bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Marine Microalga Diacronema vlkianum Biomass Fatty Acid Assimilation in Wistar Rats
Authors: De Mello-Sampayo Cristina , Paterna Angela , Polizzi Ambra , Duarte Diana , Batista Irineu , Pinto Rui , Gonçalves Patrícia , Raymundo Anabela , Batista Ana , Gouveia Luísa , Silva-Lima Beatriz , Bandarra Narcisa
Published: July 2017

Diacronema vlkianum is a marine microalgae for which supposed health promoting effects have been claimed based on its phytochemical composition. The potential use of its biomass as health ingredient, including detox-shakes, and the lack of bioavailability studies were the main concerns. In order to evaluate the microalgae-biomass assimilation and its health-benefits, single-dose (CD1-mice) studies were followed by 66-days repeated-dose study in Wistar rats with the highest tested single-dose of microalgae equivalent to 101 mg/kg eicosapentaenoic acid + docosahexaenoic acid (EPA+DHA). Microalgae-supplementation modulated EPA and docosapentaenoic acid enrichment at arachidonic acid content expenditure in erythrocytes and liver, while increasing EPA content of heart and adipose tissues of rats. Those fatty acid (FA) changes confirmed the D. vlkianum-biomass FA assimilation. The principal component analyses discriminated brain from other tissues, which formed two other groups (erythrocytes, liver, and heart separated from kidney and adipose tissues), pointing to a distinct signature of FA deposition for the brain and for the other organs. The improved serum lipid profile, omega-3 index and erythrocyte plasticity support the cardiovascular benefits of D. vlkianum. These results bolster the potential of D. vlkianum-biomass to become a “heart-healthy” food supplement providing a safe and renewable source of bioavailable omega-3 FA.
Antibacterial Activities of Pyrenylated Coumarins from the Roots of Prangos hulusii
Authors: Tan Nur , Yazıcı-Tütüniş Seçil , Bilgin Merve , Tan Emir , Miski Mahmut
Published: July 2017

The dichloromethane extract of the roots of Prangos hulusii, a recently described endemic species from Turkey, has yielded nine known and one new prenylated coumarins. The structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods and direct comparison with the reference compounds where available. The root extract and its prenylated coumarins exhibit antimicrobial activity against nine standard and six clinically isolated strains at a concentration between 5 and 125 µg/mL. In particular, the new coumarin, 4′-senecioiloxyosthol (1), displayed 5 µg/mL MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) value against Bacillus subtilis ATCC 9372, murraol (4) and auraptenol (5) showed 63 µg/mL MIC value against Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 4352 and Bacillus subtilis ATCC 9372, and isoimperatorin (9) exhibited 16 µg/mL MIC value.
Brain Functional Connectivity Is Modified by a Hypocaloric Mediterranean Diet and Physical Activity in Obese Women
Authors: García-Casares Natalia , Bernal-López María , Roé-Vellvé Nuria , Gutiérrez-Bedmar Mario , Fernández-García Jose , García-Arnés Juan , Ramos-Rodriguez José , Alfaro Francisco , Santamaria-Fernández Sonia , Steward Trevor , Jiménez-Murcia Susana , Garcia-Garcia Isabel , Valdivielso Pedro , Fernández-Aranda Fernando , Tinahones Francisco , Gómez-Huelgas Ricardo
Published: July 2017

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in the resting state has shown altered brain connectivity networks in obese individuals. However, the impact of a Mediterranean diet on cerebral connectivity in obese patients when losing weight has not been previously explored. The aim of this study was to examine the connectivity between brain structures before and six months after following a hypocaloric Mediterranean diet and physical activity program in a group of sixteen obese women aged 46.31 ± 4.07 years. Before and after the intervention program, the body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2) was 38.15 ± 4.7 vs. 34.18 ± 4.5 (p < 0.02), and body weight (kg) was 98.5 ± 13.1 vs. 88.28 ± 12.2 (p < 0.03). All subjects underwent a pre- and post-intervention fMRI under fasting conditions. Functional connectivity was assessed using seed-based correlations. After the intervention, we found decreased connectivity between the left inferior parietal cortex and the right temporal cortex (p < 0.001), left posterior cingulate (p < 0.001), and right posterior cingulate (p < 0.03); decreased connectivity between the left superior frontal gyrus and the right temporal cortex (p < 0.01); decreased connectivity between the prefrontal cortex and the somatosensory cortex (p < 0.025); and decreased connectivity between the left and right posterior cingulate (p < 0.04). Results were considered significant at a voxel-wise threshold of p ≤ 0.05, and a cluster-level family-wise error correction for multiple comparisons of p ≤ 0.05. In conclusion, functional connectivity between brain structures involved in the pathophysiology of obesity (the inferior parietal lobe, posterior cingulate, temporo-insular cortex, prefrontal cortex) may be modified by a weight loss program including a Mediterranean diet and physical exercise.
Prevalence of Inherited Hemoglobin Disorders and Relationships with Anemia and Micronutrient Status among Children in Yaoundé and Douala, Cameroon
Authors: Engle-Stone Reina , Williams Thomas , Nankap Martin , Ndjebayi Alex , Gimou Marie-Madeleine , Oyono Yannick , Tarini Ann , Brown Kenneth , Green Ralph
Published: July 2017

