bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Preparation Conditions on the n-Pentane Isomerisation Performance of Pt-S2O82–/ZrO2–Al2O3 Catalysts Prepared by the Microemulsion Method
Authors: Song Hua , Meng Yao , Song Hualin , Li Feng
Published: February 2017

Pt-promoted S2O82–/ZrO2–Al2O3 (SZA) catalysts were successfully prepared by the microemulsion (Pt-SZA-M) and impregnation (Pt-SZA-I) methods. The effects of the preparation parameters (surfactant-to-oil ratio, surfactant-to-cosurfactant ratio, types of cosurfactant and oil phase, etc.) on the catalytic activity of Pt-SZA-M catalysts in the isomerisation of n-pentane were investigated. The results showed that the optimal catalyst preparation conditions were: a cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)/ n-butanol mass ratio of 4:6, a (CTAB + n-butanol)/cyclohexane mass ratio of 3:7, a content of H2PtCl6 solution in microemulsion of 3.6 wt% and a N2H5OH/H2PtCl6 molar ratio of 25:1. A comparison of the isopentane yield for Pt-SZA-M with that for Pt-SZA-I was also performed. The results showed that the microemulsion method led to smaller and more uniform Pt particles (4.5 nm) on the SZA. In comparison with Pt-SZA-I, the isopentane yield for Pt-SZA-M was increased by 13.5% at 180 °C, showing the catalytic performance of Pt-SZA-M at lower temperature was improved significantly. At a reaction temperature of 230 °C, a pressure of 2.0 MPa, a hydrogen/ n-pentane molar ratio of 4:1 and a weight hourly space velocity of 1.0 h−1, the yield of isopentane for Pt-SZA-M reached 60.8%.
Optimization Design of Coupling Beam Metal Damper in Shear Wall Structures
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Ou Jinping , Li Dongsheng , Zhang Shuaifang
Published: February 2017

The coupling beam damper is a fundamental energy dissipation component in coupling shear wall structures that directly influences the performance of the shear wall. Here, we proposed a two-fold design method that can give better energy dissipation performance and hysteretic behavior to coupling beam dampers. First, we devised four in-plane yielding coupling beam dampers that have different opening types but the same amount of total materials. Then the geometry parameters of each opening type were optimized to yield the maximum hysteretic energy. The search for the optimal parameter set was realized by implementing the Kriging surrogate model which iterates randomly selected input shape parameters and the corresponding hysteretic energy calculated by the infinite element method. By comparing the maximum hysteretic energy in all four opening types, one type that had the highest hysteresis energy was selected as the optimized design. This optimized damper has the advantages of having a simple geometry and a high dissipation energy performance. The proposed method also provided a new framework for the design of in-plane coupling beam dampers.
N-Glycoprofiling Analysis for Carbohydrate Composition and Site-Occupancy Determination in a Poly-Glycosylated Protein: Human Thyrotropin of Different Origins
Authors: Ribela Maria , Damiani Renata , Silva Felipe , Lima Eliana , Oliveira João , Peroni Cibele , Torjesen Peter , Soares Carlos , Bartolini Paolo
Published: February 2017

Human thyrotropin (hTSH) is a glycoprotein with three potential glycosylation sites: two in the α-subunit and one in the β-subunit. These sites are not always occupied and occupancy is frequently neglected in glycoprotein characterization, even though it is related to folding, trafficking, initiation of inflammation and host defense, as well as congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG). For the first time N-glycoprofiling analysis was applied to the site-occupancy determination of two native pituitary hTSH, in comparison with three recombinant preparations of hTSH, a widely used biopharmaceutical. A single methodology provided the: (i) average N-glycan mass; (ii) mass fraction of each monosaccharide and of sulfate; and (iii) percent carbohydrate. The results indicate that the occupancy (65%–87%) and carbohydrate mass (12%–19%) can be up to 34%–57% higher in recombinant hormones. The average glycan mass is 24% lower in pituitary hTSH and contains ~3-fold fewer moles of galactose (p < 0.005) and sialic acid (p < 0.01). One of the two native preparations, which had the smallest glycan mass together with the lowest occupancy and GalNAc, sulfate, Gal and sialic acid contents, also presented the lowest in vivo bioactivity and circulatory half-life. The methodology described, comparing a recombinant biopharmaceutical to its native equivalent, can be applied to any physiologically or clinical relevant glycoprotein.
Erythroid Differentiation Regulator 1 as a Novel Biomarker for Hair Loss Disorders
Authors: Woo Yu , Hwang Sewon , Jeong Seo , Cho Dae , Park Hyun
Published: February 2017

Erythroid differentiation regulator 1 (Erdr1) is known to be involved in the inflammatory process via regulating the immune system in many cutaneous disorders, such as psoriasis and rosacea. However, the role of Erdr1 in various hair loss disorders remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the putative role of Erdr1 in alopecias. Skin samples from 21 patients with hair loss disorders and five control subjects were retrieved, in order to assess their expression levels of Erdr1. Results revealed that expression of Erdr1 was significantly downregulated in the epidermis and hair follicles of patients with hair loss disorders, when compared to that in the control group. In particular, the expression of Erdr1 was significantly decreased in patients with alopecia areata. We propose that Erdr1 downregulation might be involved in the pathogenesis of hair loss, and could be considered as a novel biomarker for hair loss disorders.
Extending Immunological Profiling in the Gilthead Sea Bream, Sparus aurata, by Enriched cDNA Library Analysis, Microarray Design and Initial Studies upon the Inflammatory Response to PAMPs
Authors: Boltaña Sebastian , Castellana Barbara , Goetz Giles , Tort Lluis , Teles Mariana , Mulero Victor , Novoa Beatriz , Figueras Antonio , Goetz Frederick , Gallardo-Escarate Cristian , Planas Josep , Mackenzie Simon
Published: February 2017

