bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the Optoelectronic Properties of Ti-doped Indium Tin Oxide Thin Film
Authors: Pu Nen-Wen , Liu Wei-Sheng , Cheng Huai-Ming , Hu Hung-Chun , Hsieh Wei-Ting , Yu Hau-Wei , Liang Shih-Chang
Published: September 2015

: In this study, direct-current magnetron sputtering was used to fabricate Ti-doped indium tin oxide (ITO) thin films. The sputtering power during the 350-nm-thick thin-film production process was fixed at 100 W with substrate temperatures increasing from room temperature to 500 °C. The Ti-doped ITO thin films exhibited superior thin-film resistivity (1.5 × 10−4 Ω/cm), carrier concentration (4.1 × 1021 cm−3), carrier mobility (10 cm2/Vs), and mean visible-light transmittance (90%) at wavelengths of 400–800 nm at a deposition temperature of 400 °C. The superior carrier concentration of the Ti-doped ITO alloys (>1021 cm−3) with a high figure of merit (81.1 × 10−3 Ω−1) demonstrate the pronounced contribution of Ti doping, indicating their high suitability for application in optoelectronic devices.
Diatom-Specific Oligosaccharide and Polysaccharide Structures Help to Unravel Biosynthetic Capabilities in Diatoms
Authors: Gügi Bruno , Le Costaouec Tinaïg , Burel Carole , Lerouge Patrice , Helbert William , Bardor Muriel
Published: September 2015

Diatoms are marine organisms that represent one of the most important sources of biomass in the ocean, accounting for about 40% of marine primary production, and in the biosphere, contributing up to 20% of global CO2 fixation. There has been a recent surge in developing the use of diatoms as a source of bioactive compounds in the food and cosmetic industries. In addition, the potential of diatoms such as Phaeodactylum tricornutum as cell factories for the production of biopharmaceuticals is currently under evaluation. These biotechnological applications require a comprehensive understanding of the sugar biosynthesis pathways that operate in diatoms. Here, we review diatom glycan and polysaccharide structures, thus revealing their sugar biosynthesis capabilities.
Structural Significance of Lipid Diversity as Studied by Small Angle Neutron and X-ray Scattering
Authors: Kučerka Norbert , Heberle Frederick , Pan Jianjun , Katsaras John
Published: September 2015

We review recent developments in the rapidly growing field of membrane biophysics, with a focus on the structural properties of single lipid bilayers determined by different scattering techniques, namely neutron and X-ray scattering. The need for accurate lipid structural properties is emphasized by the sometimes conflicting results found in the literature, even in the case of the most studied lipid bilayers. Increasingly, accurate and detailed structural models require more experimental data, such as those from contrast varied neutron scattering and X-ray scattering experiments that are jointly refined with molecular dynamics simulations. This experimental and computational approach produces robust bilayer structural parameters that enable insights, for example, into the interplay between collective membrane properties and its components (e.g., hydrocarbon chain length and unsaturation, and lipid headgroup composition). From model studies such as these, one is better able to appreciate how a real biological membrane can be tuned by balancing the contributions from the lipid’s different moieties (e.g., acyl chains, headgroups, backbones, etc.).
Constitutive Relationship Modeling and Characterization of Flow Behavior under Hot Working for Fe–Cr–Ni–W–Cu–Co Super-Austenitic Stainless Steel
Authors: Yang Li-Chih , Pan Yeong-Tsuen , Chen In-Gann , Lin Dong-Yih
Published: September 2015

The hot deformation behavior of a Fe–22Cr–25Ni–3.5W–3Cu–1.5Co super-austenitic stainless steel was investigated using isothermal compression tests with a wide range of temperatures (1173–1373 K) and strain rates (0.1–10 s−1). The results showed that all the flow curves gradually turned to balanced stress state without notable peak stress characteristics during the entire deformation, which indicated that the dynamic recovery behavior played a main restoration mechanism in the steel. Modeling constitutive equations relating to the temperature, strain rate and flow stress were proposed to determine the materials constants and activation energy necessary for deformation. In order to give the precise predicted values of the flow behavior, the influence of strain was identified using polynomial functions. The relationship of flow stress, temperature and strain rate was represented by the Zener-Hollomon parameter including the Arrhenius term. The predicted results validated that the developed constitutive equations can describe high temperature flow behavior well. Furthermore, a modified Zener-Hollomon parameter map of the studied steel was developed to clarify the restoration mechanism based on the constitutive modeling data and microstructural observation.
Low-Temperature Mechanical Behavior of Super Duplex Stainless Steel with Sigma Precipitation
Authors: Kim Seul-Kee , Kang Ki-Yeob , Kim Myung-Soo , Lee Jae-Myung
Published: September 2015

Experimental studies in various aspects have to be conducted to maintain stable applications of super duplex stainless steels (SDSS) because the occurrence rate of sigma phase, variable temperature and growth direction of sigma phase can influence mechanical performances of SDSS. Tensile tests of precipitated SDSS were performed under various temperatures to analyze mechanical and morphological behavior.
Membrane Association and Catabolite Repression of the Sulfolobus solfataricus α-Amylase
Authors: Soo Edith , Rudrappa Deepak , Blum Paul
Published: September 2015

