bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liquid Phase Sintered Ceramic Bone Scaffolds by Combined Laser and Furnace
Authors: Feng Pei , Deng Youwen , Duan Songlin , Gao Chengde , Shuai Cijun , Peng Shuping
Published: August 2014

Fabrication of mechanically competent bioactive scaffolds is a great challenge in bone tissue engineering. In this paper, β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) scaffolds were successfully fabricated by selective laser sintering combined with furnace sintering. Bioglass 45S5 was introduced in the process as liquid phase in order to improve the mechanical and biological properties. The results showed that sintering of β-TCP with the bioglass revealed some features of liquid phase sintering. The optimum amount of 45S5 was 5 wt %. At this point, the scaffolds were densified without defects. The fracture toughness, compressive strength and stiffness were 1.67 MPam1/2, 21.32 MPa and 264.32 MPa, respectively. Bone like apatite layer was formed and the stimulation for apatite formation was increased with increase in 45S5 content after soaking in simulated body fluid, which indicated that 45S5 could improve the bioactivity. Furthermore, MG-63 cells adhered and spread well, and proliferated with increase in the culture time.
Identification of Genes Related to Paulownia Witches’ Broom by AFLP and MSAP
Authors: Cao Xibing , Fan Guoqiang , Deng Minjie , Zhao Zhenli , Dong Yanpeng
Published: August 2014

DNA methylation is believed to play important roles in regulating gene expression in plant growth and development. Paulownia witches’ broom (PaWB) infection has been reported to be related to gene expression changes in paulownia plantlets. To determine whether DNA methylation is associated with gene expression changes in response to phytoplasma, we investigated variations in genomic DNA sequence and methylation in PaWB plantlets treated with methyl methane sulfonate (MMS) using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and methylation-sensitive amplification polymorphism (MSAP) techniques, respectively. The results indicated that PaWB seedings recovered a normal morphology after treatment with more than 15 mg·L−1 MMS. PaWB infection did not cause changes of the paulownia DNA sequence at the AFLP level; However, DNA methylation levels and patterns were altered. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) showed that three of the methylated genes were up-regulated and three were down-regulated in the MMS-treated PaWB plantlets that had regained healthy morphology. These six genes might be involved in transcriptional regulation, plant defense, signal transduction and energy. The possible roles of these genes in PaWB are discussed. The results showed that changes of DNA methylation altered gene expression levels, and that MSAP might help identify genes related to PaWB.
Echinochrome A Increases Mitochondrial Mass and Function by Modulating Mitochondrial Biogenesis Regulatory Genes
Authors: Jeong Seung , Kim Hyoung , Song In-Sung , Noh Su , Marquez Jubert , Ko Kyung , Rhee Byoung , Kim Nari , Mishchenko Natalia , Fedoreyev Sergey , Stonik Valentin , Han Jin
Published: August 2014

Echinochrome A (Ech A) is a natural pigment from sea urchins that has been reported to have antioxidant properties and a cardio protective effect against ischemia reperfusion injury. In this study, we ascertained whether Ech A enhances the mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative phosphorylation in rat cardio myoblast H9c2 cells. To study the effects of Ech A on mitochondrial biogenesis, we measured mitochondrial mass, level of oxidative phosphorylation, and mitochondrial biogenesis regulatory gene expression. Ech A treatment did not induce cytotoxicity. However, Ech A treatment enhanced oxygen consumption rate and mitochondrial ATP level. Likewise, Ech A treatment increased mitochondrial contents in H9c2 cells. Furthermore, Ech A treatment up-regulated biogenesis of regulatory transcription genes, including proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator (PGC)-1α, estrogen-related receptor (ERR)-α, peroxisome proliferator-activator receptor (PPAR)-γ, and nuclear respiratory factor (NRF)-1 and such mitochondrial transcription regulatory genes as mitochondrial transcriptional factor A (TFAM), mitochondrial transcription factor B2 (TFB2M), mitochondrial DNA direct polymerase (POLMRT), single strand binding protein (SSBP) and Tu translation elongation factor (TUFM). In conclusion, these data suggest that Ech A is a potentiated marine drug which enhances mitochondrial biogenesis.
Comparative Analysis of the Cytotoxic Effects of Okadaic Acid-Group Toxins on Human Intestinal Cell Lines
Authors: Ferron Pierre-Jean , Hogeveen Kevin , Fessard Valérie , Hégarat Ludovic
Published: August 2014

