bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Layering Theatre’s Potential for Change: Drama, Education, and Community in Aboriginal Health Research
Authors: Linds Warren , Ritenburg Heather , Goulet Linda , Episkenew Jo-Ann , Schmidt Karen , Ribeiro Nuno , Whiteman Allison
Published: April 2013

In this article, we provide a short history of a research project that works in partnership with the File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council Health Services in southern Saskatchewan that engages Indigenous youth through theatre to explore health issues that affect their lives and their communities. Using applied theatre and other arts-based approaches, we co-create spaces in which youth can critically examine the choices they make that affect their health. We explain why we chose theatre as a research method and describe how we adapted theatre workshop methods to respond to the needs of the Indigenous youth participants. Finally, we discuss challenges and limitations of this kind of work.
Saskatchewan Radio Audio Drama
Authors: McWilliams Ian
Published: April 2013

CBC Saskatchewan has a prolific producer of Saskatchewan radio drama. But CBC’s national elimination of radio drama has resulted in the loss of this venue for Saskatchewan artists to engage audiences within the province, as well as on a national and global scale. But does this loss of a terrestrial broadcaster mean a loss of Saskatchewan audio drama? Technological advances allow for greater access to the production and distribution of audio drama. Socio-technical advances are producing online consumers with (a) the expectation of absolute choice in both media and time of consumption of audible products; and (b) an increasing acceptance of the need to contribute to, or directly support, artistic consumables online. Is Saskatchewan’s audio drama to shift from airwaves to the Internet? Is this a viable option for both artists and audience? What is the future space for “Theatre of the Mind” in Saskatchewan?
Multivariate analysis in onion (Allium cepa L.)
Authors: Rashid MH , Islam AKMA , Mian MAK , Hossain T , Kabir ME
Published: April 2013

Thirty genotypes collected from India, Burma, and Bangladesh were studied for thier genetic divergence using Mahalanobi´s D2 and Rao´s canonical analysis. Altogether five clusters were formed. The pattern of distribution of genotypes into five clusters was random demonstrating that the geographical isolation might not be the only factor causing genetic diversity. Leaf length and sulfur content contributed predominantly towards genetic divergence. Cluster III recorded the highest means for number of leaves per plant, leaf length, bulb length, plant height, and bulb yield. The results obtained from D2 analysis were confirmed by canonical analysis. The genotype G12 showed highest mean performance for moisture content (88.49%), G13 for leaf length (39.06 cm), G15 for neck diameter at vegetative stage (11.21 mm), bulb length (49.09 mm), plant height (64.82 cm) and as well as bulb yield (13.17 t/ha), G19 for percent sulfur content (0.84) and G26 for number of leaves per plant (12), respectively. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v37i4.14375 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 37(4): 573-582, December 2012
Effects of nitrogen and potassium on growth and yield of gladiolus corms
Authors: Khan FN , Rahman MM , Karim AJMS , Hossain KM
Published: April 2013

A study was conducted at the Floriculture Research Field of Horticulture Research Centre of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) during the period from November 2006 to May 2008 to determine the optimum rate of N and K for better growth and yield of corm and cormel of gladiolus. The treatment combination N150 K200 kg/ha produced the longest plant (42.1 cm), the broadest leaf (1.93 cm), the maximum percentage of spikes (88.1%), and corm (97.6%), the heaviest and the largest corm (19.5 g and 4.11 cm, respectively), cent percent flowering sized corm, and the highest corm number and cormel yield (1,20,000 and 1.66 t/ha, respectively). The corm produced from this treatment combination also showed better performances in the next year in respect of plant emergence (100%), florets/spike (13.1), spike and rachis length (82.2 cm and 45.4 cm, respectively), flower stick weight (57.1 g) and percentage of flower sticks (113%). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v37i4.14385 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 37(4): 607-616, December 2012
Influence of sulphur on morpho-physiological and yield parameters of rapeseed (Brassica campestris L.)
Authors: Begum Ferdousi , Hossain Feroza , Mondal Md Rafiqul Islam
Published: April 2013

Field experiments were conducted at the Central Research Station of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Joydebpur, Gazipur during the period from November to February in 2004-05 and 2005-06 to evaluate the effect of different levels of sulphur (0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 kg/ha) on rapeseed variety BARI Sarisha-15. Results showed that the most of the growth parameters and yield attributes were significantly influenced by different doses of sulphur. The growth parameters, yield and yield contributing characters were increased with the increasing levels of sulphur fertilizer up to 60 kg S/ha and with the doses beyond that were found to decrease. All growth parameters like plant height, leaf area, dry matter accumulation, leaf area index, crop growth rate, net assimilation rate, and relative growth rate and all yield components, such as number of siliquae per plant, seeds per siliqua, 1000-seed weight and seed yield per plant were found maximum from the treatment with 60 kg S/ha, which was at par with 80 kg S/ha. The highest seed yield (1990 and 1896 kg/ha) were found when S was used @ 60 kg/ha. The same treatment gave 24.71 % and 24.32 % higher seed yield than the control treatment, which were statistically identical with dose at 80 kg /ha of sulphur in both the years. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v37i4.14389 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 37(4): 645-652, December 2012
Use of tricho-compost and tricho-leachate for management of soil-borne pathogens and production of healthy cabbage seedlings
Authors: Nahar MS , Rahman MA , Kibria MG , Karim ANM Rezaul , Miller SA
Published: April 2013

