bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elastomeric Concrete Plug Joints: A New Durable Bridge Expansion Joint Design
Authors: Balakumaran Soundar S. G. , O’Neill Kevin , Springer Todd C. , Matteo Adam
Published: March 2017

Expansion joints are important components of bridges that accommodate the movements between deck spans that result from thermal loads, traffic loads, and other environmental factors. Experience shows that joints undergo premature deterioration on a regular basis, which leads to unexpected problems caused by leakage of water and other corrosive chemicals over the components of the superstructure and substructure, which in turn leads to premature deterioration of those components. The Virginia Department of Transportation (DOT) has spent millions of dollars over more than 50 years for repair and replacement of joints. Several types of closed joints have been developed and installed in the past three decades to combat this problem. Jointless details at piers and abutments have also been developed and installed in the past three decades to eliminate the need for joints and the associated deterioration. However, the issue persists. The Virginia DOT’s Structure and Bridge Division has developed a new design for a flexible joint system with bonded and debonded zones. An elastomeric concrete material acts as the load-bearing surface as well as the component that allows free expansion and contraction. This joint system has been installed in selected pilot bridges on secondary roads for observation. The performance of this joint system and the challenges faced in its development are discussed.
Periodic Temperature-Based Bearing Assessment of a Steel Multigirder Bridge
Authors: Warren Maria E. , Dubbs Nathaniel C.
Published: March 2017

This paper presents a case study that extends the periodic temperature-based assessment framework to the bearing evaluation of a steel multigirder bridge. The bearing investigation was prompted by the significant and consistently documented rocker bearing reversal at the bridge abutment. This malfunction, although historically identified in inspections, had not been investigated to determine its source nor its corresponding effects on the bridge. The improper function of longitudinal expansion mechanisms such as bearings can induce unintended demands that bridges are not designed to accommodate. A structural health monitoring system was designed and installed with the aim of identifying the root cause of the poor bearing performance and quantifying its effect on the multigirder bridge. As a result of this investigation, it was determined that the expansion bearings of the span were not performing at all and that axial forces were developing in the bridge because of temperature changes. This study also documented a three-dimensional planar relationship between strain, displacement, and temperature as evidence that the bridge was not able to fully expand and relieve the thermal forces.
New C21 Steroidal Glycosides, Cynotophyllosides M–O, from Cynanchum Otophyllum
Authors: Ma Lie-Feng , Miao Cun-Tan , Qian Hao-Ying , Wang Peng-Fei , Wang Fa-Song , Zhan Zha-Jun , Shan Wei-Guang
Published: March 2017

Cynotophyllosides M–O, three new polyhydroxypregnane glycosides, were obtained from the roots of Cynanchum otophyllum, together with four known compounds, deacetylmetaplexignin, sarcostion, cynotophylloside J and kidjoranin 3-O-α-diginopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-cymaropyranoside. Their structures were elucidated using extensive spectroscopic methods (in particular, 2D-NMR techniques) and acid-catalysed hydrolysis.
Evaluation of pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duch. Ex Poir.) for yield and other characters
Authors: Ahmed B , Masud MAT , Zakaria M , Hossain MM , Mian MAK
Published: March 2017

Nineteen inbreds of pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duch. Ex Poir.) were evaluated at the experimental farm of Olericulture Division, Horticulture Research Centre, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Gazipur during the rabi season of 2011-12 to select the promising inbreds for higher fruit yield along with other important characters. Thirteen quantitative and three qualitative characters along with fruit fly infestation and virus incidence were studied. The inbreds differed significantly in most of the quantitative characters. All the qualitative characters (fruit shape, fruit skin colour and flesh colour) showed distinct variation among the inbreds. All the inbreds except PK05, PK16, PK17 and PK18 were attacked with Water Melon Virus 2 (WMV2). Fruits of all the lines were more or less infested by fruit fly. The study revealed that the inbreds differing significantly in most of the parameters offer a good scope of selection of better inbreds for desired traits. The flesh thickness, average fruit weight, fruits per plant ranged from 2.61 to 5.39 cm, 1.41 to 5.78 kg and 2.96 to 7.58 respectively. On the basis of yield and other yield attributes nine inbreds viz., PK01, PK02, PK03, PK06, PK07, PK08, PK09, PK10 and PK16 were found promising. These inbreds will be helpful in breeding program to evolve high yielding varieties of pumpkin with better quality.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 42(1): 1-11, March 2017
Effect of leaf trichomes and meteorological parameters on population dynamics of aphid and jassid in cotton
Authors: Amin MR , Afrin R , Alam MZ , Hossain MM , Kwon YJ
Published: March 2017

This study was conducted with CB1, CB3, CB5, CB8 and C12 cotton varieties to determine the role of leaf trichomes and meteorological factors on the abundances of aphid and jassid. The mean population of the pests on the tested varieties differed significantly and showed negative correlation with trichomes. The pests were most abundant on CB12, and each variety revealed significantly higher population of jassid than that of aphid. Both the pests built up their population in the juvenile stage of the plants (73 days after sowing) and continued until harvesting. Aphid population was the highest on CB12 in the first week of November, whereas maximum abundance of jassid was on CB12 in the third week of December. Weather parameters were found insignificant on aphid abundance, but jassid population on the varieties was correlated with maximum and minimum temperatures, relative humidity and rainfall. Multiple regression equation based on weather parameters exerted 8.8 - 43.2% and 54.4 - 77.7% role on population build up of aphid and jassid, respectively. Maximum temperature had the most important effect which contributed 61.2% population fluctuation of jassid on CB12.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 42(1): 13-25, March 2017
Effect of nitrogen on growth and yield on mungbean in low nutrient soil
Authors: Razzaque MA , Haque MM , Karim MA
Published: March 2017

