bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interface Transmissivity Measurement in Multicomponent Geosynthetic Clay Liners
Authors: Bannour H. , Touze-Foltz N. , Courté A. , von Maubeuge K. P.
Published: June 2013

Three different multicomponent geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) from different manufacturers are tested in a transmissivity cell with a new testing procedure to quantify the flow rate and the interface transmissivity between the coating or attached film presenting a hole and the upper geotextile of the GCL. The testing device was previously used in studies aiming to evaluate the interface transmissivity between a damaged geomembrane (GM) and a regular GCL. Different results are obtained regarding the evolution with the time of the flow rate ranging from 1.73 × 10−11 m3/s to 2.18 × 10−10 m3/s at steady state, which is on average in the range of flow rate results obtained with a GM–GCL composite liner. Additional tests performed by adding a GM on top give lower values of flow rates. This shows the importance of the film or coating rigidity for decreasing flow rate and insuring a better quality contact at the interface.
Perforation and Carbon Ablation Experiments on Nano-Ceria by Electron Irradiation
Authors: Bhatta Umananda M. , Karounis Faris , Stringfellow Andrew , Möbus Günter
Published: June 2013

The well-known high irradiation resistance of fluorite-structured oxides is examined on the nanoscale by focused electron beam irradiation of ceria nanoparticles. It is found that ceria is amongst the nanomaterials most resistant to electron beam perforation with mainly swelling and amorphisation damage observed, along with grain reorientation effects. A comparison to reference nano-materials, shows that cubic zirconia behaves similarly resistant but that ultra-fine holes can be drilled, unlike for ceria, while SiC on the other hand can be perforated easily. Ablation of carbon films around electron beam impact zones is found accelerated in ceria, as compared to SiC, and discussed as a potential catalytic effect.
Formation of polypyrrole/metal hybrid interfacial layer with self-regulation functions via ultrasonication
Authors: Skorb Ekaterina V. , Baidukova Olga , Andreeva Olga A. , Cherepanov Pavel V. , Andreeva Daria V.
Published: June 2013

The authors proposed a novel method of formation of polymer/metal hybrid interfacial layer with switchable properties by using ultrasonication. Intensive ultrasonication leads to the formation of a rough metal interface and triggers free-radical polymerization of monomers in the interfacial region of metal surface. Thus, polymer layer exhibits excellent adhesion to the bulk metal. The novel concept was demonstrated for polypyrrole/aluminum systems. Hydrophilic/hydrophobic properties and corrosion resistance also due to doping/dedoping of polypyrrole of the interfacial layers can be adjusted based on particular application. The proposed method can serve as a platform for formation of interfaces with self-regulating properties: self-healing, switchable hydrophylicity.
Housing evaluation with web-SDSS in urban regeneration actions
Authors: Natividade-Jesus Eduardo , Coutinho-Rodrigues João , Tralhão Lino
Published: June 2013

Urban regeneration is increasingly a ‘universal issue’ and a crucial factor in the new trends of urban planning. It is no longer only an area for study and research, but it has become part of new urban and housing policies. Urban regeneration involves complex decisions as a consequence of the multiple dimensions of the problems such as special technical requirements, safety concerns, and socio-economic, environmental, aesthetic and political impacts, among others. This multi-dimensional nature of urban regeneration projects and the large capital investments required justify the development and use of state-of-the-art decision support methodologies to assist decision makers. This research focuses on the development of a multi-criteria approach for the evaluation of building conservation status in urban regeneration projects. This paper presents a web-based spatial decision support system (SDSS) to help decision makers in analysis of problems and in the definition of strategies and priorities of intervention. An example of an application to a real-world context is also presented.
A general multi-objective hyper-heuristic for water distribution network design with discolouration risk
Authors: McClymont Kent , Keedwell Ed , Savić Dragan , Randall-Smith Mark
Published: June 2013

The optimisation of water distribution networks (WDNs) by evolutionary algorithms has gained much coverage in the literature since it was first proposed in the early 1990s. Despite being well studied, the problem and objectives continue to evolve as demands on water companies change. Motivated by the increased focus on reducing the risk of discolouration, this study examines a three objective version of the WDN design problem which takes into account cost, head excess and discolouration risk. Using this formulation, this paper presents a method for producing optimised network designs aimed at reducing discolouration risk in the network design phase and thus reducing the associated long-term maintenance and operational burdens of the system. This paper discusses the use of a discolouration risk model and, using this model, the optimisation of network design, specifically pipe diameters, to produce a range of high quality self-cleaning networks. The network designs are optimised using the Markov-chain hyper-heuristic (MCHH), a new multi-objective online selective hyper-heuristic. The MCHH is incorporated in to the known NSGA-II and SPEA2 and supplied with a range of heuristics tailored for use on the WDN design problem. The results demonstrate an improvement in performance obtained over the original algorithms.
Evolutionary data-modelling of an innovative low reflective vertical quay
Authors: Altomare C. , Gironella X. , Laucelli D.
Published: June 2013

