bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analytical Modeling of MHD Flow over a Permeable Rotating Disk in the Presence of Soret and Dufour Effects: Entropy Analysis
Authors: Freidoonimehr Navid , Rashidi Mohammad , Abelman Shirley , Lorenzini Giulio
Published: April 2016

The main concern of the present article is to study steady magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) flow, heat transfer and entropy generation past a permeable rotating disk using a semi numerical/analytical method named Homotopy Analysis Method (HAM). The results of the present study are compared with numerical quadrature solutions employing a shooting technique with excellent correlation in special cases. The entropy generation equation is derived as a function of velocity, temperature and concentration gradients. Effects of flow physical parameters including magnetic interaction parameter, suction parameter, Prandtl number, Schmidt number, Soret and Dufour number on the fluid velocity, temperature and concentration distributions as well as entropy generation number are analysed and discussed in detail. Results show that increasing the Soret number or decreasing the Dufour number tends to decrease the temperature distribution while the concentration distribution is enhanced. The averaged entropy generation number increases with increasing magnetic interaction parameter, suction parameter, Prandtl number, and Schmidt number.
Unified Approach to Thermodynamic Optimization of Generic Objective Functions in the Linear Response Regime
Authors: Wang Yan
Published: April 2016

While many efforts have been devoted to optimizing the power output for a finite-time thermodynamic process, thermodynamic optimization under realistic situations is not necessarily concerned with power alone; rather, it may be of great relevance to optimize generic objective functions that are combinations of power, entropy production, and/or efficiency. One can optimize the objective function for a given model; generally the obtained results are strongly model dependent. However, if the thermodynamic process in question is operated in the linear response regime, then we show in this work that it is possible to adopt a unified approach to optimizing the objective function, thanks to Onsager’s theory of linear irreversible thermodynamics. A dissipation bound is derived, and based on it, the efficiency associated with the optimization problem, which is universal in the linear response regime and irrespective of model details, can be obtained in a unified way. Our results are in good agreement with previous findings. Moreover, we unveil that the ratio between the stopping time of a finite-time process and the optimized duration time plays a pivotal role in determining the corresponding efficiency in the case of linear response.
Electro-Optic Swept Source Based on AOTF for Wavenumber-Linear Interferometric Sensing and Imaging
Authors: Han Ga-Hee , Cho Soon-Woo , Park Nam , Kim Chang-Seok
Published: April 2016

We demonstrate a novel electro-optic swept source for wavenumber-linear interferometric sensing and imaging applications. The electro-optic swept source based on an acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF) provides high environmental stability and arbitrary drive function sweeping because the electro-optic wavelength selection does not depend on a mechanical moving component to tune the output lasing wavelength. We show improved stability of the suggested electro-optic swept source, compared to a conventional swept source based on a fiber Fabry–Perot tunable filter (FFP-TF). Various types of wavelength sweeping are demonstrated by applying the programmed drive function to the applied radio frequency (RF) of the AOTF. We demonstrated improved image quality of optical coherence tomography (OCT) by using the wavenumber-linear drive function of a simple triangular signal, which has a high wavenumber-linearity with an R-square value of 0.99991.
Identification and Comparative Analysis of CBS Domain-Containing Proteins in Soybean (Glycine max) and the Primary Function of GmCBS21 in Enhanced Tolerance to Low Nitrogen Stress
Authors: Hao Qingnan , Shang Weijuan , Zhang Chanjuan , Chen Haifeng , Chen Limiao , Yuan Songli , Chen Shuilian , Zhang Xiaojuan , Zhou Xinan
Published: April 2016

Nitrogen is an important macronutrient required for plant growth, and is a limiting factor for crop productivity. Improving the nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is therefore crucial. At present, the NUE mechanism is unclear and information on the genes associated with NUE in soybeans is lacking. cystathionine beta synthase (CBS) domain-containing proteins (CDCPs) may be implicated in abiotic stress tolerance in plants. We identified and classified a CBS domain–containing protein superfamily in soybean. A candidate gene for NUE, GmCBS21, was identified. GmCBS21 gene characteristics, the temporal expression pattern of the GmCBS21 gene, and the phenotype of GmCBS21 overexpression in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana under low nitrogen stress were analyzed. The phenotypes suggested that the transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings performed better under the nitrogen-deficient condition. GmCBS21-overexpressing transgenic plants exhibit higher low nitrogen stress tolerance than WT plants, and this suggests its role in low nitrogen stress tolerance in plants. We conclude that GmCBS21 may serve as an excellent candidate for breeding crops with enhanced NUE and better yield.
Protective Effect of Tyrosol and S-Adenosylmethionine against Ethanol-Induced Oxidative Stress of Hepg2 Cells Involves Sirtuin 1, P53 and Erk1/2 Signaling
Authors: Stiuso Paola , Bagarolo Maria , Ilisso Concetta , Vanacore Daniela , Martino Elisa , Caraglia Michele , Porcelli Marina , Cacciapuoti Giovanna
Published: April 2016