The phycotoxin, okadaic acid (OA) and dinophysistoxin 1 and 2 (DTX-1 and -2) are protein phosphatase PP2A and PP1 inhibitors involved in diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP). Data on the toxicity of the OA-group toxins show some differences with respect to the in vivo acute toxicity between the toxin members. In order to investigate whether OA and congeners DTX-1 and -2 may induce different mechanisms of action during acute toxicity on the human intestine, we compared their toxicological effects in two in vitro intestinal cell models: the colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line, Caco-2, and the intestinal muco-secreting cell line, HT29-MTX. Using a high content analysis approach, we evaluated various cytotoxicity parameters, including apoptosis (caspase-3 activation), DNA damage (phosphorylation of histone H2AX), inflammation (translocation of NF-κB) and cell proliferation (Ki-67 production). Investigation of the kinetics of the cellular responses demonstrated that the three toxins induced a pro-inflammatory response followed by cell cycle disruption in both cell lines, leading to apoptosis. Our results demonstrate that the three toxins induce similar effects, as no major differences in the cytotoxic responses could be detected. However DTX-1 induced cytotoxic effects at five-fold lower concentrations than for OA and DTX-2.
Unusual Product Distribution from Friedländer Reaction of Di- and Triacetylbenzenes with 3-Aminonaphthalene-2-carbaldehyde and Properties of New Benzo[g]quinoline-Derived Aza-aromatics
Authors: Karim Moinul , Jahng Yurngdong
Published: August 2014

The Friedländer reactions of acetylbenzenes and 2-acetylpyridine with 3-aminonaphthalene-2-carbaldehyde afforded the corresponding 2-phenylbenzo[g]quinoline and 2-(pyrid-2-yl)benzo[g]quinoline, respectively. The same reactions of 3-aminonaphthalene-2-carbaldehyde with 1,2-, 1,3-, 1,4-di- and 1,3,5-triacetylbenzenes, however, afforded a series of corresponding (benzo[g]quinolin-2-yl)benzenes as new N,C-bidentate and unexpected benzo[g]quinoline. Crystallinity, thermal properties, absorption and emission spectral properties of the products were studied.
Epigenetic Mechanisms Underlying the Link between Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Diseases and Nutrition
Authors: Lee Joo , Friso Simonetta , Choi Sang-Woon
Published: August 2014

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is defined as a pathologic accumulation of fat in the form of triglycerides (TG) in the liver (steatosis) that is not caused by alcohol. A subgroup of NAFLD patients shows liver cell injury and inflammation coupled with the excessive fat accumulation (steatohepatitis), which is referred to as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Patients with NASH may develop cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). NAFLD shares the key features of metabolic syndrome including obesity, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance. The pathogenesis of NAFLD is multi-factorial, however the oxidative stress seems to plays a major role in the development and progression of the disease. The emerging field of epigenetics provides a new perspective on the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Epigenetics is an inheritable but reversible phenomenon that affects gene expression without altering the DNA sequence and refers to DNA methylation, histone modifications and microRNAs. Epigenetic manipulation through metabolic pathways such as one-carbon metabolism has been proposed as a promising approach to retard the progression of NAFLD. Investigating the epigenetic modifiers in NAFLD may also lead to the development of preventive or therapeutic strategies for NASH-associated complications.
Condensation of Plasmid DNA Enhances Mitochondrial Association in Skeletal Muscle Following Hydrodynamic Limb Vein Injection
Authors: Yasuzaki Yukari , Yamada Yuma , Fukuda Yutaka , Harashima Hideyoshi
Published: August 2014

Mitochondrial gene therapy and diagnosis have the potential to provide substantial medical benefits. However, the utility of this approach has not yet been realized because the technology available for mitochondrial gene delivery continues to be a bottleneck. We previously reported on mitochondrial gene delivery in skeletal muscle using hydrodynamic limb vein (HLV) injection. HLV injection, a useful method for nuclear transgene expression, involves the rapid injection of a large volume of naked plasmid DNA (pDNA). Moreover, the use of a condensed form of pDNA enhances the nuclear transgene expression by the HLV injection. The purpose of this study was to compare naked pDNA and condensed pDNA for mitochondrial association in skeletal muscle, when used in conjunction with HLV injection. PCR analysis showed that the use of condensed pDNA rather than naked pDNA resulted in a more effective mitochondrial association with pDNA, suggesting that the physicochemical state of pDNA plays a key role. Moreover, no mitochondrial toxicities in skeletal muscle following the HLV injection of condensed pDNA were confirmed, as evidenced by cytochrome c oxidase activity and mitochondrial membrane potential. These findings have the potential to contribute to the development for in vivo mitochondrial gene delivery system.
Successful Applications of Geotechnologies for the Evaluation of Road Infrastructures
Authors: Villarino Alberto , Riveiro Belén , Martínez-Sánchez Joaquín , Gonzalez-Aguilera Diego
Published: August 2014

This work reports the results obtained over several years of research into the application of different geomatic techniques in the field of civil engineering and, in particular, in their application to the management of road systems and associated structures. Among the main advances obtained are the quantification of parameters during the inventorying and inspection of infrastructures, the metric quality of the results and the development of hardware and software tools for the automation of road systems management.
Lab-on-Chip Cytometry Based on Magnetoresistive Sensors for Bacteria Detection in Milk
Authors: Fernandes Ana , Duarte Carla , Cardoso Filipe , Bexiga Ricardo , Cardoso Susana , Freitas Paulo
Published: August 2014

