bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Reevaluation of Time Domain Reflectometry Propagation Time Determination in Soils
Authors: Schwartz R.C. , Casanova J.J. , Bell J.M. , Evett S.R.
Published: December 2013

Time domain reflectometry (TDR) is an established method for the determination of apparent dielectric permittivity and water content in soils. Using current waveform interpretation procedures, signal attenuation and variation in dielectric media properties along the transmission line can significantly increase sampling error in estimating the time, t2, at which the pulse arrives at the end of the probe. Additionally, manual adjustment of waveform analysis parameters is frequently required in current software to accommodate changes in media properties when processing large time series of TDR measurements. Our objectives were to reevaluate conventional propagation time analysis and difficulties with these methods, introduce the AWIGF (adaptive waveform interpretation with Gaussian filtering) algorithm that circumvents these problems, and compare interpretation methods using waveforms obtained with different TDR instruments and under widely varying media properties. The AWIGF algorithm filters signal noise using Gaussian kernels with an adaptively estimated standard deviation based on the maximum gradient of the reflection at the termination of the probe. Two fitted parameters are required to scale the smoothing level for a given step pulse generator. Additionally, the maximum second derivative is used to evaluate t2. The AWIGF‐determined t2 was compared with TACQ, a standard waveform interpretation algorithm. The strategies of AWIGF permitted the determination of t2 without parameter adjustment when the loss characteristics of the medium changed, such as with an increase in soil water content and bulk electrical conductivity. Using the new method, the sampling error of t2 was <0.06 ns across a wide range of medium properties and less than or equal to that obtained with TACQ. In strongly attenuated waveforms, the water content sampling error determined with AWIGF was 0.005 m3 m−3 compared with 0.038 m3 m−3 obtained using TACQ.
Treatment on low carbon-to-nitrogen micro-polluted water by layered biological aerated filter with floating and sunken media
Authors: Jia Xiaoning , Li Yanfeng , Zhou Lincheng , Yue Yanli , Xie Gang , Fan Lijun
Published: December 2013

In order to improve the TN removal efficiency on low carbon-to-nitrogen micro-polluted water, in this study, a layered biological aerated filter (L-BAF) was built. The results showed that the removal efficiency for CODMn, NH3-N, and TN was 71.6–90.3%, 99.8–99.9%, and 57.8–65.7%, respectively, when the C/N ratio was kept at 3 and the volumetric flow rate was 0.072 m3 d−1. The L-BAF could improve the TN removal efficiency by about 20% compared to a traditional process. The L-BAF and traditional process removal efficiency for NH3-N and CODMn were similar. The kinetic performance of the L-BAF indicated that the relationship of CODMn removal efficiency with the influent CODMn concentration could be described by ln(C/C0) = −(0.0023/Q0C00.9398)H.
Development of exobiopolymer-based biosensor for detection of phosphate in water
Authors: Kaur Taranpreet , Ganguli Abhijit , Ghosh Moushumi
Published: December 2013

The present study was conducted to develop a biosensor by exploiting phosphate-binding capacity of exobiopolymer (EBP) produced by Acinetobacter sp. An environmental isolate of EBP-producing Acinetobacter sp. was subjected to transposon (Tn5) mutagenesis to overproduce EBP and afford improved phosphate selectivity. A mutant producing the highest amount of EBP with high phosphate-binding capacity was selected for biosensor probe fabrication. Phosphate samples were filtered through EBP-coated membranes and phosphate retained on membranes was determined by molybdenum blue method. The color produced was read using a LED 690 nm/photodiode detection system linked to an amplifier and signals were converted to appropriate phosphate concentrations. The biosensor had a limit of detection of 0.5 mg/L and a limit of quantification 1 mg/L. The biosensor as well as the probe were found to be stable for at least 28 days. In conclusion, we believe that the biosensor may have applications in monitoring of wastewater and environmental samples. Further, the enrichment of phosphate levels by EBP can help in analysis of very low phosphate concentrations.
Controlling chemical dosing for sulfide mitigation in sewer networks using a hybrid automata control strategy
Authors: Liu Yiqi , Ganigué Ramon , Sharma Keshab , Yuan Zhiguo
Published: December 2013

Chemicals such as magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) and iron salts are widely used to control sulfide-induced corrosion in sewer networks composed of interconnected sewer pipe lines and pumping stations. Chemical dosing control is usually non-automatic and based on experience, thus often resulting in sewage reaching the discharge point receiving inadequate or even no chemical dosing. Moreover, intermittent operation of pumping stations makes traditional control theory inadequate. A hybrid automata-based (HA-based) control method is proposed in this paper to coordinate sewage pumping station operations by considering their states, thereby ensuring suitable chemical concentrations in the network discharge. The performance of the proposed control method was validated through a simulation study of a real sewer network using real sewage flow data. The physical, chemical and biological processes were simulated using the well-established SeweX model. The results suggested that the HA-based control strategy significantly improved chemical dosing control performance and sulfide mitigation in sewer networks, compared to the current common practice.
Bacterial diversity in antibiotic wastewater treatment
Authors: Han J. , Wang L. Y. , Cai B. Y.
Published: December 2013