Tricho-compost, a Trichoderma based compost fertilizer, was developed by mixing a definite concentration of spore suspension of a Trichoderma harzianum strain with measured amounts of processed raw materials, such as cowdung, poultry refuse, water hyacinth, vegetable wastes, sawdust, maize bran, and molasses. Tricho-leachate, a liquid by-product of the Tricho-compost, was obtained during decomposition of Tricho-compost materials. These bioproducts were tested both in the laboratory and in seedbed nurseries to evaluate their effectiveness against soil-borne pathogens for growing cabbage seedlings. Application of Tricho-compost and Tricho-leachate reduced the seedling mortalities of cabbage caused by Sclerotium rolfsii by about 98%. In laboratory tests, Trichoderma harzianum, after re-isolation from Tricho-compost and tricho-leachate, was also found to be highly effective to arrest the growth of S. rolfsii. T. harzianum destroyed the radial growth of S. rolfsii mycelium by 59.7% after five days, and effected total destruction of the mycelium in 10 days. In seedbed nurseries, soil applications of Tricho-compost and Tricho-leachate significantly increased the seedling germination rate and reduced the incidence of soil-borne diseases and infestation of root-knot nematodes. Field experiment showed that combined application of Tricho-compost and Tricho-leachate reduced the seedling mortalities by 40.9% to 64.5% in Gazipur and 53.3% to 62.1% in Bogra. Application of Tricho-leachate at 500 ml per sq. metre increased plant weight by about 55.6%, and reduced the seedling mortality by about 84.0% in Gazipur. Seedbed nurseries treated with Tricho-compost and Tricho-leachate had only Pythium spp as a soil-borne pathogen, whereas the control plot had as many as four soil-borne pathogens -Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Sclerotium and Fusarium spp. Use of richo-compost and Tricho-leachate also reduced the infestation of root-knot nematode by about 80.7% to 91.0%. The results clearly showed that use of Tricho-compost and Tricho-leachate is highly effective for production of healthy cabbage seedlings. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v37i4.14390 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 37(4): 653-664, December 2012
Enforcing Security Mechanisms in the IP-Based Internet of Things: An Algorithmic Overview
Authors: Cirani Simone , Ferrari Gianluigi , Veltri Luca
Published: April 2013

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the Internet-like structure of billions of interconnected constrained devices, denoted as “smart objects”. Smart objects have limited capabilities, in terms of computational power and memory, and might be battery-powered devices, thus raising the need to adopt particularly energy efficient technologies. Among the most notable challenges that building interconnected smart objects brings about, there are standardization and interoperability. The use of IP has been foreseen as the standard for interoperability for smart objects. As billions of smart objects are expected to come to life and IPv4 addresses have eventually reached depletion, IPv6 has been identified as a candidate for smart-object communication. The deployment of the IoT raises many security issues coming from (i) the very nature of smart objects, e.g., the adoption of lightweight cryptographic algorithms, in terms of processing and memory requirements; and (ii) the use of standard protocols, e.g., the need to minimize the amount of data exchanged between nodes. This paper provides a detailed overview of the security challenges related to the deployment of smart objects. Security protocols at network, transport, and application layers are discussed, together with lightweight cryptographic algorithms proposed to be used instead of conventional and demanding ones, in terms of computational resources. Security aspects, such as key distribution and security bootstrapping, and application scenarios, such as secure data aggregation and service authorization, are also discussed.
Sample Size Requirements for Assessing Statistical Moments of Simulated Crop Yield Distributions
Authors: Lehmann Niklaus , Finger Robert , Klein Tommy , Calanca Pierluigi
Published: April 2013

Mechanistic crop growth models are becoming increasingly important in agricultural research and are extensively used in climate change impact assessments. In such studies, statistics of crop yields are usually evaluated without the explicit consideration of sample size requirements. The purpose of this paper was to identify minimum sample sizes for the estimation of average, standard deviation and skewness of maize and winterwheat yields based on simulations carried out under a range of climate and soil conditions. Our results indicate that 15 years of simulated crop yields are sufficient to estimate average crop yields with a relative error of less than 10% at 95% confidence. Regarding standard deviation and skewness, sample size requirements depend on the degree of symmetry of the underlying population’s distribution. For symmetric distributions, samples of 200 and 1500 yield observations are needed to estimate the crop yields’ standard deviation and skewness coefficient, respectively. Higher degrees of asymmetry increase the sample size requirements relative to the estimation of the standard deviation, while at the same time the sample size requirements relative to the skewness coefficient are decreased.
A Review of the Role of Amphiphiles in Biomass to Ethanol Conversion
Authors: Eckard Anahita , Muthukumarappan Kasiviswanathan , Gibbons William
Published: April 2013

