bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, Degradation, Biocompatibility and Drug Release Studies of Bis 2-Hydroxy Ethyl Terephthalate-based Poly(Mannitol-Citric-Sebacate) Ester
Authors: Sunil Athira K , K Sarkar , Chatterjee Kaushik
Published: June 2016

Bis 2-Hydroxy Ethyl Terephthalate-based biodegradable poly(mannitol-citric-sebacate) has been synthesized by catalyst-free melt condensation process using two different diacids and Bis 2-Hydroxy Ethyl Terephthalate with D-mannitol as monomers having a potential to be metabolized in vivo. The biocompatibility of the polymer, Bis 2-Hydroxy Ethyl Terephthalate-poly(mannitol-citric-sebacate) has been tested using human primary stromal cells. In vitro degradation of Bis 2-Hydroxy Ethyl Terephthalate-poly(mannitol-citric-sebacate) polymer in Phosphate Buffered Saline solution carried out at physiological conditions indicates that the degradation goes to completion after 23 days. The usage of Bis 2-Hydroxy Ethyl Terephthalate-poly(mannitol-citric-sebacate) polymer as a drug carrier has been analyzed by doping the polymer with Doxorubicin model drug and the release rate has been studied by mass loss over time. The cumulative drug-release profiles exhibit a biphasic release with an initial burst release and cumulative 100 percent release within 14 days.
UMA ANÁLISE DAS REPRESENTAÇÕES DE ARTEMÍSIA GENTILESCHI (1593-1654) EM ESTUDOS DE CARÁTER BIOGRÁFICO
Authors: Tedesco Cristine
Published: June 2016

Este trabalho propõe uma análise das representações de Artemísia Gentileschi (1593-1654) na historiografia da arte italiana recente, considerando, principalmente, os capítulos respectivamente intitulados: “Fino a qual segno giungessel’ingegno, e la mano d’una tal donna”: geografia e rango diArtemisiaGentileschi e Ritorno a Roma: 1620-1627, dos pesquisadores Roberto Contini e Francesco Solinas – os quais têm se dedicado ao estudo da vidobra da pintora nas últimas três décadas. Os capítulos estão publicados no catálogo referente à exposição ArtemisiaGentileschi:Storiadi una passione realizada em Milão (2011-2012). Tendo em vista o caráter biográfico dos estudos de Contini e Solinas, nosso objetivo é discutir como a trajetória de Artemísia é representada ao longo dos textos, problematizando também, em que medida as questões gênero, ilusão biográfica e redes de relações são preocupações apresentadas nos dois capítulos. Além disso, a partir da trajetória Artemisia Gentileschi o trabalho realiza uma investigação acerca da rede de relações construída pela pintora nas cortes e instituições nas quais atuou na primeira metade do século XVII. Problematizando as normas sociais e a cultura do período, o trabalho discute como Artemisia e outras mulheres artistas de seu tempo se inseriram e atuaram no mundo da produção artística. Enquanto as normas sociais do período tornavam difícil o aprendizado e a profissionalização das mulheres, em especial no campo da produção artística, ao mapearmos as fontes nos deparamos com uma atuação significativa das mulheres no mundo da criação. A partir das trajetórias que revelam a atuação feminina na produção artística, nos perguntamos que outras histórias podemos escrever: uma outra história da arte, da pintura e das mulheres, tendo em vista limites mais flexíveis para as fronteiras de gênero. DOI: 10.21665/2318-3888.v3n6p139-168
PRÁTICA DOCENTE, PESQUISA E INICIAÇÃO CIENTÍFICA: UM OLHAR PARA QUESTÕES AMBIENTAIS NA ESCOLA PÚBLICA
Authors: Lima Sonia Maria Pereira , Miranda Maria Helena Roque
Published: June 2016

O presente estudo analisa a importância do uso de atividades de pesquisa e iniciação científica no processo de produção do conhecimento do estudante. Com essa pretensão, apresenta-se nesse artigo, o recorte de uma pesquisa desenvolvida por estudantes e professores do Ensino Fundamental e Ensino Médio, a qual procurou identificar de que forma a inexistência da coleta seletiva do lixo afeta a qualidade de vida da população predominante no município de Garanhuns-PE.  A amostra do estudo foi constituída por representantes de órgãos municipais, estaduais e ONGs responsáveis pela coleta seletiva no município, além da comunidade estudantil da Escola São José. Utilizamos questionários e, através de estatística descritiva e análise comparativa de conteúdo realiza-se a tabulação dos dados. Conclui-se ressaltando que as práticas educativas ao priorizarem estudos sobre o meio ambiente a partir de atividades desafiadoras que favoreçam e conduzam o estudante a ter atitudes protagonistas materializadas na responsabilidade com a preservação do meio em que vive, contribui para que a escola seja conceituada como espaço de leituras de realidades, de conhecimento produtivo e de relevância social. DOI: 10.21665/2318-3888.v3n6p237-254
CULTURAS POPULARES: TRAJETÓRIAS CONCEITUAIS E CONSTRUÇÕES DE SENTIDO
Authors: Paulino Thiago
Published: June 2016

