bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pathway to a Baccalaureate in STEM Fields
Authors: Wang Xueli
Published: October 2014

This study examines the effect of beginning at a community college on baccalaureate success in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. In addition, drawing upon a new concept of “STEM momentum,” this research explores whether and how STEM baccalaureate success is related to early STEM momentum, as well as whether and how such momentum is shaped differently in community colleges as compared with public 4-year institutions. Results indicate that, overall, students beginning at community colleges were less likely to achieve STEM baccalaureate success. However, this negative effect was reduced to some extent by the positive influence of community colleges on a key STEM momentum indicator, quality points students achieved in STEM courses during the first term, which in turn positively impacted STEM baccalaureate success.
Anwendungsorientierte Ausführung der Heizkammer und Auslegung der Kühlgasströmung bei Einkammer-Vakuumöfen*
Authors: Zieger B.
Published: October 2014

Kurzfassung

Durch die unzähligen unterschiedlichen Bauteile und Chargen ergeben sich für den Wärmebehandlungsprozess ebenfalls verschiedene Anforderungen bezüglich einer gleichmäßigen, aber auch schnellen Kühlung. Der Einkammer-Vakuumhärteofen mit rechteckigem Heizkammeraufbau und großflächiger Kühlgas-Durchströmung ist nach wie vor für viele Standardchargen, aber auch für speziellere Anforderungen zu empfehlen. Ein Einkammer-Vakuumhärteofen mit rundem Heizkammeraufbau und dem neuen Düsenkühlungs-System RD PLUS kann hingegen Vorteile durch höhere Kühlleistung bei Härteprozessen von größeren Bauteilen bieten.
Einfluss einer Kaltmassivumformung und Wärme-behandlung auf die Maß-und Formänderungen
Authors: Nadolski D. , Schulz A. , Hoffmann F. , Zoch H.-W. , Hänisch S. , Ossenkemper S. , Haase M. , Tekkaya A. E.
Published: October 2014

Kurzfassung

Durch Umformen von Stahl bei niedrigen Temperaturen lassen sich formgenaue Werkstücke ressourcenschonend und wirtschaftlich herstellen. Besonders wenn Bauteile auf einem konstant hohen Qualitätsniveau in großen Stückzahlen benötigt werden, wie beispielsweise im Automobilbau, bieten Kaltmassivumformprozesse häufig die optimale Lösung. Werden im Betrieb besonders hohe Anforderungen an die Festigkeit und Verschleißbeständigkeit gestellt, müssen die Bauteile nach dem Kaltumformprozess wärmebehandelt werden. Neben den gewollten Eigenschaftsänderungen werden durch die Wärmebehandlung auch störende Maß- und Formänderungen verursacht. Die durch den Kaltmassivumformprozess eingebrachten Eigenspannungen tragen oft ein großes Verzugspotenzial bei, da diese während der Wärmebehandlung ausgelöst werden. In diesem Beitrag werden die Maß- und Formänderungen von kaltfließgepressten Wellen aus dem Werkstoff C53G infolge einer induktiven Wärmebehandlung untersucht. Da die Experimente unter Anwendung der statistischen Versuchsplanung durchgeführt wurden, war es möglich, signifikante Einflussgrößen aus dem Kaltmassivumformprozess und der induktiven Wärmebehandlung auf den Bauteilverzug zu identifizieren. Darüber hinaus konnten mithilfe von Eigenspannungsmessungen Erklärungsansätze für Formänderungsunterschiede der kaltumgeformten Wellen gewonnen werden. Durch einen direkten Vergleich der Maß- und Formänderungen von kaltumgeformten und zerspanten Wellen nach dem gleichen Induktionshärteprozess konnte ein deutlicher Einfluss des Fertigungsverfahrens auf den Verzug aufgezeigt werden.
A patient with medulloblastoma in its early developmental stage
Authors: Shinojima Naoki , Nakamura Hideo , Tasaki Masayoshi , Kameno Kouki , Anai Shigeo , Iyama Ken-ichi , Ando Yukio , Seto Hiroshi , Kuratsu Jun-ichi
Published: October 2014

Medulloblastoma is the most frequent malignant brain tumor of the posterior fossa in children and is considered an embryonal tumor. It has been suggested that medulloblastomas be categorized into 4 distinct molecular subgroups— WNT (DKK1), SHH (SFRP1), Group 3 (NPR3), or Group 4 (KCNA1)—since each subgroup is distinct and there is no overlap. The authors report on a 13-year-old boy with medulloblastoma. He presented with sudden-onset nausea and vomiting due to intratumoral hemorrhage. The medulloblastoma was thought to be in an early developmental stage because the tumor volume was extremely small. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the tumor was mainly composed of DKK1- and NPR3-positive areas. The individual areas of the tumor stained only for DKK1 or NPR3, with no overlap—that is, DKK1 and NPR3 expression were mutually exclusive. Samples obtained by laser microdissection of individual areas and subjected to mass spectrometry confirmed that the expression patterns of proteins were different. Fluorescence in situ hybridization for chromosome 6 showed there were 2 distinct types of cells that exhibited monosomy or disomy of chromosome 6. These results demonstrated that distinct subtypes of medulloblastoma may be present within a single tumor, an observation that has not been previously reported. Our findings in this case indicate that early-stage medulloblastoma may include more than 1 distinct subtype and hint at factors involved in the origin and development of medulloblastomas.
Measuring Quality of Mental Health Care: An International Comparison
Authors: Spaeth-Rublee Brigitta , Pincus Harold , Silvestri Fran , Peters Janet
Published: October 2014

