bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alcohol-related expectancies in adults and adolescents: Similarities and disparities
Authors: Monk Rebecca L. , Heim Derek
Published: March 2016

This study aimed to contrast student and not student outcome expectancies, and explore the diversity of alcohol-related cognitions within a wider student sample. Participants (n=549) were college students (higher education-typically aged 15-18 years), university students (further education-typically aged 18-22 years) and business people (white collar professionals <50 years) who completed questionnaires in their place of work or education. Overall positive expectancies were higher in the college students than in the business or university samples. However, not all expectancy subcategories followed this pattern. Participant groups of similar age were therefore alike in some aspects of their alcohol-related cognitions but different in others. Similarly, participant groups whom are divergent in age appeared to be alike in some of their alcohol-related cognitions, such as tension reduction expectancies. Research often homogenises students as a specific sub-set of the population, this paper hi-lights that this may be an over-simplification. Furthermore, the largely exclusive focus on student groups within research in this area may also be an oversight, given the diversity of the findings demonstrated between these groups.
Iudicium: An Educational Intervention for addressing Risk Perception of Alcohol Abuse in Adolescents
Authors: Bajac Héctor , Feliu-Soler Albert , Meerhoff Diana , Latorre Laura , Elices Matilde
Published: March 2016

Negative consequences of alcohol abuse during adolescence have been extensively described. Consequently, different interventions have been developed to address this issue. This article describes the implementation and evaluation of Iudicium, an educational drama-based intervention designed to increase risk perception of alcohol abuse. In this activity, high school students judge a case in which alcohol consumption had negative consequences (e.g., fights, unwanted pregnancy, and car accident). A trial is simulated and after that, a debriefing takes place during which the activity is discussed and informational materials on the effects of alcohol is provided and commented. A total of 318 students (55.7% females and 44.3% males) from five high schools participated in the study. Data regarding risk perception of alcohol abuse and adequacy of the activity was collected before and after the intervention. Results suggest that Iudicium was effective in increasing risk perception of abusive drinking, reaching a 34% of increase regarding risk perception. Participants highlighted the experiential component of Iudicium as a strength. The intervention was well-accepted, easy to understand and apparently an effective tool for increasing risk perception of alcohol abuse amongst high school students.
Bench-scale study of ultrafiltration membranes for evaluating membrane performance in surface water treatment
Authors: Waterman Dillon A. , Walker Steven , Xu Bingjie , Narbaitz Roberto M.
Published: March 2016

Currently, there is no standard bench-scale dead-end ultrafiltration (UF) testing system. The aim of the present study was to design and build a bench-scale hollow fiber UF system to assess the impact of operational parameters on membrane performance and fouling. A bench-scale hollow fiber UF system was built to operate at a constant flux (±2% of the set-point flux) and included automated backwash cycles. The development of the bench-scale system showed that it is very difficult to maintain a constant flux during the first minute of the filtration cycles, that digital flow meters are problematic, and that the volume of the backwash waste lines should be minimized. The system was evaluated with Ottawa River water, which has a relatively high hydrophobic natural organic matter content and is typical of Northern Canadian waters. The testing using different permeate fluxes, filtration cycle duration and backwash cycle duration showed that this system mimics the performance of larger systems and may be used to assess the impact of operating conditions on membrane fouling and alternative pretreatment options. Modeling the first, middle, and last filtration cycles of the six runs using single and dual blocking mechanisms yielded inconsistent results regarding the controlling fouling mechanisms.
Utilization of artificial recharged effluent for irrigation: pollutants' removal and risk assessment
Authors: Wei Liangliang , Qin Kena , Zhao Qingliang , Wang Kun , Kabutey Felix Tetteh , Cui Fuyi
Published: March 2016

The reclaimed water from soil aquifer treatment (SAT) column was reused for irrigation as the source water, pollutants' removal and health risk assessment was analyzed via the comparison with secondary and tertiary effluents. The effect of the SAT pre-treatment on the qualities and growth of different crops (Lachca sativa – lettuce, Brasica rapa var chinensis – pak choi, Cucumis sativus – cucumber, Brassica oleracea – cabbage, and Zea mays – maize) were evaluated. Experimental results demonstrated that the tertiary and SAT treatments had no significant effect on the crop qualities, and could efficiently decrease the accumulation of heavy metals (especially for SAT pre-treatment). Moreover, the carcinogenic risk of the chemical carcinogens for the 1.5 m SAT effluent irrigation declined roughly an order of magnitude as compared with the secondary effluent, and three to four orders of magnitude decreasing of the virus risk. These findings are significant for the safe and cheap reuse of secondary effluent for irrigation purposes.
Industry is Not the Dark Side, but an Essential Partner to Make Progress in Reproductive Health
Authors: D'Hooghe Thomas
Published: March 2016

For the last 20 years, Thomas D'Hooghe has been coordinator of the Leuven University Fertility Center at Leuven University Hospitals, Belgium, one of the largest teaching hospitals in Europe. Since 1995, he has also been Professor of Reproductive Medicine and Biology at KU Leuven (University of Leuven) and Adjunct Professor at Yale University, USA. Since 1 October 2015, he has been the Vice President and Head of Global Medical Affairs Fertility at Merck's headquarters in Darmstadt, Germany. He has published nearly 300 papers in internationally peer-reviewed journals and has contributed to reproductive health serving major international organizations such as the WHO, the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, the Society of Reproductive Investigation and the World Endometriosis Research Foundation.
Nonsurgical miniscrew-assisted rapid maxillary expansion results in acceptable stability in young adults
Authors: Choi Sung-Hwan , Shi Kyung-Keun , Cha Jung-Yul , Park Young-Chel , Lee Kee-Joon
Published: March 2016

Objective: 

To evaluate the stability of nonsurgical miniscrew-assisted rapid maxillary expansion (MARME) in young adults with a transverse maxillary deficiency.