The bacterial diversity of an antibiotic industrial wastewater treatment system was analyzed to provide the information required for further optimization of this process and for identification of bacterial strains that perform improved degradation of antibiotic industrial wastewater. The total bacterial DNA of samples collected at three stages (aeration, precipitation, and idle) during the sequencing batch reactor (SBR) process were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction–denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) of the 16 s rDNA V3 regions. Community analysis was conducted in terms of the richness value (S), the dominance degree and the Shannon–Wiener diversity index (H). Rich bacterial diversity was apparent in the aeration stage of the SBR process, and the number of bands in the aeration stage was more abundant than that in the precipitation and idle stages. The DGGE analysis showed 15 bands, six of which were uncultured bacteria, and included one anaerobic and five aerobic bacteria. The microbial community in the aeration stage was the most complex of the whole SBR process, while the dominant bacteria differed in each reaction stage. These results demonstrate the cyclical dynamic changes in the bacterial population during the SBR process for the treatment of antibiotic industrial wastewater.
Ammonium removal from wastewater via struvite pyrolysate recycling with Mg(OH)2 addition
Authors: Yu Rongtai , Cheng Subin , Ren Hongqiang , Wang Yanru , Ding Lili , Geng Jinju , Xu Ke , Zhang Yan
Published: December 2013

Magnesium ammonium phosphate (MAP) pyrolysate recycling technology was investigated with Mg(OH)2-mediated pyrolysis. The results revealed that the removal ratio of ammonium was stable at about 75%, and could be increased to 79% after additional acidolysis. The phosphate concentration in the supernate was low at 2 mg/L. The optimum conditions for ammonia release were a 1:1 molar ratio of Mg(OH)2:NH4+, a heating temperature of 110 °C and a heating time of 3 h. With continual additions of Mg(OH)2 to release ammonia, magnesium phosphate (Mg3(PO4)2) was suggested as a possible derivative. However, with Mg(OH)2-mediated pyrolysis, the growth and nucleation of MAP was inhibited during MAP pyrolysate recycling.
Performance of microbial fuel cells on removal of metronidazole
Authors: Song Hong , Guo Wei , Liu Menglin , Sun Jianhui
Published: December 2013

The microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are the focus of extensive investigation as one of the promising technologies for renewable energy generation and wastewater treatment. Two-chambered MFCs were designed to investigate the removal of metronidazole and to quantify the effect of antibiotic on the efficacy of energy generation. Using 1,000 mg glucose L−1 containing different concentrations of metronidazole (0, 10, 30, 50 mg L−1) as the fuels, the corresponding power densities were 141.94, 99.23, 25.44, 16.26 mW m−2, respectively. The adverse effect on the performance of the MFCs was reversible. The removal of metronidazole achieved 85.4% within 24 hours in MFCs, while only 35.2% in open circuit. Current generation could account for the improved removal efficiency at these tested concentration levels. The findings of this paper indicated that antibiotics such as metronidazole could be removed in MFCs, which has implications for general wastewater treatment.
Taenia eggs in a stabilization pond system with poor hydraulics: concern for human cysticercosis?
Authors: Verbyla Matthew E. , Oakley Stewart M. , Lizima Louis A. , Zhang Jie , Iriarte Mercedes , Tejada-Martinez Andres E. , Mihelcic James R.
Published: December 2013

The objective of this study is to compare the removal of Taenia eggs to the removal of Ascaris eggs in a wastewater stabilization pond system consisting of three ponds in series, where the hydraulic residence time distribution has been characterized via a tracer study supported by computational fluid dynamics modeling. Despite a theoretical hydraulic retention time of 30 days, the peak dye concentration was measured in the effluent of the first pond after only 26 hours. The smaller-sized Taenia eggs were detected in higher concentrations than Ascaris eggs in the raw wastewater. Ascaris eggs were not detected in the pond system effluent, but 45 Taenia eggs/L were detected in the system effluent. If some of these eggs were of the species Taenia solium, and if the treated wastewater were used for the irrigation of crops for human consumption, farmers and consumers could potentially be at risk for neurocysticercosis. Thus, limits for Taenia eggs in irrigation water should be established, and precautions should be taken in regions where pig taeniasis is endemic. The results of this study indicate that the theoretical hydraulic retention time (volume/flow) of a pond is not always a good surrogate for helminth egg removal.
Operative treatment of metacarpal and phalangeal fractures with Kirschner wire fixation: A review
Authors: Palibrk Tomislav , Lesic Aleksandar , Andjelkovic Sladjana , Milosevic Ivan , Stefanovic Rodoljub , Milutinovic Suzana , Zagorac Slavisa , Bumbasirevic Marko
Published: December 2013

Although hand fractures are most common fractures treated in orthopedic
practice, many practicians treat them as trivial injuries. Improperly managed
they can cause consequences and impair hand function. Metacarpal and
phalangeal fractures are classified based on geometry, anatomic localization
and wound presence and treatment depend on mechanism of injury. Many of them
can be treated nonoperatively with reposition and immobilization, but in some
cases osteosynthesis is a method of choice. Surgeon can choose various range
of fixation material, and choice depends on fracture type and surgeons
affinity. Kirschner wire fixation is one of the most frequently used
operative procedure for hand fracture treatment. It provides good stability,
early mobilization and excellent functional result.
Calculation of t8/5 by response surface methodology for electric arc welding applications
Authors: Meseguer-Valdenebro José , Martínez-Conesa Eusebio , Miguel-Eguíac Valentín , Valcuende Paya
Published: December 2013

