bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and implementation of a social semantic digital library
Authors: Nisheva-Pavlova Maria , Shukerov Dicho , Pavlov Pavel
Published: April 2016

The paper analyzes some current trends of research and development in the field of digital libraries. The presentation is focused on the main features of two new generations of digital libraries – the so-called semantic digital libraries and social semantic digital libraries. The design characteristics, principles of functioning and some implementation details of a particular academic digital library have been discussed as an illustration of the suggested ideas.
Using Ecophysiology to Improve Farm Efficiency: Application in Temperate Dairy Grazing Systems
Authors: Chapman David
Published: April 2016

Information on the physiological ecology of grass-dominant pastures has made a substantial contribution to the development of practices that optimise the amount of feed harvested by grazing animals in temperate livestock systems. However, the contribution of ecophysiology is often under-stated, and the need for further research in this field is sometimes questioned. The challenge for ecophysiolgists, therefore, is to demonstrate how ecophysiological knowledge can help solve significant problems looming for grassland farming in temperate regions while also removing constraints to improved productivity from grazed pastures. To do this, ecophysiological research needs to align more closely with related disciplines, particularly genetics/genomics, agronomy, and farming systems, including systems modelling. This review considers how ecophysiological information has contributed to the development of grazing management practices in the New Zealand dairy industry, an industry that is generally regarded as a world leader in the efficiency with which pasture is grown and utilised for animal production. Even so, there are clear opportunities for further gains in pasture utilisation through the refinement of grazing management practices and the harnessing of those practices to improved pasture plant cultivars with phenotypes that facilitate greater grazing efficiency. Meanwhile, sub-optimal persistence of new pastures continues to constrain productivity in some environments. The underlying plant and population processes associated with this have not been clearly defined. Ecophysiological information, placed in the context of trait identification, grounded in well-designed agronomic studies and linked to plant improvements programmes, is required to address this.
A Novel Method for Estimation of Femoral Neck Bone Mineral Density Using Forearm Images from Peripheral Cone Beam Computed Tomography
Authors: Jeong Kwanmoon , Ko Hoon , Lee Chang-Hoon , Lee Myeung , Yoon Kwon-Ha , Lee Jinseok
Published: April 2016

The main goal of osteoporosis treatment is prevention of osteoporosis-induced bone fracture. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and quantitative computed tomographic imaging (QCT) are widely used for assessment of bone mineral density (BMD). However, they have limitations in patients with special conditions. This study evaluated a method for diagnosis of osteoporosis using peripheral cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to estimate BMD. We investigated the correlation between the ratio of cortical and total bone areas of the forearm and femoral neck BMD. Based on the correlation, we established a linear transformation between the ratio and femoral neck BMD. We obtained forearm images using CBCT and femoral neck BMDs using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for 23 subjects. We first calculated the ratio of the cortical to the total bone area in the forearm from the CBCT images, and investigated the relationship with the femoral neck BMDs obtained from DXA. Based on this relationship, we further investigated the optimal forearm region to provide the highest correlation coefficient. We used the optimized forearm region to establish a linear transformation of the form to estimate femoral neck BMD from the calculated ratio. We observed the correlation factor of r = 0.857 (root mean square error = 0.056435 g/cm2; mean absolute percentage error = 4.5105%) between femoral neck BMD and the ratio of the cortical and total bone areas. The strongest correlation was observed for the average ratios of the mid-shaft regions of the ulna and radius. Our results suggest that femoral neck BMD can be estimated from forearm CBCT images and may be useful for screening osteoporosis, with patients in a convenient sitting position. We believe that peripheral CBCT image-based BMD estimation may have significant preventative value for early osteoporosis treatment and management.
Altered Neural Activity Associated with Mindfulness during Nociception: A Systematic Review of Functional MRI
Authors: Bilevicius Elena , Kolesar Tiffany , Kornelsen Jennifer
Published: April 2016

Objective: To assess the neural activity associated with mindfulness-based alterations of pain perception. Methods: The Cochrane Central, EMBASE, Ovid Medline, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched on 2 February 2016. Titles, abstracts, and full-text articles were independently screened by two reviewers. Data were independently extracted from records that included topics of functional neuroimaging, pain, and mindfulness interventions. Results: The literature search produced 946 total records, of which five met the inclusion criteria. Records reported pain in terms of anticipation (n = 2), unpleasantness (n = 5), and intensity (n = 5), and how mindfulness conditions altered the neural activity during noxious stimulation accordingly. Conclusions: Although the studies were inconsistent in relating pain components to neural activity, in general, mindfulness was able to reduce pain anticipation and unpleasantness ratings, as well as alter the corresponding neural activity. The major neural underpinnings of mindfulness-based pain reduction consisted of altered activity in the anterior cingulate cortex, insula, and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.
Application of GUITAR on the Negative Electrode of the Vanadium Redox Flow Battery: Improved V3+/2+ Heterogeneous Electron Transfer with Reduced Hydrogen Gassing
Authors: Kabir Humayun , Gyan Isaiah , Foutch Jeremy , Zhu Haoyu , Cheng I.
Published: April 2016