Flow cytometers have been optimized for use in portable platforms, where cell separation, identification and counting can be achieved in a compact and modular format. This feature can be combined with magnetic detection, where magnetoresistive sensors can be integrated within microfluidic channels to detect magnetically labelled cells. This work describes a platform for in-flow detection of magnetically labelled cells with a magneto-resistive based cell cytometer. In particular, we present an example for the validation of the platform as a magnetic counter that identifies and quantifies Streptococcus agalactiae in milk.
Application of Service Oriented Architecture for Sensors and Actuators in District Heating Substations
Authors: Gustafsson Jonas , Kyusakov Rumen , Mäkitaavola Henrik , Delsing Jerker
Published: August 2014

Hardwired sensor installations using proprietary protocols found in today’s district heating substations limit the potential usability of the sensors in and around the substations. If sensor resources can be shared and re-used in a variety of applications, the cost of sensors and installation can be reduced, and their functionality and operability can be increased. In this paper, we present a new concept of district heating substation control and monitoring, where a service oriented architecture (SOA) is deployed in a wireless sensor network (WSN), which is integrated with the substation. IP-networking is exclusively used from sensor to server; hence, no middleware is needed for Internet integration. Further, by enabling thousands of sensors with SOA capabilities, a System of Systems approach can be applied. The results of this paper show that it is possible to utilize SOA solutions with heavily resource-constrained embedded devices in contexts where the real-time constrains are limited, such as in a district heating substation.
Engineering Venom’s Toxin-Neutralizing Antibody Fragments and Its Therapeutic Potential
Authors: Alvarenga Larissa , Zahid Muhammad , Tommaso Anne , Juste Matthieu , Aubrey Nicolas , Billiald Philippe , Muzard Julien
Published: August 2014

Serum therapy remains the only specific treatment against envenoming, but anti-venoms are still prepared by fragmentation of polyclonal antibodies isolated from hyper-immunized horse serum. Most of these anti-venoms are considered to be efficient, but their production is tedious, and their use may be associated with adverse effects. Recombinant antibodies and smaller functional units are now emerging as credible alternatives and constitute a source of still unexploited biomolecules capable of neutralizing venoms. This review will be a walk through the technologies that have recently been applied leading to novel antibody formats with better properties in terms of homogeneity, specific activity and possible safety.
Fiber-Modified Adenovirus for Central Nervous System Parkinson’s Disease Gene Therapy
Authors: Lewis Travis , Glasgow Joel , Harms Ashley , Standaert David , Curiel David
Published: August 2014

Gene-based therapies for neurological diseases continue to develop briskly. As disease mechanisms are elucidated, flexible gene delivery platforms incorporating transcriptional regulatory elements, therapeutic genes and targeted delivery are required for the safety and efficacy of these approaches. Adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5)-based vectors can carry large genetic payloads to provide this flexibility, but do not transduce neuronal cells efficiently. To address this, we have developed a tropism-modified Ad5 vector with neuron-selective targeting properties for evaluation in models of Parkinson disease therapy. A panel of tropism-modified Ad5 vectors was screened for enhanced gene delivery in a neuroblastoma cell line model system. We used these observations to design and construct an unbiased Ad vector platform, consisting of an unmodified Ad5 and a tropism-modified Ad5 vector containing the fiber knob domain from canine Ad serotype 2 (Ad5-CGW-CK2). Delivery to the substantia nigra or striatum showed that this vector produced a neuronally-restricted pattern of gene expression. Many of the transduced neurons were from regions with afferent projections to the injection site, implicating that the vector binds the presynaptic terminal resulting in presynaptic transduction. We show that Ad5-CGW-CK2 can selectively transduce neurons in the brain and hypothesize that this modular platform is potentially adaptable to clinical use.
Biologie et modes de gestion des marécages à Raphia hookeri Mann and Wendland au Sud-Est du Bénin
Authors: Profizi Jean-Pierre
Published: August 2014

Les marécages d'eau douce à Raphia hookeri Mann & Wendland du Sud du Bénin fournissent aux villageois riverains de nombreux produits dont le plus important est le vin de palme. La distillation d'alcool de palme grâce à l'introduction de l'alambic a entraîné l'apparition d'une gestion intensive des zones marécageuses. Traditionnellement collectif, le marécage a été divisé, dans certains villages, en parcelles privées dont on peut hériter et où les exploitants pratiquent l'arboriculture de Raphia hookeri. Actuellement la culture de R. hookeri tend à être remplacée par des cultures vivrières plus rémunératrices.
Genetic resources of pearl millet at Icrisat
Authors: Mengesha Melak H. , Appa Rao S.
Published: August 2014

Genetic resources of pearl millet [Pennisetum americanum (L.) Leeke] consisting of 17,621 cultivated accessions from 42 countries and 68 accessions of 20 wild species are assembled at ICRISAT Center, Patancheru, India, through donations by scientists from various national and international organizations and by organizing expeditions in India and Africa. About 500 g seed of each accession is conserved in medium-term cold storage. Seed increase and rejuvenation is done by cluster bagging during the postrainy season. To facilitate utilization, the collections are evaluated as per the pearl millet descriptors. Selected germplasm lines were evaluated at several locations in India and Africa to compare the expression of morphological and agronomic characters under different environmental conditions. The evaluation data are documented in IDMRS (computer) system to facilitate information retrieval. Tremendous variation was observed for several characters including days to flowering (33-140 days), plant height (35-475 cm), tillers (1-210), spike length (5-165 cm), spike thickness (11-64.5 mm), grain color, shape, and size. Several sources of resistance to diseases and pests were identified after artificially screening the germplasm in collaboration with pathologists and entomologists. New characters identified are sweet-stalks, chlorophyll mutants, dwarfs, male-steriles, and glossy. So far, 19,759 and 19,875 samples have been sent to scientists in India and abroad, respectively, and several of these lines were utilized in different ways in millet improvement programs.
Relations génétiques entre les populations de mils sauvages et cultivés : résultats d'une enquête au Mali
Authors: Sandmeier Michel , Pilate-André Sophie , Pernes Jean
Published: August 2014