One of the greatest difficulties traditionally found in stainless steel
constructions has been the execution of welding parts in them. At the
present time, the available technology allows us to use arc welding
processes for that application without any disadvantage. Response surface
methodology is used to optimise a process in which the variables that take
part in it are not related to each other by a mathematical law. Therefore,
an empiric model must be formulated. With this methodology the optimisation
of one selected variable may be done. In this work, the cooling time that
takes place from 800 to 500?C, t8/5, after TIG welding operation, is
modelled by the response surface method. The arc power, the welding velocity
and the thermal efficiency factor are considered as the variables that have
influence on the t8/5 value. Different cooling times,t8/5, for different
combinations of values for the variables are previously determined by a
numerical method. The input values for the variables have been
experimentally established. The results indicate that response surface
methodology may be considered as a valid technique for these purposes.
Optimization of nanofluid-cooled microchannel heat sink
Authors: Adham Ahmed , Mohd-Ghazali Normah , Ahmad Robiah
Published: December 2013

The optimization of a nanofluid-cooled rectangular microchannel heat sink is
reported. Two nanofluids with volume fraction of 1 %, 3 %, 5 %, 7 % and 9 %
are employed to enhance the overall performance of the system. An
optimization scheme is applied consisting of a systematic thermal resistance
model as an analysis method and the elitist non-dominated sorting genetic
algorithm (NSGA-II). The optimized results showed that the increase in the
particles volume fraction results in a decrease in the total thermal
resistance and an increase in the pumping power. For volume fractions of 1
%, 3 %, 5 %, 7 % and 9 %, the thermal resistances were 0.072, 0.07151,
0.07075, 0.07024 and 0.070 [oK W-1] for the SiC-H2O while, they were 0.0705,
0.0697, 0.0694, 0.0692 and 0.069 [oK W-1] for the TiO2-H2O. The associated
pumping power were 0.633, 0.638, 0.704, 0.757 and 0.807 [W] for the SiC-H2O
while they were 0.645, 0.675, 0.724, 0.755 and 0.798 [W] for the TiO2-H2O.
In addition, for the same operating conditions, the nanofluid-cooled system
outperformed the water-cooled system in terms of the total thermal
resistance (0.069 and 0.11 for nanofluid-cooled and water-cooled systems,
respectively). Based on the results observed in this study, nanofluids
should be considered as the future coolant for electronic devices cooling
systems.
The ABCs of Teaching Alphabet Knowledge: Affordances and Challenges of ‘Weaving’ Visible and Invisible Pedagogies
Authors: Exley Beryl , Richard-Bossez Ariane
Published: December 2013

As researchers interested in the pursuit of high-quality/high-equity literacy learning outcomes, the authors focus on the learning experiences of five early years French students, with a special regard for those who are already considered as being at risk of educational failure. The authors narrow the empirical focus to a single lesson on a mechanical concept of print — that is, matching lower- and upper-case alphabet letters. In doing so, they examine a deeply philosophical question: Which pedagogical practices (dis)enable what sorts of early years students as literacy learners? They introduce the notion of ‘weaving’ knowledge across dimensions of knowing to describe how the case study teacher ‘weaves' visible and invisible pedagogies over the four movements of a lesson. The findings reveal that different pedagogical framings have potentially different cognitive and social effects that constitute different kinds of literacy knowledge and oppressive subject positions for at-risk students.
Beyond the Investment Narrative
Authors: Moss Peter
Published: December 2013

The current policy interest in early childhood education and care is driven by an investment narrative, a story of quality and high returns emerging from a dominant neoliberal political economy. This short note expresses deep reservations about this narrative, and hints at another narrative that foregrounds democracy, experimentation and potentiality.
Proinsulin-Transferrin Fusion Protein as a Novel Long-Acting Insulin Analog for the Inhibition of Hepatic Glucose Production
Authors: Wang Yan , Shao Juntang , Zaro Jennica L. , Shen Wei-Chiang
Published: December 2013

Proinsulin-transferrin (ProINS-Tf) fusion protein was evaluated for its in vivo pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and mechanism. Our previous studies have shown that ProINS-Tf was converted to active insulin-transferrin (INS-Tf) via the transferrin (Tf)-receptor–mediated pathway in hepatoma cells. We hypothesized that this fusion protein can be administered as a prodrug and be converted to a biologically active protein with specificity for the liver versus other insulin (INS)-sensitive tissues (muscle and adipose). Administration as an inactive prodrug with liver-specific action compared with other INS-sensitive tissues conceivably reduces negative side effects seen with other INS analogs. In this report, the data show that ProINS-Tf exhibited a slow, but sustained, in vivo hypoglycemic efficacy and long plasma half-life. The fusion protein showed activity in the liver, as evidenced by decreased expression of two key hepatic glucose production (HGP) enzymes, PEPCK and glucose-6-phosphatase, and increased glycogen levels under feeding conditions. Furthermore, the INS receptor (IR) phosphorylation (activation) in liver and muscle tissues was compared with postinjection of INS or ProINS-Tf. While INS activated IR in both the liver and muscle, ProINS-Tf only showed activation in the liver. Thus, ProINS-Tf fusion protein can potentially be administered as a prodrug with sustained Tf-mediated activation and selectivity in inhibiting HGP.
Chronic Reduction of Plasma Free Fatty Acid Improves Mitochondrial Function and Whole-Body Insulin Sensitivity in Obese and Type 2 Diabetic Individuals
Authors: Daniele Giuseppe , Eldor Roy , Merovci Aurora , Clarke Geoffrey D. , Xiong Juan , Tripathy Devjit , Taranova Anna , Abdul-Ghani Muhammad , DeFronzo Ralph A.
Published: December 2013