Vertical walls are commonly used as berthing structures. However, conventional vertical quays may have serious technical and environmental problems, as they reflect almost all the energy of the incident waves, thus affecting operational conditions and structural strength. These drawbacks can be overcome by the use of low reflective structures, but for some instances no theoretical equations exist to determine the relationship between the reflection coefficient and parameters that affect the structural response. Therefore, this study tries to fill this gap by examining the wave reflection of an absorbing gravity wall by means of evolutionary polynomial regression, a hybrid evolutionary modelling paradigm that combines the best features of conventional numerical regression and genetic programming. The method implements a multi-modelling approach in which a multi-objective genetic algorithm is used to get optimal models in terms of parsimony of mathematical expressions and fitting to data. A database of physical laboratory observations is used to predict the reflection as a function of a set of variables that characterize wave conditions and structure features. The proposed modelling paradigm proved to be a useful tool for data analysis and is able to find feasible explicit models featured by an appreciable generalization performance.
Real-time urban flood forecasting and modelling – a state of the art
Authors: Henonin Justine , Russo Beniamino , Mark Ole , Gourbesville Philippe
Published: June 2013

All urban drainage networks are designed to manage a maximum rainfall. This situation implies an accepted flood risk for any greater rainfall event. This risk is often underestimated as factors such as city growth and climate change are ignored. But even major structural changes cannot guarantee that urban drainage networks would cope with all future rain events. Thus, being able to forecast urban flooding in real time is one of the main issues of integrated flood risk management. Runoff and hydraulic models can be essential elements of flood forecast systems, as an active part of the system or as studying tools. This paper gives an overview of current available options for pluvial flood modelling in urban areas, from basic estimations with a one-dimensional urban drainage model to detailed flood process representation with one dimensional–two dimensional hydrodynamic coupled models. Each type of modelling solution is described with pros and cons regarding urban flood analysis. The paper then elaborates on real-time flood forecast systems and the influence of their main components. A classification of real-time urban flood systems is given based on the use of urban models, i.e. empirical scenarios, pre-simulated scenarios and real-time simulations. A review of existing operational systems is done using this classification.
Least-cost design of water distribution systems under demand uncertainty: the robust counterpart approach
Authors: Perelman Lina , Housh Mashor , Ostfeld Avi
Published: June 2013

In this study, a non-probabilistic robust counterpart (RC) approach is demonstrated and applied to the least-cost design/rehabilitation problem of water distribution systems (WDSs). The uncertainty of the information is described by a deterministic user-defined ellipsoidal uncertainty set that implies the level of risk. The advantages of the RC approach on previous modelling attempts to include uncertainty are in making no assumptions about the probability density functions of the uncertain parameters and their interdependencies, having no requirements on the construction of a representative sample of scenarios, and the deterministic equivalent problem preserves the same size (i.e. computational complexity) as the original problem. The RC is coupled with the cross-entropy heuristic optimization technique for seeking robust solutions. The methodology is demonstrated on an illustrative example and on the Hanoi network. The results show considerable promise of the proposed approach to incorporate uncertainty in the least-cost design problem of WDSs. Further research is warranted to extend the model for more complex WDSs, incorporate extended period simulations, and develop RC schemes for other WDSs related management problems.
An agent-based modeling framework for sociotechnical simulation of water distribution contamination events
Authors: Shafiee M. Ehsan , Zechman Emily M.
Published: June 2013

In the event that a contaminant is introduced to a water distribution network, a large population of consumers may risk exposure. Selecting mitigation actions to protect public health may be difficult, as contamination is a poorly predictable dynamic event. Consumers who become aware of an event may select protective actions to change their water demands from typical demand patterns, and new hydraulic conditions can arise that differ from conditions that would be predicted when demands are considered as exogenous inputs. Consequently, the movement of the contaminant plume in the pipe network may shift from its expected trajectory. A sociotechnical model is developed here to integrate agent-based models of consumers with an engineering water distribution system model and capture the dynamics between consumer behaviors and the water distribution system for predicting contaminant transport and public exposure. Consumers are simulated as agents with behaviors, including movement, water consumption, exposure, reduction in demands, and communication with other agents. As consumers decrease their water use, the location of the contaminant plume is updated and the amount of contaminant consumed by each agent is calculated. The framework is tested through simulating realistic contamination scenarios for a virtual city and water distribution system.
The Effect of Implementation Intentions on Reactions to Nonspecified Situational Cues
Authors: Yang Ye , Zhang Hong
Published: June 2013

The facilitative effect of implementation intentions on goal attainment has been demonstrated in past research (Gollwitzer & Sheeran, 2006). However, relatively little attention has been paid to the potential side effects of implementation intentions on the responses to nonspecified
cues (i.e., cues not specified in implementation intentions). In the current study we investigated whether or not cue ambiguity would moderate the effect of implementation intentions on reactions to nonspecified cues. The results indicated reactions of our participants (42 undergraduate psychology
students) to nonspecified cues were facilitated by implementation intentions, even when there was high ambiguity between the target and nonspecified cues. These results help clarify the underlying mechanisms of the effects of forming implementation intentions.
Coping and Mental Health of Iranian Social Workers: The Impact of Client Violence
Authors: Padyab Mojgan , Ghazinour Mehdi , Richter Jörg
Published: June 2013

