bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Trace Element and Metal Accumulation and Edibility Risk Associated with Consumption of Labeo umbratus from the Vaal Dam, South Africa
Authors: Gilbert Beric , Hussain Ebrahim , Jirsa Franz , Avenant-Oldewage Annemariè
Published: June 2017

With the occurrence of recreational and small scale subsistence fishing activities at the Vaal Dam, South Africa, consumption of fish from this dam may result in health risks associated with trace elements and metals. The Vaal Dam is one of the largest dams in South Africa, located between the Gauteng Province and Orange Free State, and supplies water to approximately 11.6 million people. A total of 38 specimens of the benthic cyprinid fish Labeo umbratus were collected from the Vaal Dam during two surveys, in 2011 and 2016. Samples of muscle, liver, kidney, gill and spinal cord were analysed, along with sediment samples collected during the same surveys. Thirteen trace elements were analysed in the samples by Inductively Coupled Plasma–Optical Emission Spectrometry, Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometry, Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy and Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence spectroscopy. This is the first survey on trace element and Hg accumulation in this fish species from the Vaal Dam and target hazard quotients (THQ) indicated that there is a risk for consumers of fish for As and Hg (THQ = 1.43 and 1.14 respectively). Although levels of trace elements in this impoundment have shown little change for a number of years and are lower than global background levels, studies detailing the accumulation of metals by fish inhabiting the Vaal Dam have indicated that trace elements in muscle tissue are above food safety guidelines. Trace element levels in L. umbratus are lower compared to other species inhabiting the Vaal Dam and further indicate that risks for consumers can be decreased if humans relying on fish from the Vaal Dam preferentially consume this species over others.
The Indirect Efficacy Comparison of DNA Methylation in Sputum for Early Screening and Auxiliary Detection of Lung Cancer: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liu Di , Peng Hongli , Sun Qi , Zhao Zhongyao , Yu Xinwei , Ge Siqi , Wang Hao , Fang Honghong , Gao Qing , Liu Jiaonan , Wu Lijuan , Song Manshu , Wang Youxin
Published: June 2017

Background: DNA methylation in sputum has been an attractive candidate biomarker for the non-invasive screening and detection of lung cancer. Materials and Methods: Databases including PubMed, Ovid, Cochrane library, Web of Science databases, Chinese Biological Medicine (CBM), Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, Vip Databases and Google Scholar were searched to collect the diagnostic trials on aberrant DNA methylation in the screening and detection of lung cancer published until 1 December 2016. Indirect comparison meta-analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of the included candidate genes. Results: The systematic literature search yielded a total of 33 studies including a total of 4801 subjects (2238 patients with lung cancer and 2563 controls) and covering 32 genes. We identified that methylated genes in sputum samples for the early screening and auxiliary detection of lung cancer yielded an overall sensitivity of 0.46 (0.41–0.50) and specificity of 0.83 (0.80–0.86). Combined indirect comparisons identified the superior gene of SOX17 (sensitivity: 0.84, specificity: 0.88), CDO1 (sensitivity: 0.78, specificity: 0.67), ZFP42 (sensitivity: 0.87, specificity: 0.63) and TAC1 (sensitivity: 0.86, specificity: 0.75). Conclusions: The present meta-analysis demonstrates that methylated SOX17, CDO1, ZFP42, TAC1, FAM19A4, FHIT, MGMT, p16, and RASSF1A are potential superior biomarkers for the screening and auxiliary detection of lung cancer.
Prediction of Suspect Location Based on Spatiotemporal Semantics
Authors: Duan Lian , Ye Xinyue , Hu Tao , Zhu Xinyan
Published: June 2017

The prediction of suspect location enables proactive experiences for crime investigations and offers essential intelligence for crime prevention. However, existing studies have failed to capture the complex social location transition patterns of suspects and lack the capacity to address the issue of data sparsity. This paper proposes a novel location prediction model called CMoB (Crime Multi-order Bayes model) based on the spatiotemporal semantics to enhance the prediction performance. In particular, the model groups suspects with similar spatiotemporal semantics as one target suspect. Then, their mobility data are applied to estimate Markov transition probabilities of unobserved locations based on a KDE (kernel density estimating) smoothing method. Finally, by integrating the total transition probabilities, which are derived from the multi-order property of the Markov transition matrix, into a Bayesian-based formula, it is able to realize multi-step location prediction for the individual suspect. Experiments with the mobility dataset covering 210 suspects and their 18,754 location records from January to June 2012 in Wuhan City show that the proposed CMoB model significantly outperforms state-of-the-art algorithms for suspect location prediction in the context of data sparsity.
Capsaicin Induces Autophagy and Apoptosis in Human Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells by Downregulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway
Authors: Lin Yu-Tsai , Wang Hung-Chen , Hsu Yi-Chiang , Cho Chung-Lung , Yang Ming-Yu , Chien Chih-Yen
Published: June 2017

