bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethnicity, belonging and identity among the Eastern Gurage of Ethiopia
Authors: Woldeselassie Zerihun Abebe
Published: May 2015

In this paper, I will analyse a case of ethnic transformation in post-1991 Ethiopia based on an ethnographic study of the Eastern Gurage. The case represents an ethnic setting where the conventional conceptualization of ethnicity in terms of a notion of origin undermines the diversities expressed in various forms of category and boundary formations. The ethnic setting does not also fall into, but combines, the commonplace dichotomization of primordialist versus constructivist notion of ethnicity. Not only by taking Barth’s (1969) formalist anthropological conception of ethnicity as boundary formation, but also suggesting my own analytical distinction, I will attempt to account for the various forms of ethnicities particularly those based on clanship, locality, Islam and state’s categorization. In this regard, I have introduced a distinction between the concepts of identity and belonging in order to explain the different forms of social and political classifications, ideologies and power relationships that are often treated as implying a single phenomenon, i.e. identity formation.
Predictors of Leadership Behavior in Early Career White-Collar Professionals
Authors: Clark Kevin D. , Waldron Theodore
Published: May 2015

This research studies the leadership development of 243 working MBA students and finds personal characteristics and career context to be associated with development of leadership behavior in general, and with specific leadership styles. Specifically, personal characteristics of proactiveness, risk taking, and social skill, and the career contextual variables number of subordinates, level of interaction with others, and time pressure are found to be associated with increased development of leader behavior. Gender was not a differentiator in the development of leadership; however, socially skilled males with high interaction working under time pressure exhibit directive leadership, while personality variables are associated with egalitarian leadership.
Study on three-dimensional freehand stroke creation
Authors: Xuan Cuixian , Gong Yongjian , Li Qiang , Qi Nan
Published: May 2015

The automotive frames that can be created consciously with three-dimensional freehand strokes are quite important and useful in the early stage of automotive styling. However, all the strokes are drawn on the screen in two-dimensional. This study focuses on the creation of three-dimensional freehand strokes by applying the interpolation algorithm in two orthogonal planes, the projection algorithm and the resultant matrix algorithm. The fitting algorithms of strokes have been developed as the bridges between the traditional two-dimensional sketching and three-dimensional digital modeling. The stylists could use the digital tablet and pen to sketch the frames or outlines of a vehicle in three-dimensional space and then those could be used for establishing the automotive surfaces in any engineering software.
Prenatal diagnosis of ductus arteriosus aneurysm
Authors: Ganesan S , Hutchinson DP , Sampson AJ
Published: May 2015

The ductus arteriosus holds major functional importance within the fetal circulation, and anomalies within the ductus arteriosus may interfere with the integrity of the fetal circulation. Ductus arteriosus aneurysm, previously considered a rare lesion, is now a well-reported finding in infancy with some reports describing this finding in the prenatal period. Postnatally, most ductus arteriosus aneurysms resolve spontaneously; however, a small group of infants show complications such as connective-tissue disorders, thrombo-embolism, compression of surrounding thoracic structures and life-threatening spontaneous rupture requiring surgical correction. As such, postnatal assessment in this group is recommended.
Autonomy online: Jacques Ellul and the Facebook emotional manipulation study
Authors: Gertz Nolen
Published: May 2015

Though we would expect the revelation of the Facebook emotional manipulation study to have had a negative impact on Facebook, its number of active users only continues to grow. As this is precisely the result that Jacques Ellul would have predicted, this paper examines his philosophy of technology in order to investigate the relationship between Facebook and its users and what this relationship means in terms of autonomy. That Facebook can manipulate its users without losing users reveals that Facebook’s autonomy is growing while the autonomy of users is diminishing. The paper concludes by showing that the answer to this increasingly asymmetrical relationship cannot be the creation of review boards and oversight committees as the underlying issues concerning autonomy are existential more than they are ethical.
Luo Shu
Authors: So Albert Ting Pat , Lee Eric , Li Kin Lun , Leung Dickson Koon Sing
Published: May 2015

Feng Shui, still popularly practiced today, was closely related to philosophy, natural science, geography, environmental science, architecture, metaphysics, and astrology in ancient China. It is basically divided into the Form School and the Compass School. The latter deals with numerology, calculation, orientation, and time. Luo Shu [洛書], associated with the eight trigrams [八卦], being an ancient Chinese magic square, forms the foundation of the Compass School. The original Luo Shu, a 3 × 3 magic square, was not unique in ancient China but the extension of it to a total of 18 to 36 standard charts was unique, which are still used by all Compass School Feng Shui masters. In this article, modern linear algebra, developed only in the mid-19th century, is employed to prove that there is a strong coherence between the 36 charts if they are treated as 36 matrices and such correspondences conscientiously agree with ancient theories of Feng Shui. This article may help to form a scientific base for the systematic understanding, development, and further research of Luo Shu–related applications.
Prevalence and Characteristics of Chinese Patients With Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Chan Sophelia H. S. , Lo Ivan F. M. , Cherk Sharon W. W. , Cheng Wai Wai , Fung Eva L. W. , Yeung Wai Lan , Ngan Mary , Lee Wing Cheong , Kwong Ling , Wong Suet Na , Ma Che Kwan , Tai Shuk Mui , Ng Grace S. F. , Wu Shun Ping , Wong Virginia C. N.
Published: May 2015