The International Initiative for Mental Health Leadership (IIMHL) (www.iimhl.com) is a unique international collaborative that focuses on improving mental health and addiction services. IIMHL is a collaboration of eight countries including Australia, England, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, Scotland, Sweden and USA.[...]
Mipu1 Protects H9c2 Myogenic Cells from Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Apoptosis through Inhibition of the Expression of the Death Receptor Fas
Authors: Wang Guiliang , Jiang Lei , Song Juan , Zhou Shu-Feng , Zhang Huali , Wang Kangkai , Xiao Xianzhong
Published: October 2014

Mipu1 (myocardial ischemic preconditioning upregulated protein 1), a novel rat gene recently identified in our lab, was expressed abundantly and predominantly in the brain and heart and upregulated in myocardium during myocardial ischemia/reperfusion in rats. In our previous study we found that Mipu1 was an evolutionarily conserved zinc finger-containing transcription factor. However, whether Mipu1 confers myocardial protection remains unknown. In this study, H9c2 myogenic cells were treated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to simulate oxidative stress during myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. The expression of Mipu1 at mRNA and protein levels was detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting analysis. To study the effect of Mipu1 on apoptosis and expression of Fas induced by H2O2, full-length Mipu1 cDNA and Mipu1-RNAi plasmids were transiently transfected into H9c2 myogenic cells, and flow cytometry was used to quantitate the percentage of apoptotic cells. The expression of Fas was analyzed by Western blotting assay. The DNA binding and transcription activities of Mipu1 to the Fas promoter were detected by chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays. The results showed that exposure of H9c2 myogenic cells to H2O2 resulted in a dose- and time-dependent increase in Mipu1 mRNA and protein levels; Mipu1 over-expression inhibited H2O2-induced apoptosis and upregulation of Fas induced by H2O2 in H9c2 myogenic cells; and knockdown of Mipu1 by RNAi promoted apoptosis and upregulation of Fas induced by H2O2. The chromatin immunoprecipition and reporter assays showed the DNA binding and transcription suppressor activities of Mipu1 to Fas promoter region. These results indicate that Mipu1 protected H9c2 myogenic cells from H2O2-induced apoptosis through inhibiting the expression of Fas.
Molecular Mechanisms of Host Cytoskeletal Rearrangements by Shigella Invasins
Authors: Lee Jun , Park HaJeung , Park Yong
Published: October 2014

Pathogen-induced reorganization of the host cell cytoskeleton is a common strategy utilized in host cell invasion by many facultative intracellular bacteria, such as Shigella, Listeria, enteroinvasive E. coli and Salmonella. Shigella is an enteroinvasive intracellular pathogen that preferentially infects human epithelial cells and causes bacillary dysentery. Invasion of Shigella into intestinal epithelial cells requires extensive remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton with the aid of pathogenic effector proteins injected into the host cell by the activity of the type III secretion system. These so-called Shigella invasins, including IpaA, IpaC, IpgB1, IpgB2 and IpgD, modulate the actin-regulatory system in a concerted manner to guarantee efficient entry of the bacteria into host cells.
Effects of Dietary Macronutrients on Plasma Lipid Levels and the Consequence for Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Daoud Emilie , Scheede-Bergdahl Celena , Bergdahl Andreas
Published: October 2014

Despite gaining focus, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death worldwide. Health promotion agencies have traditionally recommended diets that are low in fat in order to reduce CVD risk however, much debate remains about which dietary approaches are the most efficient for effective disease prevention. Common markers of CVD include elevated plasma triglycerides (TG) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, as well as reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. While weight loss alone can significantly reduce markers of CVD, manipulating dietary macronutrient content contributes to the beneficial effects of weight loss and furthers the improvement of lipid profiles even without the alteration of total caloric intake. Considering the recent attention to diets that are low in carbohydrates rather than fat, it remains to be elucidated the beneficial effects of each diet type when establishing new recommendations for CVD prevention. This review aims to examine the effects of different macronutrient compositions on lipid markers, thus providing insight into the potential roles of various diet types in the targeted prevention against CVD.
Effect of Salicornia herbacea on Osteoblastogenesis and Adipogenesis in Vitro
Authors: Karadeniz Fatih , Kim Jung-Ae , Ahn Byul-Nim , Kwon Myeong , Kong Chang-Suk
Published: October 2014