Client violence towards social workers and its impact on their practice, and physical and psychological health, as well as the importance of coping as a factor in health outcomes, are well documented. However, there is a dearth of studies concerning these issues in Iran. We conducted
a national survey of 390 social workers in Iran, and employed structural equation modeling to test the potential mediating role of coping strategies on the relationship between violence and health outcomes. Active coping was used more than passive coping and the use of active coping had a
direct positive effect on health. Results indicate that the two coping behaviors are related and the success of each depends on the other. We discuss our findings with special regard to the context of social work in Iran.
Impact of Extroversion and Introversion on Language-Learning Behaviors
Authors: Kayaoğlu M. Naci
Published: June 2013

Despite the fact that personality factors and learning strategies are of great importance in success with language learning, the link between extroversion and introversion and language-learning strategies has received little attention from researchers. Therefore, I investigated whether
or not there is any correlation between these personality traits and language-learning strategies. Participants in the study were 106 extroverted and 94 introverted students. The Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) and the Strategy Inventory for Second Language Learning (SILL) were employed.
The findings indicated that, with the exception of communicative strategies, introverted learners used a greater range of metacognitive and cognitive strategies than did extroverted learners.
Measuring Military Identity: Scale Development and Psychometric Evaluations
Authors: Johansen Rino Bandlitz , Laberg Jon Christian , Martinussen Monica
Published: June 2013

Our purpose was to perform a psychometric evaluation of a new 33-item questionnaire developed in Norway. To evaluate it we assessed its internal consistency, performed an exploratory factor analysis, and investigated aspects of construct validity. We also examined test-retest reliability.
A second purpose was to investigate whether or not individual level variables such as age, gender, or service were related to different military identities. In Study 1 we collected cross-sectional data from military personnel in the Norwegian Armed Forces (N = 317). In Study 2 we collected
longitudinal data from students undertaking junior officer education (N = 238). We identified a 3-factor structure, comprising professionalism, individualism, and idealism. Internal consistency for the 3 subscales was acceptable (α = .60–.83). Test-retest reliability and
construct validity were supported. We found professionalism to be significantly higher in the Army as compared to in the Navy and Air Force. We did not detect gender differences in terms of military identities, but we did detect small negative correlations between age and professionalism and
between age and idealism.
Prognostic Value of Multidetector Computed Tomography Coronary Angiography in Diabetes
Authors: Andreini Daniele , Pontone Gianluca , Mushtaq Saima , Bertella Erika , Conte Edoardo , Baggiano Andrea , Veglia Fabrizio , Agostoni Piergiuseppe , Annoni Andrea , Formenti Alberto , Montorsi Piero , Ballerini Giovanni , Bartorelli Antonio L. , Fiorentini Cesare , Pepi Mauro
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prognostic role of multidetector computed tomography coronary angiography (MDCT-CA) in patients with diabetes with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). Use of MDCT-CA is increasing in patients with suspected CAD. However, data supporting its prognostic value in patients with diabetes are limited.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Between January 2006 and September 2007, 429 consecutive diabetic patients were prospectively studied with MDCT-CA for detecting the presence and assessing the extent of CAD (disease extension and coronary plaque scores). Patients were classified according to the presence of normal coronary arteries and nonobstructive (<50%) and obstructive (≥50%) coronary lesions. The composite rates of hard cardiac events (cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, unstable angina) and all cardiac events (including revascularization) were the end points of the study.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients were excluded because MDCT-CA data were not able to be interpreted. Of the remaining 405 patients, clinical follow-up (mean 62 ± 9 months) was obtained in 390 (98%). Multivariate analysis showed that predictors of hard and all events were obstructive CAD, three-vessel CAD, and left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease. Cumulative event-free survival was 100% for hard and all events in patients with normal coronary arteries, 78% for hard events and 56% for all events in patients with nonobstructive CAD, and 60% for hard events and 16% for all events in patients with obstructive CAD. Three-vessel CAD and LMCA disease were associated with a higher rate of hard cardiac events.

CONCLUSIONS

MDCT-CA provides long-term prognostic information for patients with diabetes with suspected CAD, showing excellent prognosis when there is no evidence of atherosclerosis and allowing risk stratification when CAD is present.
A Role for Fibroblast Growth Factor 19 and Bile Acids in Diabetes Remission After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
Authors: Gerhard Glenn S. , Styer Amanda M. , Wood G. Craig , Roesch Stephen L. , Petrick Anthony T. , Gabrielsen Jon , Strodel William E. , Still Christopher D. , Argyropoulos George
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVE

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in humans can remit type 2 diabetes, but the operative mechanism is not completely understood. In mice, fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 15 (FGF19 in humans) regulates hepatic bile acid (BA) production and can also resolve diabetes. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the FGF19–BA pathway plays a role in the remission of human diabetes after RYGB surgery.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Cohorts of diabetic and nondiabetic individuals of various body weights were used. In addition, RYGB patients without diabetes (No-Diabetes), RYGB patients with diabetes who experienced remission for at least 12 months after surgery (Diabetes-R), and RYGB patients with diabetes who did not go into remission after surgery (Diabetes-NoR) were studied. Circulating FGF19 and BA levels, hepatic glycogen content, and expression levels of genes regulating the FGF19–BA pathway were compared among these groups of patients using pre- and postoperative serum samples and intraoperative liver biopsies.