The aim of this collaborative study on Duchenne muscular dystrophy and Becker muscular dystrophy is to determine the prevalence and to develop data on such patients as a prelude to the development of registry in Hong Kong. Information on clinical and molecular findings, and patient care, was systematically collected in 2011 and 2012 from all Pediatric Neurology Units in Hong Kong. Ninety patients with dystrophinopathy were identified, and 83% has Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The overall prevalence of dystrophinopathy in Hong Kong in 2010 is 1.03 per 10 000 males aged 0 to 24 years. Among the Duchenne group, we observed a higher percentage (40.6%) of point mutations with a lower percentage (45.3%) of exon deletions in our patients when compared with overseas studies. Although we observed similar percentage of Duchenne group received scoliosis surgery, ventilation support, and cardiac treatment when compared with other countries, the percentage (25%) of steroid use is lower.
Design of pH-responsive gold nanoparticles in oncology
Authors: Bachelet M.
Published: May 2015

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) hold promising applications in many fields such as electronics, optics and catalysis. In the past decades, there has been a growing interest for their application in medicine, in particular in nano-oncology as contrast agents, drug delivery vehicles or for diagnosis. Once injected intravenously and thanks to their small size, the AuNPs can circulate in the whole body via the blood stream and reach easily the tumour. However, what makes them very attractive for cancer treatment is their ability to distinguish healthy cells from cancer cells. While the current anticancer agents lack specific targeting, AuNPs, with their targeting efficiency, will enable the use of lower amount of drugs with all the positive aspects for the health of the patient. Additionally, their optical properties give them the ability to be used in imaging as an incredibly powerful contrast agent. For these reasons, they are believed to be one of the tools that, in the future, will enable to considerably increase the efficiency of cancer treatments by simultaneously imaging the tumour and treat it. They constitute an ideal theranostic drug delivery platform, in other words a unique combination of diagnostics and therapy. Many researches focus on the engineering of the nanoparticle surface in order to increase their biocompatibility and enable their further conjugation with bioactive ligands such as drugs, targeting or imaging agents for the design of multifunctional platforms. pH responsiveness, the ability to change properties with a change of proton concentration, is a remarkable asset for drug delivery carrier. Indeed, it has been demonstrated that cancer cells show very particular pHs in their environment: extracellular as well as intracellular. This characteristic has been exploited to create a more specific and efficient way to treat cancer. The present review focuses on the design of pH responsive AuNPs and particularly on the advantages and the potential applications of such hybrid nanomaterials in oncology.
Acute hemolytic vascular inflammatory processes are prevented by nitric oxide replacement or a single dose of hydroxyurea
Authors: Almeida Camila Bononi , Souza Lucas Eduardo Botelho , Leonardo Flavia Costa , Costa Fabio Trindade Maranhão , Werneck Claudio C. , Covas Dimas Tadeu , Costa Fernando Ferreira , Conran Nicola
Published: May 2015

Key Points

Hemolytic processes induce rapid systemic and vascular inflammation in C57BL/6 mice that is abolished by a single dose of hydroxyurea (HU). HU exerts some NO-dependent effects and should be investigated as an acute treatment of SCD and for other hemolytic disorders.
2p15-p16.1 microdeletions encompassing and proximal to BCL11A are associated with elevated HbF in addition to neurologic impairment
Authors: Funnell Alister P. W. , Prontera Paolo , Ottaviani Valentina , Piccione Maria , Giambona Antonino , Maggio Aurelio , Ciaffoni Fiorella , Stehling-Sun Sandra , Marra Manuela , Masiello Francesca , Varricchio Lilian , Stamatoyannopoulos John A. , Migliaccio Anna R. , Papayannopoulou Thalia
Published: May 2015

Key Points

Elevation of HbF in 3 patients heterozygous for distinct 2p15-p16.1 syndrome microdeletions affecting BCL11A. Identification of novel, putative regulatory elements downstream of BCL11A that govern its expression in erythroid cells.
Salivary gland ultrasonography: a highly specific tool for the early diagnosis of primary Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Baldini Chiara , Luciano Nicoletta , Tarantini Gaia , Pascale Rachele , Sernissi Francesca , Mosca Marta , Caramella Davide , Bombardieri Stefano
Published: May 2015

Introduction

Recently, a great interest has arisen for salivary gland ultrasonography (SGUS) as a valuable tool for the assessment of major salivary gland involvement in primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS. The aims of this study were to test the accuracy of SGUS for the early detection of pSSand to compare the diagnostic performance of SGUS with minor salivary gland biopsy (MSGB) and unstimulated salivary flow (USFR) in this context.

Method

Patients with suspected pSS and symptoms duration of ≤5 years were consecutively enrolled in this study. The diagnosis of pSS was made according to the AECG criteria. SGUS was performed by two radiologists blinded to the diagnosis and a previously reported ultrasound scoring system (De Vita et al. 1992, cut-off ≥ 1) was used to grade the echostructure alterations of the salivary glands. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v16.