Materials and Methods: 

From a total of 69 adult patients who underwent MARME followed by orthodontic treatment with a straight-wire appliance, 20 patients (mean age, 20.9 ± 2.9 years) with follow-up records (mean, 30.2 ± 13.2 months) after debonding were selected. Posteroanterior cephalometric records and dental casts were obtained at the initial examination (T0), immediately after MARME removal (T1), immediately after debonding (T2), and at posttreatment follow-up (T3).

Results: 

Suture separation was observed in 86.96% of subjects (60/69). An increase in the maxillary width (J-J; 1.92 mm) accounted for 43.34% of the total expansion with regard to the intermolar width (IMW) increase (4.43 mm; P < .001) at T2. The amounts of J-J and IMW posttreatment changes were −0.07 mm (P > .05) and −0.42 mm (P  =  .01), respectively, during retention. The postexpansion change in middle alveolus width increased with age (P < .05). The postexpansion change of interpremolar width (IPMW) was positively correlated with the amount of IPMW expansion (P < .05) but not with IMW. The changes of the clinical crown heights in the maxillary canines, first premolars, and first molars were not significant at each time point.

Conclusions: 

Nonsurgical MARME can be a clinically acceptable and stable treatment modality for young adults with a transverse maxillary deficiency.
Role of GCN2-Independent Signaling Through a Noncanonical PERK/NRF2 Pathway in the Physiological Responses to Dietary Methionine Restriction
Authors: Wanders Desiree , Stone Kirsten P. , Forney Laura A. , Cortez Cory C. , Dille Kelly N. , Simon Jacob , Xu Mark , Hotard Elisabeth C. , Nikonorova Inna A. , Pettit Ashley P. , Anthony Tracy G. , Gettys Thomas W.
Published: March 2016

Restricting availability of essential amino acids (EAAs) limits aminoacylation of tRNAs by their cognate EAAs and activates the nutrient-sensing kinase, general control nonderepressible 2 (GCN2). Activated GCN2 phosphorylates eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2), altering gene-specific translation and initiating a transcriptional program collectively described as the integrated stress response (ISR). Central GCN2 activation by EAA deprivation is also linked to an acute aversive feeding response. Dietary methionine restriction (MR) produces a well-documented series of physiological responses (increased energy intake and expenditure, decreased adiposity, and increased insulin sensitivity), but the role of GCN2 in mediating them is unknown. Using Gcn2−/− mice, we found that the absence of GCN2 had no effect on the ability of MR to reduce body weight or adiposity, increase energy intake and expenditure, increase hepatic transcription and release of fibroblast growth factor 21, or improve insulin sensitivity. Interestingly, hepatic eIF2 phosphorylation by MR was uncompromised in Gcn2−/− mice. Instead, protein kinase R–like endoplasmic reticulum (ER) kinase (PERK) was activated in both intact and Gcn2−/− mice. PERK activation corresponded with induction of the ISR and the nuclear respiratory factor 2 antioxidant program but not ER stress. These data uncover a novel glutathione-sensing mechanism that functions independently of GCN2 to link dietary MR to its metabolic phenotype.
Inhibition of TGF-β Signaling Promotes Human Pancreatic β-Cell Replication
Authors: Dhawan Sangeeta , Dirice Ercument , Kulkarni Rohit N. , Bhushan Anil
Published: March 2016

Diabetes is associated with loss of functional pancreatic β-cells, and restoration of β-cells is a major goal for regenerative therapies. Endogenous regeneration of β-cells via β-cell replication has the potential to restore cellular mass; however, pharmacological agents that promote regeneration or expansion of endogenous β-cells have been elusive. The regenerative capacity of β-cells declines rapidly with age, due to accumulation of p16INK4a, resulting in limited capacity for adult endocrine pancreas regeneration. Here, we show that transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling via Smad3 integrates with the trithorax complex to activate and maintain Ink4a expression to prevent β-cell replication. Importantly, inhibition of TGF-β signaling can result in repression of the Ink4a/Arf locus, resulting in increased β-cell replication in adult mice. Furthermore, small molecule inhibitors of the TGF-β pathway promote β-cell replication in human islets transplanted into NOD-scid IL-2Rgnull mice. These data reveal a novel role for TGF-β signaling in the regulation of the Ink4a/Arf locus and highlight the potential of using small molecule inhibitors of TGF-β signaling to promote human β-cell replication.
Antigen Presentation and T-Cell Activation Are Critical for RBP4-Induced Insulin Resistance
Authors: Moraes-Vieira Pedro M. , Castoldi Angela , Aryal Pratik , Wellenstein Kerry , Peroni Odile D. , Kahn Barbara B.
Published: March 2016

