bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unexpected Support for European Integration: Memory, Rupture, and Totalitarianism in Arendt's Political Theory
Authors: Verovšek Peter J.
Published: July 2014

Collective memory is an important source of social stability, allowing human beings and political communities to integrate new experiences into existing narrative frameworks. In addition to sustaining individual and group identities, remembrance can also maintain cycles of hatred. Building on Arendt's political theory, I present an alternative interpretation of memory as a resource for political change following historical ruptures. This constructive reading focuses on the ability of communities to create new futures out of the shattered pieces of the past. For Arendt, the experience of totalitarianism was a caesura that made nationalist histories, and the nation-state that came with these interpretations of the past, untenable. Following such breaks, communities must reconstruct the past into new narratives. Arendt's unexpected early support for European integration—despite its supranational, technocratic, and economistic qualities—is an example of how memory can function as a resource for political transformation in the aftermath of historical ruptures.
Tocqueville and Nietzsche on the Problem of Human Greatness in Democracy
Authors: Franco Paul
Published: July 2014

Nietzsche and Tocqueville share a common concern with the tendency to mediocrity and loss of human greatness in democratic life. This essay explores the many similarities in their diagnoses of this problem, which they both view from the distinctive standpoint of aristocracy. Both thinkers focus on the way in which the individualism, preoccupation with material comfort, restlessness, and valorization of compassion that belong to democracy undermine human aspiration, intellectual excellence, and spiritual depth. Nevertheless, they differ sharply in their responses to the problem of human greatness in democracy. Tocqueville calls chiefly upon religion to elevate democratic citizens but otherwise resigns himself to the mediocrity that comes with democratic life. Nietzsche starts from the pessimistic premise that God is dead but more optimistically affirms the possibility of reestablishing aristocracy and finding a new greatness for human beings. The essay ultimately finds Nietzsche's solution more convincing but not without difficulties.
Anger in Pathological Gambling: Clinical, Psychopathological, and Personality Correlates
Authors: Aymamí Neus , Granero Roser , Penelo Eva , Fernández-Aranda Fernando , Krug Isabel , Gunnard Katarina , Santamaría Juan José , Bueno Blanca , Jaurrieta Nuria , Gómez-Peña Mónica , Álvarez-Moya Eva , Claes Laurence , Fagundo Ana Beatriz , Menchón José Manuel , Jiménez-Murcia Susana
Published: July 2014

The aim of this study was to explore the association between pathological gambling (PG) and anger by assessing whether psychopathology and personality are related to PG and to evaluate gender differences. The sample comprised 71 PGs and 37 healthy controls. Anger, psychopathology and personality were assessed with the STAXI-2, SCL-90-R and TCI-R respectively. Gender did not affect anger expression after stratifying by diagnostic condition (p > .05). Among PG patients, anger, psychopathology and personality measures were correlated with good effect-size (r > .30). Scores in the Anger Temperament (B = 0.21, p = .038) and Anger External-Expression (B = 0.27, p = .029) scales were positively associated with PG severity scores. Anger expression in PG should be considered in future treatment programs.
Characterizing Occupational Risk Perception: the Case of Biological, Ergonomic and Organizational Hazards in Spanish Healthcare Workers
Authors: Portell Mariona , Gil Rosa M. , Losilla Josep M. , Vives Jaume
Published: July 2014

Understanding how risk is perceived by workers is necessary for effective risk communication and risk management. This study adapts key elements of the psychometric perspective to characterize occupational risk perception at a worker level. A total of 313 Spanish healthcare workers evaluated relevant hazards in their workplaces related to biological, ergonomic and organizational factors. A questionnaire elicited workers' ratings of 3 occupational hazards on 9 risk attributes along with perceived risk. Factor and regression analyses reveal regularities in how different risks are perceived, while, at the same time, the procedure helps to summarize specificities in the perception of each hazard. The main regularity is the weight of feeling of dread/severity in order to characterize the risk perceived (β ranges from .22 to .41;p< .001). Data also suggest an underestimation of expert knowledge in relation to the personal knowledge of risk. Thus, participants consider their knowledge of the risk related to biological, ergonomic, and organizational hazards to be higher than the knowledge attributed to the occupational experts (mean differences 95% CIs [.10, .30], [.54, .94], and [0.52, 1.05]). We demonstrate the application of a feasible and systematic procedure to capture how workers perceive hazards in their immediate work environment.
Hot Carrier Solar Cells
Authors: Conibeer Gavin , Guillemoles Jean-François , Yu Feng , Levard Hugo
Published: July 2014

The hot carrier cell aims to extract the electrical energy from photogenerated carriers before they thermalize to the band edges. Hence it can potentially achieve a high current and a high voltage and hence very high efficiencies up to 65% under 1 sun. To slow the rate of carrier thermalization is very challenging, but modification of the phonon energies and the use of nanostructures are both promising ways to achieve some of the required slowing of carrier cooling. A number of materials and structures are being investigated with these properties and test structures are being fabricated. It is expected that very soon proof of concept of hot carrier devices will pave the way for their development to fully functioning high efficiency solar cells.
A study on the chiral inversion of mandelic acid in humans
Authors: Yevglevskis Maksims , Bowskill Catherine R. , Chan Chloe C. Y. , Heng Justin H.-J. , Threadgill Michael D. , Woodman Timothy J. , Lloyd Matthew D.
Published: July 2014