Results

This study included 50 pSS patients and 57 controls with no-SS sicca symptoms. The mean(SD) age of the pSS group was lower than non-SS group (47(13) vs 53(12)yrs, p = 0.006). No further differences between the two groups were observed. Patients with pSS showed a significantly higher SGUS score in comparison with controls (mean(SD) = 2.1(1.8) vs 0.0(0.4), p = 0.000). The SGUS cut-off ≥ 1 showed a sensitivity (SE) of 66 %, a specificity (SP) of 98 %, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 97 % and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 73 % for pSS diagnosis. The SGUS score correlated also with patients’ MSGB/FS and USFR.

Conclusions

This study confirmed the good performance of SGUS for the early non-invasive diagnosis of pSS. Further research in larger international cohort of patients is mandatory in order to assess the role of SGUS in the diagnostic algorithm of pSS.
Efficacy of autologous stem cell-based therapy for osteonecrosis of the femoral head in sickle cell disease: a five-year follow-up study
Authors: Daltro Gildasio Cerqueira , Fortuna Vitor , de Souza Eliane Silva , Salles Marcela Miranda , Carreira Ana Claudia , Meyer Roberto , Freire Songeli Menezes , Borojevic Radovan
Published: May 2015

Introduction

Stem cell therapy with bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells (BMMCs) is an option for improving joint function in osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) numbers and their osteogenic differentiation are decreased in patients with ONFH. However, whether this decrease also extends to the early stages of ONFH in sickle cell disease (SCD) is still unclear.

Methods

We conducted a phase I/II, non-controlled study to determine efficacy and safety of BMMC implantation using a minimally invasive technique in SCD patients with ONFH. Eighty-nine patients were recruited and followed up for 60 months after surgery. Clinical and radiographic findings were assessed, and data were completed by in vitro analysis.

Results

At the final follow-up (60 months) there was a significant improvement in clinical joint symptoms and pain relief as measured by the Harris Hip Score (P = 0.0005). In addition, after the BMMC implantation procedure, radiographic assessment showed disease stabilization and only 3.7 % of the treated patients did not achieve a satisfactory clinical result. The amount of fibroblast colony-forming units was 28.2 ± 13.9 per 1 million BMMCs after concentration. Flow cytometry analysis showed a significantly higher number of hematopoietic stem/endothelial progenitor cell markers in concentrated BMMCs when compared with bone marrow aspirate, indicating an enrichment of these cell types. Isolated MSCs from SCD patients with pre-collapse ONFH maintained the replicative capacity without significant loss of their specific biomolecular characteristics, multi-differentiation potential, and osteogenic differentiation activities. Cytokines and growth factors (interleukin-8, transforming growth factor-beta, stromal cell-derived factor-1alpha and vascular endothelial growth factor) that mediate endogenous bone regeneration were also produced by expanded MSCs from SCD patients.

Conclusion

The autologous BMMC implantation with a minimally invasive technique resulted in significant pain relief and halted the progression of early stages of ONFH in SCD patients. MSCs from SCD patients display biological properties that may add to the efficiency of surgical treatment in ONFH. In summary, our results indicate that infusion of BMMCs enriched with stem/progenitor cells is a safe and effective treatment for the early stages of ONFH in SCD patients.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02448121; registered 15 May 2015.
Fluorescent Ly6G antibodies determine macrophage phagocytosis of neutrophils and alter the retrieval of neutrophils in mice
Authors: Bucher Kirsten , Schmitt Fee , Autenrieth Stella E , Dillmann Inken , Nürnberg Bernd , Schenke-Layland Katja , Beer-Hammer Sandra
Published: May 2015

Fluorescently labeled Ly6G antibodies enable the tracking of neutrophils in mice, whereas purified anti-Ly6G rapidly depletes neutrophils from the circulation. The mechanisms underlying neutrophil depletion are still under debate. Here, we examined how identical Ly6G antibodies coupled to different fluorochromes affect neutrophil fate in vivo. BM cells stained with Ly6G antibodies were injected into mice. The number of retrieved anti-Ly6G-FITC+ cells was reduced significantly in comparison with anti-Ly6G-APC+ or anti-Ly6G-PE+ cells. Flow cytometry and multispectral imaging flow cytometry analyses revealed that anti-Ly6G-FITC+ neutrophils were preferentially phagocytosed by BMMs in vitro and by splenic, hepatic, and BM macrophages in vivo. Direct antibody injection of anti-Ly6G-FITC but not anti-Ly6G-PE depleted neutrophils to the same degree as purified anti-Ly6G, indicating that the FITC-coupled antibody eliminates neutrophils by a similar mechanism as the uncoupled antibody. With the use of a protein G-binding assay, we demonstrated that APC and PE but not FITC coupling inhibited access to interaction sites on the anti-Ly6G antibody. We conclude the following: 1) that neutrophil phagocytosis by macrophages is a central mechanism in anti-Ly6G-induced neutrophil depletion and 2) that fluorochrome-coupling can affect functional properties of anti-Ly6G antibodies, thereby modifying macrophage uptake of Ly6G-labeled neutrophils and neutrophil retrieval following adoptive cell transfer or injection of fluorescent anti-Ly6G.
Myocardial Fat Accumulation Is Independent of Measures of Insulin Sensitivity
Authors: Muniyappa Ranganath , Noureldin Radwa , Ouwerkerk Ronald , Liu Elizabeth Y. , Madan Ritu , Abel Brent S. , Mullins Katherine , Walter Mary F. , Skarulis Monica C. , Gharib Ahmed M.
Published: May 2015

