indispensable light sources in modern long or short-distance imaging systems, because the high coherence leads to coherent artifacts such as speckle that corrupt image formation. To deliver low coherence pulses in fiber amplifiers, we utilize the superluminescent pulsed light with broad bandwidth, nonlongitudinal mode structure and chaotic mode phase as the seed source of the cascaded fiber amplifiers. The influence of fiber superluminescent pulse amplification (SPA) on the limitations of the performance is analyzed. A review of our research results for SPA in the fibers are present, including the nonlinear theories of this low coherent light sources, i.e., self-focusing (SF), stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) and self-phase modulation (SPM) effects, and the experiment results of the nanosecond pulses with peak power as high as 4.8 MW and pulse energy as much as 55 mJ. To improve the brightness of SPA light in the future work, we introduce our novel evaluation term and a more reasonable criterion, which is denoted by a new parameter of brightness factor for active large mode area fiber designs. A core-doped active large pitch fiber with a core diameter of

$190~\unicode[STIX]{x03BC}\text{m}$

and a mode-field diameter of

$180~\unicode[STIX]{x03BC}\text{m}$

is designed by this method. The designed fiber allows near diffracted limited beam quality operation, and it can achieve 100 mJ pulse energy and 540 W average power by analyzing the mode coupling effects induced by heat.
Prevalence of and Factors Associated With Multidrug Resistant Organism (MDRO) Colonization in 3 Nursing Homes
Authors: McKinnell James A. , Miller Loren G. , Singh Raveena , Kleinman Ken , Peterson Ellena M. , Evans Kaye D. , Dutciuc Tabitha D. , Heim Lauren , Gombosev Adrijana , Estevez Marlene , Launer Bryn , Tjoa Tom , Tam Steven , Bolaris Michael A. , Huang Susan S.
Published: September 2016

Nursing home residents are at risk for acquiring and transmitting MDROs. A serial point-prevalence study of 605 residents in 3 facilities using random sampling found MDRO colonization in 45% of residents: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA, 26%); extended-spectrum β-lactamase–producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL, 17%); vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus spp. (VRE, 16%); carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE, 1%). MDRO colonization was associated with history of MDRO, care needs, incontinence, and catheters.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;1485–1488
Business owners’ achieved social status and corporate philanthropy: Evidence from Chinese private small- and medium-sized enterprises
Authors: Gao Yongqiang , Hafsi Taïeb , He Xiaobin
Published: September 2016

Using a nationwide survey of Chinese private small- and medium-sized enterprises, this study examines the effect of business owners’ achieved social status (AcSS) on corporate philanthropy (CP). AcSS is an institutional resource, sometimes an institutional constraint, which should lead to higher CP. In this study, it is measured by a composite index of business owners’ income, education, political ties, and individual donations. AcSS has a positive effect on CP. In different regressions, we find that individual variables, income, political ties, and individual donations are positively associated with CP, while the effect of education is not significant. Firm visibility moderates (weakens) the effect of AcSS, while owners’ equity ratio has no discernable moderation effect on CP. Overall, this study confirms that owners’ AcSS, an important resource for the firm, plays a significant role in corporate social behavior. It increases pressures and expectations from the public, leading to higher CP.
ON THE SUPPORT WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION OF LINEAR CODES OVER THE RING
Authors: SHI MINJIA , FENG JIAQI , GAO JIAN , ALAHMADI ADEL , SOLÉ PATRICK
Published: September 2016

Let $R=\mathbb{F}_{p}+u\mathbb{F}_{p}+u^{2}\mathbb{F}_{p}+\cdots +u^{d-1}\mathbb{F}_{p}$, where $u^{d}=u$ and $p$ is a prime with $d-1$ dividing $p-1$. A relation between the support weight distribution of a linear code $\mathscr{C}$ of type $p^{dk}$ over $R$ and the dual code $\mathscr{C}^{\bot }$ is established.
“We suffered in our bones just like them”: Comparing Migrations at the Margins of Europe
Authors: Rogozen-Soltar Mikaela
Published: September 2016