Genetic relationships between wild and domestic populations of pearl millet : results from a survey in Mali. Pearl millet (Pennisetum typhoïdes) seeds were collected from Mali in november 1985. ORSTOM and IBPGR having already obtained exhaustive collections of various forms of pearl millet, the aim of this project was to collect a limited number of samples from areas where pearl millets of domestic, wild and intermediate types (chibras, hybrids between wild and domestic types) are found in a sympatric or allopatric situation. The three types coexist with non sexual barriers.

The samples were collected in three areas : — Nioro du Sahel ; — Bandiagara ; — Gourma-Rahrous. Enquiries carried out within the local population led to the knowledge of the growing habits (cultivation, seed preparation, behaviour towards chibras or wild types) as well as the feeding habits and the usual names for the various types of pearl millet. This information gives a better view of the related evolution within wild and domestic populations of pearl millet in precise ecological conditions.
Nourriture de cueillette en pays sahélien
Authors: Bergeret Anne
Published: August 2014

Agro-pastoral people of three different ethnic groups, Peul, Socé and Wolof who live on the ressources of the same region, in the South-East of Sine-Saloum in Senegal, know a hundred plants which provide them their food. The author first presents the inventory of those ressources and the essential knowledge which is related to them and then presents the farmer classification. But most of those ressources disappeared or are about to disappear. Nineteen years ago foreign woodcutters and charcoal burners settled in the area. Living trees are charred to provide Dakar and other mid-size cities with household combustible. Farmers for their part cook and heat themselves with dead wood. The living trees became a conflict stake beetween cities and rural world.
La culture du Lathyrus en Aquitaine : passé, présent et perspectives
Authors: Regnault-Roger Catherine
Published: August 2014

L'évolution des pratiques agricoles a conduit à l'abandon d'un certain nombre de cultures traditionnelles dont quelques unes, cependant, pourraient retrouver une certaine actualité. Le cas du genre Lathyrus, une légumineuse encore cultivée en Aquitaine, est examinée.
Cueillir et glaner dans la forêt normande
Authors: Vivier Michel
Published: August 2014

Food gathering and gleaning have endured through time. An epoch or region can be characterized by the products that were picked and/or gleaned. Involved are such items as food (berries, fruits...), artisanal goods (basketry, woodwork...), energy sources (fagots, dead- wood), and symbolic decorations (flowers...). Mushroom picking, including mycological outings, demonstrate the vitality of these ancestral practices in Normandy.
Pour une ethnohistoire des jardins
Authors: Baron Évelyne
Published: August 2014

The author initiates an examination of elements and essential principles which compose the main types of gardens in this world. She tries to show that an ethnohistorical approach of that kind of spaces may contribute to a better understanding of the cultures which created them.
Le marquage du bétail chez des pasteurs lapons. II. — Un bricolage sémiotique
Authors: Delaporte Yves
Published: August 2014

The Kautokeino Lapps (Norway) fix their initials on the coats of some reindeer. Strictly speaking, these skins are not a mark of ownership but offer a large amount of information concerning the different tasks associated with reindeer breeding.
Proposition mystique pour arrêter les invasions barbares ou plaidoyer pour que les païens aient leur place dans l’empire chrétien? Le Discours XXIV de Libanios
Authors: Malosse Pierre-Louis
Published: August 2014

Libanius’ Oration XXIV has confused most scholars — and some of them have even questioned Libanius’ mental health —, since Libanius, in this text, asked to the highly christian emperor Theodosius to avenge his highly pagan predecessor Julian in order to save Roman Empire from barbarian invasions, and predicted that, if he did so, pagan gods and Julian himself would help him in fighting against the barbarians. But, when paying attention to the detail of the oration, one can see that its content was nevertheless fully acceptable by Theodosius, and that Libanius mainly aimed to persuade obliquely Theodosius to adopt a religious policy which would not lose him his pagan subjects.
Une biographie singulière: Alexandre ou le faux prophète de Lucien
Authors: Billault Alain
Published: August 2014

Alexandre ou le faux prophète de Lucien peut être considéré comme une biographie singulière pour plusieurs raisons. D’abord, le récit entretient une relation complexe avec le genre de la biographie et avec la tradition biographique relative à Alexandre le Grand. Ensuite, il contient des éléments autobiographiques qui révèlent le caractère de son auteur, son adhésion à la philosophie d’Epicure et le regard qu’il portait sur son époque.
Review of the use of phase change materials (PCMs) in buildings with reinforced concrete structures
Authors: Pons O. , Aguado A. , Fernández A. I. , Cabeza L. F. , Chimenos J. M.
Published: August 2014

Phase change materials are capable of storing and releasing energy in the form of heat in determined temperature ranges, so to increase a building’s thermal inertia, stabilize its indoor temperatures and reduce its energetic demand. Therefore, if we used these materials we could have more energetically efficient buildings. Nevertheless, are these materials most appropriate to be used in buildings? Could the incorporation of phase change materials in buildings with concrete structures be generalized? This article aims to carry out a review of these phase change materials from construction professionals’ points of view, study their applications for buildings with reinforced concrete structures and the key points for these applications, draw conclusions and provide recommendations useful for all professionals within the sector who are considering the application of these materials.
Social Aspects of Digital Literacy
Authors: Martinovic Dragana , Freiman Viktor , Lekule Chrispina , Yang Yuqi
Published: August 2014

This article contains findings from the recent literature on the social aspects of how young people use digital technology. To be successful in today's world, youth must be competent at using digital tools and at defining, accessing, understanding, creating, and communicating digital information. However, even the self-defined ‘techno-gurus' can be digitally illiterate, often using technology in ways that compromise their privacy, safety, or integrity. Both optimistic and pessimistic opinions about youth use of technology are presented by age group, and formations of identity, friendship, participatory culture, and political engagement are addressed in the context of information and communication technology use.
The Digitally Excluded Learner and Strategies for Success
Authors: Garland Virginia E.
Published: August 2014

Disparities in Information Science and Communication Technologies (ICT) skills exist both globally and nationally, between developed and developing countries and also between digitally included and digitally excluded students in developed nations such as the United States. Recent research and policy initiatives are recognizing the connections between achievement levels and Internet access. Students in families of poverty, minorities, immigrant children, and special needs students are more likely to have lower levels of academic success than their more affluent, white, non-disabled peers. This article addresses the need to provide effective ICT resources and teacher training to meet the specific needs of these groups of digitally excluded learners in elementary and secondary level American public schools: low socio-economic status (SES) students, minority students, English Language Learners (ELLs), and students with disabilities. Recommendations for moving from digital exclusion to digital inclusion are made at the end of the article.
Green Supply Chain Integration in Automotive Industry
Authors: Phuah Joey Soo Yee , Fernando Yudi
Published: August 2014

Since the last decade, the business world is fully conscious about the environmental problems and green products for sustainable development. This fact has been seriously considered in the automotive industry supply chain where the company and its associate suppliers are socially and environmentally responsible. Hence, green supply chain has emerged as a key approach for automotive industry to become environmentally sustainable and supply chain integration becomes a vital contributor to supply chain performance and the firm competitiveness. This chapter has reviewed refereed articles related to the topic. This is used as a basis to conceptualize green supply chain integration in the automotive industry. Therefore, there are a growing need to discuss further on internal and external integration including the activity, information technology and logistic integration. This chapter will also discuss on the integrations of both information and material flows between supply chain partners and the effect on operational performance and competitiveness in automotive industry.
Human Ear Recognition System
Authors: Singh Durgesh , Singh Sanjay Kumar
Published: August 2014

A reliable human recognition scheme is required in wide variety of systems to either verify or identify the identity of an individual requesting their services. Using traditional approaches such as possession based and knowledge based systems, it is very difficult to differentiate between an authorized person and an impostor. This is a strong reason for replacing traditional ID-based systems with biometric systems which are based on human traits that cannot be denied, stolen, or faked easily. Biometric recognition refers to the automatic recognition, based on physiological and /or behavioral characteristics of an individual. By using biometrics, it is possible to establish an individual's identity based on “who he or she is” rather than by “what he or she possesses likes smart card” or “what he or she remembers likes password.” Human ear due to its consistent behavior over the age, has gained much popularity in recent years among various physiological biometric traits. The decidability index of the ear has been found that magnitude significant greater than that of face. Ear remarkably consistent and does not change its shape under expressions like face. The shape of the outer ear is recognized as a valuable means for personal identification. Naturally, an ear biometric system consists of ear detection and ear recognition modules. Ear biometric has played an important role for many years in forensic science and its use by law enforcement agencies.
The Aftermath of HIPAA Violations and the Costs on U.S. Healthcare Organizations
Authors: Liginlal Divakaran
Published: August 2014

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) imposes huge burdens on U.S. healthcare organizations in added overhead costs for compliance, as many research studies have documented. This chapter examines the additional high costs healthcare organizations in the U.S.A. incur in the aftermath of a privacy breach. Our study is based on a simple model of the information flow in a typical healthcare organization that must operate under the various policy formulation guidelines of the HIPAA legislation. We first analyze the documented examples of HIPAA enforcement actions by the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. We then examine the specific value of Rasmussen's model of human behavior in identifying the causes of human errors that lead to HIPAA breaches. We conclude the chapter with an overview of cost mitigation strategies and important recommendations for healthcare managers.
Autonomic Cooperative Networking
Authors: Wódczak Michał
Published: August 2014