Background:

Myocardial steatosis, an independent predictor of diastolic dysfunction, is frequently present in type 2 diabetes mellitus. High free fatty acid flux, hyperglycemia, and hyperinsulinemia may play a role in myocardial steatosis. There are no prior studies examining the relationship between insulin sensitivity (antilipolytic and glucose disposal actions of insulin) and cardiac steatosis.

Objective:

Using a cross-sectional study design of individuals with and without metabolic syndrome (MetSyn), we examined the relationships between cardiac steatosis and the sensitivity of the antilipolytic and glucose disposal actions of insulin.

Methods:

Pericardial fat (PF) volume, intramyocardial and hepatic fat (MF and HF) content, visceral fat (VF) and sc fat content were assessed by magnetic resonance imaging in 77 subjects (49 without MetSyn and 28 with MetSyn). In a subset of the larger cohort (n = 52), peripheral insulin sensitivity index (SI) and adipocyte insulin sensitivity (Adipo-SI) were determined from an insulin-modified frequently sampled iv glucose tolerance test. The Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index was used as a surrogate for hepatic insulin sensitivity.

Results:

Individuals with the MetSyn had significantly higher body mass index, total body fat, and MF, PF, HF, and VF content. HF and VF, but not MF, were negatively correlated with the Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index, Adipo-SI, and SI. Stepwise regression revealed that waist circumference and serum triglyceride levels independently predicted MF and PF, respectively. Adipo-SI and serum triglyceride levels independently predict HF.

Conclusion:

Myocardial steatosis is unrelated to hepatic, adipocyte, or peripheral insulin sensitivity. Although it is frequently observed in insulin-resistant subjects, further studies are necessary to identify and delineate pathogenic mechanisms that differentially affect cardiac and hepatic steatosis.
Phylogenies from concatenated data: Is the end nigh?
Authors: Pirie Michael D.
Published: May 2015

Gene trees from independent molecular markers often differ. Simple data matrix concatenation cannot represent the various biologically meaningful processes that underlie these differences, and in an age of high‐throughput DNA sequencing and coalescent‐based species tree inference methods, the approach seems increasingly quaint. I argue that concatenation still has its place in our suite of approaches, but that care should be taken when deciding which data might be combined under what circumstances. I present recommendations for avoiding the worst pitfalls of the approach.
A genus‐level phylogenetic linear sequence of monocots
Authors: Trias-Blasi Anna , Baker William J. , Haigh Anna L. , Simpson David A. , Weber Odile , Wilkin Paul
Published: May 2015

This paper provides an up‐to‐date linear sequence of monocot families and genera (excluding Orchidaceae and Poaceae) based on current phylogenetic evidence. The sequence is provided in a numbered list of each of the 1225 genera in 75 monocot families, together with a complementary alphabetical list. The sequence represents a standardized tool for the organisation of monocot herbarium collections.
Routine ‘group and save’ is unnecessary on the day of surgery for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Hamza N , Pereira M , Gilliam A
Published: May 2015

What this means for cost savings and reserve stocks.
Questioning Fairness in Swedish Asylum Decisions
Authors: Blight Karin Johansson
Published: May 2015

This article examines Swedish asylum deliberations regarding families with children with severe apathy, a condition where the child gradually loses all bodily functions. The article outlines the political context and medical evidence that has evolved since the beginning of the 2000s. It uses case studies and frequencies drawing from a case-file inventory covering 24 families, many with minority belonging. The asylum process, case law and the decision makers' role in reiterating and interpreting the families' asylum narratives are explored, analysed and discussed using discourse analysis and interpreted using intersectional theory. Findings suggest that the asylum narratives are greatly reduced and reformulated in a way that seems detrimental to state obligations towards, for example, rape victims. Findings also suggest that political persecution should be taken more seriously by Swedish migration authorities. Finally, evidence indicates a need for a feminist perspective, and an overall strategy, at authority level that does not discriminate.
Living authors: On the authenticity of Israeli rockers
Authors: Dorchin Uri
Published: May 2015

‘Authenticity’ is a term often used loosely to evaluate musicians and products vis-à-vis social orders and genre conventions. Alternately, I claim that authenticity is better understood as a quality that arises from the experience of engagement between audiences, performers and musical products. My discussion focuses on one case study: a joint concert of the Israeli rock veterans Shalom Hanoch and Shlomo Artzi; authors whose repertoire is imagined to signify both their personality and a true sense of Israeliness. I therefore associate authenticity with the idea of subjectivity, the ability of a singer-songwriter to work within social order and to redefine it.
‘Imperialistic abroad and xenophobic at home’. How does the UK publishing industry plead to these charges? Guilty or not guilty?
Authors: Craighill Stephanie
Published: May 2015