This study describes the development and validation of an enriched oligonucleotide-microarray platform for Sparus aurata (SAQ) to provide a platform for transcriptomic studies in this species. A transcriptome database was constructed by assembly of gilthead sea bream sequences derived from public repositories of mRNA together with reads from a large collection of expressed sequence tags (EST) from two extensive targeted cDNA libraries characterizing mRNA transcripts regulated by both bacterial and viral challenge. The developed microarray was further validated by analysing monocyte/macrophage activation profiles after challenge with two Gram-negative bacterial pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs; lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and peptidoglycan (PGN)). Of the approximately 10,000 EST sequenced, we obtained a total of 6837 EST longer than 100 nt, with 3778 and 3059 EST obtained from the bacterial-primed and from the viral-primed cDNA libraries, respectively. Functional classification of contigs from the bacterial- and viral-primed cDNA libraries by Gene Ontology (GO) showed that the top five represented categories were equally represented in the two libraries: metabolism (approximately 24% of the total number of contigs), carrier proteins/membrane transport (approximately 15%), effectors/modulators and cell communication (approximately 11%), nucleoside, nucleotide and nucleic acid metabolism (approximately 7.5%) and intracellular transducers/signal transduction (approximately 5%). Transcriptome analyses using this enriched oligonucleotide platform identified differential shifts in the response to PGN and LPS in macrophage-like cells, highlighting responsive gene-cassettes tightly related to PAMP host recognition. As observed in other fish species, PGN is a powerful activator of the inflammatory response in S. aurata macrophage-like cells. We have developed and validated an oligonucleotide microarray (SAQ) that provides a platform enriched for the study of gene expression in S. aurata with an emphasis upon immunity and the immune response.
The 2D Finite Element Microstructure Evaluation of V-Shaped Arc Welding of AISI 1045 Steel
Authors: Eyercioglu Omer , Anwar Ahmed , Gov Kursat , Yilmaz Necip
Published: February 2017

In the present study, V-shaped arc welding of the AISI 1045 steel is modeled by using 2D Finite Element Model (FEM). The temperature distribution, microstructure, grain growth, and the hardness of the heat-affected zone (HAZ) of the welding are simulated. The experimental work is carried out to validate the FE model. The very close agreement between the simulation and experimental results show that the FE model is very effective for predicting the microstructure, the phase transformation, the grain growth and the hardness. The effect of preheat temperature on the martensite formation is analysed, and it is shown that 225 °C preheating completely eliminates the martensite formations for the 12 mm thick plate.
Performance Enhancement of a USV INS/CNS/DVL Integration Navigation System Based on an Adaptive Information Sharing Factor Federated Filter
Authors: Wang Qiuying , Cui Xufei , Li Yibing , Ye Fang
Published: February 2017

To improve the ability of autonomous navigation for Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs), multi-sensor integrated navigation based on Inertial Navigation System (INS), Celestial Navigation System (CNS) and Doppler Velocity Log (DVL) is proposed. The CNS position and the DVL velocity are introduced as the reference information to correct the INS divergence error. The autonomy of the integrated system based on INS/CNS/DVL is much better compared with the integration based on INS/GNSS alone. However, the accuracy of DVL velocity and CNS position are decreased by the measurement noise of DVL and bad weather, respectively. Hence, the INS divergence error cannot be estimated and corrected by the reference information. To resolve the problem, the Adaptive Information Sharing Factor Federated Filter (AISFF) is introduced to fuse data. The information sharing factor of the Federated Filter is adaptively adjusted to maintaining multiple component solutions usable as back-ups, which can improve the reliability of overall system. The effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated by simulation and experiment, the results show that for the INS/CNS/DVL integrated system, when the DVL velocity accuracy is decreased and the CNS cannot work under bad weather conditions, the INS/CNS/DVL integrated system can operate stably based on the AISFF method.
Structure-From-Motion in 3D Space Using 2D Lidars
Authors: Choi Dong-Geol , Bok Yunsu , Kim Jun-Sik , Shim Inwook , Kweon In
Published: February 2017

This paper presents a novel structure-from-motion methodology using 2D lidars (Light Detection And Ranging). In 3D space, 2D lidars do not provide sufficient information for pose estimation. For this reason, additional sensors have been used along with the lidar measurement. In this paper, we use a sensor system that consists of only 2D lidars, without any additional sensors. We propose a new method of estimating both the 6D pose of the system and the surrounding 3D structures. We compute the pose of the system using line segments of scan data and their corresponding planes. After discarding the outliers, both the pose and the 3D structures are refined via nonlinear optimization. Experiments with both synthetic and real data show the accuracy and robustness of the proposed method.
Recent Advances in Silicon Nanomaterial-Based Fluorescent Sensors
Authors: Wang Houyu , He Yao
Published: February 2017

During the past decades, owing to silicon nanomaterials’ unique optical properties, benign biocompatibility, and abundant surface chemistry, different dimensional silicon nanostructures have been widely employed for rationally designing and fabricating high-performance fluorescent sensors for the detection of various chemical and biological species. Among of these, zero-dimensional silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) and one-dimensional silicon nanowires (SiNWs) are of particular interest. Herein, we focus on reviewing recent advances in silicon nanomaterials-based fluorescent sensors from a broad perspective and discuss possible future directions. Firstly, we introduce the latest achievement of zero-dimensional SiNP-based fluorescent sensors. Next, we present recent advances of one-dimensional SiNW-based fluorescent sensors. Finally, we discuss the major challenges and prospects for the development of silicon-based fluorescent sensors.
Le « guerrier de Lattes » : réflexions sur la signification d’une statue archaïque
Authors: Janin Thierry , Py Michel
Published: February 2017