RESULTS

Preoperatively, patients with diabetes had lower FGF19 and higher BA levels than nondiabetic patients, irrespective of body weight. In diabetic patients undergoing RYGB, lower FGF19 levels were significantly correlated with increased hepatic expression of the cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase 1 (CYP7A1) gene, which modulates BA production. Following RYGB surgery, however, FGF19 and BA levels (particularly cholic and deoxycholic acids) exhibited larger increases in Diabetic-R patients compared with nondiabetic and Diabetic-NoR patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, the baseline and postoperative data implicate the FGF19–CYP7A1–BA pathway in the etiology and remission of type 2 diabetes following RYGB surgery.
Palaeobotanical studies on Late Glacial and Holocene vegetation development and transformations of the ‘Wielkie Błoto’ mire near Gołdap (north-eastern Poland)
Authors: Karpińska-Kołaczek Monika , Kołaczek Piotr , Stachowicz-Rybka Renata
Published: June 2013

This paper presents the results of palynological, macrofossil and peat analyses that were conducted on deposits from a profile collected from the Wielkie Błoto mire near Bałupiany (north eastern Poland). The investigation revealed that the recorded changes of vegetation span the period from the decline of the Younger Dryas (ca 9600 cal. yr BC) to the late Subboreal or early Subatlantic chronozone, but due to a 40 cm long sediment gap a complete reconstruction was not possible. At the beginning, the area was occupied by steppe and tundra communities together with abundant Juniperus stands. A subsequent expansion of birch (Betula) woodlands with pine (Pinus sylvestris) took place in the Preboreal chronozone in which a rise in the water level and/or basin deepening was recorded at the site as well. The domination of such woodlands lasted to the end of the Boreal chronozone when Corylus avellana expanded rapidly. In the Atlantic chronozone multispecies deciduous forests developed with Tilia cordata and Quercus, while Ulmus together with Alnus spread in damp habitats. During this chronozone, traces of the occurrence of Carpinus betulus were detected in the macrofossil analysis, while the pollen analysis failed to record its presence. The expansion of Carpinus betulus and Picea abies was characteristic of the Subboreal chronozone when both taxa presented antagonistic optima. Alone in north-eastern Poland, there was a re-expansion of deciduous forest in the younger part of the Subboreal chronozone caused probably by low human impact, which is reflected in the whole profile. The first probable traces of human activity were noticed in the Atlantic chronozone and attributed to peoples of the Mesolithic or Early Neolithic cultures, while the first evidence of cultivation was correlated to the Bronze Age. However, the low resolution of the radiocarbon dates did not allow a more precise reconstruction of the chronology. The analysis of macrofossils and tissues indicated two episodes of oligotrophication of the mire. The first one took place during the Boreal chronozone, while the second fall in trophy was triggered by spruce expansion in the Subboreal chronozone. On the other hand, a rise in human impact during the first Carpinus betulus maximum caused eutrophication of the mire.
Measurement of the maximum value of non-uniform strain using a temperature-insensitive fibre Bragg grating method
Authors: Kisała P.
Published: June 2013

This paper presents an optoelectronic method for measuring the maximum value of non-uniformly distributed strain at varying temperature. Use of conjugate a gradient algorithm and a sensor model makes it possible to determine the maximum non-uniform strain value and the temperature at which the measurement is performed. The described sensor system enables the maximum strain value to be determined with a linear resolution of 0.003 m. A specially designed measurement system is proposed to verify the plausibility of using uniform fibre Bragg gratings for the simultaneous measurement of two quantities. The possibility of using the spectrum of two grating sensors to determine the maximum value of a non-uniform distribution of strain and temperature values is demonstrated.
Automation of CMOS technology migration illustrated by RGB to YCrCb analogue converter
Authors: Naumowicz M. , Melosik M. , Katarzynski P. , Handkiewicz A.
Published: June 2013

The paper illustrates a practical example of technology migration applied to the colour space converter realized in CMOS technology. The element has analogue excitation and response signals expressed in current mode. Such converter may be incorporated into an integrated vision sensor for preconditioning acquired image data. The idea of a computer software tool supporting the automated migration and design reuse is presented as the major contribution. The mentioned tools implement the Hooke-Jeeves direct search method for performing the multivariable optimization. Our purpose is to ensure transferring the circuit between usable fabrication technologies and preserving its functional properties. The colour space converter is treated as the case study for performance evaluation of the proposed tool in cooperation with HSPICE simulation software. The original CMOS technology files for Taiwan semiconductor (TSMC) plant were utilized for the research. The automated design migration from 180 nm into 90 nm resulted with obtaining compact IC layout characterized by a smaller area and lower power consumption. The paper is concluded with a brief summary that proves the usability of the proposed tool in designing CMOS cells dedicated for low power image processing.
Practical application of pulsed “eye-safe” microchip laser to laser rangefinders
Authors: Młyńczak J. , Kopczyński K. , Mierczyk Z. , Zygmunt M. , Natkański S. , Muzal M. , Wojtanowski J. , Kirwil P. , Jakubaszek M. , Knysak P. , Piotrowski W. , Zarzycka A. , Gawlikowski A.
Published: June 2013

