bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
818. WISTERIA FLORIBUNDA WITH THE TORTUOUS TALE OF THE JAPANESE WISTERIA WITH THE LONGEST RACEMES
Authors: Compton James A. , Thijsse Gerard
Published: October 2015

The history of the Japanese Wisteria with the longest racemes is fully investigated, with a review of all the names applied to it. The name W. macrobotrys is shown to belong to a different cultivar group now widely grown under the names ‘Burford’, ‘Honko’ and ‘Hocker Edge’. The new combination W. floribunda f. multijuga (Van Houtte) J. Compton & G. Thijsse is made in order to establish long‐term nomenclatural stability. A lectotype is designated for the hybrid name W. × formosa Rehder.
Quantification and regulation of the adipokines resistin and progranulin in human cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Berghoff Martin , Hochberg Alexandra , Schmid Andreas , Schlegel Jutta , Karrasch Thomas , Kaps Manfred , Schäffler Andreas
Published: October 2015

Background

Adipokines bearing the potential to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB) are promising candidates for the endocrine regulation of central nervous processes and of a postulated fat‐brain axis. Resistin and progranulin concentrations in paired serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples of patients undergoing neurological evaluation and spinal puncture were investigated.

Materials and Methods

Samples of n = 270 consecutive patients with various neurological diseases were collected without prior selection. Adipokine serum and CSF concentrations were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and serum and CSF routine parameters by standard procedures. Anthropometric data, medication and patient history were available.

Results

Serum levels of resistin and progranulin were positively correlated among each other, with respective CSF levels, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and markers of systemic inflammation. CSF resistin concentrations were generally low. Progranulin CSF concentrations and CSF/serum progranulin ratio were significantly higher in patients with infectious diseases, with disturbed BBB function and with elevated CSF cell count and presence of oligoclonal bands. Both adipokines are able to cross the BBB depending on a differing patency that increases with increasing grade of barrier dysfunction. Whereas resistin represents a systemic marker of inflammation, CSF progranulin levels strongly depend on the underlying disease and dysfunction of blood–CSF barrier.

Conclusions

Resistin and progranulin represent novel and putative regulators of the fat‐brain axis by their ability to cross the BBB under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. The presented data provide insight into the characteristics of BBB function regarding progranulin and resistin and the basis for future establishment of normal values for CSF concentrations and CSF/serum ratios.
PRICE ADJUSTMENT POLICIES AND FIRM SIZE
Authors: Kosmopoulou Georgia , Lamarche Carlos , Zhou Xueqi
Published: October 2015

A number of U.S. State Departments of Transportation have adopted a price adjustment policy designed to limit cost fluctuations of oil‐based inputs in government procurement. Similar policies are common in defense contracting, and have been used to offset financial losses of health insurance companies in Medicare and the Affordable Care Act. We show that while all bidders submit lower bids after the policy is introduced, the extent of bid reduction diminishes with firm size. Small new firms are able to compete more frequently, promoting auction competition and efficiency. (JEL H4, H57, D44)
THEORIES OF RISK: TESTING INVESTOR BEHAVIOR ON THE TAIWAN STOCK AND STOCK INDEX FUTURES MARKETS
Authors: Clark Ephraim , Qiao Zhuo , Wong Wing‐Keung
Published: October 2015

This article considers four utility functions—concave, convex, S‐shaped, and reverse S‐shaped—to analyze the behavior of different types of investors on the Taiwan stock index and its corresponding index futures. Using stochastic dominance (SD) rules, we show that the existence of all four investor types is plausible. Risk averters prefer spot to futures, whereas risk seekers prefer futures to spot. Investors with S‐shaped utility functions prefer spot (futures) to futures (spot) when markets move upward (downward). Investors with reverse S‐shaped utility functions prefer futures (spot) to spot (futures) when markets move upward (downward). We show that both spot and futures markets can exist when only risk averters are present, but futures can dominate spot only if there is some risk‐seeking behavior. These results are robust with respect to subperiods, spot returns including dividends, and diversification. (JEL C14, G12, G15)
An improved method for qPCR detection of three Phytophthora spp. in forest and woodland soils in northern Britain
Authors: Elliot M. , Schlenzig A. , Harris C. M. , Meagher T. R. , Green S.
Published: October 2015

Using TaqMan qPCR assays, DNA of P. ramorum, P. kernoviae and P. austrocedri was detected in 500 g soil samples collected from twelve infected forest and woodland sites in northern Britain. Phytophthora DNA was also amplified in soil adhering to boots after walking transects along footpaths or animal trails. At two sites, Phytophthora DNA was detected in soil over a 4‐year period following removal of infected hosts. This new method enabling assessment of larger quantities of soil demonstrates the contamination risk of these pathogens in soil at infected sites and improves our understanding of the mechanisms of persistence and spread.
Apple stem grooving virusnaturally infects Himalayan wild cherry (PrunuscerasoidesD. Don)
Authors: Bhardwaj P. , Ram R. , Zaidi A. A. , Hallan V.
Published: October 2015