Information on the etiology of anemia is necessary to design effective anemia control programs. Our objective was to measure the prevalence of inherited hemoglobin disorders (IHD) in a representative sample of children in urban Cameroon, and examine the relationships between IHD and anemia. In a cluster survey of children 12–59 months of age (n = 291) in Yaoundé and Douala, we assessed hemoglobin (Hb), malaria infection, and plasma indicators of inflammation and micronutrient status. Hb S was detected by HPLC, and α+thalassemia (3.7 kb deletions) by PCR. Anemia (Hb < 110 g/L), inflammation, and malaria were present in 45%, 46%, and 8% of children. A total of 13.7% of children had HbAS, 1.6% had HbSS, and 30.6% and 3.1% had heterozygous and homozygous α+thalassemia. The prevalence of anemia was greater among HbAS compared to HbAA children (60.3 vs. 42.0%, p = 0.038), although mean Hb concentrations did not differ, p = 0.38). Hb and anemia prevalence did not differ among children with or without single gene deletion α+thalassemia. In multi-variable models, anemia was independently predicted by HbAS, HbSS, malaria, iron deficiency (ID; inflammation-adjusted ferritin <12 µg/L), higher C-reactive protein, lower plasma folate, and younger age. Elevated soluble transferrin receptor concentration (>8.3 mg/L) was associated with younger age, malaria, greater mean reticulocyte counts, inflammation, HbSS genotype, and ID. IHD are prevalent but contribute modestly to anemia among children in urban Cameroon.
Implications of Neuroinvasive Bacterial Peptides on Rodents Behaviour and Neurotransmission
Authors: Taj Aneela , Jamil Nusrat
Published: July 2017

Neuroinvasive microbes are capable of applying their influences on the autonomic nervous system (ANS) of the host followed by the involvement of central nervous system (CNS) by releasing extracellular metabolites that may cause alterations in the biochemical and neurophysiological environment. Consequently synaptic, neuroendocrine, peripheral immune, neuro-immune, and behavioural responses of the host facilitate the progression of infection. The present study was designed to extrapolate the effects of crude and purified extracellular peptides of neuropathogenic bacteria on behavioural responses and neurotransmission of Sprague Dawley (SD) models. Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) and Neisseria meningitides (Nm) were isolated from the 92 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples collected from mentally compromised patients. Bacillus cereus (Bc) and Clostridium tetani (Ct) were also included in the study. All bacterial strains were identified by the standard biochemical procedures. Filter sterilized cell free cultural broths (SCFBs) were prepared of different culture media. Behavioural study and neurotransmitter analysis were performed by giving an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of each bacterial SCFB to four groups (Test; n = 7) of SD rats, whereas two groups each (Control; n = 7) received a nutrient broth (NB) control and sterile physiological saline control, respectively. Extracellular bioactive peptides of these bacteria were screened and purified. All experiments were repeated using purified bacterial peptides on SD rat cohorts. Our study indicated promising behavioural changes, including fever, swelling, and hind paw paralysis, in SD rat cohorts. Purified bacterial peptides of all bacteria used in the present study elicited marked changes in behaviour through the involvement of the autonomic nervous system. Furthermore, these peptides of meningitis bacteria were found to potently affect the dopaminergic neurotransmission in CNS.
The Impact of Polymer Grafting from a Graphene Oxide Surface on Its Compatibility with a PDMS Matrix and the Light-Induced Actuation of the Composites
Authors: Osicka Josef , Ilčíková Markéta , Mrlik Miroslav , Minařík Antonín , Pavlinek Vladimir , Mosnáček Jaroslav
Published: July 2017

Poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS)-based materials with improved photoactuation properties were prepared by the incorporation of polymer-grafted graphene oxide particles. The modification of the graphene oxide (GO) surface was achieved via a surface initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI ATRP) of methyl methacrylate and butyl methacrylate. The modification was confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis, infrared spectroscopy and electron microscopy. The GO surface reduction during the SI ATRP was investigated using Raman spectroscopy and conductivity measurements. Contact angle measurements, dielectric spectroscopy and dynamic mechanical analyses were used to investigate the compatibility of the GO filler with the PDMS matrix and the influence of the GO surface modification on its physical properties and the interactions with the matrix. Finally, the thermal conductivity and photoactuation properties of the PDMS matrix and composites were compared. The incorporation of GO with grafted polymer chains, especially poly(n-butyl methacrylate), into the PDMS matrix improved the compatibility of the GO filler with the matrix, increased the energy dissipation due to the improved flexibility of the PDMS chains, enhanced the damping behavior and increased the thermal conductivity. All the changes in the properties positively affected the photoactuation behavior of the PDMS composites containing polymer-grafted GO.
Attributing Accelerated Summertime Warming in the Southeast United States to Recent Reductions in Aerosol Burden: Indications from Vertically-Resolved Observations
Authors: Tosca Mika , Campbell James , Garay Michael , Lolli Simone , Seidel Felix , Marquis Jared , Kalashnikova Olga
Published: July 2017