Sulfolobus solfataricus is a thermoacidophilic member of the archaea whose envelope consists of an ether-linked lipid monolayer surrounded by a protein S-layer. Protein translocation across this envelope must accommodate a steep proton gradient that is subject to temperature extremes. To better understand this process in vivo, studies were conducted on the S. solfataricus glycosyl hydrolyase family 57 α-Amylase (AmyA). Cell lines harboring site specific modifications of the amyA promoter and AmyA structural domains were created by gene replacement using markerless exchange and characterized by Western blot, enzyme assay and culture-based analysis. Fusion of amyA to the malAp promoter overcame amyAp-mediated regulatory responses to media composition including glucose and amino acid repression implicating action act at the level of transcription. Deletion of the AmyA Class II N-terminal signal peptide blocked protein secretion and intracellular protein accumulation. Deletion analysis of a conserved bipartite C-terminal motif consisting of a hydrophobic region followed by several charged residues indicated the charged residues played an essential role in membrane-association but not protein secretion. Mutants lacking the C-terminal bipartite motif exhibited reduced growth rates on starch as the sole carbon and energy source; therefore, association of AmyA with the membrane improves carbohydrate utilization. Widespread occurrence of this motif in other secreted proteins of S. solfataricus and of related Crenarchaeota suggests protein association with membranes is a general trait used by these organisms to influence external processes.
Investigation of Film with β-Galactosidase Designed for Stabilization and Handling in Dry Configuration
Authors: Zhang Liguang , Otte Andrew , Xiang Min , Liu Dexiu , Pinal Rodolfo
Published: September 2015

Gelatin-based films with an immobilized enzyme designed for extending the stability of the protein in dry, non-powder configuration with precise dosing attributes were subjected to stress conditions of temperature and relative humidity. β-galactosidase was used as model functional protein. The film configuration preserved the activity of the enzyme under the different storage conditions investigated, which include room temperature under low (ambient) and high (75%) relative humidity, and 36 °C under low (oven) and high relative humidity conditions for a period of 46 days. The influence of the enzyme and plasticizer (glycerol) on the physical and mechanical properties of the films was investigated using DMA (dynamic mechanical analysis). Films containing 5% β-galactosisdase and glycerol concentrations of 14% or greater exhibited greater tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and elongation at break than films with equal concentrations of plasticizer but devoid of any enzyme. The surface texture of the films was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). β-galactosidase and glycerol have opposite effects on the surface morphology of the films. Increasing concentrations of the enzyme result in rougher film surface, whereas increasing the concentration of glycerol leads to films with denser and smoother surface. The results obtained suggest that the dry film configuration approach can help in facilitating the stabilization, handling, storage, and transportation of functional proteins in a cost effective manner.
Preparation of Thermo-Responsive Poly(ionic liquid)s-Based Nanogels via One-Step Cross-Linking Copolymerization
Authors: Zhang Jing , Liu Jingjiang , Zuo Yong , Wang Rongmin , Xiong Yubing
Published: September 2015

In this study, thermo-responsive polymeric nanogels were facilely prepared via one-step cross-linking copolymerization of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate/divinylbenzene and ionic liquid (IL)-based monomers, 1,n-dialkyl-3,3′-bis-1-vinyl imidazolium bromides ([CnVIm]Br; n = 6, 8, 12) in selective solvents. The results revealed that stable and blue opalescent biimidazolium (BIm)-based nanogel solutions could be obtained without any precipitation when the copolymerizations were conducted in methanol. Most importantly, these novel nanogels were thermo-response, and could reversibly transform to precipitation in methanol with temperature changes. Turbidity analysis and dynamic light scatting (DLS) measurement illustrated that PIL-based nanogel solutions presented the phase transform with upper critical solution temperature (UCST) in the range of 5–25 °C. The nanogels were characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), thermogravimetric analyses (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, BIm-based nanogels could also be used as highly active catalysts in the cycloaddition reaction of CO2 and epoxides. As a result, our attributes build a robust platform suitable for the preparation of polymeric nanomaterials, as well as CO2 conversion.
Surface Evolution of Nano-Textured 4H–SiC Homoepitaxial Layers after High Temperature Treatments: Morphology Characterization and Graphene Growth
Authors: Liu Xingfang , Chen Yu , Sun Changzheng , Guan Min , Zhang Yang , Zhang Feng , Sun Guosheng , Zeng Yiping
Published: September 2015

Nano-textured 4H–SiC homoepitaxial layers (NSiCLs) were grown on 4H–SiC(0001) substrates using a low pressure chemical vapor deposition technique (LPCVD), and subsequently were subjected to high temperature treatments (HTTs) for investigation of their surface morphology evolution and graphene growth. It was found that continuously distributed nano-scale patterns formed on NSiCLs which were about submicrons in-plane and about 100 nanometers out-of-plane in size. After HTTs under vacuum, pattern sizes reduced, and the sizes of the remains were inversely proportional to the treatment time. Referring to Raman spectra, the establishment of multi-layer graphene (MLG) on NSiCL surfaces was observed. MLG with sp2 disorders was obtained from NSiCLs after a high temperature treatment under vacuum at 1700 K for two hours, while MLG without sp2 disorders was obtained under Ar atmosphere at 1900 K.
Duality of n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Mcp-1 Expression in Vascular Smooth Muscle: A Potential Role of 4-Hydroxy Hexenal
Authors: Nagayama Kohji , Morino Katsutaro , Sekine Osamu , Nakagawa Fumiyuki , Ishikado Atsushi , Iwasaki Hirotaka , Okada Takashi , Tawa Masashi , Sato Daisuke , Imamura Takeshi , Nishio Yoshihiko , Ugi Satoshi , Kashiwagi Atsunori , Okamura Tomio , Maegawa Hiroshi
Published: September 2015