Partindo do princípio que os conceitos surgem de realidades construídas por atores sociais, o presente artigo pretende fazer um levantamento e discussão a  respeito de  alguns conceitos de cultura popular, observando seus diversos sentidos e contextos históricos em que foram construídos. Inicialmente será apresentada a abordagem dos românticos e folcloristas  no contexto Europeu como os Irmãos Grimm e Willian John Thoms e posteriormente a evolução do conceito no Brasil, através de alguns “folcloristas” Brasileiros.  Também é trabalhada a relação de Mário de Andrade com a investigação das manifestações populares na busca do “substrato” de um “Brasil mais profundo”. Em seguida é demonstrado como o termo adquiriu sentidos de instrumento ideológico no contexto politico da década de 60 durante o Regime Militar no Brasil através de movimentos como os Centros Populares de Cultura ou os Movimentos de Cultura Popular. E por fim  é observada a relação com os estudos contemporâneos de cultura nos quais se abordam termos como “entre-lugar” e  “hibridismo”. Atores como Canclini, Bhabha e Hall apontam  direções de olhares sobre o mundo de hoje suas contradições e conflitos quando se fala em cultura e poder.  Para melhor entendimento dos diversos significados  por trás da “cultura popular” foi  feito um levantamento bibliográfico e de contextos históricos onde estava situado cada conceito. Essa  discussão se torna  exetremamente pertinete para  enteder os usos e as relações de poder por trás deste cocneito polissêmico. Isso provoca  o prórpio entendimento de como são tratados os segmentos populares e suas manifestações criativas. Manifestações essas que permitem narrar seus cotidiano e demonstrar seu protagonismo social. DOI: 10.21665/2318-3888.v3n6p255-278
CAPRA, Fritjof. As conexões ocultas – ciência para uma vida sustentável. São Paulo: Cultrix, 2002.
Authors: Silveira Neto Joaquim Cardoso
Published: June 2016

Trata-se de uma resenha crítica acerca da obra Conexões ocultas, de Fritjof Capra. DOI: 10.21665/2318-3888.v3n6p279-282
CARTAS DE JUAN NATALICIO GONZÁLEZ PARA O SEU MESTRE JUAN O’LEARY; A AUTONOMIA LITERÁRIA E POLÍTICA DO DISCÍPULO
Authors: Quinteros Marcela Cristina
Published: June 2016

Juan Natalicio González foi um intelectual paraguaio que, identificado com o revisionismo histórico e filiado ao Partido Colorado, teve um papel central na difusão desse revisionismo além das fronteiras de seu país através das diversas atividades que exerceu ao longo das primeiras décadas do século XX, até sua morte no México em 1966. Aqui serão analisadas as missivas que González endereçou para seu grande mestre, o principal referente do revisionismo histórico paraguaio, Juan Emiliano O’Leary, nos primeiros anos de sua vida intelectual e política. O objetivo desta análise é identificar os projetos literários, editoriais e políticos de González nessa fase e, ao mesmo tempo,  compreender o vínculo que o unia a Juan O’Leary. A leitura das cartas que o discípulo González enviou para seu mestre na década de 1920 permitiu identificar que a literatura, o jornalismo e o trabalho editorial foram ferramentas utilizadas por González para atingir suas ambições políticas que, basicamente, orientavam-se a assumir a liderança do Partido Colorado, para depois conquistar o poder. As missivas, em sua maioria escritas enquanto morava em Buenos Aires, revelam o modo de fazer política de González dentro e fora do Paraguai já que, por um lado, manteve um contato permanente com o partido e participava nas decisões editoriais dos jornais partidários e, por outro lado, interferiu diretamente na vida das associações de paraguaios em Buenos Aires. Por último, elas possibilitam identificar a autonomia do discípulo em relação a seu mestre para estabelecer seus próprios projetos. Este artigo tem origem numa pesquisa de doutorado sobre a trajetória de Juan Natalicio González como um intelectual latino-americano plural. DOI: 10.21665/2318-3888.v3n6p90-114
बन समुहमा आन्तरिक सुशासन र रेड्प्लसको प्रतिफल
Authors: पौडेल Poudel बिष्णु Bishnu हरि Hari , पौडेल Poudel गोबिन्‍द Govinda , लुइंटेल Luintel हरिशरण Harisharan
Published: June 2016

Available with full text.Journal of Forest and livelihood (हाम्रो बन सम्पदा)बर्ष ११, अंक १, २०७०/२०१३, पेज : ३७-४८
रेड्प्लसमा सुशासन र लाभाम्स बाँडफाँड : सरोकारवालाको दृष्टिकोण Redplusma Sushan ra Lavamsa Banfaat : Sarokarwalako Dristikon
Authors: पौडेल Poudel गोबिन्‍द Govinda , कार्की Karki राहुल Rahul
Published: June 2016

Not available.उपलब्ध छैनJournal of Forest and livelihood (हाम्रो बन सम्पदा)बर्ष ११, अंक १, २०७०/२०१३ पेज : ४९-५७
रेड्प्लसमा महिलाको अवसर र चुनौती
Authors: केसी KC रुपा Rupa
Published: June 2016

Not available.उपलब्ध छैनJournal of Forest and livelihood (हाम्रो बन सम्पदा)बर्ष ११, अंक १, २०७०/२०१३ पेज : ५८-७२
Understanding Spatial Pattern Cognition from Tactile Maps and Graphics
Authors: Perdue Nicholas A. , Lobben Amy K.
Published: June 2016