In this article, I trace how return migrants (former labor emigrants) from Andalusia, Spain draw on their regional history of emigration as a resource for claiming the moral authority to assess immigrants from the global south. By comparing their own migratory experiences and those of new migrants, Andalusians renegotiate competing ideas about their region's membership in Europe, a question with renewed political saliency during the ongoing economic crisis. Specifically, they use comparisons to claim a more central place in Europe for Andalusia, while at the same time eschewing moral culpability for Europe's mistreatment of labor emigration. To do so, Andalusian return migrants mobilize discourses of migrant suffering at various geopolitical scales of belonging, often mapping Andalusians’ experiences of emigration and return onto the region's historical trajectory of Europeanization. The scaling up and down of discourses of migrant suffering in the context of historical narratives of migration enables Andalusians to claim moral superiority based on their non-European, migrant past while also claiming European belonging in the present. Memorializing and assessing migrant suffering thus become forms of discursive work that help construct the political and moral limits of Europeanness. Through analysis of this process, I call for a more central focus on return migration and the intersection of multiple kinds of population mobility in migration research and in the study of European unification.
Aesthetics and the End of the Mimetic Moment: The Introduction of Art Education in Modern Japanese and Egyptian Schools
Authors: Adal Raja
Published: September 2016

Like most modern institutions in nineteenth-century non-Western states, modern school systems in 1870s Japan and Egypt were initially mimetic of the West. Modeled on the British South Kensington method and on its French equivalent, drawing education in Japanese and Egyptian schools was taught not as an art but as a functional technique that prepared children for modern professions like industrial design. By the beginning of the twentieth century, the South Kensington method of drawing education had lost its popularity in Europe, but more than a decade before its decline Japanese and Egyptian educators began teaching children genres of drawing that did not exist in European schools. In 1888 drawing education in Japan saw the replacement of the pencil with the brush, which was recast from the standard instrument of writing and painting of early modern East Asia to an instrument that came to represent Japanese art. In 1894 drawing education in Egypt saw the introduction of “Arabesque designs” as the Egyptian national art. This transformation of drawing education from a functional method that undergirded industrial capitalism into an art that inscribed national difference marked the end of the mimetic moment. On one hand, a national art served to make the nation into an autonomous subject that could claim a national culture in what was becoming a world of cultural nations. On the other, a national art helped to make the nation into an aesthetically seductive core whose magnetic appeal could bring together the national community.
Turbulence Heating ObserveR – satellite mission proposal
Authors: Vaivads A. , Retinò A. , Soucek J. , Khotyaintsev Yu. V. , Valentini F. , Escoubet C. P. , Alexandrova O. , André M. , Bale S. D. , Balikhin M. , Burgess D. , Camporeale E. , Caprioli D. , Chen C. H. K. , Clacey E. , Cully C. M. , De Keyser J. , Eastwood J. P. , Fazakerley A. N. , Eriksson S. , Goldstein M. L. , Graham D. B. , Haaland S. , Hoshino M. , Ji H. , Karimabadi H. , Kucharek H. , Lavraud B. , Marcucci F. , Matthaeus W. H. , Moore T. E. , Nakamura R. , Narita Y. , Nemecek Z. , Norgren C. , Opgenoorth H. , Palmroth M. , Perrone D. , Pinçon J.-L. , Rathsman P. , Rothkaehl H. , Sahraoui F. , Servidio S. , Sorriso-Valvo L. , Vainio R. , Vörös Z. , Wimmer-Schweingruber R. F.
Published: September 2016