Capsaicin is a potential chemotherapeutic agent for different human cancers. In Southeast China, nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has the highest incidence of all cancers, but final treatment outcomes are unsatisfactory. However, there is a lack of information regarding the anticancer activity of capsaicin in NPC cells, and its effects on the signaling transduction pathways related to apoptosis and autophagy remain unclear. In the present study, the precise mechanisms by which capsaicin exerts anti-proliferative effects, cell cycle arrest, autophagy and apoptosis were investigated in NPC-TW01 cells. Exposure to capsaicin inhibited cancer cell growth and increased G1 phase cell cycle arrest. Western blotting and quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were used to measure capsaicin-induced autophagy via involvement of the class III PI3K/Beclin-1/Bcl-2 signaling pathway. Capsaicin induced autophagy by increasing levels of the autophagy markers LC3-II and Atg5, enhancing p62 and Fap-1 degradation and increasing caspase-3 activity to induce apoptosis, suggesting a correlation of blocking the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway with the above-mentioned anticancer activities. Taken together, these data confirm that capsaicin inhibited the growth of human NPC cells and induced autophagy, supporting its potential as a therapeutic agent for cancer.
Development of Bone Targeting Drugs
Authors: Stapleton Molly , Sawamoto Kazuki , Alméciga-Díaz Carlos , Mackenzie William , Mason Robert , Orii Tadao , Tomatsu Shunji
Published: June 2017

The skeletal system, comprising bones, ligaments, cartilage and their connective tissues, is critical for the structure and support of the body. Diseases that affect the skeletal system can be difficult to treat, mainly because of the avascular cartilage region. Targeting drugs to the site of action can not only increase efficacy but also reduce toxicity. Bone-targeting drugs are designed with either of two general targeting moieties, aimed at the entire skeletal system or a specific cell type. Most bone-targeting drugs utilize an affinity to hydroxyapatite, a major component of the bone matrix that includes a high concentration of positively-charged Ca2+. The strategies for designing such targeting moieties can involve synthetic and/or biological components including negatively-charged amino acid peptides or bisphosphonates. Efficient delivery of bone-specific drugs provides significant impact in the treatment of skeletal related disorders including infectious diseases (osteoarthritis, osteomyelitis, etc.), osteoporosis, and metabolic skeletal dysplasia. Despite recent advances, however, both delivering the drug to its target without losing activity and avoiding adverse local effects remain a challenge. In this review, we investigate the current development of bone-targeting moieties, their efficacy and limitations, and discuss future directions for the development of these specific targeted treatments.
Enhancing the Compatibility of Poly (1,4-butylene adipate) and Phenoxy Resin in Blends
Authors: Yang Cheng-Fu , Wang Hsiang-Ching , Su Chean-Cheng
Published: June 2017

This work concerns the enhancement in the compatibility of blends of poly (1,4-butylene adipate) (PBA) with poly (hydroxy ether of bisphenol-A) (phenoxy) via alcoholytic exchange. Results on the thermal behavior and morphology show that the blended PBA/phenoxy system exhibits a homogeneous phase and a composition-dependent glass transition temperature (Tg). The interaction parameter (χ12) of PBA/phenoxy blends was calculated using the melting point depression method and was found to be −0.336. However, the compatibilization of PBA/phenoxy blends can be enhanced by chemical exchange reactions between PBA and phenoxy upon annealing. Annealed PBA/phenoxy blends were found to have a homogeneous phase with a higher Tg than that of the blended samples, and a smooth surface topography that could be improved by annealing at high temperature. The results of this investigation demonstrate that promotional phase compatibilization in the PBA/phenoxy blend can only be obtained upon thermal annealing, thus causing transreactions to occur between the dangling –OH of the phenoxy and the ester functional groups in PBA. Extensive transreactions cause alcoholytic exchange between the PBA and phenoxy to form a network, thus reducing the mobility of the polymer chain. Finally, the crystallinity of PBA decreased as the degree of transreaction in the blends increased.
Electrochemical Behaviour of PACVD TiN-Coated CoCrMo Medical Alloy
Authors: Jakovljević Suzana , Alar Vesna , Ivanković Antonio
Published: June 2017

CoCrMo alloys have been used in hip replacements for many years, and their properties can be enhanced with hard coatings. The TiN layer can be deposited on a CoCrMo alloy to its improve corrosion properties, such as reduction of the release of potentially harmful metal ions from CoCrMo-based surgical implants. In this work, a medical grade CoCrMo alloy was coated with TiN by means of plasma-assisted chemical deposition from the vapor phase (PACVD) technique at 500 °C for 4.5 h. The TiN/substrate interface and thickness of the TiN layer were analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Corrosion parameters Ecor, Rp, and Icor were determined via direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) electrochemical techniques. The SEM analysis showed a highly dense and quite uniform TiN layer, with a thickness of 2 µm. The results obtained by the DC electrochemical methods show better corrosion stability of the TiN/CoCrMo samples in comparison with CoCrMo in 0.9% NaCl at (25 ± 1) °C and (36 ± 1) °C. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results show that there are nuclei on the TiN coating which reduce the corrosion stability.
Herpes Simplex Virus Establishment, Maintenance, and Reactivation: In Vitro Modeling of Latency
Authors: Thellman Nikki M. , Triezenberg Steven J.
Published: June 2017