N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) have protective effects against atherosclerosis. Monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1 is a major inflammatory mediator in the progression of atherosclerosis. However, little is known about the regulation of MCP-1 by DHA and EPA in vessels and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). In this study, we compared the effect of DHA and EPA on the expression of Mcp-1 in rat arterial strips and rat VSMCs. DHA, but not EPA, suppressed Mcp-1 expression in arterial strips. Furthermore, DHA generated 4-hydroxy hexenal (4-HHE), an end product of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), in arterial strips as measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. In addition, 4-HHE treatment suppressed Mcp-1 expression in arterial strips, suggesting 4-HHE derived from DHA may be involved in the mechanism of this phenomenon. In contrast, Mcp-1 expression was stimulated by DHA, EPA and 4-HHE through p38 kinase and the Keap1-Nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 (Nrf2) pathway in VSMCs. In conclusion, there is a dual effect of n-3 PUFAs on the regulation of Mcp-1 expression. Further study is necessary to elucidate the pathological role of this phenomenon.
Associations between Dietary Patterns and Impaired Fasting Glucose in Chinese Men: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zhang Meilin , Zhu Yufeng , Li Ping , Chang Hong , Wang Xuan , Liu Weiqiao , Zhang Yuwen , Huang Guowei
Published: September 2015

Few studies have examined the association between Asian dietary pattern and prediabetes, in particular, the Chinese diet. We conducted a cross-sectional study to identify dietary patterns associated with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) which considered a state of prediabetes in Chinese men. The study included 1495 Chinese men aged 20 to 75 years. Information about diet was obtained using an 81-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and 21 predefined food groups were considered in a factor analysis. Three dietary patterns were generated by factor analysis: (1) a vegetables-fruits pattern; (2) an animal offal-dessert pattern; and (3) a white rice-red meat pattern. The multivariate-adjusted odds ratio (OR) of IFG for the highest tertile of the animal offal-dessert pattern in comparison with the lowest tertile was 3.15 (95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.87–5.30). The vegetables-fruits dietary pattern was negatively associated with the risk of IFG, but a significant association was observed only in the third tertile. There was no significant association between IFG and the white rice-red meat pattern. Our findings indicated that the vegetables-fruits dietary pattern was inversely associated with IFG, whereas the animal offal-dessert pattern was associated with an increased risk of IFG in Chinese men. Further prospective studies are needed to elucidate the diet-prediabetes relationships.
Pharmacogenomics Implications of Using Herbal Medicinal Plants on African Populations in Health Transition
Authors: Thomford Nicholas , Dzobo Kevin , Chopera Denis , Wonkam Ambroise , Skelton Michelle , Blackhurst Dee , Chirikure Shadreck , Dandara Collet
Published: September 2015

The most accessible points of call for most African populations with respect to primary health care are traditional health systems that include spiritual, religious, and herbal medicine. This review focusses only on the use of herbal medicines. Most African people accept herbal medicines as generally safe with no serious adverse effects. However, the overlap between conventional medicine and herbal medicine is a reality among countries in health systems transition. Patients often simultaneously seek treatment from both conventional and traditional health systems for the same condition. Commonly encountered conditions/diseases include malaria, HIV/AIDS, hypertension, tuberculosis, and bleeding disorders. It is therefore imperative to understand the modes of interaction between different drugs from conventional and traditional health care systems when used in treatment combinations. Both conventional and traditional drug entities are metabolized by the same enzyme systems in the human body, resulting in both pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics interactions, whose properties remain unknown/unquantified. Thus, it is important that profiles of interaction between different herbal and conventional medicines be evaluated. This review evaluates herbal and conventional drugs in a few African countries and their potential interaction at the pharmacogenomics level.
Recycled Shredded-Tire Chips Used As Support Material in a Constructed Wetland Treating High-Strength Wastewater from a Bakery: Case Study
Authors: García-Pérez Alfredo , Harrison Mark , Chivers Craig , Grant Bill
Published: September 2015

Support material used in constructed wetlands has been shown to be a key element and significant mechanism in the process of contaminants removal from sewage including phosphorus compounds. Recycled waste tires processed into small chips that are similar to conventional stone aggregate are currently used in the construction of septic system leach fields and could be a green alternative as support material in constructed wetlands. During three years, the performance of a gravity subsurface horizontal flow constructed wetland using recycled shredded-tire chips as support material to treat on-site the high strength wastewater from a bakery was monitored. Grab samples of the effluent from the septic tank and the constructed wetland were collected quarterly and submitted to a certified laboratory. Final treatment efficiency (percentage removal) was low for potassium (36%), intermediate for total nitrogen (56%), and total Kjeldahl nitrogen (57%), and relatively high for total phosphorus (65%), total suspended solids (69%), ammonia-nitrogen (87%), five-day biochemical oxygen demand (92%), Escherichia coli (97%), and fat-oil and grease total (99%). Nitrate-nitrogen final mean value was consistently below 1 mg/L, and iron concentration increased from less of 2 mg/L in the sewage to 55 mg/L in the constructed wetland effluent. These results show that recycled shredded-tire chips could be an environmental alternative support material in constructed wetlands as efficient removal of typical wastewater contaminants is not compromised.
To Fill or Not to Fill: Sensitivity Analysis of the Influence of Resolution and Hole Filling on Point Cloud Surface Modeling and Individual Rockfall Event Detection
Authors: Olsen Michael , Wartman Joseph , McAlister Martha , Mahmoudabadi Hamid , O’Banion Matt , Dunham Lisa , Cunningham Keith
Published: September 2015