Adipose tissue (AT) inflammation contributes to impaired insulin action, which is a major cause of type 2 diabetes. RBP4 is an adipocyte- and liver-derived protein with an important role in insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and AT inflammation. RBP4 elevation causes AT inflammation by activating innate immunity, which elicits an adaptive immune response. RBP4-overexpressing mice (RBP4-Ox) are insulin resistant and glucose intolerant and have increased AT macrophages and T-helper 1 cells. We show that high-fat diet–fed RBP4−/− mice have reduced AT inflammation and improved insulin sensitivity versus wild type. We also elucidate the mechanism for RBP4-induced macrophage antigen presentation and subsequent T-cell activation. In RBP4-Ox, AT macrophages display enhanced c-Jun N-terminal kinase, extracellular signal–related kinase, and p38 phosphorylation. Inhibition of these pathways and of NF-κB reduces activation of macrophages and CD4 T cells. MyD88 is an adaptor protein involved in proinflammatory signaling. In macrophages from MyD88−/− mice, RBP4 fails to stimulate secretion of tumor necrosis factor, IL-12, and IL-6 and CD4 T-cell activation. In vivo blockade of antigen presentation by treating RBP4-Ox mice with CTLA4-Ig, which blocks costimulation of T cells, is sufficient to reduce AT inflammation and improve insulin resistance. Thus, MyD88 and downstream mitogen-activated protein kinase and NF-κB pathways are necessary for RBP4-induced macrophage antigen presentation and subsequent T-cell activation. Also, blocking antigen presentation with CTLA4-Ig improves RBP4-induced insulin resistance and macrophage-induced T-cell activation.
Analysis of influence of initial gap of laser-arc hybrid butt welds on inherent strain and welding deformation of a pipe structure
Authors: Xia Hongbo , Li Liqun , Ma Ninshu , Huang Hui
Published: March 2016

Although the laser-arc hybrid welding process has the advantages of smaller deformation and wide freedoms using different energy ratios, some initial dimension errors such as initial gap or initial mismatch before welding assembly have a significant influence on the final shape of welded structures. In this paper, a thermal elastic-plastic finite element model was developed to investigate the temperature fields and plastic strains in butt joints of steel plates with three different initial gaps (0.2 mm, 0.5 mm, and 1.0 mm). Four inherent deformation parameters, longitudinal inherent shrinkage, transverse inherent shrinkage, longitudinal inherent bending, and transverse inherent bending, were calculated and compared with different initial gaps. Finally, welding deformation in a steel pipe structure with five weld lines was predicted by the inherent strain theory.
H∞
control of discrete-time linear systems constrained in state by equality constraints
Authors: Filasová Anna , Krokavec Dušan
Published: March 2016

In this paper, stabilizing problems in control design are addressed for linear discrete-time systems, reflecting equality constraints tying together some state variables. Based on an enhanced representation of the bounded real lemma for discretetime systems, the existence of a state feedback control for such conditioned stabilization is proven, and an LMI-based design procedure is provided. The control law gain computation method used circumvents generally an ill-conditioned singular design task. The principle, when compared with previously published results, indicates that the proposed method outperforms the existing approaches, guarantees feasibility, and improves the steady-state accuracy of the control. Furthermore, better performance is achieved with essentially reduced design effort. The approach is illustrated on simulation examples, where the validity of the proposed method is demonstrated using one state equality constraint.
Variable structure observer design for a class of uncertain systems with a time-varying delay
Authors: Liu Wen-Jeng
Published: March 2016

Design of a state observer is an important issue in control systems and signal processing. It is well known that it is difficult to obtain the desired properties of state feedback control if some or all of the system states cannot be directly measured. Moreover, the existence of a lumped perturbation and/or a time delay usually reduces the system performance or even produces an instability in the closed-loop system. Therefore, in this paper, a new Variable Structure Observer (VSO) is proposed for a class of uncertain systems subjected to a time varying delay and a lumped perturbation. Based on the strictly positive real concept, the stability of the equivalent error system is verified. Based on the generalized matrix inverse approach, the global reaching condition of the sliding mode of the error system is guaranteed. Also, the proposed variable structure observer will be shown to possess the invariance property in relation to the lumped perturbation, as the traditional variable structure controller does. Furthermore, two illustrative examples with a series of computer simulation studies are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed design method.
Joint queue-perturbed and weakly coupled power control for wireless backbone networks
Authors: Olwal Thomas Otieno , Djouani Karim , Kogeda Okuthe P. , Wyk Barend Jacobus Van
Published: March 2016