Mandelic acid1undergoes uni-directional chiral inversion in mammalian cells by a separate pathway to that of Ibuprofen3.
Are glycan biosensors an alternative to glycan microarrays?
Authors: Hushegyi A. , Tkac J.
Published: July 2014

Complex carbohydrates (glycans) play an important role in nature and study of their interaction with proteins or intact cells can be useful for understanding many physiological and pathological processes.
Strategies to balance covalent and non-covalent biomolecule attachment within collagen-GAG biomaterials
Authors: Pence Jacquelyn C. , Gonnerman Emily A. , Bailey Ryan C. , Harley Brendan A. C.
Published: July 2014

Incorporating selective biomolecular cues within a biomaterial requires balancing covalent attachment versus non-specific fouling. We use a model collagen-GAG scaffold to define the impact of processing conditions on immobilization versus fouling.
High-pressure phase transition of cesium chloride and cesium bromide
Authors: Wei Shubo , Zhu Chunye , Li Qian , Zhou Yuanyuan , Li Quan , Ma Yanming
Published: July 2014

Using the CALYPSO method for crystal structure prediction combined with first-principles calculations, we have investigated the high-pressure crystal structures and established the corresponding phase boundaries for the prototypical AB-type compounds of CsCl and CsBr.
P450-catalyzed asymmetric cyclopropanation of electron-deficient olefins under aerobic conditions
Authors: Renata Hans , Wang Z. Jane , Kitto Rebekah Z. , Arnold Frances H.
Published: July 2014

A histidine-ligated variant of P450-BM3 catalyzes cyclopropanation of a variety of electron-deficient olefins under ambient conditions with great selectivity.
Porous WO3–carbon nanofibers: high-performance and recyclable visible light photocatalysis
Authors: Taha Ahmed Aboueloyoun , Li Fengting
Published: July 2014

Template-free porous carbon nanofibers embedded with WO3 (WO3–CNF) were prepared by combining electrospinning and carbonization.
Synthesis and biomedical applications of functional poly(α-hydroxyl acid)s
Authors: Yu Yun , Zou Jiong , Cheng Chong
Published: July 2014

This review highlights the recent progress in the synthesis and biomedical applications of poly(α-hydroxyl acid)s with pendent functional groups.
Thermodynamic and kinetic investigation of monoketo-aldehyde-peroxyhemiacetal (MKA), a stereolabile degradation product of dihydroartemisinin
Authors: Kotoni D. , Piras M. , Cabri W. , Giorgi F. , Mazzanti A. , Pierini M. , Quaglia M. , Villani C. , Gasparrini F.
Published: July 2014

Theβ⇆αepimerization process ofMKAhas been studied under a thermodynamic and kinetic point of view in several solvents. LSER analyses and molecular modeling calculations allowed an effective rationalization of the findings.
The self-assembly and secondary structure of peptide amphiphiles determine the membrane permeation activity
Authors: Wakabayashi Rie , Abe Yuko , Kamiya Noriho , Goto Masahiro
Published: July 2014

New GALA-related peptide amphiphiles were designed and the influence of their self-assembling propensity and the secondary structure on the membrane permeability was studied.
Au/CNTs catalyst for highly selective hydrodeoxygenation of vanillin at the water/oil interface
Authors: Yang Xiaomin , Liang Yu , Zhao Xu , Song Yifan , Hu Lianghai , Wang Xiaofeng , Wang Zichen , Qiu Jieshan
Published: July 2014

Au/CNTs assembled at the interfaces of emulsion droplets exhibits good catalytic activity and 100% selectivity for the hydrodeoxygenation of vanillin to p-creosol.
From crystal to compound: structure-based antimalarial drug discovery
Authors: Drinkwater Nyssa , McGowan Sheena
Published: July 2014

Despite a century of control and eradication campaigns, malaria remains one of the world's most devastating diseases. Our once-powerful therapeutic weapons are losing the war against the Plasmodium parasite, whose ability to rapidly develop and spread drug resistance hamper past and present malaria-control efforts. Finding new and effective treatments for malaria is now a top global health priority, fuelling an increase in funding and promoting open-source collaborations between researchers and pharmaceutical consortia around the world. The result of this is rapid advances in drug discovery approaches and technologies, with three major methods for antimalarial drug development emerging: (i) chemistry-based, (ii) target-based, and (iii) cell-based. Common to all three of these approaches is the unique ability of structural biology to inform and accelerate drug development. Where possible, SBDD (structure-based drug discovery) is a foundation for antimalarial drug development programmes, and has been invaluable to the development of a number of current pre-clinical and clinical candidates. However, as we expand our understanding of the malarial life cycle and mechanisms of resistance development, SBDD as a field must continue to evolve in order to develop compounds that adhere to the ideal characteristics for novel antimalarial therapeutics and to avoid high attrition rates pre- and post-clinic. In the present review, we aim to examine the contribution that SBDD has made to current antimalarial drug development efforts, covering hit discovery to lead optimization and prevention of parasite resistance. Finally, the potential for structural biology, particularly high-throughput structural genomics programmes, to identify future targets for drug discovery are discussed.
Photonic crystal fibre‐based polarimetric sensor for cure monitoring of magnetorheological smart composite material
Authors: Ramakrishnan M. , Rajan G. , Semenova Y. , Zhou Y. , Jerrams S. , Farrell G.
Published: July 2014