Oxidative stress plays a major role in ethanol-induced liver damage, and agents with antioxidant properties are promising as therapeutic opportunities in alcoholic liver disease. In the present work, we investigated the effect of S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet), Tyrosol (Tyr), and their combination on HepG2 cells exposed to ethanol exploring the potential molecular mechanisms. We exposed HepG2 cells to 1 M ethanol for 4 and 48 h; thereafter, we recorded a decreased cell viability, increase of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid accumulation, and the release into culture medium of markers of liver disease such as triacylglycerol, cholesterol, transaminases, albumin, ferritin, and homocysteine. On the other hand, AdoMet and Tyrosol were able to attenuate or antagonize these adverse changes induced by acute exposure to ethanol. The protective effects were paralleled by increased Sirtuin 1 protein expression and nuclear translocation and increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation that were both responsible for the protection of cells from apoptosis. Moreover, AdoMet increased p53 and p21 expression, while Tyrosol reduced p21 expression and enhanced the expression of uncleaved caspase 3 and 9, suggesting that its protective effect may be related to the inhibition of the apoptotic machinery. Altogether, our data show that AdoMet and Tyrosol exert beneficial effects in ethanol-induced oxidative stress in HepG2 cells and provide a rationale for their potential use in combination in the prevention of ethanol-induced liver damage.
Peripheral Skin Temperature and Circadian Biological Clock in Shift Nurses after a Day off
Authors: Bracci Massimo , Ciarapica Veronica , Copertaro Alfredo , Barbaresi Mariella , Manzella Nicola , Tomasetti Marco , Gaetani Simona , Monaco Federica , Amati Monica , Valentino Matteo , Rapisarda Venerando , Santarelli Lory
Published: April 2016

The circadian biological clock is essentially based on the light/dark cycle. Some people working with shift schedules cannot adjust their sleep/wake cycle to the light/dark cycle, and this may result in alterations of the circadian biological clock. This study explored the circadian biological clock of shift and daytime nurses using non-invasive methods. Peripheral skin temperature, cortisol and melatonin levels in saliva, and Per2 expression in pubic hair follicle cells were investigated for 24 h after a day off. Significant differences were observed in peripheral skin temperature and cortisol levels between shift and daytime nurses. No differences in melatonin levels were obtained. Per2 maximum values were significantly different between the two groups. Shift nurses exhibited lower circadian variations compared to daytime nurses, and this may indicate an adjustment of the circadian biological clock to continuous shift schedules. Non-invasive procedures, such as peripheral skin temperature measurement, determination of cortisol and melatonin in saliva, and analysis of clock genes in hair follicle cells, may be effective approaches to extensively study the circadian clock in shift workers.
Neutron Radiography Based Visualization and Profiling of Water Uptake in (Un)cracked and Autonomously Healed Cementitious Materials
Authors: Van den Heede Philip , Van Belleghem Bjorn , Alderete Natalia , Van Tittelboom Kim , De Belie Nele
Published: April 2016

Given their low tensile strength, cement-based materials are very susceptible to cracking. These cracks serve as preferential pathways for corrosion inducing substances. For large concrete infrastructure works, currently available time-consuming manual repair techniques are not always an option. Often, one simply cannot reach the damaged areas and when making those areas accessible anyway (e.g., by redirecting traffic), the economic impacts involved would be enormous. Under those circumstances, it might be useful to have concrete with an embedded autonomous healing mechanism. In this paper, the effectiveness of incorporating encapsulated high and low viscosity polyurethane-based healing agents to ensure (multiple) crack healing has been investigated by means of capillary absorption tests on mortar while monitoring the time-dependent water ingress with neutron radiography. Overall visual interpretation and water front/sample cross-section area ratios as well as water profiles representing the area around the crack and their integrals do not show a preference for the high or low viscosity healing agent. Another observation is that in presence of two cracks, only one is properly healed, especially when using the latter healing agent. Exposure to water immediately after release of the healing agent stimulates the foaming reaction of the polyurethane and ensures a better crack closure.
Utilization of Mineral Wools as Alkali-Activated Material Precursor
Authors: Yliniemi Juho , Kinnunen Paivo , Karinkanta Pasi , Illikainen Mirja
Published: April 2016

Mineral wools are the most common insulation materials in buildings worldwide. However, mineral wool waste is often considered unrecyclable because of its fibrous nature and low density. In this paper, rock wool (RW) and glass wool (GW) were studied as alkali-activated material precursors without any additional co-binders. Both mineral wools were pulverized by a vibratory disc mill in order to remove the fibrous nature of the material. The pulverized mineral wools were then alkali-activated with a sodium aluminate solution. Compressive strengths of up to 30.0 MPa and 48.7 MPa were measured for RW and GW, respectively, with high flexural strengths measured for both (20.1 MPa for RW and 13.2 MPa for GW). The resulting alkali-activated matrix was a composite-type in which partly-dissolved fibers were dispersed. In addition to the amorphous material, sodium aluminate silicate hydroxide hydrate and magnesium aluminum hydroxide carbonate phases were identified in the alkali-activated RW samples. The only crystalline phase in the GW samples was sodium aluminum silicate. The results of this study show that mineral wool is a very promising raw material for alkali activation.
Cytotoxic Compounds from the Saudi Red Sea Sponge Xestospongia testudinaria
Authors: El-Gamal Ali , Al-Massarani Shaza , Shaala Lamiaa , Alahdald Abdulrahman , Al-Said Mansour , Ashour Abdelkader , Kumar Ashok , Abdel-Kader Maged , Abdel-Mageed Wael , Youssef Diaa
Published: April 2016