Abstract. In 2002, a statue has been found in the antique town of Lattara. A detailed study has already been published but in this paper its significance is being discussed within the background of the foundation of the city. Reused as part of a door post for a 3rd century B. C. wall, this is a statue of a warrior wearing a rich military equipment (cardiophylax held by straps, shoulder protection crossed at the back and going under the arms, crest helmet, large belt with a three hooks fastener, cnaemid): these features allow to assume that it was executed circa 500 B. C. Very close to the military equipment seen on statues and found in Iberian and Ibero-Languedocian burials, this equipment holds also comparisons with the Italic area, Etruscan in particular, which allow to enlarge the stylistic context to the whole north-western Mediterranean. The presumed insertion of this warrior figure into a sculptural series and perharps within a sanctuary, the synchronism of its execution with the Etruscan occupation and, more hypothetically, of its destruction when it came under Massaliote control allow to consider the signification of this statue within the frame of the history of the origins of

Lattara.
Le port de Lattara : premiers acquis sur les phases préromaines et romaines
Authors: Garcia Dominique
Published: February 2017

Zusammenfassung. Vom 6. Jh. v. Chr. bis zum 3. Jh. n. Chr. entfaltet sich Lattes im Languedoc an der Mündung des Flusses Lez, am Rand einer Lagune. Abgesehen von dem hohen Anteil von Importwaren im Fundmaterial zeugen zahlreiche, bei den kürzlich durchgeführten Plangrabungen entdeckte Anlagen (Kais, Pontons, Lager, Leuchtturm?,…) von der bedeutenden Rolle von Lattes als Hafen. Die Befunde verteilen sich über eine Fläche von fast 2 500 m2. Das Fehlen von Spuren aus der Zeit vor dem 2. Jh. v. Chr. ist eine Tatsache, die angemerkt werden muss. Die Hafenanlagen werden nach und nach bis in die letzten Jahre des 1. Jahrhunderts v. Chr. ausgebaut, dann entsteht ein perfekt vorgeplantes Hafenprojekt, zu dem Anlegeplätze, Lagerstrukturen (für Wein) und wahrscheinlich ein Leuchtturm gehören. Zwischen 75 und 225 n. Chr. werden die existierenden Anlagen neu gestaltet, diese Umstrukturierung hängt mit der Änderung, wenn nicht mit der Natur der Handelsware, so doch mit deren Konditionierung zusammen. Bis in das ausgehende 3. Jh. scheint der Handel aufrecht erhalten worden zu sein, während die Grabungen intra muros für diese Zeit nur sehr wenig Fundmaterial liefern. Darf man hieraus schließen, dass die Aktivität des Hafens von Lattes die der Stadt überdauert hat? Éditions
Le dépôt cultuel du sanctuaire gaulois de Tintignac à Naves (Corrèze)
Authors: Maniquet Christophe
Published: February 2017

Résumé. Le site de Tintignac fouillé au XIXe s. fait l’objet, depuis 2001, de nouvelles interventions estivales dans le cadre d’un projet de mise en valeur culturel et touristique initié par la commune. Jusqu’alors, le sanctuaire était matérialisé par quatre édifices monumentaux gallo-romains. Sous les niveaux de circulation de la cour du temple, à l’ouest, les vestiges du sanctuaire protohistorique ont été mis au jour. Le premier enclos semble avoir été édifié au plus tôt au IIe s. av. J.-C. Il est composé d’un fossé cernant une plateforme de 25 m de côté, sur laquelle ont été dégagées les empreintes d’un édifice en bois reconstruit plusieurs fois. À l’intérieur, un foyer et de nombreuses monnaies en argent mutilées ont été découverts. Dans l’un des angles de la plate-forme sacrée, près du fossé d’enclos, une petite fosse, dégagée en 2004, a livré une grande quantité d’objets métalliques, en fer et en bronze. Parmi ces objets, on retiendra la présence d’armes, d’un chaudron ainsi que d’éléments liés au harnachement. Des têtes d’animaux en bronze étaient accompagnées de plusieurs pattes ou fragments de corps en tôle de bronze. À ceci s’ajoutent neuf casques en alliage cuivreux et un en fer, dont certains possèdent une morphologie jusqu’alors inconnue. Enfin, au fond de la fosse reposaient d’importantes portions de carnyx,

ces trompettes de guerre celtiques dotées de pavillons en forme de gueules d’animaux. Bien que certains objets remontent à La Tène moyenne, l’enfouissement n’a été réalisé qu’au moment de la transformation du sanctuaire, dans les dernières décennies avant notre ère.
Un four de potier de l’âge du Fer pour la cuisson de pithoi à Béziers (Hérault) : production, diffusion et fonction du pithos dans le Midi (VIe-IVe s. av. J.-C.)
Authors: Olive Christian , Ugolini Daniela , Ratsimba Antoine , Jandot Céline , Wiégant JeanPaul
Published: February 2017

La fouille d’un grand four de potier à 3 km de Béziers a permis d’étudier une structure destinée à la cuisson des pithoi.