During the twentieth century, the southeast United States cooled, in direct contrast with widespread global and hemispheric warming. While the existing literature is divided on the cause of this so-called “warming hole,” anthropogenic aerosols have been hypothesized as playing a primary role in its occurrence. In this study, unique satellite-based observations of aerosol vertical profiles are combined with a one-dimensional radiative transfer model and surface temperature observations to diagnose how major reductions in summertime aerosol burden since 2001 have impacted surface temperatures in the southeast US. We show that a significant improvement in air quality likely contributed to the elimination of the warming hole and acceleration of the positive temperature trend observed in recent years. These reductions coincide with a new EPA rule that was implemented between 2006 and 2010 that revised the fine particulate matter standard downward. Similar to the southeast US in the twentieth century, other regions of the globe may experience masking of long-term warming due to greenhouse gases, especially those with particularly poor air quality.
A Novel Building Type Classification Scheme Based on Integrated LiDAR and High-Resolution Images
Authors: Huang Yuhan , Zhuo Li , Tao Haiyan , Shi Qingli , Liu Kai
Published: July 2017

Building type information is crucial to many urban studies, including fine-resolution population estimation, urban planning, and management. Although scientists have developed many methods to extract buildings via remote sensing data, only a limited number of them focus on further classification of the extracted results. This paper presents a novel building type classification scheme based on the integration of building height information from LiDAR, textural, spectral, and geometric information from high-resolution remote sensing images, and super-object information from the integrated dataset. Building height information is firstly extracted from LiDAR point clouds using a progressive morphological filter and then combined with high-resolution images for object-oriented segmentation. Multi-resolution segmentation of the combined image is performed to collect super-object information, which provides more information for classification in the next step. Finally, the segmentation results, as well as their super-object information, are inputted into the random forest classifier to obtain building type classification results. The classification scheme proposed in this study is tested through applications in two urban village areas, a type of slum-like land use characterized by dense buildings of different types, heights, and sizes, in Guangzhou, China. Segment level classification of the study area and validation area reached accuracies of 80.02% and 76.85%, respectively, while the building-level results reached accuracies of 98.15% and 87.50%, respectively. The results indicate that the proposed building type classification scheme has great potential for application in areas with multiple building types and complex backgrounds. This study also proves that both building height information and super-object information play important roles in building type classification. More accurate results could be obtained by incorporating building height information and super-object information and using the random forest classifier.
Thiolate-Capped CdSe/ZnS Core-Shell Quantum Dots for the Sensitive Detection of Glucose
Authors: Abd. Rahman Samsulida , Ariffin Nurhayati , Yusof Nor , Abdullah Jaafar , Mohammad Faruq , Ahmad Zubir Zuhana , Nik Abd. Aziz Nik
Published: July 2017

A semiconducting water-soluble core-shell quantum dots (QDs) system capped with thiolated ligand was used in this study for the sensitive detection of glucose in aqueous samples. The QDs selected are of CdSe-coated ZnS and were prepared in house based on a hot injection technique. The formation of ZnS shell at the outer surface of CdSe core was made via a specific process namely, SILAR (successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction). The distribution, morphology, and optical characteristics of the prepared core-shell QDs were assessed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and spectrofluorescence, respectively. From the analysis, the results show that the mean particle size of prepared QDs is in the range of 10–12 nm and that the optimum emission condition was displayed at 620 nm. Further, the prepared CdSe/ZnS core shell QDs were modified by means of a room temperature ligand-exchange method that involves six organic ligands, L-cysteine, L-histidine, thio-glycolic acid (TGA or mercapto-acetic acid, MAA), mercapto-propionic acid (MPA), mercapto-succinic acid (MSA), and mercapto-undecanoic acid (MUA). This process was chosen in order to maintain a very dense water solubilizing environment around the QDs surface. From the analysis, the results show that the CdSe/ZnS capped with TGA (CdSe/ZnS-TGA) exhibited the strongest fluorescence emission as compared to others; hence, it was tested further for the glucose detection after their treatment with glucose oxidase (GOx) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) enzymes. Here in this study, the glucose detection is based on the fluorescence quenching effect of the QDs, which is correlated to the oxidative reactions occurred between the conjugated enzymes and glucose. From the analysis of results, it can be inferred that the resultant GOx:HRP/CdSe/ZnS-TGA QDs system can be a suitable platform for the fluorescence-based determination of glucose in the real samples.
Measuring Torque and Temperature in a Rotating Shaft Using Commercial SAW Sensors
Authors: Silva Diogo , Mendes Joana , Pereira António , Gégot François , Alves Luís
Published: July 2017

Real-time monitoring of torque in a rotating shaft is not easy to implement with technologies such as optic fiber sensors or strain gages. Surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors are wireless and passive and can be used to monitor strain in moving parts. Commercial solutions (sensors, antennas and interrogation unit) can easily be purchased from some companies; however, they are not customized and may not meet the specificity of the measurements. In order to evaluate the adequacy of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solutions, temperature and strain sensors fabricated by SENSeOR (Besançon, France) were mounted on a load cell. The sensors were calibrated using a thermal chamber and a universal testing machine. The load cell was then assembled together with a steel shaft that rotated at different speeds inside an oven. The commercial antennas were replaced with an RF (radio frequency) coupler and the sensors were interrogated with the commercial interrogation unit. The influence of rotation in the accuracy on the measurements, as well as the adequacy of the sensors structure, was evaluated. It can be concluded that SAW sensors can be used to measure temperature or torque in a rotating environment; however, some customization of the components is required in order to overcome the limitations posed by COTS sensing solutions.
Low-Cost and Rapid Fabrication of Metallic Nanostructures for Sensitive Biosensors Using Hot-Embossing and Dielectric-Heating Nanoimprint Methods
Authors: Lee Kuang-Li , Wu Tsung-Yeh , Hsu Hsuan-Yeh , Yang Sen-Yeu , Wei Pei-Kuen
Published: July 2017