All herpes viruses establish lifelong infections (latency) in their host, and herpes simplex viruses (HSVs) are highly prevalent worldwide. Recurrence of HSV infections contributes to significant disease burden in people and on rare occasion can be fatal. Cell culture models that recapitulate latent infection provide valuable insight on the host processes regulating viral establishment and maintenance of latency. More robust and rapid than infections in live animal studies, advancements in neuronal culture techniques have made the systematic analysis of viral reactivation mechanisms feasible. Only recently have human neuronal cell lines been available, but models in the natural host cell are a critical addition to the currently available models.
Direct Micromachining of Microfluidic Channels on Biodegradable Materials Using Laser Ablation
Authors: Hsieh Yi-Kong , Chen Shiau-Chen , Huang Wen-Ling , Hsu Kai-Ping , Gorday Kaiser , Wang Tsinghai , Wang Jane
Published: June 2017

Laser patterning on polymeric materials is considered a green and rapid manufacturing process with low material selection barrier and high adjustability. Unlike microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), it is a highly flexible processing method, especially useful for prototyping. This study focuses on the development of polymer surface modification method using a 193 nm excimer laser system for the design and fabrication of a microfluidic system similar to that of natural vasculatures. Besides from poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS), laser ablation on biodegradable polymeric material, poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) and poly(1,3-diamino-2-hydroxypropane-co-polyol sebacate) (APS) are investigated. Parameters of laser ablation and fabrication techniques to create microchannels are discussed. The results show that nano/micro-sized fractures and cracks are generally observed across PDMS surface after laser ablation, but not on PGS and APS surfaces. The widths of channels are more precise on PGS and APS than those on PDMS. Laser beam size and channel depth are high correlation with a linear relationship. Repeated laser ablations on the same position of scaffolds reveal that the ablation efficiencies and edge quality on PGS and APS are higher than on PDMS, suggesting the high applicability of direct laser machining to PGS and APS. To ensure stable ablation efficiency, effects of defocus distance into polymer surfaces toward laser ablation stability are investigated. The depth of channel is related to the ratio of firing frequency and ablation progression speed. The hydrodynamic simulation of channels suggests that natural blood vessel is similar to the laser patterned U-shaped channels, and the resulting micro-patterns are highly applicable in the field of micro-fabrication and biomedical engineering.
An Operational In Situ Soil Moisture & Soil Temperature Monitoring Network for West Wales, UK: The WSMN Network
Authors: Petropoulos George , McCalmont Jon
Published: June 2017

This paper describes a soil moisture dataset that has been collecting ground measurements of soil moisture, soil temperature and related parameters for west Wales, United Kingdom. Already acquired in situ data have been archived to the autonomous Wales Soil Moisture Network (WSMN) since its foundation in July 2011. The sites from which measurements are being collected represent a range of conditions typical of the Welsh environment, with climate ranging from oceanic to temperate and a range of the most typical land use/cover types found in Wales. At present, WSMN consists of a total of nine monitoring sites across the area with a concentration of sites in three sub-areas around the region of Aberystwyth located in Mid-Wales. The dataset of composed of 0–5 (or 0–10) cm soil moisture, soil temperature, precipitation, and other ancillary data. WSMN data are provided openly to the public via the International Soil Moisture Network (ISMN) platform. At present, WSMN is also rapidly expanding thanks to funding obtained recently which allows more monitoring sites to be added to the network to the wider community interested in using its data.
Biological Treatment of Fish Processing Saline Wastewater for Reuse as Liquid Fertilizer
Authors: Ching Yun , Redzwan Ghufran
Published: June 2017

The fish processing sector contributes serious organic pollution loads and high salinity to receiving waters. This research aimed to study the effect of salt (NaCl) concentration on the treatment efficiency of fish processing wastewater in a continuous flow system by natural biodegradation. This research also focused on the use of a laboratory-scale bioreactor, which is operated in an aerobic continuous flow system with a 5-day cycle treatment of three different concentrations of diluted fish processing wastewater (30-, 50-, and 100-fold) with salt concentrations varying from 0% to 7% w/v NaCl. The evaluation of system performance at nine different operating hydraulic retention times (HRT) that range from 2–10 days indicated that the substrate removal rates increase with the increase in HRT along with the increasing wastewater concentration. The optimum biomass yield was found at the 8-day HRT, and the highest substrate removal was obtained at 10-day HRT. The study on 11 different salt contents in wastewater at the optimal HRTs of 10, nine, and eight days showed the existence of inhibition effects on biomass growth and substrate removal from 3.0% salt concentration. The treated wastewater without offensive odor is feasible for its reutilization as an environmental friendly liquid fertilizer.
Corporate Philanthropy Affecting Consumer Patronage Behavior: The Effect of Reciprocity and the Moderating Roles of Vicarious Licensing and Strategic Fit
Authors: Cho Erin , Lee Jihyun , Lee Yuri
Published: June 2017

This study investigates the manner in which corporate philanthropy affects consumer patronage toward a brand. In so doing, we propose reciprocity as a key mechanism, which manifests the effect of corporate philanthropy on patronage behavior, and examine how vicarious licensing and strategic fit would mitigate the relationship between reciprocity and patronage behavior. The results indicate that reciprocity significantly increases one’s intention to participate in the philanthropic activities that a company supports and the intention to purchase its products. Vicarious licensing is found to lessen the effects of reciprocity on participation intention and purchasing intention. Strategic fit strengthens the path from participation intention to purchasing intention.
Finite Element Analysis of Self-Healing and Damage Processes in Alumina/SiC Composite Ceramics
Authors: Nakamura Marika , Takeo Kyohei , Osada Toshio , Ozaki Shingo
Published: June 2017