Wireless Backbone Networks (WBNs) equipped with Multi-Radio Multi-Channel (MRMC) configurations do experience power control problems such as the inter-channel and co-channel interference, high energy consumption at multiple queues and unscalable network connectivity. Such network problems can be conveniently modelled using the theory of queue perturbation in the multiple queue systems and also as a weak coupling in a multiple channel wireless network. Consequently, this paper proposes a queue perturbation and weakly coupled based power control approach forWBNs. The ultimate objectives are to increase energy efficiency and the overall network capacity. In order to achieve this objective, a Markov chain model is first presented to describe the behaviour of the steady state probability distribution of the queue energy and buffer states. The singular perturbation parameter is approximated from the coefficients of the Taylor series expansion of the probability distribution. The impact of such queue perturbations on the transmission probability, given some transmission power values, is also analysed. Secondly, the inter-channel interference is modelled as a weakly coupled wireless system. Thirdly, Nash differential games are applied to derive optimal power control signals for each user subject to power constraints at each node. Finally, analytical models and numerical examples show the efficacy of the proposed model in solving power control problems in WBNs.
A Post Publication Review of "Engaging diverse student audiences in contemporary blended learning environments in Australian higher business education: Implications for Design and Practice"
Authors: Gallagher Sandra , Burmeister Oliver K , Sixsmith Alan J
Published: March 2016

A short post publication review of a recent AJIS paper.
Influence of Melt-Mixing Process Conditions on Mechanical Performance of Organoclay/Fluoroelastomer Nanocomposites
Authors: Khajehpour M. , Sundararaj U.
Published: March 2016

In this study, Cloisite 20A, an organically modified Montmorillonite (Mnt), has been incorporated into Fluoroelastomer (FKM) through melt intercalation technique. Since the nanocomposite preparation method and conditions, and consequently, the resulting morphology play a critical role in the final properties, the effect of different process conditions such as time, temperature, and shear rate on the vulcanization, thermal and mechanical properties have been investigated. The morphology of nanocomposites, prepared at different melt-mixing conditions, was studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Rheological, thermal and mechanical behaviors were investigated by moving die rheometer (MDR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and tensile strength test respectively. Also, the crosslinking density has been measured for the nanocomposites. The best mechanical performance of clay/FKM nanocomposites was attained by optimization of the melt-mixing conditions. We achieved the following enhancements for FKM by clay incorporation: enhancement of tensile strength up to 70 %; elongation up to 94 %; and modulus up to 405 %. Process temperature was found to have a critical role in the final properties of the nanocomposites, while mixing residual time and shear rate had a moderate effect. The most desirable properties and curing behaviors, including highest maximum torques, cure rates, crosslinking densities, fast crosslinking kinetics, high intercalation and best improved tensile strengths, resulted with specific combination of melt-mixing parameters.
Dielectric Behavior of OPEFB Reinforced Polycaprolactone Composites at X-Band Frequency
Authors: Fahad A. , Abbas Z. , Obaiys S. J. , Ibrahim N. , Yakubu A.
Published: March 2016

Short fibres are often used as reinforcing materials with thermoplastic polymers to improve the dielectric properties of the composites. In this work, the effects of oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB)-fibre loading on polycaprolactone (PCL) polymer were extensively studied. The synthesis of OPEFB-PCL composites were prepared via melt blend method. Theoretical and experimental analysis of electromagnetic (EMI) propagation, absorption and shielding effectiveness (SE) properties of the composite were also studied. The magnitudes of S-parameters for OPEFB fiber-reinforced PCL composites with different percentages of filler were measured by a rectangular waveguide connected with a microwave vector network analyzer (VNA) at (8 – 12) GHz frequency. Whilst the dielectric properties were studied using an open ended coaxial probe. The morphological characterization of the OPEFB-PCL composite was carried out using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This work showed that XRD profile patterns slightly changed duo to the filler loading increment which result a reduction in both dielectric constant and loss factor. However, the relative permittivity of pure oil palm fibre and PCL was measured as (1.8-j*0.08) and (2.929-j*0.3242) respectively. In addition, the composition of 12.5 wt% filler gave the highest dielectric constant and loss factor values. However, the reflection loss increases to filler content increments at the maximum frequency of 12 GHz. The excellent behavior of these polymer composites makes them superior nominees for microwave low absorption materials.
Numerical Simulation and Experimental Validation of Granite Powder Filled Jute Epoxy Composite for Slurry Jet Erosive Wear
Authors: Pawar M. J. , Patnaik A. , Nagar R.
Published: March 2016

In the polymer composite the benefits of utilizing the excellent wear resisting properties in terms of light weight structural design are immediately apparent. Hence, the focus of this study is to propose new sets of unfilled and particulate filled treated jute epoxy composites. Therefore, initially five different weight percentages of alkali treated jute epoxy composites are fabricated (10, 20, 30 40 and 50 wt.%) and studied their slurry erosive wear in experimentally at different operating conditions such as by varying impact velocity and impingement angle by keeping all other factors constant. The steady state erosion results for jute epoxy composites shows better wear resistant behavior for 40 wt.% jute fiber loading. Hence, for further fabrication of series of hybrid composite 40 wt.% jute fiber is kept constant and granite powder is varied in three different (8, 16 and 24 wt.%) weight percentages. The granite filler content in the jute epoxy composite played a major contribution for slurry erosion resistance. Finally, the obtained experimental results are compared with simulated model results by using a computational fluid dynamics tool. The eroded samples are observed through scanning electron microscope to study the wear mechanism.
Differentially Expressed MicroRNAs in Meningiomas Grades I and II Suggest Shared Biomarkers with Malignant Tumors
Authors: El-Gewely Mohamed , Andreassen Morten , Walquist Mari , Ursvik Anita , Knutsen Erik , Nystad Mona , Coucheron Dag , Myrmel Kristin , Hennig Rune , Johansen Steinar
Published: March 2016