As it capitalises on spatio-temporal processing, cooperative transmission aims to improve the reliability of wireless communications through the exploitation of radio diversity provided by relay nodes assisting in the transmission between the source and destination nodes. The inclusion of network layer routines facilitates the orchestration of such cooperative data processing in terms of the pre-selection of the network nodes to be assigned to cooperating groups intended to express cooperative behaviour. Going further, as the system becomes more and more complex, there appears an urgent need to introduce certain dose of self-management from the global perspective so that numerous cooperative and non-cooperative set-ups may be formed simultaneously. This is where the autonomic system design comes into the picture as the main enabler for and the umbrella under which the concept of Autonomic Cooperative Networking may be realised.
The Decision Maker's Cognitive Load
Authors: Stemmet Lehan , Ahmed M. Daud
Published: August 2014

The development of innovative technologies has reduced manual and labour intensive operations, however, in many instances this has simultaneously increased the cognitive load placed on decision makers due to the collection of large amounts of heterogeneous data used for decision-making. The cognitive framework and limitations of the human mind has been researched extensively, but the application of this knowledge within the business context has not received a lot of attention. This article reviews cognitive load, memory, the effects of information overload and pressure on psychological and physical health, and subsequent impact on the decision-making ability. By combining various schools of thought, a Task-Information-Cognitive Load (TICL) framework is proposed to combat the effects of cognitive load. It then explored how the TICL framework can be aligned with the theories and practices of information systems (IS) and decision support systems (DSS) for the development of a Knowledge Management System (KMS) that helps to reduce the decision makers' cognitive load.
Recommender Systems Review of Types, Techniques, and Applications
Authors: Sielis George A. , Tzanavari Aimilia , Papadopoulos George A.
Published: August 2014

Recommender or recommendation systems are software tools that make useful suggestions to users, by taking into account their profile, preferences and/or actions during interaction with an application or website. They are usually personalized and can refer to items to buy, people to connect to or books/ articles to read. Recommender Systems (RS) aim at helping users with their interaction by bringing to surface the information that is relevant to them, their needs, or their tasks. This article's objective is to present a review of the different types of RS, the techniques and methods used for building such systems, the algorithms used to generate the recommendations and how these systems can be evaluated. Finally, a number of topics are discussed as envisioned future research directions.
Fungal β-Glucan, a Dectin-1 Ligand, Promotes Protection from Type 1 Diabetes by Inducing Regulatory Innate Immune Response
Authors: Karumuthil-Melethil Subha , Gudi Radhika , Johnson Benjamin M. , Perez Nicolas , Vasu Chenthamarakshan
Published: August 2014

β-Glucans are naturally occurring polysaccharides in cereal grains, mushrooms, algae, or microbes, including bacteria, fungi, and yeast. Immune cells recognize these β-glucans through a cell surface pathogen recognition receptor called Dectin-1. Studies using β-glucans and other Dectin-1 binding components have demonstrated the potential of these agents in activating the immune cells for cancer treatment and controlling infections. In this study, we show that the β-glucan from Saccharomyces cerevisiae induces the expression of immune regulatory cytokines (IL-10, TGF-β1, and IL-2) and a tolerogenic enzyme (IDO) in bone marrow–derived dendritic cells as well as spleen cells. These properties can be exploited to modulate autoimmunity in the NOD mouse model of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Treatment of prediabetic NOD mice with low-dose β-glucan resulted in a profound delay in hyperglycemia, and this protection was associated with increase in the frequencies of Foxp3+, LAP+, and GARP+ T cells. Upon Ag presentation, β-glucan–exposed dendritic cells induced a significant increase in Foxp3+ and LAP+ T cells in in vitro cultures. Furthermore, systemic coadministration of β-glucan plus pancreatic β cell Ag resulted in an enhanced protection of NOD mice from T1D as compared with treatment with β-glucan alone. These observations demonstrate that the innate immune response induced by low-dose β-glucan is regulatory in nature and can be exploited to modulate T cell response to β cell Ag for inducing an effective protection from T1D.
Sublingual Epidermoid Cyst Presenting with Distinctive Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings
Authors: Yoshida Naohiro , Kodama Kozue , Iino Yukiko
Published: August 2014

A case of sublingual epidermoid cyst presenting distinctive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings is described. A 39-year-old man presented to our hospital with a three months progressive left submandibular swelling, difficulty moving his tongue, and snoring. Preoperative evaluation with MRI and fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) revealed that the heterogeneous cystic lesion contained the squamous cells, which is compatible with ectodermal tissue. The mass was located above the mylohyoid muscle and spread to the pharyngeal space. By considering the size, infection history, patient age, and location, the cyst was completely resected under general anesthesia via cervical approach without any complication. Histopathologically, the cyst wall was lined by stratified squamous epithelium with no skin appendage, suggesting an epidermoid cyst. Ultrasound (US), MRI and FNAC were very useful of the preoperative diagnosis for oral and sublingual lesion. The postoperative course was uneventful and without recurrence after 24 months. This case showed that epidermoid cysts formed the rarely heterogeneous cystic tumor and it underlined usefulness of preoperative diagnosis, such as US, MRI and FNAC for oral and sublingual tumor.
Altered Knee and Ankle Kinematics During Squatting in Those With Limited Weight-Bearing–Lunge Ankle-Dorsiflexion Range of Motion
Authors: Dill Karli E. , Begalle Rebecca L. , Frank Barnett S. , Zinder Steven M. , Padua Darin A.
Published: August 2014