GUITAR (Graphene from the University of Idaho Thermolyzed Asphalt Reaction) has the classical basal and edge plane morphology of graphites and thin layer graphenes with similar X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman and IR characteristics. However previous investigations indicated GUITAR is different electrochemically from graphenes and classical graphites. GUITAR has faster heterogeneous electron transfer across its basal plane and an electrochemical window that exceeds graphitic materials by 1 V. These beneficial properties are examined for application in the negative electrode of the vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB). Graphitic materials in this application suffer from hydrogen gassing and slow electron transfer kinetics for the V2+/3+ redox couple. Cyclic voltammetry of the V2+/3+ redox couple (0.05 M V3+ in 1 M H2SO4) on bare KFD graphite felt gives an estimated standard rate constant (k0) of 8.2 × 10−7 cm/s. The GUITAR-coated KFD graphite felt improves that quantity to 8.6 × 10−6 cm/s. The total contribution of the cyclic voltammetric currents at −1.0 V vs. Ag/AgCl to hydrogen evolution is 3% on GUITAR-coated KFD graphite felt. On bare KFD graphite felt, this is 22%. These results establish GUITAR as an excellent alternative material for the negative electrode in the vanadium redox flow battery.
Even-Aged vs. Uneven-Aged Silviculture: Implications for Multifunctional Management of Southern Pine Ecosystems
Authors: Sharma Ajay , Bohn Kimberly , Jose Shibu , Dwivedi Puneet
Published: April 2016

We evaluated even- and uneven-aged silvicultural options for slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm.) using empirical data and the Forest Vegetation Simulator (FVS) model. Data were collected from a mature unthinned slash pine plantation in a flatwoods site in Florida, and used to simulate six scenarios of even- and uneven-aged silvicultural regimes applied to slash pine stands, including a no-action option. These alternative silvicultural regimes were evaluated for multiple benefits including timber production, carbon storage and stand structural diversity over a period of 100 years. None of the silvicultural regimes maximized all the benefits. While even-aged management options were more efficient in total merchantable timber production (9.78 to 11.02 m3·ha−1·year−1) and overall carbon stocks (3.05 to 3.47 metric tons·ha−1·year−1), uneven-aged management options created overall more complex stand structure (Stand Structural Diversity (computed from Shannon’s Indices values) = 1.92) and maintained a steady flow of yields, particularly sawtimber (34.29 to 58.46 m3·ha−1 every 10 year) and aboveground carbon stocks (56.9 to 77.2 metric tons·ha−1). Optimal achievement of multiple benefits across the landscape, therefore, may require maintaining an assortment of management strategies. Both even- and uneven-aged management options have the potential to improve production and carbon storage of pine forests and are a substantial improvement over no action.
The Prognostic Role of STEAP1 Expression Determined via Immunohistochemistry Staining in Predicting Prognosis of Primary Colorectal Cancer: A Survival Analysis
Authors: Lee Ching-Hsiao , Chen Sung-Lang , Sung Wen-Wei , Lai Hung-Wen , Hsieh Ming-Ju , Yen Hsu-Heng , Su Tzu-Cheng , Chiou Yu-Hu , Chen Chia-Yu , Lin Cheng-Yu , Chen Mei-Ling , Chen Chih-Jung
Published: April 2016

STEAP1 (six transmembrane epithelial antigen of the prostate 1) is a transmembrane protein that functions as a potential channel or transporter protein. It is overexpressed in certain cancers and is viewed as a promising therapeutic target. However, the prognostic role of STEAP1 is still controversial, and no role for STEAP1 has yet been indicated in colorectal cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible association of STEAP1 expression with colorectal cancer prognosis. STEAP1 expression was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining of a tissue array of 165 cancer specimens from primary colorectal cancer patients. The mean and medium follow-up times after surgery were 5.1 and 3.9 years, respectively. A total of 139 patients died during the 13 years of follow-up in the survey period. The prognostic value of STEAP1 with respect to overall survival was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard models. In total, 164 samples displayed detectable STEAP1 expression in the cytoplasm and membrane. Low STEAP1 expression was correlated with poor overall survival (five-year survival: 33.7% vs. 57.0%, low expression vs. high expression, p = 0.020). Accordingly, multivariate analysis identified low STEAP1 expression as an independent risk factor (hazard ratio = 1.500, p = 0.018), especially in elderly patients or those with late stage cancers, late T values, and early N values. We suggest that analysis of STEAP1 expression by immunohistochemical staining could serve as an independent prognostic marker for colorectal patients. This finding should be validated by other investigative groups.
Ultrasonic Monitoring of Setting and Strength Development of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete
Authors: Yoo Doo-Yeol , Shin Hyun-Oh , Yoon Young-Soo
Published: April 2016

In this study, the setting and tensile strength development of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) at a very early age was investigated by performing the penetration resistance test (ASTM C403), as well as the direct tensile test using the newly developed test apparatus, and taking ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) measurements. In order to determine the optimum surface treatment method for preventing rapid surface drying of UHPC, four different methods were examined: plastic sheet, curing cover, membrane-forming compound, and paraffin oil. Based on the test results, the use of paraffin oil was found to be the best choice for measuring the penetration resistance and the UPV, and attaching the plastic sheet to the exposed surface was considered to be a simple method for preventing the rapid surface drying of UHPC elements. An S-shaped tensile strength development at a very early age (before 24 h) was experimentally obtained, and it was predicted by a power function of UPV. Lastly, the addition of shrinkage-reducing and expansive admixtures resulted in more rapid development of penetration resistance and UPV of UHPC.
Spin-Coated vs. Electrodeposited Mn Oxide Films as Water Oxidation Catalysts
Authors: Hernández Simelys , Ottone Carminna , Varetti Sara , Fontana Marco , Pugliese Diego , Saracco Guido , Bonelli Barbara , Armandi Marco
Published: April 2016