A buffer stripped high birefringent photonic crystal fibre based polarimetric sensor is developed for monitoring the curing process of magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) smart composite material. Using the developed sensor, different phases of the MRE curing process are clearly visible from the phase shift variation of the embedded polarisation maintaining photonic crystal fibre (PM‐PCF) sensor. During the curing process, the buffer stripped PM‐PCF exhibits a stress/strain induced phase shift variation from 0 to 1.98 rad. This is a significantly large phase change, which can be used to very clearly identify the different stages in the curing process. For comparison, a fibre Bragg grating sensor is also used for monitoring the internal strain during the curing process and its response does not allow one to reliably distinguish all the curing stages. The present investigation offers a simple non‐destructive method to monitor the curing process of MRE smart composite material.
SAR image despeckling using improved detail‐preserving anisotropic diffusion
Authors: Zhu Lei , Zhao Xiaotian , Gu Meihua
Published: July 2014

The well‐known detail‐preserving anisotropic diffusion (DPAD) for smoothing speckle noise in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images suffers from poor despeckling performance near edges and serious blocking artefacts in homogeneous regions. The DPAD is extended to effectively alleviate the aforementioned problems by embedding the mean curvature motion controlled by an adaptive coupling function into the DPAD's diffusion equation.
High‐power in‐phase coherently coupled VCSEL array based on proton implantation
Authors: Xun Meng , Xu Chen , Xie Yiyang , Zhu Yanxu , Mao Mingming , Xu Kun , Wang Jun , Liu Jie , Chen Hongda
Published: July 2014

Three‐element in‐phase coherently coupled arrays of vertical cavity surface‐emitting lasers (VCSELs) were fabricated using proton implantation. The arrays show excellent beam quality with a far‐field divergence of 4°, while maintaining a stable in‐phase mode until a maximum output power of 4 mW under continuous‐wave condition. The process for the arrays is simple and the cost is low.
Resonant LED driver with inherent constant current and power factor correction
Authors: Teodosescu P.D. , Bojan M. , Marschalko R.
Published: July 2014

A drive converter for light emitting diodes is presented, which is able to add the constant current operation mode and power factor correction without any control feedback or special control algorithm while obtaining very good performances regarding high efficiency, good reliability and most importantly, low cost. The converter is based on a half bridge resonant topology, controlled with a discrete self‐oscillating drive circuit, with an output parallel resonant tank. The working principle is based on the inherent current source behaviour of these kinds of converters, allowing a high power factor and low harmonic distortions. One topology uses no electrolytic high or low voltage filtering capacitors, thus obtaining a longer working lifetime for the driver. In addition, a second topology with output non‐electrolytic condenser filtering for higher performances in dimming applications is proposed.
Small‐capacity grid‐connected solar power generation system
Authors: Wu Jinn‐Chang , Wu Kuen‐Der , Jou Hurng‐Liahng , Chang Sheng‐Kai
Published: July 2014

A small‐capacity grid‐connected solar power generation system, configured by a dual‐output DC–DC power converter and a seven‐level inverter, is proposed in this study. Voltage doubler based topology is used to configure the dual‐output DC–DC power converter to convert the output voltage of a solar cell array into two dependent voltage sources with multiple relationships. The grid‐connected seven‐level inverter is configured by a dual‐buck power converter and a full‐bridge power converter. The dual‐buck power converter is switched at high‐frequency pulse‐width modulation to generate a four‐level DC voltage. The full‐bridge power converter is switched synchronous with the utility voltage, to convert the four‐level DC voltage into a seven‐level AC voltage. The proposed solar power generation system generates a sinusoidal output current in phase with the utility voltage. The novelty of this proposed seven‐level inverter is that two asymmetric DC voltage sources are used to increase the voltage levels and only two of the six power electronic switches in the seven‐level inverter are switched at high frequency. A prototype is developed and tested to verify the performance of the proposed solar power generation system. The experimental results show that the proposed solar power generation system has the expected performance.
Synthesis of a nanostructure ion sieve with improved lithium adsorption capacity
Authors: Zandevakili Saeed , Ranjbar Mohammad , Ehteshamzadeh Maryam
Published: July 2014

The low lithium adsorption capacity of different ion sieves was found to be an important limiting parameter for their use in industrial extraction. The maximum exchange capacity of 6.6 mmol/g obtained till now is not high enough for their economical industrial application. Therefore, an increase in lithium adsorption capacity by studying the effects of three parameters, involving manganese salt compound, lithium salt compound and Li/Mn mole ratio on synthesised ion sieves was investigated. Moreover, the ion sieves capability on the lithium uptake from lithium‐enriched solution was examined by the Taguchi experimental design method by L9 orthogonal array. Continuously, optimum conditions were predicted and confirmed by the experimental results. Based on the results, all mentioned parameters have significant effect on lithium uptake capacity, but lithium salt compound is the most effective factor. Finally, an appropriate ion sieve with lithium adsorption capacity >8.5 mmol/g was synthesised by applying the optimised conditions.
Design of non‐restoring binary array divider in quantum‐dot cellular automata
Authors: Cui Huanqing , Cai Li , Yang Xiaokuo , Feng Chaowen , Qin Tao
Published: July 2014