Meningiomas represent the most common primary tumors of the central nervous system, but few microRNA (miRNA) profiling studies have been reported so far. Deep sequencing of small RNA libraries generated from two human meningioma biopsies WHO grades I (benign) and II (atypical) were compared to excess dura controls. Nineteen differentially expressed miRNAs were validated by RT-qPCR using tumor RNA from 15 patients and 5 meninges controls. Tumor suppressor miR-218 and miR-34a were upregulated relative to normal controls, however, miR-143, miR-193b, miR-451 and oncogenic miR-21 were all downregulated. From 10 selected putative mRNA targets tested by RT-qPCR only four were differentially expressed relative to normal controls. PTEN and E-cadherin (CDH1) were upregulated, but RUNX1T1 was downregulated. Proliferation biomarker p63 was upregulated with nuclear localization, but not detected in most normal arachnoid tissues. Immunoreactivity of E-cadherin was detected in the outermost layer of normal arachnoids, but was expressed throughout the tumors. Nuclear Cyclin D1 expression was positive in all studied meningiomas, while its expression in arachnoid was limited to a few trabecular cells. Meningiomas of grades I and II appear to share biomarkers with malignant tumors, but with some additional tumor suppressor biomarkers expression. Validation in more patients is of importance.
Influence of the Localization of Ge Atoms within the Si(001)(4 × 2) Surface Layer on Semicore One-Electron States
Authors: Tkachuk Olha , Terebinskaya Maria , Lobanov Victor , Arbuznikov Alexei
Published: March 2016

Adsorption complexes of germanium on the reconstructed Si(001)(4 × 2) surface have been simulated by the Si96Ge2Н84 cluster. For Ge atoms located on the surface layer, DFT calculations (B3LYP/6-31G**) of their 3d semicore-level energies have shown a clear-cut correlation between the 3d5/2 chemical shifts and mutual arrangement of Ge atoms. Such a shift is positive when only one Ge atom penetrates into the crystalline substrate, while being negative for both penetrating Ge atoms. We interpret these results in terms of the charge distribution in clusters under consideration.
Phase Transitions in Equilibrium and Non-Equilibrium Models on Some Topologies
Authors: De Sousa Lima Francisco
Published: March 2016

On some regular and non-regular topologies, we studied the critical properties of models that present up-down symmetry, like the equilibrium Ising model and the nonequilibrium majority vote model. These are investigated on networks, like Apollonian (AN), Barabási–Albert (BA), small-worlds (SW), Voronoi–Delaunay (VD) and Erdös–Rényi (ER) random graphs. The review here is on phase transitions, critical points, exponents and universality classes that are compared to the results obtained for these models on regular square lattices (SL).
Constant Jacobian Matrix-Based Stochastic Galerkin Method for Probabilistic Load Flow
Authors: Sun Yingyun , Mao Rui , Li Zuyi , Tian Wei
Published: March 2016

An intrusive spectral method of probabilistic load flow (PLF) is proposed in the paper, which can handle the uncertainties arising from renewable energy integration. Generalized polynomial chaos (gPC) expansions of dependent random variables are utilized to build a spectral stochastic representation of PLF model. Instead of solving the coupled PLF model with a traditional, cumbersome method, a modified stochastic Galerkin (SG) method is proposed based on the P-Q decoupling properties of load flow in power system. By introducing two pre-calculated constant sparse Jacobian matrices, the computational burden of the SG method is significantly reduced. Two cases, IEEE 14-bus and IEEE 118-bus systems, are used to verify the computation speed and efficiency of the proposed method.
Circulating microRNAs as Potential Biomarkers in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Afonso Marta , Rodrigues Pedro , Simão André , Castro Rui
Published: March 2016

Obesity and metabolic syndrome are growing epidemics worldwide and greatly responsible for many liver diseases, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD often progresses to cirrhosis, end-stage liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common primary liver cancer and one of the leading causes for cancer-related deaths globally. Currently available tools for the diagnosis of NAFLD staging and progression towards HCC are largely invasive and of limited accuracy. In light of the need for more specific and sensitive noninvasive molecular markers, several studies have assessed the potential of circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) as biomarkers of liver injury and hepatocarcinogenesis. Indeed, extracellular miRNAs are very stable in the blood, can be easily quantitated and are differentially expressed in response to different pathophysiological conditions. Although standardization procedures and larger, independent studies are still necessary, miRNAs constitute promising, clinically-useful biomarkers for the NAFLD-HCC spectrum.
Methodological Studies on Estimates of Abundance and Diversity of Heterotrophic Flagellates from the Deep-Sea Floor
Authors: Schoenle Alexandra , Jeuck Alexandra , Nitsche Frank , Venter Paul , Prausse Dennis , Arndt Hartmut
Published: March 2016