Manganese oxides (MnOx), being active, inexpensive and low-toxicity materials, are considered promising water oxidation catalysts (WOCs). This work reports the preparation and the physico-chemical and electrochemical characterization of spin-coated (SC) films of commercial Mn2O3, Mn3O4 and MnO2 powders. Spin coating consists of few preparation steps and employs green chemicals (i.e., ethanol, acetic acid, polyethylene oxide and water). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time SC has been used for the preparation of stable powder-based WOCs electrodes. For comparison, MnOx films were also prepared by means of electrodeposition (ED) and tested under the same conditions, at neutral pH. Particular interest was given to α-Mn2O3-based films, since Mn (III) species play a crucial role in the electrocatalytic oxidation of water. To this end, MnO2-based SC and ED films were calcined at 500 °C, in order to obtain the desired α-Mn2O3 crystalline phase. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements were performed to study both electrode charge transport properties and electrode–electrolyte charge transfer kinetics. Long-term stability tests and oxygen/hydrogen evolution measurements were also made on the highest-performing samples and their faradaic efficiencies were quantified, with results higher than 95% for the Mn2O3 SC film, finally showing that the SC technique proposed here is a simple and reliable method to study the electrocatalytic behavior of pre-synthesized WOCs powders.
Polyelectrolyte-Functionalized Nanofiber Mats Control the Collection and Inactivation of Escherichia coli
Authors: Rieger Katrina , Porter Michael , Schiffman Jessica
Published: April 2016

Quantifying the effect that nanofiber mat chemistry and hydrophilicity have on microorganism collection and inactivation is critical in biomedical applications. In this study, the collection and inactivation of Escherichia coli K12 was examined using cellulose nanofiber mats that were surface-functionalized using three polyelectrolytes: poly (acrylic acid) (PAA), chitosan (CS), and polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (pDADMAC). The polyelectrolyte functionalized nanofiber mats retained the cylindrical morphology and average fiber diameter (~0.84 µm) of the underlying cellulose nanofibers. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and contact angle measurements confirmed the presence of polycations or polyanions on the surface of the nanofiber mats. Both the control cellulose and pDADMAC-functionalized nanofiber mats exhibited a high collection of E. coli K12, which suggests that mat hydrophilicity may play a larger role than surface charge on cell collection. While the minimum concentration of polycations needed to inhibit E. coli K12 was 800 µg/mL for both CS and pDADMAC, once immobilized, pDADMAC-functionalized nanofiber mats exhibited a higher inactivation of E. coli K12, (~97%). Here, we demonstrate that the collection and inactivation of microorganisms by electrospun cellulose nanofiber mats can be tailored through a facile polyelectrolyte functionalization process.
Characterization of Precipitates in a Microalloyed Steel Using Quantitative X-ray Diffraction
Authors: Wiskel J. , Lu Junfang , Omotoso Oladipo , Ivey Douglas , Henein Hani
Published: April 2016

Quantitative X-ray diffraction (QXRD) (also known as the Rietveld method) was used to analyze the precipitates present in Grade 100 microalloyed steel. The precipitates were extracted from the steel using electrolytic dissolution and the residue from the dissolution was analyzed using XRD. The XRD pattern exhibited three (3) distinct diffraction peaks, and significant broadening of a fourth peak corresponding to the <10 nm size precipitates. QXRD analysis was applied to the XRD pattern to obtain precipitate size, composition, and weight fraction data for each of the four diffraction peaks observed. The predicted mean precipitate diameter and average atomic composition of the nano-size (<10 nm) precipitates was 4.7 nm and (Nb0.50Ti0.32Mo0.18)(C0.59N0.41), respectively. The predicted precipitate size correlates well with the average size of precipitates measured in previous work by the authors using both transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and small angle neutron scattering (SANS). The average atomic composition correlates well with the composition measured in this work using energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis of individual nano-sized precipitates. The calculated weight fraction of the nano-size precipitates in the extracted residue was 42.2 wt. %. The calculated atomic compositions of the other three diffraction peaks were TiN, (Ti0.87Nb0.13)N, and (Nb0.82Ti0.18)(C0.87N0.13) with weight fraction values of 12.9 wt. %, 31.7 wt. %, and 13.1 wt. %, respectively. The sizes of both the (Ti0.87Nb0.13)N and the (Nb0.82Ti0.18)(C0.87N0.13) groups of precipitates were directly measured and were observed to range from 150 nm to 570 nm and from 90 nm to 475 nm, respectively. QXRD was unable to determine a reasonable mean precipitate size for either of these two groups of precipitates. The wide compositional range (i.e., varying levels of Nb and Ti) of these precipitates (as measured by EDX) resulted in XRD peak broadening that was erroneously interpreted as a size broadening effect.
Comparison of Antioxidant Capability after Isopropanol Salting-Out Pretreatment and n-Butanol Partition Extraction, and Identification and Evaluation of Antioxidants of Sedum formosanum N.E.Br.
Authors: Chen Jung-Hui , Lai Wen-Hui , Lin Shang-Dung , Lan Cheng-Fong , Hsu Shih-Lan , Liao Ming-Yuan
Published: April 2016