A pot experiment was conducted at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur during kharif II season of 2011 to investigate the growth, dry matter production and yield of mungbean genotypes under nutrient stress soil. Ten mungbean genotypes viz., IPSA-12, GK-27, IPSA-3, IPSA-5, ACC12890053, GK-63, ACC12890055, BARI Mung-6, BUmug- 4 and Bina moog- 5 and six nitrogen fertilizer levels viz., 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 kg N ha-1 were included as experimental treatments. Results revealed that increasing nitrogen level in nutrient stress soil increased growth and dry matter production up to 60 kg N ha-1 irrespective of genotype and thereafter decreased. Among the mungbean genotype IPSA 12 showed maximum leaf area, dry matter production and seed yield (14.22 g plant-1) in nutrient stress soil. The lowest seed yield (7.33 g plant -1) was recorded in ACC12890053 under control condition.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 42(1): 77-85, March 2017
The economic benefit of agarwood production through aeration method into the Aquilaria malaccensis tree in Bangladesh
Authors: Chowdhury M , Rahman A , Hussain MD , Kabir E
Published: March 2017

Abstract not availableBangladesh J. Agril. Res. 42(1): 191-196, March 2017
Zinc and Oxidative Stress: Current Mechanisms
Authors: Marreiro Dilina , Cruz Kyria , Morais Jennifer , Beserra Jéssica , Severo Juliana , De Oliveira Ana
Published: March 2017

Oxidative stress is a metabolic dysfunction that favors the oxidation of biomolecules, contributing to the oxidative damage of cells and tissues. This consequently contributes to the development of several chronic diseases. In particular, zinc is one of the most relevant minerals to human health, because of its antioxidant properties. This review aims to provide updated information about the mechanisms involved in the protective role of zinc against oxidative stress. Zinc acts as a co-factor for important enzymes involved in the proper functioning of the antioxidant defense system. In addition, zinc protects cells against oxidative damage, acts in the stabilization of membranes and inhibits the enzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NADPH-Oxidase). Zinc also induces the synthesis of metallothioneins, which are proteins effective in reducing hydroxyl radicals and sequestering reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced in stressful situations, such as in type 2 diabetes, obesity and cancer. Literature provides strong evidence for the role of zinc in the protection against oxidative stress in several diseases.
Reel-to-Reel Atmospheric Pressure Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) Plasma Treatment of Polypropylene Films
Authors: Seidelmann Lukas , Bradley James , Ratova Marina , Hewitt Jonathan , Moffat Jamie , Kelly Peter
Published: March 2017

Atmospheric pressure plasma treatment of the surface of a polypropylene film can significantly increase its surface energy and, thereby improve the printability of the film. A laboratory-scale dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) system has therefore been developed, which simulates the electrode configuration and reel-to-reel web transport mechanism used in a typical industrial-scale system. By treating the polypropylene in a nitrogen discharge, we have shown that the water contact angle could be reduced by as much as 40° compared to the untreated film, corresponding to an increase in surface energy of 14 mNm−1. Ink pull-off tests showed that the DBD plasma treatment resulted in excellent adhesion of solvent-based inks to the polypropylene film.
An Ecologically Based System for Sustainable Agroforestry in Sub-Tropical and Tropical Forests
Authors: Sun Yuan , Cao Fuliang , Wei Xiaohua , Welham Clive , Chen Lei , Pelz Dieter , Yang Qing , Liu Huiqian
Published: March 2017

Forests in tropical and sub-tropical countries face severe pressures due to a combination of poverty and environment degradation. To be effective, measures to protect these forests must therefore consider both economic and ecological dimensions synergistically. The purpose of this paper was to synthesize our long-term work (1994–2015) on a Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.) agroforestry system and demonstrate its potential for achieving both goals, and discuss its wider application in tropical and sub-tropical countries. The performance of various ecological, economic, and social indicators was compared among five Ginkgo agroforestry systems. Two additional indicators, Harmony Degree (HD) and Development Degree (DD), were also used to show the integrated performance of these indicators. Ginkgo-Wheat-Peanut (G+W+P) and Ginkgo-Rapeseed-Peanut (G+R+P) are the best systems when compared to pure and mixed Ginkgo plantations, or pure agricultural crops. Results demonstrate that it is possible to achieve both economic development and environmental protection through implementation of sustainable agroforestry systems in sub-tropical regions.
Analysis and Predictability of the Hydrological Response of Mountain Catchments to Heavy Rain on Snow Events: A Case Study in the Spanish Pyrenees
Authors: Corripio Javier , López-Moreno Juan
Published: March 2017