Quantum‐dot cellular automata (QCA), a promising candidate nanotechnology for the next generation computers, has attracted the interest of researchers all over the world since 1993. The divider is a major component of arithmetic logic unit, which has a remarkable impact on the performance of the central processing unit. The widely used algorithm in the divider is the non‐restoring division, but there is no work which has reported the implementation of non‐restoring dividers based on QCA. Presented is the design of a non‐restoring binary array divider in QCA and its validity is verified using QCADesigner software. The proposed non‐restoring divider has the advantage of time‐saving and is easy to control when compared with the existing restoring dividers.
Structured diaphragm with a centre boss and four peninsulas for high sensitivity and high linearity pressure sensors
Authors: Huang Xian , Zhang Dacheng
Published: July 2014

Using the structured diaphragm with a centre boss and four peninsulas (CBP structure), a high sensitivity and high linearity pressure sensor for low pressure ranges was demonstrated. The finite element analysis indicated that the CBP structure could achieve a far better performance than other typical structures for low pressure applications. In accordance with the simulation, the fabricated pressure sensor showed a sensitivity of 21.0 mV/V full‐scale output and a nonlinearity error of 0.15% full‐scale span in the pressure range of 0–5 kPa. The sensors with the CBP structure are potentially a better choice for measuring low pressures.
Energy analysis of Eucalyptus grandis production in Hawaii
Authors: Turn S. , Smith L. , Koch N. , Taniguchi S.
Published: July 2014

An energy analysis was performed on the Eucalyptus grandis production system practiced in Hawaii with a system boundary defined as the edge of the plantation. Mass and energy flows crossing this boundary were inventoried over a seven year production rotation and unit factors were applied to convert mass and energy flows to a common energy basis, MJ per hectare. Based on a seven year harvest rotation, energy equivalents of production inputs totaled 46.5 GJ ha−1. Energy used in harvesting, primarily diesel fuel, accounted for ∼70% of the total energy input to the system. Herbicide and nitrogen fertilizer contributed 16.9% and 7.1% of the total, respectively, and were the second and third largest input energy flow streams. E. grandis wood was the sole energy output from the system and averaged 290 GJ ha−1 yr−1 at the Hamakua plantation site. The total wood energy harvested from the system was estimated at 2.0 TJ ha−1. The input and output energy flows were used to calculate energy ratios for lower altitude and higher altitude plantation sites of 43.7 and 40.8 units of wood energy produced per unit of fossil energy input, respectively. Methods that will be used to harvest plantation E. grandis in Hawaii are currently not well established. Equipment selection, machine productivity (ha harvested h−1), and fuel consumption rates are important factors in the input energy total. Replacing assumptions with data from actual practice will reduce uncertainty and potentially improve energy ratio values.
Optical density of states in ultradilute GaAsN alloy: Coexistence of free excitons and impurity band of localized and delocalized states
Authors: Bhuyan Sumi , Das Sanat K. , Dhar Sunanda , Pal Bipul , Bansal Bhavtosh
Published: July 2014

Optically active states in liquid phase epitaxy-grown ultra-dilute GaAsN are studied. The feature-rich low temperature photoluminescence spectrum has contributions from excitonic band states of the GaAsN alloy, and two types of defect states—localized and extended. The degree of delocalization for extended states both within the conduction and defect bands, characterized by the electron temperature, is found to be similar. The degree of localization in the defect band is analyzed by the strength of the phonon replicas. Stronger emission from these localized states is attributed to their giant oscillator strength.
Metal-insulator-metal capacitor using electrosprayed nanoparticles
Authors: Véliz Bremnen , Bermejo Sandra , Coll Arnau , Castañer Luis
Published: July 2014

An electrospray technique has been used to deposit SiO2 nanoparticles as insulator layer of a metal-insulator-metal device. Impedance spectroscopy measurements show that a 4.4 factor increase in capacitance is achieved compared to a continuous dielectric layer of the same permittivity and dimensions.
Nature of the narrow optical band in H*-aggregates: Dozy-chaos–exciton coupling
Authors: Egorov Vladimir V.
Published: July 2014

Dozy chaos emerges as a combined effect of the collective chaotic motion of electrons and nuclei, and their chaotic electromagnetic interactions in the transient state of molecules experiencing quantum transitions. Following earlier discussions of the well-known Brönsted relations for proton-transfer reactions; the temperature-dependent electron transfer in Langmuir–Blodgett films; the shape of the optical bands of polymethine dye monomers, their dimers, and J-aggregates, this paper reports one more application of the dozy-chaos theory of molecular quantum transitions. The qualitative and quantitative explanations for shape of a narrow and blue-shifted optical absorption band in H*-aggregates is given on the basis of the dozy-chaos theory by taking into account the dozy-chaos–exciton coupling effect. It is emphasized that in the H*-aggregate chromophore (dimer of cyclic bis-thiacarbocyanines) there is a competition between two Frenkel exciton transitions through the chaotic reorganization motion of nuclear environment. As a result, the highly organized quantum transition to the upper exciton state becomes an exciton-induced source of dozy chaos for the low organized transition to the lower exciton state. This manifests itself in appearing the narrow peak and broad wing in the optical spectrum pattern of H*-aggregates. A similar enhancement in the H*-effect caused by the strengthening of the exciton coupling in H*-dimers, which could be achieved by synthesizing tertiary and quarternary thiacarbocyanine monomers, is predicted.
Electro-optic response of polymer-stabilized blue phase liquid crystals
Authors: Xu Daming , Yan Jing , Yuan Jiamin , Peng Fenglin , Chen Yuan , Wu Shin-Tson
Published: July 2014

