bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photocatalytic silver/silver chloride polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Tate Eldon W. , Johnston James H.
Published: November 2014

Novel silver/silver chloride (Ag/AgCl) nanocomposite materials were produced by forming plasmonic photocatalyst Ag/AgCl nanoparticles in the porous support materials of polymers such as nylon 6,6 and polyurethane. This was achieved by way of a simple aqueous synthesis method, followed by a light-induced chemical reduction. In this method, Ag/AgCl nanoparticles are incorporated without modifying the structure of the polymer support. Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterise the Ag/AgCl nanoparticles and their distribution within the composites. The photocatalytic activity of Ag/AgCl polymer composites was evaluated by the photodegradation of methylene blue dye. The composite materials were shown to retain the enhanced photocatalytic activity displayed by Ag/AgCl plasmonic photocatalyst nanoparticles.
Removing an invader: evidence for forces reassembling a Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem
Authors: Ignace Danielle D. , Chesson Peter
Published: November 2014

Community reassembly is an important concept in community ecology, but in most circumstances cannot be observed and is hypothetical. Reassembly of communities is an observable process that can be examined effectively following species invasions. Our study system in southeastern Arizona has declined in diversity and abundance of native winter annual plants coincident with a sustained irruption of a nonnative invasive Eurasian species, Erodium cicutarium, and a major reassembly of the winter annual plant community. To understand the role of E. cicutarium in the reassembly process, we initiated a multiyear E. cicutarium removal experiment that varied the timing of removal. Species richness was higher as a result of removal, although this effect was variable over time. Surprisingly, the abundance of native species collectively was decreased by E. cicutarium removal. However, previously rare Astragalus nuttallianus appears to be facilitated by E. cicutarium, as demonstrated by higher density and relative abundance in the presence of E. cicutarium, and is now codominant. Excluding A. nuttallianus abundance, the remaining native species are collectively increased by removal of E. cicutarium. Although our results showed strong effects of removal, the timing of removal never significantly affected any plant variables. Our experiment implicates a major role for E. cicutarium in the reassembly of the native plant community. Our work suggests a broadening of perspective on processes structuring annual plant communities in arid regions, and calls for an integrated approach beyond the recent popular focus on the interaction between competition and the physical environment.
Mining wastewater management and its effects on groundwater and ecosystems
Authors: Celebi A. , Özdemir S.
Published: November 2014

Large-scale mining activities have a huge impact on the environment. Determination of the size of the effect and monitoring it is vital. In this study, risk assessment studies in mining areas and the effect of mining on groundwater and ecosystems were investigated. Best management practices and risk assessment steps were determined, especially in areas with huge amounts of mining wastewater. The pollution of groundwater and its reaching humans is a risk of major importance. Our study showed, using many cases with different parameters and countries, that the management of mining wastewater is vital. Environmental impact assessments and monitoring studies must be carried out before operation and at the closure of the mine. Policies must be in place and ready to apply. Factors of climate, geology, ecology and human health must be considered over a long period. Currently, only the developed countries are applying policies and paying attention to the risk. International assessments and health risk assessments should be carried out according to international standards.
Nitrogen transformations and mass balance in an integrated constructed wetland treating domestic wastewater
Authors: Dzakpasu Mawuli , Scholz Miklas , McCarthy Valerie , Jordan Siobhán
Published: November 2014

Nitrogen (N) transformations and removal in integrated constructed wetlands (ICWs) are often high, but the contributions of various pathways, including nitrification/denitrification, assimilation by plants and sediment storage, remain unclear. This study quantified the contributions of different N removal pathways in a typical multi-celled ICW system treating domestic wastewater. Findings showed near complete average total N retention of circa 95% at 102.3 g m−2 yr−1 during the 4-year period of operation. Variations in total N and NH4–N removal rates were associated with effluent flow volume rates and seasons. According to the mass balance estimation, assimilation by plants and sediment/soil storage accounted for approximately 23% and 20%, respectively, of the total N load removal. These were the major N removal route besides microbial transformations. Thus, the combination of plants with high biomass production offer valuable opportunities for improving ICW performance. The retrieval and use of sequestered N in the ICW sediment/soils require coherent management and provide innovative and valuable opportunities.
Phosphorus retention capacity in red ferralitic soil
Authors: Pérez M. M. , Bossens J. , Rosa E. , Tack F. M. G.
Published: November 2014

In this study the main physical–chemical characteristics of red ferralitic soil to use as substrate in subsurface wetlands was determined. The P-removal was evaluated in a short-term isotherm batch experiment and in a column percolation experiment. The acid characteristic and high content of iron minerals in the red ferralitic soil facilitated the phosphorus removal. Also the sorption isotherms at two different temperatures were obtained. The results showed that the sorption capacity increases with an increase in solution temperature from 25 to 35 °C. The experimental data were fitted to Langmuir and Freundlich models, having a better fit to the Freundlich isotherms. The maximum P-sorption capacities estimated using the Langmuir isotherm were 0.96 and 1.13 g/kg at 25 and 35 °C respectively. Moreover a column experiment was carried out at two different flows. Sequential extractions of the phosphorus-saturated soil indicated that phosphorus is mainly bound with iron or aluminum minerals. The results have demonstrated a good potential for red ferralitic soil for phosphorus removal from urban wastewater.
Ammonium removal from groundwater using a zeolite permeable reactive barrier: a pilot-scale demonstration
Authors: Li Shengpin , Huang Guoxin , Kong Xiangke , Yang Yingzhao , Liu Fei , Hou Guohua , Chen Honghan
Published: November 2014