Among various ceramic matrix composites developed, self-healing ceramics have been studied as new functional materials. Self-healing occurs in such materials by high-temperature oxidation triggered by a micro-crack initiation on the surface, and the strength of the material autonomously recovers to its robust state since the micro-crack is re-bonded. To facilitate the use of self-healing ceramics in machines and equipment, a novel numerical simulation method based on finite element analysis (FEA) needs to be applied. In this study, we applied a previously proposed constitutive model to a series of self-healing and damage processes. In the constitutive model, the damage process is formulated on the basis of fracture mechanics, while the self-healing process is formulated on the basis of empirical oxidation kinetics. The FEA model implemented the constitutive model to simulate a series of experiments of the alumina/15 vol% SiC composites. The self-healing process was targeted to a prescribed damage by Vickers indentation. Thereafter, the self-healing behavior was quantitatively compared with that observed in the experiment. The results suggest that the proposed FEA approach can be applied to the analysis of ceramic matrix composites with self-healing properties.
Modelling of Ozone Mass-Transfer through Non-Porous Membranes for Water Treatment
Authors: Berry Matthew , Taylor Caitlin , King William , Chew Y. , Wenk Jannis
Published: June 2017

The mass transfer of ozone and oxygen into water through non-porous membranes was studied using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling and fundamental convection-diffusion theory. Ozone is a gaseous oxidant that is widely applied in drinking water treatment. Membrane contactors are an alternative to conventional gas dispersion methods for injection of ozone gas mixtures into water. Few studies have explored computational approaches for membrane based ozone transport. In this investigation, quantitative concentration profiles across a single polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) capillary membrane tube with internal gas flow and external liquid flow were obtained, including single mass transfer resistances and overall mass transfer coefficients for ozone and oxygen for varying membrane lengths, thicknesses, and laminar flow liquid side velocities. Both the influence of diffusivity and solubility of gases in the membrane were considered with the applied model. Previous studies have neglected the solubility of gases in the membranes in their analysis of ozone and oxygen gas fluxes. This work shows that the solubility has a significant impact of the overall mass transfer coefficients, in particular for oxygen. The main resistance for ozone was found in the liquid side, while for oxygen it was in the membrane. Mass transfer correlations based on heat transfer analogies revealed Sherwood (Sh) correlations for ozone and oxygen with good agreement to literature data, indicating that the applied computational model returns sensible results. The outcome of this study provides an initial basis for computational predictions of ozone and oxygen mass transfer for different membrane materials, flow conditions and reactor designs.
Combined Impact of Acute Exposure to Ammonia and Temperature Stress on the Freshwater Mussel Unio pictorum
Authors: Beggel Sebastian , Hinzmann Mariana , Machado Jorge , Geist Juergen
Published: June 2017

Nitrogen compounds, particularly ammonia, and temperature are suspected major stressors for aquatic organisms, but little is known about their impact on globally declining freshwater mussels (Unionoida). In this study, we tested the combined effects of ammonia and temperature stress on painter’s mussel (Unio pictorum) survival, filtration behavior, hemocyte abundance, hemocyte mortality and glycogen energy status, at concentrations ranging from 0.3 to 9.0 mg·L−1 total ammonia nitrogen (NH4-N) in 96 h acute exposures at two temperatures, 17 °C and 25 °C and a pH of 8.8. The results indicate a low sensitivity of U. pictorum to elevated ammonia concentrations after short-term exposure, although effects on cell morphology were evident and delayed mortality occurred at the highest test concentration. Most pronounced effects were observed for sublethal physiological endpoints due to elevated temperature, but no synergistic effects with ammonia were evident. Temperature increase resulted in significant effects on tissue glycogen, hyalinocyte mortality and clearance rates. Hemocyte mortalities showed a linear dependency on initial mussel activity as measured by their clearance rate. Since the main stressors tested in this study, ammonia and temperature, are predicted to increase in most freshwater ecosystems, their impact on other freshwater mussel species including different life-stages should be comprehensively assessed.
Evaluation der Intra- und Inter observerübereinstimmung von99mTc-MIBI-Szintigraphien bei hypofunktionellen Knoten
Authors: Happel Christian , Ackermann Hanns , Grünwald Frank , Baumgarten Justus
Published: June 2017