This article explores the cognitive dimensions of spatial pattern identification in people who are blind or low vision using tactile graphics. We contend that spatial pattern identification is critical to the construction of an informative and rich environmental image, and insight into these cognitive skills can inform current practices in tactile map production and accessible cartography. This research investigates individual spatial thinking skills hypothesized to be components of spatial pattern identification. The findings suggest that Cartesian proximity and object differentiation are vital cognitive skills of spatial pattern identification and could potentially be exploited to communicate complex environmental knowledge in tactile reference maps. The relationship between prior map-reading training and test performance indicates a critical need for an increased presence of tactile cartographies and highlights future research opportunities.
A Geolinguistic Approach for Comprehending Local Influence in OpenStreetMap
Authors: Quinn Sterling
Published: June 2016

OpenStreetMap (OSM) thrives on allowing anyone in the world to contribute features to a free online geographical database, thereby allowing international mixes of contributors to create the map in any given place. Using South America as a test area, I explore the geography of OSM contributors by applying automated language identification to the free-form comments that contributors make when saving their work. By cross-referencing these languages with users' self-reported hometowns from their profiles, I evaluate the effectiveness of language detection as a method for inferring the percentage of local contributors versus the percentage of “armchair mappers” from elsewhere. I show that most English-speaking contributors to the South American OSM are from outside the continent (rather than multilingual locals). The percentage of English use is higher in poor areas and rural areas, suggesting that residents of these places exercise less control over their map contents. Finally, I demonstrate that some features related to daily needs of health, education, and transportation are mapped with higher priority by contributors who speak the local language. These findings give researchers and organizations a deeper understanding of the OSM contributor base and potential shortcomings that might affect the data's fitness for use in any given place.
Canada's Exporters and Importers: Concentration, Foreign Ownership, and Productivity
Authors: Acharya Ram C.
Published: June 2016

Using firm level data in Canada from 2002 to 2007, I show that trade is highly concentrated, much more than employment. Firms that both export and import are more productive than firms that only export, which are more productive than firms that only import. Foreign-controlled firms are larger, export more per employee, and have higher productivity compared to Canadian-controlled counterparts. The intensity of global value chains is higher for firms that are smaller, have higher numbers of export products and export partner countries, and are under foreign control. The role of new products and new firms is falling for Canada's exporter.
Gasoline Prices and Fuel Economy of New Vehicles in Quebec
Authors: Barla Philippe , Couture Etienne , Samano Mario
Published: June 2016

We evaluate the short-run impact of gasoline prices on new vehicles registrations by fuel economy between 2002 and 2008 in the province of Quebec. We find that a gasoline price increase stimulates registration of new vehicles with a fuel consumption rate below 8.65L/100km (27.2 MPG) while it lowers those of vehicles above that limit. While the impact is modest for most vehicles, large gasoline price fluctuations lead to noticeable changes in the fleet composition. We also find that the Federal ecoAUTO feebate program improved fuel economy of new vehicles by less than 1 percent.
“Give Me the Consideration of Being the Bondsman”: Embarrassment and the Figure of the Bond in the Sentimental Fiction of Samuel Richardson
Authors: Morgan Greg
Published: June 2016

In Samuel Richardson’s sentimental, epistolary novels Pamela, Clarissa, and Sir Charles Grandison, bonds and embarrassment con sti tute currencies of commerce and sociability. Since sociability is a framework of compulsory social and financial obligation, bondmanship, including suretyship, becomes a metaphor for the perils of reciprocal exchange, social and commercial. In Richardson’s fiction, the social effects of exchanges of literal or figurative bonds or sureties play a role in an economy of embarrass ment that also forms part of an economy of sentiment. Circulating letters become the sentimental equivalents of bonds, while bonds embody the sociability of exchange much as letters do. Still, a close reading of Richardson’s handling of the metaphor of the bond as embarrassment suggests an evolution away from the two-party arrangement in Pamela, and towards the more sophisticated three-party suretyship figuratively deployed by Sir Charles against Lady Beauchamp: the impersonal efficiency of the bondmanship by which he brokers her humiliation resembles the operation of an eighteenth-century securities market.
Relationships between mechanical and tribological properties of Zn-15Al-based ternary and quaternary alloys
Authors: Savaşkan Temel , Hekimoğlu Ali Paşa
Published: June 2016

Five ternary Zn-15Al-(1 – 5)Cu and six quaternary Zn-15Al-3Cu-(0.5 – 3)Si alloys were prepared by permanent mold casting for this work. Their unlubricated sliding friction and wear properties were investigated at a pressure of 3 MPa and a sliding speed of 1.5 m s−1 for a sliding distance of 2 500 m using a block-on-disc type tester. The friction coefficient and wear volume of the ternary alloys decreased with increasing copper content, but above 3 % Cu the trend reversed. As the hardness and both tensile and compressive strengths of the ternary alloys increased, their friction coefficient, working temperature and wear volume decreased. However, the trend reversed for the hardness and compressive strength of the quaternary alloys. The correlation between mechanical and tribological test results showed that the wear volume of Zn-15Al-based alloys can be determined in terms of their tensile strength.
Investigation of tungsten surface changes after interaction with dense plasma streams compared with the results given by a simple 1D model
Authors: Dąbrowski Franciszek , Ciupiński Łukasz , Kubkowska Monika , Pełka Grzegorz , Adamiec Joanna , Kowalska-Strzęciwilk Ewa , Stępniewski Włodzimierz , Paduch Marian , Zielińska Ewa
Published: June 2016