Bioassay-guided fractionation of the organic extract of the Red Sea sponge Xestospongia testudinaria led to the isolation of 13 compounds including two new sterol esters, xestosterol palmitate (2) and xestosterol ester of l6′-bromo-(7′E,11′E,l5′E)-hexadeca-7′,11′,l5′-triene-5′,13′-diynoic acid (4), together with eleven known compounds: xestosterol (1), xestosterol ester of 18′-bromooctadeca-7′E,9′E-diene-7′,15′-diynoic acid (3), and the brominated acetylenic fatty acid derivatives, (5E,11E,15E,19E)-20-bromoeicosa-5,11,15,19-tetraene-9,17-diynoic acid (5), 18,18-dibromo-(9E)-octadeca-9,17-diene-5,7-diynoic acid (6), 18-bromooctadeca-(9E,17E)-diene-7,15-diynoic acid (7), 18-bromooctadeca-(9E,13E,17E)-triene-7,15-diynoic acid (8), l6-bromo (7E,11E,l5E)hexadeca-7,11,l5-triene-5,13-diynoic acid (9), 2-methylmaleimide-5-oxime (10), maleimide-5-oxime (11), tetillapyrone (12), and nortetillapyrone (13). The chemical structures of the isolated compounds were accomplished using one- and two-dimensional NMR, infrared and high-resolution electron impact mass spectroscopy (1D, 2D NMR, IR and HREIMS), and by comparison with the data of the known compounds. The total alcoholic and n-hexane extracts showed remarkable cytotoxic activity against human cervical cancer (HeLa), human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG-2), and human medulloblastoma (Daoy) cancer cell lines. Interestingly, the dibrominated C18-acetylenic fatty acid (6) exhibited the most potent growth inhibitory activity against these cancer cell lines followed by Compounds 7 and 9. Apparently, the dibromination of the terminal olefinic moiety has an enhanced effect on the cytotoxic activity.
Antimicrobial Activity of Monoramnholipids Produced by Bacterial Strains Isolated from the Ross Sea (Antarctica)
Authors: Tedesco Pietro , Maida Isabel , Palma Esposito Fortunato , Tortorella Emiliana , Subko Karolina , Ezeofor Chidinma , Zhang Ying , Tabudravu Jioji , Jaspars Marcel , Fani Renato , De Pascale Donatella
Published: April 2016

Microorganisms living in extreme environments represent a huge reservoir of novel antimicrobial compounds and possibly of novel chemical families. Antarctica is one of the most extraordinary places on Earth and exhibits many distinctive features. Antarctic microorganisms are well known producers of valuable secondary metabolites. Specifically, several Antarctic strains have been reported to inhibit opportunistic human pathogens strains belonging to Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc). Herein, we applied a biodiscovery pipeline for the identification of anti-Bcc compounds. Antarctic sub-sea sediments were collected from the Ross Sea, and used to isolate 25 microorganisms, which were phylogenetically affiliated to three bacterial genera (Psychrobacter, Arthrobacter, and Pseudomonas) via sequencing and analysis of 16S rRNA genes. They were then subjected to a primary cell-based screening to determine their bioactivity against Bcc strains. Positive isolates were used to produce crude extracts from microbial spent culture media, to perform the secondary screening. Strain Pseudomonas BNT1 was then selected for bioassay-guided purification employing SPE and HPLC. Finally, LC-MS and NMR structurally resolved the purified bioactive compounds. With this strategy, we achieved the isolation of three rhamnolipids, two of which were new, endowed with high (MIC < 1 μg/mL) and unreported antimicrobial activity against Bcc strains.
Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants Used as Anti-Obesity Remedies in the Nomad and Hunter Communities of Burkina Faso
Authors: Pare Dramane , Hilou Adama , Ouedraogo Noufou , Guenne Samson
Published: April 2016

Background: Obesity is a global epidemic that affects both developed and developing countries. According to World Health Organization (WHO), in 2014, over 1.9 billion adults were overweight. Burkina Faso, like other countries, faces the problem of obesity, with a prevalence of 7.3%. The main cause is excessive intake of caloric foods combined with low physical activity, although genetic, endocrine and environmental influences (pollution) can sometimes be predisposing factors. This metabolic imbalance often leads to multiple pathologies (heart failure, Type II diabetes, cancers, etc.). Drugs have been developed for the treatment of these diseases; but in addition to having many side effects, locally these products are not economically accessible to the majority of the population. Burkina Faso, like the other countries bordering the Sahara, has often been confronted in the past with periods of famine during which populations have generally used anorectic plants to regulate their food needs. This traditional ethnobotanical knowledge has not been previously investigated. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in Burkina Faso in the provinces of Seno (North) and Nayala (Northwest) to list the plants used by local people as an anorectic and/or fort weight loss. Methods: The survey, conducted in the two provinces concerned traditional healers, herbalists, hunters, nomads and resourceful people with knowledge of plants. It was conducted over a period of two months and data were collected following a structured interview with the respondents. The approach was based on dialogue in the language of choice of the respondent and the use of a questionnaire. The data have been structured and then statistically analyzed. Results: The fifty-five (55) respondents of the survey were aged between 40 and 80 years. Sixty-one (61) plant species, belonging to thirty-one (31) families were listed as appetite suppressants and/or for their anti-obesity properties. The main families of plants are Mimosaceae, Rubiaceae, Asclepiadaceae and Cesalpiniaceae. Fruits are the most used part of the plant organs. Consumption in the raw state or as a decoction are the two main forms of preparation. Conclusion: The great diversity of plants cited by informants demonstrates the existence of rich local knowledge to address obesity in Burkina Faso. Evaluation of the biochemical activity of the extracts of the most cited species could allow the development of a phytomedicine economically accessible to the majority of the population. This could allow for the preservation of biodiversity in this region which is weakened by climate change because some of the species cited are in fragile state or are threatened with extinction.
Introducing Thermal Wave Transport Analysis (TWTA): A Thermal Technique for Dopamine Detection by Screen-Printed Electrodes Functionalized with Molecularly Imprinted Polymer (MIP) Particles
Authors: Peeters Marloes , Van Grinsven Bart , Foster Christopher , Cleij Thomas , Banks Craig
Published: April 2016