Context:

Ankle-dorsiflexion (DF) range of motion (ROM) may influence movement variables that are known to affect anterior cruciate ligament loading, such as knee valgus and knee flexion. To our knowledge, researchers have not studied individuals with limited or normal ankle DF-ROM to investigate the relationship between those factors and the lower extremity movement patterns associated with anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Objective:

To determine, using 2 different measurement techniques, whether knee- and ankle-joint kinematics differ between participants with limited and normal ankle DF-ROM.

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Setting:

Sports medicine research laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants:

Forty physically active adults (20 with limited ankle DF-ROM, 20 with normal ankle DF-ROM).

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Ankle DF-ROM was assessed using 2 techniques: (1) nonweight-bearing ankle DF-ROM with the knee straight, and (2) weight-bearing lunge (WBL). Knee flexion, knee valgus-varus, knee internal-external rotation, and ankle DF displacements were assessed during the overhead-squat, single-legged squat, and jump-landing tasks. Separate 1-way analyses of variance were performed to determine whether differences in knee- and ankle-joint kinematics existed between the normal and limited groups for each assessment.

Results:

We observed no differences between the normal and limited groups when classifying groups based on nonweight-bearing passive-ankle DF-ROM. However, individuals with greater ankle DF-ROM during the WBL displayed greater knee-flexion and ankle-DF displacement and peak knee flexion during the overhead-squat and single-legged squat tasks. In addition, those individuals also demonstrated greater knee-varus displacement during the single-legged squat.

Conclusions:

Greater ankle DF-ROM assessed during the WBL was associated with greater knee-flexion and ankle-DF displacement during both squatting tasks as well as greater knee-varus displacement during the single-legged squat. Assessment of ankle DF-ROM using the WBL provided important insight into compensatory movement patterns during squatting, whereas nonweight-bearing passive ankle DF-ROM did not. Improving ankle DF-ROM during the WBL may be an important intervention for altering high-risk movement patterns commonly associated with noncontact anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Macrofossil, pollen, and geochemical records of peatlands in the Knosheo Lake and Detour Lake areas, northern Ontario
Authors: Kettles I M , Garneau M , Jetté H
Published: August 2014

The macrofossil and pollen records from two cores in the Detour Lake and Kinosheo Lake peatlands in northeastern Ontario cover more than 7000 years and 4000 years of vegetation history, respectively, and record a succession of peatland environments. The Detour
Lake pollen record includes the vegetation successions associated with two major climatic shifts, the Mid-Holocene warm period and Late Holocene cooling trend. From 4000 BP, the vegetation successions derived from pollen analysis correlate well with respect to the evolution of the peatland and
surrounding upland vegetation. Similar patterns of change were also noted in the pollen and macrofossil stratigraphies from other parts of northern Ontario. Patterns of trace element distribution reflect major changes in the peatlands. The most notable is the decrease in most trace elements as the
peatland evolved from minerotrophic to ombrotrophic conditions. Levels of many elements are enriched in the near-surface peat horizons. Based on the data from this study, it is not possible to identify which part of the surface enrichment reflects airborne anthropogenic pollutants, inputs from
naturally occurring atmospheric sources, or the relocation of inorganic constituents by physical, chemical, or biological processes.
Effect of feeding on hormones related with feed intake in reproductive sows with different energy balances
Authors: Martínez Silvia , Valera Lucia , Villodre Carmen , Madrid Josefa , Orengo Juan , Tvarijonaviciute Asta , Cerón Jose J. , Hernández Fuensanta
Published: August 2014

Martínez, S., Valera, L., Villodre, C., Madrid, J., Orengo, J., Tvarijonaviciute, A., Cerón, J. J. and Hernández, F. 2014. Effect of feeding on hormones related with feed intake in reproductive sows with different energy balances. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 94: 639–646. The different phases that occur during the reproductive life of the sow involve different energy balances, which can affect the levels of hormones that regulate appetite. This study analyzes the behaviour of serum insulin, leptin, ghrelin, cortisol and butyryl-cholinesterase, before and after feeding in pregnant, lactating and post-weaning sows. Hormones were analyzed in blood samples, which were collected after fasting overnight (0 min) and 30 min after feeding at day 109 of pregnancy, at day 9 post-farrowing and at day 3 post-weaning. Before feeding, insulin and leptin levels were not statistically different between reproductive stages. Feeding increased serum insulin and leptin levels of pregnant sows, increased insulin and decreased leptin levels in lactating sows, but had no effect on post-weaning sows. Deacylated ghrelin was higher in pregnant sows and acylated ghelin in post-weaning sows before feeding. Feeding intake did not affect the concentration of deacylated and acylated ghrelin in any group. Cortisol was positively correlated with acylated ghrelin before feeding in pregnant and lactating sows, and negatively with deacylated ghrelin before and after feeding in pregnant sows. There was a negative correlation between deacylated and acylated ghrelin before and after feeding in pregnant and post-weaning sows. So, sows with different energy balances had different insulin, acylated ghrelin and cortisol dynamics before and after feeding, suggesting that these analytes could be used as biomarkers to detect situations resulting in a poor energy balance in order to improve handling programs.
Impact of calving seasons and feeding systems in western Canada. I. Postweaning growth performance and carcass characteristics of crossbred steers
Authors: Durunna Obioha N. , Block Hushton C. , Iwaasa Alan D. , Thompson Leanne C. , Scott Shannon L. , Robins Clayton , Khakbazan Mohammad , Lardner Herbert A.
Published: August 2014