In situ remediation of ammonium-contaminated groundwater is possible through a zeolite permeable reactive barrier (PRB); however, zeolite's finite sorption capacity limits the long-term field application of PRBs. In this paper, a pilot-scale PRB was designed to achieve sustainable use of zeolite in removing ammonium (NH4+-N) through sequential nitrification, adsorption, and denitrification. An oxygen-releasing compound was added to ensure aerobic conditions in the upper layers of the PRB where NH4+-N was microbially oxidized to nitrate. Any remaining NH4+-N was removed abiotically in the zeolite layer. Under lower redox conditions, nitrate formed during nitrification was removed by denitrifying bacteria colonizing the zeolite. During the long-term operation (328 days), more than 90% of NH4+-N was consistently removed, and approximately 40% of the influent NH4+-N was oxidized to nitrate. As much as 60% of the nitrate formed in the PRB was reduced in the zeolite layer after 300 days of operation. Removal of NH4+-N from groundwater using a zeolite PRB through bacterial nitrification and abiotic adsorption is a promising approach. The zeolite PRB has the advantage of achieving sustainable use of zeolite and immediate NH4+-N removal.
Modeling Approaches for Masonry Structures
Authors: Addessi D. , Marfia S. , Sacco E. , Toti J.
Published: November 2014

Different scale approaches, micromechanical, multiscale and macromechanical or phenomenological, are
presented to study the structural response of masonry elements. First, a micromechanical model is introduced and the
masonry is considered to be a heterogeneous material, made of mortar and bricks joined by interfaces, where the mortarbrick
decohesion mechanisms occur. To this end, a special interface model combining damage and friction is proposed.

Then, two multiscale procedures are presented, that consider regular arrangements of bricks and mortar, modeled by
nonlinear constitutive laws which account for damage and friction effects. A homogenization technique is developed to
derive two different equivalent continuum models at the macro-level, a micropolar Cosserat continuum and a nonlocal
Cauchy model.

Finally, a macromechanical model, based on the adoption of a classical No-Tension Material (NTM) model, and on the
presence of irreversible crushing strains, is proposed. A zero tensile strength is assumed, thus fracture strains arise when
the stress is zero. Moreover, an elastoplastic model is considered for the material response in compression. Numerical
applications are performed on a masonry arch and two masonry panels, by adopting the three approaches presented.
Comparisons with experimental outcomes, published elsewhere, are performed.
Vertical Guided Bone Regeneration using Titanium-reinforced d-PTFE Membrane and Prehydrated Corticocancellous Bone Graft
Authors: Cucchi Alessandro , Ghensi Paolo
Published: November 2014

Guided bone regeneration (GBR) standard protocols call for filling the space underneath the membrane with autogenous bone or a mixture composed of autogenous bone particles and allogeneic bone tissue or heterologous biomaterials. This work describes the case of a GBR performed to restore a vertical bone defect with simultaneous placement of a dental implant in the posterior mandible that was carried out using a high density d-PTFE membrane and corticocancellous porcine-derived bone without the addition of any autogenous bone. Bone regeneration was assessed by histological analysis of a biopsy sample collected from the grafted site nine months after the surgery. Intraoral radiographs taken at follow-up visits showed complete maintenance of the peri-implant bone levels for up to two years after prosthesis delivery. The regenerated site successfully supported functional loading of the implant. The present case report suggests that the use of a heterologous bone substitute alone to restore a vertical defect in a GBR procedure can be as effective as the standard protocol, while avoiding the drawbacks associated with a second surgical site opening.
“Most Prized Possessions”: Photography as Living Relationships within the End-of-Life Care of Newborns
Authors: Martel Sara L. , Ives-Baine Lori
Published: November 2014

This article reports findings from a phenomenological inquiry into how parents experience End-of-Life (EOL) photography around the death of their newborn in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and in their lives beyond the hospital. The study involved semi-structured interviews with 10 parents who had experienced the death of their newborn within the last five years in the same NICU setting. All parents had participated in EOL photography, having photos taken by nurses, by themselves, and/or by volunteer professional photographers. Through an Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis, the theme of “living relationships” emerged, revealing the photography as valued more than for the photos as “mementos,” but further as an activity grounding relationships and fostering interaction between families, newborns, and care-providers; these findings provide insight into how parents came to see their EOL photos as “prized possessions.” The article is concluded with a discussion on a Model for Photographing Living Relationships.
Globalization, Market Symbolism, and Coping
Authors: Arxer Steven L. , Murphy John W. , Choi Jung Min
Published: November 2014