Bone-related complications are among the highest concerning metabolic diseases in the modern world. Bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture increase with age and diseases like osteoporosis. Elevated adipogenesis in bone results in osteoporosis and loss of bone mass when coupled with lack of osteoblastogenesis. In this study the potential effect of Salicornia herbacea extract against osteoporotic conditions was evaluated. Adipogenesis inhibitory effect of S. herbacea has been evidenced by decreased lipid accumulation of differentiating cells and expression levels of crucial adipogenesis markers in 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes. S. herbacea treatment reduced the lipid accumulation by 25% of the control. In addition, mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP)α and sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP)1c were inhibited by the presence of S. herbacea. Bone formation enhancement effect of S. herbacea was also confirmed in MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts. The presence of S. herbacea significantly elevated the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity by 120% at a concentration of 100 μg/mL in differentiating osteoblasts. S. herbacea also significantly increased the expression of osteoblastogenesis indicators, ALP, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2, osteocalcin and collagen type I (collagen-I). In conclusion, S. herbacea possess potential to be utilized as a source of anti-osteoporotic agent that can inhibit adipogenesis while promoting osteoblastogenesis.
Flexibility in the Insulin Receptor Ectodomain Enables Docking of Insulin in Crystallographic Conformation Observed in a Hormone-Bound Microreceptor
Authors: Vashisth Harish
Published: October 2014

Insulin binding to the insulin receptor (IR) is the first key step in initiating downstream signaling cascades for glucose homeostasis in higher organisms. The molecular details of insulin recognition by IR are not yet completely understood, but a picture of hormone/receptor interactions at one of the epitopes (Site 1) is beginning to emerge from recent structural evidence. However, insulin-bound structures of truncated IR suggest that crystallographic conformation of insulin cannot be accommodated in the full IR ectodomain due to steric overlap of insulin with the first two type III fibronectin domains (F1 and F2), which are contributed to the insulin binding-pocket by the second subunit in the IR homodimer. A conformational change in the F1-F2 pair has thus been suggested. In this work, we present an all-atom structural model of complex of insulin and the IR ectodomain, where no structural overlap of insulin with the receptor domains (F1 and F2) is observed. This structural model was arrived at by flexibly fitting parts of our earlier insulin/IR all-atom model into the simulated density maps of crystallized constructs combined with conformational sampling from apo-IR solution conformations. Importantly, our experimentally-consistent model helps rationalize yet unresolved Site
Recombinant Expressed Vector pET32a (+) S Constructed by Ligation Independent Cloning
Authors: Wang Yu , Gong Guo-Hua , Wei Cheng-Xi , Liang Long , Zhang Bin
Published: October 2014

The aim of this work was to develop a new method for constructing vectors, named ligation-independent cloning (LIC) method. We constructed the S label expression vector and recombinant pET32a (+) S-phoN2 by LIC. The recombinant proteins were expressed in E. coli at a high level, and then the specificity of the recombinant proteins was identified by western blot. The target band was detected by S monoclonal antibody and Apyrase polyclonal antibodies but not Trx monoclonal antibody and HIS monoclonal antibody. Finally, we obtained protein Apyrase in E. coli (BL21), with a protein-only expression S tag. Collectively, our results demonstrated that LIC is effective for the construction of new vectors and recombinant plasmids. Free from the limitations of restriction enzyme sites and with a higher positive rate, LIC processes should find broad applications in molecular biology research.
Photoregeneration of Trimethylsilyl Cellulose as a Tool for Microstructuring Ultrathin Cellulose Supports
Authors: Wolfberger Archim , Kargl Rupert , Griesser Thomas , Spirk Stefan
Published: October 2014

Microstructured thin films based on cellulose, the most abundant biopolymer on Earth, have been obtained by UV-irradiation of acid-labile trimethylsilyl cellulose thin films in the presence of N-hydroxynaphtalimide triflate as photoacid generator. We demonstrate that this photoregeneration process can be exploited for the manufacture of cellulose patterns having feature sizes down to 1 μm, with potential applications in life sciences.
Identification, Prevention and Treatment of Iron Deficiency during the First 1000 Days
Authors: Burke Rachel , Leon Juan , Suchdev Parminder
Published: October 2014

Iron deficiency is a global problem across the life course, but infants and their mothers are especially vulnerable to both the development and the consequences of iron deficiency. Maternal iron deficiency during pregnancy can predispose offspring to the development of iron deficiency during infancy, with potentially lifelong sequelae. This review explores iron status throughout these “first 1000 days” from pregnancy through two years of age, covering the role of iron and the epidemiology of iron deficiency, as well as its consequences, identification, interventions and remaining research gaps.
Recommendations for Probiotic Use in Humans—A 2014 Update
Authors: Floch Martin
Published: October 2014

Probiotics have gained worldwide use during the last two decades. However, which probiotic to use in which clinical condition has remained confusing in some clinical conditions. We convened a workshop at Yale in conjunction with Harvard in 2005, inviting a spectrum of probiotic authorities to discuss and reach conclusions on recommendations for use in common clinical conditions; the workshop was reconvened again in 2008 and in 2011. Each time the group of authorities was enlarged and varied depending on research studies. This article lists the recommendations updated from 2011 and is amended to bring it up to date in childhood and adult diarrhea, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, necrotizing enterocolitis, inflammatory bowel disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, allergic disorders, and radiation enteritis pending our 4th Triennial Yale/Harvard workshop to be convened in 2015.
A Comprehensive WSN-Based Approach to Efficiently Manage a Smart Grid
Authors: Martinez-Sandoval Ruben , Garcia-Sanchez Antonio-Javier , Garcia-Sanchez Felipe , Garcia-Haro Joan , Flynn David
Published: October 2014