A novel procedure is developed for producing bulk modified Molecularly Imprinted Polymer (MIP) screen-printed electrodes (SPEs), which involves the direct mixing of the polymer particles within the screen-printed ink. This allowed reduction of the sample preparation time from 45 min to 1 min, and resulted in higher reproducibility of the electrodes. The samples are measured with a novel detection method, namely, thermal wave transport analysis (TWTA), relying on the analysis of thermal waves through a functional interface. As a first proof-of-principle, MIPs for dopamine are developed and successfully incorporated within a bulk modified MIP SPE. The detection limits of dopamine within buffer solutions for the MIP SPEs are determined via three independent techniques. With cyclic voltammetry this was determined to be 4.7 × 10−6 M, whereas by using the heat-transfer method (HTM) 0.35 × 10−6 M was obtained, and with the novel TWTA concept 0.26 × 10−6 M is possible. This TWTA technique is measured simultaneously with HTM and has the benefits of reducing measurement time to less than 5 min and increasing effect size by nearly a factor of two. The two thermal methods are able to enhance dopamine detection by one order of magnitude compared to the electrochemical method. In previous research, it was not possible to measure neurotransmitters in complex samples with HTM, but with the improved signal-to-noise of TWTA for the first time, spiked dopamine concentrations were determined in a relevant food sample. In summary, novel concepts are presented for both the sensor functionalization side by employing screen-printing technology, and on the sensing side, the novel TWTA thermal technique is reported. The developed bio-sensing platform is cost-effective and suitable for mass-production due to the nature of screen-printing technology, which makes it very interesting for neurotransmitter detection in clinical diagnostic applications.
Short-Term Responses in Maximum Quantum Yield of PSII (Fv/Fm) to ex situ Temperature Treatment of Populations of Bryophytes Originating from Different Sites in Hokkaido, Northern Japan
Authors: Jägerbrand Annika , Kudo Gaku
Published: April 2016

There is limited knowledge available on the thermal acclimation processes for bryophytes, especially when considering variation between populations or sites. This study investigated whether short-term ex situ thermal acclimation of different populations showed patterns of site dependency and whether the maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm) could be used as an indicator of adaptation or temperature stress in two bryophyte species: Pleurozium schreberi (Willd. ex Brid.) Mitt. and Racomitrium lanuginosum (Hedw.) Brid. We sought to test the hypothesis that differences in the ability to acclimate to short-term temperature treatment would be revealed as differences in photosystem II maximum yield (Fv/Fm). Thermal treatments were applied to samples from 12 and 11 populations during 12 or 13 days in growth chambers and comprised: (1) 10/5 °C; (2) 20/10 °C; (3) 25/15 °C; (4) 30/20 °C (12 hours day/night temperature). In Pleurozium schreberi, there were no significant site-dependent differences before or after the experiment, while site dependencies were clearly shown in Racomitrium lanuginosum throughout the study. Fv/Fm in Pleurozium schreberi decreased at the highest and lowest temperature treatments, which can be interpreted as a stress response, but no similar trends were shown by Racomitrium lanuginosum.
The Dardenne Brothers and the Invisible Ethical Drama: Faith without Faith
Authors: Caruana John
Published: April 2016

The cinema of the Dardenne brothers represents a new kind of cinema, one that challenges a number of our conventional ways of thinking about the distinction between religion and secularism, belief and unbelief. Their films explore the intricacies of spiritual and ethical transformations as they are experienced within embodied, material life. These features of their cinema will be examined primarily through the lens of Emmanuel Levinas’s philosophy of the imbrication of the drama of existence and the ethical intrigue of self and Other. The work of the Dardenne brothers can be understood as an attempt to express what I describe as a “faith without faith”—a recognition of the absolute centrality of belief for the development of a responsible subject but in the absence of a traditional faith in a personal deity.
Geostatistical Analysis of CH4 Columns over Monsoon Asia Using Five Years of GOSAT Observations
Authors: Liu Min , Lei Liping , Liu Da , Zeng Zhao-Cheng
Published: April 2016

The aim of this study is to evaluate the Greenhouse gases Observation SATellite (GOSAT) column-averaged CH4 dry air mole fraction (XCH4) data by using geostatistical analysis and conducting comparisons with model simulations and surface emissions. Firstly, we propose the use of a data-driven mapping approach based on spatio-temporal geostatistics to generate a regular and gridded mapping dataset of XCH4 over Monsoon Asia using five years of XCH4 retrievals by GOSAT from June 2009 to May 2014. The prediction accuracy of the mapping approach is assessed by using cross-validation, which results in a significantly high correlation of 0.91 and a small mean absolute prediction error of 8.77 ppb between the observed dataset and the prediction dataset. Secondly, with the mapping data, we investigate the spatial and temporal variations of XCH4 over Monsoon Asia and compare the results with previous studies on ground and other satellite observations. Thirdly, we compare the mapping XCH4 with model simulations from CarbonTracker-CH4 and find their spatial patterns very consistent, but GOSAT observations are more able to capture the local variability of XCH4. Finally, by correlating the mapping data with surface emission inventory, we find the geographical distribution of high CH4 values correspond well with strong emissions as indicated in the inventory map. Over the five-year period, the two datasets show a significant high correlation coefficient (0.80), indicating the dominant role of surface emissions in determining the distribution of XCH4 concentration in this region and suggesting a promising statistical way of constraining surface CH4 sources and sinks, which is simple and easy to implement using satellite observations over a long term period.
A Comparative Analysis of Machine Learning with WorldView-2 Pan-Sharpened Imagery for Tea Crop Mapping
Authors: Chuang Yung-Chung , Shiu Yi-Shiang
Published: April 2016