Insulin resistance and dysregulation of free fatty acid (FFA) metabolism are core defects in type 2 diabetic (T2DM) and obese normal glucose tolerant (NGT) individuals. Impaired muscle mitochondrial function (reduced ATP synthesis) also has been described in insulin-resistant T2DM and obese subjects. We examined whether reduction in plasma FFA concentration with acipimox improved ATP synthesis rate and altered reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Eleven NGT obese and 11 T2DM subjects received 1) OGTT, 2) euglycemic insulin clamp with muscle biopsy, and 3) 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy of tibialis anterior muscle before and after acipimox (250 mg every 6 h for 12 days). ATP synthesis rate and ROS generation were measured in mitochondria isolated from muscle tissue ex vivo with chemoluminescence and fluorescence techniques, respectively. Acipimox 1) markedly reduced the fasting plasma FFA concentration and enhanced suppression of plasma FFA during oral glucose tolerance tests and insulin clamp in obese NGT and T2DM subjects and 2) enhanced insulin-mediated muscle glucose disposal and suppression of hepatic glucose production. The improvement in insulin sensitivity was closely correlated with the decrease in plasma FFA in obese NGT (r = 0.81) and T2DM (r = 0.76) subjects (both P < 0.001). Mitochondrial ATP synthesis rate increased by >50% in both obese NGT and T2DM subjects and was strongly correlated with the decrease in plasma FFA and increase in insulin-mediated glucose disposal (both r > 0.70, P < 0.001). Production of ROS did not change after acipimox. Reduction in plasma FFA in obese NGT and T2DM individuals improves mitochondrial ATP synthesis rate, indicating that the mitochondrial defect in insulin-resistant individuals is, at least in part, reversible.
Rap1 Ameliorates Renal Tubular Injury in Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Xiao Li , Zhu Xuejing , Yang Shikun , Liu Fuyou , Zhou Zhiguang , Zhan Ming , Xie Ping , Zhang Dongshan , Li Jun , Song Panai , Kanwar Yashpal S. , Sun Lin
Published: December 2013

Rap1b ameliorates high glucose (HG)-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in tubular cells. However, its role and precise mechanism in diabetic nephropathy (DN) in vivo remain unclear. We hypothesize that Rap1 plays a protective role in tubular damage of DN by modulating primarily the mitochondria-derived oxidative stress. The role and precise mechanisms of Rap1b on mitochondrial dysfunction and of tubular cells in DN were examined in rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes that have Rap1b gene transfer using an ultrasound microbubble-mediated technique as well as in renal proximal epithelial tubular cell line (HK-2) exposed to HG ambiance. The results showed that Rap1b expression decreased significantly in tubules of renal biopsies from patients with DN. Overexpression of a constitutively active Rap1b G12V notably ameliorated renal tubular mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in the kidneys of STZ-induced rats, which was accompanied with increased expression of transcription factor C/EBP-β and PGC-1α. Furthermore, Rap1b G12V also decreased phosphorylation of Drp-1, a key mitochondrial fission protein, while boosting the expression of genes related to mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidants in HK-2 cells induced by HG. These effects were imitated by transfection with C/EBP-β or PGC-1α short interfering RNA. In addition, Rap1b could modulate C/EBP-β binding to the endogenous PGC-1α promoter and the interaction between PGC-1α and catalase or mitochondrial superoxide dismutase, indicating that Rap1b ameliorates tubular injury and slows the progression of DN by modulation of mitochondrial dysfunction via C/EBP-β–PGC-1α signaling.
Elevated Mouse Hepatic Betatrophin Expression Does Not Increase Human β-Cell Replication in the Transplant Setting
Authors: Jiao Yang , Le Lay John , Yu Ming , Naji Ali , Kaestner Klaus H.
Published: December 2013

The recent discovery of betatrophin, a protein secreted by the liver and white adipose tissue in conditions of insulin resistance and shown to dramatically stimulate replication of mouse insulin-producing β-cells, has raised high hopes for the rapid development of a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of diabetes. At present, however, the effects of betatrophin on human β-cells are not known. Here we use administration of the insulin receptor antagonist S961, shown to increase betatrophin gene expression and stimulate β-cell replication in mice, to test its effect on human β-cells. Although mouse β-cells, in their normal location in the pancreas or when transplanted under the kidney capsule, respond with a dramatic increase in β-cell DNA replication, human β-cells are completely unresponsive. These results put into question whether betatrophin can be developed as a therapeutic approach for treating human diabetes.
Sedimentation rates in the Lake Qattinah using 210Pb and 137Cs as geochronometer
Authors: Alhajji Eskander , Ismail Iyas , Al-Masri Mohammad , Salman Nouman , Al-Haleem Mohammad , Doubal Ahmad
Published: December 2013