The paper describes practical application of pulsed microchip laser generating at 1535-nm wavelength to a laser rangefinder. The complete prototype of a laser rangefinder was built and investigated in real environmental conditions. The measured performance of the device is discussed. To build the prototype of a laser rangefinder at a reasonable price and shape a number of basic considerations had to be done. These include the mechanical and optical design of a microchip laser and the opto-mechanical construction of the rangefinder.
Direct excitation of the Tamm plasmon-polaritons on a dielectric Bragg reflector coated with a metal film
Authors: Zhu Y. , Hu W. , Fang Y.
Published: June 2013

Tamm plasmon-polariton is a surface state or surface wave formed at the boundary between a metal and a dielectric Bragg reflector. In order to directly excite the Tamm plasmon-polaritons with unit transmission, we design a structure of Bragg reflector coated with a metal film. Through the Bloch theorem of periodic structures and transfer matrix method, we deduce the existence conditions of the Tamm plasmon-polaritons. For a a finite structure, the Tamm plasmon-polaritons can be excited, which is dependent on the thickness of metal, the period number of the Bragg reflector, the incident direction and frequency. On proper conditions, a perfect transmission for the Tamm plasmon-polariton mode can be achieved without the use of attenuated total reflection prism coupling or diffraction grating.
Spatially-Explicit Bayesian Information Entropy Metrics for Calibrating Landscape Transformation Models
Authors: Alexandridis Kostas , Pijanowski Bryan
Published: June 2013

Assessing spatial model performance often presents challenges related to the choice and suitability of traditional statistical methods in capturing the true validity and dynamics of the predicted outcomes. The stochastic nature of many of our contemporary spatial models of land use change necessitate the testing and development of new and innovative methodologies in statistical spatial assessment. In many cases, spatial model performance depends critically on the spatially-explicit prior distributions, characteristics, availability and prevalence of the variables and factors under study. This study explores the statistical spatial characteristics of statistical model assessment of modeling land use change dynamics in a seven-county study area in South-Eastern Wisconsin during the historical period of 1963–1990. The artificial neural network-based Land Transformation Model (LTM) predictions are used to compare simulated with historical land use transformations in urban/suburban landscapes. We introduce a range of Bayesian information entropy statistical spatial metrics for assessing the model performance across multiple simulation testing runs. Bayesian entropic estimates of model performance are compared against information-theoretic stochastic entropy estimates and theoretically-derived accuracy assessments. We argue for the critical role of informational uncertainty across different scales of spatial resolution in informing spatial landscape model assessment. Our analysis reveals how incorporation of spatial and landscape information asymmetry estimates can improve our stochastic assessments of spatial model predictions. Finally our study shows how spatially-explicit entropic classification accuracy estimates can work closely with dynamic modeling methodologies in improving our scientific understanding of landscape change as a complex adaptive system and process.
Model-Based Fault Location with Frequency Domain for Power Traction System
Authors: Xu Guoqing , Zhou Yimin , Chen Yanfeng
Published: June 2013

In this paper, precise fault location in electrical traction network systems is discussed in the high-frequency domain. Based on the analysis of the equivalent impedance at the measurement terminal, the relationship between the fault distance and the frequency spectrum extreme points of the system impedance are derived. The exact fault location can be obtained from the relationship curves accordingly. MATLAB simulation experiments have been performed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
MicroRNA Regulation in Renal Pathophysiology
Authors: Hou Jianghui , Zhao Dan
Published: June 2013

MicroRNAs are small, noncoding RNA molecules that regulate a considerable amount of human genes on the post-transcriptional level, and participate in many key biological processes. MicroRNA deregulation has been found associated with major kidney diseases. Here, we summarize current knowledge on the role of microRNAs in renal glomerular and tubular pathologies, with emphasis on the mesangial cell and podocyte dysfunction in diabetic nephropathy, the proximal tubular cell survival in acute kidney injury, the transport function of the thick ascending limb in Ca++ imbalance diseases, and the regulation of salt, K+ and blood pressure in the distal tubules. Identification of microRNAs and their target genes provides novel therapeutic candidates for treating these diseases. Manipulation of microRNA function with its sense or antisense oligonucleotide enables coordinated regulation of the entire downstream gene network, which has effectively ameliorated several renal disease phenotypes. The therapeutic potentials of microRNA based treatments, though promising, are confounded by major safety issues related to its target specificity, which remain to be fully elucidated.
The Enzyme-Mediated Direct Reversal of a Dithymine Photoproduct in Germinating Endospores
Authors: Yang Linlin , Li Lei
Published: June 2013