Le four a fonctionné entre la fin du VIe s. av. J.-C. et la première moitié du IVe s. av. J.-C. et il s’agit, semble-t-il, du seul exemplaire dévolu à cette fonction mis au jour en Méditerranée occidentale. Il était grand et, dans la chambre de chauffe, le dispositif de soutien de la lourde sole était constitué de deux piliers latéraux rejoignant un muret central par des arcs à encorbellement. Techniquement très élaboré, ce four ne peut être comparé, en Gaule, qu’à un autre (à amphores) découvert à Marseille. Cet atelier si particulier confirme le rôle de producteur de céramique qu’a rempli Béziers pendant près de trois siècles et a été l’occasion de revenir sur un récipient à liquides (utilisé, entre autres, pour la vinification à Marseille comme à Béziers), mais adapté aussi à d’autres contenus. Ce vase, introduit en Gaule par les Grecs, est devenu courant en Méditerranée occidentale surtout à partir du début du IVe s. av. J.-C. Contrairement à une idée reçue, la fabrication de ces grands vaisseaux était complexe et ne pouvait se dérouler que dans des ateliers spécialisés établis près des matières premières (argile, eau, bois, sables et graviers) et à proximité d’une voie pour l’acheminement des ressources comme celui des produits finis.
THE DIFFERENT FACES OF BIOCHAR: CONTAMINATION RISK VERSUS REMEDIATION TOOL
Authors: HILBER Isabel , BASTOS Ana Catarina , LOUREIRO Susana , SOJA Gerhard , MARSZ Aleksandra , CORNELISSEN Gerard , BUCHELI Thomas D.
Published: February 2017

This article reviews the different aspects of biochar as source and sink of organic and inorganic contaminants. Biochar can contain organic contaminants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or heavy metals. As the distribution coefficients of the biochar especially for contaminants are high, the freely dissolved concentrations are low and with that also the bioavailability. The link between biochar’s inherent contaminants and toxicity to soil meso– and macro–fauna remains unclear, with data being often contradictory and influenced by feedstock and pyrolysis conditions. The biochar’s potential to remediate contaminated soils has mainly been addressed in lab studies, but rarely in the field. This far, results have been contradicting. Many studies reported successful immobilization of contaminants but some not. In summary, the ambivalent face of the biochar with regard to contaminants prevails. In future, long term field studies are needed to properly address the sustainability of biochar in this respect.
Leur précarité n’est pas la nôtre : critiques de la norme salariale et luttes sociales minoritaires (2003-2010)
Authors: Devriendt Emilie
Published: February 2017

Cet article étudie les usages contemporains des mots précarité et précaires faisant l’objet de conflits sémantiques explicites dans des contrediscours marginaux au sein de la « gauche radicale », pour dégager leurs enjeux politiques et discursifs. Il montre d’abord comment, à travers les contredéfinitions de la notion de précarité puis dans les pratiques de contresociotypisation associées à la nomination collective de soi comme « précaires », c’est la question de la construction d’une identité politique qui est en jeu, dans et par les luttes menées contre les normes sociales et en particulier la norme salariale – soit en général, soit sous sa forme discontinue et « flexible ». Enfin, à travers l’analyse d’un débat sur la « fierté » d’être précaire articulé autour de la distinction entre précarité subie et précarité choisie , il propose une analyse discursive de l’« ambivalence » que la sociologie politique a pu décrire comme caractéristique de cette notion.
Somestja v Sloveniji // Conurbations in Slovenia
Authors: Nared Janez , Razpotnik Visković Nika
Published: February 2017

Namen prispevka je bil opredeliti somestja v Sloveniji in preveriti, na kakšen način so se ta opredeljevala do sedaj. Na podlagi analize delovne mobilnosti prebivalcev med občinami ter dopolnjevanja funkcij med posameznimi centralnimi naselji smo ugotovili, da je opredelitev somestij iz Strategije prostorskega razvoja Slovenije z nekaj izjemami ustrezna, a bi jo bilo mogoče dopolniti z bolj dosledno uporabo jasnih meril za opredeljevanje somestij. Analiza je pokazala, da so somestja na podlagi mobilnosti delovne sile obsežnejša in številnejša od somestij, opredeljenih na podlagi dopolnjevanja funkcij. V prihodnje bi bilo zato smiselno uporabljati oba pristopa, saj tako lahko zaznamo ožja območja funkcijskega povezovanja med naselji v somestju kot tudi z njimi povezana naselja, ki jih somestjem lahko priključimo na podlagi mobilnosti delovne sile.This article provides a definition of conurbations in Slovenia and determines how these have been defined to date. Based on an analysis of residents’ commuting for work between municipalities and complementary functions among individual central settlements, we determined that the definition of conurbations in the Spatial Development Strategy of Slovenia is appropriate, with a few exceptions, and that it could be improved through more consistent use of clear criteria for defining conurbations. The analysis shows that, when defined in terms of commuting, conurbations are more extensive and more numerous than when defined by complementary functions. In the future it would therefore make sense to use both approaches because this makes it possible to detect narrow areas of functional connectivity between settlements in a conurbation, as well as the settlements connected with them that may be included in the conurbation based on commuting.
Sexual dimorphism and associated population characteristics in the benthopelagic shrimp Pasiphaea sivado (Crustacea: Caridea: Pasiphaeidae)
Authors: Silveira Simão Daniela , Pérez Gil José Luís , Abelló Pere
Published: February 2017