The Smart Grid (SG) is conceived as the evolution of the current electrical grid representing a big leap in terms of efficiency, reliability and flexibility compared to today’s electrical network. To achieve this goal, the Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are considered by the scientific/engineering community to be one of the most suitable technologies to apply SG technology to due to their low-cost, collaborative and long-standing nature. However, the SG has posed significant challenges to utility operators—mainly very harsh radio propagation conditions and the lack of appropriate systems to empower WSN devices—making most of the commercial widespread solutions inadequate. In this context, and as a main contribution, we have designed a comprehensive ad-hoc WSN-based solution for the Smart Grid (SENSED-SG) that focuses on specific implementations of the MAC, the network and the application layers to attain maximum performance and to successfully deal with any arising hurdles. Our approach has been exhaustively evaluated by computer simulations and mathematical analysis, as well as validation within real test-beds deployed in controlled environments. In particular, these test-beds cover two of the main scenarios found in a SG; on one hand, an indoor electrical substation environment, implemented in a High Voltage AC/DC laboratory, and, on the other hand, an outdoor case, deployed in the Transmission and Distribution segment of a power grid. The results obtained show that SENSED-SG performs better and is more suitable for the Smart Grid than the popular ZigBee WSN approach.
A Fiber-Optic Sensor Using an Aqueous Solution of Sodium Chloride to Measure Temperature and Water Level Simultaneously
Authors: Yoo Wook , Sim Hyeok , Shin Sang , Jang Kyoung , Cho Seunghyun , Moon Joo , Lee Bongsoo
Published: October 2014

A fiber-optic sensor system using a multiplexed array of sensing probes based on an aqueous solution of sodium chloride (NaCl solution) and an optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR) for simultaneous measurement of temperature and water level is proposed. By changing the temperature, the refractive index of the NaCl solution is varied and Fresnel reflection arising at the interface between the distal end of optical fiber and the NaCl solution is then also changed. We measured the modified optical power of the light reflected from the sensing probe using a portable OTDR device and also obtained the relationship between the temperature of water and the optical power. In this study, the water level was simply determined by measuring the signal difference of the optical power due to the temperature difference of individual sensing probes placed inside and outside of the water. In conclusion, we demonstrate that the temperature and water level can be obtained simultaneously by measuring optical powers of light reflected from sensing probes based on the NaCl solution. It is anticipated that the proposed fiber-optic sensor system makes it possible to remotely monitor the real-time change of temperature and water level of the spent fuel pool during a loss of power accident.
Use of NTRIP for Optimizing the Decoding Algorithm for Real-Time Data Streams
Authors: He Zhanke , Tang Wenda , Yang Xuhai , Wang Liming , Liu Jihua
Published: October 2014

As a network transmission protocol, Networked Transport of RTCM via Internet Protocol (NTRIP) is widely used in GPS and Global Orbiting Navigational Satellite System (GLONASS) Augmentation systems, such as Continuous Operational Reference System (CORS), Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) and Satellite Based Augmentation Systems (SBAS). With the deployment of BeiDou Navigation Satellite system(BDS) to serve the Asia-Pacific region, there are increasing needs for ground monitoring of the BeiDou Navigation Satellite system and the development of the high-precision real-time BeiDou products. This paper aims to optimize the decoding algorithm of NTRIP Client data streams and the user authentication strategies of the NTRIP Caster based on NTRIP. The proposed method greatly enhances the handling efficiency and significantly reduces the data transmission delay compared with the Federal Agency for Cartography and Geodesy (BKG) NTRIP. Meanwhile, a transcoding method is proposed to facilitate the data transformation from the BINary EXchange (BINEX) format to the RTCM format. The transformation scheme thus solves the problem of handing real-time data streams from Trimble receivers in the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System indigenously developed by China.
Evaluating Mitigation Effects of Urban Heat Islands in a Historical Small Center with the ENVI-Met® Climate Model
Authors: Ambrosini Dario , Galli Giorgio , Mancini Biagio , Nardi Iole , Sfarra Stefano
Published: October 2014

Urban morphology and increasing building density play a key role in the overall use of energy and promotion of environmental sustainability. The urban environment causes a local increase of temperature, a phenomenon known as Urban Heat Island (UHI). The purpose of this work is the study of the possible formation of an UHI and the evaluation of its magnitude, in the context of a small city, carried out with the ENVI-met® software. For this purpose, a simulation was needed, and this simulation is preparatory for a monitoring campaign on site, which will be held in the immediate future. ENVI-met® simulates the temporal evolution of several thermodynamics parameters on a micro-scale range, creating a 3D, non-hydrostatic model of the interactions between building-atmosphere-vegetation. The weather conditions applied simulate a typical Italian summer heat wave. Three different case-studies have been analyzed: Base Case, Cool Case and Green Case. Analysis of the actual state in the Base Case shows how even in an area with average building density, such as the old town center of a small city, fully developed UHI may rise with strong thermal gradients between built areas and open zones with plenty of vegetation. These gradients arise in a really tiny space (few hundreds of meters), showing that the influence of urban geometry can be decisive in the characterization of local microclimate. Simulations, carried out considering the application of green or cool roofs, showed small relevant effects as they become evident only in large areas heavily built up (metropolis) subject to more intense climate conditions.
Exercise Recognition for Kinect-based Telerehabilitation
Authors: Goñi A. , Illarramendi A. , Antón D.
Published: October 2014

Background: An aging population and people’s higher survival to diseases and traumas that leave physical consequences are challenging aspects in the context of an efficient health management. This is why telerehabilitation systems are being developed, to allow monitoring and support of physiotherapy sessions at home, which could reduce healthcare costs while also improving the quality of life of the users.