Spore photoproduct lyase (SPL) repairs a special thymine dimer, 5-thyminyl-5,6-dihydrothymine, which is commonly called spore photoproduct, or SP, in germinating endospores. SP is the exclusive DNA photo-damaging product found in endospores; its generation and swift repair by SPL are responsible for the spores’ extremely high UV resistance. Early in vivo studies suggested that SPL utilizes a direct reversal strategy to repair SP in the absence of light. Recently, it has been established that SPL belongs to the radical S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) superfamily. The enzymes in this superfamily utilize a tri-cysteine CXXXCXXC motif to bind a [4Fe-4S] cluster. The cluster provides an electron to the S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to reductively cleave its C5'-S bond, generating a reactive 5'-deoxyadenosyl (5'-dA) radical. This 5'-dA radical abstracts the proR hydrogen atom from the C6 carbon of SP to initiate the repair process; the resulting SP radical subsequently fragments to generate a putative thymine methyl radical, which accepts a back-donated H atom to yield the repaired TpT. The H atom donor is suggested to be a conserved cysteine141 in B. subtilis SPL; the resulting thiyl radical likely interacts with a neighboring tyrosine99 before oxidizing the 5'-dA to 5'-dA radical and, subsequently, regenerating SAM. These findings suggest SPL to be the first enzyme in the large radical SAM superfamily (>44,000 members) to utilize a radical transfer pathway for catalysis; its study should shed light on the mechanistic understanding of the SAM regeneration process in other members of the superfamily.
Growth Media Induces Variation in Cell Wall Associated Gene Expression in Arabidopsis thaliana Pollen Tube
Authors: Da Costa Mário , Pereira Luís , Coimbra Sílvia
Published: June 2013

The influence of three different pollen germination media on the transcript profile of Arabidopsis pollen tubes has been assessed by real-time PCR on a selection of cell wall related genes, and by a statistical analysis of microarray Arabidopsis pollen tube data sets. The qPCR assays have shown remarkable differences on the transcript levels of specific genes depending upon the formulation of the germination medium used. With the aid of principal component analysis performed on existing microarray data, a subset of genes has been identified that is more prone to produce diverging transcript levels. A functional classification of those genes showed that the clusters with higher number of members were those for hydrolase activity (based in molecular function) and for cell wall (based in cellular component). Taken together, these results may indicate that the nutrient composition of the pollen germination media influences pollen tube metabolism and that caution must be taken when interpreting transcriptomic data of pollen tubes.
Targeting Mineral Resources with Remote Sensing and Field Data in the Xiemisitai Area, West Junggar, Xinjiang, China
Authors: Liu Lei , Zhou Jun , Jiang Dong , Zhuang Dafang , Mansaray Lamin , Zhang Bing
Published: June 2013

The Xiemisitai area, West Junggar, Xinjiang, China, is situated at a potential copper mineralization zone in association with small granitic intrusions. In order to identify the alteration zones and mineralization characteristics of the intrusions, Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM+) and Quickbird data of the study area were evaluated in mapping lithological units, small intrusions, and alteration zones. False color composites of the first principal component analyses (PCA1), PCA2, and PCA4 in red (R), green (G), and blue (B) of the ETM+ image, and relevant hue-saturation-intensity (HSI) color model transformations, were performed. This led to the identification of lithologic units and discrimination of granitic intrusions from wall-rocks. A new geological map was generated by integrating the remote sensing results with two internally published local geologic maps and field inspection data. For the selected region, false color composites from PCA and relevant HSI-transformed images of the Quickbird data delineated the details of small intrusions and identified other unknown similar intrusions nearby. Fifteen separate potash-feldspar granites and three separate hornblende biotite granites were identified using ETM+ and Quickbird data. The principal component analysis-based Crosta technique was employed to discriminate alteration minerals. Some of the mapped alteration zones using the Crosta technique agreed very well with the known copper deposits. Field verification led to the discovery of three copper mineralizations and two gold mineralizations for the first time. The results show that the PCA and HSI transformation techniques proved to be robust in processing remote sensing data with moderate to high spatial resolutions. It is concluded that the utilized methods are useful for mapping lithology and the targeting of small intrusion-type mineral resources within the sparsely vegetated regions of Northwest China.
An In-Reflection Strain Sensing Head Based on a Hi-Bi Photonic Crystal Fiber
Authors: Rota-Rodrigo Sergio , Pinto Ana , Bravo Mikel , Lopez-Amo Manuel
Published: June 2013

A photonic crystal fiber-based sensing head is proposed for strain measurements. The sensor comprises a Hi-Bi PCF sensing head to measure interferometric signals in-reflection. An experimental background study of the sensing head is conducted through an optical backscatter reflectometer confirming the theoretical predictions, also included. A cost effective setup is proposed where a laser is used as illumination source, which allows accurate high precision strain measurements. Thus, a sensitivity of ~7.96 dB/me was achieved in a linear region of 1,200 μe.
A Robust Self-Alignment Method for Ship’s Strapdown INS Under Mooring Conditions
Authors: Sun Feng , Lan Haiyu , Yu Chunyang , El-Sheimy Naser , Zhou Guangtao , Cao Tong , Liu Hang
Published: June 2013