In this work, plasma–target interactions on tungsten samples, carried out in a Mather-type plasma focus PF-1000 device, were investigated. The experimental results have been compared to 1D model computer simulations. Samples were studied by means of scanning electron microscopy, focused ion beam microscopy and precise measurements of weight loss. Additionally, simulations based on the numerical solution of a 1D heat conductivity equation were carried out. The samples exhibited relatively high resistance to the generated plasma streams. The practical work indicated a loss of about 1.54 mg per plasma focus discharge. The computer model calculations gave a weight loss one magnitude greater. An attempt to explain this discrepancy is given in the paper.
Effect of withdrawal rate and zinc content on pore structure and morphology of lotus-type porous Cu–Zn alloys fabricated using continuous casting
Authors: Li Zaijiu , Tian Juanjuan , Zhu Shaowu , Chen Jialin , Xie Ming
Published: June 2016

A continuous casting technique was developed to fabricate lotus-type porous alloys. This type of porous Cu–Zn (2, 6, and 10 wt.%) alloy was successfully fabricated by using the continuous casting technique under a hydrogen gas pressure of 0.6 MPa at various withdrawal rates. The influences of processing parameters on the pore structure and morphology were investigated. For the porous Cu-2Zn alloys, an increased withdrawal rate will result in slightly increased porosity, but a decreased average pore diameter. The pore morphology becomes more and more inhomogeneous with increasing Zn content, and the porosity tends to firstly decrease and subsequently increase. Such tendencies are correlated with the Zn content and corresponding width of the mushy zone.
Time on the Pulse: Affective Encounters with the Wristwatch in the Literature of Modernism and the First World War
Authors: Dijck Cedric Van
Published: June 2016

Time is a constitutive feature of modernism, which developed in a period when the stability of the self was disintegrating. This paper considers the link between modernist temporality and affect by looking at the wristwatch, the first timepiece worn on the body. I focus on its emergence in World War One and go on to discuss two encounters with the timepiece in Siegfried Sassoon's ‘Attack’ (1918) and Virginia Woolf's To the Lighthouse (1927). In these texts the figure of the conflation of wristwatch/ticking and wrist/pulse articulates a loss of individual mobility and agency in the modern world. The wristwatch symbolizes the way in which oppressive systems of time were lived and internalized. Situated at the crossroads of affect studies, object studies, and the study of modernist time, my argument posits that the object informed an understanding of temporality in corporeal terms. Because of that focus on affect, the wristwatch suggests how the First World War may be seen as a vital part of the modernist timescape.
Frank Tashlin's Jackson Pollock
Authors: Hilsabeck Burke
Published: June 2016

This paper situates Frank Tashlin's Paramount-produced Artists and Models (1955) alongside a genealogy of modernist painting. Beginning with the observation that the opening sequence of Tashlin's film burlesques Abstract Expressionist painting and Jackson Pollock in particular, it puts Artists and Models in conversation with Clement Greenberg's paint-on-a-flat-canvas modernism (and Greenberg's interest in articulating this modernism through the figure of Pollock) with a distinct account of cinematic specificity. The essay then places Tashlin's film and the figure of Jerry-Lewis-as-Jackson-Pollock in relation to Pop Art of the late 1950s and early 1960s. It concludes by suggesting that Tashlin's Pollock can help us to better think about the relationship between high modernism and mass culture.
Series of Broad Resonances in Atomic Three-Body Systems
Authors: Diaz Daniel , Papp Zoltan , Hu Chi-Yu
Published: June 2016

We re-examine the series of resonances found earlier in atomic three-body systems by solving the Faddeev-Merkuriev integral equations. These resonances are rather broad and line up at each threshold with gradually increasing gaps. This lining up takes place in the same way for all thresholds and is irrespective of the spatial symmetry. We relate these resonances to the Gailitis mechanism, which is a consequence of the polarization potential.
Thermophilic versus Mesophilic Anaerobic Digestion of Sewage Sludge: A Comparative Review
Authors: Gebreeyessus Getachew , Jenicek Pavel
Published: June 2016

During advanced biological wastewater treatment, a huge amount of sludge is produced as a by-product of the treatment process. Hence, reuse and recovery of resources and energy from the sludge is a big technological challenge. The processing of sludge produced by Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) is massive, which takes up a big part of the overall operational costs. In this regard, anaerobic digestion (AD) of sewage sludge continues to be an attractive option to produce biogas that could contribute to the wastewater management cost reduction and foster the sustainability of those WWTPs. At the same time, AD reduces sludge amounts and that again contributes to the reduction of the sludge disposal costs. However, sludge volume minimization remains, a challenge thus improvement of dewatering efficiency is an inevitable part of WWTP operation. As a result, AD parameters could have significant impact on sludge properties. One of the most important operational parameters influencing the AD process is temperature. Consequently, the thermophilic and the mesophilic modes of sludge AD are compared for their pros and cons by many researchers. However, most comparisons are more focused on biogas yield, process speed and stability. Regarding the biogas yield, thermophilic sludge AD is preferred over the mesophilic one because of its faster biochemical reaction rate. Equally important but not studied sufficiently until now was the influence of temperature on the digestate quality, which is expressed mainly by the sludge dewateringability, and the reject water quality (chemical oxygen demand, ammonia nitrogen, and pH). In the field of comparison of thermophilic and mesophilic digestion process, few and often inconclusive research, unfortunately, has been published so far. Hence, recommendations for optimized technologies have not yet been done. The review presented provides a comparison of existing sludge AD technologies and the gaps that need to be filled so as to optimize the connection between the two systems. In addition, many other relevant AD process parameters, including sludge rheology, which need to be addressed, are also reviewed and presented.
S100A4 in Cancer Metastasis: Wnt Signaling-Driven Interventions for Metastasis Restriction
Authors: Dahlmann Mathias , Kobelt Dennis , Walther Wolfgang , Mudduluru Giridhar , Stein Ulrike
Published: June 2016