Crude extracts of Sedum formosanum N.E.Br. obtained from n-butanol partition (BP) and isopropanol salting-out pretreatment (ISP) were analyzed using antioxidation assays. The results indicated that the extract from ISP contained more potent antioxidants and thus exhibited more antioxidant activity in all the assays. The superoxide radical-scavenging activity and inhibition of nitric oxide radicals achieved after ISP were 3.65 and 2.18 times higher than those achieved through BP, respectively. Eight bioactive natural products were isolated and identified according to an analysis of antioxidation activity in different fractions of the ISP crude extract, namely three cyanophoric glycosides 1–3, three flavonoids 4–6 and two phenolic compounds (7 and a new compound 8). Among them, compounds 5 and 6 exhibit the highest antioxidation capability, and the ISP is suitable for obtaining compounds 5 and 6 using HPLC chromatograms. Therefore, ISP is an excellent extraction technology that can be used to extract antioxidant compounds in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.
Nutrient Patterns and Their Food Sources in Older Persons from France and Quebec: Dietary and Lifestyle Characteristics
Authors: Allès Benjamin , Samieri Cécilia , Lorrain Simon , Jutand Marthe-Aline , Carmichael Pierre-Hugues , Shatenstein Bryna , Gaudreau Pierrette , Payette Hélène , Laurin Danielle , Barberger-Gateau Pascale
Published: April 2016

Background: Dietary and nutrient patterns have been linked to health outcomes related to aging. Food intake is influenced by environmental and genetic factors. The aim of the present study was to compare nutrient patterns across two elderly populations sharing a common ancestral cultural background, but living in different environments. Methods: The diet quality, lifestyle and socioeconomic characteristics of participants from the Three-City Study (3C, France, n = 1712) and the Québec Longitudinal Study on Nutrition and Successful Aging (NuAge, Quebec, Canada, n = 1596) were analyzed. Nutrient patterns and their food sources were identified in the two samples using principal component analysis. Diet quality was compared across sample-specific patterns by describing weekly food intake and associations with the Canadian Healthy Eating Index (C-HEI). Results: Three nutrient patterns were retained in each study: a healthy, a Western and a more traditional pattern. These patterns accounted for 50.1% and 53.5% of the total variance in 3C and NuAge, respectively. Higher education and non-physical occupations over lifetime were associated with healthy patterns in both studies. Other characteristics such as living alone, having a body mass index lower than 25 and being an ex-smoker were associated with the healthy pattern in NuAge. No association between these characteristics and the nutrient patterns was noted in 3C. The healthy and Western patterns from each sample also showed an inverse association with C-HEI. Conclusion: The two healthy patterns showed important similarities: adequate food variety, consumption of healthy foods and associations with common sociodemographic factors. This work highlights that nutrient patterns derived using a posteriori methods may be useful to compare the nutritional quality of the diet of distinct populations.
Alkanediamide-Linked Bisbenzamidines Are Promising Antiparasitic Agents
Authors: Vanden Eynde Jean Jacques , Mayence Annie , Mottamal Madhusoodanan , Bacchi Cyrus , Yarlett Nigel , Kaiser Marcel , Brun Reto , Huang Tien
Published: April 2016

A series of 15 alkanediamide-linked bisbenzamidines and related analogs was synthesized and tested in vitro against two Trypanosoma brucei (T.b.) subspecies: T.b. brucei and T.b. rhodesiense, Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania donovani and two Plasmodium falciparum subspecies: a chloroquine-sensitive strain (NF54) and a chloroquine-resistant strain (K1). The in vitro cytotoxicity was determined against rat myoblast cells (L6). Seven compounds (5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15) showed high potency against both strains of T. brucei and P. falciparum with the inhibitory concentrations for 50% (IC50) in the nanomolar range (IC50 = 1–96 nM). None of the tested derivatives was significantly active against T. cruzi or L. donovani. Three of the more potent compounds (5, 6, 11) were evaluated in vivo in mice infected with the drug-sensitive (Lab 110 EATRO and KETRI 2002) or drug-resistant (KETRI 2538 and KETRI 1992) clinical isolates of T. brucei. Compounds 5 and 6 were highly effective in curing mice infected with the drug-sensitive strains, including a drug-resistant strain KETRI 2538, but were ineffective against KETRI 1992. Thermal melting of DNA and molecular modeling studies indicate AT-rich DNA sequences as possible binding sites for these compounds. Several of the tested compounds are suitable leads for the development of improved antiparasitic agents.
A Memory-Based Learning Approach as Compared to Other Data Mining Algorithms for the Prediction of Soil Texture Using Diffuse Reflectance Spectra
Authors: Gholizadeh Asa , Borůvka Luboš , Saberioon Mohammadmehdi , Vašát Radim
Published: April 2016