Extreme environmental conditions in the deep sea hamper access to protist communities. In combination with the potentially highly diverse species composition, it demands a wide range of methods to be applied at the same time to guarantee a high resolution of quantitative and qualitative studies of deep-sea heterotrophic flagellates (HF). Within this study, we present a possible combination of several culture-independent and culture-dependent methods available for investigating benthic deep-sea HF communities. Besides live-counting and fixation of HF, we refer to cultivation methods and molecular surveys using next generation sequencing. Laboratory ecological experiments under deep-sea conditions (high pressure, low temperature) could allow the approval of the potential deep-sea origin of sampled HF. The combination of different methods offers a unique possibility to receive detailed information on nanofaunal life in the deep sea. Specific fixation techniques to preserve samples directly at the sampling depth must be applied in further studies to reflect the real biodiversity of the largest habitat on earth.
Inhibited Bacterial Adhesion and Biofilm Formation on Quaternized Chitosan-Loaded Titania Nanotubes with Various Diameters
Authors: Lin Wen-tao , Zhang Yi-yuan , Tan Hong-lue , Ao Hai-yong , Duan Zhao-ling , He Guo , Tang Ting-ting
Published: March 2016

Titania nanotube-based local drug delivery is an attractive strategy for combating implant-associated infection. In our previous study, we demonstrated that the gentamicin-loaded nanotubes could dramatically inhibit bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation on implant surfaces. Considering the overuse of antibiotics may lead to the evolution of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, we synthesized a new quaternized chitosan derivative (hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan, HACC) with a 27% degree of substitution (DS; referred to as 27% HACC) that had a strong antibacterial activity and simultaneously good biocompatibility with osteogenic cells. Titania nanotubes with various diameters (80, 120, 160, and 200 nm) and 200 nm length were loaded with 2 mg of HACC using a lyophilization method and vacuum drying. Two standard strain, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (American Type Culture Collection 43300) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (American Type Culture Collection 35984), and two clinical isolates, S. aureus 376 and S. epidermidis 389, were selected to investigate the bacterial adhesion at 6 h and biofilm formation at 24, 48, and 72 h on the HACC-loaded nanotubes (NT-H) using the spread plate method, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Smooth titanium (Smooth Ti) was also investigated and compared. We found that NT-H could significantly inhibit bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation on its surface compared with Smooth Ti, and the NT-H with 160 nm and 200 nm diameters had stronger antibacterial activity because of the extended HACC release time of NT-H with larger diameters. Therefore, NT-H can significantly improve the antibacterial ability of orthopedic implants and provide a promising strategy to prevent implant-associated infections.
Extract of Polygonum cuspidatum Attenuates Diabetic Retinopathy by Inhibiting the High-Mobility Group Box-1 (HMGB1) Signaling Pathway in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Sohn Eunjin , Kim Junghyun , Kim Chan-Sik , Lee Yun , Kim Jin
Published: March 2016

High-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) is a well-known pro-inflammatory cytokine. We aimed to investigate the effect of the ethanol extract of the root of P. cuspidatum (PCE) on retinal inflammation in diabetic retinopathy. PCE (100 or 350 mg/kg/day) was administered to diabetic rats for 16 weeks, and hyperglycemia and body weight loss developed in the diabetic rats. The retinal expression levels of HMGB1 and receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and the activity of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in the retina were examined. Additionally, a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay was performed to analyze the binding of NF-κB binding to the RAGE promoter in the diabetic retinas. The levels of HMGB1 and RAGE expression, NF-κB activity, and NF-κB binding to the RAGE promoter were increased in the diabetic retinas. However, treatment with PCE ameliorated the increases in HMGB1 and RAGE expression, and NF-κB activity in the retina. In addition, in diabetic rats, retinal vascular permeability and the loosening of the tight junctions were inhibited by PCE. These findings suggest that PCE has a preventative effect against diabetes-induced vascular permeability by inhibiting HMGB1-RAGE-NF-κB activation in diabetic retinas. The oral administration of PCE may significantly help to suppress the development of diabetic retinopathy in patients with diabetes.
Do Eco-Fees Encourage Design for the Environment? The Relationship between Environmental Handling Fees and Recycling Rates for Printed Paper and Packaging
Authors: Lakhan Calvin
Published: March 2016

This study undertook a critical examination of Ontario’s extended producer responsibility scheme for the residential “Blue Box” recycling program, specifically examining the relationship between packaging fee rates and material-specific recycling rates. Using data collected for each of the 23 materials found in the residential recycling program over the past decade, a regression model was developed to gauge what relationship (if any) packaging recycling rates have with fee rates, costs of material management and revenue from the sale of recyclable material. The modeling in this study indicates that packaging fee rates have no effect on packaging recycling rates. Recycling rates were positively correlated with material revenue and negatively correlated with material management costs. There is no evidence that suggests that Ontario’s fee model used to allocate environmental handling fees to individual materials encourages waste diversion or design for the environment. The disconnect in the results and the intended function of packaging fee rates calls into question the appropriateness of Ontario’s fee rate methodology.
Utilization of Spirituality and Spiritual Care in Nursing Practice in Public Hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Chandramohan Sandhya , Bhagwan Raisuyah
Published: March 2016