Tea is an important but vulnerable economic crop in East Asia, highly impacted by climate change. This study attempts to interpret tea land use/land cover (LULC) using very high resolution WorldView-2 imagery of central Taiwan with both pixel and object-based approaches. A total of 80 variables derived from each WorldView-2 band with pan-sharpening, standardization, principal components and gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) texture indices transformation, were set as the input variables. For pixel-based image analysis (PBIA), 34 variables were selected, including seven principal components, 21 GLCM texture indices and six original WorldView-2 bands. Results showed that support vector machine (SVM) had the highest tea crop classification accuracy (OA = 84.70% and KIA = 0.690), followed by random forest (RF), maximum likelihood algorithm (ML), and logistic regression analysis (LR). However, the ML classifier achieved the highest classification accuracy (OA = 96.04% and KIA = 0.887) in object-based image analysis (OBIA) using only six variables. The contribution of this study is to create a new framework for accurately identifying tea crops in a subtropical region with real-time high-resolution WorldView-2 imagery without field survey, which could further aid agriculture land management and a sustainable agricultural product supply.
Static and Wind-on Performance of Polymer-Based Pressure-Sensitive Paints Using Platinum and Ruthenium as the Luminophore
Authors: Lo Kin , Kontis Konstantinos
Published: April 2016

An experimental study has been conducted to investigate the static and wind-on performance of two in-house-developed polymer-based pressure-sensitive paints. Platinum tetrakis (pentafluorophenyl) porphyrin and tris-bathophenanthroline ruthenium II are used as the luminophores of these two polymer-based pressure-sensitive paints. The pressure and temperature sensitivity and the photo-degradation rate of these two pressure-sensitive paints have been investigated. In the wind tunnel test, it was observed that the normalised intensity ratio of both polymer-based pressure-sensitive paints being studied decreases with increasing the number of wind tunnel runs. The exact reason that leads to the occurrence of this phenomenon is unclear, but it is deduced that the luminophore is either removed or deactivated by the incoming flow during a wind tunnel test.
Enhanced Tissue Ablation Efficiency with a Mid-Infrared Nonlinear Frequency Conversion Laser System and Tissue Interaction Monitoring Using Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Kim Bongkyun , Kim Dae
Published: April 2016

We report development of optical parametric oscillator (OPO)-based mid-infrared laser system that utilizes a periodically poled nonlinear crystal pumped by a near-infrared (NIR) laser. We obtained a mid-infrared average output of 8 W at an injection current of 20 A from a quasi-phase-matched OPO using an external cavity configuration. Laser tissue ablation efficiency is substantially affected by several parameters, including an optical fluence rate, wavelength of the laser source, and the optical properties of target tissue. Dimensions of wavelength and radiant exposure dependent tissue ablation are quantified using Fourier domain optical coherence tomography and the ablation efficiency was compared to a non-converted NIR laser system.
Assessment and Decomposition of Total Factor Energy Efficiency: An Evidence Based on Energy Shadow Price in China
Authors: Lai Peihao , Du Minzhe , Wang Bing , Chen Ziyue
Published: April 2016

By adopting an energy-input based directional distance function, we calculated the shadow price of four types of energy (i.e., coal, oil, gas and electricity) among 30 areas in China from 1998 to 2012. Moreover, a macro-energy efficiency index in China was estimated and divided into intra-provincial technical efficiency, allocation efficiency of energy input structure and inter-provincial energy allocation efficiency. It shows that total energy efficiency has decreased in recent years, where intra-provincial energy technical efficiency drops markedly and extensive mode of energy consumption rises. However, energy structure and allocation improves slowly. Meanwhile, lacking an integrated energy market leads to the loss of energy efficiency. Further improvement of market allocation and structure adjustment play a pivotal role in the increase of energy efficiency.
Changes in CO2 Emissions Induced by Agricultural Inputs in China over 1991–2014
Authors: Wang Xiuhong
Published: April 2016

Increase in CO2 emissions induced by agricultural inputs in China since its socialist market economic reforms may hinder its sustainable economic development. More attention has been paid to changes in agricultural land use and overall land use benefit; however, relatively less attention has been paid to changes in CO2 emissions induced by agricultural inputs in China since the reforms. The carbon footprint (CF) variation for total agricultural production, the effects of different inputs on the total CF, and the changes in carbon intensity of the agricultural production system were analyzed using national level agrochemical and energy inputs data for the period 1991 to 2014. The total CF had a fluctuating upward trend, which was mainly affected by increases in nitrogen fertilizer input and energy consumption. The carbon intensity in production decreased, which indicated that the agricultural output value per unit of carbon cost gradually increased according to the market demands. However, the increase in agricultural output value per unit of carbon cost cannot outweigh the potential environmental risks induced by the increase in total carbon footprint per unit area of agricultural land. The improvements promoted by the related agricultural policies in China should aim to strike a balance between agricultural economy development and low carbon intensity in area.
Deciphering the Anti-Aflatoxinogenic Properties of Eugenol Using a Large-Scale q-PCR Approach
Authors: Caceres Isaura , El Khoury Rhoda , Medina Ángel , Lippi Yannick , Naylies Claire , Atoui Ali , El Khoury André , Oswald Isabelle , Bailly Jean-Denis , Puel Olivier
Published: April 2016