Objectives: Our goal is the development of a Kinect-based algorithm that provides a very accurate real-time monitoring of physical rehabilitation exercises and that also provides a friendly interface oriented both to users and physiotherapists.

Methods: The two main constituents of our algorithm are the posture classification method and the exercises recognition method. The exercises consist of series of movements. Each movement is composed of an initial posture, a final posture and the angular trajectories of the limbs involved in the movement. The algorithm was designed and tested with datasets of real movements performed by volunteers. We also explain in the paper how we obtained the optimal values for the trade-off values for posture and trajectory recognition.

Results: Two relevant aspects of the algorithm were evaluated in our tests, classification accuracy and real-time data processing. We achieved 91.9% accuracy in posture classification and 93.75% accuracy in trajectory recognition. We also checked whether the algorithm was able to process the data in real-time. We found that our algorithm could process more than 20,000 postures per second and all the required trajectory data-series in real-time, which in practice guarantees no perceptible delays. Later on, we carried out two clinical trials with real patients that suffered shoulder disorders. We obtained an exercise monitoring accuracy of 95.16%.

Conclusions: We present an exercise recognition algorithm that handles the data provided by Kinect efficiently. The algorithm has been validated in a real scenario where we have verified its suitability. Moreover, we have received a positive feedback from both users and the physiotherapists who took part in the tests.
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients for Antiretroviral Treatment in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Survey
Authors: Fortunak Joseph M , de Souza Rodrigo OMA , Kulkarni Amol A , King Christopher L , Ellison Tiffany , Miranda Leandro SM
Published: October 2014

Active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are the molecular entities that exert the therapeutic effects of medicines. This article provides an overview of the major APIs that are entered into antiretroviral therapy (ART), outlines how APIs are manufactured, and examines the regulatory and cost frameworks of manufacturing ART APIs used in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Almost all APIs for ART are prepared by chemical synthesis. Roughly 15 APIs account for essentially all of the ARTs used in LMICs. Nearly all of the ART APIs purchased through the Global Fund for AIDS, TB and Malaria (GFATM) or the United States President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) are produced by generic companies. API costs are very important because they are the largest contribution to the overall cost of ART. Efficient API production requires substantial investment in chemical manufacturing technologies and the ready availability of raw materials and energy at competitive prices. Generic API production is practiced in only a limited number of countries; the API market for ART is dominated by Indian companies. The quality of these APIs is ensured by manufacturing under good manufacturing practice (GMP), including process validation, testing against previously established specifications and the demonstration of clinical bioequivalence. The investment and personnel costs of a quality management system for GMP contribute significantly to the cost of API production. Chinese companies are the major suppliers for many advanced intermediates in API production. Improved chemistry of manufacturing, economies of scale and optimization of procurement have enabled drastic cost reductions for many ART APIs. The available capacity for global production of quality-assured APIs is likely adequate to meet forecasted demand for 2015. The increased use of ART for paediatric treatment, for second-line and salvage therapy, and the introduction of new APIs and combinations are important factors for the future of treatment in LMICs. The introduction of new fixed-dose combinations for ART and use of new drug delivery technologies could plausibly provide robust, durable ART for all patients in need, at an overall cost that is only moderately higher than what is presently being spent.
Provision of Antiretroviral Therapy in South Africa: The Nuts and Bolts
Authors: Bekker Linda-Gail , Venter Francois , Cohen Karen , Goemare Eric , Van Cutsem Gilles , Boulle Andrew , Wood Robin
Published: October 2014

Public sector antiretroviral provision had a slow start in South Africa despite a raging epidemic and a World AIDS conference that shed significant public light on the disparities of therapy access globally. This was largely due to political prevarication in the midst of AIDS denialism. There has been an unprecedented expansion in the HIV treatment programme since 2008. As a result, South Africa now has the largest number of patients on antiretroviral drugs in the world, and South African life expectancy has increased by more than a decade. However, this has led to a number of fiscal, logistic and operational challenges that the country must face as the treatment programme continues to expand. Challenges include increasing detection within communities, linkage and retention in care, while strengthening operational support functions such as consistent drug supply, health staffing and infrastructure, diagnostic services, programme monitoring and sustainable financing. As a middle-income country, albeit with marked income inequality, and the heaviest HIV burden in the world, South Africa is a test case of whether a large-scale public health programme can boast of success in the face of numerous other health-system challenges.
Scaling-Up the Use of Generic Antiretrovirals in Resource-Limited Countries: Generic Drugs for Health
Authors: Beck Eduard J , Passarelli Carlos , Lui Iris , Guichard Anne-Claire , Simao Mariangela , De Lay Paul , Loures Luiz
Published: October 2014