This study explored the views of professional nurses in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa regarding the role of spirituality and spiritual care in nursing practice and investigated whether professional nurses utilize spiritually based care in nursing practice. A cross-sectional descriptive design using multistage random sampling was utilized. Five hundred and fifty questionnaires were distributed to professional nurses between December 2012 and February 2013. A total of 385 participants completed the survey questionnaire, resulting in a 77% response rate. Data was analyzed using SSPS 0.20. The data revealed that nurses see spirituality and spiritual care as an important dimension of nursing practice but need greater preparedness. Nurses need to be effectively prepared to deal with the complexity of providing ethically based personalized spiritual care in an increasingly diverse society.
ZVI (Fe0) Desalination: Stability of Product Water
Authors: Antia David
Published: March 2016

A batch-operated ZVI (zero valent iron) desalination reactor will be able to partially desalinate water. This water can be stored in an impoundment, reservoir or tank, prior to use for irrigation. Commercial development of this technology requires assurance that the partially-desalinated product water will not resalinate, while it is in storage. This study has used direct ion analyses to confirm that the product water from a gas-pressured ZVI desalination reactor maintains a stable salinity in storage over a period of 1–2.5 years. Two-point-three-litre samples of the feed water (2–10.68 g (Na+ + Cl−)·L−1) and product water (0.1–5.02 g (Na+ + Cl−)·L−1) from 21 trials were placed in storage at ambient (non-isothermal) temperatures (which fluctuated between −10 and 25 °C), for a period of 1–2.5 years. The ion concentrations (Na+ and Cl−) of the stored feed water and product water were then reanalysed. The ion analyses of the stored water samples demonstrated: (i) that the product water salinity (Na+ and Cl−) remains unchanged in storage; and (ii) the Na:Cl molar ratios can be lower in the product water than the feed water. The significance of the results is discussed in terms of the various potential desalination routes. These trial data are supplemented with the results from 122 trials to demonstrate that: (i) reactivity does not decline with successive batches; (ii) the process is catalytic; and (iii) the process involves a number of steps.
A Secure, Intelligent, and Smart-Sensing Approach for Industrial System Automation and Transmission over Unsecured Wireless Networks
Authors: Shahzad Aamir , Lee Malrey , Xiong Neal , Jeong Gisung , Lee Young-Keun , Choi Jae-Young , Mahesar Abdul , Ahmad Iftikhar
Published: March 2016

In Industrial systems, Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system, the pseudo-transport layer of the distributed network protocol (DNP3) performs the functions of the transport layer and network layer of the open systems interconnection (OSI) model. This study used a simulation design of water pumping system, in-which the network nodes are directly and wirelessly connected with sensors, and are monitored by the main controller, as part of the wireless SCADA system. This study also intends to focus on the security issues inherent in the pseudo-transport layer of the DNP3 protocol. During disassembly and reassembling processes, the pseudo-transport layer keeps track of the bytes sequence. However, no mechanism is available that can verify the message or maintain the integrity of the bytes in the bytes received/transmitted from/to the data link layer or in the send/respond from the main controller/sensors. To properly and sequentially keep track of the bytes, a mechanism is required that can perform verification while bytes are received/transmitted from/to the lower layer of the DNP3 protocol or the send/respond to/from field sensors. For security and byte verification purposes, a mechanism needs to be proposed for the pseudo-transport layer, by employing cryptography algorithm. A dynamic choice security buffer (SB) is designed and employed during the security development. To achieve the desired goals of the proposed study, a pseudo-transport layer stack model is designed using the DNP3 protocol open library and the security is deployed and tested, without changing the original design.
A Low-Noise CMOS THz Imager Based on Source Modulation and an In-Pixel High-Q Passive Switched-Capacitor N-Path Filter
Authors: Boukhayma Assim , Dupret Antoine , Rostaing Jean-Pierre , Enz Christian
Published: March 2016

This paper presents the first low noise complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) terahertz (THz) imager based on source modulation and in-pixel high-Q filtering. The 31 × 31 focal plane array has been fully integrated in a 0 . 13 μ m standard CMOS process. The sensitivity has been improved significantly by modulating the active THz source that lights the scene and performing on-chip high-Q filtering. Each pixel encompass a broadband bow tie antenna coupled to an N-type metal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS) detector that shifts the THz radiation, a low noise adjustable gain amplifier and a high-Q filter centered at the modulation frequency. The filter is based on a passive switched-capacitor (SC) N-path filter combined with a continuous-time broad-band Gm-C filter. A simplified analysis that helps in designing and tuning the passive SC N-path filter is provided. The characterization of the readout chain shows that a Q factor of 100 has been achieved for the filter with a good matching between the analytical calculation and the measurement results. An input-referred noise of 0 . 2 μ V RMS has been measured. Characterization of the chip with different THz wavelengths confirms the broadband feature of the antenna and shows that this THz imager reaches a total noise equivalent power of 0 . 6 nW at 270 GHz and 0 . 8 nW at 600 GHz.
How Confident Can We Be in Modelling Female Swimming Performance in Adolescence?
Authors: Dormehl Shilo , Robertson Samuel , Williams Craig
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this research was to determine the expected progression of adolescent female swimming performances using a longitudinal approach. The performances of 514 female swimmers (12–19 year olds) who participated in one or more FINA-regulated annual international schools’ swimming championships over an eight-year period were analysed. Quadratic functions for each of the seven individual events (50, 100, 200 m freestyle, 100 m backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, 200 m individual medley) were determined using mixed linear models. The predicted threshold of peak performance ranged from 16.8 ± 0.2 (200 m individual medley) to 20.6 ± 0.1 (100 m butterfly) years of age, preceded by gradual rates of improvement (mean rate of 1.6% per year). However, following cross validation, only three events (100 m backstroke, 200 m individual medley and 200 m freestyle) produced reliable models. Identifying the factors that contribute to the progression of female performance in this transitory period of life remains challenging, not least since the onset of puberty is likely to have occurred prior to reaching 12 years of age, the minimum competition age for this championship.
A Sustainable Outsourcing Strategy Regarding Cost, Capacity Flexibility, and Risk in a Textile Supply Chain
Authors: Sardar Shaheen , Lee Young , Memon Muhammad
Published: March 2016