We propose two approaches—hot-embossing and dielectric-heating nanoimprinting methods—for low-cost and rapid fabrication of periodic nanostructures. Each nanofabrication process for the imprinted plastic nanostructures is completed within several seconds without the use of release agents and epoxy. Low-cost, large-area, and highly sensitive aluminum nanostructures on A4 size plastic films are fabricated by evaporating aluminum film on hot-embossing nanostructures. The narrowest bandwidth of the Fano resonance is only 2.7 nm in the visible light region. The periodic aluminum nanostructure achieves a figure of merit of 150, and an intensity sensitivity of 29,345%/RIU (refractive index unit). The rapid fabrication is also achieved by using radio-frequency (RF) sensitive plastic films and a commercial RF welding machine. The dielectric-heating, using RF power, takes advantage of the rapid heating/cooling process and lower electric power consumption. The fabricated capped aluminum nanoslit array has a 5 nm Fano linewidth and 490.46 nm/RIU wavelength sensitivity. The biosensing capabilities of the metallic nanostructures are further verified by measuring antigen–antibody interactions using bovine serum albumin (BSA) and anti-BSA. These rapid and high-throughput fabrication methods can benefit low-cost, highly sensitive biosensors and other sensing applications.
Performance Analysis of the Direct Position Determination Method in the Presence of Array Model Errors
Authors: Wang Ding , Yu Hongyi , Wu Zhidong , Wang Cheng
Published: July 2017

The direct position determination approach was recently presented as a promising technique for the localization of a transmitting source with accuracy higher than that of the conventional two-step localization method. In this paper, the theoretical performance of a direct position determination estimator proposed by Weiss is examined for situations in which the array model errors are present. Our study starts from a matrix eigen-perturbation result, which expresses the perturbation of eigenvalues as a function of the disturbance added to the Hermitian matrix. The first-order asymptotic expression of the positioning errors is presented, from which an analytical expression for the mean square error of the direct localization is available. Additionally, explicit formulas for computing the probabilities of a successful localization are deduced. Finally, Cramér–Rao bound expressions for the position estimation are derived for two cases: (1) array model errors are absent and (2) array model errors are present. The obtained Cramér-Rao bounds provide insights into the effects of the array model errors on the localization accuracy. Simulation results support and corroborate the theoretical developments made in this paper.
A Hybrid FPGA-Based System for EEG- and EMG-Based Online Movement Prediction
Authors: Wöhrle Hendrik , Tabie Marc , Kim Su , Kirchner Frank , Kirchner Elsa
Published: July 2017

A current trend in the development of assistive devices for rehabilitation, for example exoskeletons or active orthoses, is to utilize physiological data to enhance their functionality and usability, for example by predicting the patient’s upcoming movements using electroencephalography (EEG) or electromyography (EMG). However, these modalities have different temporal properties and classification accuracies, which results in specific advantages and disadvantages. To use physiological data analysis in rehabilitation devices, the processing should be performed in real-time, guarantee close to natural movement onset support, provide high mobility, and should be performed by miniaturized systems that can be embedded into the rehabilitation device. We present a novel Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) -based system for real-time movement prediction using physiological data. Its parallel processing capabilities allows the combination of movement predictions based on EEG and EMG and additionally a P300 detection, which is likely evoked by instructions of the therapist. The system is evaluated in an offline and an online study with twelve healthy subjects in total. We show that it provides a high computational performance and significantly lower power consumption in comparison to a standard PC. Furthermore, despite the usage of fixed-point computations, the proposed system achieves a classification accuracy similar to systems with double precision floating-point precision.
Evaluation of Logistic Regression and Multivariate Adaptive Regression Spline Models for Groundwater Potential Mapping Using R and GIS
Authors: Park Soyoung , Hamm Se-Yeong , Jeon Hang-Tak , Kim Jinsoo
Published: July 2017

This study mapped and analyzed groundwater potential using two different models, logistic regression (LR) and multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS), and compared the results. A spatial database was constructed for groundwater well data and groundwater influence factors. Groundwater well data with a high potential yield of ≥70 m3/d were extracted, and 859 locations (70%) were used for model training, whereas the other 365 locations (30%) were used for model validation. We analyzed 16 groundwater influence factors including altitude, slope degree, slope aspect, plan curvature, profile curvature, topographic wetness index, stream power index, sediment transport index, distance from drainage, drainage density, lithology, distance from fault, fault density, distance from lineament, lineament density, and land cover. Groundwater potential maps (GPMs) were constructed using LR and MARS models and tested using a receiver operating characteristics curve. Based on this analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) for the success rate curve of GPMs created using the MARS and LR models was 0.867 and 0.838, and the AUC for the prediction rate curve was 0.836 and 0.801, respectively. This implies that the MARS model is useful and effective for groundwater potential analysis in the study area.
Impact of Geophysical and Datum Corrections on Absolute Sea-Level Trends from Tide Gauges around Taiwan, 1993–2015
Authors: Lan Wen-Hau , Kuo Chung-Yen , Kao Huan-Chin , Lin Li-Ching , Shum C. , Tseng Kuo-Hsin , Chang Jung-Chieh
Published: July 2017