Morphological and size dimorphism between genders of the benthopelagic shrimp Pasiphaea sivado are reported for the first time in the present work. All five pleopod protopods of females are thinner and more elongated than the male pleopod protopods, which in turn are anteriorly rounded and have robust shapes. The shape variability of the second pleopod protopods was also analysed using geometric morphometrics techniques which clearly differentiated between the thinner, elongated shape of the females and the robust shape of males. An important application of the observations of sexual dimorphism in pleopod shape in adult P. sivado is, from now on, the ability to quickly assess the gender of individuals when fisheries and population biology studies are carried out in the field unaided by a magnifying. A critical size from which the population sex ratio biases changed from female to male dominance was found in all studied western Mediterranean populations of P. sivado. This critical size different and became progressively smaller from populations in the Alboran Sea to populations in the Catalan Sea. Concerning sex ratio, no significant tendency of gender segregation was found across the bathymetric distribution range of the species, suggesting that this species does not perform differential depth distribution by gender.
Environmental influences on commercial oceanic ommastrephid squids: a stock assessment perspective
Authors: Wang Jintao , Chen Xinjun , Tanaka Kisei , Cao Jie , Chen Yong
Published: February 2017

Ommastrephid squids are short-lived ecological opportunists and their recruitment is largely driven by the surrounding environment. While recent studies suggest that recruitment variability in several squid species can be partially explained by environmental variability derived from synoptic oceanographic data, assessment of ommastrephid stocks using environmental variability is rare. In thisstudy, we modified asurplus production model to incorporate environmental variability into the assessment of threeommastrephid squids (Ommastrephes bartramii in the northwest Pacific, Illex argentinus in the southwest Atlantic and Dosidicus gigas in the southwest Pacific). We assumed that the key environmental variables—suitable sea surface temperature on spawning grounds during the spawning seasons and feeding grounds during the feeding seasons—have effects on the carrying capacity and the instantaneous population growth rate, respectively, in the surplus production model. For each squid stock, the assessment model with environmental variability had the highest fitting accuracy and the lowest mean squared error and coefficient of variation, and the management reference points based on the optimal model were more precautionary. This study advances our understanding of the interactions between the environment and ommastrephid squid population dynamics and can therefore improve the management of these commercially valuable stocks with a short life cycle.
Sustainability and Depletion Accounting: A Case Study of Oil in Libya
Authors: Etelawi Abdulrazag Mohamed , Blatner Keith A. , McCluskey Jill
Published: February 2017

There is a strong need to study sustainability and depletion accounting of oil in the Libyan economy because oil production and export is the single largest source of national income in the country. This study covers the time period from 1990 to 2009. Throughout this period, the Libyan national economy used its oil and petroleum industries to increase national income. Development sustainability can be defined as investment divided by GDP. This measure provides an indication of the low level of sustainable development in Libya over the period of analysis, which is 0.38 on average. It is important that the Libyan government develop and implement plans and strategies for achieving sustainability and the maintenance of oil resources.Carbon dioxide emissions provide another indication of the presence or absence of sustainability. The ratio of carbon dioxide ranged from a minimum of 8.50 metric tons per capita in 1990 to 10.00 metric tons per capita in 2009 and average 9.07 metric tons per capita over the course of the study period. CO2 emissions were also much higher than other countries in the Middle East and North Africa. This suggests there was relatively little interest in the sustainable development of the Libyan economy during this period. The Environment Domestic Product (EDP) increased sharply from the beginning of the study at $24.23 billion in 1991 to $45.87 billion in 2009 in constant dollars. Again, one can infer that policy makers did not consider the depletion of oil resources and the environment in their planning process, or at least did not place a high level of concern on this issue.
Determinants of Corporate Climate Change Mitigation Targets in Major United States Companies
Authors: Yin Haoyu , Mo Fei , Wang Derek
Published: February 2017

Setting greenhouse gas emission target is a critical step to meet the challenge of climate change. While the debate on global and national carbon emission targets has dominated every major climate change conference, little is known about how the firms set emission targets. Using a dataset on S&P 500 companies in the United States, we investigate the determinants of firm-level climate change mitigation targets, including target adoption and target metric (intensity target vs. absolute target). We find that companies with larger size, higher growth, better innovation, weaker capital constraint, and higher government pressure are more likely to establish emission targets. Further, firm growth has a negative (positive) and significant association with the use of absolute (intensity) target. This may be due to the fact that intensity target can better accommodate growth than absolute target. Policymakers and corporate managers may resort to those determinant factors in designing climate change policies to induce desirable firm-level target-setting behaviors.
Investigation of dissolved N2O production processes during wastewater treatment system in Ulaanbaatar
Authors: A Tumendelger , T Byambadorj , Bors C , Lorke A
Published: February 2017

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is an increasing greenhouse gas in the troposphere and a potential destroyer of stratospheric ozone layer. Wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) is one of the anthropogenic N2O sources because inorganic and organic nitrogen compounds are converted to nitrate (NO3-, in the case of standard system) or N2 (in the case of advanced system) by bacterial nitrification and denitrifcation processes in WWTP. These major processes can be distinguished by isotopocule analysis. In order to reveal production mechanisms of N2O in a standard wastewater treatment, we made water sampling at the central WWTP in Ulaanbaatar. The water samples collected from seven stations including biological reaction tanks were measured for concentration and isotopocule ratios of dissolved N2O and other inorganic nitrogen. Dissolved N2O concentration was extremely higher than that expected under atmospheric equilibrium (about 9 nmol/l) at all stations, indicating that this system is a potential source of N2O. It showed a gradual increase with the progress of biological reaction and the highest concentration (335.7 nmol/l) was observed at station N5-4 of the aeration tank when the DO was 5.7 mg/l. Nitrification by nitrifying bacteria could actively occur by the concentration of NH4+ decreased whereas NO2- and NO3- showed a temporal and monotonic increase, respectively, under high DO concentration. Although the reported values of site preference (SP) of N2O, the difference in 15N/14N ratio between central (α) and terminal (β) nitrogen, produced via NO2- reduction (SP(ND)), including both nitrifier and denitrifier denitrification, and NH2OH oxidation (SP(HO)) ranged from -10.7‰ to 0‰ and 31.4‰ to 36.3‰, respectively, the observed SP at aeration tank was close to SP(ND) rather than SP(HO). It was ranged from 0.4‰ to 13.3‰ when N2O concentration was high, implying that the NO2- reduction made a greater contribution to N2O production. Slightly elevated SP (13.3‰) only at station N5-1 was derived from the mixing of N2O produced via NH2OH oxidation and the maximal contribution of this pathway was estimated to be about 40%. In other words, the contribution of NO2- reduction was more than 60%.
Anti-oxidative, acetylcholinesterase and pancreatic lipase inhibitory activities of compounds from Dasiphora fruticosa, Myricaria alopecuroides and Sedum hybridum
Authors: G Odontuya
Published: February 2017