Monitoring unstable slopes with terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) has been proven effective. However, end users still struggle immensely with the efficient processing, analysis, and interpretation of the massive and complex TLS datasets. Two recent advances described in this paper now improve the ability to work with TLS data acquired on steep slopes. The first is the improved processing of TLS data to model complex topography and fill holes. This processing step results in a continuous topographic surface model that seamlessly characterizes the rock and soil surface. The second is an advance in the automated interpretation of the surface model in such a way that a magnitude and frequency relationship of rockfall events can be quantified, which can be used to assess maintenance strategies and forecast costs. The approach is applied to unstable highway slopes in the state of Alaska, U.S.A. to evaluate its effectiveness. Further, the influence of the selected model resolution and degree of hole filling on the derived slope metrics were analyzed. In general, model resolution plays a pivotal role in the ability to detect smaller rockfall events when developing magnitude-frequency relationships. The total volume estimates are also influenced by model resolution, but were comparatively less sensitive. In contrast, hole filling had a noticeable effect on magnitude-frequency relationships but to a lesser extent than modeling resolution. However, hole filling yielded a modest increase in overall volumetric quantity estimates. Optimal analysis results occur when appropriately balancing high modeling resolution with an appropriate level of hole filling.
SPOT-4 (Take 5): Simulation of Sentinel-2 Time Series on 45 Large Sites
Authors: Hagolle Olivier , Sylvander Sylvia , Huc Mireille , Claverie Martin , Clesse Dominique , Dechoz Cécile , Lonjou Vincent , Poulain Vincent
Published: September 2015

This paper presents the SPOT-4 (Take 5) experiment, aimed at providing time series of optical images simulating the repetitivity, the resolution and the large swath of Sentinel-2 images. The aim was to help users set up and test their applications and methods, before Sentinel-2 mission data become available. In 2016, when both Sentinel-2 satellites are operational, and for at least fifteen years, users will have access to high resolution time series of images systematically acquired every five days, over the whole Earth land surfaces. Thanks to Sentinel-2’s high revisit frequency, a given surface should be observed without clouds at least once a month, except in the most cloudy periods and regions. In 2013, the Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES) lowered the orbit altitude of SPOT-4, to place it on a five-day repeat cycle orbit for a duration of five months. This experiment started on 31 January 2013 and lasted until 19 June 2013. SPOT-4 images were acquired every fifth day, over 45 sites scattered in nearly all continents and covering very diverse biomes for various applications. Two ortho-rectified products were delivered for each acquired image that was not fully cloudy, expressed either as top of atmosphere reflectance (Level 1C) or as surface reflectance (Level 2A). An extensive validation campaign was held to check the performances of these products with regard to the multi-temporal registration, the quality of cloud masks, the accuracy of aerosol optical thickness estimates and the quality of surface reflectances. Despite high a priori geo-location errors, it was possible to register the images with an accuracy better than 0.5 pixels in the large majority of cases. Despite the lack of a blue band on the SPOT-4 satellite, the cloud and shadow detection yielded good results, while the aerosol optical thickness was measured with a root mean square error better than 0.06. The surface reflectances after atmospheric correction were compared with in situ data and other satellite data showing little bias and the standard deviation of surface reflectance errors in the range (0.01–0.02). The Take 5 experiment is being repeated in 2015 with the SPOT-5 satellite with an enhanced resolution.
Enhanced Viability of Endothelial Colony Forming Cells in Fibrin Microbeads for Sensor Vascularization
Authors: Gandhi Jarel , Zivkovic Lada , Fisher John , Yoder Mervin , Brey Eric
Published: September 2015

Enhanced vascularization at sensor interfaces can improve long-term function. Fibrin, a natural polymer, has shown promise as a biomaterial for sensor coating due to its ability to sustain endothelial cell growth and promote local vascularization. However, the culture of cells, particularly endothelial cells (EC), within 3D scaffolds for more than a few days is challenging due to rapid loss of EC viability. In this manuscript, a robust method for developing fibrin microbead scaffolds for long-term culture of encapsulated ECs is described. Fibrin microbeads are formed using sodium alginate as a structural template. The size, swelling and structural properties of the microbeads were varied with needle gauge and composition and concentration of the pre-gel solution. Endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) were suspended in the fibrin beads and cultured within a perfusion bioreactor system. The perfusion bioreactor enhanced ECFCs viability and genome stability in fibrin beads relative to static culture. Perfusion bioreactors enable 3D culture of ECs within fibrin beads for potential application as a sensor coating.
Generating Daily Synthetic Landsat Imagery by Combining Landsat and MODIS Data
Authors: Wu Mingquan , Huang Wenjiang , Niu Zheng , Wang Changyao
Published: September 2015