Ziele: Neben der Feinnadelpunktion ist die Szintigraphie mit Tc99m-Sestamibi (99mTc-MI- BI) ein ergänzendes Diagnostikum bei der Beurteilung von hypofunktionellen Knoten. Um die Frage nach der Verlässlichkeit dieses Diag- nostikums zu beantworten, wurde in dieser Studie die Intra- und Interobserverüberein- stimmung bei der Beurteilung hypofunktioneller Knoten von99mTc-MIBI-Szintigrammen bestimmt.Methoden: In eine retrospektive Stu die wurden 284 Patienten (16-85 Jahre, 194 w, 90 m) mit mindestens einem hypofunktionellen Knoten, einer Szintigraphie mit Tech- netium-99m-Pertechnetat und mindestens einer Szintigraphie mit99mTc-MIBI eingeschlossen. Acht Nuklearmediziner beurteilten die Szintigramme an zwei Terminen und wurden per Fragebogen angewiesen, die Kombination der Bilder als „match”, „mismatch” oder „unentschieden” einzustufen. Zudem wurde jeweils abgefragt, ob die Früh- oder die Spätaufnahme der99mTc-MIBI-Szintigra- phie besser verwertbar war oder ob kein Unterschied bestand.Ergebnisse: Die Intraob- serverübereinstimmung reichte von κ = 0,56 (mittelmäßig) bis κ = 0,78 (überzeugend). Die Interobserverübereinstimmung lag bei κ=0,44 und κ=0,53 (mittelmäßig). Die In- terobserverübereinstimmung von Untersuchern mit mehr als 5 Jahren Berufserfahrung in der Nuklearmedizin lag bei κ = 0,61 und κ = 0,70 (überzeugend), mit 2-5 Jahren bei κ=0,53 (mittelmäßig) und κ=0,61 (überzeugend), und mit weniger als 2 Jahren bei κ=0,47 (mittelmäßig) und κ=0,61 (überzeugend). In 26 % der Fälle in Sitzung 1 bzw. 20 % in Sitzung 2 wurde die Frühaufnahme als besser verwertbar eingestuft, in 4 bzw. 3 % die Spätaufnahme und in 70 bzw. 77 % „kein Unterschied”.Schlussfolgerung: Die Werte der Interobserverübereinstimmung aller acht Untersucher zeigen, dass die Beurteilung der99mTc-MIBI-Szintigramme einer gewissen Varianz unterliegen kann. Somit sollten diese von einem Untersucher mit mindestens 5 Jahren Berufserfahrung abschließend beurteilt werden. Berufsanfänger benötigen mehr Zeit zur Beurteilung von99mTc-MIBI- Szintigrammen als Erfahrene und sollten Rücksprache halten.
The East Asian origin of the giant lobelias
Authors: Knox Eric B. , Li Chunjiao
Published: June 2017

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:

Rapid radiations are difficult to reconstruct when organismal diversification and biogeographic movement outpace the evolution of genes typically used in phylogenetic analyses. The 125 kb of unique sequence from complete plastid genomes (= plastomes) largely solves the molecular sampling problem, and taxon sampling that triangulates the base of each major subclade largely solves the long‐branch attraction problem. This combination of molecular and phylogenetic sampling is used to reconstruct the cosmopolitan radiation of lobeliads, with special focus on the origin of the giant lobelias.

METHODS:

An alignment of 18 previously generated and 61 new plastomes was analyzed to produce the phylogenetic estimate upon which the biogeographic reconstruction was based.

KEY RESULTS:

Originating in southern Africa, the Lobeliaceae underwent a spectacular cosmopolitan radiation about 20 million years ago. One lineage colonized Madagascar and eastern Asia, which was the source area for the evolution of the giant lobelias. A second lineage colonized the Mediterranean and North America, in quick succession. South America and Australia were also colonized from South Africa, most likely as independent events, but detailed biogeographic reconstruction is limited by inferred extinction events. The south Pacific segregate genera Apetahia and Sclerotheca are inferred to have Hawaiian ancestry. The East African radiation independently reached Ethiopia, West Africa, and Brazil.

CONCLUSIONS:

With adequate molecular and taxon sampling, many details of rapid radiations can be accurately inferred. However, not all lineages survived, and analyses of extant species cannot recover details that have been lost due to extinction.
Recently Quenched Galaxies at z = 0.2–4.8 in the COSMOS UltraVISTA Field
Authors: Ichikawa Akie , Matsuoka Yoshiki
Published: June 2017

We present a new analysis of the stellar mass function and morphology of recently quenched galaxies (RQGs), whose star formation has been recently quenched for some reason. The COSMOS2015 catalog was exploited to select those galaxies at 0.2 < z < 4.8, over 1.5 deg2 of the Cosmic Evolution Survey (COSMOS) UltraVISTA field. This is the first time that RQGs are consistently selected and studied in such a wide range of redshift. We find increasing number density of RQGs with time in a broad mass range at z > 1, while low-mass RQGs start to grow very rapidly at z < 1. We also demonstrate that the migration of RQGs may largely drive the evolution of the stellar mass function of passive galaxies. Moreover, we find that the morphological type distribution of RQGs are intermediate between those of star-forming and passive galaxies. These results indicate that RQGs represent a major transitional phase of galaxy evolution, in which star-forming galaxies turn into passive galaxies, accompanied by the build up of spheroidal component.
On Transient EHL of a Skew Roller Subjected to a Load Impact in Rolling Bearings
Authors: Liu Xiao Ling , Song Da Tong , Yang Pei Ran
Published: June 2017

Based on the non-steady state operating condition in machine elements, numerical analysis of a transient elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) finite line contact between a skewed roller and an outer race in cylindrical roller bearings was carried out, and a complete numerical solution of skewed roller pairs EHL under the transient condition was obtained. The effects of the load impact, together with the skewing angle impulses on the lubricating performance of skew roller pairs were discussed. Results show that, different from the steady state, the transient effect of the skew roller lubrication is mainly governed by the skew angle impulse, and the load impact. The film dimple is generated during the load impact, or the skewing angle impulse due to the normal approach velocity of the film. Compared to that of the ideal roller, the minimum film thickness decreases due to the roller skew when the transient load happens. Variation in the skewing angle leads to contrary distribution of the film thickness at the two half parts of the roller. Meanwhile, it can decrease the minimum film thickness and be harmful to the lubrication compared to the steady state. Consequently, the transient effect in the process of lubrication of skew roller pairs should not be neglected.
Effects of Friction Models, Geometry and Position of Tool on Curving Tendency of Micro-Extrusion 6063 Aluminum Alloy Pins
Authors: Sucharitpwatskul Sedthawatt , Mahayotsanun Numpon , Mahabunphachai Sasawat , Funazuka Tatsuya , Takatsuji Norio , Dohda Kuniaki
Published: June 2017