Successful determination of soil texture using reflectance spectroscopy across Visible and Near-Infrared (VNIR, 400–1200 nm) and Short-Wave-Infrared (SWIR, 1200–2500 nm) ranges depends largely on the selection of a suitable data mining algorithm. The objective of this research was to explore whether the new Memory-Based Learning (MBL) method performs better than the other methods, namely: Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR), Support Vector Machine Regression (SVMR) and Boosted Regression Trees (BRT). For this purpose, we chose soil texture (contents of clay, silt and sand) as testing attributes. A selected set of soil samples, classified as Technosols, were collected from brown coal mining dumpsites in the Czech Republic (a total of 264 samples). Spectral readings were taken in the laboratory with a fiber optic ASD FieldSpec III Pro FR spectroradiometer. Leave-one-out cross-validation was used to optimize and validate the models. Comparisons were made in terms of the coefficient of determination (R2cv) and the Root Mean Square Error of Prediction of Cross-Validation (RMSEPcv). Predictions of the three soil properties by MBL outperformed the accuracy of the remaining algorithms. We found that the MBL performs better than the other three methods by about 10% (largest R2cv and smallest RMSEPcv), followed by the SVMR. It should be pointed out that the other methods (PLSR and BRT) still provided reliable results. The study concluded that in this examined dataset, reflectance spectroscopy combined with the MBL algorithm is rapid and accurate, offers major efficiency and cost-saving possibilities in other datasets and can lead to better targeting of management interventions.
Considering Material Culture in Assessing Assistive Devices: “Breaking up the Rhythm”
Authors: Anderson Sharon , Kaiser Gladwin Kerri , Mayo Nancy
Published: April 2016

This paper reports on a project that looked at the meaning stroke survivors assigned to assistive devices. Material culture theory served as a framework to help stroke survivors explicitly consider [dis]ability as a discursive object with a socially constructed meaning that influenced how they thought about themselves with impairment. Material culture theory informed the design (taking and talking to their peers about photos of anything that assisted) and analysis of the meaning of the assistive devices project. In our analysis of the narratives, survivors assigned three types of meanings to the assistive devices: markers of progress, symbolic objects of disability, and the possibility of independent participation. Notably, the meaning of assistive devices as progress, [dis]ability, and [poss]ability was equally evident as participants talked about mobility, everyday activities, and services. We discuss how considering [dis]ability as a discursive object in the situation might have enabled stroke survivors to participate.
Price, Virtues, Principles: How to Discern What Inspires Best Practices in Water Management? A Case Study about Small Farmers in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico
Authors: Ramírez Rafael , Seeliger Leanne , Di Pietro Filippo
Published: April 2016

Improving water practices among small farmers in a water scarce area like the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico is a complex task. Despite government attempts to enforce regulations and question the possibility of adjusting prices, the misuse of this scarce resource continues. Most farmers are, at best, motivated to aim for a minimum level of compliance, with very few striving to engage in best practices. This article seeks to make a proposal about the best drivers for inspiring best practices in an effort to improve the use of water management in the area. It proposes that a virtue ethics approach that explicitly focuses on the cultivation of an attitude of respect for water founded on three key principles (participation, hydrosolidarity and proactive engagement) is the best solution for Yucatan. This hypothesis is the result of developing a singular methodology based on Partial Least Squares (PLS), according to structural equation modeling (SEM), that could be replicated anywhere to ascertain which measures are best suited in a particular context. Using a small sample size, this research ascertains what is required to achieve best practices with regards to the management of water in that particular area.
From Mollusks to Medicine: A Venomics Approach for the Discovery and Characterization of Therapeutics from Terebridae Peptide Toxins
Authors: Verdes Aida , Anand Prachi , Gorson Juliette , Jannetti Stephen , Kelly Patrick , Leffler Abba , Simpson Danny , Ramrattan Girish , Holford Mandë
Published: April 2016

Animal venoms comprise a diversity of peptide toxins that manipulate molecular targets such as ion channels and receptors, making venom peptides attractive candidates for the development of therapeutics to benefit human health. However, identifying bioactive venom peptides remains a significant challenge. In this review we describe our particular venomics strategy for the discovery, characterization, and optimization of Terebridae venom peptides, teretoxins. Our strategy reflects the scientific path from mollusks to medicine in an integrative sequential approach with the following steps: (1) delimitation of venomous Terebridae lineages through taxonomic and phylogenetic analyses; (2) identification and classification of putative teretoxins through omics methodologies, including genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics; (3) chemical and recombinant synthesis of promising peptide toxins; (4) structural characterization through experimental and computational methods; (5) determination of teretoxin bioactivity and molecular function through biological assays and computational modeling; (6) optimization of peptide toxin affinity and selectivity to molecular target; and (7) development of strategies for effective delivery of venom peptide therapeutics. While our research focuses on terebrids, the venomics approach outlined here can be applied to the discovery and characterization of peptide toxins from any venomous taxa.
Note sur les paysages agraires du Mexique central
Authors: Bataillon Claude
Published: April 2016