The constant rate of supply (CRS) of excess 210Pb model was successfully applied to assess 210Pb data of two sediment cores from the lake Qattinah, Syria. Gamma spectrometry was used to determine 137Cs and 210Pb activity concentrations. The bottom of the cores was 210Pb-dated to years 1907 and 1893. The accumulation rates were determined using 210Pb method and found to vary similarly in both cores from 0.10 ± 0.01 to 3.78 ± 0.57 kg m−2 y−1 during the past century. 137Cs was used as an in-dependent chronometer. The two distinct peaks observed on the 137Cs record of both cores, corresponding to 1965 and 1986, have allowed a successful validation of the CRS model.
Multi-method luminescence investigations on quartz grains of different sizes extracted from a loess section in Southeast Romania interbedding the Campanian Ignimbrite ash layer
Authors: Anechitei-Deacu Valentina , Timar-Gabor Alida , Fitzsimmons Kathryn , Veres Daniel , Hambach Ulrich
Published: December 2013

In this study we present luminescence investigations of four samples of loess bracketing the Campanian Ignimbrite/Y5 tephra at the Rasova-Valea cu Pietre site, on the eastern bank of the Danube River, southeastern Romania. Investigations involved SAR-OSL dating on aliquots of fine (4–11 μm) and medium-grained (63–90 μm) quartz, as well as single grain analyses on 125–180 μm quartz. Luminescence dating results coupled with glass-shard chemical fingerprinting assign the depositional age and origin of the ash layer to that of the Campanian Ignimbrite/Y5 tephra, dated elsewhere using 40Ar/39Ar to 39.28 ± 0.11 ka. Fine-grained (4–11 μm) quartz SAR-OSL analyses yielded ages of 44.4 ± 4.5 ka below the ash, and 41.4 ± 4.2 ka above the ash layer. Single grain analysis on coarse-grained quartz, however, demonstrates that coarse material from these samples exhibits low sensitivity and responds poorly to internal checks of the SAR protocol in comparison with the finer sediment. This observation highlights the need for more extensive investigations into the luminescence properties of quartz as well as into the origin of quartz contributions from different primary sources in the Lower Danube loess steppe.
Energy efficiency of growing ram lambs fed concentrate-based diets with different roughage sources
Authors: Galvani D. B. , Pires A. V. , Susin I. , Gouvêa V. N. , Berndt A. , Chagas L. J. , Dórea J. R. R. , Abdalla A. L. , Tedeschi L. O.
Published: December 2013

Poor-quality roughages are widely used as fiber sources in concentrate-based diets for ruminants. Because roughage quality is associated with the efficiency of energy use in forage-based diets, the objective of this study was to determine whether differing the roughage source in concentrate-based diets could change the energy requirements of growing lambs. Eighty-four 1/2 Dorper × 1/2 Santa In®s ram lambs (18.0 ± 3.3 kg BW) were individually penned and divided into 2 groups according to primary source of dietary roughage: low-quality roughage (LQR; sugarcane bagasse) or medium-quality roughage (MQR; coastcross hay). Diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous (2.6% N) and to meet 20% of physically effective NDF. After a 10-d ad libitum adaptation period, 7 lambs from each group were randomly selected and slaughtered (baseline). Twenty-one lambs in each diet group were fed ad libitum and slaughtered at 25, 35, or 45 kg BW. The remaining 28 lambs (14 from each diet group) were submitted to 1 of 2 levels of feed restriction: 70% or 50% of the ad libitum intake. Retentions of body fat, N, and energy were determined. Additionally, 6 ram lambs (44.3 ± 5.6 kg BW) were kept in metabolic cages and used in a 6 × 6 Latin square experiment designed to establish the ME content of the 2 diets at the 3 levels of DM intake. There was no effect of intake level on diet ME content, but it was greater in the diet with LQR than in the diet with MQR (3.18 vs. 2.94 Mcal/kg, respectively; P < 0.01). Lambs fed the diet with LQR had greater body fat (g/kg of empty BW) and energy concentrations (kcal/kg of empty BW) because of a larger visceral fat deposition (P < 0.05). Using a low-quality roughage as a primary source of forage in a concentrate-based diet for growing lambs did not change NEm and the efficiency of ME use for maintenance, which averaged 71.6 kcal/kg0.75 of shrunk BW and 0.63, respectively. On the other hand, the greater nonfibrous carbohydrate content of the diet with LQR resulted in a 17% better efficiency of ME use for gain (P < 0.01), which was associated with a greater partial efficiency of energy retention as fat (P < 0.01). This increased nutritional efficiency, however, should be viewed with caution because it is related to visceral fat deposition, a nonedible tissue.
The Hard Case:Billy Buddand the Judgment Intuitive
Authors: Crane Gregg
Published: December 2013

This article explores the importance of a certain form of intuitive reasoning to hard cases, ambiguous situations, and problems that seem to resist the straightforward application of a clear rule. Certain aspects of the processes of judgment come into sharpest relief in those cases where justice seems to require that we bend, modify, or repress the applicable rules. Judges have often been judged not only by virtue of their adherence to the procedures and norms of law but also in regard to their ability to qualify or moderate or even subvert such rules. Melville's posthumous novel, Billy Budd, I argue, offers a revealing and even iconic instance of the necessity of intuitive reasoning to these more arduous and uncertain forms of judgment.
Analysis of the glacial geomorphological characteristics of the last glacial in the Tianger area, Tien Shan, and their paleoclimate implications
Authors: Nie Zhenyu , Pan Renyi , Li Chuanchuan , Zhang Mei , Liu Gengnian
Published: December 2013