This article examines popular culture and its effect on the European translations market. The dominant position of Anglo-Saxon culture in the global cultural economy has stimulated an imbalance in the flow of translations towards the English-language market. According to Lawrence Venuti, translations academic, this exposes Anglo-American publishing as ‘imperialistic abroad and xenophobic at home’. This article focuses solely on UK publishing in the European cultural context and determines whether the UK market pleads guilty to these controversial charges. First, the context of Venuti’s claim is established by presenting statistical evidence detailing the flow of translations to and from the United Kingdom. Leading figures from UK publishing, including literary agents, rights managers, critics and organizational bodies, have been interviewed regarding the charges brought against them by Venuti. Statements from these individuals are explored and their defence presented. In the main, representatives from UK publishing, although they consider Venuti’s terminology to be emotive and contentious, plead guilty to both charges. Findings benefit knowledge exchange with minority cultures and the international cultural economy.
Integration through participation: The effects of participating in an English Conversation club on refugee and asylum seeker integration
Authors: Sorgen Aliya
Published: May 2015

The integration of refugees/asylum seekers is a complex process that is affected by factors such as reasons for fleeing one’s home country, linguistic proficiency, education, housing issues, and reception from the host community. While past research has focused on these issues, there is a lack of attention on the development of practical and psychological integration skills through participation in a social space of mutual accommodation (Berry 2005). This article fills this gap by analysing the relationship between mutual accommodation and integration in relation to spaces for language acquisition and the resulting impact of participation. This study illustrates, from the migrant perspective, how language acquisition in terms of resettlement not only focuses on linguistic proficiency but also on how such spaces provide a supportive place of refuge and support. This research underscores a deeper discussion of the migrant new speaker profile, providing evidence for ways in which to broaden an understanding of this key shift away from previously held notions of the native versus non-native individual. Ethnographic research was conducted in two UK-based conversation clubs. Data analysis followed Braun and Clarke’s (2006) Thematic Analysis structure.
Defects of corneocyte structural proteins and epidermal barrier in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Le Lamer Marina , Pellerin Laurence , Reynier Marie , Cau Laura , Pendaries Valérie , Leprince Corinne , Méchin Marie-Claire , Serre Guy , Paul Carle , Simon Michel
Published: May 2015

The main function of the epidermis is to establish a vital multifunctional barrier between the body and its external environment. A defective epidermal barrier is one of the key features of atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic and relapsing inflammatory skin disorder that affects up to 20% of children and 2–3% of adults and often precedes the development of allergic rhinitis and asthma. This review summarizes recent discoveries on the origin of the skin barrier alterations in AD at the structural protein level, including hereditary and acquired components. The consequences of the epidermal barrier alteration on our current understanding of the pathogenesis of AD, and its possible implications on the treatment of patients, are discussed here.
Can we use rendaku for phonological argumentation?
Authors: Kawahara Shigeto
Published: May 2015

This paper addresses the general issue of the quality of phonological data, using rendaku as a case study. Rendaku is a widely-discussed voicing process that accompanies compound formation in Japanese. The issue of the quality of phonological data has been discussed from time to time from various perspectives throughout the history of phonological research, and we are recently witnessing renewed interest in this topic. This paper takes up rendaku as a case study to address this issue. Rendaku has been used to argue for many theoretical devices, but it is rarely acknowledged in the theoretical literature that rendaku involves extensive lexical irregularity. The specific question addressed in this study is whether it is appropriate to use rendaku for phonological argumentation. The answer that this paper proposes is yes, but the more crucial lesson is that theoretical phonology should evaluate the quality of phonological data more explicitly. The current discussion offers a first step toward establishing general guidelines about what kind of evidence can be used to decide whether a pattern under question is phonological or not.
Clinical experimental stress studies: methods and assessment
Authors: Bali Anjana , Jaggi Amteshwar Singh
Published: May 2015

Stress is a state of threatened homeostasis during which a variety of adaptive processes are activated to produce physiological and behavioral changes. Stress induction methods are pivotal for understanding these physiological or pathophysiological changes in the body in response to stress. Furthermore, these methods are also important for the development of novel pharmacological agents for stress management. The well-described methods to induce stress in humans include the cold pressor test, Trier Social Stress Test, Montreal Imaging Stress Task, Maastricht Acute Stress Test, CO2 challenge test, Stroop test, Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task, noise stress, and Mannheim Multicomponent Stress Test. Stress assessment in humans is done by measuring biochemical markers such as cortisol, cortisol awakening response, dexamethasone suppression test, salivary α-amylase, plasma/urinary norepinephrine, norepinephrine spillover rate, and interleukins. Physiological and behavioral changes such as galvanic skin response, heart rate variability, pupil size, and muscle and/or skin sympathetic nerve activity (microneurography) and cardiovascular parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure, and self-reported anxiety are also monitored to assess stress response. This present review describes these commonly employed methods to induce stress in humans along with stress assessment methods.
Synthesis and UV/Vis analysis of amino acid-derived bisurea-type receptors involving anion complexation
Authors: Stapf Manuel , Seichter Wilhelm , Weber Edwin
Published: May 2015