The Universe is permeated by hot, turbulent, magnetized plasmas. Turbulent plasma is a major constituent of active galactic nuclei, supernova remnants, the intergalactic and interstellar medium, the solar corona, the solar wind and the Earth’s magnetosphere, just to mention a few examples. Energy dissipation of turbulent fluctuations plays a key role in plasma heating and energization, yet we still do not understand the underlying physical mechanisms involved. THOR is a mission designed to answer the questions of how turbulent plasma is heated and particles accelerated, how the dissipated energy is partitioned and how dissipation operates in different regimes of turbulence. THOR is a single-spacecraft mission with an orbit tuned to maximize data return from regions in near-Earth space – magnetosheath, shock, foreshock and pristine solar wind – featuring different kinds of turbulence. Here we summarize the THOR proposal submitted on 15 January 2015 to the ‘Call for a Medium-size mission opportunity in ESAs Science Programme for a launch in 2025 (M4)’. THOR has been selected by European Space Agency (ESA) for the study phase.
Electrostatic particle-in-cell simulation of heat flux mitigation using magnetic fields
Authors: Lüskow Karl Felix , Kemnitz S. , Bandelow G. , Duras J. , Kahnfeld D. , Matthias P. , Schneider R. , Konigorski D.
Published: September 2016

The particle-in-cell (PIC) method was used to simulate heat flux mitigation experiments with partially ionised argon. The experiments demonstrate the possibility of reducing heat flux towards a target using magnetic fields. Modelling using the PIC method is able to reproduce the heat flux mitigation qualitatively. This is driven by modified electron transport. Electrons are magnetised and react directly to the external magnetic field. In addition, an increase of radial turbulent transport is also needed to explain the experimental observations in the model. Close to the target an increase of electron density is created. Due to quasi-neutrality, ions follow the electrons. Charge exchange collisions couple the dynamics of the neutrals to the ions and reduce the flow velocity of neutrals by radial momentum transport and subsequent losses. By this, the dominant heat-transport channel by neutrals gets reduced and a reduction of the heat deposition, similar to the experiment, is observed. Using the simulation a diagnostic module for optical emission is developed and its results are compared with spectroscopic measurements and photos from the experiment. The results of this study are in good agreement with the experiment. Experimental observations such as a shrank bright emission region close to the nozzle exit, an additional emission in front of the target and an overall change in colour to red are reproduced by the simulation.
A revision of theLeptogium saturninumgroup in North America
Authors: STONE Daphne F. , HINDS James W. , ANDERSON Frances L. , LENDEMER James C.
Published: September 2016

A revision of the North American members of theLeptogium saturninumgroup (i.e. species with long lower-surface hairs, isidia, and usually smooth upper surface) is presented based on molecular phylogenetic analyses of mtSSU and nrITS sequence data, together with an extensive morphological study. Three species supported by both molecular and morphological characteristics are recognized:L. acadiensesp. nov. (distinguished by granularsaturninum-type isidia, medulla composed of irregularly arranged or perpendicular hyphae),L. cookiisp. nov. (distinguished by cylindricalsaturninum-type isidia) andL. hirsutum(distinguished byhirsutum-type isidia and medulla composed of loosely intertwined hyphae). One species supported by morphological characteristics, but for which no molecular data could be generated, is also recognized:L. compactumsp. nov. (distinguished byhirsutum-type isidia and medulla composed of tightly packed hyphae). Finally,L. saturninum(distinguished by granularsaturninum-type isidia and medulla composed of perpendicular and parallel hyphae) is supported by morphological characteristics but molecular data from geographically diverse populations, including those near the type locality, indicate that the morphologically defined species is paraphyletic.Leptogium burnetiaeis excluded from North American based on morphological study of the type. The species are described and illustrated in detail, and are distinguished morphologically by their isidium development, morphology of mature isidia, and pattern of hyphae in the medulla in transverse sections near lobe margins. A key to the members of theL. saturninumgroup and related species is also presented.
Is asexual reproduction an evolutionary dead end in lichens?
Authors: TRIPP Erin A.
Published: September 2016