One of the concerns for economical production of ethanol from biomass is the large volume and high cost of the cellulolytic enzymes used to convert biomass into fermentable sugars. The presence of acetyl groups in hemicellulose and lignin in plant cell walls reduces accessibility of biomass to the enzymes and makes conversion a slow process. In addition to low enzyme accessibility, a rapid deactivation of cellulases during biomass hydrolysis can be another factor contributing to the low sugar recovery. As of now, the economical reduction in lignin content of the biomass is considered a bottleneck, and raises issues for several reasons. The presence of lignin in biomass reduces the swelling of cellulose fibrils and accessibility of enzyme to carbohydrate polymers. It also causes an irreversible adsorption of the cellulolytic enzymes that prevents effective enzyme activity and recycling. Amphiphiles, such as surfactants and proteins have been found to improve enzyme activity by several mechanisms of action that are not yet fully understood. Reduction in irreversible adsorption of enzyme to non-specific sites, reduction in viscosity of liquid and surface tension and consequently reduced contact of enzyme with air-liquid interface, and modifications in biomass chemical structure are some of the benefits derived from surface active molecules. Application of some of these amphiphiles could potentially reduce the capital and operating costs of bioethanol production by reducing fermentation time and the amount of enzyme used for saccharification of biomass. In this review article, the benefit of applying amphiphiles at various stages of ethanol production (i.e., pretreatment, hydrolysis and hydrolysis-fermentation) is reviewed and the proposed mechanisms of actions are described.
Experimental Study Related to the Mooring Design for the 1.5 MW Wave Dragon WEC Demonstrator at DanWEC
Authors: Parmeggiani Stefano , Kofoed Jens , Friis-Madsen Erik
Published: April 2013

The paper presents the results of an experimental study identifying the response of a 1.5 MW Wave Dragon to extreme conditions typical of the DanWEC test center. The best strategies allowing for a reduction in the extreme mooring tension have also been investigated, showing that this is possible by increasing the surge natural period of the system. The most efficient strategy in doing this is to provide the mooring system with a large horizontal compliance (typically in the order of 100 s), which shall be therefore assumed as design configuration. If this is not possible, it can also be partly achieved by lowering the floating level to a minimum (survivability mode) and by adopting a negative trim position. The adoption of the design configuration would determine in a 100-year storm extreme mooring tensions in the order of 0.9 MN, 65% lower than the worst case experienced in the worst case configuration. At the same time it would lead to a reduction in the extreme motion response, resulting in heave and pitch oscillation heights of 7 m and 19° and surge excursion of 12 m. Future work will numerically identify mooring configurations that could provide the desired compliance.
Peripheral Reproductive Organ Health and Melatonin: Ready for Prime Time
Authors: Reiter Russel , Rosales-Corral Sergio , Manchester Lucien , Tan Dun-Xian
Published: April 2013

Melatonin has a wide variety of beneficial actions at the level of the gonads and their adnexa. Some actions are mediated via its classic membrane melatonin receptors while others seem to be receptor-independent. This review summarizes many of the published reports which confirm that melatonin, which is produced in the ovary, aids in advancing follicular maturation and preserving the integrity of the ovum prior to and at the time of ovulation. Likewise, when ova are collected for in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer, treating them with melatonin improves implantation and pregnancy rates. Melatonin synthesis as well as its receptors have also been identified in the placenta. In this organ, melatonin seems to be of particular importance for the maintenance of the optimal turnover of cells in the villous trophoblast via its ability to regulate apoptosis. For male gametes, melatonin has also proven useful in protecting them from oxidative damage and preserving their viability. Incubation of ejaculated animal sperm improves their motility and prolongs their viability. For human sperm as well, melatonin is also a valuable agent for protecting them from free radical damage. In general, the direct actions of melatonin on the gonads and adnexa of mammals indicate it is an important agent for maintaining optimal reproductive physiology.
Digoxin Downregulates NDRG1 and VEGF through the Inhibition of HIF-1α under Hypoxic Conditions in Human Lung Adenocarcinoma A549 Cells
Authors: Wei Dong , Peng Jing-Jing , Gao Hui , Li Hua , Li Dong , Tan Yong , Zhang Tao
Published: April 2013

Digoxin, an inhibitor of Na+/K+ ATPase, has been used in the treatment of heart-related diseases (such as congestive heart failure and atrial arrhythmia) for decades. Recently, it was reported that digoxin is also an effective HIF-1α inhibitor. We investigated whether digoxin could suppress tumor cell growth through HIF-1α in non-small cell lung cancer cells (A549 cells) under hypoxic conditions. An MTT assay was used to measure cell viability. RT-PCR and western blotting were performed to analyze the mRNA and protein expression of VEGF, NDRG1, and HIF-1α. HIF-1α nuclear translocation was then determined by EMSA. Digoxin was found to inhibit the proliferation of A549 cells under hypoxic conditions. Our results showed that hypoxia led to the upregulation of VEGF, NDRG1, and HIF-1α both at the mRNA and protein levels. We also found that the hypoxia-induced overexpression of VEGF, NDRG1, and HIF-1α was suppressed by digoxin in a concentration-dependent manner. As expected, our EMSA results demonstrated that under hypoxic conditions HIF-1α nuclear translocation was also markedly reduced by digoxin in a concentration-dependent manner. Our results suggest that digoxin downregulated hypoxia-induced overexpression of VEGF and NDRG1 at the transcriptional level probably through the inhibition of HIF-1α synthesis in A549 cells.
A Role for Protein Phosphatase 2A in Regulating p38 Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase Activation and Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Expression during Influenza Virus Infection
Authors: Law Anna , Tam Alex , Lee Davy , Lau Allan
Published: April 2013