Sixteen new bisurea compounds incorporating versatile proteinogenic amino acids as well as nipecotic acid have been synthesizedviaaddition reaction to aryl diisocyanates. The products were analytically characterized and their ability for anion recognition was studied by UV/Vis spectroscopy. In the presence of fluoride, acetate or dihydrogenphosphate ions, hyperchromic and bathochromic peak shifts were determined. By way of contrast, bromide, iodide, or hydrogensulfate ions cause no significant change of absorbance. The special effect of heterocyclic derivatives was explained by molecular modeling calculations. In addition, the crystal structure of the byproduct dimethylN,N′-(1,4-phenylene)dicarbamate is discussed.
Aspect forms and functions in Sorbian varieties
Authors: Breu Walter
Published: May 2015

In this paper, we discuss different types of verbal aspect in three varieties of Sorbian, Standard Lower and Upper Sorbian and Colloquial Upper Sorbian. There are basically two formally differentiated aspect oppositions in Sorbian, the Slavic opposition of perfectivity, expressed by stem alternations (prefixation, suffixation and suppletion) and thus grammatically derivative, and the opposition of aorist and imperfect, expressed by inflection. These two types are, however, restricted in their distribution, as modern Lower Sorbian lacks the inflectional type completely, and Colloquial Upper Sorbian uses it only with auxiliaries, modal verbs and some verbs of speech. Even in Standard Upper Sorbian the independence of the two oppositions is rather relative, as only the second and third person singular have different endings for the two grammemes, whereas in all other persons formal differences between imperfect and aorist are expressed, if at all, only by stem alternations, dependent on the opposition between the imperfective and the perfective stem. Therefore, even in Standard Upper Sorbian we have a clear differentiation between perfective and imperfective only outside the synthetic past tense, e.g. in the analytic l‑past or in the future, while the imperfect is linked exclusively to the imperfective and the aorist to the perfective. While the functions of the stem-based aspect opposition are in the Standard languages of the common Slavic type, Colloquial Upper Sorbian has an idiosyncratic aspect type based functionally on an opposition of grammaticalized telicity. The reasons for the special characteristics of verbal aspect in the varieties of Sorbian in formal as well as in functional respect essentially go back to language contact with German. The ILA model of the interaction of the lexicon with aspect serves as a theoretical base for the following presentation.
The Impact of Simple Pair-Association in the Acquisition of Absolute Pitch
Authors: Bittrich Katrin , Schlemmer Kathrin , Blankenberger Sven
Published: May 2015

The present study investigated the impact of simple pair-association mechanisms for the acquisition of absolute pitch. At intervals of two weeks, participants (N = 20 adult nonmusicians) completed three tone identification tests (pre, post, and follow-up test). Participants of the experimental group (n = 10) underwent a ten-day adaptive training between the first and the second test in which they learned to associate pitches with the corresponding name. The results of the posttest revealed a positive effect of training in the experimental group compared to the control group as indicated by a higher proportion of correct responses as well as a smaller deviation measured in semitones in the tone identification task. The effect of training remained stable over the period without any further training (follow-up test). The results of this training study suggest that simple pair-association mechanisms are a key aspect in the development of absolute pitch.
Safe Containers for Dangerous Memories
Authors: Pharaon Sarah , Wagner Sally Roesch , Lau Barbara , Caballero María José Bolaña
Published: May 2015

Since 1999, the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience has worked with historic house museums around the world who assist their visitors in connecting past and present, use dialogue as a central strategy in addressing needs in their immediate community, and encourage visitors to become active in the social issues their sites raise. Featuring case studies from Coalition members Centro Cultural y Museo de la Memoria (Montevideo, Uruguay), Matilda Joslyn Gage Foundation (Fayetteville, New York), and the Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice (Durham, North Carolina), this article reviews the revolutionary approaches Sites of Conscience take toward addressing challenging histories and their contemporary legacies.
The Impedance Characterization of Hybrid CNT-Silica Epoxy Nanocomposites
Authors: Othman R.N. , Wilkinson A.N.
Published: May 2015

Carbon nanotubes grafted onto the surfaces of spherical silica gels were incorporated into epoxy polymer to yield nanocomposite. The efficiency of this approach in controlling the dispersion of carbon nanotubes within the epoxy matrices was observed from the scanning electron microscope images, where the nanotubes remained strongly attached to the surface of the gel. As the micron-sized silica introduced a large excluded volume within the polymer matrices, the nanotubes dispersion remained restricted to a region along the silica surface and bundle formation was prevented. This arrangementaided the formation of an electrically conductive network in an epoxy matrix, where the critical percolation threshold (pc) was calculated as pc = 0.5 wt., which is equivalent to 0.16 wt. % nanotubes, as previously determined from thermal gravimetric analysis. The equivalent circuit model to represent the electrical properties was proposed to analyse the interactions between the real impedance (Z’) and imaginary impedance (Z’’) components of the hybrid nanocomposites. The two parallel RC circuits were found to fit the data well, describing the interaction between epoxy and conductive silica–nanotubes hybrid.
Dielectric Properties of Maleic Anhydride Modified Unsaturated Polyester Composites Reinforced with Chicken Feather Fibre
Authors: Hamdan S. , Kiew K. S. , Rahman M.R.
Published: May 2015