Owing to low temporal resolution and cloud interference, there is a shortage of high spatial resolution remote sensing data. To address this problem, this study introduces a modified spatial and temporal data fusion approach (MSTDFA) to generate daily synthetic Landsat imagery. This algorithm was designed to avoid the limitations of the conditional spatial temporal data fusion approach (STDFA) including the constant window for disaggregation and the sensor difference. An adaptive window size selection method is proposed in this study to select the best window size and moving steps for the disaggregation of coarse pixels. The linear regression method is used to remove the influence of differences in sensor systems using disaggregated mean coarse reflectance by testing and validation in two study areas located in Xinjiang Province, China. The results show that the MSTDFA algorithm can generate daily synthetic Landsat imagery with a high correlation coefficient (R) ranged from 0.646 to 0.986 between synthetic images and the actual observations. We further show that MSTDFA can be applied to 250 m 16-day MODIS MOD13Q1 products and the Landsat Normalized Different Vegetation Index (NDVI) data by generating a synthetic NDVI image highly similar to actual Landsat NDVI observation with a high R of 0.97.
A User-Centric Knowledge Creation Model in a Web of Object-Enabled Internet of Things Environment
Authors: Kibria Muhammad , Fattah Sheik , Jeong Kwanghyeon , Chong Ilyoung , Jeong Youn-Kwae
Published: September 2015

User-centric service features in a Web of Object-enabled Internet of Things environment can be provided by using a semantic ontology that classifies and integrates objects on the World Wide Web as well as shares and merges context-aware information and accumulated knowledge. The semantic ontology is applied on a Web of Object platform to virtualize the real world physical devices and information to form virtual objects that represent the features and capabilities of devices in the virtual world. Detailed information and functionalities of multiple virtual objects are combined with service rules to form composite virtual objects that offer context-aware knowledge-based services, where context awareness plays an important role in enabling automatic modification of the system to reconfigure the services based on the context. Converting the raw data into meaningful information and connecting the information to form the knowledge and storing and reusing the objects in the knowledge base can both be expressed by semantic ontology. In this paper, a knowledge creation model that synchronizes a service logistic model and a virtual world knowledge model on a Web of Object platform has been proposed. To realize the context-aware knowledge-based service creation and execution, a conceptual semantic ontology model has been developed and a prototype has been implemented for a use case scenario of emergency service.
Effectiveness of Different Rest Intervals Following Whole-Body Vibration on Vertical Jump Performance between College Athletes and Recreationally Trained Females
Authors: Dabbs Nicole , Lundahl Jon , Garner John
Published: September 2015

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of different rest intervals following whole-body vibration on counter-movement vertical jump performance. Sixteen females, eight recreationally trained and eight varsity athletes volunteered to participate in four testing visits separated by 24 h. Visit one acted as a familiarization visit where subjects were introduced to the counter-movement vertical jump and whole-body vibration protocols. Visits 2–4 contained 2 randomized conditions. Whole-body vibration was administered in four bouts of 30 s with 30 s rest between bouts. During whole-body vibration subjects performed a quarter squat every 5 s, simulating a counter-movement vertical jump. Whole-body vibration was followed by three counter-movement vertical jumps with five different rest intervals between the vibration exposure and jumping. For a control condition, subjects performed squats with no whole-body vibration. There was a significant (p < 0.05) main effect for time for vertical jump height, peak power output, and relative ground reaction forces, where a majority of individuals max jump from all whole-body vibration conditions was greater than the control condition. There were significant (p < 0.05) group differences, showing that varsity athletes had a greater vertical jump height and peak power output compared to recreationally trained females. There were no significant (p > 0.05) group differences for relative ground reaction forces. Practitioners and/or strength and conditioning coaches may utilize whole-body vibration to enhance acute counter-movement vertical jump performance after identifying individuals optimal rest time in order to maximize the potentiating effects.
Evaluation of the Effects of Mitigation on Methane and Ammonia Production by Using Origanum vulgare L. and Rosmarinus officinalis L. Essential Oils on in Vitro Rumen Fermentation Systems
Authors: Cobellis Gabriella , Petrozzi Alessandro , Forte Claudio , Acuti Gabriele , Orrù Mara , Marcotullio Maria , Aquino Andrea , Nicolini Andrea , Mazza Valentina , Trabalza-Marinucci Massimo
Published: September 2015

The effects of increasing concentrations of oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) essentials oil (EO) on ruminal gas emissions were tested in vitro using 50 mL serum bottles. Each bottle contained a 200 mg substrate (alfalfa hay and corn meal 1:1) and a 20 mL solution composed of a buffered medium and rumen fluid (1:2). The percentage of ruminal fermentation products was quantified by an infrared analyzer. The reduction of total gas production was 6% and 9% respectively when using the 1.5 and 2.0 g/L oregano EO measurements. The reduction of methane production was 55%, 72% and 71% respectively with regard to the 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 g/L oregano EO doses, while rosemary EO (2.0 g/L) reduced the methane production by 9%. The production of ammonia was significantly reduced (59%–78%) by all treatments with the exception of rosemary EO at the lowest dose. Dry matter and neutral detergent fiber degradability was reduced by most of the treatments (respectively 4%–9% and 8%–24%). The total volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentration was markedly decreased by oregano EO and was not affected by rosemary EO. Both EOs mitigated rumen fermentations, but oregano EO gave rise to the highest reduction in methane and ammonia production. However, further research is needed to evaluate the use of these essential oils as dietary supplements by taking into account the negative effects on feed degradability.
Using a Coupled Human-Natural System to Assess the Vulnerability of the Karst Landform Region in China
Authors: He Xiang , Lin Zhenshan , Xiong Kangning
Published: September 2015

