bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Music Therapy and Theatre: A Community Music Therapy Socio-Cultural Proposal for the Inclusion of Persons With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Brandalise André
Published: March 2015

This article describes a meaningful therapeutic connection between music therapy and therapeutic theatre that has been done in Brazil. Through describing the relationship between these two fields, it aims to discuss another possibility of intervention in music therapy in the treatment of people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Theatre performance can expand therapeutic action physically and subjectively beyond the music therapy room, helping clients expand their creative world and possibilities for social interactions. This practice cannot be characterized as psychodrama or drama therapy but rather the use of a specific music therapy process utilizing the theatre as a resource. In the case described, this resource incorporates and applied creative and therapeutic power to the treatment of a group comprised by eight young adults, most of whom have been diagnosed with ASD. The creation and performance of many musical plays have resulted collective creation and movement related to this group’s psychological, social and cultural needs. The proposal presented is based on a community music therapy perspective.
Umbanda, Music and Music Therapy
Authors: Queiroz Gregorio José Pereira de
Published: March 2015

This article discusses the use of music in religious rites of Umbanda and the possible correlations among the role played by music in this rite and its role in music therapy process, especially in some of its approaches.
Model‐data assimilation of multiple phenological observations to constrain and predict leaf area index
Authors: Viskari Toni , Hardiman Brady , Desai Ankur R. , Dietze Michael C.
Published: March 2015

Our limited ability to accurately simulate leaf phenology is a leading source of uncertainty in models of ecosystem carbon cycling. We evaluate if continuously updating canopy state variables with observations is beneficial for predicting phenological events. We employed ensemble adjustment Kalman filter (EAKF) to update predictions of leaf area index (LAI) and leaf extension using tower‐based photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and moderate resolution imaging spectrometer (MODIS) data for 2002–2005 at Willow Creek, Wisconsin, USA, a mature, even‐aged, northern hardwood, deciduous forest. The ecosystem demography model version 2 (ED2) was used as the prediction model, forced by offline climate data. EAKF successfully incorporated information from both the observations and model predictions weighted by their respective uncertainties. The resulting estimate reproduced the observed leaf phenological cycle in the spring and the fall better than a parametric model prediction. These results indicate that during spring the observations contribute most in determining the correct bud‐burst date, after which the model performs well, but accurately modeling fall leaf senesce requires continuous model updating from observations. While the predicted net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of CO2 precedes tower observations and unassimilated model predictions in the spring, overall the prediction follows observed NEE better than the model alone. Our results show state data assimilation successfully simulates the evolution of plant leaf phenology and improves model predictions of forest NEE.
Heavy Metal Accumulations in Water, Sediment, and Some Cyprinid Species in Porsuk Stream (Turkey)
Authors: Köse Esengül , Çiçek Arzu , Uysal Kazim , Tokatlı Cem , Emiroğlu Özgür , Arslan Naime
Published: March 2015

Porsuk Stream is one of Turkey's most important river systems and also one of the most important branches of the Sakarya River. It provides drinking and utility water for two Turkish cities (Kütahya and Eskişehir) with a total population of one million. In this study, water, sediment, and some tissues (liver, gill, and muscle) of five cyprinid fish species were collected seasonally (2010–2011) from eight stations on the Porsuk Stream, and the zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and arsenic (As) levels of collected samples were determined. The data observed were evaluated with national and international quality criteria. Based on the data observed, it was determined that the Porsuk Stream is affected by significant inorganic pollution from the Kütahya and Eskişehir Provinces. It was also determined that the Porsuk Dam Lake has an important cleaning capacity and that the water and sediment quality of the Porsuk Stream improves after the output of the dam lake.
Variability in the Concentration of Indicator Bacteria in Landfill Leachate – A Comparative Study
Authors: Umar Muhammad , Aziz Hamidi Abdul , Yusoff Mohd Suffian
Published: March 2015

Leachate collected from the collection ponds of four landfill sites was investigated and compared for total coliforms and E.coli concentration as representatives of fecal pollution. Concentration of total coliforms and E.coli was comparable for leachate obtained from Kulim Landfill Site (KLS) and Ampang Landfill Site (ALS) with little variations. However, the level of indicator bacteria was significantly lower for Kuala Sepetang Landfill Site (KSLS), whereas Pulau Burung Landfill Site (PBLS) had the lowest concentration for both total coliforms and E.coli. Considering the landfills are currently operational, with the exception of ALS, the presence of indicator bacteria implies their inactivation prior to discharge. High concentration of indicator bacteria in ALS is attributed to the run‐off entering the leachate pond. Greater concentration of ammonia and salinity level were partly responsible for lower concentration of indicator bacteria in leachate from KSLS and PBLS, indicating that salinity and ammonia could significantly affect the survival of indicator bacteria.
Biological Treatment of Textile Dyes by Agar‐Agar Immobilized Consortium in a Packed Bed Reactor
Authors: Patel Yogesh , Gupte Akshaya
Published: March 2015