Current understandings about coping have been shaped by a neo-liberal economic philosophy. This article examines the symbolic side of this outlook and considers the ways in which market imagery reinforces coping as a model of global integration. This philosophy, however, has been documented to threaten well-being. Moreover, within various philosophical fields, the assumptions that guide market imagery have lost credibility. This shift in thinking is examined and calls for a rethinking of market-based coping.
Geochemical investigation as a tool in determining of the potential hazard for soil contamination (Kremna Basin, Serbia)
Authors: Perunovic Tamara , Stojanovic Ksenija , Kasanin-Grubin Milica , Sajnovic Aleksandra , Simic Vladimir , Jovancicevic Branimir , Brceski Ilija
Published: November 2014

Geochemical composition of soils and underlying sediments in the Kremna Basin
was investigated. The aim was to assess whether observed heavy metal
concentrations in soil samples represent geogenic or anthropogenic
contamination. The second objective is to show that geochemical data of
underlying sediments should be used as a tool in determining of potential
hazard for soil contamination. For this purpose, comparison of contents of
As, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn of soil samples with standard values, the
reference soil sample and local background values of underlying sediments was
performed. The soil samples are unpolluted regarding to contents of As, Hg,
Pb and Zn. All samples have higher contents of Cr and Ni, whereas three
samples have higher content of Cu than the limit standard values. Geochemical
parameters showed that higher concentration of Cr, Cu and Ni in soils can be
attributed to geogenic impact. This conclusion is supported by Chemical Proxy
of Alteration and Chemical Index of Weathering values, which indicate intense
weathering of sediments. The obtained results show that Kremna area is under
slight to moderate hazard if land use change would occur, and prove the
importance of geochemical composition of underlying sediments in the
interpretation of heavy metal pollution.
Winking at Facebook: Capturing Digitally Mediated Classroom Learning
Authors: Barden Owen
Published: November 2014

This article discusses the combination of methods used in a study of the use of Facebook as an educational resource by a class of five students at a sixth-form college in north-west England. Through a project in which teacher-researcher and student-participants co-constructed a Facebook group page about the students' scaffolded research into dyslexia, the study examined the educational affordances of a digitally mediated social network. Combining multiple data-collection methods including participant observation, semi-structured interviews, video recordings, dynamic screen capture, and protocol analysis helped to capture multiple perspectives on the learning that happened in the classroom over the five weeks of the research project's lifetime. Aggregating the resulting data permitted meticulous, comprehensive reconstruction and analysis of aspects of that learning. Crucially, insights were gained which would not have been afforded by a more orthodox approach. The article presents and analyses excerpts from the data which help to illustrate these insights. The discussion identifies potential benefits of employing these methods and also acknowledges factors which hampered fully effective joint implementation in this study. As well as suggesting improvements that could make the approach worth considering for any study exploring screen-mediated classroom learning, it is hoped to offer researchers investigating similar settings some insight into the potential, pitfalls and limitations of attempting to combine these methods.
Understanding Online Teacher Best Practices: A Thematic Analysis to Improve Learning
Authors: Corry Michael , Ianacone Robert , Stella Julie
Published: November 2014

The purpose of this study was to examine brick-and-mortar and online teacher best practice themes using thematic analysis and a newly developed theory-based analytic process entitled Synthesized Thematic Analysis Criteria (STAC). The STAC was developed to facilitate the meaningful thematic analysis of research based best practices of K-12 education delivery options. In the study, data for the thematic analysis consisted of published research about best practices in both brick-and-mortar and online education. The use of both brick-and-mortar as well as online teacher best practices provided an opportunity to identify commonalities among these modes of delivery. Based on these commonalities, the thematic analysis detected emergent themes, which could be used as a foundation upon which online teachers might build specialized practice. As well, research-validated teacher best practice themes generated from this study may be considered a starting point for defining teacher best practices in online education and for their development. Emergent themes were discussed in the context of the data and the environment of online education. The STAC analytic process provides a foundation for analysis and may be used by researchers for other thematic analyses in the future.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of an Undergraduate Multicultural Course
Authors: Chappell Charisse
Published: November 2014

The American Psychological Association (APA) recently revised their Guidelines for the undergraduate psychology major in 2013. In this updated version diversity is included in the broad goal of ethical and social responsibility in a diverse world. Indicators associated with this goal include student awareness of prejudice within themselves and others, sensitivity to issues of power, privilege and discrimination, and knowledge of cultural diversity. Previous researchers have discussed the conditions necessary and processes by which intercultural learning and prejudice reduction occur. The current study utilized a measure of multicultural competence to assess the effectiveness of a semester-long undergraduate multicultural course. The results indicated the multicultural course was more effective than a personality course in increasing multicultural knowledge but had no impact on multicultural awareness. The discussion focused on the conditions that may have influenced the results.
Mechanical Properties and Simulated Wear of Provisional Resin Materials
Authors: Takamizawa T , Barkmeier WW , Tsujimoto A , Scheidel D , Erickson RL , Latta MA , Miyazaki M
Published: November 2014

The purpose of this study was to determine flexural properties and erosive wear behavior of provisional resin materials. Three bis-acryl base provisional resins—1) Protemp Plus (PP), 2) Integrity (IG), 3) Luxatemp Automix Plus (LX)—and a conventional poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) resin, UniFast III (UF), were evaluated. A resin composite, Z100 Restorative (Z1), was included as a benchmark material.