Guizhou Plateau is a region in China that typically shows the contradictory human-earth system. A vulnerability assessment indicator system was constructed to explore the coupled human-natural system characteristic of the karst landform based on the grey correlation analysis mathematic model. The quantitative assessment results show that Qiandongnan and Tongren Districts belong to the slight degree of the sensitivity evaluation index. Bijie district belongs to the middle degree and the other districts of Guizhou Plateau belong to the light degree. In terms of the exposure and resilience evaluation index, only Guiyang City belongs to the slight degree and other districts are in the middle degree. Thus, Guizhou Plateau could be divided into three level zones based on the comprehensive vulnerability degree of the coupled human-natural system. The strong degree vulnerability zone includes Liupanshui City, Bijie City, Anshun City, and Qiannan District. The middle degree vulnerability zone includes the districts of Qiandongnan, Qianxinan, and Tongren and the city of Zunyi. The slight degree vulnerability zone only includes Guiyang City. The research results suggest that the coupled human-natural system in Guizhou Plateau has a high vulnerability.
Bee Venom Protects against Rotenone-Induced Cell Death in NSC34 Motor Neuron Cells
Authors: Jung So , Lee Kang-Woo , Choi Sun-Mi , Yang Eun
Published: September 2015

Rotenone, an inhibitor of mitochondrial complex I of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, is known to elevate mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and induce apoptosis via activation of the caspase-3 pathway. Bee venom (BV) extracted from honey bees has been widely used in oriental medicine and contains melittin, apamin, adolapin, mast cell-degranulating peptide, and phospholipase A2. In this study, we tested the effects of BV on neuronal cell death by examining rotenone-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. NSC34 motor neuron cells were pretreated with 2.5 μg/mL BV and stimulated with 10 μM rotenone to induce cell toxicity. We assessed cell death by Western blotting using specific antibodies, such as phospho-ERK1/2, phospho-JNK, and cleaved capase-3 and performed an MTT assay for evaluation of cell death and mitochondria staining. Pretreatment with 2.5 μg/mL BV had a neuroprotective effect against 10 μM rotenone-induced cell death in NSC34 motor neuron cells. Pre-treatment with BV significantly enhanced cell viability and ameliorated mitochondrial impairment in rotenone-treated cellular model. Moreover, BV treatment inhibited the activation of JNK signaling and cleaved caspase-3 related to cell death and increased ERK phosphorylation involved in cell survival in rotenone-treated NSC34 motor neuron cells. Taken together, we suggest that BV treatment can be useful for protection of neurons against oxidative stress or neurotoxin-induced cell death.
Preventive Activity against Influenza (H1N1) Virus by Intranasally Delivered RNA-Hydrolyzing Antibody in Respiratory Epithelial Cells of Mice
Authors: Cho Seungchan , Youn Ha-Na , Hoang Phuong , Cho Sungrae , Kim Kee-Eun , Kil Eui-Joon , Lee Gunsup , Cho Mun-Ju , Hong Juhyun , Byun Sung-June , Song Chang-Seon , Lee Sukchan
Published: September 2015

The antiviral effect of a catalytic RNA-hydrolyzing antibody, 3D8 scFv, for intranasal administration against avian influenza virus (H1N1) was described. The recombinant 3D8 scFv protein prevented BALB/c mice against H1N1 influenza virus infection by degradation of the viral RNA genome through its intrinsic RNA-hydrolyzing activity. Intranasal administration of 3D8 scFv (50 μg/day) for five days prior to infection demonstrated an antiviral activity (70% survival) against H1N1 infection. The antiviral ability of 3D8 scFv to penetrate into epithelial cells from bronchial cavity via the respiratory mucosal layer was confirmed by immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR, and histopathological examination. The antiviral activity of 3D8 scFv against H1N1 virus infection was not due to host immune cytokines or chemokines, but rather to direct antiviral RNA-hydrolyzing activity of 3D8 scFv against the viral RNA genome. Taken together, our results suggest that the RNase activity of 3D8 scFv, coupled with its ability to penetrate epithelial cells through the respiratory mucosal layer, directly prevents H1N1 virus infection in a mouse model system.
SmI2-mediated dimerization of indolylbutenones and synthesis of the myxobacterial natural product indiacen B
Authors: Marsch Nils , Jones Peter G , Lindel Thomas
Published: September 2015

The synthesis and reactivity of indole derivatives substituted in the benzene section was studied. Starting materials 4- and 6-iodoindole were conveniently prepared via the Batcho–Leimgruber route and purified by sublimation. Novel vicinally indolyl-substituted cyclopentanols with unexpected cis-configuration were formed by SmI2-mediated reductive dimerization of a 4-(indol-6-yl)butenone, obtained by Heck reaction. The two indolyl units appear to chelate Sm(II)/(III) leading to a gauche-type arrangement at the newly formed bond between the two β-carbons. Through a sequence of Sonogashira cross coupling and Meyer–Schuster rearrangement 6-prenoylindole was synthesized and reductively dimerized to a cyclopentane in a [3 + 2] cycloaddition by treatment with SmI2 in THF. From 4-iodoindole, the natural product indiacen B from the myxobacterium Sandaracinus amylolyticus was synthesized for the first time, confirming its antimicrobial activity. The E-configuration of the chloroalkene moiety of indiacen B was confirmed by X-ray analysis.
E-BUSINESS, ORGANIZATIONAL INNOVATION AND FIRM PERFORMANCE IN MANUFACTURING SMES: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY IN SPAIN
Authors: SOTO-ACOSTA Pedro , POPA Simona , PALACIOS-MARQUÉS Daniel
Published: September 2015

This paper extends previous studies on the organizational impact of Internet technologies by analyzing factors affecting e-business use and its effect on organizational innovation in manufacturing Small and Medium-Size Enterprises (SMEs). In addition, the mediating effect of organizational innovation on the relationship between e-business and firm performance is analyzed. Grounded in the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) theory and the Knowledge-Based View (KBV), this paper develops an integrative research model which analyzes those relations using partial least squares (PLS) structural equation modeling on a dataset of 175 Spanish manufacturing SMEs. Results suggest that e-business use emerges from technological and internal organizational resources rather than from external pressure. In addition, results show that e-business use contributes positively to firm performance through organizational innovation.
Análisis de emisiones de CO2 en la producción de forjados planos in situ de hormigón en comportamiento unidireccional
Authors: Liébana O. , Pulido M. D. G. , Gómez-Hermoso J.
Published: September 2015

Se ha realizado un estudio de soluciones de forjado sobre un edificio de referencia con luces de cinco a diez metros en un esquema unidireccional que recoja usos frecuentes en edificación. Se ha obtenido el consumo de materiales y cuantificado el impacto medioambiental con un criterio basado en emisiones de CO2 generadas en la etapa de producción. Una vez analizados los resultados, se han podido valorar los diferentes sistemas y concluir cómo el pretensado de armadura postesa presenta una gran optimización de recursos. El desconocimiento de las técnicas, los desarrollos de la normativa actual que inciden en mayores gastos materiales o, simplemente, las inercias de trabajo que se resisten al cambio de sistemas conocidos aparentemente satisfactorios, son factores responsables de su mínima implantación. Pero sobre todo, es necesaria la aplicación global de criterios de sostenibilidad basados en reducción de emisiones y gasto energético, así como de un consumo más responsable de materia prima.
Procedimiento para la obtención de cargas últimas de arcos de perfiles conformados en frío
Authors: Cifuentes-Bulté H. , Medina-Encina F.
Published: September 2015

En este trabajo se presenta una metodología de cálculo para la determinación de la carga última de arcos circulares con perfiles trapezoidales conformados en frío. Estos elementos de cubierta, sometidos fundamentalmente a esfuerzos de compresión y de directriz curva, deben ser dimensionados teniendo en cuenta la inestabilidad por pandeo. Actualmente, ninguna normativa describe un procedimiento de cálculo para la consideración del pandeo en elementos curvos. La metodología aquí planteada se basa en la filosofía de las curvas europeas de pandeo establecidas en los Eurocódigos. Así, se ha obtenido un coeficiente reductor empírico que considera los efectos del pandeo conjuntamente con imperfecciones geométricas y mecánicas en función de la esbeltez del arco considerado. Para ello, es necesario determinar la carga última experimental de al menos tres arcos, cuyos radios y luces se encuentren lo suficientemente diferenciados.
Arranjos universidade-empresa e governo: Evidências de um survey no Sul do Brasil
Authors: Ruduit Garcia Sandro
Published: September 2015

O presente capítulo discute as interações entre governo-universidade-empresa, enfocando, mais especificamente, o problema do papel e dos obstáculos do financiamento e do apoio governamental a pequenas empresas inovadoras pertencentes a arranjos universidade-empresa (incubadoras e parques tecnológicos) no contexto de particularidades de países emergentes. O interesse no problema decorre do fato de que, no Brasil, os recursos governamentais disponíveis a empresas inovadoras não apenas têm crescido expressivamente, mas, também, têm sido distribuídos por meio de novos instrumentos de política pública, sabendo-se relativamente pouco sobre a dinâmica e os resultados desses novos esforços. O país acha-se desafiado a superar heranças do processo de substituição de importações e a simples exportação de commodities (fala-se, hoje, em substituição de exportações), esforçando-se em formular novos tipos de incentivos e ações de política industrial e tecnológica, para favorecer a criação de conhecimentos e a capacidade de inovação. A hipótese em teste é que o acesso a recursos governamentais interfere favoravelmente em diferentes aspectos da dinâmica de empresas inovadoras localizadas em arranjos universidade-empresa, expressando-se: a) em maiores chances de criação de inovação, b) no emprego de recursos humanos com maior qualificação, c) em maior probabilidade de mudanças estratégicas e organizacionais internas ao negócio, e d) na maior propensão às interações com outros agentes produtivos. Tal discussão envolve controvérsias científicas sobre questões mais abrangentes, como as condições sociais e institucionais de expansão de um novo paradigma de desenvolvimento baseado no conhecimento e na inovação, no contexto das particularidades de países emergentes. Os dados resultam de um survey realizado entre os anos de 2009 e 2010 com uma amostra de empresas (81 casos) situadas em incubadoras e parques tecnológicos de importantes universidades dos estados do Rio Grande do Sul e de Santa Catarina, no Sul do Brasil.
Empresas inovadoras, cultura regional e agentes sociais hábeis
Authors: Dias Blanco Gabriela , Guimarães Sônia Maria Karam
Published: September 2015

O capítulo analisa uma experiência bem-sucedida de incubação de empresas que vem se desenvolvendo no Centro Empresarial para Laboração de Tecnologias Inovadoras (Celta) localizado na cidade de Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brasil, há mais de décadas. O Celta é uma incubadora multissetorial de base tecnológica, que mantinha, em 2011, 32 empresas incubadas, contando ainda com 70 empresas consolidadas no mercado. Foi uma das primeiras incubadoras tecnológicas no Brasil e que, desde o início, destacou-se pelo desempenho inovador de suas empresas. O capítulo analisa a constituição de uma cultura de inovação em uma região sem tradição industrial. Trata-se de um caso incomum no país tanto no que diz respeito à natureza das inovações produzidas (inovações que se destacaram pela contribuição ao país como, por exemplo, o bafômetro e a urna eletrônica) quanto à estreita relação entre empresas e universidades, e, por isso, não pode ser generalizado. Estudos realizados entre empresas incubadas evidenciam que, no Brasil, as inovações produzidas tendem a ser, sobretudo, inovações para a empresa e/ou para o mercado local, enquanto as interações tanto formais como informais entre universidade-empresa são ainda pouco expressivas. Que fatores teriam contribuído para superar carências históricas da realidade brasileira e que favoreceram o desenvolvimento de inovações tecnológicas que alcançaram o mercado internacional na incubadora do Celta? A interrogação torna-se mais pertinente ao se considerarem as características da região em que este empreendimento se localiza que não se destacava no ramo industrial. Portanto, supor que as transformações ocorridas originaram-se da consolidação de uma base industrial e empresarial já existente seria implausível. Explicar a criação, expansão e consolidação de empresas de base tecnológica e o fortalecimento das atividades de P&D como resultado exclusivo de um arranjo institucional seria igualmente insuficiente, uma vez que arranjos institucionais consolidados são encontrados em outras regiões do país, sem os mesmos resultados quanto a desempenho inovador. Buscou-se, então, fundamentar o estudo em pressupostos que se baseiam na perspectiva que integra trajetórias de atores, recursos territoriais e arranjos institucionais preexistentes. Apoiamo-nos: a) nas formulações de Muller, Héraud e Rafanomezantsoa sobre cultura regional de inovação, e b) no conceito desenvolvido por Fligstein de “atores estratégicos hábeis” ou “empreendedores institucionais” semelhante ao conceito de “desempenho hábil” de Giddens, referindo-se aos atores capazes de induzir a cooperação de outros para criar novas ordens e significados.
Postfordisme, territoire et durabilité
Authors: Pecqueur Bernard
Published: September 2015

Ce chapitre traite du rôle des dynamiques territoriales dans les mutations de l’après fordisme. On constate en effet, l’émergence de nouvelles formes d’organisation et d’articulation, au même niveau, des filières de production, avec l’émergence de chaînes d’offre et de chaînes logistiques. L’hypothèse de travail retenue ici est que le local peut être la base d’une reconstruction institutionnelle postfordiste. Ainsi, on s’interroge sur les fondements d’une telle reconstruction.La France a une tradition industrielle ancienne tandis que le Brésil est venu plus tardivement à l’industrie fordiste, pourtant les deux trajectoires ont des traits communs. On propose d’intégrer ces deux économies au sein d’un cycle de plus grande ampleur concernant l’industrie et son exaspération taylorienne.Dans une première partie, on oriente la réflexion à partir de trois caractéristiques qui représentent un dépassement du noyau dur du modèle fordiste : la secondarisation de l’objet matériel, le découplage de la superposition de l’espace de production et de celui de la consommation et enfin, l’émergence de la dimension méso économique.Les hypothèses à valider sont celles de l’éloignement plus ou moins accéléré de ces caractéristiques comme fondements du modèle post fordiste. Dans une seconde partie, le texte cherche à mettre en évidence les conséquences des tensions vécues par les acteurs du système global : la disjonction lieu de vie versus lieu de travail qui produit une contradiction entre activités résidentielle et productive d’une part, et la compatibilité territoire versus durabilité d’autre part qui menacent la cohérence des territoires. En effet dans le modèle postfordiste en émergence, la question de la durabilité apparait comme cruciale pour permettre le renouvellement des ressources. C’est bien à travers cette notion de ressource que la durabilité rejoint le territoire.Une troisième partie aboutit à l’esquisse de ce que pourrait être un modèle de « développement territorial durable ». Le modèle esquissé est différent du modèle ricardien de dotation-spécialisation en ce que les perspectives de création de richesses tiennent ici aux capacités de groupes à s’organiser et à élaborer des processus originaux d’émergence des ressources. On ne peut donc parler, à propos des actifs et ressources spécifiques, d’avantages comparatifs mais plutôt d’avantages “différenciatifs” qui supposent, pour être produits ou valorisés, des stratégies radicalement différentes de celles qui visent à susciter ou conforter des avantages comparatifs. En d’autres termes, la productivité apparente n’est plus le seul moteur de la compétitivité des territoires producteurs.