Total of 35 phenolics and flavonols were isolated from flowers and leaves of Dasiphora fruticosa Rydb., from branches of Myricaria alopecuroides Schrenk. and from the herb of Sedum hybridum L. The isolated compounds were identified on the basis of spectral data and tested for their anti-oxidative, acetylcholinesterase and pancreatic lipase inhibitory activities.Quercetin glycosides, gallic acid, (-)EGCG and gossypetin-8-O-xylopyranoside tellimagrandin II exhibited strong anti-oxidative activity by the DPPH scavenging method. The acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of quercetin glycosides and (-)EGCG was higher than those of other compounds. Whereas, tellimagrandin II, (-)EGCG and gallic acid derivatives exhibited the most potent inhibitory activity against the pancreatic lipase enzyme among the isolated compounds. Only (-)EGCG showed a prominent activity against all assayed experiments. It was concluded that these plants could be studied further for their potential as anti-oxidative, anti-aging and lipid lowering active products.
Antibiotic Susceptibility of Brucella abortus Isolated from Milk and Blood Samples of Cattle
Authors: Shahid Hussain Abro  , Mustafa Khan  , Rani Abro  , Riaz Ahmed Leghari  , Huma Rizwana  , Abdul Rehman  , Hassina Baloach  , Muhammad Rafiq Rind  , Aneela Yasmin  , Sarfraz Ali Tunio  , Riaz Hussain  , S. Shahzad Ali
Published: February 2017

The bacterial species belongs to genus Brucella produce infections in humans, farm and wild animals are known as Brucellosis. In normal routine there is rational misuse of drugs especially broad spectrum poses a great concern for the treatment of Brucellosis in cattle. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of locally available various antibiotics against the Brucella abortus isolated from Lohani and Holstein cattle breeds. Various antibiotics such as kanamicin, chloramphenicol, rifapmicin, gentamycin, enroflaxcin, tertracyline, streptomycin, tobramycin and pencillin were tested against the isolated Brucella abortus. Brucella abortus was found highly sensitive to gentamicin, tobramicin and pencillin G with sensitivity percentage 75, 100 and 100%, respectively. The antibiogram results revealed gentamycin and tobramicin were highly effective antibiotics against the Brucella abortus. The organism was moderately sensitive against tetracycline, chloramphenicol, rifapmicin and enroflaxcin with sensitivity recorded of 65, 60, 60 and 90%, respectively. However, the organism was weakly sensitive against streptomycin and kanamicin 50 and 40%, respectively. The organism confirmed its resistance against the ampicillin. Overall, gentamycin and tobramicin were shown the highest antibiogram activity against the isolated Brucella abortus from the bovine milk and blood samples. While, the isolated organism was not sensitive to ampicillin.
Recensión de Rivas, A. (2015). América Latina después de PISA: Lecciones aprendidas de la educación en siete países (2000-2015). Buenos Aires: CIPPEC-Natura- Instituto
Authors: Belda-Galbis Aina
Published: February 2017

El objetivo principal fue estudiar las políticas educativas implementadas en siete países  (Argentina, Brasil, Chile, Colombia, México, Perú y Uruguay), que han participado habitualmente  en el Programa para la Evaluación Internacional de Estudiantes (Program for the International Assessment of Students, PISA) desde 2000 hasta 2012.
Modelling primaquine-induced haemolysis in G6PD deficiency
Authors: Watson James , Taylor Walter RJ , Menard Didier , Kheng Sim , White Nicholas J
Published: February 2017

Primaquine is the only drug available to prevent relapse in vivax malaria. The main adverse effect of primaquine is erythrocyte age and dose-dependent acute haemolytic anaemia in individuals with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PDd). As testing for G6PDd is often unavailable, this limits the use of primaquine for radical cure. A compartmental model of the dynamics of red blood cell production and destruction was designed to characterise primaquine-induced haemolysis using a holistic Bayesian analysis of all published data and was used to predict a safer alternative to the currently recommended once weekly 0.75 mg/kg regimen for G6PDd. The model suggests that a step-wise increase in daily administered primaquine dose would be relatively safe in G6PDd. If this is confirmed, then were this regimen to be recommended for radical cure patients would not require testing for G6PDd in areas where G6PDd Viangchan or milder variants are prevalent.
Allochthonous sources and dynamic cycling of ocean dissolved organic carbon revealed by carbon isotopes
Authors: Zigah Prosper K. , McNichol Ann P. , Xu Li , Johnson Carl , Santinelli Chiara , Karl David M. , Repeta Daniel J.
Published: February 2017