Los ejemplos de paisajes agrarios pertenecen a la region central mexicana. Gracias a la forma y tamaño de los campos de cultivo, puede uno darse cuenta de las técnicas agricolas ; los planes de conjunto del Departamento Agrario indican los tipos de propiedad rural. En las cuencas de México y Toluca, las tierras de pueblo forman pequenas parcelas cuadradas (origen probablemente colonial) ; las parcelas ejidales son largas y estrechas (uso del arado y parcelamiento igual entre los ejidatarios ) ; las parcelas de ranchos son grandes y cuadradas (uso del tractor ). Tanto en estas cuencas como en la de Puebla-Tlaxcala, ciertas comarcas no fueron incor-poradas a las haciendas. En la cuenca de Morelos casi toda la tierra pertenece a los ejidos. En la zona de Tenancingo (Mex.) los ranchos de la burguesia urbana mantuvieron una propriedad mediana.
Les territoires de nature protégée, de la théorie participative aux pratiques de bonne gouvernance (Territories of protected nature, from the participative theory to practices of good governance)
Authors: Depraz Samuel
Published: April 2016

Nature conservation, as it is experienced through parks, reserves and other protected areas, is shifting since the 80 's towards a better consideration of economic and social questions around protected areas. This "integrative paradigm", which strives to establish a sustainable conciliation between ecology and society, remains however difficult to implement on the field. Our introductive text is exploring the reasons why this new consideration has risen, and will suggest some of the main causes which make its implementation complicated, depending on the status of the protection and the geographic backgrounds of the protected area.
«Zones grises » , interstices durables de la carte politique ? Relecture critique d'un concept géopolitique («Grey zones », sustainable interstices of the political map ? Critical reassessment of a geopolitical concept)
Authors: Cattaruzza Amaël
Published: April 2016

L 'utilisation de la notion de «zone grise » est devenue courante dans la littérature géopolitique et stratégique française. Cet article s 'intéresse à la définition de cette notion floue et à ses significations explicites et implicites. Proche de la notion d' «Etat failli », la catégorie de «zone grise » est souvent utilisée pour désigner un territoire hors de contrôle de l'Etat et considéré comme une menace à combattre. Le cas d'étude du Nord Kosovo montre au contraire l'ambiguïté de ce type de zone, et la manière dont elle peut être manipulée et instrumentalisée par les différents acteurs en jeu. La «zone grise » n 'est donc pas hors du système interétatique, mais en fait pleinement partie.
Les diagnostics locaux de santé : levier de sensibilisation et de mobilisation pour le pilotage des politiques locales de santé publique visant à réduire les inégalités sociales et territoriales de santé ? (Local health diagnostics : a lever of awareness and mobilization for the management of local public health policies aimed at reducing social and regional unequalities in health ?)
Authors: Vaillant Zoé , Rican Stéphane , Salem Gérard
Published: April 2016

Cet article présente un dispositif de formation-recherche-action reposant sur la production par des étudiants en master de géographie de la santé (Master Géographie, Santé, Territoires et Environnement co-habilité Université Paris Ouest-Nanterre-la-Défense / Université Paris Est-Créteil) de diagnostics locaux de santé répondant à une demande sociale émanant des collectivités locales. Deux exemples sont plus précisément développés ici : l'observation en routine de l'observatoire local de la santé à Nanterre et l'analyse des disparités intra-urbaines d'accès au dépistage des cancers du sein et colorectal dans le cadre d'un «projet tutoré » mené tout au long de la formation. Ce dispositif de transfert et co-production de connaissances s 'appuie sur la construction de partenariats forts, ancrés dans le temps avec l'association Elus Santé Publique et Territoires, le Conseil Régional d'Ile-de-France, avec de multiples collectivités locales et d'autres organismes tels que l'Agence Régionale de Santé ou les structures de dépistage du cancer.
Des métabolismes urbains aux métabolismes humains : réflexions sur les relations entre environnements urbains et comportements nutritionnels. (From urban metabolisms to human metabolisms : reflecting on the relations between urban environmenets and nutritional behaviors)
Authors: Charreire Hélène
Published: April 2016

Recent studies suggest that social and physical environment characteristics are associated with health behaviors (in particular physical activity and food behaviors) and body weight status. The aim of the communication is to present the state of the international research and the inclusion of health geography in multidisciplinary project on this field. This approach aims to provide decision support to improve the urban context from a perspective combining urban planning and public health.
L'influence croisée des espaces de résidence et de mobilité sur la santé. L'exemple des recours aux soins de prévention et de la dépression dans l'agglomération parisienne. (Cross-influence of residential space and mobility space on health. The example of the recourse to preventive healthcare and depression care in the Paris urban area)
Authors: Vallée Julie
Published: April 2016

De quelle manière la mobilité quotidienne des individus interfère-t-elle dans l'influence que le quartier de résidence exerce sur les comportements de santé des individus ? Ce texte fournit des éléments de réponse à cette question à partir de l'étude des symptômes dépressifs et des dépistages des cancers féminins dans l 'agglomération parisienne. L 'analyse statistique de données recueillies en 2005 auprès de 3000 habitants de 50 quartiers de l'agglomération montre que les caractéristiques sociales et physiques des quartiers de résidence influencent plus fortement la santé des habitants les moins mobiles (i.e. avec un espace limité d'activité). Une mobilité spatialement restreinte ne donne en effet pas aux individus l'opportunité d'échapper aux contraintes sociales et physiques de leur quartier de résidence. A l'heure où l'importance du quartier de résidence se trouve remise en question face à l'extension et à la fragmentation des espaces de vie, cette recherche en géographie de la santé souligne à quel point le quartier de résidence demeure un espace clef notamment pour la frange peu mobile de la population.
Accessibilité aux services de soins en situation post conflit, République du Congo (Access to health services in post-conflict situation ; the Republic of Congo)
Authors: Dorter Elisabeth , Morand Erwan
Published: April 2016