Micro-extrusion process is one of the micro-forming technology for fabrication of micro-parts such as micro-gear shaft for microelectromechanical system (MEMS) and micro pins for electronic parts. This paper presents the friction models effects and geometry effects on curving tendency of micro-extrusion 6063 aluminum alloy pins. Three friction models were considered: (1) Coulomb friction, (2) plastic shear friction, and (3) combined (Coulomb & plastic shear) friction. The finite element simulation was carried out and the results showed that the combined friction model accurately predicted the micro-extrusion results. Then, four tool geometry and position effects were investigated: (1) punch shift length, (2) die angle, (3) die shift length, and (4) bearing length. The finite element simulation was carried out to determine these tool geometry and position effects on the curving tendency of micro-extruded pins. The results showed that punch shift length and die angle did not affect the curving tendency. However, die shift length caused the micro-extruded pins to curve. The increase in bearing length helped straighten the micro-extruded pins.
Effect of Acid Washing of SiC Particles on Dispersing and Friction Properties of Ni-P-SiC Composite Plating
Authors: Miyanaga Norifumi , Minamikawa Shigeaki , Tomioka Jun
Published: June 2017

This study investigated the effect of acidic solutions used in the washing process of SiC particles on the dispersibility of the particles in a nickel matrix. In addition, the friction behavior of the composite plating was investigated by sliding friction tests. As the results, by washing SiC particles with a HCl solution, the particles appeared in clumps and the rougher surface was created. On the other hand, by a HNO3 solution, the particles appeared with the homogeneous distribution, and thus the surface deposited was smoother. The Ni-P-SiC composite plating shows the lower friction force especially in the range of the slow sliding speed.
Optimal Design of Power Transfer Unit Oil Seal Considering Pressure Drop Generated during Water-Way Driving
Authors: Kim Tae Hyung , Kim Chang Gon , Park Eun Min , Choi Sok , Lee Bo Ram
Published: June 2017

This study investigated the pressure drop generated in the power transfer unit (PTU). During water-way driving, this pressure drop could open the lips of an oil seal and caused critical problems, such as water intrusion into or oil leakage out of the PTU. Optimal design of oil seal shape was proposed in order to prevent the unexpected failure of oil seal. As the result of the test to check the effects of the vacuum pressure, it was found that outside water was flowed into inside at - 0.4 bar for dust lip without any interference, whereas, there was no intrusion of outside weater through the seal with interferences of dust lips even at - 0.8 bar. But the seal with interferences of dust lips had 30~40 % higher than that without interference because the interference of dust lip with shaft made friction force increased at the interface between rubber and shaft.
The Effects of Surface Texturing on Friction Performance under Reciprocating Sliding Condition
Authors: Qin Tianchi , Tadokoro Chiharu , Sasaki Shinya
Published: June 2017

In this research, we focus on the improvement of frictional performance of piston ring achieved by Laser Surface Texturing. Five kinds of samples (non-texture, dimple 100μm, dimple120μm, groove 45 degrees to sliding direction and groove 90 degrees to sliding direction) were tested under reciprocating sliding condition. The results showed that the sample of groove 90 degrees to sliding condition has the maximum decrease on either average friction coefficient (26%) or friction coefficient at end points of stock (33%). And we think that under boundary lubrication regime, the uniformity of distribution of the texture and flow of oil in contact surface are the key factors which affect the friction coefficient.
Tribological Performance Evaluation of Biodiesel Distilled Residue Blended with Fossil Diesel
Authors: Lin Yuan Ching , Chen Hung Shiau , Hsu Chun Ching , Ku Yong Yuan , Lin Ke Wei
Published: June 2017

In this work, distilled residues from biodiesel of waste cooking acids methyl esters (WCME), was blended with fossil diesel in different ratios (D100/DR2/DR5/DR10/DR20) as testing fuels. The tribological performance of the blended oils was evaluated using a reciprocating cylinder-on-flat wear test rig (Cameron-Plint TE-77) at two temperatures (room temperature and 80°C). After the wear test, the wear depth of each tested specimen was determined using a profile meter and the worn surface was observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Each worn surface was also examined using an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) to identify any surface film. The experimental results show that the tribological performance of the DR20 was superior to that of the other test oils. The lubricity of the test sample increased with the proportion of distilled residue, owing to the quantity of the methyl esters in the sample.
Influence of the Spacing of the Partially Porous Aerostatic Journal Bearings and the Rotating Speed on Performance of the Spindle
Authors: Huang Te Yen , Weng Shi Jie , Lin Yu Kun , Kuo Yu Chieh
Published: June 2017