Unsaturated polyester matrix modified with maleic anhydride is loaded with differentchicken feather fibre loadings from 0% to 40%. The composite materials were exposedfor dielectric study in a wide range of frequencies from 60Hz to 1MHz. All of thecomposite materials exhibited the characteristics of having high dielectric values atlower frequencies, which gradually reached significantly lower values at higherfrequencies. This composite material appeared to have good stability of dielectricproperties at a high frequency of 1MHz, and can be potentially proposed for use as ahigh-speed printed circuit board (PCB) material. FTIR analysis indicates highcompatibility between maleic anhydride and unsaturated polyester, to form strongbonding with the hydroxyl group of the fibre. SEM analysis specifies the goodpenetration of the monomer to the cell wall, eliminating voids on the matrix.
Investigation of the Machininabilty of Non-Conductive ZrO2 with Different Tool Electrodes in EDM
Authors: Moudood M.A. , Sabur A. , Lutfi A. , Ali M.Y. , Jaafar I.H.
Published: May 2015

Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is a non-conventional process where complex and difficult-to-cut materials can be machined. Adhesive copper foil as an assisting electrode (AE) is used to cover the zirconia (ZrO2) surface to start the primary spark between the tool electrode and workpiece. Kerosene is dissociated and produces a carbon layer on the workpiece surface when machining of the initial copper foil is completed. Thus machining continues although ZrO2 is a non-conductive material. In this study, the EDM of ZrO2 is investigated with graphite, copper and brass tool electrodes. Material removal rate (MRR) and surface characteristics are analysed. Experiments are performed by varying the parameters peak current and pulse-on time with different tool electrodes. From the experiments, MRR on ZrO2 has been compared for three different tool electrodes. It is found that the graphite tool electrode performs the highest MRR for EDM of ZrO2. The least MRR is obtained by the brass tool electrode. However, better surface quality is observed with the copper tool electrode than EDM with brass or graphite electrodes. This investigation with varying machining parameters and different tool electrodes can be helpful in finding an effective use of the EDM process.
Finite Element-based Fatigue Behaviour of Springs in Automobile Suspension
Authors: Kamal M. , Rahman M. M.
Published: May 2015

This paper presents the fatigue behaviour of springs used in shock absorbers in automobile suspension systems. SAE 9254 is considered as a spring material. Triangular waves with a frequency of 4 Hz and SAE standard suspension loading history (SAESUS) were used for fatigue analysis. Both load histories are scaled according to the maximum and minimum values of deflection, as spring height at full-bump and full-rebound, respectively. Finite element analysis was carried out using the linear static approach. Fatigue analysis was performed using the strain-life method. Absolute maximum principal and critical plane approaches gave results of reasonable accuracy, but later had a considerably longer solution time, while signed von Mises and signed shear approaches gave very conservative results. Thus the absolute maximum principal method is found to be the best suited. The results show that the spring did not fail before 4×105 cycles at 4 Hz for wave time history and 70,000 repeats for SAESUS time history at critical location.
Visfatin, a novel adipokine, stimulates glucose uptake through the Ca2+-dependent AMPK–p38 MAPK pathway in C2C12 skeletal muscle cells
Authors: Lee Jung Ok , Kim Nami , Lee Hye Jeong , Lee Yong Woo , Kim Joong Kwan , Kim Hyung Ip , Lee Soo Kyung , Kim Su Jin , Park Sun Hwa , Kim Hyeon Soo
Published: May 2015

Visfatin is a novel adipocytokine produced by visceral fat. In the present study, visfatin increased AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation in mouse C2C12 skeletal muscle cells. It also increased phosphorylation of the insulin receptor, whose knockdown blocked visfatin-induced AMPK phosphorylation and glucose uptake. Visfatin stimulated glucose uptake in differentiated skeletal muscle cells. However, inhibition of AMPKα2 with an inhibitor or with knockdown of AMPKα2 using siRNA blocked visfatin-induced glucose uptake, which indicates that visfatin stimulates glucose uptake through the AMPKα2 pathway. Visfatin increased the intracellular Ca2+concentration. STO-609, a calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase inhibitor, blocked visfatin-induced AMPK phosphorylation and glucose uptake. Visfatin-mediated activation of p38 MAPK was AMPKα2-dependent. Furthermore, both inhibition and knockdown of p38 MAPK blocked visfatin-induced glucose uptake. Visfatin increased glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) mRNA and protein levels. In addition, visfatin stimulated the translocation of GLUT4 to the plasma membrane, and this effect was suppressed by AMPKα2 inhibition. The present results indicate that visfatin plays an important role in glucose metabolism via the Ca2+-mediated AMPK–p38 MAPK pathway.
Effects of GnRH immunization on the reproductive axis and thymulin
Authors: Su Shiping , Sun Xiaoxia , Zhou Xiuhong , Fang Fuigui , Li Yunsheng
Published: May 2015