Six specimens for each of the four materials were used to determine flexural strength and elastic modulus according to ISO Standard 4049. Twelve specimens for each material were used to examine wear using a generalized wear simulation model. The test materials were each subjected to wear challenges of 25,000, 50,000, 100,000, and 200,000 cycles in a Leinfelder-Suzuki (Alabama) wear simulator. The materials were placed in custom cylinder-shaped stainless-steel fixtures, and wear was generated using a cylindrical-shaped flat-ended stainless-steel antagonist in a slurry of nonplasticized PMMA beads. Wear (mean facet depth [μm] and volume loss [mm3]) was determined using a noncontact profilometer (Proscan 2100) with Proscan and AnSur 3D software. The laboratory data were evaluated using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA; factors: 1) material and 2) cycles) followed by Tukey HSD post hoc test (α=0.05).

The flexural strength ranged from 68.2 to 150.6 MPa, and the elastic modulus ranged from 2.0 to 15.9 GPa. All of the bis-acryl provisional resins (PP, IG, and LX) demonstrated significantly higher values than the PMMA resin (UF) in flexural strength and elastic modulus (p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in flexural properties among three bis-acryl base provisional resins (PP, IG, and LX). Z1 demonstrated significantly (p<0.05) higher flexural strength and elastic modulus than the other materials tested. The results for mean facet wear depth (μm) and standard deviations (SD) for 200,000 cycles were as follows: PP, 22.4 (5.0); IG, 51.0 (6.5); LX, 63.7 (4.5); UF, 70.5 (8.0); and Z1, 7.6 (1.2). Volume loss (mm3) and SDs for 200,000 cycles were as follows: PP, 0.311 (0.049); IG, 0.737 (0.074); LX, 0.919 (0.053); UF, 1.046 (0.127); and Z1, 0.111 (0.017). The two-way ANOVA showed a significant difference among materials (p<0.001) and number of cycles for both facet depth and volume loss. The post hoc test revealed differences (p<0.05) in wear values among the tested materials examined in this study. The findings provide valuable information regarding the flexural properties and the relative wear behavior of the provisional resins examined in this study.
Weak-Post W-Beam Guardrail Attachment to Culvert Headwalls
Authors: Rosenbaugh Scott K. , Lechtenberg Karla A. , Faller Ronald K. , Bielenberg Robert W.
Published: November 2014

A new W-beam guardrail system for use on low-fill culverts was developed and evaluated. The system was adapted from the Midwest Guardrail System (MGS) bridge railing for attachment to the outside face of culvert headwalls. Four attachment concepts were developed and evaluated through dynamic component testing. Both lateral and longitudinal impacts were conducted on the design concepts while mounted to a concrete culvert headwall. The resultant damage from each test was confined to post bending. Although all four designs prevented damage to the socket assembly and culvert headwall, the top-mounted, single-anchor design and the side-mounted design were recommended for use on the basis of ease of fabrication and installation. The new W-beam guardrail system for attachment to low-fill culverts was designed with multiple advantages over current culvert treatments. The guardrail system mounts to the outside face of the headwall. Thus it minimizes intrusion over the culvert and maximizes the traversable roadway width. The barrier has an unrestricted system length and does not require a transition when attached to a standard MGS. The attachment configurations were designed with epoxy anchors to enable system installment on new or existing culverts. Finally, implementation guidance was provided for new system installations.
Impact of Momordica Charantia (Karela) on the Proportion of Hepatocytes with Intranuclear Inclusions in the StreptozotocinInduced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Mohal Shirin , Hossain Md. Afzal , Mondal Dulal Krishna , Ara Shamim , Shamim Khandaker Manzare
Published: November 2014