The decolorization of Acid Maroon V was investigated using bacterial consortium EDPA containing Enterobacter dissolvens AGYP1 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa AGYP2 immobilized in different entrapment matrices. The consortium displayed 96% removal of dye (100 mg/l) within 6 h when immobilized in agar‐agar. Under optimum concentrations of agar‐agar (3.0% w/v) and cell biomass (0.9 g% w/v), the consortium displayed decolorization for 18 successive batches of Acid Maroon V and also decolorized 14 other different textile dyes. A packed bed reactor under batch mode showed 89% decolorization of dye after 56 repetitive cycles. Under continuous flow mode, maximum color removal was achieved with bed length of 36 cm, hydraulic retention time of 2.66 h, and dye concentration of 100 mg/l. Additionally, the reactor decolorized relatively higher concentrations (100–2000 mg/l) of dye. The synthetic dye wastewater containing five textile dyes was decolorized 92% with 62% COD reduction using an immobilized consortium.
Impact of Substrate Feed Patterns on Solids Reduction by the Cannibal Process
Authors: Khanthongthip Passkorn , Novak John T. , Doyle Michael L.
Published: March 2015

A biological solids reduction process that uses a side‐stream anaerobic reactor (Cannibal process) was investigated to better understand why variations in solids reduction occur in field installations. Field observations indicated that single stage, high sludge age processes would frequently not provide a low solids yield. To study this, laboratory sequencing batch reactors were operated, one as a conventional activated sludge system and the other two with a side‐stream anaerobic reactors. The controland oneanaerobic side‐stream system were operated with a 5‐minute feed cycle to mimic a plug flow system. The other anaerobic side‐stream system operated with a 4‐hour feed cycle to simulate complete mix. The 5 minutes feed Cannibal system generated up to 80% less biological solids than the control. The 4 hours feed Cannibal system produced less biological solids than the conventional activated sludge system but remained higher than for system with a 5‐minute feed time.
In vivo immunomodulatory effects of the methanolic leaf extract of Gymnema sylvestre in Swiss albino mice
Authors: Ahirwal Laxmi , Singh Siddhartha , Dubey Manish , Bharti Vandana , Mehta Archana , Shukla Shruti
Published: March 2015

In the present study we performed a comparative phytochemical analysis of the
immunomodulating activities of the methanol leaf extract of Gymnema sylvestre
(MLEGS) in Swiss albino mice. The phytochemical screening conducted on MLEGS
revealed the presence of several phytoconstituents, including saponins,
alkaloids, glycosides, phenols, tannins, and flavonoids. Immunomodulatory
activities were determined by hemagglutination antibody (HA) titer and
delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) tests for determining specific and
non-specific immune responses. Flow cytometric techniques were performed for
the estimation of B lymphocytes (CD3 and CD19) and Th2 cytokines (IL-2, IFN-?
and IL-4). The response produced by oral administration of MLEGS elicited a
significant reduction in a dose-related manner in the primary and secondary
antibody response and DTH response. The response produced by oral
administration of MLEGS elicited significant reduction in a dose-related
manner in the primary and secondary antibody and DTH responses, with maximum
reduction observed at 200 mg/kg-body wt. The maximal reductions in the
production of CD3, CD19, IL-2, IFN-? and IL-4 were 31.59, 32.12, 29.51, 32.45
and 33.53%, respectively, at 200 mg/kg body weight. This study demonstrates
that G. sylvestre exerts immunosuppressive effects on the components of the
immune system of mice, and points to its significant immunomodulatory
potential.
Socially Desirable Responding in Chinese University Students: Denial and Enhancement?
Authors: Li Feng , Li Yongjuan , Wang Yong
Published: March 2015

This study examined the Balanced Inventory of Desirable Responding (BIDR) with one-, two-, three-, and four-dimensional models and tested the BIDR's discriminant validity with personality variables. A confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis of responses from 600 Chinese university students (314 men, 282 women, 4 missing; M age = 20.0 yr.) provided results indicating that the four-factor model fit the data best; i.e., self-deception and impression management split into denial and enhancement. The Denial and Enhancement subscales with personality variables show significant differences, confirming the four-factor model. The cultural differences as a possible reason for the split were discussed.
Association between Educational Status and Dual-Task Performance in Young Adults
Authors: Voos Mariana Callil , Piemonte Maria Elisa Pimentel , Castelli Lilian Zanchetta , Machado Mariane Silva Andrade , Teixeira Patrícia Pereira Dos Santos , Caromano Fátima Aparecida , Do Valle Luiz Eduardo Ribeiro
Published: March 2015

The influence of educational status on perceptual-motor performance has not been investigated. The single- and dual-task performances of 15 Low educated adults (9 men, 6 women; M age = 24.1 yr.; 6–9 yr. of education) and 15 Higher educated adults (8 men, 7 women; M age = 24.7 yr.; 10–13 yr. of education) were compared. The perceptual task consisted of verbally classifying two figures (equal or different). The motor task consisted of alternating steps from the floor to a stool. Tasks were assessed individually and simultaneously. Two analyses of variance (2 groups × 4 blocks) compared the errors and steps. The Low education group committed more errors and had less improvement on the perceptual task than the High education group. During and after the perceptual-motor task performance, errors increased only in the Low education group. Education correlated to perceptual and motor performance. The Low education group showed more errors and less step alternations on the perceptual-motor task compared to the High education group. This difference on the number of errors was also observed after the dual-task, when the perceptual task was performed alone.
Effects of Cognitive Stimulation with a Self-Modeling Video on Time to Exhaustion While Running at Maximal Aerobic Velocity: A Pilot Study
Authors: Hagin Vincent , Gonzales Benoît R. , Groslambert Alain
Published: March 2015