The bidirectional regulation of thymulin in the reproductive-endocrine function of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis of rats immunized againstGnRHremains largely unclear. We explored the alterations in hormones in the HPG axis in immunized rats to dissect the repressive effect of immunization on thymulin, and to clarify the interrelation of reproductive hormones and thymulinin vivo. The results showed that, in the first 2 weeks of booster immunization, thymulin was repressed when reproductive hormones were severely reduced. The self-feedback regulation of thymulin was then stimulated in later immune stages: the rising circulating thymulin upregulated LH and FSH, including GnRH in the hypothalamus, although the levels of those hormones were still significantly lower than in the control groups. In astrocytes, thymulin produced a feedback effect in regulated GnRH neurons. However, in the arcuate nucleus (Arc) and the median eminence (ME), the mediator of astrocytes and other glial cells were also directly affected by reproductive hormones. Thus, in immunized rats, the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein was distinctly stimulated in the Arc and ME. This study demonstrated that thymulin was downregulated by immunization againstGnRHin early stage. Subsequently, the self-feedback regulation was provoked by low circulating thymulin. Thereafter, rising thymulin levels promoted pituitary gonadotropins levels, while acting directly onGnRHneurons, which was mediated by astrocytes in a region-dependent manner in the hypothalamus.
Roll-to-Roll Coating by Liquid Flame Spray Nanoparticle Deposition
Authors: Mäkelä Jyrki M. , Haapanen Janne , Aromaa Mikko , Teisala Hannu , Tuominen Mikko , Stepien Milena , Saarinen Jarkko J. , Toivakka Martti , Kuusipalo Jurkka
Published: May 2015

Nanostructured coatings have been prepared on a ﬂexible, moving paperboard using deposition of ca. 10-50-nm-sized titanium dioxide and silicon dioxide nanoparticles generated by a liquid ﬂame spray process, directly above the paperboard, to achieve improved functional properties for the material. With moderately high production rate (∼ g/min), the method is applicable for thin aerosol coating of large area surfaces. LFS-made nanocoating can be synthesized e.g. on paper, board or polymer film in roll-to-roll process. The degree of particle agglomeration is governed by both physicochemical properties of the particle material and residence time in aerosol phase prior to deposition. By adjusting the speed of the substrate, even heat sensitive materials can be coated. In this study, nanoparticles were deposited directly on a moving paperboard with line speeds 50-300 m/min. Functional properties of the nanocoating can be varied by changing nanoparticle material; e.g. TiO2and SiO2are used for changing the surface wetting properties. If the liquid precursors are dissolved in one solution, synthesis of multi component nanoparticle coatings is possible in a one phase process. Here, we present analysis of the properties of LFS-fabricated nanocoatings on paperboard. The thermophoretic ﬂux of nanoparticles is estimated to be very high from the hot ﬂame onto the cold substrate. A highly hydrophobic coating was obtained by a mass loading in the order of 50–100 mg/m2of titanium dioxide on the paperboard.
Developing a Land Suitability Index for Agricultural uses in Dry Lands from Geologic Point of View Using GIS - a Case Study from Jordan
Authors: Al Farajat Mohammmad , Mohammad Alsharifa Hind , Diabat Abdullah , Al Ibraheem Hassan
Published: May 2015

DOI:10.17014/ijog.2.2.63-76In the context of the study, a Multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) in GIS was used in developing suitability index to optimize suitable lands for agricultural uses and seasonal farming in dry lands from geologic point of view. This study was performed in the areas between Mafraq and Zarqa Cities in Jordan which are classified as arid lands. The study aims at protecting groundwater from pollution, reducing soil salting, reducing irrigation water loss caused by evaporation, and increasing crop productivity. The geo-environmental parameters of the named area including geology, groundwater depths, soil depths and textures, climatic conditions, topographic settings, and groundwater vulnerability conditions were mapped and converted into layers with special rates, given weights, and then modeled using the multi criteria evaluation (MCE) option, using Decision Making Modeling in IDRISI (GIS software) to reach at the best choice of lands for agricultural activities, and also to determine which of these lands are suitable for summer farming and which are suitable for winter farming.
Particle boards produced from cassava stalks: Evaluation of physical and mechanical properties
Authors: Aisien Felix A. Aisien A. , Amenaghawon Andrew N. , Bienose Kingsley C.
Published: May 2015

We investigated the potential use of cassava stalks for the production of bonded particle boards. Particle boards were produced from cassava stalks using urea-formaldehyde as a binder. Water absorption and thickness swelling tests were carried out to determine dimensional stability of the boards while modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity tests were carried out to assess the mechanical strength of the boards. Particle boards produced using an adhesive–cassava stalk ratio of 3:1 gave the best results in terms of the lowest mean values of water absorption (20%) and thickness swelling (6.26%), as well as the highest values of modulus of rupture (4×106 N/m2) and modulus of elasticity (2366.74×106 N/m2). The particle boards produced met the ANSI/A208.1-1999 standard for general-purpose boards. The results of analyses of variance carried out revealed that the adhesive–cassava stalk ratio had a marked influence (p<0.05) on the physical properties (water absorption and thickness swelling) but not on the mechanical properties (modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity).