bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bufalin Alters Gene Expressions Associated DNA Damage, Cell Cycle, and Apoptosis in Human Lung Cancer NCI-H460 Cells in Vitro
Authors: Wu Shin-Hwar , Hsiao Yung-Ting , Chen Jaw-Chyum , Lin Ju-Hwa , Hsu Shu-Chun , Hsia Te-Chun , Yang Su-Tso , Hsu Wu-Huei , Chung Jing-Gung
Published: May 2014

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer related death and there is no effective treatment to date. Bufalin has been shown effective in inducing apoptosis and DNA damage in lung cancer cells. However, the genetic mechanisms underlying these actions have not been elucidated yet. Cultured NCI-H460 cells were treated with or without 2 μM of bufalin for 24 h. The total RNA was extracted from each treatment for cDNA synthesis and labeling, microarray hybridization, and then followed by flour-labeled cDNA hybridized on chip. The localized concentrations of fluorescent molecules were detected and quantitated and analyzed by Expression Console software (Affymetrix) with default RMA parameters. The key genes involved and their possible interaction pathways were mapped by GeneGo software. About 165 apoptosis-related genes were affected. CASP9 was up-regulated by 5.51 fold and THAP1 by 2.75-fold while CCAR1 was down-regulated by 2.24 fold. 107 genes related to DNA damage/repair were affected. MDC1 was down-regulated by 2.22-fold, DDIT4 by 2.52 fold while GADD45B up-regulated by 3.72 fold. 201 genes related to cell cycles were affected. CCPG1 was down-regulated by 2.11 fold and CDCA7L by 2.71 fold. Many genes about apoptosis, cell cycle regulation and DNA repair are changed significantly following bufalin treatment in NCI-H460 cells. These changes provide an in depth understanding of cytotoxic mechanism of bufalin in genetic level and also offer many potentially useful biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer in future.
Human Antimicrobial Peptides and Proteins
Authors: Wang Guangshun
Published: May 2014

As the key components of innate immunity, human host defense antimicrobial peptides and proteins (AMPs) play a critical role in warding off invading microbial pathogens. In addition, AMPs can possess other biological functions such as apoptosis, wound healing, and immune modulation. This article provides an overview on the identification, activity, 3D structure, and mechanism of action of human AMPs selected from the antimicrobial peptide database. Over 100 such peptides have been identified from a variety of tissues and epithelial surfaces, including skin, eyes, ears, mouths, gut, immune, nervous and urinary systems. These peptides vary from 10 to 150 amino acids with a net charge between −3 and +20 and a hydrophobic content below 60%. The sequence diversity enables human AMPs to adopt various 3D structures and to attack pathogens by different mechanisms. While α-defensin HD-6 can self-assemble on the bacterial surface into nanonets to entangle bacteria, both HNP-1 and β-defensin hBD-3 are able to block cell wall biosynthesis by binding to lipid II. Lysozyme is well-characterized to cleave bacterial cell wall polysaccharides but can also kill bacteria by a non-catalytic mechanism. The two hydrophobic domains in the long amphipathic α-helix of human cathelicidin LL-37 lays the basis for binding and disrupting the curved anionic bacterial membrane surfaces by forming pores or via the carpet model. Furthermore, dermcidin may serve as ion channel by forming a long helix-bundle structure. In addition, the C-type lectin RegIIIα can initially recognize bacterial peptidoglycans followed by pore formation in the membrane. Finally, histatin 5 and GAPDH(2-32) can enter microbial cells to exert their effects. It appears that granulysin enters cells and kills intracellular pathogens with the aid of pore-forming perforin. This arsenal of human defense proteins not only keeps us healthy but also inspires the development of a new generation of personalized medicine to combat drug-resistant superbugs, fungi, viruses, parasites, or cancer. Alternatively, multiple factors (e.g., albumin, arginine, butyrate, calcium, cyclic AMP, isoleucine, short-chain fatty acids, UV B light, vitamin D, and zinc) are able to induce the expression of antimicrobial peptides, opening new avenues to the development of anti-infectious drugs.
Cost and Ductility Effectiveness of Concrete Columns Strengthened with CFRP and SFRP Sheets
Authors: Abdelrahman Khaled , El-Hacha Raafat
Published: May 2014

Recently, steel fibre reinforced polymers (SFRP) sheets have been introduced for the repair and rehabilitation of concrete structures. Few researchers studied the behaviour of the concrete columns wrapped with SFRP sheets; however, several critical parameters such as the cost and ductility effectiveness of the SFRP wrapped concrete columns have been lightly addressed. Thus, the main objective of this paper is to study the cost and ductility effectiveness of SFRP wrapped concrete columns and compare the results with the conventionally used carbon FRP (CFRP) wrapped concrete columns. In addition, an analytical procedure to predict the cost effectiveness of SFRP wrapped concrete columns is also suggested, from which, a parametric study was conducted. The parametric study investigated the effect of the concrete strength, the number of SFRP layers, and the size and slenderness effects on the cost effectiveness of the concrete columns wrapped with SFRP sheets. The results from the cost and ductility effectiveness study indicated that the SFRP wrapped concrete columns showed enhanced performance over the CFRP wrapped concrete columns. The suggested analytical procedure proved to be a reliable and accurate method to predict the cost effectiveness parameter of SFRP wrapped concrete columns. The parametric study showed the significant impact of the investigated parameters on the cost effectiveness of concrete columns wrapped with SFRP sheets.
Strategies of Building a Stronger Sense of Community for Sustainable Neighborhoods: Comparing Neighborhood Accessibility with Community Empowerment Programs
Authors: Tsai Te-I
Published: May 2014