The Tianger area in the Tien Shan preserves many glacial landforms to which several methods of estimating ancient equilibrium-line altitudes (ELAs) can be applied. Thus it provides the opportunity to compare different methods and evaluate the correlation between the methods and their errors. This comparison provides guidance in the application of these methods in other mid-latitude alpine glaciated areas. In this paper we calculate characteristic ratios relating to the ELAs, including accumulation–area ratio (AAR), toe–headwall altitude ratio (THAR), terminus–summit altitude method (TSAM) and Höfer value, and their correlations with each other and the geomorphological characteristics. The AAR of a glacier is small when the slope of the bedrock beneath it is small and the area is large, and the AAR of a glacier with such characteristics is better correlated with its THAR, TSAM and Höfer value. Paleoclimate information derived from these characteristic ratios relating to ELAs is discussed. The glaciers and the glacial climate of the early and middle stage of the last glacial are more continental than those of the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Compared with those of the LGM on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau and surrounding mountains, the ELA characteristics of the early and middle stage of the last glacial in the Tianger area show more continental features.
The Role of the 3' Untranslated Region in the Post-Transcriptional Regulation of KLF6 Gene Expression in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Diab Thoria , Hanoun Naima , Bureau Christophe , Christol Camille , Buscail Louis , Cordelier Pierre , Torrisani Jérôme
Published: December 2013

KLF6 is ubiquitously expressed in human tissues and regulates many pathways such as differentiation, development, cellular proliferation, growth-related signal transduction, and apoptosis. We previously demonstrated that KLF6 expression is altered during liver carcinogenesis. More importantly, KLF6 invalidation results in cell cycle progression inhibition and apoptosis of liver cancer cells. On the other hand, enforced expression of KLF6 variant 2 (SV2) induces cancer cell death by apoptosis. Thus, we and others demonstrated that KLF6 and its splicing variants play a critical role in liver cancer. However, little is known on the mechanisms governing KLF6 expression in HCC. In the present work, we asked whether the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of the KLF6 mRNA may be responsible for regulation of KLF6 expression in HCC. We found that KLF6 mRNA stability was altered in liver-derived cell lines as compared to cervical cancer-derived cell lines and human embryonic fibroblasts. Interestingly, KLF6 mRNA was highly unstable in liver cancer-derived cell lines as compared to normal hepatocytes. We next cloned the KLF6 mRNA 3'UTR into luciferase-expressing vectors and found that gene expression and activity were strongly impaired in all liver-derived cell lines tested. In addition, we found that most the KLF6 3'UTR destabilisation activity resides between nt 1,835 and nt 2,615 of the KLF6 gene. Taken together, we provide the first steps towards better understanding of the regulation of KLF6 expression in HCC. Further work is needed to identify the factors that bind to KLF6 3'UTR to regulate its expression in liver cancer-derived cell lines.
Regulation of Compound Leaf Development
Authors: Wang Yuan , Chen Rujin
Published: December 2013

Leaf morphology is one of the most variable, yet inheritable, traits in the plant kingdom. How plants develop a variety of forms and shapes is a major biological question. Here, we discuss some recent progress in understanding the development of compound or dissected leaves in model species, such as tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), Cardamine hirsuta and Medicago truncatula, with an emphasis on recent discoveries in legumes. We also discuss progress in gene regulations and hormonal actions in compound leaf development. These studies facilitate our understanding of the underlying regulatory mechanisms and put forward a prospective in compound leaf studies.
RAZOR: A Compression and Classification Solution for the Internet of Things
Authors: Danieletto Matteo , Bui Nicola , Zorzi Michele
Published: December 2013

The Internet of Things is expected to increase the amount of data produced and exchanged in the network, due to the huge number of smart objects that will interact with one another. The related information management and transmission costs are increasing and becoming an almost unbearable burden, due to the unprecedented number of data sources and the intrinsic vastness and variety of the datasets. In this paper, we propose RAZOR, a novel lightweight algorithm for data compression and classification, which is expected to alleviate both aspects by leveraging the advantages offered by data mining methods for optimizing communications and by enhancing information transmission to simplify data classification. In particular, RAZOR leverages the concept of motifs, recurrent features used for signal categorization, in order to compress data streams: in such a way, it is possible to achieve compression levels of up to an order of magnitude, while maintaining the signal distortion within acceptable bounds and allowing for simple lightweight distributed classification. In addition, RAZOR is designed to keep the computational complexity low, in order to allow its implementation in the most constrained devices. The paper provides results about the algorithm configuration and a performance comparison against state-of-the-art signal processing techniques.
Deoxynivalenol: A Major Player in the Multifaceted Response of Fusarium to Its Environment
Authors: Audenaert Kris , Vanheule Adriaan , Höfte Monica , Haesaert Geert
Published: December 2013

The mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON), produced by several Fusarium spp., acts as a virulence factor and is essential for symptom development after initial wheat infection. Accumulating evidence shows that the production of this secondary metabolite can be triggered by diverse environmental and cellular signals, implying that it might have additional roles during the life cycle of the fungus. Here, we review data that position DON in the saprophytic fitness of Fusarium, in defense and in the primary C and N metabolism of the plant and the fungus. We combine the available information in speculative models on the role of DON throughout the interaction with the host, providing working hypotheses that await experimental validation. We also highlight the possible impact of control measures in the field on DON production and summarize the influence of abiotic factors during processing and storage of food and feed matrices. Altogether, we can conclude that DON is a very important compound for Fusarium to cope with a changing environment and to assure its growth, survival, and production of toxic metabolites in diverse situations.
Le dernier voyage d'Alexandre Csoma de Körös (1842)
Authors: Le Calloc'h Bernard
Published: December 2013