The dynamic response of a polymer-stabilized blue phase liquid crystal (BPLC) is comprised of two distinct processes: Kerr effect-induced local reorientation and electrostriction-induced lattice distortion. A double exponential rise/decay model is proposed to analyze the underlying physical mechanisms. If the electric field is below a critical field (Ec), Kerr effect dominates and the response time is fast. However, when E > Ec electrostriction effect manifests, leading to an increased response time and a noticeable hysteresis. A higher polymer concentration helps suppress electrostriction, but the tradeoff is increased operation voltage. These results provide useful guidelines for future BPLC material and device optimizations.
Mass to height relationships in annual pastures and prediction of sheep growth rates
Authors: Robertson S. M.
Published: July 2014

The relationship between pasture height and mass influences the availability of pasture for grazing, and is important for predicting intake of pasture and liveweight change by sheep. The relationship between pasture mass and structure and sheep production is poorly defined for low-mass, clumpy pastures in low-rainfall regions. Between 2001 and 2004, 480 quadrats of pastures were measured in 23 paddocks throughout the Victorian Mallee. Pasture height was related to live mass for medic (linear; r2 = 0.70; P < 0.001) and grassy medic (asymptotic; r2 = 0.64; P < 0.001) pastures, and prediction of grassy medic pasture height was improved by inclusion of proportion live groundcover. During 2004, pasture dry matter accumulation and liveweight changes in sheep grazing annual pastures were measured and compared with predicted outputs from GrazFeed, a software model used to estimate feed intake and liveweight change in sheep. Improved predictions of liveweight gain in grazing sheep were obtained using measured height rather than the GrazFeed default height. The results show that the height to mass relationship of annual pastures in the Victorian Mallee differs between pasture types, between years, and may differ from other published relationships. This study provides information that may assist in the development of models of grazing systems.
Rumen degradation characteristics of ryegrass herbage and ryegrass silage are affected by interactions between stage of maturity and nitrogen fertilisation rate
Authors: Heeren J. A. H. , Podesta S. C. , Hatew B. , Klop G. , van Laar H. , Bannink A. , Warner D. , de Jonge L. H. , Dijkstra J.
Published: July 2014

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate interaction effects between stage of maturity and nitrogen (N) fertilisation rate on rumen degradation characteristics determined with nylon bag incubations of ryegrass herbages and ryegrass silage. Grass herbage (n = 4) was cut after 3 or 5 weeks of regrowth and received a low (20 kg N/ha) or a high (90 kg N/ha) fertilisation rate. Grass silage (n = 6) received a low (65 kg N/ha) or high (150 kg N/ha) fertilisation rate and was harvested at early (~2000 kg DM/ha), mid (harvested 13 days later), or late (harvested 34 days later) maturity stage and ensiled in big bales. All grasses were incubated in the rumen of three lactating rumen-cannulated Holstein Friesian cows. Rumen degradation characteristics of organic matter (OM), N and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and the extent of effective degradation (ED) were evaluated. In grass herbage, NDF content varied between 390 and 454 g/kg DM and N content between 12.1 and 25.8 g/kg DM. In grass silage, NDF content varied between 438 and 593 g/kg DM and N content between 13.4 and 34.8 g/kg DM. In general, rumen degradation of grass herbage and grass silage decreased with increased maturity, and increased with increased fertilisation rate. Significant interaction between maturity and fertilisation rate was observed for ED of OM, N and NDF, except for ED of N in grass herbage. These results indicate that the effect of the rate of N fertilisation on degradation of nutrients in the rumen of dairy cattle and on nutritional value depends on the grass maturity stage.
Storage stability of raw chevon chunks packaged in composite, bioactive films at refrigeration temperature
Authors: Chatli Manish Kumar , Kaura Surabhi , Jairath Mohan , Mehta Nitin , Kumar Pavan , Sahoo Jhari
Published: July 2014