The Taiwanese government has established a complete tide gauge network along the coastline for accurate sea-level monitoring. In this study, we analyze several factors impacting the determination of absolute or geocentric sea-level trends—including ocean tides, inverted barometer effect, datum shift, and vertical land motion—using tide gauge records near Taiwan, from 1993–2015. The results show that datum shifts and vertical land motion have a significant impact on sea-level trends with a respective average contribution of 7.3 and 8.0 mm/yr, whereas ocean tides and inverted barometer effects have a relatively minor impact, representing 9% and 14% of the observed trend, respectively. These results indicate that datum shifts and vertical land motion effects have to be removed in the tide gauge records for accurate sea-level estimates. Meanwhile, the estimated land motions show that the southwestern plain has larger subsidence rates, for example, the Boziliao, Dongshi, and Wengang tide gauge stations exhibit a rate of 24–31 mm/yr as a result of groundwater pumping. We find that the absolute sea-level trends around Taiwan derived from tide gauges or satellite altimetry agree well with each other, and are estimated to be 2.2 mm/yr for 1993–2015, which is significantly slower than the global average sea-level rise trend of 3.2 mm/yr from satellite altimeters. Finally, a recent hiatus in sea-level rise in this region exhibits good agreement with the interannual and decadal variabilities associated with the El Niño-Southern Oscillation and Pacific Decadal Oscillation.
Using Chemically Enhanced Primary Treatment (CEPT) as a Pretreatment Option for Anaerobic Digestate from Cattle Manure Digestion System
Authors: Gong Weijia , Luo Lina , Li Wenzhe , Luo Xinsheng , Liang Heng , Ngo Huu , Guo Wenshan
Published: July 2017

Anaerobic digestate from cattle manure fermentation may pose a threat to the environment. How to stabilize the digestate’s characteristics so that they do not disturb the bio-system is a critical issue for digestate management. Chemically enhanced primary treatment (CEPT) was investigated as a pretreatment option for digestate treatment. The performance of CEPT for digestate management was carried out under rapid mixing (200 r/min) and slow stirring (40 r/min), respectively. The optimal dosage of ferric chloride (FeCl3) was 40 mg/L. The combination of FeCl3 and anionic polyacrylamide (APAM) had no obvious influence on TP removal, while COD removal efficiency was improved by 15.4%. The digestate pH and temperature remained stable for CEPT application and required no adjustment. The results indicate that CEPT was effective and feasible in enhancing the removal of COD and TP for digestate pretreatment by using FeCl3 and APAM.
Comprehensive Raman study of epitaxial silicene-related phases on Ag(111)
Authors: Solonenko Dmytro , Gordan Ovidiu D , Le Lay Guy , Zahn Dietrich R T , Vogt Patrick
Published: July 2017

The investigation of the vibrational properties of epitaxial silicene and two-dimensional (2D) Si structures on the silver(111) surface aims for a better understanding of the structural differences and of the simplification of the seemingly complex phase diagrams reported over the last years. The spectral signatures of the main silicene phases epitaxially grown on Ag(111) were obtained using in situ Raman spectroscopy. Due to the obvious 2D nature of various epitaxial silicene structures, their fingerprints consist of similar sets of Raman modes. The reduced phase diagram also includes other Si phases, such as amorphous and crystalline silicon, which emerge on the Ag surface at low and high preparation temperatures, respectively. The Raman signatures obtained along with their interpretations provide the referential basis for further studies and for potential applications of epitaxial silicene.
SPECIAL SPLINES OF HYPERBOLIC TYPE FOR THE SOLUTIONS OF HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER 3-D PROBLEMS IN POROUS MULTI-LAYERED AXIAL SYMMETRY DOMAIN
Authors: Kalis Harijs , Buikis Andris , Aboltins Aivars , Kangro Ilmars
Published: July 2017

In this paper we study the problem of the diffusion of one substance through the pores of a porous multi layered material which may absorb and immobilize some of the diffusing substances with the evolution or absorption of heat. As an example we consider circular cross section wood-block with two layers in the radial direction. We consider the transfer of heat process. We derive the system of two partial differential equations (PDEs) - one expressing the rate of change of concentration of water vapour in the air spaces and the other - the rate of change of temperature in every layer. The approximation of corresponding initial boundary value problem of the system of PDEs is based on the conservative averaging method (CAM) with special integral splines. This procedure allows reduce the 3-D axis-symmetrical transfer problem in multi-layered domain described by a system of PDEs to initial value problem for a system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) of the first order.
GLOBAL EXPONENTIAL STABILITY OF ALMOST PERIODIC SOLUTIONS FOR NICHOLSON’S BLOWFLIES SYSTEM WITH NONLINEAR DENSITY-DEPENDENT MORTALITY TERMS AND PATCH STRUCTURE
Authors: Liu Pengyan , Zhang Liang , Liu Shitao , Zheng Lifei
Published: July 2017

This paper considers a generalized Nicholson’s blowflies system with nonlinear density-dependent mortality terms and patch structure. Under appropriate conditions, we establish some criteria to ensure that the solutions of this system exist and converge globally exponentially to a positive almost periodic solution. The results complement another case of nonlinear density-dependent mortality terms in Chen and Wang [5].
SELECTIVE REALISM VERSUS INDIVIDUAL REALISM FOR SCIENTIFIC CREATIVITY / SELEKTYVUSIS REALIZMAS VERSUS INDIVIDUALUSIS MOKSLINIO KŪRYBINGUMO REALIZMAS
Authors: PARK Seungbae
Published: July 2017