Classical hypotheses in lichenology predict pairs of species in which sexual lineages are ancestral and long-lived evolutionarily and that these give rise to derived, evolutionarily transient asexual lineages. Extensive phylogenetic information generated over the last 20 years regarding relationships within and among various groups of lichens makes possible an investigation of polarity and lability in reproductive mode across diverse clades. To test the long-held hypothesis of asexual reproduction as an evolutionary dead end in lichens, existing phylogenetic data from 23 studies were utilized to reconstruct gains and losses of sexual and asexual reproduction in a model-based statistical framework. Summed across all studies, between 26–44 origins of asexual reproduction from sexual ancestors (forward transitions) and 14–25 origins of sexual reproduction from asexual ancestors (reverse transitions) were identified. However, the higher number of gains of asexual reproduction was concentrated in a relatively low number of clades (e.g.Dirina). The greater number of forward compared to reverse transitions is consistent with dogma in both lichenology and evolutionary biology, but nonetheless this study documents numerous reverse transitions, suggesting that asexual lineages represent a source for evolutionary innovation.
Tidying up the genusLetharia: introducingL. lupinasp. nov. and a new circumscription forL. columbiana
Authors: ALTERMANN Susanne , LEAVITT Steven D. , GOWARD Trevor
Published: September 2016

Western North America is the global centre of diversity forLetharia, a distinctive and cryptically diverse genus of lichenized fungi belonging to theParmeliaceae. The genus is characterized by a shrubby, fruticose habit and presence of vulpinic acid. Previous studies using multiple fungal nuclear loci revealed the existence of two distinct species-level lineages within the traditional concept ofL. vulpinaand four such lineages withinL. columbiana. Here we use molecular sequence data in an attempt to settle long-standing taxonomic issues in the genus. Our results confirm the widespread existence withinL. vulpinas. lat. of two distinct species-level groups, each forming a mutually exclusive partnership with a separate algal clade withinTrebouxia jamesiis. lat. Accordingly, we formally describe the segregate speciesL. lupinasp. nov. Our results also support the evolutionary independence of four candidate species previously circumscribed fromL. columbianas. lat. One of these lineages,L.‘gracilis’, has already received species recognition asL. gracilis, while a second,L.‘lucida’, is epitypified here againstL. columbianas. str. Based on results from species delimitation analyses under the multispecies coalescent model, the two remaining lineages,L.‘barbata’ andL.‘rugosa’, also warrant formal taxonomic recognition; however, we refrain from describing these species pending additional studies of diagnostic characters, ecological preference, and distributions.
The Delaunay tessellation in hyperbolic space
Authors: DEBLOIS JASON
Published: September 2016

The Delaunay tessellation of a locally finite subset of the hyperbolic space ℍnis constructed via convex hulls in ℝn+1. For finite and lattice-invariant sets it is proven to be a polyhedral decomposition, and versions (necessarily modified from the Euclidean setting) of the empty circumspheres condition and geometric duality with the Voronoi tessellation are proved. Some pathological examples of infinite, non lattice-invariant sets are exhibited.
Expected number of real zeros for random orthogonal polynomials
Authors: LUBINSKY DORON S. , PRITSKER IGOR E. , XIE XIAOJU
Published: September 2016

We study the expected number of real zeros for random linear combinations of orthogonal polynomials. It is well known that Kac polynomials, spanned by monomials with i.i.d. Gaussian coefficients, have only (2/π + o(1))logn expected real zeros in terms of the degree n. If the basis is given by the orthonormal polynomials associated with a compactly supported Borel measure on the real line, or associated with a Freud weight defined on the whole real line, then random linear combinations have $n/\sqrt{3} + o(n)$ expected real zeros. We prove that the same asymptotic relation holds for all random orthogonal polynomials on the real line associated with a large class of weights, and give local results on the expected number of real zeros. We also show that the counting measures of properly scaled zeros of these random polynomials converge weakly to either the Ullman distribution or the arcsine distribution.
Open projections and suprema in the Cuntz semigroup
Authors: BOSA JOAN , TORNETTA GABRIELE , ZACHARIAS JOACHIM
Published: September 2016

We provide a new and concise proof of the existence of suprema in the Cuntz semigroup using the open projection picture of the Cuntz semigroup initiated in [12]. Our argument is based on the observation that the supremum of a countable set of open projections in the bidual of a C*-algebraAis again open and corresponds to the generated hereditary C*-subalgebra ofA.