This study assessed whether video self-modeling improves running performance and influences the rate of perceived exertion and heart rate response. Twelve men ( M age = 26.8 yr., SD = 6; M body mass index = 22.1 kg.m−2, SD = 1) performed a time to exhaustion running test at 100 percent maximal aerobic velocity while focusing on a video self-modeling loop to synchronize their stride. Compared to the control condition, there was a significant increase of time to exhaustion. Perceived exertion was lower also, but there was no significant change in mean heart rate. In conclusion, the video self-modeling used as a pacer apparently increased endurance by decreasing perceived exertion without affecting the heart rate.
Method of Induction Could Affect Emotional Outcomes: Comment on Markey, Chin, Vanepps, and Loewenstein (2014)
Authors: Bench Shane W. , Yaugher Ashley C. , Lench Heather C.
Published: March 2015

Markey, Chin, Vanepps, and Loewenstein (2014) demonstrated six methods for the induction of boredom. However, a clear and testable definition of boredom should be established prior to experimental manipulation of the construct. Defining boredom from a functional emotion perspective is one approach that affords a definition separable from the outcomes associated with boredom and insight into which manipulations may effectively target the construct.
Werkstofftechnische Grundlagen des Biegerichtens
Authors: Scholtes B. , Ellermann A. , Baunack D. , Kraus A. , Zinn W.
Published: March 2015

Kurzfassung

In der vorliegenden Arbeitwerden wesentliche materialwissenschaftliche Aspekte des Biegerichtens angesprochen. Zunächst werden die Grundlagen des Biegeversuchs und die auftretenden inhomogenen Verteilungen von Spannungen und Deformationen beschrieben. Dann wird am Beispiel des Stahls 42CrMoS4 in unterschiedlichen Wärmebehandlungszuständen auf die Eigenspannungsentstehung eingegangen, wobei sowohl die Wirkung unterschiedlicher Verformungsgrade als auch des Gefügezustands aufgezeigt wird. Durch Biegerichten werden in Stählen Makro- und Mikroeigenspannungen erzeugt. In Verbindung mit den eingebrachten bleibenden Deformationen führen sie bei einer weiteren Beanspruchung zu charakteristischen Änderungen des Verformungsverhaltens. Dabei ist wesentlich, ob die Beanspruchung der Verformung beim Richten gleich- oder entgegengerichtet ist. Im letzteren Fall tritt ein ausgeprägter Bauschingereffekt auf, der zu deutlich verminderten Festigkeiten führt. Es wird gezeigt, dass der Festigkeitsverlust sowohl vom Ausmaß der Vorverformung beim Richten als auch vom Gefügezustand abhängt und ausgeprägter ist als bei einachsig-homogener Zug-Druck-Beanspruchung. Bei restaustenithaltigen Zuständen können durch Biegerichten beanspruchungsinduzierte Phasenumwandlungen auftreten, die vom Vorzeichen der Beanspruchung abhängen. Abschließend werden noch einige besondere Aspekte angesprochen, die bei inhomogenen Gefügezuständen in einsatzgehärteten Komponenten vorliegen.
Korrosionsverhalten von plasmanitrierten und Diamond Like Carbon (a-C:H:Si) beschichteten niedriglegierten Stählen
Authors: Dipolt C. , Mori G. , Holecek R.
Published: March 2015

Kurzfassung

Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war es, die Korrosionsbeständigkeit von plasmanitrierten und Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) beschichteten Proben aus dem Werkstoff 1.7225 (42CrMo4) zu untersuchen und einer handelsüblichen 2-lagigen Hartchromschicht auf dem gleichen Substrat gegenüberzustellen. Das Schichtsystem, hergestellt durch Plasmanitrieren und a-C:H:Si-Beschichten, zeigt sehr hohen Widerstand gegenüber Korrosion in neutralen und chloridhaltigen Medien und kann technisch eine Alternative für Hartchrom sein.
Tribological properties of boronized ferrous based PM journal bearings
Authors: Ünlü Bekir Sadık , Yilmaz Selim Sarper , Kurgan Naci , Varol Remzi
Published: March 2015

Ferrous based PM (powder metallurgical) materials are widely used in journal bearings since they provide a good tribological performance. These bearings are self-lubricating and can be used in places where lubricating is not possible. This also applies to the shaft material which shows adhesive wear. Tribological properties can be improved and adhesive wear can be decreased by boronizing. In this study, tribological properties of ferrous based boronized and non-boronized Fe-graphite, FeCu-graphite and CuSnFe-graphite bearings manufactured by PM method have been determined and compared. Boronizing treatment was carried out at 950° C for 4 hours. The SAE 1050 steel shaft was used as counter abrader. Experiments were carried out at 20 N loads and 1500 rpm every 30 minutes for 2.5 hours.
Flexure behavior of composite cantilevers subjected to different environmental conditions
Authors: Esendemir Ümran , Durak Ertuğrul , Tunay Recai Fatih , Usal Mustafa Reşit
Published: March 2015

This publication presents an experimental study which was conducted to examine the effects of various types of environments on the flexural stress and load-deflection relationships of the composite cantilever beams subjected to a single force at their free end for different exposure times. The study includes the testing of five different conditions which are cold, hot, humid, seawater environments and room temperature. Maximum flexure stresses and deflections of cantilever beam are presented analytically, numerically and experimentally. ANSYS FEA program is used for numerical analysis of composite materials. The test results carried out after generally one and two months of exposure to the different environmental conditions show that the flexure stress and deflection of the beams are affected at different levels. Moreover, it is shown that the analytical and numerical results are consistent with the experimental data.
SNMS investigations of thermally sprayed coatings
Authors: Uţu Ion-Dragoş , Mitelea Ion
Published: March 2015

Surface protective coatings are commonly used in order to protect the bulk materials against corrosion and high temperature oxidation. The present publication discusses the morphology of high-velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) sprayed MCrAlY coatings obtained from CoNiCrAlY particles (8 wt.-% Al) before and after electron beam (EB) treatment. The latter process was applied in order to achieve a homogeneous and refined structure free of pores and oxides. The microstructure and phase modification of the coatings before and after the EB remelting were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction technique. Using the sputtered neutral mass spectrometry (SNMS) technique, the element contents (O, N, Co, Ni, Cr, Al, Y) of the coating in as sprayed and after EB irradiation were examined. Experiments have shown that while the Co concentration remains practically unchanged, significant changes in Cr, Ni, Al and Y concentrations occurred. Also, the N and O contents are lower compared to those of the as sprayed coatings.
Aggressive repeat surgery for focally recurrent primary glioblastoma: outcomes and theoretical framework
Authors: Sughrue Michael E. , Sheean Tyson , Bonney Phillip A. , Maurer Adrian J. , Teo Charles
Published: March 2015

OBJECT

The relative benefit of repeat surgery for recurrent glioblastoma is unclear, in part due to the very heterogeneous nature of the patient population and the effect of clinician philosophy on the duration and aggressiveness of treatment. The authors sought to investigate the role of time to last recurrence on patient outcomes following aggressive repeat surgery for recurrent glioblastoma.

METHODS

The authors present outcomes in 104 patients undergoing repeat surgery for focally recurrent glioblastoma with at least 95% resection and adjuvant treatment at most recent prior surgery. In addition to common variables, they provide data regarding the period of progression-free survival (PFS) following an aggressive lesionectomy for focally recurrent primary glioblastoma (T2) and the time the tumor took to recur since the previous surgery (T1). They term the ratio T1/T2 the relative aggressivity index (RAI).

RESULTS

The median PFS was 7.8 months, 6.0 months, and 4.8 months following the second, third, and fourth–sixth craniotomies, respectively. Importantly, there was a wide range of outcomes, with time to postoperative recurrence ranging from 1 to 24 months in this group. Analysis showed no meaningful relationship between T1 and T2, meaning that previous PFS is entirely unable to predict the PFS that another surgery will provide the patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Repeat surgery for glioblastoma is beneficial in many cases, however this is hard to predict preoperatively. Often, surgery can provide the patient with a good period of disease freedom, but this is variable and in general it is not possible to reliably predict who these patients are.
Therapeutic strategies to improve drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier
Authors: Azad Tej D. , Pan James , Connolly Ian D. , Remington Austin , Wilson Christy M. , Grant Gerald A.
Published: March 2015

Resection of brain tumors is followed by chemotherapy and radiation to ablate remaining malignant cell populations. Targeting these populations stands to reduce tumor recurrence and offer the promise of more complete therapy. Thus, improving access to the tumor, while leaving normal brain tissue unscathed, is a critical pursuit. A central challenge in this endeavor lies in the limited delivery of therapeutics to the tumor itself. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is responsible for much of this difficulty but also provides an essential separation from systemic circulation. Due to the BBB's physical and chemical constraints, many current therapies, from cytotoxic drugs to antibody-based proteins, cannot gain access to the tumor. This review describes the characteristics of the BBB and associated changes wrought by the presence of a tumor. Current strategies for enhancing the delivery of therapies across the BBB to the tumor will be discussed, with a distinction made between strategies that seek to disrupt the BBB and those that aim to circumvent it.
An evidence-based treatment algorithm for the management of WHO Grade II and III meningiomas
Authors: Sun Sam Q. , Hawasli Ammar H. , Huang Jiayi , Chicoine Michael R. , Kim Albert H.
Published: March 2015

The management of WHO Grade II “atypical” meningiomas (AMs) and Grade III “malignant” meningiomas (MMs) remains controversial and under-investigated in prospective studies. The roles of surgery, radiation therapy, radiosurgery, and chemotherapy have been incompletely delineated. This has left physicians to decipher how they should treat patients on a case-by-case basis. In this study, the authors review the English-language literature on the management and clinical outcomes associated with AMs and MMs diagnosed using the WHO 2000/2007 grading criteria. Twenty-two studies for AMs and 7 studies for MMs were examined in detail. The authors examined clinical decision points using the literature and concepts from evidence-based medicine. Acknowledging the retrospective nature of the studies concerning AM and MM, the authors did find evidence for the following clinical strategies: 1) maximal safe resection of AM and MM; 2) active surveillance after gross-total resection of AM; 3) adjuvant radiation therapy after subtotal resection of AM, especially in the absence of putative radioresistant features; and 4) adjuvant radiation therapy after resection of MM.
Base-Mediated N- and O-Arylations of NH-Containing Heterocycles, Heterocyclic Amines and Phenols
Authors: Ghasemi Zarrin , Shahrak Nasim Shahi , Roomi Behzad Jalali , Zakeri Ziba
Published: March 2015