We present concentration and isotopic profiles of total, size, and polarity fractionated dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from Station ALOHA (A Long‐term Oligotrophic Habitat Assessment), an oligotrophic site in the North Pacific Ocean. The data show that, between the surface and 3500 m, low molecular weight (LMW) hydrophilic DOC, LMW hydrophobic DOC, and high molecular weight (HMW) DOC constitute 22–33%, 45–52%, and 23–35% of DOC, respectively. LMW hydrophilic DOC is more isotopically depleted (δ13C of −23.9‰ to −31.5‰ and Δ14C of −304‰ to −795‰; mean age of 2850 to 15000 years) than the LMW hydrophobic DOC (δ13C of −22‰ to −23‰ and Δ14C of −270‰ to −568‰; 2470 to 6680 years) and HMW DOC (δ13C of ~−21‰ and Δ14C of −24‰ to −294‰; 135–2700 years). Our analyses suggest that a large fraction of DOC may be derived from allochthonous sources such as terrestrial and hydrothermal DOC and cycle on much longer time scales of >10000 years or enter the ocean as preaged carbon.
Modeling the dynamics of a phreatic eruption based on a tilt observation: Barrier breakage leading to the 2014 eruption of Mount Ontake, Japan
Authors: Maeda Yuta , Kato Aitaro , Yamanaka Yoshiko
Published: February 2017

Although phreatic eruptions are common volcanic phenomena that sometimes result in significant disasters, their dynamics are poorly understood. In this study, we address the dynamics of the phreatic eruption of Mount Ontake, Japan, in 2014 based on analyses of a tilt change observed immediately (450 s) before the eruption onset. We conducted two sets of analysis: a waveform inversion and a modified phase‐space analysis. Our waveform inversion of the tilt signal points to a vertical tensile crack at a depth of 1100 m. Our modified phase‐space analysis suggests that the tilt change was at first a linear function in time that then switched to exponential growth. We constructed simple analytical models to explain these temporal functions. The linear function was explained by the boiling of underground water controlled by a constant heat supply from a greater depth. The exponential function was explained by the decompression‐induced boiling of water and the upward Darcy flow of the water vapor through a permeable region of small cracks that were newly created in response to ongoing boiling. We interpret that this region was intact prior to the start of the tilt change, and thus, it has acted as a permeability barrier for the upward migration of fluids; it was a breakage of this barrier that led to the eruption.
A Drug‐Self‐Gated Mesoporous Antitumor Nanoplatform Based on pH‐Sensitive Dynamic Covalent Bond
Authors: Zeng Xiaowei , Liu Gan , Tao Wei , Ma Yue , Zhang Xudong , He Fan , Pan Jianming , Mei Lin , Pan Guoqing
Published: February 2017

To achieve on‐demand drug release, mesoporous silica nanocarriers as antitumor platforms generally need to be gated with stimuli‐responsive capping agents. Herein, a “smart” mesoporous nanocarrier that is gated by the drug itself through a pH‐sensitive dynamic benzoic–imine covalent bond is demonstrated. The new system, which tactfully bypasses the use of auxiliary capping agents, could also exhibit desirable drug release at tumor tissues/cells and enhanced tumor inhibition. Moreover, a facile dynamic PEGylation via benzoic–imine bond further endows the drug‐self‐gated nanocarrier with tumor extracellular pH‐triggered cell uptake and improves therapeutic efficiency in vivo. In short, the paradigm shift in capping agents here will simplify mesoporous nanomaterials as intelligent drug carriers for cancer therapy. Moreover, the self‐gated strategy in this work also shows general potential for self‐controlled delivery of natural biomolecules, for example, DNA/RNA, peptides, and proteins, due to their intrinsic amino groups.
Experimental and DFT Studies of Organocatalytic Microwave‐Assisted Reaction of Isatin Derivatives with Dinitrotoluenes
Authors: Kaur Jasneet , Islam Nasarul , Kumar Akshay , Chimni Swapandeep Singh
Published: February 2017

An organocatalytic microwave‐assisted reaction of isatin derivatives with dinitrotoluenes has been developed to provide access to variety of 3‐substituted 3‐hydroxy‐2‐oxindoles. In addition, DFT calculations were employed to understand the reactivity differences of the various nitrotoluene derivatives.
Tetraacylgermane: hochwirksame Photoinitiatoren für die radikalische Polymerisation mit sichtbarem Licht
Authors: Radebner Judith , Eibel Anna , Leypold Mario , Gorsche Christian , Schuh Lukas , Fischer Roland , Torvisco Ana , Neshchadin Dmytro , Geier Roman , Moszner Norbert , Liska Robert , Gescheidt Georg , Haas Michael , Stueger Harald
Published: February 2017

Hier wird ein Syntheseverfahren für Tetraacylgermane Ge[(CO)R]4 (R=Mesityl (1 a), Phenyl (1 b)), eine bis dato unbekannte Verbindungsklasse hochwirksamer germaniumbasierter Photoinitiatoren, beschrieben. Tetraacylgermane sind über eine unkomplizierte Eintopfsynthese in Ausbeuten >85 % zugänglich. Ihre Strukturen konnten mittels NMR‐Spektroskopie, Massenspektrometrie und Einkristallstrukturanalyse bestätigt werden. Das Potenzial von 1 a,b als Photoinitiatoren wird durch Photobleaching‐ (UV‐Vis), zeitauflösende EPR‐ (CIDEP) und NMR/CIDNP‐Untersuchungen sowie Photo‐DSC‐Studien demonstriert. Bemerkenswerterweise übertreffen Tetraacylgermane die Leistungsfähigkeit von derzeit bekannten Photoinitiatoren für die lichtinduzierte radikalische Polymerisation im langwelligen Bereich.
Single‐Step Modular Synthesis of Unsaturated Morpholine N‐Oxides and Their Cycloaddition Reactions
Authors: Son Jongwoo , Kim Ki Hwan , Mo Dong‐Liang , Wink Donald J. , Anderson Laura L.
Published: February 2017