The influence of the spacing of the partially porous aerostatic journal bearings and the rotating speed of the spindle on the pressure distribution in the bearing gap and the housing gap were studied. Based on the finite volume method and the pressure-velocity coupling scheme of the SIMPLE algorithm with the standard k-ε turbulent model, A CFD software was used to solve the Navier-Stokes equations to figure out the pressure in the bearing gap and the housing gap. The computed results indicated that when the spacing of the bearings between air outlets was increased, the pressure got higher not only in the bearing gap, but also in the housing gap. The load carrying capacity of the bearings and the stiffness of the spindle could be improved. If the spacing of bearings was reduced by adding one more bearing to the location between the original bearings, the pressure in the narrower housing gap would decrease, while that in the wider housing gap would increase. Though the extra bearing could not help increase the net pressure exerted on the spindle effectively, it did help redistribute the housing gap pressure so that the pressure difference in the air gap could be reduced and the spindle was able to rotate stably.
Tubularized proximally-incised plate in distal/midshaft hypospadias repair
Authors: Marte Antonio , Pintozzi Lucia
Published: June 2017

The aim of this study was to verify the validity, feasibility, and the functional results, by uroflowmetry, of Tubularized proximallyincised plate technique in selected case of distal/midshaft hypospadias. Out of 120 patients scheduled to undergo TIP (or Snodgrass) procedure, 23 were selected between January 2013 and January 2016 (19.1%). This case series comprised 16 patients with distal and 7 with midshaft hypospadias. Mean age at surgery was 2.9 years. The inclusion criteria were a deep and wide glandular groove and a proximal narrow urethral plate. The procedure was carried out as described by Snodgrass but the incision of the urethral plate, including the mucosal and submucosal tissue, was made only proximally, between the original meatus and the glandular groove in no case extending to the entire length of the plate. Postoperatively a foley catheter was left in place from 4 to 7 days. Uroflowmetry was performed when the patients age ranged from 2.5 to 5.7 years (mean age 3.11 years and mean follow-up 1.8 years, body surface 2). No patient presented fistulas nor perioperative complications. At uroflowmetry, eighteen patients presented values above the 25th percentile and 5 showed a borderline flow. All patients in this group remained stable without urinary symptoms. In selected cases, the tubularized proximally-incised plate yields satisfactory cosmetic and functional results for the treatment of midshaft proximal hypospadias. A long-term follow-up study is needed for further evaluation. Patient selection is crucial for the success of this technique.
Émergence et ré-émergence de deux dangers sanitaires de catégorie 1 en France (FCO) et à Maurice (FA)
Authors: Zientara Stéphan , Sailleau Corinne , Bréard Emmanuel , Vitour Damien , Viarouge Cyril , Belbis Guillaume , Gorna Kamila , Relmy Anthony , Romey Aurore , Blaise-Boisseau Sandra , Cardinale Éric , Bakkali Kassimi Labib
Published: June 2017

Emergence and re-emergence of two major diseases in France (bluetongue) and in Mauritius (foot-and-mouth).

The emergence of Bluetongue (BT) in continental France (caused by virus of serotype 8 (BTV-8) in 2006 and virus of serotype 1 (BTV-1) in 2007) was a total surprise. End of 2012, six years after the introduction of BT, France was declared free from this disease. However, at the end of August 2015, the BTV-8 made its reappearance in the center of France. In 2016, our laboratory re-isolated this virus. In Corsica, a virus of serotype 4 was identified on 1st December 2016 from sheep samples. On another hand, in 2016, we identified a virus of Foot-and-Mouth disease serotype O in Mauritius. This presentation will describe the conditions of the detection of these viruses as well as the results of phylogenetic analyzes.
Transgénèse et maladies infectieuses chez les animaux domestiques
Authors: Guénet Jean-Louis
Published: June 2017

À partir des années 1990, les techniques de transgenèse utilisées chez la souris ont commencé à être transposées aux animaux de rente, soit dans le but de produire en quantité des protéines d’intérêt biomédical, soit dans le but d’augmenter la résistance innée aux maladies infectieuses. Dans le cas des maladies infectieuses, des résultats encourageants ont été obtenus et continuent d’être publiés mais le rendement de ce genre d’expérience est souvent très faible ce qui rend les projets très coûteux. Si l’on ajoute à cela le fait que la consommation de produits biologiques provenant d’animaux «transgéniques» est assez mal acceptée par le public, il n’est pas surprenant que bien des programmes de recherche en transgenèse aient été sinon prématurément interrompus du moins sérieusement ralentis. Des techniques récentes faisant appel à l’utilisation des méganucléases (ZFN, TALEN et surtout CRISPR/Cas9) permettent de réduire fortement le coût des interventions faites au niveau du génome des embryons de mammifères tout en les simplifiant. Elles offrent un regain d’intérêt pour la création de modifications de toutes sortes au niveau du génome dont profitera à coup sûr la lutte contre les maladies infectieuses.
La nosémose des abeilles : chronique de sa disparition prochaine en France
Authors: Roy Christophe , L'Hostis Monique
Published: June 2017

Nosemosis of honeybees : chronicle of a disappearance in France.