Nucleophilic substitution reactions of N -heterocycles such as imidazole, benzimidazole, indole and pyrazole as well as NH2 or OH containing heterocycles, with electron-deficient aryl halides in the presence of t-BuOK or K2CO3 as base and DMSO as solvent are reported. A series of N -aryl azoles, unsymmetric diaryl ethers and diaryl amines were obtained in good yields.
A simple Synthesis of the Debrominated Analogue of Veranamine
Authors: Liang Dawei , Wang Yueqiu , Wang Yanyan , Di Donghua
Published: March 2015

A facile synthesis of 4,5,5-trimethyl-5,6-dihydrobenzo[c][2,7]naphthyridine, the debrominated analogue of the marine alkaloid veranamine, has been achieved in three steps with a 38% overall yield. from the commercially available 2-bromoaniline. The key benzo[c][2,7]naphthyridine moiety was constructed using a Sonogashira coupling, a tandem Rupe rearrangement–Donnelly–Farrell cyclisation and a Diels–Alder reaction as the key steps. The synthetic strategy allows rapid access to various analogues of veranamine.
Efficient and Practical One-Pot Route to Synthesise Quinazolin4(3H)-Ones Using Trifluoromethanesulfonic Anhydride and 2-Chloropyridine
Authors: Dadgar Mohsen , Kalkhorani Nasim Milani
Published: March 2015

An effective, novel and rapid one-pot three-component route to quinazolin-4(3H)-ones from commercially available starting materials is described. Isatoic anhydride reacts with acyl chlorides and different amines using a combination of trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride (Tf2O) and 2-chloropyridine (2-ClPy) to produce the corresponding quinazolinone derivatives in good to excellent yields.
The Complexities of Victimhood: Insights from the Organ Trade
Authors: Gunnarson Martin , Lundin Susanne
Published: March 2015

The aim of this paper is to explore the complexity of the concept of the victim within the context of organ trading. By examining the intricate phenomenon of organ trade, we show how prevailing notions of victimhood form the basis of concrete social practices. The empirical basis for this exploration comprises in-depth interviews conducted during fieldwork in South Africa and Kosovo. We also draw on research undertaken at various expert meetings. What our research in these locations attests to is that one-dimensional and generalised conceptualisations of victimhood are rife, and that these tend to be founded on a pre-theorised opposition between agency and victimhood. For persons who become practically and intimately involved in dealing with cases of organ trade – such as investigators and prosecutors – such conceptualisations do not hold. What is required is an understanding of victimhood that takes into account its complexity. In this paper, we explore attempts to grasp and reduce this complexity, and argue against generalised concepts of victimhood and for concepts that are sensitive to contextual and relational variations.
Re-imagining Reproduction: Unsettling Metaphors in the History of Imperial Science and Commercial Surrogacy in India
Authors: Vora Kalindi
Published: March 2015

This paper provides an analysis of how cultural notions of the body and kinship conveyed through Western medical technologies and practices in Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) bring together India's colonial history and its economic development through outsourcing, globalisation and instrumentalised notions of the reproductive body in transnational commercial surrogacy. Essential to this industry is the concept of the disembodied uterus that has arisen in scientific and medical practice, which allows for the logic of the ‘gestational carrier’ as a functional role in ART practices, and therefore in transnational medical fertility travel to India. Highlighting the instrumentalisation of the uterus as an alienable component of a body and subject – and therefore of women's bodies in surrogacy – helps elucidate some of the material and political stakes that accompany the growth of the fertility travel industry in India, where histories of privilege and difference converge. I conclude that the metaphors we use to structure our understanding of bodies and body parts impact how we imagine appropriate roles for people and their bodies in ways that are still deeply entangled with imperial histories of science, and these histories shape the contemporary disparities found in access to medical and legal protections among participants in transnational surrogacy arrangements.
Phytotoponyms, Geographical Features and Vegetation Coverage in Western Hubei, China
Authors: Shi Guanghui , Ren Fu , Du Qingyun , Gao Nan
Published: March 2015

The purpose of this paper is to present and exploit fundamental information, such as semantic meanings and geographical features, of phytotoponyms (a type of toponym that includes plant names) in Western Hubei (China). Long-term vegetation degradation is also estimated. Toponym data for this study were obtained from the place names database of Hubei Province at the Civil Affairs Department of Hubei. In total, 1259 instances of phytotoponyms were recognised; 898 (71.3%) were woody plant toponyms, and 361 (28.7%) were herbaceous plant toponyms. Subsequently, we randomly selected a similar number (1250) of non-phytotoponyms to compare with the phytotoponyms. All toponyms were localised and geo-referenced. The results showed that the most common plant names recognisable in place names are common plants that have a close connection with daily life and positive morals in Chinese culture and literature. The occurrence of plant names can reflect the characteristic plants of a city. The vegetation coverage rate where phytotoponyms are located is higher than that in non-phytotoponym areas. Altitude has a stronger correlation with the number of phytotoponyms than slope and vegetation coverage degree. The identification of long-term vegetation degradation based on phytotoponyms is presented for reference only, and other methods and materials are needed to validate these results.
Temperature Variation and Heat Wave and Cold Spell Impacts on Years of Life Lost Among the Urban Poor Population of Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Egondi Thaddaeus , Kyobutungi Catherine , Rocklöv Joacim
Published: March 2015