After enduring three civil wars, the Republic of Congo has entered a recovery phase that has lasted for a decade now. But changes are occurring very slowly and unevenly among regions even at the local scale. Rural areas of Northwest Pool were more seriously and longer affected than the others by conflict. They still face a healthcare crisis (basic health services not provided, system fragmentation, spatial and financial inaccessibility, and minimal use of care services because of their shortcomings in both qualitative and quantitative aspects).
Expositions environnementales et cancer, approche géographique (Environmental exposures and cancer, a geographical approach)
Authors: Blain Jeffrey , Chasles Virginie , Fervers Béatrice
Published: April 2016

Depuis 25 ans, l 'incidence des cancers en France a augmenté de 89%, passant de 170 000 cas en 1980 à 320 000 en 2005. La croissance de l'espérance de vie, l 'augmentation de la population française, les meilleures pratiques de dépistage et des moyens de diagnostic expliquent en grande partie cette évolution. En outre, du fait des transformations des modes et milieux de vie, une part de cette augmentation est attribuable à l'environnement. Selon les sources et définitions, celle-ci varie entre 5% et 30%. Différentes études épidémiologiques ont montré qu'il est difficile de déterminer avec précision les effets des expositions environnementales sur la santé, et particulièrement sur les cancers, celles-ci étant souvent confrontées à la difficulté de pouvoir retracer l'historique des expositions. Ainsi, l'utilisation des SIG et des indicateurs territoriaux, développés par le géographe, permettent de faire face aux difficultés à estimer les expositions environnementales, surtout de façon rétrospective, et de prendre en compte différents contextes socio-économiques. Le géographe apporte de cette façon des outils analytiques dans le domaine de la santé environnementale.
Inégalités de contamination par le mercure le long du rio Béni (Bolivie) : un marqueur de l'inégale gestion et pratique des espaces par les communautés (Uneven mercury contamination alongside Rio Beni, Bolivia : a marker of uneven management and spatial practices by communities)
Authors: Tschirhart Céline , Handschumacher Pascal , Laffly Dominique , Piermay Jean-Luc , Blanc Maurice , Luna Selma , Benefice Eric
Published: April 2016

Health geography in France has -for nearly a century now -contributed to the understanding of health inequalities in countries of the northern and southern hemispheres. Even though its conceptual structure and methodology were for the most part initially developed through the study of vector-borne diseases, health geography has subsequently extended its scope through focussing on emerging health issues. This presentation will demonstrate how a highly fruitful method, widely applied to the understanding of health inequalities of communicable diseases, has allowed us to engage in a novel health issue, barely explored by geographers so far : the study of the exposure in the long term to low level contamination by pollutants. With the example of mercury contamination disparities in the Bolivian Amazon region, this presentation confirms the efficiency of this method, which constitutes a starting point for the development of future research on the subject of environmental pollution.
La variabilité des risques sanitaires comme indicatrice des processus de construction territoriale et des pratiques de l'espace : focus sur la peste et la dengue. (The variability of health risks as an indicator of territorial construction processes and spatial practices : a focus on plague and dengue)
Authors: Handschumacher Pascal
Published: April 2016

De nombreuses maladies ont fait l 'objet de travaux géographiques au sein de l'équipe désormais intégrée au sein de l'UMR 912. Nous retiendrons ici deux exemples, celui de la peste dans le Moyen-Ouest de Madagascar et celui de la dengue dans la ville de Santa Cruz de la Sierra (Bolivie) comme emblématiques des recherches effectuées. Soutenus par des financements ANR, ces deux projets de recherche ont cherché à identifier à travers l'expression spatiale différenciée de la maladie, les racines géographiques qui conditionnent la variabilité du risque. En cela, ils s'inscrivent dans une recherche à l 'interface des milieux et des sociétés pour comprendre comment la construction, l'évolution et la transformation des espaces va révéler par la circulation de l'agent pathogène la vulnérabilité d'espaces hérités de processus de gestion et d'aménagement à de multiples échelles de temps.

Qu 'il s 'agisse du modèle de la peste rurale ou de la dengue urbaine, la variabilité de l'expression de ces pathologies dépend de la construction et de la transformation progressive ou rapide d'espaces comme produits des actions des sociétés humaines, permettant en cela d'identifier les déterminants en amont même de la maladie dans une optique de lutte et de prévention.
Le Livre sur la Place à Nancy : Un nouveau rapport au livre et à la lecture
Authors: Clerc Adeline
Published: April 2016

En réinvestissant la notion de « trivialité » (Jeanneret, 2008), nous voulons montrer que les manifestations littéraires, et notamment Le Livre sur la Place à Nancy, sont un laboratoire d’étude pertinent pour observer les modes de circulation du livre et de la lecture. Pour cela, nous identifions trois niveaux. Le premier correspond à la circulation spatiale du livre et de la lecture en dehors des lieux institutionnels et professionnels auxquels ils sont habituellement associés. Le deuxième rend compte, lui aussi, d’une circulation de type spatial. Mais, cette fois-ci, il a trait à la figure de l’écrivain et aux différentes médiations qui lient l’auteur au lecteur. Le dernier relève d’une circulation d’ordre temporel. Il s’agit des séances de dédicaces au cours desquelles l’inscription graphique devient souvenir. En quoi ces trois niveaux de circulation impliquent-ils un nouveau rapport à la lecture, à l’écrivain et au livre ? Telle est la question qui guide notre propos.