A single‐flask procedure for the generation of α‐keto‐N‐alkenylnitrones through a Chan–Lam coupling and subsequent spontaneous 6π electrocyclization of these intermediates for the synthesis of 2H‐1,4‐oxazine N‐oxides has been developed for a variety of α‐ketooximes and alkenylboronic acids. This transformation provides a new approach to C‐substituted unsaturated morpholine derivatives that are poised to undergo further functionalization for the preparation of a diverse array of novel heterocyclic structures. The scope of the new method for the synthesis of 2H‐1,4‐oxazine N‐oxides is discussed, in addition to initial studies describing the cycloaddition reactivity of these new heterocyclic intermediates.
Copper‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Alkylation of Enolizable Ketimines with Organomagnesium Reagents
Authors: Ortiz Pablo , Collados Juan F. , Jumde Ravindra P. , Otten Edwin , Harutyunyan Syuzanna R.
Published: February 2017

Inexpensive and readily available organomagnesium reagents were used for the catalytic enantioselective alkylation of enolizable N‐sulfonyl ketimines. The low reactivity and competing enolization of the ketimines was overcome by the use of a copper–phosphine chiral catalyst, which also rendered the transformation highly chemoselective and enantioselective for a broad range of ketimine substrates.
Facile Modulation of FLP Properties: A Phosphinylvinyl Grignard Reagent and Ga/P‐ and In/P2‐Based Frustrated Lewis Pairs
Authors: Backs Jana , Lange Merten , Possart Josephine , Wollschläger Agnes , Mück‐Lichtenfeld Christian , Uhl Werner
Published: February 2017

An Al/P‐based frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) reacted with PhMgCl by an unexpected transmetalation and formation of a phosphinylvinyl Grignard reagent. This compound is well suited for the transfer of the basic FLP component to other Lewis acidic metal atoms and allowed the generation of a Ga/P and an In/P2 FLP. The Ga FLP showed a behavior different to that of the corresponding Al FLP, the In FLP allowed the chelating coordination of an Au atom by Au−Cl bond activation.
Clinical motivation and the surgical safety checklist
Authors: Yu X , Huang Y , Guo Q , Wang Y , Ma H , Zhao Y , Wang Y , Yu X , Tan G , Ma S , Wu X , Xu M , Zhang S , Shang H , Xin S , Zhang X , Wang J , Li L , Wu S , Zhao S , Yang J , Wen H , Sun H , Xiong Y , Wang Y , He J , Liu Q , Li J , Jiang J , Xue F , Han W , Wang Z , Wang Y , Hu Y , Wang L
Published: February 2017

Background

Although the surgical safety checklist (SSC) has been adopted worldwide, its efficacy can be diminished by poor clinical motivation. Systematic methods for improving implementation are lacking.

Methods

A multicentre prospective study was conducted in 2015 in four academic/teaching hospitals to investigate changes during revision of the SSC for content, staffing and workflow. All modifications were based on feedback from medical staff. Questionnaires were used to monitor dynamic changes in surgeons', nurses' and anaesthetists' perceptions.

Results

Complete information was obtained from 30 654 operations in which the newly developed SSC system was used. Implementation quality was evaluated in 1852 operations before, and 1822 after the changes. The revised SSC content was simplified from 34 to 22 items. Anaesthetists achieved widespread recommendation as SSC coordinators. Completion rates of all stages reached over 80·0 per cent at all sites (compared with 10·2–59·5 per cent at the sign-out stage in the baseline survey). There was a significant change in doctors who participated (for example, surgeon: from 24·6 to 64·5 per cent at one site). The rates of hasty (15·1–33·7 per cent) or casual (0·4–4·4 per cent) checking decreased to less than 6·0 per cent overall. Perceptions about the SSC were studied from 2211 forms. They improved, with a converging trend among the three different professions, to a uniform 80·0 per cent agreeing on the need for its regular use.

Conclusion

Medical staff members are both the users and owners of the SSC. High-quality SSC implementation can be achieved by clinically motivated adaptation.
A Screen for Swainsonine in Select North American Astragalus Species
Authors: Cook Daniel , Gardner Dale R. , Pfister James A. , Lee Stephen T. , Welch Kevin D. , Welsh Stanley L.
Published: February 2017

Swainsonine is found in several plant species worldwide, and causes severe toxicosis in livestock grazing these plants, leading to a chronic condition characterized by weight loss, altered behavior, depression, decreased libido, infertility, and death. Swainsonine has been detected in 13 North American Astragalus species of which eight belong to taxa in four taxonomic sections, the Densifolii, Diphysi, Inflati, and Trichopodi. These sections belong to two larger groups representing several morphologically related species, the Pacific Piptolobi and the small‐flowered Piptolobi. The objective of this study was to screen the other 31 species for swainsonine in sections Densifolii, Diphysi, Inflati, and Trichopodi previously not known to contain swainsonine. Furthermore, to broaden the scope further, 21 species within the 8 sections of the Pacific Piptolobi and the small flowered Piptolobi were screened for swainsonine. Swainsonine was detected for the first time in 36 Astragalus taxa representing 29 species using liquid and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Several taxonomic sections were highly enriched in species that contain swainsonine while others were not. A systematic examination for swainsonine in these species will provide important information on the toxic risk of these species and may be a valuable reference for diagnosticians and land managers.