Produced by several species of Aspergillus, Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a carcinogenic mycotoxin contaminating many crops worldwide. The utilization of fungicides is currently one of the most common methods; nevertheless, their use is not environmentally or economically sound. Thus, the use of natural compounds able to block aflatoxinogenesis could represent an alternative strategy to limit food and feed contamination. For instance, eugenol, a 4-allyl-2-methoxyphenol present in many essential oils, has been identified as an anti-aflatoxin molecule. However, its precise mechanism of action has yet to be clarified. The production of AFB1 is associated with the expression of a 70 kB cluster, and not less than 21 enzymatic reactions are necessary for its production. Based on former empirical data, a molecular tool composed of 60 genes targeting 27 genes of aflatoxin B1 cluster and 33 genes encoding the main regulatory factors potentially involved in its production, was developed. We showed that AFB1 inhibition in Aspergillus flavus following eugenol addition at 0.5 mM in a Malt Extract Agar (MEA) medium resulted in a complete inhibition of the expression of all but one gene of the AFB1 biosynthesis cluster. This transcriptomic effect followed a down-regulation of the complex composed by the two internal regulatory factors, AflR and AflS. This phenomenon was also influenced by an over-expression of veA and mtfA, two genes that are directly linked to AFB1 cluster regulation.
Syntheses of dibenzo[d,d']benzo[2,1-b:3,4-b']difuran derivatives and their application to organic field-effect transistors
Authors: Truong Minh Anh , Nakano Koji
Published: April 2016

Ladder-type π-conjugated compounds containing a benzo[2,1-b:3,4-b']difuran skeleton, such as dibenzo[d,d']benzo[2,1-b:3,4-b']difuran (syn-DBBDF) and dinaphtho[2,3-d:2',3'-d']benzo[2,1-b:3,4-b']difuran (syn-DNBDF) were synthesized. Their photophysical and electrochemical properties were revealed by UV–vis absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. Organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) were fabricated with these compounds as organic semiconductors, and their semiconducting properties were evaluated. OFETs with syn-DBBDF and syn-DNBDF showed typical p-type characteristics with hole mobilities of <1.5 × 10−3 cm2·V−1·s−1 and <1.0 × 10−1 cm2·V−1·s−1, respectively.
AN EXTREME ANALOGUE OF ϵ AURIGAE: AN M-GIANT ECLIPSED EVERY 69 YEARS BY A LARGE OPAQUE DISK SURROUNDING A SMALL HOT SOURCE
Authors: Rodriguez Joseph E. , Stassun Keivan G. , Lund Michael B. , Siverd Robert J. , Pepper Joshua , Tang Sumin , Kafka Stella , Gaudi B. Scott , Conroy Kyle E. , Beatty Thomas G. , Stevens Daniel J. , Shappee Benjamin J. , Kochanek Christopher S.
Published: April 2016

We present TYC 2505-672-1 as a newly discovered and remarkable eclipsing system comprising an M-type red giant that undergoes a ∼3.45 year long, near-total eclipse (depth of ∼4.5 mag) with a very long period of ∼69.1 years. TYC 2505-672-1 is now the longest-period eclipsing binary system yet discovered, more than twice as long as that of the currently longest-period system, ϵ Aurigae. We show from analysis of the light curve including both our own data and historical data spanning more than 120 years and from modeling of the spectral energy distribution, both before and during eclipse, that the red giant primary is orbited by a moderately hot source (T
eff ≈ 8000 K) that is itself surrounded by an extended, opaque circumstellar disk. From the measured ratio of luminosities, the radius of the hot companion must be in the range of 0.1–0.5 R
⊙ (depending on the assumed radius of the red giant primary), which is an order of magnitude smaller than that for a main sequence A star and 1–2 orders of magnitude larger than that for a white dwarf. The companion is therefore most likely a “stripped red giant” subdwarf-B type star destined to become a He white dwarf. It is, however, somewhat cooler than most sdB stars, implying a very low mass for this “pre-He-WD” star. The opaque disk surrounding this hot source may be a remnant of the stripping of its former hydrogen envelope. However, it is puzzling how this object became stripped, given that it is at present so distant (orbital semimajor axis of ∼24 au) from the current red giant primary star. Extrapolating from our calculated ephemeris, the next eclipse should begin in early UT 2080 April and end in mid UT 2083 September (eclipse center UT 2081 December 24). In the meantime, radial velocity observations would establish the masses of the components, and high-cadence UV observations could potentially reveal oscillations of the hot companion that would further constrain its evolutionary status. In any case, this system is poised to become an exemplar of a very rare class of systems, even more extreme in several respects than the well studied archetype ϵ Aurigae.
NEAR-CONTACT BINARIES IZ MONOCEROTIS AND AR DRACONIS
Authors: Yang Yuan-Gui , Dai Hai-Feng , Zhou Zheng , Li Qun
Published: April 2016

We present multi-color photometric observations for two neglected near-contact binaries, IZ Mon (

P
=
0
.ͩ
77980

) and AR Dra (

P
=
0
.ͩ
67584

). By the aid of the updated W-D analysis code, the photometric solutions were deduced from the multi-color light curves (LCs). IZ Mon is a semi-detached binary with a mass ratio of

q
=
0.388
(
±
0.002
)