New Urbanist development in the U.S. aims at enhancing a sense of community and seeks to return to the design of early transitional neighborhoods which have pedestrian-oriented environments with retail shops and services within walking distances of housing. Meanwhile, 6000 of Taiwan’s community associations have been running community empowerment programs supported by the Council for Cultural Affairs that have helped many neighborhoods to rebuild so-called community cohesion. This research attempts to evaluate whether neighborhoods with facilities near housing and shorter travel distances within a neighborhood would promote stronger social interactions and form a better community attachment than neighborhoods that have various opportunities for residents to participate in either formal or informal social gatherings. After interviewing and surveying residents from 19 neighborhoods in Taipei’s Beitou District, and correlating the psychological sense of community with inner neighborhood’s daily travel distances and numbers of participatory activities held by community organizations under empowerment programs together with frequencies of regular individual visits and casual meetings, statistical evidence yielded that placing public facilities near residential locations is more effective than providing various programs for elevating a sense of community.
Trading in Discursive Commodities: Biofuel Brokers’ Roles in Perpetuating the Jatropha Hype in Indonesia
Authors: Vel Jacqueline
Published: May 2014

Hypes about wonder crops raise critical questions about the actors and mechanisms that link optimistic narratives about the crops’ potentials to actual production in the field. Jatropha curcas has been such a wonder crop, with a wide discrepancy between plans and reality. While many studies focus on agronomic or technological explanations of discrepancy and how to decrease it, much less is known about the influence of specific actors on creating a gap between high expectations and actual production in the field. This paper highlights the role of commercial brokers, who link potential investors and their capital to land and labor in the production areas. How have such commercial brokers contributed to perpetuating the optimism regarding the potentials of Jatropha plantations? The article presents the results of ethnographic research in a case study of commercial biofuel brokers at work in Sumba, one of the marginal areas in Indonesia targeted by policy makers for Jatropha cultivation. The study indicates that these actors have assembled their own short-term projects, translated narratives about future potential activities into the objects of trade in the present and produced optimistic figures about their projects to attract investors. In the conclusion, the paper warns against the unintended effects of green biofuel policies and discourses, when the latter get translated into a business opportunity for short-term private benefits instead of for the social and environmental goals for which the policies were originally intended.
Tertiary Denitrification of the Secondary Effluent by Denitrifying Biofilters Packed with Different Sizes of Quartz Sand
Authors: Wei Nan , Shi Yunhong , Wu Guangxue , Hu Hongying , Wu Yihui , Wen Hui
Published: May 2014

Tertiary denitrification of the secondary effluent in wastewater treatment plants is necessary to control the eutrophication of receiving water bodies. Two denitrifying biofilters (DNBF), one packed with quart sand with sizes of 2–4 mm (DNBFS) and the other of 4–6 mm (DNBFL), were operated for tertiary denitrification under empty bed retention times (EBRTs) of 30 min, 15 min and 7.5 min, respectively. Under EBRTs of 30 min, 15 min and 7.5 min, the NO3−-N removal percentages were 93%, 82% and 83% in DNBFS, and were 92%, 68% and 36% in DNBFL, respectively. The nitrogen removal loading rates increased with decreasing EBRTs, and at the EBRT of 7.5 min, the rate was 2.15 kg/(m3·d) in DNBFS and 1.08 kg/(m3·d) in DNBFL. The half-order denitrification coefficient of DNBFS increased from 0.42 (mg/L)1/2/min at the EBRT of 30 min to 0.70 (mg/L)1/2/min at the EBRT of 7.5 min, while did not vary much in DNBFL with values from 0.22 to 0.25 (mg/L)1/2/min. The performance of both DNBFs was stable within each backwashing cycle, with the NO3−-N removal percentage variation within 5%. Better denitrification was achieved in DNBFS but with a slightly high decreased flow rate during the operation.
De l'utilité du calcul économique public
Authors: Guesnerie Roger
Published: May 2014

This text is a slightly revised version of the opening lecture to the “ Journées de l’Association Française de Science Économique ” (Rennes , 2004). In keeping with the rules of the exercise, the article provides a broad assessment of the difficulties and usefulness of cost-benefit analysis as a tool for public decision-making today. The author emphasizes the changes in the institutional environment in which public cost-benefit analysis is performed , and the merits of its “ software ” (foundations ) and “ hardware ” (implementation techniques ).
Le cofinancement usager-contribuable et le partenariat public-privé changent les termes de l'évaluation des programmes d'investissement public
Authors: Bonnafous Alain , Jensen Pablo , Roy William
Published: May 2014

While the method described in this article is applicable to various types of public facilities, the focus here is on infrastructure investment in transportation. The authors examine the link between economic and financial assessments. The goal is to optimize social returns as defined in cost-benefit analysis, but making allowance for two overneglected aspects : (1) the fact that most of the large-scale investment projects envisaged will be cofinanced by users and taxpayers, as recent investments have been ; (2) the need to think in terms of deciding not only on the best project but also on the best program of projects. This article shows the attractiveness of “ collective utility per public euro invested ” as a criterion for measuring the effects of the intensification of the public-finance constraint.
Optimisation et décentralisation des programmes d'investissements de transport
Authors: Maurice Joël , Quinet Émile , Sauvant Alain
Published: May 2014