Influenza viruses of avian origin continue to pose pandemic threats to human health. Some of the H5N1 and H9N2 virus subtypes induce markedly elevated cytokine levels when compared with the seasonal H1N1 virus. We previously showed that H5N1/97 hyperinduces tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha through p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK). However, the detailed mechanisms of p38MAPK activation and TNF-alpha hyperinduction following influenza virus infections are not known. Negative feedback regulations of cytokine expression play important roles in avoiding overwhelming production of proinflammatory cytokines. Here we hypothesize that protein phosphatases are involved in the regulation of cytokine expressions during influenza virus infection. We investigated the roles of protein phosphatases including MAPK phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) and protein phosphatase type 2A (PP2A) in modulating p38MAPK activation and downstream TNF-alpha expressions in primary human monocyte-derived macrophages (PBMac) infected with H9N2/G1 or H1N1 influenza virus. We demonstrate that H9N2/G1 virus activated p38MAPK and hyperinduced TNF-alpha production in PBMac when compared with H1N1 virus. H9N2/G1 induced PP2A activity in PBMac and, with the treatment of a PP2A inhibitor, p38MAPK phosphorylation and TNF-alpha production were further increased in the virus-infected macrophages. However, H9N2/G1 did not induce the expression of PP2A indicating that the activation of PP2A is not mediated by p38MAPK in virus-infected PBMac. On the other hand, PP2A may not be the targets of H9N2/G1 in the upstream of p38MAPK signaling pathways since H1N1 also induced PP2A activation in primary macrophages. Our results may provide new insights into the control of cytokine dysregulation.
Water Soluble Usnic Acid-Polyacrylamide Complexes with Enhanced Antimicrobial Activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis
Authors: Francolini Iolanda , Taresco Vincenzo , Crisante Fernanda , Martinelli Andrea , D'Ilario Lucio , Piozzi Antonella
Published: April 2013

Usnic acid, a potent antimicrobial and anticancer agent, poorly soluble in water, was complexed to novel antimicrobial polyacrylamides by establishment of strong acidic-base interactions. Thermal and spectroscopic analysis evidenced a molecular dispersion of the drug in the polymers and a complete drug/polymer miscibility for all the tested compositions. The polymer/drug complexes promptly dissolved in water and possessed a greater antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis than both the free drug and the polymer alone. The best results were obtained with the complex based on the lowest molecular weight polymer and containing a low drug content. Such a complex showed a larger inhibition zone of bacterial growth and a lower minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) with respect to usnic acid alone. This improved killing effect is presumably due to the reduced size of the complexes that allows an efficient cellular uptake of the antimicrobial complexes. The killing effect extent seems to be not significantly dependent on usnic acid content in the samples.
The Critical Role of Potassium in Plant Stress Response
Authors: Wang Min , Zheng Qingsong , Shen Qirong , Guo Shiwei
Published: April 2013

Agricultural production continues to be constrained by a number of biotic and abiotic factors that can reduce crop yield quantity and quality. Potassium (K) is an essential nutrient that affects most of the biochemical and physiological processes that influence plant growth and metabolism. It also contributes to the survival of plants exposed to various biotic and abiotic stresses. The following review focuses on the emerging role of K in defending against a number of biotic and abiotic stresses, including diseases, pests, drought, salinity, cold and frost and waterlogging. The availability of K and its effects on plant growth, anatomy, morphology and plant metabolism are discussed. The physiological and molecular mechanisms of K function in plant stress resistance are reviewed. This article also evaluates the potential for improving plant stress resistance by modifying K fertilizer inputs and highlights the future needs for research about the role of K in agriculture.
A Central Role for Thiols in Plant Tolerance to Abiotic Stress
Authors: Zagorchev Lyuben , Seal Charlotte , Kranner Ilse , Odjakova Mariela
Published: April 2013

Abiotic stress poses major problems to agriculture and increasing efforts are being made to understand plant stress response and tolerance mechanisms and to develop new tools that underpin successful agriculture. However, the molecular mechanisms of plant stress tolerance are not fully understood, and the data available is incomplete and sometimes contradictory. Here, we review the significance of protein and non-protein thiol compounds in relation to plant tolerance of abiotic stress. First, the roles of the amino acids cysteine and methionine, are discussed, followed by an extensive discussion of the low-molecular-weight tripeptide, thiol glutathione, which plays a central part in plant stress response and oxidative signalling and of glutathione-related enzymes, including those involved in the biosynthesis of non-protein thiol compounds. Special attention is given to the glutathione redox state, to phytochelatins and to the role of glutathione in the regulation of the cell cycle. The protein thiol section focuses on glutaredoxins and thioredoxins, proteins with oxidoreductase activity, which are involved in protein glutathionylation. The review concludes with a brief overview of and future perspectives for the involvement of plant thiols in abiotic stress tolerance.
Pushing the Limits of Electrical Detection of Ultralow Flows in Nanofluidic Channels
Authors: Mathwig Klaus , Lemay Serge
Published: April 2013

This paper presents improvements in flow detection by electrical cross-correlation spectroscopy. This new technique detects molecular number fluctuations of electrochemically active analyte molecules as they are transported by liquid flow through a nanochannel. The fluctuations are used as a marker of liquid flow as their time of flight in between two consecutive transducers is determined, thereby allowing for the measurement of liquid flow rates in the picoliter-per-minute regime. Here we show an enhanced record-low sensitivity below 1 pL/min by capitalizing on improved electrical instrumentation, an optimized sensor geometry and a smaller channel cross section. We further discuss the impact of sensor geometry on the cross-correlation functions.
Mineralogy and Trace Element Chemistry of Ferberite/Reinite from Tungsten Deposits in Central Rwanda
Authors: Goldmann Simon , Melcher Frank , Gäbler Hans-Eike , Dewaele Stijn , Clercq Friso , Muchez Philippe
Published: April 2013