, while AR Dra is a detached star with a mass ratio of

q
=
0.652
(
±
0.002
)

. The asymmetric LCs of IZ Mon were modeled by a hot spot on the secondary’s surface, which may be attributed to mass transfer from the primary. Based on all collected eclipse times for two systems, we constructed their timing residual curves. The orbital period for IZ Mon may be continuously decreasing at a rate of

dP

/

dt
=
−
2.06
(
±
0.04
)

days

yr

−
1

, which may result from mass and angular momentum loss from the central system. For AR Dra, there exists a cyclic variation with a period of

P

3

=
104.9
(
±
2.9
)

yr

due to light-time orbit effect via the presence of the third body, whose mass is more than

0.28
(
±
0.02
)

M

⊙

. Finally, two near-contact binaries, IZ Mon and AR Dra, will evolve into contact binaries.
UV–OPTICAL OBSERVATION OF TYPE Ia SUPERNOVA SN 2013dy IN NGC 7250
Authors: Zhai Qian , Zhang Ju-Jia , Wang Xiao-Feng , Zhang Tian-Meng , Liu Zheng-Wei , Brown Peter J. , Huang Fan , Zhao Xu-Lin , Chang Liang , Yi Wei-Min , Wang Chuan-Jun , Xin Yu-Xin , Wang Jian-Guo , Lun Bao-Li , Zhang Xi-Liang , Fan Yu-Feng , Zheng Xiang-Ming , Bai Jin-Ming
Published: April 2016

Extensive and independent observations of Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) SN 2013dy are presented, including a larger set of UBVRI photometry and optical spectra from a few days before the peak brightness to ∼ 200 days after explosion, and ultraviolet (UV) photometry spanning from t ≈ –10 days to t ≈ +15 days refers to the B band maximum. The peak brightness (i.e., M
B = –19.65 ± 0.40 mag; L
max = [1.95 ± 0.55] × 1043 erg s−1) and the mass of synthesized 56Ni (i.e., M(56Ni) = 0.90 ± 0.26 M
⊙) are calculated, and they conform to the expectation for an SN Ia with a slow decline rate (i.e., Δm
15(B) = 0.90 ± 0.03 mag). However, the near infrared (NIR) brightness of this SN (i.e., M
H = –17.33 ± 0.30 mag) is at least 1.0 mag fainter than usual. Besides, spectroscopy classification reveals that SN 2013dy resides on the border of “core normal” and “shallow silicon” subclasses in the Branch et al. classification scheme, or on the border of the “normal velocity” SNe Ia and 91T/99aa-like events in the Wang et al. system. These suggest that SN 2013dy is a slow-declining SN Ia located on the transitional region of nominal spectroscopic subclasses and might not be a typical normal sample of SNe Ia.
GEOMETRY-INDEPENDENT DETERMINATION OF RADIAL DENSITY DISTRIBUTIONS IN MOLECULAR CLOUD CORES AND OTHER ASTRONOMICAL OBJECTS
Authors: Krčo Marko , Goldsmith Paul F.
Published: April 2016

We present a geometry-independent method for determining the shapes of radial volume density profiles of astronomical objects whose geometries are unknown, based on a single column density map. Such profiles are often critical to understand the physics and chemistry of molecular cloud cores, in which star formation takes place. The method presented here does not assume any geometry for the object being studied, thus removing a significant source of bias. Instead, it exploits contour self-similarity in column density maps, which appears to be common in data for astronomical objects. Our method may be applied to many types of astronomical objects and observable quantities so long as they satisfy a limited set of conditions, which we describe in detail. We derive the method analytically, test it numerically, and illustrate its utility using 2MASS-derived dust extinction in molecular cloud cores. While not having made an extensive comparison of different density profiles, we find that the overall radial density distribution within molecular cloud cores is adequately described by an attenuated power law.
EFFECT OF PERCHLORATES ON ELECTRON RADIOLYSIS OF GLYCINE WITH APPLICATION TO MARS
Authors: Góbi Sándor , Abplanalp Matthew J. , Kaiser Ralf I.
Published: April 2016

This work explores the radiolytic decomposition of glycine (H2NCH2COOH) under simulated Martian conditions in the presence of perchlorates (

), which are abundant oxidizers on the surface of Mars, by energetic electrons at 10, 160, 210, and 260 K, mimicking the radiation exposure of the Martian regolith in the first 5–10 cm depths over about 250 million years. Our experiments present quantitative evidence that the rate constants of the glycine decomposition in the presence of magnesium perchlorate hexahydrate (Mg(ClO4)2 · 6H2O) were a factor of about two higher than that of the pure glycine, suggesting that energetic oxygen atoms (O) released from the

have a significant effect on the decomposition rates and accelerate them by providing a unique oxidizing environment in the radiolyzed samples. Hence, two decay mechanisms exist: radiolysis by the electrons and oxidation by the O atoms. Within the Mars-relevant temperature range covering 160–260 K, the destruction rates are nearly temperature invariant with rates varying as little as 5%. Further, the formation rates of carbon dioxide (CO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) are both accelerated in the presence of

by a factor of three to five, supporting our conclusion of an active oxygen-initiated chemistry. In addition, the degradation rates are significantly higher than the formation rates of CO2 and CO. This suggests that, besides the decarboxylation, alternative degradation pathways such as a polymerization of glycine must exist. Finally, besides CO2 and CO, three alternative products were identified tentatively: methylamine (CH3NH2), methane (CH4), and ammonia (NH3).
THE IMPLICATIONS OF EXTREME OUTFLOWS FROM EXTREME STARBURSTS
Authors: Heckman Timothy M. , Borthakur Sanchayeeta
Published: April 2016