This article proposes a method to determine the optimal program for a set of projects, taking into account their links (incompatibilities, competition, or complementarity), funding sources (public-private partnership ), and possible budget constraints. We analyze the method in formal terms. By applying the Kuhn-Tucker theorem, we identify the direction of the dual variables associated with the constraints and link them to classical optimization methods. We use simulations to test the robustness of the programming criteria commonly used in practice, the scope for decentralized decision-making, and the use of private funding and public-private partnerships to carry out infrastructure projects.
La valorisation salariale et professionnelle de la formation en entreprise diffère-t-elle selon le sexe ? L'exemple canadien
Authors: Havet Nathalie
Published: May 2014

The purpose of this article is to assess the effects of formal and informal on-the-job training on wages and promotions – with a focus on gender differences. For this purpose, we use the 1999-2000 Canadian Workplace and Employee Survey (WES). Using a simulated maximum likelihood, we estimate a recursive trivariate probit that simultaneously models the probability that an employee will engage in on-the-job training and the influence of such training on promotion. We assess the wage returns for on-the-job training and the returns on promotions by means of a wage equation using instruments for these variables.
Un conseil de stabilité pour assurer la soutenabilité budgétaire en UEM
Authors: Von Hagen Jürgen
Published: May 2014

Cet article passe d’abord en revue les développements institutionnels ayant marqué le cadre budgétaire européen depuis le début des années 1990, en insistant sur les épisodes durant lesquels ce cadre a été remis en question par les pays membres de l’Union monétaire européenne. Il interroge ensuite le lien entre discipline budgétaire et croissance, mettant en évidence les stratégies les plus efficaces pour réduire le fardeau de la dette. Deux stratégies d ’ ajustement budgétaire sont alors comparées , les pays à faible croissance s’appuyant sur le ralentissement de l’augmentation de la dette publique, alors que les pays à forte croissance tiraient parti de celle-ci pour réduire la dette. L’efficacité de la seconde stratégie est soulignée. La dernière partie de l’article tire les conséquences de ces résultats : le cadre budgétaire doit moins mettre l’accent sur les flux budgétaires à court terme et il faut améliorer les procédures de surveillance et de contrôle. La mise en place d’un Conseil de stabilité pour l’UEM est proposée et ses mandats, degrés de transparence, mise en place et modalités d’action sont détaillés.
Chocs et règles de politique économique en UEM
Authors: Garretsen Harry , van Aarle Bas , Huart Florence
Published: May 2014

Cet article analyse le rôle d’une variante de règles de politique monétaire et budgétaire dans la dynamique d’ajustement d’un modèle à deux pays formant une union économique et monétaire. Trois éléments influencent essentiellement les effets de chocs macroéconomiques : (i) le degré de flexibilité des règles de politique économique ; (ii) les asymétries structurelles nationales ; (iii) la formation des anticipations d’inflation. Une règle monétaire de Taylor avec ajustement partiel modéré du taux d’intérêt, associée à des règles budgétaires nationales reposant sur une inertie modérée du déficit public et laissant les stabilisateurs automatiques fonctionner, facilitent les ajustements réels et nominaux des économies.
Comment la compensation internationale des pertes et la répartition proportionnelle des revenus imposables peuvent affecter les choix des multinationales et la concurrence fiscale
Authors: Weiner Joann Martens , Gérard Marcel
Published: May 2014

This study was prompted by the EU Commission’s end-2001 suggestions for corporate tax reform. The authors investigate how cross-border loss offset and formulary apportionment of a consolidated tax base affect a multi-jurisdictional firm’s value and investment behavior, as well as the behavior of governments potentially engaged in tax competition. The paper shows that cross-border loss offset increases the value of the firm, can mitigate its reactions to tax changes, and can reduce tax competition between governments. Introducing cross-border loss offset arguably improves the tax system, even without resorting to formulary apportionment of a consolidated tax base.
Évaluations ex ante et ex post d'un programme d'allocations scolaires conditionnées au Mexique
Authors: Gignoux Jérémie
Published: May 2014

Cet article examine la qualité des évaluations ex-ante des effets des programmes d’allocations scolaires sur les activités des enfants dans les pays en développement. Nous utilisons les données d’une expérience sociale d’évaluation du programme mexicain Progresa. Nous comparons les prévisions données par un modèle ex-ante de forme réduite des effets de transferts de revenus sur la scolarisation et le travail des enfants aux impacts estimés ex-post par l’expérience sociale. L’estimation ex-ante des effets du revenu parental repose sur son instrumentation par les biens durables et les caractéristiques des logements des bénéficiaires. Nos résultats montrent que les prévisions ex-ante des impacts du programme sont proches des impacts estimés ex-post. Nous discutons les biais de ces deux méthodes d’évaluation.
Structure de l'impôt et cycle électoral au plan municipal
Authors: Pentecôte Jean-Sébastien , Binet Marie-Estelle
Published: May 2014