Individual realism asserts that our best scientific theories are (approximately) true. In contrast, selective realism asserts that only the stable posits of our best scientific theories are true. Hence, individual realism recommends that we accept more of what our best scientific theories say about the world than selective realism does. The more scientists believe what their theories say about the world, the more they are motivated to exercise their imaginations and think up new theories and experiments. Therefore, individual realism better fosters scientific creativity than selective realism.
THE CREATIVE CULTURAL PRACT ICE OF SHARING ECOTOPIAN VISIONS THROUGH A COLLABORATIVE ART PROJECT / KŪRYBINĖ KULTŪRINĖ EKOTOPINIŲ VIZIJŲ DALIJIMOSI PRAKTIKA KOLABORACINIAME MENO PROJEKTE
Authors: PAEK Kyong-Mi
Published: July 2017

Today’s environmental challenges have prompted educators to explore ways to promote environmental sustainability. Contemporary artists working in ecological realms have presented distinct ways of understanding ecological concerns and proposed creative solutions to environmental challenges through ingenious means that reach people beyond scientific realms. Despite recognition of those creative cultural practices as invaluable educational resources, such efforts have not been a significant part of art curricula. This article aims to expand art’s potential role via reports on a recent curriculum development study of an on-campus collaborative art project in which practising artists known for their bioregional orientations were invited to inspire engineering students. This intracase analysis of developing group projects is followed by a cross-case analysis, which focuses on the distinguishing features that emerged from students’ responses to group activities. The findings are discussed to provide implications for the creative cultural practice of sharing ecotopian visions through art in the context of interdisciplinary learning.
Detection of the Ultraviolet Spectrum of the Hot Subdwarf Companion of 60 Cygni (B1 Ve) from a Survey of IUE Spectra of Be Stars
Authors: Wang 王 Luqian 璐茜 , Gies Douglas R. , Peters Geraldine J.
Published: July 2017

We used archival International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) high-dispersion, short wavelength spectra data to search for evidence of the spectra of hot subdwarf companions of six rapidly rotating Be stars in binary systems. We searched for the signature of a hot companion through an analysis of the cross-correlation functions (CCFs) of observed and model spectra that were separated into primary and secondary components using a Doppler tomography algorithm and adopted spectroscopic orbital solutions. A positive detection of the flux from a hot companion was made for the reconstructed secondary CCF of just one target, 60 Cygni (B1 Ve). We estimate that the companion of the Be star in 60 Cygni has

kK, mass ratio

, and monochromatic flux ratio

in the spectral region near 1525 Å. If the companions of the other target Be stars are also hot, then they must be faint and contribute less than

of the UV flux (<0.6% in the case of γ Cas). We also discuss a shell episode of Pleione (28 Tau) recorded in the IUE spectran in an appendix.
SiS in the Circumstellar Envelope of IRC +10216: Maser and Quasi-thermal Emission
Authors: Gong Y. , Henkel C. , Ott J. , Menten K. M. , Morris M. R. , Keller D. , Claussen M. J. , Grasshoff M. , Mao 毛瑞 R. Q. 青
Published: July 2017

We present new Effelsberg 100-m, Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA), and Very Large Array observations of rotational SiS transitions in the circumstellar envelope (CSE) of IRC +10216. Thanks to the high angular resolution achieved by the ATCA observations, we unambiguously confirm that the molecule’s

transition exhibits maser action in this CSE, as first suggested more than 30 years ago. The maser emission’s radial velocity, peaking at a local standard of rest velocity of −39.862 ± 0.065 km s−1, indicates that it arises from an almost fully accelerated shell. Monitoring observations show time variability of the SiS (

) maser. The two lowest-J SiS quasi-thermal emission lines trace a much more extended emitting region than previous high-J SiS observations. Their distributions show that the SiS quasi-thermal emission consists of two components: one is very compact (

, corresponding to

cm), and the other extends out to a radius >11″. An incomplete shell-like structure is found in the northeast, which is indicative of existing SiS shells. Clumpy structures are also revealed in this CSE. The gain of the SiS (

) maser (optical depths of about −5 at the blueshifted side and, assuming inversion throughout the entire line’s velocity range, about −2 at the redshifted side) suggests that it is unsaturated. The SiS (

) maser can be explained in terms of ro-vibrational excitation caused by infrared pumping, and we propose that infrared continuum emission is the main pumping source.
The Ultra-Short Virological Dynamics in Response to Entecavir or Lamivudine during Chronic Hepatitis B with Spontaneous Severe Acute Exacerbation
Authors: Lee Teng-Yu , Chen Chi-Yi , Lia Hsueh-Chou , Hsu Yu-Chung , Yang Sheng-Shun
Published: July 2017

Background

Nucleoside/nucleotide analogue (NA) therapy could be life-saving in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) with spontaneous severe acute exacerbation (SAE). We aimed to investigate the ultra-short virological responses to NA.

Methods

We conducted a randomized controlled trial in which CHB patients with spontaneous SAE were randomized to receive lamivudine (LVD) or entecavir (ETV) between July 2012 and April 2016 (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01627223). The serum HBV viral loads on day 1 (baseline), 3, 5, 8, 15, 22, 29, 85 and 180 after initiating NA therapy were checked and analysed.