Durunna, O. N., Block, H. C., Iwaasa, A. D., Thompson, L. C., Scott, S. L., Robins, C., Khakbazan, M. and Lardner, H. A. 2014. Impact of calving seasons and feeding systems in western Canada. I. Postweaning growth performance and carcass characteristics of crossbred steers. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 94: 571–582. Crossbred steers (n=272) weaned from early (EC) and late (LC) calving systems (CS) were used to evaluate the impact of two feeding systems (FS) on postweaning performance and carcass characteristics. The steers were randomly assigned to either a rapid-gain feeding (RF) or a slow-gain feeding (SF) system. The RF steers were managed to have body weight (BW) gain of 1 kg d−1 on a silage-hay diet during the backgrounding period prior to finishing, while the SF steers were first backgrounded on a hay diet (gain of 0.7 kg d−1), then grazed alfalfa–meadow bromegrass pasture and annual cereal swaths prior to finishing. All treatment groups received a conventional diet during finishing until the steers attained a target backfat thickness or BW or both. There was no difference (P=0.48) between the two FS for the average age of the steers at the beginning of the experiment. There was a CS×FS effect (P<0.01) on the age at slaughter, where the steers in the EC-RF, EC-SF, LC-RF and LC-SF were 426, 659, 504 and 606 d, respectively. The longer time on feed for LC-RF steers compared with EC-RF suggests the potential effect of summer ambient temperatures at finishing. The EC-RF group had the least carcass fat thickness (P<0.01), but there was no main or interaction effect (P>0.08) on dressing percentage or lean meat yield. There was a FS effect (P<0.05) on meat colour and marbling texture where SF steers had more desirable meat colour and marbling texture. Beef producers adopting EC-RF would finish their calves earlier but at a lighter weight.
Casein supplementation does not affect true phosphorus digestibility and endogenous phosphorus loss associated with soybean meal for broiler chickens determined by the regression method
Authors: Liu J. B. , Chen D. W. , Adeola O.
Published: August 2014

Liu, J. B., Chen, D. W. and Adeola, O. 2014. Casein supplementation does not affect true phosphorus digestibility and endogenous phosphorus loss associated with soybean meal for broiler chickens determined by the regression method. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 94: 661–668. Cornstarch-based semi-purified diets impair growth performance of birds when using the regression method to estimate phosphorus (P) digestibility in assay feed ingredient. Therefore, casein is usually supplemented in the basal diet to improve dietary amino acid profile. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of dietary casein supplementation on regression-derived estimates of true phosphorus digestibility and endogenous phosphorus loss (EPL) associated with soybean meal (SBM) in broiler chickens. Four hundred thirty-two male Ross 708 broilers were allocated to nine diets in a 3×3 factorial arrangement of three diet types (with casein at moderate dietary P, without casein at moderate dietary P, or without casein at low dietary P) and three SBM levels (low, medium, or high). There were six birds per cage and eight replicate cages per diet in a randomized complete block design. The birds were fed experimental diets from day 12 to 20 post-hatching. Chromic oxide was used as an indigestible marker to calculate P digestibility and retention. The results indicated that body weight gain and feed efficiency linearly increased (P<0.01) and dry matter retention was linearly decreased (P<0.01) with the addition of SBM, regardless of diet type. The apparent prececal P digestibility and excreta P retention were increased by casein supplementation (P<0.01). The prececal and excreta P output linearly increased (P<0.01) with graded inclusion of SBM in each diet type. Regression of P output against dietary P intake showed that the type of diets (with casein at moderate dietary P, without casein at moderate dietary P, or without casein at low dietary P) had no effect on true prececal P digestibility and excreta P retention, or EPL associated with SBM for broiler chickens (P>0.05). In conclusion, the results of the current study indicate that adding casein, which is high in P digestibility, to cornstarch-based basal diets does not affect the estimation of EPL or true P digestibility and retention associated with SBM for broiler chickens using the regression method.
A Density Corrádi–Hajnal Theorem
Authors: Allen Peter , Böttcher Julia , Hladký Jan , Piguet Diana
Published: August 2014

We find, for all sufficiently largenand eachk, the maximum number of edges in ann-vertex graph that does not containk+ 1 vertex-disjoint triangles.

This extends a result of Moon [Canad. J.Math. 20 (1968), 96–102], which is in turn an extension of Mantel's Theorem. Our result can also be viewed as a density version of the Corrádi–Hajnal Theorem.