The aberrant activity of Wnt signaling is an early step in the transformation of normal intestinal cells to malignant tissue, leading to more aggressive tumors, and eventually metastases. In colorectal cancer (CRC), metastasis accounts for about 90% of patient deaths, representing the most lethal event during the course of the disease and is directly linked to patient survival, critically limiting successful therapy. This review focuses on our studies of the metastasis-inducing gene S100A4, which we identified as transcriptional target of β-catenin. S100A4 increased migration and invasion in vitro and metastasis in mice. In patient CRC samples, high S100A4 levels predict metastasis and reduced patient survival. Our results link pathways important for tumor progression and metastasis: the Wnt signaling pathway and S100A4, which regulates motility and invasiveness. S100A4 suppression by interdicting Wnt signaling has potential for therapeutic intervention. As proof of principle, we applied S100A4 shRNA systemically and prevented metastasis in mice. Furthermore, we identified small molecule inhibitors from high-throughput screens of pharmacologically active compounds employing an S100A4 promoter-driven reporter. Best hits act, as least in part, via intervening in the Wnt pathway and restricted metastasis in mouse models. We currently translate our findings on restricting S100A4-driven metastasis into clinical practice. The repositioned FDA-approved drug niclosamide, targeting Wnt signaling, is being tested in a prospective phase II clinical trial for treatment of CRC patients. Our assay for circulating S100A4 transcripts in patient blood is used to monitor treatment success.
Maternal Anxiety and Children’s Laboratory Pain: The Mediating Role of Solicitousness
Authors: Evans Subhadra , Payne Laura , Seidman Laura , Lung Kirsten , Zeltzer Lonnie , Tsao Jennie
Published: June 2016

There has been limited empirical examination of how parent variables such as anxiety and solicitousness collectively impact child pain response. We sought to examine the relationships among maternal anxiety, solicitous parenting, and children’s laboratory anxiety and pain intensity in children with chronic pain. Participants included 80 children and adolescents (ages 8–18) with chronic pain and their mothers. Children completed questionnaires and lab pain tasks measuring their parents’ solicitous parenting, pressure, cold and heat pain anticipatory anxiety and pain intensity. Using bootstrapping analysis, maternal anxiety predicted child anticipatory anxiety and pain intensity in girls with chronic pain, which was mediated by the child’s report of parental solicitousness. For boys with chronic pain, maternal anxiety predicted boys’ anticipatory anxiety and pain intensity, with no support for mediation. This study adds to the growing literature demonstrating the impact of maternal anxiety on children’s pain. The study highlights the importance of considering parents in treatment designed to reduce children’s pain.
Hydrogen Desorption Properties of Bulk and Nanoconfined LiBH4-NaAlH4
Authors: Javadian Payam , Sheppard Drew , Buckley Craig , Jensen Torben
Published: June 2016

Nanoconfinement of 2LiBH4-NaAlH4 into a mesoporous carbon aerogel scaffold with a pore size, BET surface area and total pore volume of Dmax = 30 nm, SBET = 689 m2/g and Vtot = 1.21 mL/g, respectively is investigated. Nanoconfinement of 2LiBH4-NaAlH4 facilitates a reduction in the temperature of the hydrogen release by 132 °C, compared to that of bulk 2LiBH4-NaAlH4 and the onset of hydrogen release is below 100 °C. The reversible hydrogen storage capacity is also significantly improved for the nanoconfined sample, maintaining 83% of the initial hydrogen content after three cycles compared to 47% for that of the bulk sample. During nanoconfinement, LiBH4 and NaAlH4 reacts to form LiAlH4 and NaBH4 and the final dehydrogenation products, obtained at 481 °C are LiH, LiAl, AlB2 and Al. After rehydrogenation of the nanoconfined sample at T = 400 °C and p(H2) = 126 bar, amorphous NaBH4 is recovered along with unreacted LiH, AlB2 and Al and suggests that NaBH4 is the main compound that can reversibly release and uptake hydrogen.
Creating a Community Rather Than a Course—Possibilities and Dilemmas in an MOOC
Authors: Karlsson Niklas , Godhe Anna-Lena
Published: June 2016

In this article, a massive open online course (MOOC) made by and for Swedish teachers will be presented and discussed in order to determine what possibilities and dilemmas are involved when creating and participating in an MOOC that is meant to be a community rather than a course. By analysing interviews of the organisers as well as blog posts and surveys answered by participants, the conclusions that can be drawn point to the ambiguity of the boundary created between participating in a community and in a course. The way one is expected to participate in the MOOC differs from how one is usually expected to participate in professional development courses. The social aspects of a community become the focus for the participants in the MOOC rather than the content that it is addressing. The skeletal structure of the MOOC inhibits the participation of those who are unaccustomed to the digital environment where it takes place. Furthermore, the division of labour between participants and organisers is affected by the notion of course and therefore becomes ambiguous and creates tensions for both organisers and participants.
Integrated Combined Heat and Power System Dispatch Considering Electrical and Thermal Energy Storage
Authors: Yuan Rongxiang , Ye Jun , Lei Jiazhi , Li Timing
Published: June 2016