From 18 to 19 June 2013, the Ésera river in the Pyrenees, Northern Spain, caused widespread damage due to flooding as a result of torrential rains and sustained snowmelt. We estimate the contribution of snow melt to total discharge applying a snow energy balance to the catchment. Precipitation is derived from sparse local measurements and the WRF-ARW model over three nested domains, down to a grid cell size of 2 km. Temperature profiles, precipitation and precipitation gradient are well simulated, although with a possible displacement regarding the observations. Snowpack melting was correctly reproduced and verified in three instrumented sites, and according to satellite images. We found that the hydrological simulations agree well with measured discharge. Snowmelt represented 33% of total runoff during the main flood event and 23% at peak flow. The snow energy balance model indicates that most of the energy for snow melt during the day of maximum precipitation came from turbulent fluxes. This approach forecast correctly peak flow and discharge during normal conditions at least 24 h in advance and could give an early warning of the extreme event 2.5 days before.
The Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio at Diagnosis Is Significantly Associated with Survival in Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer Patients
Authors: Piciucchi Matteo , Stigliano Serena , Archibugi Livia , Zerboni Giulia , Signoretti Marianna , Barucca Viola , Valente Roberto , Fave Gianfranco , Capurso Gabriele
Published: March 2017

Different inflammation-based scores such as the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), the Odonera Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI), the Glasgow Prognostic Score, the platelet/lymphocyte ratio, and the C-reactive protein/albumin ratio have been found to be significantly associated with pancreatic cancer (PDAC) prognosis. However, most studies have investigated patients undergoing surgery, and few of them have compared these scores. We aimed at evaluating the association between inflammatory-based scores and PDAC prognosis. In a single center cohort study, inflammatory-based scores were assessed at diagnosis and their prognostic relevance as well as that of clinic-pathological variables were evaluated through multiple logistic regression and survival probability analysis. In 206 patients, age, male sex, tumor size, presence of distant metastasis, access to chemotherapy, and an NLR > 5 but not other scores were associated with overall survival (OS) at multivariate analysis. Patients with an NLR < 5 had a median survival of 12 months compared to 4 months in those with an NLR > 5. In the 81 patients with distant metastasis at diagnosis, an NLR > 5 resulted in the only variable significantly associated with survival. Among patients with metastatic disease who received chemotherapy, the median survival was 3 months in patients with an NLR > 5 and 7 months in those with an NLR < 5. The NLR might drive therapeutic options in PDAC patients, especially in the setting of metastatic disease.
Design of a Wideband Antenna for Wireless Network-On-Chip in Multimedia Applications
Authors: Gutierrez Fernando
Published: March 2017

To allow fast communication—at several Gb/s—of multimedia content among processors and memories in a multi-processor system-on-chip, a new approach is emerging in literature: Wireless Network-on-Chip (WiNoC). With reference to this scenario, this paper presents the design of the key element of the WiNoC: the antenna. Specifically, a bow-tie antenna is proposed, which operates at mm-waves and can be implemented on-chip using the top metal layer of a conventional silicon CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) technology. The antenna performance is discussed in the paper and is compared to the state-of-the-art, including the zig-zag antenna topology that is typically used in literature as a reference for WiNoC. The proposed bow-tie antenna design for WiNoC stands out for its good trade-off among bandwidth, gain, size and beamwidth vs. the state-of-the-art.
Investigating the Wear Behavior of Fe-Based Amorphous Coatings under Nanoscratch Tests
Authors: Wu Yixuan , Luo Qiang , Jiao Jin , Wei Xianshun , Shen Jun
Published: March 2017

The wear behavior of two coatings (Fe49.7Cr18Mn1.9Mo7.4W1.6B15.2C3.8Si2.4 and Fe40Cr23Mo14C15B6Y2) sprayed by high-velocity air fuel technology was investigated through nanoscratch tests under ramping loads. Compared with the substrate, the Fe-based amorphous coatings exhibit lower penetration depth, higher elastic recovery, and lower wear volume, indicating the excellent wear resistance of the coatings. This behavior is related to the high hardness and high hardness/elastic modulus ratio (H/E) of the Fe-based amorphous coatings. From the scanning electron microscopy images of the scratch grooves, it is found out that ploughing governs the wear behavior of the coatings and substrate. In addition, spalling wear easily occurs in the pore regions of the coatings.
Uraninite, Coffinite and Brannerite from Shear-Zone Hosted Uranium Deposits of the Bohemian Massif (Central European Variscan Belt)
Authors: René Miloš , Dolníček Zdeněk
Published: March 2017

New mineralogical data are presented for shear-zone hosted uranium mineralisation from selected uranium deposits that occur in the Bohemian Massif. The uranium mineralisation is in high-grade metamorphic rocks of the Moldanubian Zone and/or in granitic rocks of the Moldanubian batholith and Bor pluton as complex uraninite–coffinite and uraninite–coffinite–brannerite assemblages. For analysed coffinites and brannerites, anomalous enrichment of Y (up to 3.4 wt % Y2O3) and Zr (up to 13.8 wt % ZrO2) is significant. The microprobe data indicate that coffinites from the Rožná and Okrouhlá Radouň uranium deposits contain variable PbO (0–4.3 wt %), FeO (0–2.5 wt %), Al2O3 (0–3.5 wt %), P2O5 (0–1.8 wt %), and CaO (0.7–3.5 wt %). Brannerite is present in unaltered and altered grains with variable concentrations of U4+ (0–0.5 apfu), U6+ (0.06–0.49 apfu), Ti (0.90–2.63 apfu), Ca (0.09–0.41 apfu), and low concentrations of Al (0–0.19 apfu), Th (0–0.04 apfu), Y (0–0.08 apfu), Zr (0–0.13 apfu) and REE (0–0.14 apfu).
Attenuation of Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Rats with S-Allyl Cysteine
Authors: Tsukioka Takuma , Takemura Shigekazu , Minamiyama Yukiko , Mizuguchi Shinjiro , Toda Michihito , Okada Shigeru
Published: March 2017