The number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) continues to increase around the world because of the increasing number on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and their associated increase of life expectancy, in addition to the number of people newly infected with HIV each year. Unless a ‘cure’ can be found for HIV infection, PLHIV can anticipate the need to take antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) for the rest of their lives. Because ARVs are now being used for HIV prevention, as well as for therapeutic purposes, the need for effective, affordable ARVs with few adverse effects will continue to rise. It is important to note that the dramatic growth in treatment coverage of PLHIV seen during the past decade has been primarily due to the increased use of generic ARVs. Thus, there will be a need to scale-up the research and development, production, distribution and access to generic ARVs and ART regimens. However, these processes must occur within national and international regulated free-market economic systems and must deal with increasingly multifaceted patent issues affecting the price while ensuring the quality of the ARVs. National and international regulatory mechanisms will have to evolve, which will affect broader national and international economic and trade issues. Because of the complexity of these issues, the Editors of this Supplement conceived of asking experts in their fields to describe the various steps from relevant research and development, to production of generic ARVs, their delivery to countries and subsequently to PLHIV in low- and middle-income countries. A main objective was to highlight how these steps are interrelated, how the production and delivery of these drugs to PLHIV in resource-limited countries can be made more effective and efficient, and what the lessons are for the production and delivery of a broader set of drugs to people in low- and middle-income countries.
Les Jéco, sixième édition
Authors: Le Merrer Pascal
Published: October 2014

« Reconstruire la confiance », tel était le thème général des Jéco 2013. Avec, en toile de fond, la question suivante : quelles stratégies mettre en œuvre pour sortir de cette situation de défiance ? Cette problématique générale sous-tendait plusieurs conférences, entre autres, l’avenir de l’Union européenne, la mise en place des réformes structurelles, la place des jeunes dans l’économie, le regard que portent les Français sur leurs institutions, la capacité des entreprises à innover… Ceux qui souhaitent prolonger ce dossier pourront retrouver dans la bibliothèque virtuelle 1 les vidéos de nombreuses conférences des six éditions passées et sur le blog des Jéco, alimenté par les étudiants en journalisme économique 2 , des entretiens avec les intervenants.
Comment mieux dépenser
Authors: Le Merrer Pascal
Published: October 2014

Les idées des citoyens comme celles des spécialistes pour mieux (et peut-être moins) dépenser l’argent public ne manquent pas, mais tout se complique quand il faut définir des critères et des méthodes pour établir les choix à faire. Aujourd’hui, le gouvernement s’est lancé dans une démarche de « modernisation de l’action publique », la MAP, vaste chantier recouvrant une quarantaine d’évaluations de politiques publiques. Dans ce domaine, la France s’efforce de rattraper son retard sur les grands pays occidentaux et de plus en plus de spécialistes proposent des outils pour élaborer des évaluations. Regards croisés de ceux qui s’efforcent aujourd’hui de construire une analyse de l’efficacité de la dépense publique.
Les Économiques de Turgot
Authors: Boulanger Pierre-Pascal
Published: October 2014

Comment ouvrir l’école sur l’économie et tous ses acteurs sans exclusive, œuvrer à la citoyenneté par une meilleure compréhension du monde ? En plaçant les jeunes au cœur de l’organisation des Économiques lycéennes (Les Économiques de Turgot) et des Économiques citoyennes (Le Printemps de l’économie de Paris), comme le propose Pierre-Pascal Boulanger, initiateur de ces deux manifestations, qui revient ici sur son expérience.
25 août 1997
Authors: Sève Bernard
Published: October 2014

Résumé « Le pédophile » est devenu, en quelques mois, l’ennemi le plus inquiétant, polymorphe et pourtant un : c’est le monstre. Mais le monstre, c’est l’impensable : le mot « pédophile » fonctionne comme un exorcisme, non comme l’amorce d’une problématisation ; il concentre notre peur et notre malaise, pour nous en purifier, et les rejeter au loin sous la figure d’un « monstre » dont il n’y a rien à penser, sinon qu’il est absolument mauvais et qu’il n’a absolument rien à voir avec nous. Refusons cette dynamique (...)
« J'ai vu les femmes avoir peur »
Authors: Ildefonse Frédérique , Prokhoris Sabine
Published: October 2014

Résumé entretien avec Geneviève Fraisse
l'épouvantail américain
Authors: Fassin Éric
Published: October 2014

Résumé "L’horreur minoritaire" se nourrit aujourd’hui en France d’anti-américanisme : c’est ainsi que la parité nous menacerait de mille ghettos "à l’américaine". Mieux comprendre les Etats-Unis nous permettrait pourtant d’échapper à l’alternative rhétorique de l’universalisme et du communautarisme. On se propose ainsi d’abandonner le vocabulaire de la représentation pour celui de la discrimination- l’impensé de l’universalisme français, fût-il paritaire. Alors minorité ne rime plus avec communauté... L’antienne (...)
Les questions de Jochen Gerz
Authors: Mesnard Philippe
Published: October 2014

Résumé Entretien avec Jochen Gerz.
Retinal Dysplasia of Holoprosencephaly
Authors: Gorovoy Ian R. , Layer Noelle , de Alba Campomanes Alejandra G.
Published: October 2014

Retinal dysplasia occurs in the setting of sporadic and syndromic holoprosencephaly, which often has associated ocular malformations. The pathology of this dysplasia, which includes rosettes, has been previously described. However, its funduscopic findings have not been well documented. The authors present the fundus images of a patient with severe holoprosencephaly with retinal dysplasia and bilateral optic nerve colobomas that resulted in death 2 weeks after birth.