Wind power has achieved great development in Northern China, but abundant wind power is dissipated, rather than utilized, due to inflexible electricity production of combined heat and power (CHP) units. In this paper, an integrated CHP system consisting of CHP units, wind power plants, and condensing power plants is investigated to decouple the power and heat production on both the power supply side and heat supply side, by incorporating electrical energy storage (EES) and thermal energy storage (TES). Then the integrated CHP system dispatch (ICHPSD) model is formulated to reach the target of reducing wind power curtailment and primary energy consumption. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed ICHPSD model are verified by the six-bus system, and the simulation results show that EES has a better effect on wind power integration than TES. The annual net benefits by incorporating EES and TES increase with increasing wind penetration, but they gradually approach saturation. Introducing both EES and TES can largely increase the amount of wind power integration and improve the operation efficiency of the system.
Crash Frequency Modeling Using Real-Time Environmental and Traffic Data and Unbalanced Panel Data Models
Authors: Chen Feng , Chen Suren , Ma Xiaoxiang
Published: June 2016

Traffic and environmental conditions (e.g., weather conditions), which frequently change with time, have a significant impact on crash occurrence. Traditional crash frequency models with large temporal scales and aggregated variables are not sufficient to capture the time-varying nature of driving environmental factors, causing significant loss of critical information on crash frequency modeling. This paper aims at developing crash frequency models with refined temporal scales for complex driving environments, with such an effort providing more detailed and accurate crash risk information which can allow for more effective and proactive traffic management and law enforcement intervention. Zero-inflated, negative binomial (ZINB) models with site-specific random effects are developed with unbalanced panel data to analyze hourly crash frequency on highway segments. The real-time driving environment information, including traffic, weather and road surface condition data, sourced primarily from the Road Weather Information System, is incorporated into the models along with site-specific road characteristics. The estimation results of unbalanced panel data ZINB models suggest there are a number of factors influencing crash frequency, including time-varying factors (e.g., visibility and hourly traffic volume) and site-varying factors (e.g., speed limit). The study confirms the unique significance of the real-time weather, road surface condition and traffic data to crash frequency modeling.
Evaluation of Deterministic and Complex Analytical Hierarchy Process Methods for Agricultural Land Suitability Analysis in a Changing Climate
Authors: Romeijn Harmen , Faggian Robert , Diogo Vasco , Sposito Victor
Published: June 2016

Land suitability analysis is employed to evaluate the appropriateness of land for a particular purpose whilst integrating both qualitative and quantitative inputs, which can be continuous in nature. However, in agricultural modelling there is often a disregard of this contiguous aspect. Therefore, some parametric procedures for suitability analysis compartmentalise units into defined membership classes. This imposition of crisp boundaries neglects the continuous formations found throughout nature and overlooks differences and inherent uncertainties found in the modelling. This research will compare two approaches to suitability analysis over three differing methods. The primary approach will use an Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), while the other approach will use a Fuzzy AHP over two methods; Fitted Fuzzy AHP and Nested Fuzzy AHP. Secondary to this, each method will be assessed into how it behaves in a climate change scenario to understand and highlight the role of uncertainties in model conceptualisation and structure. Outputs and comparisons between each method, in relation to area, proportion of membership classes and spatial representation, showed that fuzzy modelling techniques detailed a more robust and continuous output. In particular the Nested Fuzzy AHP was concluded to be more pertinent, as it incorporated complex modelling techniques, as well as the initial AHP framework. Through this comparison and assessment of model behaviour, an evaluation of each methods predictive capacity and relevance for decision-making purposes in agricultural applications is gained.
Metabolic Responses of Poplar to Apripona germari (Hope) as Revealed by Metabolite Profiling
Authors: Wang Lijuan , Qu Liangjian , Zhang Liwei , Hu Jianjun , Tang Fang , Lu Mengzhu
Published: June 2016

Plants have developed biochemical responses to adapt to biotic stress. To characterize the resistance mechanisms in poplar tree against Apripona germari, comprehensive metabolomic changes of poplar bark and xylem in response to A. germari infection were examined by gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC–TOF/MS). It was found that, four days after feeding (stage I), A. germari infection brought about changes in various metabolites, such as phenolics, amino acids and sugars in both bark and xylem. Quinic acid, epicatechin, epigallocatechin and salicin might play a role in resistance response in bark, while coniferyl alcohol, ferulic acid and salicin contribute resistance in xylem. At feeding stages II when the larvae fed for more than one month, fewer defensive metabolites were induced, but levels of many intermediates of glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle were reduced, especially in xylem. These results suggested that the defense strategies against A. germari might depend mainly on the early defense responses in poplar. In addition, it was found that bark and xylem in infected trees accumulated higher levels of salicylic acid and 4-aminobutyric acid, respectively, these tissues displaying a direct and systemic reaction against A. germari. However, the actual role of the two metabolites in A. germari-induced defense in poplar requires further investigation.
Effect of Interface Modified by Graphene on the Mechanical and Frictional Properties of Carbon/Graphene/Carbon Composites
Authors: Yang Wei , Luo Ruiying , Hou Zhenhua
Published: June 2016