Strapdown inertial navigation systems (INS) need an alignment process to determine the initial attitude matrix between the body frame and the navigation frame. The conventional alignment process is to compute the initial attitude matrix using the gravity and Earth rotational rate measurements. However, under mooring conditions, the inertial measurement unit (IMU) employed in a ship’s strapdown INS often suffers from both the intrinsic sensor noise components and the external disturbance components caused by the motions of the sea waves and wind waves, so a rapid and precise alignment of a ship’s strapdown INS without any auxiliary information is hard to achieve. A robust solution is given in this paper to solve this problem. The inertial frame based alignment method is utilized to adapt the mooring condition, most of the periodical low-frequency external disturbance components could be removed by the mathematical integration and averaging characteristic of this method. A novel prefilter named hidden Markov model based Kalman filter (HMM-KF) is proposed to remove the relatively high-frequency error components. Different from the digital filters, the HMM-KF barely cause time-delay problem. The turntable, mooring and sea experiments favorably validate the rapidness and accuracy of the proposed self-alignment method and the good de-noising performance of HMM-KF.
Les études en prison : les paradoxes de l'institution carcérale
Authors: Salane Fanny
Published: June 2013

Cet article se propose de cerner la place de l’école en prison. La place symbolique et juridique tout d’abord, à partir de l’étude de textes officiels, qui mettent en avant l’éducation comme un droit. La place effective ensuite, à partir d’entretiens menés avec des « détenus-étudiants ». La confrontation de ces deux discours permet de souligner les paradoxes de l’institution carcérale, qui arrive difficilement à concilier ses différentes missions. En prison, la logique sécuritaire et disciplinaire prime toujours sur la logique scolaire, transformant bien souvent le droit à l’accès à l’éducation en privilège.
Le réveil des peuples colonisés sous l'égide de la Turquie (1919-1923)
Authors: Aydin Sultane
Published: June 2013

Le résultat de l’engagement de l’Empire Ottoman, durant la Première Guerre mondiale, entraîne une défaite sanctionnée par de lourdes sanctions. La politique du Royaume-Uni et de la France entraîne le démembrement de l’Empire ottoman qui perd une partie importante de ses territoires au profit de ces deux États. Un homme, Mustafa Kemal et ses amis, des militaires, s’y opposent. Face aux victoires militaires et diplomatiques turques, on constate qu’un sentiment d’insoumission se lève dans les pays du Moyen-Orient placés sous mandat français et anglais. Ces mouvements sont réprimés dans le sang par les puissances mandataires. Ainsi, cette étude basée sur les archives du ministère des Affaires étrangères révèle chez les élites de ces pays des velléités de rassemblement.
La déconstruction et le problème de la vérité
Authors: Mary François
Published: June 2013

Cet article vise à exposer et à examiner la conception de la vérité chez Derrida. Pour ce faire, nous proposerons une rapide définition de la déconstruction dans son ensemble (I). Cette présentation permettra de comprendre, d’une part, la critique derridienne de la vérité comme logos (c’est-à-dire comme une pièce essentielle de la « métaphysique ») (II), mais aussi, d’autre part, l’approche plus positive dont ce concept fait progressivement l’objet, aboutissant à l’idée d’une vérité performative et pragmatique, liée notamment au concept de témoignage (III). Enfin, nous essaierons de montrer que le problème de la vérité révèle une tension entre deux strates de discours qui divisent la déconstruction dans son ensemble, et dont on peut interroger l’homogénéité (IV).
La phénoménologie bien tempérée
Authors: Thomas-Fogiel Isabelle
Published: June 2013

Cet article se propose d’analyser le dernier livre de Jean-Yves Lacoste, Être en danger , pour le situer dans le champ plus vaste de la phénoménologie aujourd’hui et ainsi mettre en lumière ses apports spécifiques. L’article montre comment la thèse principale du livre (selon laquelle l’être ne se dit que par ses modes, éclats ou fragments, qui ne pourront jamais s’hypostasier en une chimérique totalité) relativise la question de « l’être en tant qu’être » comme visée ultime de la philosophie (différence d’avec Heidegger), sans pour autant abandonner la question de l’être (différence d’avec Levinas ou Marion). Cette thèse centrale implique une transformation significative de certains présupposés de la phénoménologie la plus actuelle. Trois traits originaux de l’entreprise de Lacoste sont, par là, explicités : 1) sa reconsidération du donné dans une phénoménologie de la fragilité plutôt que de l’excès ; 2) sa réhabilitation de la présence et d’une certaine forme d’intériorité ; 3) enfin, et surtout, son élaboration d’une nouvelle relation à l’histoire et à la tradition, résultat de son refus de « l’histoire de l’être » et de la prétendue « structure ontothéologique de la métaphysique », lieu commun de bon nombre de phénoménologies.
The Association Between Residual Astigmatism and Refractive Errors in a Population-Based Study
Authors: Hashemi Hassan , Khabazkhoob Mehdi , Peyman Alireza , Miraftab Mohammad , Jafarzadehpur Ebrahim , Emamian Mohammad Hassan , Shariati Mohammad , Fotouhi Akbar
Published: June 2013

PURPOSE:

To examine the relationship of spherical equivalent (SE) with refractive, corneal, and residual astigmatism.

METHODS:

Using stratified cluster sampling, 6,311 individuals were invited and 82.2% participated in this study. Examinations including uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity tests, refraction, slit-lamp examination, and funduscopy were performed for all participants. Refraction and keratometry were used to calculate refractive and corneal astigmatism, respectively, and their difference was regarded as residual astigmatism.