Storage stability of raw chevon (goat meat) chunks wrapped in preformed, bioactive, biodegradable films based on composite starch–chitosan and impregnated with nisin (60 000 IU/g; T-1) and cinnamaldehyde (0.5% v/v; T-2) was evaluated relative to unwrapped product (control) under aerobic refrigeration (4°C ± 1°C) conditions for 10 days. Samples were taken on Days 1, 4, 7 and 10 to assess various physicochemical, microbiological and sensory quality parameters. Water activity and pH of raw chevon chunks followed a decreasing trend during storage under all packaging conditions; the rate of decrease of water activity was higher (P < 0.05) in the control than in bio-packaged products. Values of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances increased throughout storage and were lowest in T-2 and highest in the control. Extract release volume decreased throughout storage under all packaging conditions; however, it was higher (P < 0.05) in bio-packaged products than the control. Microbial quality was better in bio-packaged products than the control throughout storage. Standard plate count was 2.09 log10 cycles lower in T-2 than the control, and coliform count was lower by log10 2.31 cfu/g in T-2 and log10 1.88 in T-1 than the control on Day 7 of storage. Staphylococcus counts were lower (P < 0.05) in bioactive-packaged products than the control throughout the storage period. Sensory quality attributes colour, odour, texture and overall acceptability were better maintained in bio-packaged products than the control during storage, and maximum scores were awarded to T-2. The results indicate that starch–chitosan composite films impregnated with cinnamaldehyde can be used for the packaging of raw goat meat and successfully extend storage life by inhibiting the colour, oxidative and microbial deteriorative changes under refrigeration.
Effects of restricted time allocation to pasture on feeding behaviour, intake and milk production of dairy sheep rotationally grazing Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam) in spring
Authors: Molle G. , Decandia M. , Giovanetti V. , Manca C. , Acciaro M. , Epifani G. , Salis L. , Cabiddu A. , Sitzia M. , Cannas A.
Published: July 2014

The effects of restricted time allocation (2, 4 or 6 h/day) to pasture and grazing day (Day 1, initial; Day 4, intermediate; Day 7, final) on feeding behaviour, intake and performance were assessed in Sarda dairy ewes, rotationally grazing Italian ryegrass plots for 7 days, with 21 days of regrowth. A randomised block design with two replicates per access time was used with six groups of six ewes each. The ewes were supplemented daily with 400 g/head of a commercial concentrate at milking, 300 g/head of lupin after grazing and 700 g/head of ryegrass hay overnight. Pasture variables, feeding behaviour, herbage and supplement DM intake, and milk yield and composition were measured on 12 days (4 per target grazing day). Plot average data were analysed by a bifactorial model with interaction, which was not significant. Sward height and herbage mass decreased between Day 1 and Day 4 (P < 0.05). Leaf area index dropped from Day 1 to Day 7 (P < 0.05). Eating time, as proportion of access time, and intake rate were higher in 2 h/day groups than in the others (P < 0.05). Nevertheless, herbage and total intake were higher in 6 h/day than in 2 h/day groups, being 4 h/day groups intermediate (P < 0.05). Herbage intake decreased with grazing period (P < 0.05). Fat normalised milk yield was higher in 6 h/day groups than in the others (P < 0.05) and in Day 1 and Day 4 than in Day 7 (P < 0.05). To conclude, time restriction below 6 h/day and pasture depletion, in terms of herbage quality, constrained intake and performance of rotationally grazing dairy ewes.
Influencing the future: interactions of skeleton, energy, protein and calcium during late gestation and early lactation
Authors: Lean Ian J. , DeGaris Peter J. , Celi Pietro , McNeill David M. , Rodney Rachael M. , Fraser David R.
Published: July 2014

Marked improvements in milk production, health and reproduction have resulted from manipulations of the pre-calving diet. An understanding of the underlying physiological changes resulting from manipulation of late gestational diets is needed in order to refine and enhance these responses. The physiology of late gestation and early lactation of the dairy cow is examined in the context of exploring the hypothesis that changes in physiology occur not only through homeostatic, but also homeorhetic change. Studies in mice and man have identified a pivotal role for skeleton, particularly through production of active forms of osteocalcin, in integrating energy metabolism. Skeleton appears to particularly influence lipid metabolism and vice versa. Further insights into the factors influencing skeletal function and calcium (Ca) metabolism are emerging, including the potential for negative dietary cation anion difference (DCAD) diets to upregulate the responses of the skeleton in metabolism through increased bone mobilisation and in enhancing responses to parathyroid hormone. The rumen appears to be an important site of absorption of Ca, but physiological mechanisms influencing this uptake are not clear. We provide quantitative evidence of the magnitude of responses that reflect relationships linking Ca metabolism, skeleton and production, using meta-analytic methods. Negative DCAD diets increase milk production in multiparous cattle, but not in heifers. Further, examination of concentrations of metabolites related to energy metabolism obtained from cattle exposed to a negative DCAD diet over calving identified a dominant role for Ca concentrations, which were associated with blood-free fatty acids (NEFA), blood 3-hydroxybutyrate, glucose and cholesterol. These relationships were homeostatic, occurring on the same day, but also homeorhetic with concentrations of Ca and NEFA being significantly associated over 21 days. The findings in cattle are consistent with those in the murine models. However, Ca and the skeleton are not the only significant factors in the transition period influencing future performance as hormonal treatments, metabolic demands and sex of the conceptus, and inflammation and the factors controlling this play a role in future performance. Homeorhetic, longer-term, adaptive responses are critical to achieving orchestrated longer-term adaptive responses to calving and lactation. We consider that the teleological question ‘why would a bone-specific hormone (osteocalcin) regulate energy metabolism?’ is answered by the specific needs for integrated metabolism to address the extreme metabolic demands of lactation in many species.
Health and social correlates of Internet use for diabetes information: findings from Australia’s Living with Diabetes Study
Authors: Lui Chi-Wai , Coll Joseph R. , Donald Maria , Dower Jo , Boyle Frances M.
Published: July 2014