Type-A nosemosis, caused by Nosema apis, is a disease of the Honeybee classified as a notifiable disease in France. Recent epidemioclinic data indicate a marked decrease in its incidence to the point that this endemic disease could now be requalified as sporadic. At the same time, new analytical techniques have shown that the causal agent has recently cohabited with a new species of Asian origin, Nosema ceranae. These two species, with close morphological and biological characteristics, cohabit the same ecological niche : the enterocytes of the ventricle of adult bees. The emerging Nosema ceranae, whose infection is rather asymptomatic, is now becoming predominant. Globalization of bee trade, environmental changes, can be critical factors to the introduction of new pests. The progressive disappearance of nosemosis in France is an example of the complexity of host-parasite relationships as well as our inability to predict the emergence of exotic organisms.
Nouvelle approche vaccinale basée sur une plateforme dérivée de novirhabdovirus
Authors: Brémont Michel
Published: June 2017

Les Novirhabdovirus, tels que le Virus de la Septicémie Hémorragique Virale (vSHV) ou le virus de la Nécrose Hématopoiétique Infectieuse (vNHI) sont des rhabdovirus infectant les poissons à basse température. L’utilisation de systèmes de génétique inverse développés dans notre laboratoire ont permis, en manipulant le génome viral, de produire des virus recombinés exprimant à leur surface différents antigènes d’intérêt pour la vaccination contre des virus affectant les mammifères, dont l’homme. Dans cette communication, nous présentons le développement de vaccins contre le virus du Nil Occidental, un Flavivirus et contre un virus grippal. Dans ce dernier exemple, nous avons produit des Novirhabdovirus exprimant l’hémagglutinine HA, très immunogène, d’un virus grippal H1N1. Ces virus recombinés injectés chez la souris induisent une protection totale de ces souris immunisées face à une épreuve létale avec le virus grippal. Cette plateforme vaccinale présente de nombreux avantages : i) les virus recombinés sont faciles et rapides à produire en masse, ii) ils peuvent incorporer n’importe quel antigène d’intérêt à leur surface, iii) ils ne nécessitent pas d’adjuvant lors des immunisations, iv) ils sont naturellement inactivés au-delà de 20° C, rendant ainsi inutile le processus d’inactivation.
Space-Time Variability of UTLS Chemical Distribution in the Asian Summer Monsoon Viewed by Limb and Nadir Satellite Sensors
Authors: Luo Jiali , Pan Laura L. , Honomichl Shawn B. , Bergman John W. , Randel William J. , Francis Gene , Clerbaux Cathy , George Maya , Liu Xiong , Tian Wenshou
Published: June 2017

Abstract. The Asian Summer Monsoon (ASM) creates a hemispheric scale signature in trace gas distributions in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS). Data from satellite retrievals are the best source of information for characterizing these large-scale signatures. Measurements from the Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS), a limb viewing satellite sensor, have been the most widely used retrieval products for these type of studies. This work explores the information content for the ASM upper troposphere from two nadir-viewing sensors, IASI and OMI. Day-to-day behaviour of carbon monoxide (CO) and ozone (O3) in the UTLS from these two nadir-viewing sensors are analysed in comparison to MLS to examine the information content for the ASM UTLS trace gas analyses. Day-to-day changes in tracer distributions in response to dynamical variability is explored, to assess whether these nadir viewing sensors provide useful information for investigating sub-seasonal variability. Our result shows that both nadir-viewing instruments capture the impact of ASM dynamics on spatial distribution of tracers in the UTLS. Despite the limited vertical resolution, tropospheric profiles from IASI are able to represent the upper tropospheric enhancement of CO in the region of ASM anticyclone. Similarly, the OMI O3 profile product is capable of distinguishing the tropospheric dominated air mass in the anticyclone from the stratospheric dominated background on a daily time scale. The high horizontal sampling density of IASI data show finer structures in the horizontal distribution of CO compared to the limb viewing MLS, including CO enhancement in the upper troposphere over the western Pacific resulting from the eastward eddy shedding of the ASM anticyclone. Sub-seasonal variability of tracers is correlated with the dynamical structure of the anticyclone as represented by the geopotential height (GPH) field, and systematic differences between the nadir and limb sounder results are discussed.
A Bayesian posterior predictive framework for weighting ensemble regional climate models
Authors: Fan Yanan , Olson Roman , Evans Jason P.
Published: June 2017

Abstract. We present a novel Bayesian statistical approach to computing model weights in climate change projection ensembles in order to create probabilistic projections. The weight of each climate model is obtained by weighting the current day observed data under the posterior distribution admitted under competing climate models. We use a linear model to describe the model output and observations. The approach accounts for uncertainty in model bias, trend and internal variability, including error in the observations used. Our framework is general, requires very little problem-specific input, and works well with default priors. We carry out cross-validation checks that confirm that the method produces the correct coverage.
El Telégrafo Mercantil y el fomento de la civilidad. El nacimiento de la prensa de costumbres en el Buenos Aires virreinal
Authors: Maggio-Ramírez Matías
Published: June 2017

En 1801 se publicó en Buenos Aires el primer periódico: Telégrafo Mercantil, Rural, Político, Económico e Historiográfico del Río de la Plata. Bajo la gestión de Francisco Cabello y Mesa, el impreso se posicionó desde la ficción enunciativa como un instrumento para extirpar la ignorancia y las costumbres antiguas a través de la crítica que se plasmó en distintos géneros discursivos. Se analiza el nacimiento de la prensa virreinal, el recorrido profesional de su editor y cómo su propuesta estuvo en sintonía con la desarrollada por la prensa de costumbres peninsular de finales del siglo XVIII.