In this work, we developed an interface modified by graphene to simultaneously improve the mechanical and frictional properties of carbon/graphene/carbon (C/G/C) composite. Results indicated that the C/G/C composite exhibits remarkably improved interfacial bonding mode, static and dynamic mechanical performance, thermal conductivity, and frictional properties in comparison with those of the C/C composite. The weight contents of carbon fibers, graphene and pyrolytic carbon are 31.6, 0.3 and 68.1 wt %, respectively. The matrix of the C/G/C composite was mainly composed of rough laminar (RL) pyrocarbon. The average hardness by nanoindentation of the C/G/C and C/C composite matrices were 0.473 and 0.751 GPa, respectively. The flexural strength (three point bending), interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), interfacial debonding strength (IDS), internal friction and storage modulus of the C/C composite were 106, 10.3, 7.6, 0.038 and 12.7 GPa, respectively. Those properties of the C/G/C composite increased by 76.4%, 44.6%, 168.4% and 22.8%, respectively, and their internal friction decreased by 42.1% in comparison with those of the C/C composite. Owing to the lower hardness of the matrix, improved fiber/matrix interface bonding strength, and self-lubricating properties of graphene, a complete friction film was easily formed on the friction surface of the modified composite. Compared with the C/C composite, the C/G/C composite exhibited stable friction coefficients and lower wear losses at simulating air-plane normal landing (NL) and rejected take-off (RTO). The method appears to be a competitive approach to improve the mechanical and frictional properties of C/C composites simultaneously.
Fixed Order Controller for Schur Stability
Authors: Büyükköroğlu Taner
Published: June 2016

If the characteristic polynomial of a discrete-time system has all its roots in the open unit disc of the complex plane, the system is called Schur stable. In this paper, the Schur stabilization problem of closed loop discrete-time system by affine compensator is considered. For this purpose, the distance function between the Schur stability region and the affine controller subset is investigated.
The Fungicidal Activity of Thymol against Fusarium graminearum via Inducing Lipid Peroxidation and Disrupting Ergosterol Biosynthesis
Authors: Gao Tao , Zhou Hao , Zhou Wei , Hu Liangbin , Chen Jian , Shi Zhiqi
Published: June 2016

Thymol is a natural plant-derived compound that has been widely used in pharmaceutical and food preservation applications. However, the antifungal mechanism for thymol against phytopathogens remains unclear. In this study, we identified the antifungal action of thymol against Fusarium graminearum, an economically important phytopathogen showing severe resistance to traditional chemical fungicides. The sensitivity of thymol on different F. graminearum isolates was screened. The hyphal growth, as well as conidial production and germination, were quantified under thymol treatment. Histochemical, microscopic, and biochemical approaches were applied to investigate thymol-induced cell membrane damage. The average EC50 value of thymol for 59 F. graminearum isolates was 26.3 μg·mL−1. Thymol strongly inhibited conidial production and hyphal growth. Thymol-induced cell membrane damage was indicated by propidium iodide (PI) staining, morphological observation, relative conductivity, and glycerol measurement. Thymol induced a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and a remarkable decrease in ergosterol content. Taken together, thymol showed potential antifungal activity against F. graminearum due to the cell membrane damage originating from lipid peroxidation and the disturbance of ergosterol biosynthesis. These results not only shed new light on the antifungal mechanism of thymol, but also imply a promising alternative for the control of Fusarium head blight (FHB) disease caused by F. graminearum.
Discovery of Novel Allopurinol Derivatives with Anticancer Activity and Attenuated Xanthine Oxidase Inhibition
Authors: Li Yong , Cao Ting-Ting , Guo Shanchun , Zhong Qiu , Li Cai-Hu , Li Ying , Dong Lin , Zheng Shilong , Wang Guangdi , Yin Shu-Fan
Published: June 2016

A series of pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine derivatives related to allopurinol has been synthesized and evaluated for its cytotoxicity against a panel of three cancer cell lines as well as its xanthine oxidase (XOD) inhibitory activities. Among them, compound 4 showed potent cytotoxicity with IC50 values of 25.5 and 35.2 μM against human hepatoma carcinoma cell lines, BEL-7402 and SMMC-7221, respectively. The anticancer activity of 4 was comparable to that of Tanespimycin (17-N-allylamino-17-demethoxy geldanamycin, 17-AAG) that inhibited the growth of BEL-7402 and SMMC-7221 cells at IC50 values of 12.4 and 9.85 μM, respectively. However, unlike allopurinol, which is also a strong inhibitor of XOD, compound 4 is a much weaker XOD inhibitor, suggesting that the anticancer activities of the allopurinol derivatives may not be associated with XOD inhibition. Moreover, the cytotoxicity of 4 toward normal cells is significantly lower than that of 17-AAG, making 4 a promising lead compound for further optimization of structure-activity relationships that may lead to anticancer agents of clinical utility.
Capsaicin, Nociception and Pain
Authors: Frias Bárbara , Merighi Adalberto
Published: June 2016

Capsaicin, the pungent ingredient of the hot chili pepper, is known to act on the transient receptor potential cation channel vanilloid subfamily member 1 (TRPV1). TRPV1 is involved in somatic and visceral peripheral inflammation, in the modulation of nociceptive inputs to spinal cord and brain stem centers, as well as the integration of diverse painful stimuli. In this review, we first describe the chemical and pharmacological properties of capsaicin and its derivatives in relation to their analgesic properties. We then consider the biochemical and functional characteristics of TRPV1, focusing on its distribution and biological effects within the somatosensory and viscerosensory nociceptive systems. Finally, we discuss the use of capsaicin as an agonist of TRPV1 to model acute inflammation in slices and other ex vivo preparations.
Antileishmanial Activity and Structure-Activity Relationship of Triazolic Compounds Derived from the Neolignans Grandisin, Veraguensin, and Machilin G
Authors: Costa Eduarda , Cassamale Tatiana , Carvalho Diego , Bosquiroli Lauriane , Ojeda Mariáh , Ximenes Thalita , Matos Maria , Kadri Mônica , Baroni Adriano , Arruda Carla
Published: June 2016