This study investigated the relationship between online information seeking and a broad range of health and social characteristics among a large sample of Australian adults with type 2 diabetes. One in four participants used the Internet for diabetes-related purposes and Internet searching was associated with high patient activation, poor metabolic control, signs of peripheral nerve damage, a recent diagnosis of diabetes and poorer patient-assessed coordination of care. No relationship was found between Internet use and treatment complexity and the presence of comorbid conditions. The findings underline the importance of providing better online health resources and support to diabetes patients, and of targeting potential intervention points where services and information may be particularly beneficial.
Challenges and potential barriers to the uptake of antiretroviral-based prevention in Asia and the Pacific region
Authors: Lo Ying-Ru , Kato Masaya , Phanuphak Nittaya , Fujita Masami , Duc Duong Bui , Sopheap Seng , Pendse Razia , Yu Dongbao , Wu Zunyou , Chariyalertsak Suwat
Published: July 2014

Evidence has emerged over the past few years on the effectiveness of antiretroviral-based prevention technologies to prevent (i) HIV transmission while decreasing morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected persons, and (ii) HIV acquisition in HIV-uninfected individuals through pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Only few of the planned studies on treatment as prevention (TasP) are conducted in Asia. TasP might be more feasible and effective in concentrated rather than in generalised epidemics, as resources for HIV testing and antiretroviral treatment could focus on confined and much smaller populations than in the generalised epidemics observed in sub-Saharan Africa. Several countries such as Cambodia, China, Thailand and Vietnam, are now paving the way to success. Similar challenges arise for both TasP and PrEP. However, the operational issues for PrEP are amplified by the need for frequent retesting and ensuring adherence. This paper describes challenges for the implementation of antiretroviral-based prevention and makes the case that TasP and PrEP implementation research in Asia is much needed to provide insights into the feasibility of these interventions in populations where firm evidence of ‘real world’ effectiveness is still lacking.
Tumor suppressor p53 cooperates with SIRT6 to regulate gluconeogenesis by promoting FoxO1 nuclear exclusion
Authors: Zhang Ping , Tu Bo , Wang Hua , Cao Ziyang , Tang Ming , Zhang Chaohua , Gu Bo , Li Zhiming , Wang Lina , Yang Yang , Zhao Ying , Wang Haiying , Luo Jianyuan , Deng Chu-Xia , Gao Bin , Roeder Robert G. , Zhu Wei-Guo
Published: July 2014

Significance

Beyond its canonical functions in processes such as cell-cycle arrest, apoptosis, and senescence, the tumor suppressor p53 has been increasingly implicated in metabolism. Here, in vitro and in vivo studies establish a role for p53 in gluconeogenesis through a previously unidentified mechanism involving (i) direct activation of the gene encoding the NAD-dependent deacetylase sirtuin 6 (SIRT6), (ii) SIRT6-dependent deacetylation and nuclear exclusion of forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1), and (iii) down-regulation of FoxO1-activated genes (G6PC and PCK1) that are rate-limiting for gluconeogenesis. These results have implications for proposed tumor-suppressor functions of p53 through regulation of metabolic pathways.
Involvement of hydrophobic amino acid residues in C7–C8 loop of Aspergillus oryzae hydrophobin RolA in hydrophobic interaction between RolA and a polyester
Authors: Tanaka Takumi , Tanabe Hiroki , Uehara Kenji , Takahashi Toru , Abe Keietsu
Published: July 2014

Hydrophobins are amphipathic secretory proteins with eight conserved cysteine residues and are ubiquitous among filamentous fungi. The Cys3–Cys4 and Cys7–Cys8 loops of hydrophobins are thought to form hydrophobic segments involved in adsorption of hydrophobins on hydrophobic surfaces. When the fungus Aspergillus oryzae is grown in a liquid medium containing the polyester polybutylene succinate-co-adipate (PBSA), A. oryzae produces hydrophobin RolA, which attaches to PBSA. Here, we analyzed the kinetics of RolA adsorption on PBSA by using a PBSA pull-down assay and a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) with PBSA-coated electrodes. We constructed RolA mutants in which hydrophobic amino acids in the two loops were replaced with serine, and we examined the kinetics of mutant adsorption on PBSA. QCM analysis revealed that mutants with replacements in the Cys7–Cys8 loop had lower affinity than wild-type RolA for PBSA, suggesting that this loop is involved in RolA adsorption on PBSA.
Prophylactic effect of the oral administration of transgenic rice seeds containing altered peptide ligands of type II collagen on rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Iizuka Mana , Wakasa Yuhya , Tsuboi Hiroto , Asashima Hiromitsu , Hirota Tomoya , Kondo Yuya , Matsumoto Isao , Sumida Takayuki , Takaiwa Fumio
Published: July 2014

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease associated with the recognition of self proteins secluded in arthritic joints. We generated transgenic rice seeds expressing three types of altered peptide ligands (APL) and the T cell epitope of type II collagen (CII256–271). When these transgenic rice and non-transgenic rice seeds were orally administrated to DBA/1 J mice once a day for 14 days, followed by immunization with CII, the clinical score of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) was reduced and inflammation and erosion in the joints were prevented in mice fed APL7 transgenic rice only. IL-10 production against the CII antigen significantly increased in the splenocytes and iLN of CIA mice immunized with the CII antigen, whereas IFN-γ, IL-17, and IL-2 levels were not altered. These results suggest that IL-10-mediated immune suppression is involved in the prophylactic effects caused by transgenic rice expressing APL7.
Chinese policy on the Arab–Israeli conflict: constant determinants and variables
Authors: Muhammad Alaa Abd el-Hafeez
Published: July 2014