Cet article s'inscrit dans le champ des choix publics. On y analyse le comportement des élus locaux pendant la durée de leur mandat, en distinguant les périodes électorale et non électorale. Les conditions d’occurrence et les propriétés du cycle budgétaire électoral sont ainsi étudiées au plan municipal. D’abord , un cadre théorique original permet d’éclairer le lien entre la structure de la fiscalité locale et les comportements publics observés à l’échelle communale en France. Une étude empirique est ensuite menée sur l’ensemble des grandes communes françaises à partir d’un modèle dynamique de panel. Les résultats attestent de la manipulation des instruments budgétaires par les élus à l’approche des élections, conformément aux prédictions du modèle théorique.
Étendue et conséquences des erreurs de mesure dans les données individuelles d'enquête : une évaluation à partir des données appariées des enquêtes Emploi et Revenus Fiscaux
Authors: Lefranc Arnaud , Hagneré Cyrille
Published: May 2014

Cet article examine la qualité des réponses individuelles aux enquêtes Emploi de l’INSEE. Nous rappelons tout d’abord les conséquences possibles de l’existence d’erreurs de mesure pour l’analyse économétrique et présentons les principales statistiques permettant d’évaluer la qualité des données déclarées. Nous procédons ensuite à une évaluation de la qualité des déclarations salariales fournies en réponse à l’enquête Emploi à partir de données appariant une partie des enquêtes Emploi et les déclarations fiscales de revenus d’activité contenues dans les enquêtes Revenus Fiscaux. Nous examinons successivement la qualité des déclarations de niveaux de salaire et de variation interannuelles de salaire et discutons la contribution des comportements d’arrondi aux erreurs de mesure observées.
Palladium-catalysed cross-coupling reaction of ultra-stabilised 2-aryl-1,3-dihydro-1H-benzo[d]1,3,2-diazaborole compounds with aryl bromides: A direct protocol for the preparation of unsymmetrical biaryls
Authors: Sithebe Siphamandla , Robinson Ross S
Published: May 2014

There has been a significant interest in organoboron compounds such as arylboronic acids, arylboronate esters and potassium aryltrifluoroborate salts because they are versatile coupling partners in metal-catalysed cross-coupling reactions. On the other hand, their nitrogen analogues, namely, 1,3,2-benzodiazaborole-type compounds have been studied extensively for their intriguing absorption and fluorescence characteristics. Here we describe the first palladium-catalysed Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reaction of easily accessible and ultra-stabilised 2-aryl-1,3-dihydro-1H-benzo[d]1,3,2-diazaborole derivatives with various aryl bromides. Aryl bromides bearing electron-withdrawing, electron-neutral and electron-donating substituents are reacted under the catalytic system furnishing unsymmetrical biaryl products in isolated yields of up to 96% in only 10 minutes.
A Preliminary Evaluation of the Active Communication Education Program in a Sample of 87-Year-Old Hearing Impaired Individuals
Authors: Öberg Marie , Bohn Therese , Larsson Ulrika , Hickson Louise
Published: May 2014

Background:Previous research suggests that audiological rehabilitation for older adults could include group communication programs in addition to hearing aid fitting or as an alternative to hearing aid fitting for those people who do not wish to proceed with hearing aids. This
pilot study was a first attempt to evaluate a Swedish version of such a program, Active Communication Education (ACE), which had been developed and previously evaluated in Australia (Hickson et al, 2007a).Purpose:The aim of the study was to explore the use of the ACE program in an older-old
population of people aged 87 yr in Sweden.Research Design:A within-subject intervention study.Study Sample:The participants were recruited from the Elderly in Linköping Screening Assessment (ELSA), a population-based study of the functional abilities of all inhabitants of
the city of Linkoping aged 85 yr in 2007. Participants who responded to the hearing related items in the ELSA study were approached for this study; 29 people agreed to undertake ACE, and 23 (79%) completed three or more sessions.Intervention:The ACE program consists of five weekly 2
hr group sessions with six to ten participants per group.Data Collection and Analysis:Self-report measures of communication strategy use, activity and participation, health-related quality of life, and depression were obtained preprogram, 3 wk postprogram, and 6 mo postprogram. Within-group
changes and effect sizes were calculated. In addition, outcomes were measured postprogram using the International Outcome Inventory—Alternative Interventions (IOI-AI; Noble, 2002) and a modified version of the Client Oriented Scale of Improvement (COSI; Dillon et al, 1997; Hickson et
al, 2007b), and qualitative feedback was obtained.Results:The effect size of ACE was small (0.03‐0.27), and, in the sample of 23 included in this pilot study, differences in pre- and postprogram assessments were not statistically significant. Results from the IOI-AI and the modified
COSI indicated that these elderly participants found the program to be beneficial, and 90% stated that the course had increased their ability to deal with hearing loss and the problems it creates.Conclusions:This preliminary investigation indicates the potential benefits of ACE for
older adults, and further research is needed with larger numbers of participants in different age groups to draw conclusions about the effectiveness of the ACE program for a general Swedish population.
Human brucellosis in Turkey: different clinical presentations
Authors: Guler Selma , Kokoglu Omer Faruk , Ucmak Hasan , Gul Mustafa , Ozden Sevinc , Ozkan Fuat
Published: May 2014

Introduction: Brucellosis is still endemic in Turkey and presents a major public health risk. The aim of this study wasto investigate the clinical and laboratory properties and complications of brucellosis cases. Methodology: The files of 370 patients (162 males, 208 females) with brucellosis between March 2006 and January 2012 were analyzed retrospectively. Results: The mean age of patients was 39, 6±18.2 years. The major risk factor was unpasteurized dairy products in 155 (41.8%) cases. The complications included hematological (58.1%), osteoarticular (48.3%), hepatobiliary (26.7%), gastrointestinal (10%), and genitourinary system involvement (4.8%). The most frequently seen symptoms were weakness (64.3%), fever (63.2%), sweating (62.7%), arthralgia (59.1%), and lack of appetite (47.8%). A total of 261 patients (70.5%) were acute, 73 patients (19.7%) were subacute, and 36 patients (9.7%) were chronic. In the laboratory tests, AST, ALT and CRP levels were found as elevated in 27.6%, 21.6%, and 69.6% of the patients, respectively. On complete blood count analysis, leukopenia (21.4%), thrombocytopenia (23%), and anemia (70%) were determined. Pancytopenia was more common in acute cases (p = 0.019). Osteoarticular complications increased significantly with increased age (p = 0.005). Conclusions: Brucellosis is a common disease that may be accompanied by serious complications. In endemic regions of brucellosis, people should be taught to avoid unpasteurized dairy products. Clinicians must be aware of multiple system involvement in brucellosis, especially hematological and musculoskeletal systems. Hematological abnormalities occurring during the course of the disease may be misdiagnosed as hematological malignancies.
Passaging impact of H9N2 avian influenza virus in hamsters on its pathogenicity and genetic variability
Authors: Shaib Houssam A. , Cochet Nelly , Ribeiro Thierry , Abdel Nour Afif M , Nemer Georges , Azhar Esam , Iyer Archana , Kumosani Taha , Harakeh Steve , Barbour Elie K
Published: May 2014

Introduction: Avian influenza viruses of the H9N2 subtype have been reported to cause human infections. This study demonstrates the impact of nasal viral passaging of avian H9N2 in hamsters on its cross species-pathogenic adaptability and variability of amino acid sequences of the hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) stalk. Methodology: Three intranasal passagings of avian H9N2 in hamsters P1, P2, and P3 were accomplished. Morbidity signs and lesions were observed three days post viral inoculation. The HA test was used for presumptive detection of H9N2 virus in the trachea and lungs of the hamsters challenged with the differently passaged viruses. Different primers were used for PCR amplification of the HA1 and NA stalk regions of the differently passaged H9N2 viruses, followed by sequence alignment. Results: The morbidity signs indicated low pathogenicity of the differently passaged H9N2 viruses in hamsters. The frequency of gross and microscopic lesions in the tracheas and lungs were insignificantly different among hamsters challenged with the differently passaged H9N2 viruses (p > 0.05). There was 100% similarity in the amino acid sequence of the HA gene of most passaged viruses. The amino acid sequence of the neuraminidase in the third passaged H9N2 virus recovered from lungs showed a R46P mutation that might have a role in the pathogenic adaptability of P3 viruses in hamsters’ lungs. Conclusions: The apparent adaptation of avian H9N2 virus to mammalian cells is in agreement with the World Health Organization’s alertness for a possible public health threat by this adaptable virus.
Chromosome studies in the aquatic monocots of Myanmar: A brief review with additional records
Authors: Ito Yu , Tanaka Nobuyuki
Published: May 2014

Myanmar (Burma) constitutes a significant component of the Indo-Myanmar biodiversity hotspot, with elements of the Indian, the Indochina, and the Sino-Japanese floristic regions, yet thus far only a few reliable sources of the country's flora have been available. As a part of a contribution for the floristic inventory of Myanmar, since it is important in a floristic survey to obtain as much information as possible, in addition to previous two reports, here we present three more chromosome counts in the aquatic monocots of Myanmar: Limnocharis flava with 2n = 20, Sagittaria trifolia with 2n = 22 (Alismataceae), and Potamogeton distinctus × P. nodosus with 2n = 52 (Potamogetonaceae); the third one is new to science. A brief review of cytological researches in the floristic regions' 45 non-hybrid aquatic monocots plus well investigated two inter-specific hybrids that are recorded in Myanmar is given, indicating that the further works with a focus on species in Myanmar that has infra-specific chromosome variation in the floristic regions will address the precise evolutionary history of the aquatic flora of Myanmar.
Functional electrical stimulation for equine epaxial muscle spasms: retrospective study of 241 clinical cases
Authors: Schils S.J. , Turner T.A.
Published: May 2014

A retrospective study of 241 clinical cases, utilising over 1,800 functional electrical stimulation (FES) treatments to alleviate epaxial muscle spasms, showed that almost 80% (191) of the horses had a 1-grade improvement in muscle spasms after 2 FES treatments, based on the Modified Ashworth Scale adapted to horses. In addition, 60% (142) of these horses showed a sustained improvement for a minimum of 2 months.
Estudio del comportamiento del acero 2.25Cr-1Mo frente a los fenómenos de oxidación cíclica e isoterma
Authors: Proy Manuel , Victoria Utrilla M , Otero Enrique
Published: May 2014

La resistencia del acero aleado con cromo y molibdeno 2.25Cr-1Mo frente a la oxidación isotérmica y cíclica, fue evaluada a 550 °C y 650 °C durante 360 horas en aire. Los ciclos consistieron en el mantenimiento durante 90 minutos dentro del horno a la temperatura de ensayo y un periodo de enfriamiento forzado hasta 50 °C mediante la aplicación de un flujo de aire. Se realizó un estudio termogravimétrico para calcular las cinéticas de oxidación. Para conocer el mecanismo de degradación, se emplearon diversas técnicas de caracterización microestructural, como Difracción de Rayos (DRX), Microscopía Óptica (MO) y Electrónica de Barrido (MEB). El ciclado térmico cambia el mecanismo de degradación, debido a la propagación de grietas en la película de óxido formada, que favorece el acceso del agente agresivo al sustrato.
Detección de la corrosión por picadura en aceros inoxidables empleando ultrasonidos
Authors: Rodríguez Cristina , Biezma María Victoria
Published: May 2014

Los sistemas pasivables, capaces de desarrollar una capa protectora, delgada, adherente y continua sobre el substrato metálico, presentan excelente resistencia a la corrosión ya que dicha capa se produce instantáneamente al reaccionar con el medio. Ahora bien, en determinadas circunstancias, esa capa se puede romper localmente, dando lugar a uno de los ataques más insidiosos que se conocen, corrosión por picadura, que producen unas condiciones químicas locales que aceleran el proceso corrosivo provocando defectos en el material, tanto externos como internos, con una distribución aleatoria en la superficie metálica. En este trabajo se ha planteado el empleo de técnicas de ensayos no destructivas mediante ultrasonidos para detectar este tipo de ataque en un acero inoxidable austenítico AISI 304, con distinta distribución superficial de defectología y profundidades de ataque, que simulan picaduras, tomando como variable fundamental de la onda ultrasónica la amplitud máxima del eco de fondo.
Electrical resistivity tomography monitoring studies at Balçova (Turkey) geothermal site
Authors: Drahor Mahmut G. , Berge Meriç A. , Bakak Özde , Öztürk Caner
Published: May 2014

This investigation examines the electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) monitoring performed at geothermal sites. It includes two phases of time‐lapse ERT studies of the shallow geothermal liquid transportation that results from the circulation of injected and re‐injected liquids: synthetic modelling and field surveys. The synthetic modelling stage indicated that the injection process in the horizontal layered environment could cause temporal variations. The field investigation was performed between March 2010 and February 2011 at the Balçova geothermal site, Izmir‐Turkey, which has supplied in‐house heating since the 1990s. The time‐lapse ERT investigations were performed on a shallow aquifer system near two boreholes used as injection and re‐injection. In this study, the percentage changes in the synthetic models were determined and compared to the observed inverted time‐lapse monitoring data. We propose that time‐lapse inversion results are more reliable than the standard inversion approximation. However, the resistivity artefacts were significant, and were dependent on the selection of the comparison model and the inversion parameters. Also the selection of the initial model was shown to be the most important step in constraining the later temporal datasets. During the monitoring period, we observed very substantial decreases in the resistivity of time‐lapse results. We conclude that these observed decreases are a result of subsurface temperature or salinity changes associated with the hydrothermal system and fault zone. As a result, this study indicates that time‐lapse studies could be important in the characterisation of the subsurface changes that are connected with geothermal operations and climatic fluctuations.
The Nature of Third Grade Student Experiences with Concept Maps to Support Learning of Science Concepts
Authors: Merrill Margaret L.
Published: May 2014

To support effective science teaching, educators need methods to reveal student understandings and misconceptions of science concepts and to offer all students an opportunity to reflect on their own knowledge construction and organization. Students can benefit by engaging in scientific activities in which they build personal connections between what they learn and their own experiences. Integrating student-constructed concept mapping into the science curriculum can reveal to both students and teachers the conceptual organization and understanding of science content, which can assist in building connections between concepts and personal experiences. This chapter describes how a class of third grade students used concept maps to understand science concepts (specifically, “watershed systems”). During class discussions and interviews, students revised concept map content and structure as their ideas developed. The study's results demonstrate how students' critical thinking (self-reflection and revision) was supported as misconceptions were revealed through their construction of concept maps over time.
Mind Mapping for Critical Thinking
Authors: O'Connell Roxanne M.
Published: May 2014

Mind mapping is a visual technique that exploits the way we actually think—through synaptic connections and non-linear associations. Because mind mapping gives practitioners, be they professional or student, access to subconscious observations and connections, it is a powerful thinking tool, useful in a variety of situations in business and in education. This chapter focuses on how mind mapping fosters the kind of flexible and organic thinking vital to critical thinking and the creative problem-solving process. It explains what is at work in the brain as we create new knowledge and how mind mapping exploits these processes to gain intuitive and concrete understanding in situations requiring critical thinking. A step-by-step outline of how to mind map in both individual and group settings is followed by examples of mind maps from both business and education.
Concept Maps and the Systematization of Knowledge
Authors: Torres Patrícia Lupion , Kucharski Marcus Vinicius Santos , Marriott Rita de Cássia Veiga
Published: May 2014

The act of doing research, reviewing recent literature, checking data, and articulating results and meanings are important but not enough when working with scientific publications in graduate schools. A vital part of the work is authoring an informative text that can be clear enough as to communicate findings of the study and, at the same time, reinforce chosen arguments. This chapter focuses on an experiment at a renowned Brazilian graduate school of education, which uses concept mapping and collective assessment of such maps as fundamental pre-writing stages to guide the authorship of well-thought, well-knit scientific/argumentative texts. Results indicate that the experiment was successful in making students negotiate meanings, clarify ideas and purposes, and write in an academically acceptable style. All this was conducted from a methodological standpoint that makes meaningful knowledge, collective construction, and the reflective, critical work of the author (from the first draft to the final collectively written version given), the foundations to perform a better job at communicating the processes and results of the investigative work.
E-Inclusion Strategies in Public Administrations
Authors: Muñoz Laura Alcaide , Hernández Antonio M. López , Bolívar Manuel Pedro Rodríguez
Published: May 2014

The implementation of e-Government could reduce administrative costs and the time devoted to repetitive tasks by civil servants, offering greater transparency to public administration, improving the current performance of public sector services, and expanding access to services. However, previous research indicates that there are significant barriers for citizens, assuming major obstacles. In this sense, the EU and, in particular, the Spanish government has formulated policies and legal frameworks to introduce in the field of the provision of public sector services in order to customize and to access these services. Therefore, the purpose of this chapter is to obtain a vision of government strategies adopted by Spanish regional governments to reduce the digital divide.
The Reasons of Low E-Government Take-Up in Europe
Authors: Arslan Aykut
Published: May 2014

Despite the efforts in terms of policies and investments, take-up of e-government services is slow, obscuring the overall benefits of e-government itself and still far from satisfactory today. Differences in uptake of e-government services across European countries seem to be independent from the quality and quantity of the supply. The data show a gap between the supply and use of e-government services in general; in other words, suggesting a limited correlation between the provisions of sophisticated e-government services on the one hand and the take-up of e-government services on the other. This signals a broader and diversified situation. To explore the determinants of low e-government take-up in European context, this chapter examines the aggregate data of 29 countries by conducting T-tests and Mann-Whitney U analyses.
Enabling Instruments for Digital Access and e-Government in Zimbabwe
Authors: Hikwa Lawton , Maisiri Esabel
Published: May 2014

The concept of e-Government sub-assumes that of digital access to activities of public and private sector organisations. Explicitly, digital access includes improving government processes, connecting citizens, and building external interactions. Following the formation of the inclusive government as determined by the Global Political Agreement (GPA), Zimbabwe established the Ministry of Information Communication Technology whose mission is to promote the deployment and use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to intensify national competitiveness and growth. Driving the digital access and e-Government agenda in Zimbabwe is a Modernisation Unit within the Office of the President and Cabinet and the Ministry of Information Communication Technology guided by “Zimconnect,” the e-Government framework, and other enabling instruments. Particular attention is paid to instruments that enable digital access and e-Government in Zimbabwe. The chapter attempts to contextualise digital access and e-Government, outlines e-Government policy objectives and constraints, explains the e-Government framework, including “Zimconnect” and others, and concludes with a section on strategies for enabling digital access and e-Government with a special focus on the possible role of library and information services.
ICT Adoption by Virtual Organizations in the Developing Countries
Authors: Yasir Muhammad , Majid Abdul , Tabassum Naila
Published: May 2014

This chapter empirically explores ICT adoption by virtual organizations in developing countries, taking the case of small and medium enterprise clusters in Pakistan. Virtual organizations consist of internally independent parties linked by ICTs to collaborate for the accomplishment of common objectives. Effective communication is a key to develop social relationships, ultimately leading to the improvement of trust and collaboration among parties in a virtual organization. ICT is considered as a vital element for communication, collaboration and trust building in virtual organizations. However, this research explains that ICT adoption by virtual organizations in the developing countries would be different mainly due to the lack of advanced ICTs, strong inclination of organizations toward face-to-face communication, strength of social system, and the weakness of the legal system in these societies.
Vitamin D Receptor and Jak–STAT Signaling Crosstalk Results in Calcitriol-Mediated Increase of Hepatocellular Response to IFN-α
Authors: Lange Christian M. , Gouttenoire Jérôme , Duong François H. T. , Morikawa Kenichi , Heim Markus H. , Moradpour Darius
Published: May 2014

Recent clinical research suggests a role for vitamin D in the response to IFN-α–based therapy of chronic hepatitis C. Therefore, we aimed to explore the underlying mechanisms in vitro. Huh-7.5 cells harboring subgenomic hepatitis C virus (HCV) replicons or infected with cell culture–derived HCV were exposed to bioactive 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol) with or without IFN-α. In these experiments, calcitriol alone had no effect on the HCV life cycle. However, calcitriol enhanced the inhibitory effect of IFN-α on HCV replication. This effect was based on a calcitriol-mediated increase of IFN-α–induced gene expression. Further mechanistic studies revealed a constitutive inhibitory interaction between the inactive vitamin D receptor (VDR) and Stat1, which was released upon stimulation with calcitriol and IFN-α. As a consequence, IFN-α–induced binding of phosphorylated Stat1 to its DNA target sequences was enhanced by calcitriol. Importantly, and in line with these observations, silencing of the VDR resulted in an enhanced hepatocellular response to IFN-α. Our findings identify the VDR as a novel suppressor of IFN-α–induced signaling through the Jak–STAT pathway.
KLF13 Cooperates with c-Maf To Regulate IL-4 Expression in CD4+ T Cells
Authors: Kwon Seok Joo , Crespo-Barreto Juan , Zhang Wei , Wang Tianhong , Kim Dong Seok , Krensky Alan , Clayberger Carol
Published: May 2014