Interstellar ultraviolet absorption lines provide crucial information about the properties of galactic outflows. In this paper, we augment our previous analysis of the systematic properties of starburst-driven galactic outflows by expanding our sample to include a rare population of starbursts with exceptionally high outflow velocities. In principle, these could be a qualitatively different phenomenon from more typical outflows. However, we find that instead these starbursts lie on, or along the extrapolation of, the trends defined by the more typical systems studied previously by us. We exploit the wide dynamic range provided by this new sample to determine scaling relations of outflow velocity with galaxy stellar mass (M
*), circular velocity, star formation rate (SFR), SFR/M
*, and SFR/area. We argue that these results can be accommodated within the general interpretational framework we previously advocated, in which a population of ambient interstellar or circumgalactic clouds is accelerated by the combined forces of gravity and the momentum flux from the starburst. We show that this simple physical picture is consistent with both the strong cosmological evolution of galactic outflows in typical star-forming galaxies and the paucity of such galaxies with spectra showing inflows. We also present simple parameterizations of these results that can be implemented in theoretical models and numerical simulations of galaxy evolution.
BLACKBODY RADIATION FROM ISOLATED NEPTUNES
Authors: Ginzburg Sivan , Sari Re’em , Loeb Abraham
Published: April 2016

Recent analyses of the orbits of some Kuiper belt objects hypothesize the presence of an undiscovered Neptune-size planet at a very large separation from the Sun. The energy budget of Neptunes on such distant orbits is dominated by the internal heat released by their cooling rather than solar irradiation (making them effectively “isolated”). The blackbody radiation that these planets emit as they cool may provide the means for their detection. Here, we use an analytical toy model to study the cooling and radiation of isolated Neptunes. This model can translate a detection (or a null detection) to a constraint on the size and composition of the hypothesized “Planet Nine.” Specifically, the thick gas atmosphere of Neptune-like planets serves as an insulating blanket that slows down their cooling. Therefore, a measurement of the blackbody temperature,

T

eff

∼
50

K

, at which a Neptune emits, can be used to estimate the mass of its atmosphere,

M

atm

. Explicitly, we find the relation

T

eff

∝

M

atm

1

/

12

. Despite this weak relation, a measurement of the flux at the Wien tail can constrain the atmospheric mass, at least to within a factor of a few, and provide useful limits to possible formation scenarios of these planets. Finally, we constrain the size and composition of Planet Nine by combining our model with the null results of recent all-sky surveys.
Clinical Utility of HCV Core Antigen Detection and Quantification in the Diagnosis and Management of Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Receiving an All-Oral, Interferon-Free Regimen
Authors: Chevaliez Stéphane , Feld Jordan , Cheng Kevin , Wedemeyer Heiner , Sarrazin Christoph , Maasoumy Benjamin , Herman Christine , Hackett John , Cohen Daniel , Dawson George , Pawlotsky Jean-Michel , Cloherty Gavin
Published: April 2016

Background

The introduction of highly potent direct-acting combination therapies for HCV have negated the role of response-guided therapy and reduced the role of treatment monitoring. However, there remains a need to identify patients who are actively infected with HCV and discriminate those who have achieved sustained virological response (SVR) from those who fail to achieve SVR.

Methods

A total of 1,678 plasma samples from the 631 subjects enrolled in AbbVie's SAPPHIRE I trial (NCT01716585) were tested in a blinded fashion with Abbott HCV core antigen (cAg) assay and results were compared with Roche High-Pure system/COBAS® TaqMan HCV RNA 2.0 assay.

Results

Using 10 fmol/l as the clinical cutoff for cAg, the HCV RNA and cAg tests were in 100% agreement for true negative samples and 99.6% agreement for truly positive samples. One discordant (screening) sample was identified. This sample was target not detected by HCV RNA method but positive by anti-HCV and highly positive by ARCHITECT core antigen (7,912 fmol/l). Seventeen samples had cAg levels in the ‘grey zone’ >3 but <10 fmol/l at initial testing and were re-tested per package insert. All of these samples gave a result of <3 fmol/l upon retest. These results were in alignment with target not detected HCV RNA result. One sample had a cAg >3 but <10 fmol/l when tested on three consecutive occasions (5.8, 5.5 and 4.4) but had a target not detected RNA result.

Conclusions

In this study cAg, with a 10 fmol/l cutoff, accurately identified 99.6% of patients with active viraemia and discriminated all subjects who achieved SVR from those who failed therapy.
Normes financières et modèle économique :
Authors: Barneto Pascal , Degos Jean-Guy , Ouvrard Stéphane
Published: April 2016

La notion de business model apparaît de manière explicite dans la norme IFRS 9 et de manière implicite dans le cadre conceptuel, version 2010 de l’IASB. Néanmoins, la notion de business model reste utilisée avec précaution par l’organisme normalisateur afin d’éviter les abus de la comptabilité d’intention (P. Danjou, 2013). Il semble en effet qu’il y ait une réelle difficulté à concilier l’idéal de neutralité avec la demande d’une information financière permettant de « voir l’entreprise à travers les yeux du management » (G. Gélard, 2008). La question de la représentation fidèle des phénomènes économiques implique que l’information soit complète, neutre et sans erreur. La question du lien entre business model et comptabilité financière semble aujourd’hui faire débat.