Background: Momordica charantia has some hypoglycemic properties.Objective: The purpose of the present study was to find out the impact of Momordica charantia (karela) on the proportion of hepatocytes in the  Streptozotocin-induced  diabetic  rats.Methodology: This  was  an  animal  study  carried  out  in  the Department of Anatomy at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) and Bangladesh Institute of Research & rehabilitation in Diabetes, Endocrine & metabolic Disorders (BIRDEM), Dhaka. Healthy young Long Evans rats of male sex weighing 150 to 280gm with an age range of 10 to 12 weeks were used in this study. The rats were divided into 4 equal groups depending upon their different sorts of dietary feedings and drug treatment. The variation of different proportion of hepatocytes with intranuclear inclusions in different groups of rat was monitored.Result: Sixty five rats were included in this study. Mean proportion of hepatocytes with intranuclear inclusions on day 51 from Streptozotocin/vehicle injection in the control group which was known as Group-A was 0. In untreated diabetic group the mean proportion of hepatocytes with intranuclear inclusions was 3.71 ± 0.82. On the other hand, in the insulin-treated diabetic rats the mean proportion of hepatocytes with intranuclear inclusions was 0 and in the karela-treated diabetic rats, the proportion of hepatocytes with intranuclear inclusions was 0. The value in the insulin-treated diabetic rats (p=0.0001) and in the karela-treated diabetic rats (p= 0.0001) were significantly lower than that of the untreated diabetic rats; however, there was no significant difference between the insulin-treated diabetic rats & the karela-treated diabetic rats (P>0.05) in this regard.Conclusion: Karela showed a tendency of acting against hyperglycemic effects of Streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus and also acting against the rise in proportion of hepatocytes with intranuclear inclusions in Streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jssmc.v5i2.20761J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll, 2013;5(2):84-86
Antiatherogenic Effect of Losartan in the Hyperlipidemic Rat
Authors: Sultana Rezina , Rahman Sayedur , Banu Layla Afroza , Any Omma Hafsa
Published: November 2014

Background: Angiotensin II is a powerful growth stimulant that can lead to smooth muscle hyperplasia in vascular wall.Objectives: The present study was aimed to find out the anti-atherosclerotic effects of angiotensin II receptor blocker losartan.Methodology: This experimental animal study was carried out in the Laboratory of the Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics at Banghabandhu Sheik Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Dhaka from July 2008 to June 2009. Healthy Long-Evans Norwegian male rats aged between 3-4 months with an weight of 180 to 200 gm were randomly selected and were divided into 3 groups designated as group A, B and C. Group A was fed on standard rat diet; group B was fed soybean oil and group C was fed a 2% cholesterol enriched diet which was the suspension of cholesterol powder in soybean oil. After 8 weeks 10 rats of each group were sacrificed and remaining 20 rats of group C were continued to the part II of the experiment and divided into two groups known as group I which was cholesterol fed control group and group II which were losartan treated group. After 8 weeks all the rats of two groups were sacrificed. Blood from each rat was collected to measure the lipid profile and malondialdehyde (MDA) level within erythrocyte. The aorta was separated and intima-media ratio was measured by using Image-pro plus software.Results: Losartan induces a significant reduction in serum lipids (p<0.001) and in atherosclerotic lesion size (p<0.001). It also significantly reduces the oxidative stress by reduction of malondialdehyde (MDA) level (p<0.001).Conclusions: In a atherosclerosis rat model, losartan reduces the oxidative stress and the neointimal inflammation and this could due to direct inhibition of angiotensin II in the arterial wall.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jssmc.v5i2.20765J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll, 2013;5(2):99-102
Bande dessinée, autobiographie et guerre au Liban
Authors: El Maizi Myriem
Published: November 2014

Whilst Iranian Marjane Satrapi's works, Persépolis 1 and 2, have received considerable critical attention, no study has been carried out in the field of Lebanese bande dessinée. This article examines two works of graphic memoirs (a growing genre in the contemporary field of graphic narrative) by Zeina Abirached, Mourir partir revenir. Le Jeu des hirondelles (2007) and Je me souviens. Beyrouth (2008), focusing on the testimonial dimension of autobiographical representations of selfhood in connection with the Lebanese Civil War (1975–90). The aim is to analyse the aesthetics developed by Abirached in her representation of war-related trauma and demonstrate the extent to which the complexity of the bande dessinée as a cross-discursive narrative instrument – with the duality of its visual/verbal form – lends itself to the expression of autobiographical memory, and more specifically traumatic memory in the récit d'enfance.
Taking Humour Seriously: Women and the Theatre of Virginie Ancelot
Authors: Johnston Joyce Carlton
Published: November 2014

With twenty-one single-authored plays staged at Paris’ premier theatres during the 1830s and 1840s, Virgine Ancelot produced more theatrical works than any other French woman dramatist of the period. Despite her success, Ancelot's comedies and vaudevilles have received little critical attention. Contrary to the light façade common throughout much of her theatrical work, Ancelot's plays underscore the inequality and injustices experienced by women of her time. Her use of humour to simultaneously conceal and accentuate her attacks within the most public of literary genres indicates that a reconsideration of Ancelot's theatre is overdue. This study illuminates the simultaneous evolution of Ancelot's humour and her desire to pinpoint inequities surrounding the feminine condition through an examination of some of her most successful theatrical works: Le Château de ma nièce (1837 – Théâtre français), L'Hôtel de Rambouillet (1842 – Théâtre du Vaudeville) and Follette (1844 – Théâtre du Vaudeville).
The Radical Novelty of Olympe de Gouges
Authors: Rivas Joshua
Published: November 2014