Tungsten mineralization in hydrothermal quartz veins from the Nyakabingo,Gifurwe and Bugarama deposits in central Rwanda occurs as the iron-rich endmember ofthe wolframite solid solution series (ferberite) and in the particular form of reinite, whichrepresents a pseudomorph of ferberite after scheelite. Primary ferberite, reinite and latesecondary ferberite are characterized by their trace element chemistry and rare earthelement patterns. The replacement of scheelite by ferberite is also documented in the traceelement composition. Primary ferberite shows high Mg, Zn, Sc, V, Nb, In and Snconcentrations, but very low Ca, Pb, Sr and Ba contents. Reinite and late secondaryferberite display an uncommon trace element composition containing high concentrationsof Ca, Pb, Sr, Ba, As and Ga, but very low levels in Sn, Zr, Hf, In, Ti, Sc, Nb, Ta, Mg andZn. Late secondary ferberite replacing primary ferberite is characterized by additionalenrichments in Bi, Pb, As and Sb. The rare earth element patterns of reinite and secondaryferberite are also similar to hydrothermal scheelite. The formation of the tungsten depositsin central Rwanda is interpreted to be epigenetic in origin, and the hydrothermalmineralizing fluids are related to the intrusion of the G4-granites.
Use of Dietary Supplements in Patients Seeking Treatment at a Periodontal Clinic
Authors: Johnston Bryan , Fritz Peter , Ward Wendy
Published: April 2013

Dietary supplement use may modify the risk of periodontal disease but effects on wound healing after periodontal procedures are less clear. This study characterized dietary supplement use by male and female patients (n = 376) attending a periodontal clinic—information that is essential for evidence-based intervention studies that may improve patient outcomes after periodontal procedures. Calcium, vitamin D, multivitamin and vitamin C were most commonly used. A greater (p ≤ 0.05) number of males took no supplements compared to females, and more (p ≤ 0.05) females than males took ≥ four supplements. Females took more (p ≤ 0.05) calcium, vitamin D, fish oil, green tea, magnesium, omega 3,6,9 and B vitamin complex. Younger patients (31–50 years) had the highest (p ≤ 0.05) frequency of no supplement use compared to older age groups. Patients over age 50 had a higher (p ≤ 0.05) frequency of using ≥ four supplements including calcium and vitamin D. Supplement use was lower (p ≤ 0.05) in smokers, particularly for calcium, fish oil, green tea and vitamin D. In conclusion, females, older individuals and non-smokers have higher supplement use. Future dietary intervention studies can focus on supplements with known biological activities—anti-inflammatory, antioxidant or osteogenic activity—that may enhance wound healing after reconstructive periodontal procedures.
Regenerative Inflammation: Lessons from Drosophila Intestinal Epithelium in Health and Disease
Authors: Panayidou Stavria , Apidianakis Yiorgos
Published: April 2013

Intestinal inflammation is widely recognized as a pivotal player in health and disease. Defined cytologically as the infiltration of leukocytes in the lamina propria layer of the intestine, it can damage the epithelium and, on a chronic basis, induce inflammatory bowel disease and potentially cancer. The current view thus dictates that blood cell infiltration is the instigator of intestinal inflammation and tumor-promoting inflammation. This is based partially on work in humans and mice showing that intestinal damage during microbially mediated inflammation activates phagocytic cells and lymphocytes that secrete inflammatory signals promoting tissue damage and tumorigenesis. Nevertheless, extensive parallel work in the Drosophila midgut shows that intestinal epithelium damage induces inflammatory signals and growth factors acting mainly in a paracrine manner to induce intestinal stem cell proliferation and tumor formation when genetically predisposed. This is accomplished without any apparent need to involve Drosophila hemocytes. Therefore, recent work on Drosophila host defense to infection by expanding its main focus on systemic immunity signaling pathways to include the study of organ homeostasis in health and disease shapes a new notion that epithelially emanating cytokines and growth factors can directly act on the intestinal stem cell niche to promote “regenerative inflammation” and potentially cancer.
Dosimeter-Type NOx Sensing Properties of KMnO4 and Its Electrical Conductivity during Temperature Programmed Desorption
Authors: Groß Andrea , Kremling Michael , Marr Isabella , Kubinski David , Visser Jacobus , Tuller Harry , Moos Ralf
Published: April 2013

An impedimetric NOx dosimeter based on the NOx sorption material KMnO4 is proposed. In addition to its application as a low level NOx dosimeter, KMnO4 shows potential as a precious metal free lean NOx trap material (LNT) for NOx storage catalysts (NSC) enabling electrical in-situ diagnostics. With this dosimeter, low levels of NO and NO2 exposure can be detected electrically as instantaneous values at 380 °C by progressive NOx accumulation in the KMnO4 based sensitive layer. The linear NOx sensing characteristics are recovered periodically by heating to 650 °C or switching to rich atmospheres. Further insight into the NOx sorption-dependent conductivity of the KMnO4-based material is obtained by the novel eTPD method that combines electrical characterization with classical temperature programmed desorption (TPD). The NOx loading amount increases proportionally to the NOx exposure time at sorption temperature. The cumulated NOx exposure, as well as the corresponding NOx loading state, can be detected linearly by electrical means in two modes: (1) time-continuously during the sorption interval including NOx concentration information from the signal derivative or (2) during the short-term thermal NOx release.
Constitutive and herbivore‐induced structural defenses are compromised by inbreeding in Solanum carolinense (Solanaceae)
Authors: Kariyat Rupesh R. , Balogh Christopher M. , Moraski Ryan P. , De Moraes Consuelo M. , Mescher Mark C. , Stephenson Andrew G.
Published: April 2013

• Premise of the study: A growing number of studies document effects of inbreeding on plant interactions with insect herbivores, including deleterious effects on direct and indirect plant defenses. However, our understanding of the specific mechanisms mediating such effects remains limited. Here we examine how inbreeding affects constitutive and induced expression of structural defenses (spines and trichomes) in common horsenettle, Solanum carolinense.

• Methods: Inbred and outbred progeny from nine maternal families of horsenettle were assigned to three treatments: control, Manduca sexta caterpillar damage, or mechanical damage. Numbers of internode spines and the density of abaxial and adaxial trichomes were assessed before and after (21 d) damage treatments. Data on internode length, flowering time, and total flower production was also collected to explore the costs of defense induction.

• Key results: Inbreeding adversely affected constitutive and induced physical/structural defenses: undamaged outbred plants produced more abaxial and adaxial leaf trichomes and internode spines than did inbred plants. Foliar damage by M. sexta larvae also induced more trichomes (on new leaves) and internode spines on outbred plants. Both inbred and outbred plants exposed to mechanical or caterpillar damage had shorter internodes than did control plants, but inbred damaged plants had longer internodes than did outbred damaged plants. Control outbred plants produced significantly more flowers than did control inbred plants or damaged plants of either breeding type.

• Conclusions: Constitutive and induced structural defenses in horsenettle were negatively affected by inbreeding. Reduced flower production and internode length on damaged plants compared to controls suggests that defense induction entails significant costs.
Synthesis and stability study of a new major metabolite of γ-hydroxybutyric acid
Authors: Nymann Petersen Ida , Langgaard Kristensen Jesper , Tortzen Christian , Breindahl Torben , Sejer Pedersen Daniel
Published: April 2013

γ-Hydroxybutanoic acid (GHB) is used as a date-rape drug, which renders the victims unconscious and defenceless. Intoxications are very difficult to detect for forensic scientists due to rapid metabolism to endogenous levels of GHB. We recently discovered a new major metabolite, 2, of GHB (1) that could potentially extend the analytical detection window for GHB intoxications. Herein we disclose synthetic procedures based on a Koenigs–Knorr glucuronidation approach that provides GHB glucuronide 2 and a deuterium-labelled analogue d4-2 of high purity suitable for analytical chemistry. In addition, we have assessed the stability of GHB glucuronide 2 by mimicking the natural pH range for urine, which is of importance in the development of new analytical methods. Using NMR we show that GHB glucuronide 2 is highly stable towards aqueous hydrolysis within the pH range normally observed for urine even at elevated temperature.
NEW MCEQLS AHP METHOD FOR EVALUATING QUALITY OF LEARNING SCENARIOS
Authors: Kurilovas Eugenijus , Zilinskienė Inga
Published: April 2013

The aim of the paper is to present a new MCEQLS AHP method for the expert evaluation of quality of learning scenarios. A special attention is paid to suitability of scenarios to particular learner groups (styles). Solution of learning scenarios quality evaluation and optimisation problem could help educational institutions to select suitable scenarios for particular learning styles. The research results will be implemented in iTEC – a four-year, largest pan-European e-learning R&D project focused on the design of the future classroom funded by 7th Framework Programme. A novel method of consecutive triple application of AHP is explored in more detail. Suitability of several iTEC scenarios to particular learner groups is also analysed in the paper. A number of multiple criteria decision analysis principles are applied to create a comprehensive quality model (criteria tree) for evaluating quality of scenarios. Several optimisation methods are explored and applied to optimise learning scenarios in conformity with particular learning style. Several practical examples of iTEC learning scenarios alternatives have been evaluated against the proposed MCEQLS AHP method. The research results have shown that the proposed MCEQLS AHP method is quite objective, exact and simple to use for selecting qualitative scenarios alternatives for particular learner groups.
OVERHEAD COSTS AND PROFIT CALCULATION BY POLISH CONTRACTORS
Authors: Plebankiewicz Edyta , Leśniak Agnieszka
Published: April 2013

The main criterion taken into consideration when choosing a contractor is the bid price that the contractor suggests. The basis for determining such a price are the direct costs connected with works realization as well as mark-ups, mainly overhead costs and profit. Overhead costs and profit constitute a considerable part of the bid price and their improper calculation can significantly influence the financial situation of the company. In literature and in practice one can find many definitions and ways of determining overhead costs and profit. The article presents research results concerning defining and calculating overhead costs and profit by Polish contractors, carried out twice – in 2004 and 2010. They were compared with similar studies performed in other countries. The article also presents mathematical methods created by the authors, by means of which overhead costs and profit can be calculated more precisely than by the popular methods commonly employed by Polish contractors.
A MULTIPLE CRITERIA SORTING METHODOLOGY WITH MULTIPLE CLASSIFI CATION CRITERIA AND AN APPLICATION TO COUNTRY RISK EVALUATION
Authors: Ulucan Aydin , Atici Kazim Baris
Published: April 2013

In this paper, we propose an extension of the standard UTADIS methodology, an approach that originates from multicriteria decision aid (MCDA) for sorting problems, such that it can handle more than one classification criteria simultaneously which possibly involves different predefined classes for alternatives. Moreover, we test the classification ability of the standard UTADIS methodology using the out-of-classification criterion approach, a new variant of the studies comprising out-of-time and out-of-sample testing methodologies. Results obtained in out-of-classification criterion testing are then compared with the classification ability of the Multiple Classification Criteria UTADIS (MCC UTADIS). Finally, an application to country risk evaluation is performed. In this application, classifications of two credit rating agencies, Standard & Poor's and Moody's, are taken as two different classification criteria. Moreover, robustness of MCC UTADIS method is tested through using several data sets. Results indicate that MCC UTADIS involving more than one classification criteria performs very close to standard UTADIS with single classification criterion and performs better than the out-of-classification criterion tests. These results emphasize both the sensitivity of UTADIS models to the classification criteria and the importance of using a multiple classification criteria approach.
COMPARISON OF ACCURACY IN RANKING ALTERNATIVES PERFORMING GENERALIZED FUZZY AVERAGE FUNCTIONS
Authors: Kosareva Natalja , Krylovas Aleksandras
Published: April 2013

The paper defines the notions of point, interval and triangular intuitionistic fuzzy numbers expressing the degree of membership and non-membership in the fuzzy set. The generalized fuzzy weighted average function is introduced according to operation rules on intuitionistic fuzzy numbers. In special cases, the generalized weighted average coincides with an arithmetic average or a geometric average. The generalized fuzzy weighted average function could be applied for solving problems in multiple criteria decision making. Research on the stability of the generalized weighted averaging operator of ranking alternatives was performed applying the Monte Carlo method. The aim of the conducted research is to establish the types of intuitionistic fuzzy numbers and the exponent values of the generalized weighted averaging operator having the least error probabilities considering alternatives ranking. Computations were performed involving 3, 4 and 5 experts. In the case of 5 experts, initial decision matrices having high, middle and low separability alternatives were examined. Decision matrices created by the experts were modelled generating random intuitionistic fuzzy numbers according to uniform and normal distribution. The example of applying such methodology was shown to solve a real problem of ranking possible redevelopment alternatives for derelict rural buildings.
Longterm Effects of Rituximab on B Cell Counts and Autoantibody Production in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Use of High-sensitivity Flow Cytometry for More Sensitive Assessment of B Cell Depletion
Authors: Váncsa Andrea , Szabó Zoltán , Szamosi Szilvia , Bodnár Nóra , Végh Edit , Gergely Lajos , Szűcs Gabriella , Szántó Sándor , Szekanecz Zoltán
Published: April 2013

Objective.

To assess the efficacy and safety of longterm rituximab (RTX) therapy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and study correlations among B cell depletion, clinical response, and autoantibody production.

Methods.

Seventy-seven patients with moderate or high RA activity received RTX and were re-treated every 6 months regardless of clinical response. All patients received at least 5 cycles. We assessed 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28), IgM rheumatoid factor (RF), and anticitrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) levels at baseline, after 15 days, and then every 6 months for 24 months. Absolute CD19+ B lymphocyte counts were determined in 50 patients using high-sensitivity flow cytometry (hsFACS) by reading 100,000 events.

Results.

After 6, 12, 18, and 24 months, 51.6%, 51.9%, 73.3%, and 83.8% of patients, respectively, showed good European League Against Rheumatism responses. Significant and sustained decreases in IgM RF and ACPA levels were observed as early as 6 months and 12 months, respectively. The baseline mean absolute B cell number was 0.234 g/l. B cell numbers diminished significantly after the very first infusion by Day 15 (0.104 g/l; p = 0.007); they further decreased until 24 months (0.0013 g/l; p < 0.001). One RTX infusion resulted in incomplete depletion in 76.7% of patients. Upon RTX treatment, changes in CD19+ B cell numbers positively correlated with changes in DAS28 (r = 0.963, p = 0.008) and IgM RF (r = 0.859, p = 0.028), but not with changes in ACPA production (r = 0.726, p = 0.102). The correlations between B cell numbers and DAS28 were observed in both ACPA-seropositive (r = 0.999, p < 0.0001) and ACPA-negative patient subpopulations (r = 0.962, p = 0.009). The correlation between CD19+ cell numbers and IgM RF was observed only in the ACPA-positive population (r = 0.944, p = 0.005) but not in seronegative patients (r = 0.398, p = 0.435). No safety issues arose.

Conclusion.

In RA, clinical response to RTX is associated with the extent of B cell depletion and with autoantibody production. Changes in CD19+ B cell numbers correlate with those in disease activity and, in seropositive patients, also with IgM RF, but not with ACPA production. We found that hsFACS may be a useful method to more accurately assess incomplete B cell depletion.
Urinary Biomarkers in Relapsing Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-associated Vasculitis
Authors: Lieberthal Jason G. , Cuthbertson David , Carette Simon , Hoffman Gary S. , Khalidi Nader A. , Koening Curry L. , Langford Carol A. , Maksimowicz-McKinnon Kathleen , Seo Philip , Specks Ulrich , Ytterberg Steven R. , Merkel Peter A. , Monach Paul A. ,   the Vasculitis Clinical Research Consortium
Published: April 2013

Objective.

Glomerulonephritis (GN) is common in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV), but tools for early detection of renal involvement are imperfect. We investigated 4 urinary proteins as markers of active renal AAV: alpha-1 acid glycoprotein (AGP), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL).

Methods.

Patients with active renal AAV (n = 20), active nonrenal AAV (n = 16), and AAV in longterm remission (n = 14) were identified within a longitudinal cohort. Urinary biomarker concentrations (by ELISA) were normalized for urine creatinine. Marker levels during active AAV were compared to baseline remission levels (from 1–4 visits) for each patient. Areas under receiver-operating characteristic curves (AUC), sensitivities, specificities, and likelihood ratios (LR) comparing disease states were calculated.

Results.

Baseline biomarker levels varied among patients. All 4 markers increased during renal flares (p < 0.05). MCP-1 discriminated best between active renal disease and remission: a 1.3-fold increase in MCP-1 had 94% sensitivity and 89% specificity for active renal disease (AUC = 0.93, positive LR 8.5, negative LR 0.07). Increased MCP-1 also characterized 50% of apparently nonrenal flares. Change in AGP, KIM-1, or NGAL showed more modest ability to distinguish active renal disease from remission (AUC 0.71–0.75). Hematuria was noted in 83% of active renal episodes, but also 43% of nonrenal flares and 25% of remission samples.

Conclusion.

Either urinary MCP-1 is not specific for GN in AAV, or it identifies early GN not detected by standard assessment and thus has potential to improve care. A followup study with kidney biopsy as the gold standard is needed.
Comment rester performants sans s'épuiser ?
Authors: Carignan Julie
Published: April 2013

Dans cette course au succès immédiat qui caractérise trop souvent la vie professionnelle, quels sont les facteurs clés communs aux sportifs et aux gestionnaires qui réussissent à livrer une performance saine et durable ? Cet article tente de répondre à cette question en proposant six principes clés – l’introspection, la volonté, l’énergie, le soutien, le talent et l’imputabilité – représentés par l’acronyme In-VESTI, une approche réunissant les meilleures pratiques issues des univers du sport, de la psychologie du travail et de la santé globale. Une telle approche a pour but d’offrir aux employés des moyens de s’investir sainement et d’atteindre une performance optimale et durable.
Sportif et entrepreneur : le cas de Louis Garneau
Authors: Brunelle Éric
Published: April 2013

Ce texte présente l’histoire de Louis Garneau, un champion cycliste qui a fondé et développé une entreprise devenue prospère et réputée internationalement : Louis Garneau Sports. Le style de gestion qui l’a mené au succès repose sur des principes issus de son expérience sportive. Cet article montre, à partir d’exemples de pratiques appliquées par Louis Garneau, comment des thèmes tels que la motivation, l’autodétermination, la passion, l’apprentissage, le conditionnement mental, la gestion des émotions et la récupération sont importants tant dans les sports que dans les affaires.
Comprendre les décisions d'achat dans les médias sociaux : le cas du e-tourisme
Authors: Vo Thanh Tan , Maingot Marine
Published: April 2013

L’évolution marquée des comportements d’achat en ligne oblige les dirigeants à mesurer l’impact des avis des consommateurs, émis dans les médias sociaux, sur le processus d’achat. Cet article vise à dégager les critères que les consommateurs prennent en compte au moment de la sélection d’un hôtel, ce qui permettra aux hôteliers d’optimiser les conditions d’achat de futurs clients. Nous basant sur une étude et sur la documentation, nous proposons des conseils à l’égard d’une stratégie de marketing intégrant les médias sociaux qui peuvent aider non seulement des dirigeants d’hôtels, mais des organisations de tous les secteurs.
Comment bâtir des équipes de projets hautement performantes ?
Authors: Pépin Richard
Published: April 2013

Pour réussir dans un environnement d’affaires complexe et changeant, un nombre croissant d’organisations s’appuient sur des équipes de projets composées d’un nombre restreint de personnes ayant des compétences complémentaires qui s’engagent dans un projet et des objectifs communs, adoptent une démarche commune et se considèrent comme mutuellement responsables. Cet article propose une synthèse des connaissances sur le sujet afin d’aider les dirigeants et les gestionnaires à bâtir des équipes de projets hautement performantes.
Un contrôle de gestion basé sur la culture : le cas de la société Timpson
Authors: Tessier Sophie
Published: April 2013

Timpson, une entreprise de service familiale située en Grande-Bretagne, se démarque par le style de gestion coloré de son propriétaire qui est basé sur la décentralisation du pouvoir décisionnel. Le système de contrôle de gestion qui en découle est caractérisé par une culture familiale forte s’appuyant sur les valeurs d’honnêteté, de respect, de soutien, de confiance et d’entraide. Cette culture s’accompagne d’un nombre restreint de contrôles bureaucratiques et de quelques procédures présentées sous forme de bandes dessinées. L’exemple de cette entreprise permet de tirer des leçons en ce qui concerne la façon d’implanter un contrôle de gestion, de présenter celui-ci et d’en accroître l’efficacité.