Results

In total, 17 patients (7 in LVD and 10 in ETV group) were recruited, and 3 patients (17.7%) died or received liver transplantation due to hepatic failure. The median (IQR) HBV DNA decline on days 3, 5, 8, 15, 22, 29, 85 and 180 were 1.38 (1.09–1.50), 2.36 (1.89–2.58), 3.19 (2.21–3.51), 3.76 (2.54–4.40), 3.43 (2.44–4.75), 4.00 (3.01–5.04), 5.00 (3.61–6.21) and 6.50 (4.12–7.20) log IU/ml, respectively. The baseline characteristics were basically similar between the two groups, and the dynamic changes in HBV DNA were not significantly different between the two groups. Further analysis of the patients with high HBV viral load (>6 log IU/ml) revealed that a similar baseline HBV DNA level in the two groups (LVD versus ETV: median 8.0 [7.5–8.8] versus 7.7 [6.6–8.4] log IU/ml; P=0.45), and the dynamic changes of HBV DNA were very similar.

Conclusions

CHB with spontaneous SAE responded similarly to treatment using either LVD or ETV, with both drugs inducing a rapid decline of HBV viral load.
Identité et territoire : le droit constitutionnel allemand et la gestion des différences
Authors: Gloannec Anne-Marie Le
Published: July 2017

Without putting memory to work to make the past meaningful, how can a German identity and territorial identification be conceived after 1945 ? The Federal Republic found itself faced with existential questions regarding the nature of the state and the community that constituted it. At that moment state-building was regarded as provisional, its federal form was to incarnate democracy, and the principle of respect for the human being was expected to occupy a distinguished normative position.The text deals, from a legal point of view, with the nature of the social bond to be restored and invented. Through the Fundamental Law and its evolving interpretation, the author examines the tension between politics and ethics, subjective natural law and positive law. She shows how the fundamental and subjective rights conceived at that time have acquired an objective dimension.The analysis then goes on to tackle the political debate between fundamental rights and fundamental values, as well as the role of religious reference. It stresses the emergence of a national bond that might not be national but is rather the bond of “constitutional patriotism” (Habermas), especially given that the reunification of the two Germanies has led to a diversification of German society rather than towards unification.The reflection finally turns to the recent question of minority rights. It emphasizes the division between advocates and opponents of a unifying vision of fundamental rights (and a disguised centralism), which mirrors a division between two conceptions of federalism. These divisions prompt an uneasy jurisprudence, with courts being caught between conflicting legal demands. The author finally discusses the merits and limitations of Habermas’views on communication ethics.
Espace géographique et mémoires collectives : jeux de lieux et de mots dans la construction identitaire roumaine
Authors: von Hirschhausen Béatrice
Published: July 2017

Analysing Romanian rural space after the socialist era, the author emphasizes ways in which the identity and memory processes at work in societies invest geographical differences with meaning and put these differences to work. Collective identities are built on “places for remembrance,” portions of territory which serve as landmarks for societies in the way they “manage of the past.” Thus the text analyses a rarely noticed aspect of the relation between space and culture. The underlying hypothesis considers geographical configurations and spatial morphologies in interaction with the cultural productions of societies.The author draws the conclusion that it is possible to bring a genuinely spatial dimension to bear on the question of cultural differences between social groups (local communities, nations and civilisations). Not only does space provide groups with a link to their past and to their identary representations, but this space also provides them with ways of thinking about their future, and about their economic and political practices on the ground. The author seeks to avoid the two opposite pitfalls of cultural essentialism and geographical determinism.
Les réformes administratives en Hongrie
Authors: Keresztély Kristina
Published: July 2017

In Hungary, at the beginning of the 1990s, attempts to foster local autonomy were motivated by a will to decentralisation, but they also translated the end of the welfare state and demands for a public administration better able to act on European and international levels. Even though the fundamental law was proclaimed in 1990, several stages were needed to set up this new institutional framework. The administration of the urban area of Budapest remains caught in such a contradictory decentralisation. Still, a central region has been created with the assigned task of coordinating territorial development projects.
Aportes mapuce para pensar el género
Authors: Valdez María Cristina
Published: July 2017

El trabajo expone los aportes que puede realizar una perspectiva mapuce sobre el género a las discusiones en este campo, como intervención en el debate al que se nos ha invitado. Al principio se refiere al carácter situado de estas reflexiones recorriendo acontecimientos de la experiencia de la autora en su condición de mujer, mapuce y migrante. Se reconoce la interseccionalidad de las subordinaciones, oponiéndose a la lógica compartimentada del pensamiento dicotómico moderno y evidenciando la matriz de dominación que la sostiene. Luego se avanza en presentar la concepción mapuce del género y sus aportes. El escrito se detiene en mostrar, por un lado, cómo una concepción “otra” sobre el género requiere fundarse en otros marcos epistemológicos y cosmovisionarios que contienen una concepción del devenir no antagónica, en la que ser hombre o mujer no son las únicas opciones disponibles. Y por otro, la forma en que la colonialidad de género incidió en la sociedad mapuce precolonial con consecuencias observables en la actualidad. Para finalizar se discute con la pretensión igualitaria del feminismo liberal poniéndolo en tensión con las nociones mapuce para pensar el género.
El expediente de la sublevación de los pampas en Santa Ana (1888, Misiones, Argentina)
Authors: Lenton Diana
Published: July 2017