La Déclaration des droits de l'homme et du citoyen proclaims that ‘men are born free and equal in rights’. However, the egalitarian principles expounded in the Déclaration were translated into a constitution that defined the subjects of these rights as French propertied males at least twenty-five years of age. Entered into circulation on September 14, 1791, Olympe de Gouges's Déclaration des droits de la femme et de la citoyenne stakes claim to the rights guaranteed to the universal, abstract citizen designated in the Déclaration. Much scholarship has diminished or dismissed de Gouges's work on the basis of its supposed rhetorical deficiencies. This paper, through a historically situated reading that brings to light both the ‘radical novelty’ of de Gouges's Déclaration's rhetoric and the under-appreciated intertextuality with the work of Robespierre, argues that the significance of de Gouges's Déclaration is locatable within rather than in spite of its style.
Role of Oxidative Stress in HIV-1-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder and Protection by Gene Delivery of Antioxidant Enzymes
Authors: Louboutin Jean-Pierre , Strayer David
Published: November 2014

HIV encephalopathy covers a range of HIV-1-related brain dysfunction. In the Central Nervous System (CNS), it is largely impervious to Highly Active AntiRetroviral Therapy (HAART). As survival with chronic HIV-1 infection improves, the number of people harboring the virus in their CNS increases. Neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory changes may continue despite the use of HAART. Neurons themselves are rarely infected by HIV-1, but HIV-1 infects resident microglia, periventricular macrophages, leading to increased production of cytokines and to release of HIV-1 proteins, the most likely neurotoxins, among which are the envelope glycoprotein gp120 and HIV-1 trans-acting protein Tat. Gp120 and Tat induce oxidative stress in the brain, leading to neuronal apoptosis/death. We review here the role of oxidative stress in animal models of HIV-1 Associated Neurocognitive Disorder (HAND) and in patients with HAND. Different therapeutic approaches, including clinical trials, have been used to mitigate oxidative stress in HAND. We used SV40 vectors for gene delivery of antioxidant enzymes, Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1), or glutathione peroxidase (GPx1) into the rat caudate putamen (CP). Intracerebral injection of SV (SOD1) or SV (GPx1) protects neurons from apoptosis caused by subsequent inoculation of gp120 and Tat at the same location. Vector administration into the lateral ventricle or cisterna magna protects from intra-CP gp120-induced neurotoxicity comparably to intra-CP vector administration. These models should provide a better understanding of the pathogenesis of HIV-1 in the brain as well as offer new therapeutic avenues.
Reducing Carbon from the “Middle-Out”: The Role of Builders in Domestic Refurbishment
Authors: Janda Kathryn , Killip Gavin , Fawcett Tina
Published: November 2014

A three-year research project explored the evolving level of “building expertise” for low-carbon housing refurbishment in the UK and France. With a focus on “middle actors” and the evolution of professional practice, this paper reports on “middle-out” responses from the housing retrofit supply chain to top-down policies promoting low-energy retrofits of existing homes. The two countries have comparable long-term policy goals for CO2 emissions reduction, but there are important differences between their more immediate initiatives to achieve a step-change in activity in the housing retrofit market. Industry responses to these various policy signals were explored in a series of semi-structured interviews with builders involved in innovative, low-energy refurbishment projects. Drawing mainly on four case studies of innovative business models, the paper highlights innovative practices and processes being proposed and trialled by “middle actors” in the building industry. We describe middle-out implications of these innovative practices: upstream to policy makers, downstream to clients, and sideways across refurbishment providers and the retrofit supply chain.
Effect of Atmospheric Ions on Interfacial Water
Authors: Kurt Kung Chien-Chang , Pollack Gerald H.
Published: November 2014

The effect of atmospheric positivity on the electrical properties of interfacial water was explored. Interfacial, or exclusion zone (EZ) water was created in the standard way, next to a sheet of Nafion placed horizontally at the bottom of a water-filled chamber. Positive atmospheric ions were created from a high voltage source placed above the chamber. Electrical potential distribution in the interfacial water was measured using microelectrodes. We found that beyond a threshold, the positive ions diminished the magnitude of the negative electrical potential in the interfacial water, sometimes even turning it to positive. Additionally, positive ions produced by an air conditioner were observed to generate similar effects; i.e., the electrical potential shifted in the positive direction but returned to negative when the air conditioner stopped blowing. Sometimes, the effect of the positive ions from the air conditioner was strong enough to destroy the structure of interfacial water by turning the potential decidedly positive. Thus, positive air ions can compromise interfacial water negativity and may explain the known negative impact of positive ions on health.
Three-Dimensional Modeling of the Thermal Behavior of a Lithium-Ion Battery Module for Hybrid Electric Vehicle Applications
Authors: Yi Jaeshin , Koo Boram , Shin Chee
Published: November 2014

This paper reports a modeling methodology to predict the effects of operating conditions on the thermal behavior of a lithium-ion battery (LIB) module. The potential and current density distributions on the electrodes of an LIB cell are predicted as a function of discharge time based on the principle of charge conservation. By using the modeling results of the potential and current density distributions of the LIB cell, the non-uniform distribution of the heat generation rate in a single LIB cell within the module is calculated. Based on the heat generation rate in the single LIB cell determined as a function of the position on the electrode and time, a three-dimensional thermal modeling of an LIB module is performed to calculate the three-dimensional velocity, pressure, and temperature distributions within the LIB module as a function of time at various operating conditions. Thermal modeling of an LIB module is validated by the comparison between the experimental measurements and the modeling results. The effect of the cooling condition of the LIB module on the temperature rise of the LIB cells within the module and the uniformity of the distribution of the cell temperatures are analyzed quantitatively based on the modeling results.
Factors Affecting Pheromone Production by the Pepper Weevil, Anthonomus eugenii Cano (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and Collection Efficiency
Authors: Eller Fred , Palmquist Debra
Published: November 2014

Several factors affecting pheromone production by male pepper weevils, Anthonomus eugenii Cano (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) as well as collection efficiency were investigated. Factors studied included: porous polymer adsorbents (Tenax versus Super Q), male age, time of day, male density, and male diet. Super Q was found to be a superior adsorbent for the male-produced alcohols and geranic acid as well as the plant-produced E-β-ocimene. Pheromone production increased with male age up to about age 15 days old and then tapered off. Male pepper weevils produced the highest amount of pheromone between noon and 2 pm (i.e., 4 to 6 h after “lights on”) and were producing ca. 800 ng/h during this period. Thereafter, pheromone production decreased and was extremely low during the scotophase (i.e., ca. 12 ng/h). Male pepper weevil density had a significant effect on both release rate and pheromone composition. Pheromone production on a per male basis was highest for individual males and the percentage of geranic acid in the blend was lowest for individual males. Male pepper weevils produced only extremely low amounts of pheromone when feeding on artificial diet; however, they produced very high amounts when on fresh peppers. Together, this information will be useful in designing better attractant lures for pepper weevils.
Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Evaluation of Some New Schiff, Mannich and Acetylenic Mannich Bases Incorporating a 1,2,4-Triazole Nucleus
Authors: Aouad Mohamed
Published: November 2014

A series of Schiff and Mannich bases derived from 4-amino-5-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thione were synthesized. The alkylation of 4-phenyl-5-(3-fluorophenyl)-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thione with propargyl bromide afforded the corresponding thiopropargylated derivative which upon treatment with the appropriate secondary amines in the presence of CuCl2 furnished the desired acetylenic Mannich bases. The synthesized compounds were characterized on the basis of their spectral (IR, 1H- and 13C-NMR) data and evaluated for their biological activities. Some of the compounds were found to exhibit significant antimicrobial activity.
The Diterpenes Ovoideal A–G from Tirpitzia ovoidea
Authors: Su Dan , Yang Xue-Yan , Feng Xu , Shang Ming-Ying , Cai Shao-Qing
Published: November 2014

Seven new diterpenes, named ovoideal A (1), B (2), C (3), D (4), E (5), F (6) and G (7), have been isolated along with eleven known diterpenes 8–18 from the petroleum ether soluble fraction of an ethanol extract of the aerial parts of Tirpitzia ovoidea. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated primarily by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, as well as by the HR-ESI-MS spectrometry. All compounds were isolated from the Linaceae family for the first time. The in vitro cytotoxic activity of compounds 1, 3–5, 8–18 was evaluated against the Hela, HepG2 and K562 cell lines. Among them, compounds 3, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18 showed moderate inhibitory activities.
Antioxidant Mechanism of Rutin on Hypoxia-Induced Pulmonary Arterial Cell Proliferation
Authors: Li Qian , Qiu Yanli , Mao Min , Lv Jinying , Zhang Lixin , Li Shuzhen , Li Xia , Zheng Xiaodong
Published: November 2014

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in the pathologic process of pulmonary arterial hypertension as either mediators or inducers. Rutin is a type of flavonoid which exhibits significant scavenging properties on oxygen radicals both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we proposed that rutin attenuated hypoxia-induced pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell (PASMC) proliferation by scavenging ROS. Immunofluorescence data showed that rutin decreased the production of ROS, which was mainly generated through mitochondria and NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) in pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs). Western blot results provided further evidence on rutin increasing expression of Nox4 and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). Moreover, cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry indicated that proliferation of PASMCs triggered by hypoxia was also repressed by rutin. However, N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), a scavenger of ROS, abolished or diminished the capability of rutin in repressing hypoxia-induced cell proliferation. These data suggest that rutin shows a potential benefit against the development of hypoxic pulmonary arterial hypertension by inhibiting ROS, subsequently preventing hypoxia-induced PASMC proliferation.
Obesity: Pathophysiology and Intervention
Authors: Zhang Yi , Liu Ju , Yao Jianliang , Ji Gang , Qian Long , Wang Jing , Zhang Guansheng , Tian Jie , Nie Yongzhan , Zhang Yi , Gold Mark , Liu Yijun
Published: November 2014