Pulmonary fibrosis is a complex disease with high mortality and morbidity. As there are currently no effective treatments, development of new strategies is essential for improving therapeutic outcomes. S-allyl cysteine (SAC) is a constituent of aged garlic extract that has demonstrated efficacy as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. The current study examines the effects of SAC on pulmonary fibrosis induced by a single intratracheal instillation of bleomycin (2.5 mg/kg). SAC was administered to rats as 0.15% SAC-containing diet from seven days prior to instillation up until the conclusion of the experiment (14 days post-instillation). SAC significantly reduced collagen mRNA expression and protein deposition (33.3 ± 2.7 μg/mg and 28.2 ± 2.1 μg/mg tissue in vehicle- and SAC-treated rats, respectively), and decreased fibrotic area, as assessed histologically. In the rats’ lungs, SAC also attenuated the increased expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), a central regulator of myofibroblast recruitment, activation, and differentiation. While bleomycin instillation increased the number of myofibroblasts within the lung mesenchymal area, this change was significantly reduced by SAC treatment. SAC may exert efficacy as an anti-fibrotic by attenuating myofibroblast differentiation through TGF-β1-mediated fibroproliferative processes. Thus, our results indicate SAC may be useful for the prevention or treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.
A Specific Peptide with Calcium-Binding Capacity from Defatted Schizochytrium sp. Protein Hydrolysates and the Molecular Properties
Authors: Cai Xixi , Yang Qian , Lin Jiaping , Fu Nanyan , Wang Shaoyun
Published: March 2017

Marine microorganisms have been proposed as a new kind of protein source. Efforts are needed in order to transform the protein-rich biological wastes left after lipid extraction into value-added bio-products. Thus, the utilization of protein recovered from defatted Schizochytrium sp. by-products presents an opportunity. A specific peptide Tyr-Leu (YL) with calcium-binding capacity was purified from defatted Schizochytrium sp. protein hydrolysates through gel filtration chromatography and RP-HPLC. The calcium-binding activity of YL reached 126.34 ± 3.40 μg/mg. The calcium-binding mechanism was investigated through ultraviolet, fluorescence and infrared spectroscopy. The results showed that calcium ions could form dative bonds with carboxyl oxygen atoms and amino nitrogen atoms as well as the nitrogen and oxygen atoms of amide bonds. YL-Ca exhibited excellent thermal stability and solubility, which was beneficial for its absorption and transport in the basic intestinal tract of the human body. Moreover, the cellular uptake of calcium in Caco-2 cells showed that YL-Ca could enhance calcium uptake efficiency and protect calcium ions against precipitation caused by dietary inhibitors such as tannic acid, oxalate, phytate and metal ions. The findings indicate that the by-product of Schizochytrium sp. is a promising source for making peptide-calcium bio-products as algae-based functional supplements for human beings.
RETRACTED: Nairan et al. Structural and Magnetic Response in Bimetallic Core/Shell Magnetic Nanoparticles. Nanomaterials 2016, 6, 72
Authors:   Nanomaterials Editorial Office
Published: March 2017

It has come to our attention that Figure 3 of the title paper [1] contains unacceptable levels of image manipulation and thus does not provide ﬁrm evidence of the particles reported [...]
Polarization Patterns of Transmitted Celestial Light under Wavy Water Surfaces
Authors: Zhou Guanhua , Wang Jiwen , Xu Wujian , Zhang Kai , Ma Zhongqi
Published: March 2017

This paper presents a model to describe the polarization patterns of celestial light, which includes sunlight and skylight, when refracted by wavy water surfaces. The polarization patterns and intensity distribution of refracted light through the wave water surface were calculated. The model was validated by underwater experimental measurements. The experimental and theoretical values agree well qualitatively. This work provides a quantitative description of the repolarization and transmittance of celestial light transmitted through wave water surfaces. The effects of wind speed and incident sources on the underwater refraction polarization patterns are discussed. Scattering skylight dominates the polarization patterns while direct solar light is the dominant source of the intensity of the underwater light field. Wind speed has an influence on disturbing the patterns under water.
Correlation Coefficients of Extended Hesitant Fuzzy Sets and Their Applications to Decision Making
Authors: Lu Na , Liang Lipin
Published: March 2017

Extended hesitant fuzzy sets (EHFSs), which allow the membership degree of an element to a set represented by several possible value-groups, can be considered as a powerful tool to express uncertain information in the process of group decision making. Therefore, we derive some correlation coefficients between EHFSs, which contain two cases, the correlation coefficients taking into account the length of extended hesitant fuzzy elements (EHFEs) and the correlation coefficients without taking into account the length of EHFEs, as a new extension of existing correlation coefficients for hesitant fuzzy sets (HFSs) and apply them to decision making under extended hesitant fuzzy environments. A real-world example based on the energy policy problem is employed to illustrate the actual need for dealing with the difference of evaluation information provided by different experts without information loss in decision making processes.
Plantes du massif du Saint Rigaud (Haut Beaujolais, Rhône) : fragiles redécouvertes
Authors: Royer Pascal , Delobel Bernard
Published: March 2017

Le massif du mont Saint Rigaud au nord du département du Rhône a subi au cours du dernier siècle de nombreuses modifications qui ont profondément affecté sa flore. La situation de 28 taxons menacés ou supposés disparus est étudiée. Plusieurs taxons ont été retrouvés, mais toujours dans des situations très fragiles.
Étude phytosociologique et phytodynamique de la végétation des réserves biologiques de la forêt de Cîteaux (département de la Côte-d'Or)
Authors: Laclos Eric de
Published: March 2017

Phytosociology and dynamics of forest communities in the reserve plots of Cîteaux (Côte-d'Or French district).

I investigate two old grown reserve plots in the domanial forest of Cîteaux (in the Côte-d'Or French district) in order to state, in a phytosociological perspective, the nature of the mesotrophic, beech-dominated forest of the Saône valley, which usually become under forest management mixed oak-hornbeam forests. They indeed belong to the Melico uniflorae - Fagetum sylvaticae Lohmeyer in Seibert 1954 association, for which a sub-association illicetosum is here proposed. They further represent a successional stage subsequent to the Carici brizoides - Quercetum roboris Neuhâusl in Mikyska et al. 1968 association, and their slow evolution depends on the intensity of past human-induced disturbances. A better understanding of the forest dynamics in reserve plots may help adapting oak management to the particular soil and ecological constraints in the Saône valley.
Description d'une nouvelle espèce de Teretrius Erichson, 1834 du Maroc (Coleoptera, Histeridae)
Authors: Gomy Yves
Published: March 2017

Description de Teretrius (Teretrius) angelae n. sp. du Maroc. L'espèce est comparée à Teretrius (Teretrius ) insinuans Marseul 1862 dont on désigne le lectotype.
Observations sur quelques vesces (Vicia L., Leguminosae) rares et menacées des colonies xérothermiques d'Auvergne : V. melanops Sibth. et Sm., V. loiseaui (d'Alleizette) Fridlender comb. stat. nov. et V. dalmatica A. Kerner
Authors: Fridlender Alain
Published: March 2017

Les environs de Clermont-Ferrand, notamment les coteaux (volcaniques pour la plupart), hébergent une flore aux affinités méditerranéennes et/ou steppiques. Les Vicia y sont bien représentées avec quelques taxa remarquables. La taille des populations de V. melanops Sibth. et Sm., espèce protégée, fluctue énormément selon les années. En revanche, V. loiseaui (d'Alleizette) Fridlender, espèce décrite ici comme endémique d'Auvergne, semble beaucoup plus menacée : la station type (anciennes cultures de fruitiers et vignes) se trouve presque entièrement urbanisée. L'origine de ce taxon, de même que son indigénat, reste à préciser ; sa présence est à rechercher ailleurs en France. Enfin, la seule population de V. dalmatica A. Kerner que nous connaissons dans le Massif central depuis 1983, signalée ici pour la première fois, apparaît en régression.
Corticarina parvula (Mannerheim) présente en région Rhône-Alpes (Parc national des Ecrins, Isère) (Coleopt. Latridiidae)
Authors: Dodelin Benoît
Published: March 2017

Presence of Corticarina parvula (Mannerheim) in Rhône-Alpes area (Les Écrins national Parc, Isère department) (Coleoptera Latridiidae)

Corticarina parvula is newly indicated from the Rhône-Alpes area after two years of trapping in the strict Nature Reserve of the Lauvitel (Isère department).
Le botaniste Désiré Cauvet et l'enseignement des théories transformistes à la Faculté de médecine et de pharmacie de Lyon à la fin du XIXe siècle
Authors: Bange Christian
Published: March 2017

Désiré Cauvet : a botanist teaching transformism and Darwinian theory at the Faculté de médecine et pharmacie de Lyon during the last part of the XIXth century. - After serving as a military pharmacist, Philippe Désiré Cauvet (1827-1890), who was also a doctor in medicine and in science, was named in 1877 professor of materia medica and botany at the newly established Faculté de médecine et de pharmacie de Lyon. He was the author of several books and many botanical publications and he published in 1879 his Cours élémentaire de botanique where he introduced an exposition of botanical geography according to Grisebach and of Darwinian principles (mainly natural selection). He is one of the preeminent provincial French teachers who exposed Darwinian theory during the years 1870-1880. Such facts are to be considered when discussing the introduction of Darwinism in France.
Rhodocybe leucophylla ad int., un rhodocybe inédit de la section Rhodophana
Authors: Corriol Gilles , Trichies Gérard
Published: March 2017

Un nouveau taxon du genre Rhodocybe est décrit et illustré sur la base d'une récolte en provenance du Ségala lotois dans le sud-ouest de la France. Il est caractérisé par la présence de boucles, des spores ellipsoïdales allongées, bassement verruqueuses, des lames blanches, un chapeau gris, glabre, hygrophane et une saveur herbacée.
Les micromammifères du département de l'Isère (Rhône-Alpes, France) : répartition par district naturel
Authors: Brunet-Lecomte Patrick , Noblet Jean-françois
Published: March 2017

Micromammals of the French department of Isère (Rhône-Alpes) : distribution by natural district. - This article presents the distribution of the species of micromammals of the department of Isère (Rhône-Alpes, France), by natural district from the analysis of 78,100 specimens inventoried and registered in a database of the micromammals of the department. For each species, a comparison of its distribution is made between districts. This synthesis is a photograph of the current knowledge and it also allows to define the future researches to improve the knowledge and the protection of micromammals in Isère.
Evolution of PHP Applications: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Siame Alinaswe , Kunda Douglas
Published: March 2017

This paper reviews, some of the research work done in the evolution of PHP applications that have been around and are vastly used. PHP is currently one of the most popular programming languages, widely used in both the open source community and in industry to build large web-focused applications and application frameworks. This review looks at how PHP applications have evolved in terms of the use of libraries, the software maturity, adoption of object-orientation paradigm, the evolution of complexity and security. The results suggest that these systems undergo systematic maintenance and evolution is helping the underlying programming language to grow.
Sustainable Development of Heritage Areas: Towards Cyber-Physical Systems Integration in Extant Heritage Buildings and Planning Conservation
Authors: Khodeir Laila Mohamed , Soliman Hebatallah Emam
Published: March 2017

Although architectural heritage reflects the evolution of human civilization throughout history, nevertheless, civilized and social changes of heritage areas in many countries led to their degradation. Historical building management and planning conservation raise two important issues: the restoration and improvement of historical areas features and adopting a framework of sustainable development in heritage regions. Recently a number of processes have arose to aid in the aforementioned problems, namely the heritage building information modelling (HBIM) and the  cyber-physical systems approach (CPS), where the latter is believed to  achieve great potentials hereby integrating virtual models and physical construction and  enabling bidirectional coordination. Since HBIM has recently been investigated through a number of recent research and application, the aim of this paper is to explore the potentials offered by the CPS, to move from 3D content model to bi-dimensional coordination for achieving efficient management of built heritage. To tackle the objective of this paper, firstly, a review of the BIM use in the field of cultural heritage  was undergone, Secondly, reporting the existing BIM/HBIM platforms, analyzing cyber-physical systems integration in extant heritage buildings and in planning conservation were performed. Results of this paper took the form of detailed comparative analysis between both CPS and HBIM, which could guide decision makers working in the field of heritage buildings management, in addition to shedding light on the main potentials of the emerging CPS.
Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of genital Mycoplasmas detected by Mycoplasma IST 2 from urogenital samples in Padua, Italy, between January 2014 and December 2015
Authors: Bartolini Andrea , Scapaticci Margherita , Akkouche Wassim , Boldrin Caterina , Rossi Lucia
Published: March 2017

Background and aims. The aim of this study is to define the epidemiology and the antimicrobial resistance profile of Ureaplasma spp. and Mycoplasma hominis isolated from urogenital specimens of patients attending the Microbiology and Virology Unit of Padua between January 2014 and December 2015.
Materials and methods. The analysis was carried out on a total of 10861 samples. Species identification and antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed using bioMérieux Mycoplasma IST 2.
Results. 2668 samples (24.6%) from 2043 patients were positive: 2466 samples positive for Ureaplasma spp. (1897 patients) and 8 samples positive for M. hominis (8 patients), while in 194 samples (138 patients) was detected a coinfection. As for antimicrobial susceptibility of Ureaplasma spp. we found a resistance (R+I) rate of 90.6% for ciprofloxacin, of 74,1% for ofloxacin, of 52.8% for azithromycin and of 47.0% for erythromycin.
Conclusions. Our report shows a high prevalence of Ureaplasma spp. in the study population. Surveillance of antibiotic resistance is critical for an appropriate therapeutic approach, which must always be contextualized with patient’s symptomatology.
Field observations of volatile organic compound (VOC) exchange in red oaks
Authors: Cappellin Luca , Algarra Alarcon Alberto , Herdlinger-Blatt Irina , Sanchez Juaquin , Biasioli Franco , Martin Scot T. , Loreto Francesco , McKinney Karena A.
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by forests strongly affect the chemical composition of the atmosphere. While the emission of isoprenoids has been largely characterized, forests also exchange many oxygenated VOCs (oVOCs), including methanol, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), and acetaldehyde, which are less well understood. We monitored total branch-level exchange of VOCs of a strong isoprene emitter (Quercus rubra L.) in a mixed forest in New England, where canopy-level fluxes of VOCs had been previously measured. We report daily exchange of several oVOCs and investigated unknown sources and sinks, finding several novel insights. In particular, we found that emission of MEK is linked to uptake of methyl vinyl ketone (MVK), a product of isoprene oxidation. The link was confirmed by corollary experiments proving in vivo detoxification of MVK, which is harmful to plants. Comparison of MEK, MVK, and isoprene fluxes provided an indirect indication of within-plant isoprene oxidation. Furthermore, besides confirming bidirectional exchange of acetaldehyde, we also report for the first time direct evidence of benzaldehyde bidirectional exchange in forest plants. Net emission or deposition of benzaldehyde was found in different periods of measurements, indicating an unknown foliar sink that may influence atmospheric concentrations. Other VOCs, including methanol, acetone, and monoterpenes, showed clear daily emission trends but no deposition. Measured VOC emission and deposition rates were generally consistent with their ecosystem-scale flux measurements at a nearby site.
OMI measured increasing SO2 emissions due to energy industry expansion and relocation in Northwestern China
Authors: Ling Zaili , Huang Tao , Zhao Yuan , Li Jixiang , Zhang Xiaodong , Wang Jinxiang , Lian Lulu , Mao Xiaoxuan , Gao Hong , Ma Jianmin
Published: March 2017

Abstract. The rapid economy growth makes China the largest energy consumer and sulphur dioxide (SO2) emitter in the world. In this study, we estimated the trends and step changes in the planetary boundary layer (PBL) vertical column density (VCD) of SO2 from 2005 to 2015 over China measured by the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI). We show that these trends and step change years coincide with the effective date and period of the national strategy for energy development and relocation in northwestern China and the regulations in the reduction of SO2 emissions. Under the national regulations in the reduction SO2 emissions in eastern and southern China, SO2 VCD in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) of southern China exhibited the largest decline during 2005–2015 at a rate of −7 % yr-1, followed by the North China Plain (NCP) (−6.7 % yr-1), Sichuan Basin (−6.3 % yr-1), and Yangtze River Delta (YRD) (−6 % yr-1), respectively. The Mann–Kendall (MK) test reveals the step change points of declining SO2 VCD in 2009 for the PRD and 2012–2013 for eastern China responding to the implementation of SO2 control regulation in these regions. In contrast, the MK test and regression analysis also revealed increasing trends of SO2 VCD in northwestern China, particularly for several "hot spots" featured by growing SO2 VCD in those large-scale energy industry parks in northwestern China. The enhanced SO2 VCD is potentially attributable to increasing SO2 emissions due to the development of large-scale energy industry bases in energy-abundant northwestern China under the national strategy for the energy safety of China in the 21st century. We show that these large-scale energy industry bases could overwhelm the trends and changes in provincial total SO2 emissions in northwestern China and contributed increasingly to the national total SO2 emission in China. Given that northwestern China is more ecologically fragile and uniquely susceptible to atmospheric pollution as compared with the rest of China, increasing SO2 emissions in this part of China should not be overlooked and merit scientific research.
Impacts of Large-Scale Circulation on Urban Ambient Concentrations of Gaseous Elemental Mercury in New York, USA
Authors: Mao Huiting , Hall Dolly , Ye Zhuyun , Zhou Ying , Felton Dirk , Zhang Leiming
Published: March 2017

Abstract. The impact of large-scale circulation on urban gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) was investigated through analysis of 2008–2015 measurement data from an urban site in New York City (NYC), New York, USA. Distinct annual cycles were observed in 2009–2010 with mixing ratios in warm seasons (i.e. spring–summer) 10–20 ppqv (~ 10 %–25 %) higher than in cool seasons (i.e. fall–winter). This annual cycle was disrupted in 2011 by an anomalously strong influence of the North American trough in that warm season and was reproduced in 2014 with annual amplitude enhanced up to ~ 70 ppqv associated with a particularly strong Bermuda High. North American trough axis index (TAI) and intensity index (TII) were used to characterize the effect of the North American trough on NYC GEM especially in winter and summer. The intensity and position of the Bermuda High had a significant impact on GEM in warm seasons supported by a strong correlation (r reaching 0.96, p
Fungi Diversity in PM1 and PM2.5 at the summit of Mt. Tai:
Abundance, Size Distribution, and Seasonal Variation
Authors: Xu Caihong , Wei Min , Chen Jianmin , Zhu Chao , Li Jiarong , Lv Ganglin , Xu Xianmang , Zheng Lulu , Sui Guodong , Li Weijun , Chen Bing , Wang Wenxing , Zhang Qingzhu , Ding Aijun , Mellouki Abdelwahid
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Fungi are ubiquitous throughout the near-surface atmosphere, where they represent an important component of primary biological aerosol particles. This study combined the internal transcribed spacer region sequencing and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to investigate the ambient fungi in fine (PM2.5) and submicron (PM1) particles at the summit of Mt. Tai located in the North China Plain, China. The fungal abundance was 9.4 × 104 and 1.3 × 105 copies m−3 in PM2.5 and PM1, respectively. Most of the fungal sequences was from Ascomycota and Basidiomycota which are known to discharge actively spores into the atmosphere. The fungal community showed a significant seasonal shift across different size fraction based on the metastats analysis and kruskal-wallis rank sum test. The abundance of Glomerella and Zasmidium increased and decreased as the particle size got bigger in autumn. Nevertheless, Penicillum, Bullera, and Phaeosphaeria increased in smaller particles in winter. This work may serve as an important reference for the fungal contribution to primary biological aerosol particles.
Application of geophysical tools for tree root studies in forest ecosystems in complex soils
Authors: Rodríguez-Robles Ulises , Arredondo Tulio , Huber-Sannwald Elisabeth , Ramos-Leal José Alfredo , Yépez Enrico A.
Published: March 2017

Abstract. While semiarid forests frequently colonize rocky substrates, knowledge is scarce on how roots garner resources in these extreme habitats. The Sierra San Miguelito Volcanic Complex in Central Mexico exhibits shallow soils and impermeable rhyolitic-rock outcrops, which impede water movement and root placement beyond the soil matrix. However, rock fractures, exfoliations, and soil pockets potentially permit downward percolation and root growth. With ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), two geophysical methods advocated by Jayawickreme et al. (2014) to advance root ecology, we studied root and water distribution in shallow-rocky-soils and rock fractures in a semiarid forest. We calibrated geophysical images with in-situ root measurements, and then extrapolated root distribution over larger areas. With GPR, we identified fine and coarse pine and oak roots with 6 to 75 mm diameters at differential depths in soil and fractures; besides, trees anchored their trunks with coarse roots underneath rock outcroppings. With ETR, we tracked monthly changes in humidity at the soil/bedrock interface, which clearly explained spatial root distribution of both tree species. Geophysical methods have enormous potential in elucidating root ecology. More interdisciplinary research could advance our understanding in belowground ecological niche functions and their role in forest ecohydrology and productivity.
Bryophyte-dominated biological soil crusts mitigate soil erosion in an early successional Chinese subtropical forest
Authors: Seitz Steffen , Nebel Martin , Goebes Philipp , Käppeler Kathrin , Schmidt Karsten , Song Zhengshan , Webber Carla L. , Weber Bettina , Scholten Thomas
Published: March 2017