En este artículo se recupera y se ofrece una lectura crítica del expediente del “Sumario levantado con motivo de la sublevación i fuga de los indios pampas que trabajaban en el establecimiento del Señor General Don Rudecindo [Roca]”, con fecha 24 de junio de 1888. El mismo, firmado por José Mujica, juez de paz de Santa Ana (Misiones), se encuentra en el Archivo General de la Gobernación de Posadas.La llamada “sublevación de los pampas”, o “malón de los pampas”, constituyó un evento excepcional en el contexto del sometimiento de los pueblos pampeanos y norpatagónicos, la práctica del repartimiento de los grupos vencidos, por parte del Estado, para el beneficio de propietarios privados y las diferentes posibilidades de resistencia a la misma. Varias circunstancias confluyeron en este caso para que la agencia colectiva lograra derribar las constricciones de la usualmente enorme disparidad de recursos físicos, materiales y simbólicos.
De la mobilité à l’accessibilité : l’évolution des transports comme ressources dans la ville sud-africaine
Authors: Baffi Solène
Published: July 2017

Les transports en commun ont constitué un des rouages des processus d’exclusion socio-spatiale des populations ségrégées pendant l’apartheid, en conditionnant notamment les mobilités vers les ressources urbaines. Outil de contrôle, le devenir de ces services à l’époque post-apartheid questionne aussi bien la redistribution des ressources, l’accessibilité permise par les réseaux de transport que les modalités de la planification sous l’égide d’un gouvernement métropolitain fort. En distinguant les conditions de mobilité et d’accessibilité des populations aux ressources dans la métropole du Cap et leur rôle dans le maintien des inégalités, il est alors possible d’appréhender dans quelle mesure les transports peuvent constituer une ressource dans la ville pour promouvoir l’inclusion sociale.
La constitution de ressources urbaines dans les parcours de familles migrantes à Mexico
Authors: Michel Aurélia
Published: July 2017

Cet article cherche à caractériser les ressources urbaines dans le contexte de Mexico. A travers six portraits de femmes arrivées dans la banlieue industrielle de Naucalpan, nous voulons montrer comment les familles migrantes font face à l’enjeu de l’installation en ville, de l’accès aux ressources et sa pérennisation, en s’appuyant sur la configuration métropolitaine. Les entretiens révèlent deux manières d’envisager l’environnement urbain, en tant que contrainte mais aussi par ses potentielles ressources, afin de développer sur le moyen et long terme un projet familial. En particulier, il s’agit d’organiser la garde des enfants, cruciale pour l’accès à l’emploi des femmes. La première stratégie, classique dans la littérature, est celle de l’ancrage, où des solidarités peuvent être reconstituées pour faire face aux situations de vulnérabilité, La seconde repose davantage sur le couple centralité-mobilité, dans une intelligence des agencements spatiaux urbains qui permettent l’accès aux ressources.
Du Oaxaca à la ville de Mexico : l’accès aux ressources urbaines
Authors: Ribardière Antonine
Published: July 2017

Cet article rend compte des modes d’insertion de migrants d’origine rurale dans la ville de Mexico, au prisme de la notion de ressources urbaines. Ce faisant, nous cherchons à restituer comment s’articulent les ressources du lieu, les ressources propres à l’individu et les ressources du réseau social et familial. Établie à partir des données détaillées du recensement permettant de cerner les statuts professionnels et résidentiels des migrants en provenance du Oaxaca et d’une enquête empirique menée dans le municipe industriel de Naucalpan, l’étude illustre le rôle des espaces péricentraux dans la réception des migrants et dans leur accès aux ressources urbaines.
El uso de la bicicleta en Santiago de Chile ¿es una opción?
Authors: Arellano Yévenes Claudia , Saavedra Peláez Fernando
Published: July 2017

El acceso al transporte y a la movilidad cotidiana constituye uno de los factores importantes de los recursos urbanos de una ciudad, y este acceso es desigual en Santiago, producto de la segregación residencial y socioeconómica de su población y una red de transporte público que no es de fácil acceso para ciertos grupos de población. Este artículo plantea que el uso de la bicicleta como modo de transporte muestra la desigualdad en las condiciones de los desplazamientos, donde para un grupo de la población es una opción y para otro es por falta de alternativas para transportarse, y el ingreso no es el factor diferenciador, sino el lugar de residencia respecto al del trabajo. Mediante la caracterización sociodemográfica de los usuarios de bicicleta, de los viajes y del lugar de residencia y destino se analiza su inclusión en la movilidad cotidiana.
Une méthode de cartographie participative des pratiques et représentations urbaines à Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)
Authors: Lefebvre Félix , Bonnet Emmanuel , Boyer Florence
Published: July 2017

Cet article présente une méthode de cartographie participative réalisée auprès d’habitants de Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) sur la base de focus groups. Ces ateliers ont été conçus pour alimenter une réflexion méthodologique sur l’accès à l’espace urbain dans la capitale burkinabè. Cette méthode, qui mêle démarches qualitative, quantitative et spatiale, a consisté à réunir des habitants de différents quartiers de la ville et à les interroger sur leurs pratiques et représentations spatiales. Les données recueillies retranscrites pendant le focus group sur un SIG, sont ensuite proposées aux habitants sous formes de cartes projetées sur l’écran, sur lesquelles ceux-ci sont invités à réagir. Ces ateliers permettent de construire une conception fine des représentations des habitants et proposent une hiérarchisation alternative des espaces.