Obesity presents a major health hazard of the 21st century. It promotes co-morbid diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, certain types of cancer, and osteoarthritis. Excessive energy intake, physical inactivity, and genetic susceptibility are main causal factors for obesity, while gene mutations, endocrine disorders, medication, or psychiatric illnesses may be underlying causes in some cases. The development and maintenance of obesity may involve central pathophysiological mechanisms such as impaired brain circuit regulation and neuroendocrine hormone dysfunction. Dieting and physical exercise offer the mainstays of obesity treatment, and anti-obesity drugs may be taken in conjunction to reduce appetite or fat absorption. Bariatric surgeries may be performed in overtly obese patients to lessen stomach volume and nutrient absorption, and induce faster satiety. This review provides a summary of literature on the pathophysiological studies of obesity and discusses relevant therapeutic strategies for managing obesity.
Penium margaritaceum: A Unicellular Model Organism for Studying Plant Cell Wall Architecture and Dynamics
Authors: Domozych David
Published: November 2014

Penium margaritaceum is a new and valuable unicellular model organism for studying plant cell wall structure and developmental dynamics. This charophyte has a cell wall composition remarkably similar to the primary cell wall of many higher plants and clearly-defined inclusive zones containing specific polymers. Penium has a simple cylindrical phenotype with a distinct region of focused wall synthesis. Specific polymers, particularly pectins, can be identified using monoclonal antibodies raised against polymers of higher plant cell walls. Immunofluorescence-based labeling is easily performed using live cells that subsequently can be returned to culture and monitored. This feature allows for rapid assessment of wall expansion rates and identification of multiple polymer types in the wall microarchitecture during the cell cycle. Cryofixation by means of spray freezing provides excellent transmission electron microscopy imaging of the cell, including its elaborate endomembrane and cytoskeletal systems, both integral to cell wall development. Penium’s fast growth rate allows for convenient microarray screening of various agents that alter wall biosynthesis and metabolism. Finally, recent successful development of transformed cell lines has allowed for non-invasive imaging of proteins in cells and for RNAi reverse genetics that can be used for cell wall biosynthesis studies.
Face Recognition System for Set-Top Box-Based Intelligent TV
Authors: Lee Won , Kim Yeong , Hong Hyung , Park Kang
Published: November 2014

Despite the prevalence of smart TVs, many consumers continue to use conventional TVs with supplementary set-top boxes (STBs) because of the high cost of smart TVs. However, because the processing power of a STB is quite low, the smart TV functionalities that can be implemented in a STB are very limited. Because of this, negligible research has been conducted regarding face recognition for conventional TVs with supplementary STBs, even though many such studies have been conducted with smart TVs. In terms of camera sensors, previous face recognition systems have used high-resolution cameras, cameras with high magnification zoom lenses, or camera systems with panning and tilting devices that can be used for face recognition from various positions. However, these cameras and devices cannot be used in intelligent TV environments because of limitations related to size and cost, and only small, low cost web-cameras can be used. The resulting face recognition performance is degraded because of the limited resolution and quality levels of the images. Therefore, we propose a new face recognition system for intelligent TVs in order to overcome the limitations associated with low resource set-top box and low cost web-cameras. We implement the face recognition system using a software algorithm that does not require special devices or cameras. Our research has the following four novelties: first, the candidate regions in a viewer’s face are detected in an image captured by a camera connected to the STB via low processing background subtraction and face color filtering; second, the detected candidate regions of face are transmitted to a server that has high processing power in order to detect face regions accurately; third, in-plane rotations of the face regions are compensated based on similarities between the left and right half sub-regions of the face regions; fourth, various poses of the viewer’s face region are identified using five templates obtained during the initial user registration stage and multi-level local binary pattern matching. Experimental results indicate that the recall; precision; and genuine acceptance rate were about 95.7%; 96.2%; and 90.2%, respectively.
Design of a WSN for the Sampling of Environmental Variability in Complex Terrain
Authors: Martín-Tardío Miguel , Felicísimo Ángel
Published: November 2014

In-situ environmental parameter measurements using sensor systems connected to a wireless network have become widespread, but the problem of monitoring large and mountainous areas by means of a wireless sensor network (WSN) is not well resolved. The main reasons for this are: (1) the environmental variability distribution is unknown in the field; (2) without this knowledge, a huge number of sensors would be necessary to ensure the complete coverage of the environmental variability and (3) WSN design requirements, for example, effective connectivity (intervisibility), limiting distances and controlled redundancy, are usually solved by trial and error. Using temperature as the target environmental variable, we propose: (1) a method to determine the homogeneous environmental classes to be sampled using the digital elevation model (DEM) and geometric simulations and (2) a procedure to determine an effective WSN design in complex terrain in terms of the number of sensors, redundancy, cost and spatial distribution. The proposed methodology, based on geographic information systems and binary integer programming can be easily adapted to a wide range of applications that need exhaustive and continuous environmental monitoring with high spatial resolution. The results show that the WSN design is perfectly suited to the topography and the technical specifications of the sensors, and provides a complete coverage of the environmental variability in terms of Sun exposure. However these results still need be validated in the field and the proposed procedure must be refined.