Le savant hongrois Csoma de Kôros, fondateur de la Tibétologie européenne, était persuadé que les Magyars descendaient des Huns et que leur berceau d'origine devait se trouver en Haute Asie. Par conséquent, il entreprit de s'y rendre. Cet article examine la dernière tentative pour traverser le Tibet. Csoma perdit la vie en chemin. En effet, Csoma engage son voyage au moment où les confins indo-tibétains sont embrasés par une guerre et où les pays d'Asie orientale en proie à l'expansionnisme européen (guerre de l'Opium) sont enclins à voir dans tout Européen un agent de l'impérialisme.
The Rio Nunez Affair : New perspectives on a significant event in nineteenth century Franco-British colonial rivalry
Authors: Braithwaite Roderick
Published: December 2013

Une expédition franco-belge contre la capitale de la chefferie africaine de Boké coïncida avec une agression contre deux ressortissants britanniques. Cette attaque allait à l'encontre du projet du capitaine Bouët-Willaumez de faire du Rio Nunez une possession française. Malgré les efforts de Palmerston, champion de la cause anglaise, cette « affaire dans l'affaire » traîna pendant quatre ans et se solda par le succès de la France soutenue par la Belgique. Symptôme d'une décennie de rivalité entre Européens pour mettre la main sur cette partie du continent africain, cette affaire fut aussi le prélude à l'insertion de la future Guinée française dans une Afrique occidentale française.
Nord et Sud au XIXe siècle : l'utopie française d'Alexandre Isaac
Authors: Mauvois Georges B.
Published: December 2013

La politique d'expansion coloniale a — le plus souvent — recueilli l'assentiment des milieux parlementaires de la IIIe République. Néanmoins, on peut relever des vues divergentes parmi les partisans de la colonisation. Élu radical de la Guadeloupe, le sénateur Isaac fut — au cours de ses deux mandatures (1885-1899) — l'un des parlementaires les plus actifs dans le débat colonial. Il prit notamment part aux travaux de la commission sénatoriale d'étude des questions algériennes, constituée en 1891 sous la présidence de Jules Ferry.
La France du Levant ou la spécificité impériale française au début du XX' siècle
Authors: Cloarec Vincent
Published: December 2013

La France du Levant est une expression originellement inventée aux environs de 1900 par des personnalités du milieu catholique et missionnaire français afin d'exalter le dynamisme civilisateur des établissements congrégationnistes installés dans l'Empire ottoman, les Balkans et l'Egypte. Les milieux patriotes et républicains expansionnistes s'en emparent rapidement pour donner un nom générique à la géographie de la francophonie orientale. Au-delà des réalités de l'influence française dans cette région, de nombreuses personnalités publiques voient dans la France du Levant l'une des illustrations les plus efficaces de l'originalité impériale française. Toutefois, le cadre exclusivement métropolitain de cette réflexion, les bouleversements en cours dans les sociétés orientales (avec l'apparition des idéologies nationales) et les modifications des modes d'influence des puissances dans l'Empire ottoman condamnent cette France du Levant à n'être qu'un schéma théorique sans appropriation réelle de la part de ceux qui décident de l'action extérieure du pays.
Les gouverneurs Viollette et Bordes et la politique algérienne de la France à la fin des années vingt
Authors: Cantier Jacques
Published: December 2013

A la fin des années vingt, le gouvernement général de l'Algérie fut l'objet de compétitions avivées par la préparation des fêtes du Centenaire. Le gouverneur Maurice Viollette, partisan d'une politique de réformes, se heurta à une vive opposition de la classe politique. Au terme d'une campagne menée par le fameux « lobby algérien » il dut céder la place à Pierre Bordes, préfet d'Alger, qui, sous couvert d'un discours plus gestionnaire, se fit le défenseur du statu quo colonial. Au-delà des oppositions de personnes, cet épisode, reconstitué à partir des archives des principaux intéressés, semble exemplaire d'un certain nombre de faiblesses de la politique algérienne de la France durant l' entre-deux-guerres.
Saint-Domingue en 1690. Les observations du père Plumier, botaniste provençal
Authors: Hrodej Philippe
Published: December 2013

Si l'homme moderne semble condamné à n'être qu'un spécialiste brillant, il n'en allait pas de même sous l'Ancien Régime. Le père Plumier (1646-1704) fut, outre son sacerdoce, un botaniste et un graveur renommé. Le découvrir également comme émissaire d'un gouverneur de Saint-Domingue, donc agent de la colonisation française, n'est pas surprenant. Servir le roi et l'État se conjugue au service de Dieu et à l'intérêt scientifique ou artistique. Le mémoire adressé au marquis de Seignelay, secrétaire d'État de la marine, en 1690, intégralement reproduit, permet de croiser le destin de la Partie française de la Grande Ile à l'un des moments les plus critiques de son histoire. Les yeux voient clair, le ton est juste, le résultat éloquent.
Maîtriser la nature : un enjeu colonial. Botanique et agronomie en Guyane et aux Antilles (XVIIe-XVIIIe siècles)
Authors: Regourd François
Published: December 2013