[J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2014;51:e16–e18.]
Intracellular Behavior of Nanoparticles Based on their Physicochemical Properties
Authors: Cruje Charmainne , Yohan Darren , Yang Celina , Chithrani Devika B.
Published: October 2014

This chapter addresses physicochemical properties that affect Nanoparticle (NP) intracellular behavior using Gold NPs (GNPs) as a model system. The main objective is to outline what is known about the effect of GNP size, shape, and surface properties on cellular uptake and intracellular pathway. The authors propose that the entry of GNPs into cells is related to its effectiveness in applications that favor intracellular localization of such GNPs. The authors also discuss how such properties are used to optimize GNP designs for medical applications. Finally, the authors discuss how GNPs may improve disease diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, how they may be incorporated or used as alternatives to current treatment options is defined.
Applications of Nanomaterials for Activation and Suppression of Immune Responses
Authors: Shakya Akhilesh Kumar , Nandakumar Kutty Selva
Published: October 2014

Evaluation of immuno-modulating properties of nanomaterials is important to develop new potential therapeutics for inflammatory diseases and cancer. Activation and suppressive effects of nanomaterials on immune responses occur through various interactions with different host proteins. They can also be engineered as carriers and/or adjuvants for different proteins or antigens. Particles, emulsions, and tubes/rods are the major formats of nanomaterials currently used in biomedical applications. Sometimes, nanomaterials induce side effects like undesired immunosuppression and toxicities, which are major concerns at present in designing optimal nanotherapeutics. This chapter summarizes different types of nanomaterials and their effect on immune responses.
The Detection of Tuberculosis by Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) Combined with a Lateral Flow Dipstick
Authors: Kaewphinit Thongchai , Santiwatanakul Somchai , Chansiri Kosum
Published: October 2014

Tuberculosis (TB) is an airborne infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (MTB) and is a persistent problem in developing countries. Present methods for its detection include normal or nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) followed by electrophoresis, real-time PCR, Ziehl-Neelsen staining, and culture assay. These techniques entail various disadvantages such as high cost, long assay time and use of toxic substances. Novel loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) permits DNA to be amplified rapidly under constant temperature. The combination of LAMP and chromatographic Lateral Flow Dipstick (LAMP-LFD) by using biotinylated LAMP amplicon hybridized with Fluorescein Isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled probes are allowed to detect MTB without electrophoresis and interpreted within 3-5 min. LAMP-LFD is as highly sensitive as PCR-electrophoresis method. Based on its sensitivity, specificity, rapidity, cost effectiveness, ease of use, and convenience, LAMP-LFD could be suitable for use in early MTB detection.
Fabrication of Metal@SnO2 Core-Shell Nanocomposites for Gas Sensing Applications
Authors: Suar Sanjay K. , Sinha Sayantan , Mishra Amrita , Tripathy Suraj K.
Published: October 2014

Metal/SnO2 is one of the most popular composite systems because of its application in gas sensors, where the metal in contact with the SnO2 (semiconductor) enhances sensor performance in terms of sensitivity, response, and recovery time. This is because the metal acts as an electron reservoir, improving the depletion layer formation by interfacial charge-transfer process and delaying the electrons-holes recombination process in SnO2. Conventionally, the metal nanoparticles are anchored on the surface of SnO2 to produce hetero-interfaces. Despite effective catalytic activity, this structural drawback exposes metals to other chemical species. Therefore, it is necessary to design new strategies to improve the chemical and thermal stability of metal/SnO2. Recently, nanocomposites with metal core and SnO2 shell became potential candidates due to their chemical and thermal stability and superior material property. In this chapter, fabrication of metal@SnO2 core-shell nanocomposites are discussed as a potential gas sensing material.
Nanotechnology-Based Studies in Systems Biology
Authors: Talwar Priti , Manickam Madhumathi , Chaudhari Namrata , Ravanan Palaniyandi
Published: October 2014

In recent years, nanotechnology-based studies have been employed in the area of systems biology. The current chapter aims to give a concise view of this emergent field of research, namely nano systems biology. A large number of such studies are based on understanding surface reactivities of a biological system. Another stream of studies is focused on imaging approaches using nano systems biology. In this chapter, the authors also illustrate state-of-the-art work using these approaches in nanomedicine.
Multifunctional Polymer/Nano-TiO2 Photochromic Hybrid Coatings as a Barrier for Protection against Corrosion
Authors: Tandy L. M. Flores , Bueno J. J. Pérez , Vong Y. Meas
Published: October 2014