Abstract. This study investigated the development of biological soil crust (biocrust) covers in an early successional subtropical forest ecosystem and their impact on soil erosion. Within a biodiversity and ecosystem functioning experiment in Southeast China (BEF China), sediment discharge and runoff measurements were conducted with micro-scale runoff plots under natural rainfall and biocrust covers were surveyed over a five-year period. Results showed that biocrusts occurred widely in our experimental forest ecosystem and developed from initial light cyanobacteria- and algae-dominated crusts to later-stage bryophyte-dominated crusts in only three years. Biocrust covers were still increasing after six years of tree growth. Within later stage crusts, 25 bryophyte species were determined. The development of biocrusts was significantly influenced by the surrounding vegetation cover and terrain attributes. Besides high crown cover and leaf area index, the development of biocrusts was favoured by low slope gradients, slope orientations towards the incident sunlight and the altitude of the research plots. Our measurements showed, that bryophyte-dominated biocrusts were importantly decreasing soil erosion and more effective in erosion reduction than abiotic soil surface covers. Hence, their significant role to mitigate sediment discharge and runoff generation in mesic forest environments and their ability to quickly colonize gaps in higher vegetation layers are of particular interest for soil erosion control in early stage forest plantations. A detailed record of different biocrust species and their functional influence on soil erosion processes as well as a thorough monitoring of biocrust covers under closing tree canopy in subtropical forests is required in further studies.
Was the Little Ice Age more or less El Niño-like than the Medieval Climate Anomaly? Evidence from hydrological and temperature proxy data
Authors: Henke Lilo M. K. , Lambert F. Hugo , Charman Dan J.
Published: March 2017

Abstract. The El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is the most important source of global climate variability on interannual timescales and has substantial environmental and socio-economic consequences. However, it is unclear how it interacts with large-scale climate states over longer (decadal to centennial) timescales. The instrumental ENSO record is too short for analysing long-term trends and variability and climate models are unable to accurately simulate past ENSO states. Proxy data are used to extend the record, but different proxy sources have produced dissimilar reconstructions of long-term ENSO-like climate change, with some evidence for a temperature–precipitation divergence in ENSO-like climate over the past millennium, in particular during the Medieval Climate Anomaly (MCA; AD  ∼  800–1300) and the Little Ice Age (LIA; AD  ∼  1400–1850). This throws into question the stability of the modern ENSO system and its links to the global climate, which has implications for future projections. Here we use a new statistical approach using weighting based on empirical orthogonal function (EOF) to create two new large-scale reconstructions of ENSO-like climate change derived independently from precipitation proxies and temperature proxies. The method is developed and validated using model-derived pseudo-proxy experiments that address the effects of proxy dating error, resolution, and noise to improve uncertainty estimations. We find no evidence that temperature and precipitation disagree over the ENSO-like state over the past millennium, but neither do they agree strongly. There is no statistically significant difference between the MCA and the LIA in either reconstruction. However, the temperature reconstruction suffers from a lack of high-quality proxy records located in ENSO-sensitive regions, which limits its ability to capture the large-scale ENSO signal. Further expansion of the palaeo-database and improvements to instrumental, satellite, and model representations of ENSO are needed to fully resolve the discrepancies found among proxy records and establish the long-term stability of this important mode of climatic variability.
CLEPS 1.0: A new protocol for cloud aqueous phase oxidation of VOC mechanisms
Authors: Mouchel-Vallon Camille , Deguillaume Laurent , Monod Anne , Perroux Hélène , Rose Clémence , Ghigo Giovanni , Long Yoann , Leriche Maud , Aumont Bernard , Patryl Luc , Armand Patrick , Chaumerliac Nadine
Published: March 2017

Abstract. A new detailed aqueous phase mechanism named the Cloud Explicit Physico-chemical Scheme (CLEPS 1.0) is proposed to describe the oxidation of water soluble organic compounds resulting from isoprene oxidation. It is based on structure activity relationships (SARs) which provide global rate constants together with branching ratios for HO⋅ abstraction and addition on atmospheric organic compounds. The GROMHE SAR allows the evaluation of Henry's law constants for undocumented organic compounds. This new aqueous phase mechanism is coupled with the MCM v3.3.1 gas phase mechanism through a mass transfer scheme between gas phase and aqueous phase. The resulting multiphase mechanism has then been implemented in a model based on the Dynamically Simple Model for Atmospheric Chemical Complexity (DSMACC) using the Kinetic PreProcessor (KPP) that can serve to analyze data from cloud chamber experiments and field campaigns. The simulation of permanent cloud under low-NOx conditions describes the formation of oxidized monoacids and diacids in the aqueous phase as well as a significant influence on the gas phase chemistry and composition and shows that the aqueous phase reactivity leads to an efficient fragmentation and functionalization of organic compounds.