Kruppel-like factor (KLF) 13 is a transcription factor that positively regulates expression of the chemokine RANTES 3–5 d after activation of T cells. In this study, we document a key role for KLF13 in the expression of IL-4 in CD4+ T cells. Gene expression analysis in activated T cells from Klf13−/− mice showed that IL-4, along with other Th2 cytokine genes, was downregulated when compared with cells from wild-type mice. The decreased levels of IL-4 were not associated with changes in expression of the Th2-inducing transcription factors GATA3 or c-Maf. Additional analysis revealed that KLF13 directly binds to IL-4 promoter regions and synergizes with c-Maf to positively regulate IL-4 expression. These results indicate that KLF13 is a positive regulator for differentiation of Th2 cells, as part of the transcriptional machinery that regulates IL-4 production in Th2 cells.
Contributions to x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy
Authors: Heinrich A G ,   Geological Survey of Canada, Foscolos A E
Published: May 2014

Trace element analysis by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy of rocks, soils, minerals, coals and coal ashes can yield erroneous results for elements which also occur as impurities in targets. Spectral lines originating from the target impurities add intensity to
the spectral lines originating from the samples being analysed. However, the increase is not constant and depends upon the mass absorption coefficient of the sample. The problem is critical when small concentrations are to be determined. Earlier methods used in correcting for interfering spectral
lines from targets have required the prior knowledge of the major chemical constituents of the materials being analyzed in order to calculate the mass absorption coefficients. The purpose of this paper is to present alternative, more rapid but equally accurate methods for establishing mass
absorption coefficients without requiring prior knowledge of the major constituents. This requirement has been a drawback when large numbers of geological samples were being analysed. Test results are also compared with results calculated theoretically.
Comparison of nutritional status of rural and urban school students receiving midday meals in schools of Bengaluru, India
Authors: Shalini CN , Murthy NS , Shalini S , Dinesh R , Shivaraj NS , Suryanarayana SP
Published: May 2014

Background:

The objective of the study was to assess the impact of the mid day meal program by assessing the nutritional status of school students aged 5-15 years receiving midday meals in rural schools and compare them with those in urban schools in Bengaluru, India.

Materials and Methods:

This cross sectional study involved a sample of 4378 students from government and aided schools. Weight and height were measured and compared with “means” and “percentiles” of expected standards as endorsed by the Indian Association of Pediatrics. Regression coefficients were also estimated to assess the rate of growth.

Results:

In all age groups and in both sexes, the observed mean weight and height were below the expected standards. The study findings showed that 13.8% and 13.1% of the studied students were underweight and stunted, respectively (below the third percentile for weight and height for age). A higher proportion of rural students were below the third percentile for both weight and height compared with urban students (weight: 16.3% and 11.5%; height: 17.0% and 10.0%; P < 0.05 for both weight and height). Only 2.4% and 3.1% were above 97 th percentile for weight and height. The rate of growth of height for weight showed a declining trend with increasing age in all the groups.

Discussion:

The authors believe that the magnitude of the burden of undernourished students as seen in this study would have been much greater in the absence of the midday meal program.

Conclusion:

Greater involvement of the private sector to assist the government would help augment nutrition in children and indirectly impact school performance, attendance and literacy.
Reference values for peak expiratory flow in Indian adult population using a European Union scale peak flow meter
Authors: Kodgule RR , Singh V , Dhar R , Saicharan BG , Madas SJ , Gogtay JA , Salvi SS , Koul PA
Published: May 2014

Background:

Reference values of peak expiratory flow (PEF) in Indian adults have to date been derived locally, using an old (Wright) scale peak flow meter. There are thus no reliable reference values for PEF for Indians and this formed the aim of the study.

Materials and Methods:

A European Union (EU) scale peak flow meter (PFM) was used for the study. A respiratory health and demographic questionnaire was administered to 1000 male and female adults from randomly selected locations in the country in this multi centric study. The locations represented different geographic, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Patients were stratified according to height and age. The PEF values were measured using the Breathometer™ (Cipla Ltd., India) with EU scale. Reference equations were derived from multiple regression analysis.

Results:

A total of 3608 participants were excluded. In 80% of the remaining 6138 healthy adults (M: 3720; F: 2418), the predicted regression equations were derived. Gender, age, and height were the significant determinants of PEF. The equations in L/minute are: Females: PEF = -1.454 (Age) + 2.368 (Height) Males: PEF = -1.807 (Age) + 3.206 (Height). The derived equation was validated by comparing the predicted PEF values with the measured values in the remaining sample of 20% (Mean ΔPEF: M = 1.85 L/minute, CI = -2.76, 6.47; F = 1.64, CI = -2.89, 6.18). An Indian adult with average height and age was found to have approximately 30% lower PEF compared to the corresponding European adult using the Nunn and Gregg equation.

Conclusion:

We derived reference values of PEF for Indian adults using a validated EU scale peak flow meter.