Weather extremes are associated with adverse health outcomes, including mortality. Studies have investigated the mortality risk of temperature in terms of excess mortality, however, this risk estimate may not be appealing to policy makers assessing the benefits expected for any interventions to be adopted. To provide further evidence of the burden of extreme temperatures, we analyzed the effect of temperature on years of life lost (YLL) due to all-cause mortality among the population in two urban informal settlements. YLL was generated based on the life expectancy of the population during the study period by applying a survival analysis approach. Association between daily maximum temperature and YLL was assessed using a distributed lag nonlinear model. In addition, cold spell and heat wave effects, as defined according to different percentiles, were investigated. The exposure-response curve between temperature and YLL was J-shaped, with the minimum mortality temperature (MMT) of 26 °C. An average temperature of 21 °C compared to the MMT was associated with an increase of 27.4 YLL per day (95% CI, 2.7–52.0 years). However, there was no additional effect for extended periods of cold spells, nor did we find significant associations between YLL to heat or heat waves. Overall, increased YLL from all-causes were associated with cold spells indicating the need for initiating measure for reducing health burdens.
Chloroplast-Expressed MSI-99 in Tobacco Improves Disease Resistance and Displays Inhibitory Effect against Rice Blast Fungus
Authors: Wang Yun-Peng , Wei Zheng-Yi , Zhang Yu-Ying , Lin Chun-Jing , Zhong Xiao-Fang , Wang Yue-Lin , Ma Jing-Yong , Ma Jian , Xing Shao-Chen
Published: March 2015

Rice blast is a major destructive fungal disease that poses a serious threat to rice production and the improvement of blast resistance is critical to rice breeding. The antimicrobial peptide MSI-99 has been suggested as an antimicrobial peptide conferring resistance to bacterial and fungal diseases. Here, a vector harboring the MSI-99 gene was constructed and introduced into the tobacco chloroplast genome via particle bombardment. Transformed plants were obtained and verified to be homoplastomic by PCR and Southern hybridization. In planta assays demonstrated that the transgenic tobacco plants displayed an enhanced resistance to the fungal disease. The evaluation of the antimicrobial activity revealed that the crude protein extracts from the transgenic plants manifested an antimicrobial activity against E. coli, even after incubation at 120 °C for 20 min, indicating significant heat stability of MSI-99. More importantly, the MSI-99-containing protein extracts were firstly proved in vitro and in vivo to display significant suppressive effects on two rice blast isolates. These findings provide a strong basis for the development of new biopesticides to combat rice blast.
Discovery of a Potent Anti-Yeast Triterpenoid Saponin, Clematoside-S from Urena lobata L.
Authors: Gao Xiao-Ling , Liao Ying , Wang Jie , Liu Xiao-Yan , Zhong Kai , Huang Yi-Na , Gao Hong , Gao Bo , Xu Zheng-Jun
Published: March 2015

Urena lobata has been used as a traditional medicinal plant in India and China. In this study, we investigated the antimicrobial activity and isolated the active compound from the leaves of U. lobata. The 80% ethanol extract from U. lobata leaves showed an effective anti-yeast activity against Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) strains. Using a combination of chromatographic methods, (−)-trachelogenin (1) and clematoside-S (2) were isolated from this plant for the first time, and their chemical structure was identified by mass spectrometry (MS) and extensive nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data analysis. In addition, 1 was found to be inactive against all of the test microorganisms in the antimicrobial assay, whereas 2 exhibits a specific anti-yeast activity against S. cerevisiae strains with diameter of inhibition zones in the range from 11 to 20 mm. Furthermore, the MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) and MBC (minimum bactericidal concentration) values of 2 against S. cerevisiae strains were detected to be in the ranges of 0.61 to 9.8 μg/mL and 2.42 to 9.8 μg/mL, respectively. This is the first report of 2 with a specific anti-yeast activity. The above result suggests the potential application of U. lobata to be used as a natural anti-yeast agent in food preservation.
Inhibition of SERPINE1 Function Attenuates Wound Closure in Response to Tissue Injury: A Role for PAI-1 in Re-Epithelialization and Granulation Tissue Formation
Authors: Simone Tessa , Higgins Paul
Published: March 2015

Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1; SERPINE1) is a prominent member of the serine protease inhibitor superfamily (SERPIN) and a causative factor of multi-organ fibrosis as well as a key regulator of the tissue repair program. PAI-1 attenuates pericellular proteolysis by inhibiting the catalytic activity of both urokinase and tissue-type protease activators (uPA and tPA) effectively modulating, thereby, plasmin-mediated fibrinolysis and the overall pericellular proteolytic cascade. PAI-1 also impacts cellular responses to tissue injury and stress situations (growth, survival, migration) by titering the locale and temporal activation of multimeric cell-surface signaling complexes. This review will describe PAI-1 structure and function and detail the role of PAI-1 in the tissue repair program with an emphasis on cutaneous wound healing.
Improved Osteoblast and Chondrocyte Adhesion and Viability by Surface-Modified Ti6Al4V Alloy with Anodized TiO2 Nanotubes Using a Super-Oxidative Solution
Authors: Beltrán-Partida Ernesto , Moreno-Ulloa Aldo , Valdez-Salas Benjamín , Velasquillo Cristina , Carrillo Monica , Escamilla Alan , Valdez Ernesto , Villarreal Francisco
Published: March 2015

Titanium (Ti) and its alloys are amongst the most commonly-used biomaterials in orthopedic and dental applications. The Ti-aluminum-vanadium alloy (Ti6Al4V) is widely used as a biomaterial for these applications by virtue of its favorable properties, such as high tensile strength, good biocompatibility and excellent corrosion resistance. TiO2 nanotube (NTs) layers formed by anodization on Ti6Al4V alloy have been shown to improve osteoblast adhesion and function when compared to non-anodized material. In his study, NTs were grown on a Ti6Al4V alloy by anodic oxidation for 5 min using a super-oxidative aqueous solution, and their in vitro biocompatibility was investigated in pig periosteal osteoblasts and cartilage chondrocytes. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersion X-ray analysis (EDX) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to characterize the materials. Cell morphology was analyzed by SEM and AFM. Cell viability was examined by fluorescence microscopy. Cell adhesion was evaluated by nuclei staining and cell number quantification by fluorescence microscopy. The average diameter of the NTs was 80 nm. The results demonstrate improved cell adhesion and viability at Day 1 and Day 3 of cell growth on the nanostructured material as compared to the non-anodized alloy. In conclusion, this study evidences the suitability of NTs grown on Ti6Al4V alloy using a super-oxidative water and a short anodization process to enhance the adhesion and viability of osteoblasts and chondrocytes. The results warrant further investigation for its use as medical implant materials.
Effects of Carbon Black and the Presence of Static Mechanical Strain on the Swelling of Elastomers in Solvent
Authors: Ch'ng Shiau , Andriyana Andri , Tee Yun , Verron Erwan
Published: March 2015

The effect of carbon black on the mechanical properties of elastomers is of great interest, because the filler is one of principal ingredients for the manufacturing of rubber products. While fillers can be used to enhance the properties of elastomers, including stress-free swelling resistance in solvent, it is widely known that the introduction of fillers yields significant inelastic responses of elastomers under cyclic mechanical loading, such as stress-softening, hysteresis and permanent set. When a filled elastomer is under mechanical deformation, the filler acts as a strain amplifier in the rubber matrix. Since the matrix local strain has a profound effect on the material’s ability to absorb solvent, the study of the effect of carbon black content on the swelling characteristics of elastomeric components exposed to solvent in the presence of mechanical deformation is a prerequisite for durability analysis. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of carbon black content on the swelling of elastomers in solvent in the presence of static mechanical strains: simple extension and simple torsion. Three different types of elastomers are considered: unfilled, filled with 33 phr (parts per hundred) and 66 phr of carbon black. The peculiar role of carbon black on the swelling characteristics of elastomers in solvent in the presence of mechanical strain is explored.
Correction: Xu, S.; Li, Y.; Liu, Y.; Sun, J.; Ren, H.; Wu, S.-T. Fast-Response Liquid Crystal Microlens. Micromachines 2014, 5, 300–324
Authors: Xu Su , Li Yan , Liu Yifan , Sun Jie , Ren Hongwen , Wu Shin-Tson
Published: March 2015

We have found three errors in our paper [1], and thus would like to make the following corrections to this paper:[...]
Bacterial Adaptation during Chronic Respiratory Infections
Authors: Cullen Louise , McClean Siobhán
Published: March 2015

Chronic lung infections are associated with increased morbidity and mortality for individuals with underlying respiratory conditions such as cystic fibrosis (CF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The process of chronic colonisation allows pathogens to adapt over time to cope with changing selection pressures, co-infecting species and antimicrobial therapies. These adaptations can occur due to environmental pressures in the lung such as inflammatory responses, hypoxia, nutrient deficiency, osmolarity, low pH and antibiotic therapies. Phenotypic adaptations in bacterial pathogens from acute to chronic infection include, but are not limited to, antibiotic resistance, exopolysaccharide production (mucoidy), loss in motility, formation of small colony variants, increased mutation rate, quorum sensing and altered production of virulence factors associated with chronic infection. The evolution of Pseudomonas aeruginosa during chronic lung infection has been widely studied. More recently, the adaptations that other chronically colonising respiratory pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Burkholderia cepacia complex and Haemophilus influenzae undergo during chronic infection have also been investigated. This review aims to examine the adaptations utilised by different bacterial pathogens to aid in their evolution from acute to chronic pathogens of the immunocompromised lung including CF and COPD.
A Maxwellian Look beyond Opaque Interfaces
Authors: Masini Nicola
Published: March 2015