Au milieu du XVIIe siècle, les premiers colons se nourrissent des savoirs amérindiens et de l'expérience américaine de certains Européens pour survivre, alors que sont diffusées en France les premières descriptions de la flore caraïbe. Sous l'impulsion de Colbert, la monarchie organise la collecte d'informations et d'échantillons, tout en favorisant l'introduction de nouvelles plantes dans les colonies. Dans le dernier tiers du XVIIIe siècle, des jardins botaniques en Guyane et à Saint-Domingue permettent d'accroître l'efficacité de cette politique, en relation avec les jardins de l 'océan Indien, tandis que les colons, autour notamment des journaux locaux et du Cercle des Philadelphes, développent une activité intellectuelle qui se veut de plus en plus indépendante des institutions scientifiques royales.
Cartographie coloniale et encadrement des populations en Afrique coloniale française, dans la première moitié du XXe siècle
Authors: De Suremain Marie-Albane
Published: December 2013

During the conquest, colonial cartography had geopolitical strategic stakes : it was intended to secure imperial influence over the African continent. Colonial mapping later helped to assert the economic and administrative control over the territories. The progressive improvement of the map accuracy demonstrates how geographical knowledge served to establish investment priorities. In addition, as a colonial pedagogie tool, maps illustrated the power of empires. In Europe, they helped metropolitan opinions familiarize themselves with the existing empires. Locally, maps played an important role in identifying the boundaries of submitted peoples, and linking them to specific territories. Ethnographic maps were crucial toolsfor confining and controlling ethnic groups. The desire to establish colonial power through a better knowledge of the lansdcape and its inhabitants was one ofthe central reasons behind the creation of colonial geographic departments.
Sénégal : La santé des détenus dans les prisons coloniales
Authors: Thioub Ibrahima
Published: December 2013

L'emprisonnement, sanction pénale étrangère aux coutumes des détenus africains, fut en soi un facteur de dégradation sanitaire dans la population carcérale sénégalaise. Mais l'état de délabrement des lieux de détention, insalubres et mal aérés, la densité de l'occupation et l'exiguïté qui en résultait, le régime alimentaire insuffisant et le manque d'hygiène corporelle conduisirent à une surmortalité importante. Les autorités coloniales ne furent pas outre mesure préoccupées par cet état de fait, et les contraintes budgétaires auxquelles elles furent confrontées ne permirent pas que soient mobilisés en nombre suffisants personnels soignants et équipements matériels. La santé générale des détenus dans les prisons coloniales s'en ressentit gravement tandis qu'étaient surtout privilégiées les mesures liées à la sécurité.
Christianisme, Société et Culture dans le Sud-Ouest de Madagascar. Deuxième moitié du XIXe siècle. La Mission Luthérienne de Norvège
Authors: Lupo Pietro
Published: December 2013

As a result of a revival in the church to evangelise the non Christian world, the Horvegian missionaries came to Madagascar in 1866. They settled first in the « central highlands », in Antsirahe, and then in the Toliaria and Morondava region (south-west) in 1874. This study analyses especially the first contact with the comunities in these regions. The documentation collected in Antananarivo (archives of the Malagasy Luteran Church, Isoraka) and in Stavanger (Norvay), allowes us to make a historical reconstruction of the events close en ough to reality. These documents constituted letters and accounts, reports and diverse works, some are published and others classified or still be ing classified but still available to researchers. Documents even little or totally unknown through them, the autor tries on one part to capture the mentality of these same missionaries that brought a new religious message and also a civilisation of their comunities to « the end of the world », and on the other part to understand the culture and the religiousity of their comunities. By that, one discovers with the Sakalava people along the coast (south-west) a historic and human experience and an amazingly rich culture ; the world view, the social organisation, the philosophie ideas concerning God and men..., but also sometimes an extreme reaction on strangers, strikes the missionaries. The collection of documents, surpasses the scope of religious history ond presents a particular significant for the general history of south-west. Questions such as migratory mo vements, slave trade and the relationship between the coastal societies and the other regions of Madagascar are adressed.
Les Sépharades et la mer
Authors: Schwartzfuchs Simon
Published: December 2013

After their expulsion from Spain and Portugal, the Sefardic Jews who had never shown a great interest for the sea, except in few ports where they lived before their enforced departure (1492-1496), chose to settle, in the East and in the West, near to it. In the Ottoman empire most of them settled in Salonica, Istanbul and Smyrna, where they lived in harmony with the sea. In the West, they scattered, the New Christians as well as the Jews, in the ports of the Atlantic ocean and North sea, from Bayonne to Hamburg, in Bordeaux, Rouen, London, Amsterdam as well as smaller ports. From Amsterdam, they sailed to Brazil, the Caribeans and other ports of America. In the New World, they owned and fît out ships or sailed either as officers or members of the crews. They more rarely settled in the hinterland than on the coast. Most of the Sefardim were seafaring people. Their Ashkenazic brethen discovered the sea only at the turn of the twentieth century.
La mer dans la culture judéo-espagnole orale
Authors: Sephiha Haïm Vidal
Published: December 2013

La culture orale judéo-espagnole comprend proverbes, dits, expressions, contes et romances. C 'est à travers ce corpus que nous avons essayé de relever tout ce que, positivement ou négativement, représente la mer pour les Sephardim. Images et métaphores à la fois poétiques et réalistes y abondent. L 'enquête est fructueuse. Nous en livrons ici les premiers résultats.