The textile industry achieves economic benefits through outsourcing to low cost markets. Today, reshoring is an emerging trend due to rising cost and unemployment concerns. This problem is primarily due to an industry-wide focus on economic benefits only. Cost saving is a basic reason for international outsourcing while domestic outsourcing provides capacity flexibility. Moreover, outsourcing risk has a major impact on strategic location of the production destinations. Therefore, the merging of capacity flexibility and outsourcing risk comprises a sustainable outsourcing strategy. This paper suggests a sustainable outsourcing strategy in which a textile manufacturer outsources to international markets for cost savings and outsources to the domestic market for capacity flexibility. The manufacturer reserves some capacity with domestic suppliers, and pays a unit penalty cost if this capacity flexibility is not utilized. The manufacturer seeks minimum risk in international markets. Operational cost, penalty cost, and outsourcing risk are considered to be objective functions. Decisions include the assignment of contracts to suitable facilities, the quantity of each contract, and allocation of reserved capacity flexibility among domestic suppliers. Multi-objective problem of this research was solved using three variants of goal programming. Several insights are proposed for outsourcing decision making in the current global environment.
Isolation of Anti-Ricin Protective Antibodies Exhibiting High Affinity from Immunized Non-Human Primates
Authors: Noy-Porat Tal , Rosenfeld Ronit , Ariel Naomi , Epstein Eyal , Alcalay Ron , Zvi Anat , Kronman Chanoch , Ordentlich Arie , Mazor Ohad
Published: March 2016

Ricin, derived from the castor bean plant Ricinus communis, is one of the most potent and lethal toxins known, against which there is no available antidote. To date, the use of neutralizing antibodies is the most promising post-exposure treatment for ricin intoxication. The aim of this study was to isolate high affinity anti-ricin antibodies that possess potent toxin-neutralization capabilities. Two non-human primates were immunized with either a ricin-holotoxin- or subunit-based vaccine, to ensure the elicitation of diverse high affinity antibodies. By using a comprehensive set of primers, immune scFv phage-displayed libraries were constructed and panned. A panel of 10 antibodies (five directed against the A subunit of ricin and five against the B subunit) was isolated and reformatted into a full-length chimeric IgG. All of these antibodies were found to neutralize ricin in vitro, and several conferred full protection to ricin-intoxicated mice when given six hours after exposure. Six antibodies were found to possess exceptionally high affinity toward the toxin, with KD values below pM (koff < 1 × 10−7 s−1) that were well correlated with their ability to neutralize ricin. These antibodies, alone or in combination, could be used for the development of a highly-effective therapeutic preparation for post-exposure treatment of ricin intoxication.
Sociologie/Anthropologie du travail/de l'organisation/ de l'entreprise ?
Authors: Copans Jean
Published: March 2016

Anthropology studies industrial firms from a stand point and a tradition that are quite different from those of sociology. It is more related to anthropology of labour, particularly in third world countries, and has little to do with the observations of sociology of organization. The latter has tried to borrow some ethnological notions, but in a superficial and erroneous way. Each discipline, while considering the topic of the industrial firm, should be keenly and more deeply knowledgeable of the other discipline.
Une entreprise en noir et blanc : pouvoir et assignations identitaires
Authors: Bazin Laurent
Published: March 2016

In the highlands of South Vietnam, the development of silk production is related to the present transition to market economy in the context of international exchanges. State and private firms are competing on the same markets. The firm appears as an arena where different actors with specific logics confront each other. The silkwoom breeders, mill workers, supervisors, political and administrative executives, brokers and customers all have different expectations and strategies concerning the development. Taking into consideration these various personal perspectives and actions as a constitutive part of the firm's dynamics and identity, enables the author to paint an intricate picture of the current upheavals.
Les funérailles dans les entreprises ivoiriennes
Authors: Yao Gnabéli Roch
Published: March 2016

African funeral pratices are at one time considered as a factor of destabi-lization and of impoverishment, at another time as a factor of social interaction and of cultural reproduction. Within Côte-d'Ivoire firms, the conflicts, the strategies of the managers and of the workers and the various forms of mobilizing financial resources that the funerals create, allow to assert that it is a major link between work and the sphere outside of work. The stakes of funeral expenses are such that the «solidarity funds », whose organization was at the beginning mainly motivated by the taking over of these expenses, are now part of the «normal » working conditions of Ivoirien firms and have become inescapable for the human resources administrators.