Sixteen 1,4-diaryl-1,2,3-triazole compounds 4–19 derived from the tetrahydrofuran neolignans veraguensin 1, grandisin 2, and machilin G 3 were tested against Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis intracellular amastigotes. Triazole compounds 4–19 were synthetized via Click Chemistry strategy by 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition between terminal acetylenes and aryl azides containing methoxy and methylenedioxy groups as substituents. Our results suggest that most derivatives were active against intracellular amastigotes, with IC50 values ranging from 4.4 to 32.7 µM. The index of molecular hydrophobicity (ClogP) ranged from 2.8 to 3.4, reflecting a lipophilicity/hydrosolubility rate suitable for transport across membranes, which may have resulted in the potent antileishmanial activity observed. Regarding structure-activity relationship (SAR), compounds 14 and 19, containing a trimethoxy group, were the most active (IC50 values of 5.6 and 4.4 µM, respectively), with low cytotoxicity on mammalian cells (SI = 14.1 and 10.6). These compounds induced nitric oxide production by the host macrophage cells, which could be suggested as the mechanism involved in the intracellular killing of parasites. These results would be useful for the planning of new derivatives with higher antileishmanial activities.
Correction: Vaidyanathan et al. Are We Eating Our Way to Prostate Cancer—A Hypothesis Based on the Evolution, Bioaccumulation, and Interspecific Transfer of miR-150. Non-Coding RNA 2016, 2, 2.
Authors: Vaidyanathan Venkatesh , Krishnamoorthy Vetrivhel , Karunasinghe Nishi , Jabed Anower , Pallati Radha , Kao Chi , Wang Alice , Marlow Gareth , Ferguson Lynnette
Published: June 2016

The authors wish to make the following correction to this paper [1].[...]
Dietary Recommendations for Cyclists during Altitude Training
Authors: Michalczyk Małgorzata , Czuba Miłosz , Zydek Grzegorz , Zając Adam , Langfort Józef
Published: June 2016

The concept of altitude or hypoxic training is a common practice in cycling. However, several strategies for training regimens have been proposed, like “live high, train high” (LH-TH), “live high, train low” (LH-TL) or “intermittent hypoxic training” (IHT). Each of them combines the effect of acclimatization and different training protocols that require specific nutrition. An appropriate nutrition strategy and adequate hydration can help athletes achieve their fitness and performance goals in this unfriendly environment. In this review, the physiological stress of altitude exposure and training will be discussed, with specific nutrition recommendations for athletes training under such conditions. However, there is little research about the nutrition demands of athletes who train at moderate altitude. Our review considers energetic demands and body mass or body composition changes due to altitude training, including respiratory and urinary water loss under these conditions. Carbohydrate intake recommendations and hydration status are discussed in detail, while iron storage and metabolism is also considered. Last, but not least the risk of increased oxidative stress under hypoxic conditions and antioxidant supplementation suggestions are presented.
Extraction of Antioxidant Phenolics from Agri-Food Waste Biomass Using a Newly Designed Glycerol-Based Natural Low-Transition Temperature Mixture: A Comparison with Conventional Eco-Friendly Solvents
Authors: Manousaki Areti , Jancheva Magdalena , Grigorakis Spyros , Makris Dimitris
Published: June 2016

A novel natural low transition temperature mixture (LTTM), composed of glycerol and ammonium acetate (molar ratio 3:1), was tested for its efficacy as a solvent in recovering phenolics from chlorogenate-rich agri-food solid wastes, including potato peels (PPs), eggplant peels (EPPs), and spent filter coffee (SFC). The efficacy of this solvent was compared with other eco-friendly solvents, including aqueous glycerol, aqueous ethanol, and water. The LTTM was demonstrated to be by far the most efficient in extracting chlorogenates and superior or equally efficient with the other solvents in recovering flavonoids. LTTM extracts produced from waste were also more potent radical scavengers, but results on the reducing power were inconclusive. Liquid chromatography-diode array-mass spectrometry analysis showed that the polyphenolic profiles of all waste extracts obtained with the LTTM were rich in caffeoylquinic and p-coumaroylquinic acid conjugates.
Mangroves at Their Limits: Detection and Area Estimation of Mangroves along the Sahara Desert Coast
Authors: Otero Viviana , Quisthoudt Katrien , Koedam Nico , Dahdouh-Guebas Farid
Published: June 2016

The northernmost and most arid mangrove ecosystem of West Africa is found in Mauritania, in the Parc National du Banc d’Arguin (PNBA). The existing global and regional maps of Mauritania’s mangroves have little detail, and available estimates of the mangrove area differ among studies. We assessed the use of automated Remote Sensing classification techniques to calculate the extent and map the distribution of the mangrove patches located at Cap Timiris, PNBA, using QuickBird and GeoEye imagery. It was possible to detect the northernmost contiguous mangrove patches of West Africa with an accuracy of 87% ± 2% using the Maximum Likelihood algorithm. The main source of error was the low spectral difference between mangroves and other types of terrestrial vegetation, which resulted in an erroneous classification between these two types of land cover. The most reliable estimate for the mangrove area obtained in this study was 19.48 ± 5.54 ha in 2011. Moreover, we present a special validation procedure that enables a detailed and reliable validation of the land cover maps.