I wonder if James Clerk Maxwell, Scottish mathematical physicist and father of the classical theory of electromagnetic radiation, could have imagined being included on the cover of a book dealing with a sensing technology used to locate the position of buried pipes, to analyze the integrity of buildings, and to uncover ancient archaeological sites [...]
Biosignal Analysis to Assess Mental Stress in Automatic Driving of Trucks: Palmar Perspiration and Masseter Electromyography
Authors: Zheng Rencheng , Yamabe Shigeyuki , Nakano Kimihiko , Suda Yoshihiro
Published: March 2015

Nowadays insight into human-machine interaction is a critical topic with the large-scale development of intelligent vehicles. Biosignal analysis can provide a deeper understanding of driver behaviors that may indicate rationally practical use of the automatic technology. Therefore, this study concentrates on biosignal analysis to quantitatively evaluate mental stress of drivers during automatic driving of trucks, with vehicles set at a closed gap distance apart to reduce air resistance to save energy consumption. By application of two wearable sensor systems, a continuous measurement was realized for palmar perspiration and masseter electromyography, and a biosignal processing method was proposed to assess mental stress levels. In a driving simulator experiment, ten participants completed automatic driving with 4, 8, and 12 m gap distances from the preceding vehicle, and manual driving with about 25 m gap distance as a reference. It was found that mental stress significantly increased when the gap distances decreased, and an abrupt increase in mental stress of drivers was also observed accompanying a sudden change of the gap distance during automatic driving, which corresponded to significantly higher ride discomfort according to subjective reports.
Improving Pathways to Assessment and Care for Infants of Substance Abusing Mothers: Are We Getting It Right?
Authors: Alexander Joanna , Raman Shanti , Yoong Terence , Mawhinney Belinda
Published: March 2015

There is documented correlation between parental substance abuse, child maltreatment, and poor outcomes. In two health districts in Sydney, Australia (Site A and B), specialised clinics were established to provide comprehensive assessments for infants of substance abusing mothers (ISAM). We aimed to determine whether there was a difference in outcomes between infants who attended clinic versus those who did not; and to identify differences in the pathways to care between sites. We analysed child protection reports and available health markers of all ISAM referrals in 2011. We held stakeholder meetings with services involved with ISAM in both sites; to describe service components; strengths and weaknesses of pathways. Fifty-five per cent (11/20) attended clinic in Site A; 80% (25/31) in Site B. Three-quarters of ISAM had at least one referral to child welfare; child protection service involvement was more common in those who attended. Immunisation status was lower than the national Australian average; approximately half were seen by community nursing services. Gaps in services, lack of database, and differences in pathways between sites were identified. Attending clinics correlates with child protection service involvement and may afford health protection. Transparent communication, service integration, and shared learning can improve outcomes for this vulnerable group.
An Identification Key for Selecting Methods for Sustainability Assessments
Authors: Zijp Michiel , Heijungs Reinout , Van der Voet Ester , Van de Meent Dik , Huijbregts Mark , Hollander Anne , Posthuma Leo
Published: March 2015

Sustainability assessments can play an important role in decision making. This role starts with selecting appropriate methods for a given situation. We observed that scientists, consultants, and decision-makers often do not systematically perform a problem analyses that guides the choice of the method, partly related to a lack of systematic, though sufficiently versatile approaches to do so. Therefore, we developed and propose a new step towards method selection on the basis of question articulation: the Sustainability Assessment Identification Key. The identification key was designed to lead its user through all important choices needed for comprehensive question articulation. Subsequently, methods that fit the resulting specific questions are suggested by the key. The key consists of five domains, of which three determine method selection and two the design or use of the method. Each domain consists of four or more criteria that need specification. For example in the domain “system boundaries”, amongst others, the spatial and temporal scales are specified. The key was tested (retrospectively) on a set of thirty case studies. Using the key appeared to contribute to improved: (i) transparency in the link between the question and method selection; (ii) consistency between questions asked and answers provided; and (iii) internal consistency in methodological design. There is latitude to develop the current initial key further, not only for selecting methods pertinent to a problem definition, but also as a principle for associated opportunities such as stakeholder identification.
Testing Metallic Iron Filtration Systems for Decentralized Water Treatment at Pilot Scale
Authors: Tepong-Tsindé Raoul , Crane Richard , Noubactep Chicgoua , Nassi Achille , Ruppert Hans
Published: March 2015

There are many factors to consider for the design of appropriate water treatment systems including: cost, the concentration and type of biological and/or chemical contamination, concentration limits at which contaminant(s) are required to be removed, required flow rate, level of local expertise for on-going maintenance, and social acceptance. An ideal technology should be effective at producing clean, potable water; however it must also be low-cost, low-energy (ideally energy-free) and require low-maintenance. The use of packed beds containing metallic iron (Fe0 filters) has the potential to become a cheap widespread technology for both safe drinking water provision and wastewater treatment. Fe0 filters have been intensively investigated over the past two decades, however, sound design criteria are still lacking. This article presents an overview of the design of Fe0 filters for decentralized water treatment particularly in the developing world. A design for safe drinking water to a community of 100 people is also discussed as starting module. It is suggested that Fe0 filters have the potential for significant worldwide applicability, but particularly in the developing world. The appropriate design of Fe0 filters, however, is site-specific and dependent upon the availability of local expertise/materials.