RESULTS:

Refractive astigmatism showed a U-shaped relationship with SE; with every diopter (D) increase in astigmatism, the SE increased by 0.230 D in hyperopes and 0.664 D in myopes (
P
< .001). With every 1.0 D increase in residual astigmatism, the SE showed 0.376 D myopic shift in myopes (
P
= .004) and 0.077 D hyperopic shift in hyperopes (
P
= .224). Mean SE was highest among cases of with-the-rule (WTR) astigmatism (
P
< .001). Cases of high myopia and high hyperopia mostly had WTR and most emmetropes had against-the-rule (ATR) refractive astigmatism. Residual astigmatism was mostly WTR in emmetropic cases; at higher levels of SE error in myopes and hyperopes, WTR residual astigmatism decreased, whereas ATR and oblique residual astigmatism increased.

CONCLUSIONS:

Increases in SE are associated with higher levels of refractive and residual astigmatism among myopic and hyperopic cases. Unlike refractive astigmatism, WTR residual astigmatism was mostly seen in near emmetropic individuals.

[
J Refract Surg.
2013;29(9):624–628.]
La Chronica Adefonsi Imperatoris y las crónicas eclesiásticas medievales: influencias y mimetismos
Authors: Garcia Charles
Published: June 2013

L’influence des chroniques médiévales entre elles n’est plus à démontrer. C’est à partir de ce point que l’on essaiera d’analyser comment la CAI a nourri et s’est inspirée des textes écrits dans les cathédrales et les abbayes hispaniques. Le thème de la cupiditas nous servira particulièrement d’appui pour accéder aux représentations médiévales, en même temps qu’au fonctionnement de la société péninsulaire de la première moitié du XIIe siècle.
Visión y construcción del espacio en la Chronica Adefonsi Imperatoris
Authors: Reglero de la Fuente Carlos Manuel
Published: June 2013

La visión de la Chronica Adefonsi Imperatoris  opone dos espacios políticos y religiosos: la “tierra de los cristianos” y la “tierra de los musulmanes”. Estos se corresponden con el imperio de Alfonso VII y el de los almorávides, que se proyectan fuera de la Península Ibérica, hacia el sur de Francia y el Magreb respectivamente. El cronista se interesa además por el Mediterráneo, aunque lo conoce mal. La “tierra de los cristianos” se articula en torno a reinos, entendidos como territorios sobre los que un rey ejerce su poder, que cuentan con fronteras definidas, y con unos polos o centros desde donde se ejerce dicho poder (León, Toledo). El frecuente empleo de corónimos como Castilla, Galicia o Extremadura, ofrece una visión de la diversidad interna del reino y de su articulación regional.
El influjo de la Historia Roderici sobre el Libro de las generaciones y linajes de los reyes (olim Liber regum)
Authors: Thieulin-Pardo Hélène
Published: June 2013

Este estudio se propone confrontar detenidamente el contenido del Linage de Rodric Diaz, genealogía del Cid integrada en la parte final del Libro de las generaciones y linajes de los reyes (olim Liber regum), con su principal fuente, la Historia Roderici. Dicha comparación permite poner de realce los procedimientos de abreviación, de condensación y de reescritura que dan paso a la nueva semantización del texto y de su contenido ideológico en un contexto geopolítico y de redacción diferente.
La Sibylle au miroir des Anciens comme reflet de l’image de la Modernité dans l’Auto de la Sibila Casandra de Gil Vicente (début XVIe s.)
Authors: Canonica Elvezio
Published: June 2013

La communication se propose d’explorer le traitement de la figure de la Sibylle dans une représentation religieuse de Gil Vicente, un dramaturge portugais bilingue du début du XVIe siècle, composée en espagnol : l’Auto de la Sibila Cassandra, une œuvre dont les personnages (Sibylles et prophètes) sont des bergers. Il s’agit du réemploi d’un modèle antique (celui de la Sibylle de Cumes, en particulier) et de la récupération d’une thématique païenne dans une perspective chrétienne, en accord avec la représentation navideña. La Sibylle Cassandre, étant convaincue, d’après une prophétie, d’être celle qui a été choisie pour être la mère du Christ, refuse toute proposition de mariage, notamment celle de Salomon. Par ce personnage, Gil Vicente établit un lien avec le Cantique des cantiques et montre a contrario une attitude critique envers l’Église de son temps.
3D magnetic inversion of mineral prospects in the Great Bear Magmatic Zone, Northwest Territories
Authors: Hayward N
Published: June 2013

The Great Bear magmatic zone is a Paleoproterozoic continental magmatic arc in the Northwest Territories, Canada. Interpretation of aeromagnetic data shows the region to be associated with high-amplitude magnetic anomalies which are related to zones of iron
oxide-alkali-altered rocks and polymetallic iron oxide-copper-gold deposits and prospects.
Iron oxide-alkali-altered rocks in the field may be obscured by surficial cover and lakes, and surface exposures may not be representative of the extent and intensity of alteration. Therefore geophysical techniques are employed to investigate regional prospects across the variably exposed and
inaccessible terrain. Three-dimensional magnetic inversion models are constructed for twelve of the prospects and deposits in order to investigate the scale, geometry and magnetic susceptibility of their highly magnetite-altered zones. The choice of model locations was guided by known mineral
prospects, targets resulting from prior two-dimensional geophysical methods, and the extent of the associated magnetic anomalies.