This chapter shows results related to synthesizing hybrid materials composed of polymer matrix/nano-TiO2, which possesses a photochromic property under UV irradiation. The synthesized TiO2 was amorphous, but, for the hybrid photochromic response, the required illumination is that with the same or superior energy than semiconductor bandgap. Moreover, the photochromism requires OH proportionate to preparing within an alcohol, and by releasing them by temperature, the color change resulted permanent. The hybrid materials were prepared as coatings, which display multifunctional characteristics. The polymeric matrix was proven with different kinds of organic polymers and solvents. This phenomenon was investigated through Salt Spray Test, Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy, HRTEM, SEM, Reflectance, Fluorescence, Contact Angle, and EPR. The capacity to act as a barrier for corrosion protection was investigated. Finally, the hybrid material is proposed as an indicator for applications in engineering.
Data Quality for Data Mining in Business Intelligence Applications
Authors: Sundararaman Arun Thotapalli
Published: October 2014

Data Quality (DQ) in data mining refers to the quality of the patterns or results of the models built using mining algorithms. DQ for data mining in Business Intelligence (BI) applications should be aligned with the objectives of the BI application. Objective measures, training/modeling approaches, and subjective measures are three major approaches that exist to measure DQ for data mining. However, there is no agreement yet on definitions or measurements or interpretations of DQ for data mining. Defining the factors of DQ for data mining and their measurement for a BI System has been one of the major challenges for researchers as well as practitioners. This chapter provides an overview of existing research in the area of DQ definition and measurement for data mining for BI, analyzes the gaps therein, besides reviewing proposed solutions and providing a direction for future research and practice in this area.
Analyzing Customer Behavior Using Online Analytical Mining (OLAM)
Authors: Ritbumroong Thanachart
Published: October 2014

Online Analytical Mining (OLAM) is an architecture integrating data mining into OLAP. With this integration, data mining algorithms can be performed with OLAP abilities. OLAM enables users to choose a particular portion of data and analyze them with data mining models. Previous studies have provided examples of OLAM applications with the motivation to improve technical performance. This chapter reviews the capabilities of OLAM and discusses the well-known concept encompassing the analysis of customer behavior. The underlying motivation of this chapter is to present the opportunities for the development of OLAM to support the customer behavior analysis. Three main directions of the advancement in OLAM are proposed for future research.
Introducing a Theoretical Model for the Performance of Microfinance Firms
Authors: Goel Lakshmi , Schnusenberg Oliver
Published: October 2014

Because borrowers sometimes take out additional loans in order to repay their earlier microfinance loans, microfinance loan repayment rates may be artificially inflated. The authors therefore propose a temporal socio-cultural model based on Hofstede's (1980) cultural dimensions, the diffusion of innovations, and the social network theory, that can be used to think about the performance of microfinance firms in general. The authors specifically apply this model to longitudinally assess the performance of SKS Microfinance, a microfinance firm in India. This approach adds a new dimension to understanding how to steer the industry away from some of the problems it has recently faced.
Emotional Intelligence Model for Managers in Mumbai
Authors: Birwatkar Vaibhav P.
Published: October 2014

Much of the literature pertinent to management indicates that managers with high emotional intelligence are morale boosters in their workplaces. Previous studies offer limited evidence regarding the impact of manager's emotional intelligence on workplace psychology, productivity and job satisfaction. This research examines the awareness level of the concept of emotional intelligence, the emotional intelligence level of managers across the organizations, whether managers use emotional intelligence competencies to enhance their leadership skills and do managers recognize emotions of different stakehSolders in designing their policies. This was done through a quantitative study and these constructs were operationalised by means of a pre-designed questionnaire. The correlation and regression results seem to indicate that managers are aware of emotional competencies, managers have moderate level of emotional intelligence and they use these competencies to enhance their leadership skills.
An Empirical Exploration of Mental Representations in the Individual Saving Decision Process
Authors: Ianole Rodica
Published: October 2014

The article tackles the analysis of the saving process by reviving a research methodology that explores mental representations and their economic implications. The conceptual background is updated to the latest interdisciplinary literature in behavioral economics and social psychology, extending the applications of construal level theory. The results are pointing out to a new way of understanding differences of opinion between groups (economists and sociologists) about saving behavior, usually considered irrational in the light of standard economic theory.
Predictors of Instructional Strategy Use of Faculty in Career and Technical Education Programs
Authors: Fletcher Jr. Edward C. , Djajalaksana Yenni
Published: October 2014

The purpose of this research study was to identify potential signature pedagogies in the field of CTE as well as specific disciplines within CTE, and to explain instructional strategy use by faculty's demographic characteristics, course delivery modes, and academic discipline. Based on a national survey of CTE faculty teaching at the postsecondary level, this study found faculty which teach in family and consumer sciences education are significantly more likely to use authentic reflective assessments; Engineering and technology education faculty are significantly more likely to implement knowledge acquisition activities; career and workforce education faculty are significantly more likely to infuse online activities in their courses; and business and/or marketing education faculty are significantly more likely to integrate research, group and discussion-based, knowledge acquisition, and online activities. Findings point to a need for faculty to continue considering alternatives pedagogies which create more engaged courses and maximize student learning.