Chinese foreign policy towards the Middle East is undergoing geopolitical and geostrategic transformation. In spite of the fact that there are constant determinants in China’s policy toward the Middle East and its major issues such as the Arab-Israeli conflict, new rules are being applied with regard to Chinese relations with the major powers that have interests in the region. This is understood to be a fundamental development and major change in determining the future and balance of power in the region, and perhaps in the world order. This study uses a ‘national interest’ approach to clarify the strategy that China has pursued in protecting its national interests in the Middle East, and in particular in the wake of the political developments that the region has been undergoing since 2010. The study gives a background history of Chinese foreign policy on the Arab–Israeli conflict, the recent changes in Chinese foreign policy regarding the Arab–Israeli conflict and the expected future of Chinese foreign policy on the Arab–Israeli conflict. Finally the study gives recommendations pertaining to Arab–Chinese relations.
DIPA-family coiled-coils bind conserved isoform-specific head domain of p120-catenin family: potential roles in hydrocephalus and heterotopia
Authors: Markham Nicholas O. , Doll Caleb A. , Dohn Michael R. , Miller Rachel K. , Yu Huapeng , Coffey Robert J. , McCrea Pierre D. , Gamse Joshua T. , Reynolds Albert B.
Published: July 2014

p120-catenin (p120) modulates adherens junction (AJ) dynamics by controlling the stability of classical cadherins. Among all p120 isoforms, p120-3A and p120-1A are the most prevalent. Both stabilize cadherins, but p120-3A is preferred in epithelia, whereas p120-1A takes precedence in neurons, fibroblasts, and macrophages. During epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, E- to N-cadherin switching coincides with p120-3A to -1A alternative splicing. These isoforms differ by a 101–amino acid “head domain” comprising the p120-1A N-terminus. Although its exact role is unknown, the head domain likely mediates developmental and cancer-associated events linked to p120-1A expression (e.g., motility, invasion, metastasis). Here we identified delta-interacting protein A (DIPA) as the first head domain–specific binding partner and candidate mediator of isoform 1A activity. DIPA colocalizes with AJs in a p120-1A- but not 3A-dependent manner. Moreover, all DIPA family members (Ccdc85a, Ccdc85b/DIPA, and Ccdc85c) interact reciprocally with p120 family members (p120, δ-catenin, p0071, and ARVCF), suggesting significant functional overlap. During zebrafish neural tube development, both knockdown and overexpression of DIPA phenocopy N-cadherin mutations, an effect bearing functional ties to a reported mouse hydrocephalus phenotype associated with Ccdc85c. These studies identify a novel, highly conserved interaction between two protein families that may participate either individually or collectively in N-cadherin–mediated development.
Patient Involvement in Patient Safety: A Qualitative Study of Nursing Staff and Patient Perceptions
Authors: Bishop Andrea C. , Macdonald Marilyn
Published: July 2014

Objectives

The risk associated with receiving health care has called for an increased focus on the role of patients in helping to improve safety. Recent research has highlighted that patient involvement in patient safety practices may be influenced by patient perceptions of patient safety practices and the perceptions of their health care providers. The objective of this research was to describe patient involvement in patient safety practices by exploring patient and nursing staff perceptions of safety.

Methods

Qualitative focus groups were conducted with a convenience sample of nursing staff and patients who had previously completed a patient safety survey in 2 tertiary hospital sites in Eastern Canada. Six focus groups (June 2011 to January 2012) were conducted and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.

Findings

Four themes were identified: (1) wanting control, (2) feeling connected, (3) encountering roadblocks, and (4) sharing responsibility for safety. Both patient and nursing staff participants highlighted the importance of building a personal connection as a precursor to ensuring that patients are involved in their care and safety. However, perceptions of provider stress and nursing staff workload often reduced the ability of the nursing staff and patient participants to connect with one another and promote involvement.

Conclusions

Current strategies aimed at increasing patient awareness of patient safety may not be enough. The findings suggest that providing the context for interaction to occur between nursing staff and patients as well as targeted interventions aimed at increasing patient control may be needed to ensure patient involvement in patient safety.
Nuclear functions of prefoldin
Authors: Millán-Zambrano Gonzalo , Chávez Sebastián
Published: July 2014

Prefoldin is a cochaperone, present in all eukaryotes, that cooperates with the chaperonin CCT. It is known mainly for its functional relevance in the cytoplasmic folding of actin and tubulin monomers during cytoskeleton assembly. However, both canonical and prefoldin-like subunits of this heterohexameric complex have also been found in the nucleus, and are functionally connected with nuclear processes in yeast and metazoa. Plant prefoldin has also been detected in the nucleus and physically associated with a gene regulator. In this review, we summarize the information available on the involvement of prefoldin in nuclear phenomena, place special emphasis on gene transcription, and discuss the possibility of a global coordination between gene regulation and cytoplasmic dynamics mediated by prefoldin.