Titre : Le Livre sur la Place à Nancy : Un nouveau rapport au livre et à la lecture.
Droit et expérimentation animale en France
Authors: Ziani Aziza
Published: April 2016

Nombreux sont les écrivains qui traitent de l'expérimentation animale avec beaucoup d'humour notamment Bernard Werber, dans son ouvrage « Nos amis les humains » (Le livre de Poche, Paris, mai 2005, p. 32 et s.), en ces termes : «Il y a des images qui ne s'inventent pas. Vous exposez des hamsters pendant des heures sous des lampes UV pour l'effet des crèmes solaires. C'est vrai ou faux ? C'est pour mieux te faire bronzer, mon enfant ». Mais avant de se pencher sur le droit de l'expérimentation animale, encore faut-il être convaincu par le statut de l'animal en droit positif français, largement sujet à controverse. Optant pour une approche plus sérieuse, des auteurs préciseront que la question de l'expérimentation animale suscite continuellement le déchaînement des passions à tel point qu'il est difficile d'envisager actuellement une saisine appropriée par le droit d'un tel domaine. Comment ce thème intégrant un certain nombre d'enjeux entretient-il ses rapports avec le droit ? Et les autorités publiques ont-elles réellement su jusqu'à présent appréhender de manière pertinente une telle problématique majeure dans notre société ?
Involved-Field Irradiation in Definitive Chemoradiotherapy for T4 Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Esophagus
Authors: Li M. , Zhao F. , Zhang X. , Shi F. , Zhu H. , Han A. , Zhang Y. , Kong L. , Yu J.
Published: April 2016

Objectives: Definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) is currently a therapeutic option for locally advanced esophageal cancer. However, clinical practice differs with respect to the target volume for irradiation. The purpose of the present study was to analyze failure patterns and survival, and to determine the feasibility of using involved-field irradiation (IFI) with concurrent chemotherapy for T4 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the esophagus. Methods: Between January 2003 and January 2013, 56 patients with clinical T4M0 SCC of the esophagus received CCRT using IFI. The radiation field included the primary tumour and clinically involved lymph nodes. Target volumes and sites of failure were analyzed, as were treatment-related toxicity and survival time. Results: In this 56-patient cohort, 13 patients (23.2%) achieved a complete response, and 21 (37.5%) achieved a partial response, for a total response rate of 60.7%. The major toxicities experienced were leucocytopenia and esophagitis, with 14 patients (25.0%) experiencing grade 3 toxicities. At a median follow-up of 34 months, 48 patients (85.7%) had experienced failure: 39 (69.6%) in-field, 7 (12.5%) elective nodal, and 19 (33.9%) distant. Only 1 patient (1.8%) experienced isolated elective nodal failure. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates were 39.3%, 21.4%, and 12.5% respectively. Conclusions: For patients with T4M0 SCC of the esophagus, definitive CCRT using IFI resulted in an acceptable rate of isolated elective nodal failure and an overall survival comparable to that achieved with elective nodal irradiation. A limited radiation therapy target volume, including only clinically involved lesions, would therefore be a feasible choice for this patient subgroup.
LARGE SIZE AND SLOW ROTATION OF THE TRANS-NEPTUNIAN OBJECT (225088) 2007 OR10 DISCOVERED FROM HERSCHEL AND K2 OBSERVATIONS
Authors: Pál András , Kiss Csaba , Müller Thomas G. , Molnár László , Szabó Róbert , Szabó Gyula M. , Sárneczky Krisztián , Kiss László L.
Published: April 2016

We present the first comprehensive thermal and rotational analysis of the second most distant trans-Neptunian object (TNOs) (225088) 2007 OR10. We combined optical light curves provided by the Kepler Space Telescope–K2 extended mission and thermal infrared data provided by the Herschel Space Observatory. We found that (225088) 2007 OR10 is likely to be larger and darker than derived by earlier studies: we obtained a diameter of

d
=

1535

−
225

+
75

km

which places (225088) 2007 OR10 in the biggest top three TNOs. The corresponding visual geometric albedo is

p

V

=

0.089

−
0.009

+
0.031

. The light-curve analysis revealed a slow rotation rate of P
rot = 44.81 ± 0.37 hr, superseded by very few objects. The most likely light-curve solution is double-peaked with a slight asymmetry; however, we cannot safely rule out the possibility of having a rotation period of P
rot = 22.40 ± 0.18 hr, which corresponds to a single-peaked solution. Due to the size and slow rotation, the shape of the object should be a MacLaurin ellipsoid, so the light variation should be caused by surface inhomogeneities. Its newly derived larger diameter also implies larger surface gravity and a more likely retention of volatiles—CH4, CO, and N2—on the surface.