Himalayan wild cherry (Prunus cerasoides), widely distributed in the Himalayas, was found to exhibit severe virus‐like symptoms (chlorotic spots, chlorosis along the margins of the leaf and necrotic spots). Of 47 symptomatic and asymptomatic leaf samples tested throughDAS‐ELISA, dot‐blot hybridization andRT‐PCR, only three were found to be positive forApple stem grooving virus(ASGV) infection. The complete coat protein gene from all the three positive samples was molecularly characterized and sequencing of the amplicons confirmed presence of the virus. The three characterized isolates of Himalayan wild cherry (HWC‐15,HWC‐16 andHWC‐47) grouped with theASGVapple isolates from India, Brazil and China. Of the three, two isolates (HWC‐15 andHWC‐47) shared around 100% sequence identity among themselves while 96.2% with the third isolate (HWC‐16) (both at nucleotide and amino acid level), respectively. While they all shared an overall identity of around 92.8–99% at (aa) and 86.5–99.5% at (nt) with rest of the isolates from different hosts and geographical locations. Experimental host range of the variantHWC‐16 isolate identifiedC. amaranticolor, C. sativus, C. quinoa, P. vulgaris, N. benthamiana and N. glutinosaas positives for theASGVisolate‐inducing epinasty, symptomless carrier, chlorotic spots, interveinal chlorosis, chlorotic spots and chlorotic patch. To the best of our knowledge, this is a first report of natural infection ofASGVon Himalayan wild cherry.
All roads lead to PP2A: exploiting the therapeutic potential of this phosphatase
Authors: Sangodkar Jaya , Farrington Caroline C. , McClinch Kimberly , Galsky Matthew D. , Kastrinsky David B. , Narla Goutham
Published: October 2015

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a serine/threonine phosphatase involved in the regulation of many cellular processes. A confirmed tumor suppressor protein, PP2A is genetically altered or functionally inactivated in many cancers highlighting a need for its therapeutic reactivation. In this review we discuss recent literature on PP2A: the elucidation of its structure and the functions of its subunits, and the identification of molecular lesions and post‐translational modifications leading to its dysregulation in cancer. A final section will discuss the proteins and small molecules that modulate PP2A and how these might be used to target dysregulated forms of PP2A to treat cancers and other diseases.
Soluble TL1A is sufficient for activation of death receptor 3
Authors: Bittner Sebastian , Knoll Gertrud , Füllsack Simone , Kurz Maria , Wajant Harald , Ehrenschwender Martin
Published: October 2015

Death receptor 3 (DR3) is a typical member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor family, and was initially identified as a T‐cell co‐stimulatory molecule. However, further studies revealed a more complex and partly dichotomous role for DR3 and its ligand TL1A under (patho)physiological conditions. TL1A and DR3 are not only a driving force in the development of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, but also play an important role in counteracting these processes through an increase in the number of regulatory T cells. Ligands of the tumor necrosis factor family typically occur in two forms, membrane‐bound and soluble, that can differ strikingly with respect to their efficacy in activating their corresponding receptor(s). Ligand‐based approaches to activate the TL1A–DR3 pathway therefore require understanding of the molecular prerequisites of TL1A‐based DR3 activation. To date, this has not been addressed. Here, we show that recombinant soluble trimeric TL1A is fully sufficient to strongly activate DR3‐associated pro‐ and anti‐apoptotic signaling pathways. In contrast to the TRAIL death receptors, which are much better activated by soluble TRAIL upon secondary ligand oligomerization, but similarly to the death receptor tumor necrosis factor receptor 1, DR3 is efficiently activated by soluble TL1A trimers. Additionally, we have measured the affinity of TL1A–DR3 interaction in a cell‐based system, and demonstrated TL1A‐induced DR3 internalization. Identification of DR3 as a tumor necrosis factor receptor that responds to soluble ligand trimers without further oligomerization provides a basis for therapeutic exploitation of the TL1A–DR3 pathway.
Self‐promotion Statements in Video Resumes: Frequency, intensity, and gender effects on job applicant evaluation
Authors: Waung Marie , Hymes Robert , Beatty Joy E. , McAuslan Pam
Published: October 2015

Although video resumes have received a substantial amount of media attention and there seems to be a growing awareness among Human Resource professionals of video‐based job applications, little is known about the effect of video resumes on applicant evaluation. This research investigates the effectiveness of self‐promotion within the context of video resumes. Self‐promotion frequency and intensity and applicant gender were manipulated. Ratings by recruiters and college students indicate that high levels of self‐promotion in video resumes are ineffective for male applicants and potentially detrimental for female applicants. Job applicants should use caution when attempting to promote themselves using video resumes. More research is needed on impression management tactics used at the earliest stages of selection and on the mechanisms operating within video resumes that impact applicant evaluation.
Defect Structure of Doped Lead‐Free 0.9(Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3−0.1(Bi0.5K0.5)TiO3 Piezoceramics
Authors: Blömker Martin , Erdem Emre , Li Shunyi , Weber Stefan , Klein Andreas , Rödel Jürgen , Frömling Till
Published: October 2015

Cu‐ and V‐doped BNKT10‐based piezoelectric ceramics with up to 0.5 at.% dopant concentration were synthesized and displayed more homogeneous grain growth compared to undoped BNKT10 ceramics. The defect chemistry and defect structure, studied by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), indicate a slightly rhombic electronic environment with major unidirectional octahedral distortion of the local environment of Cu. The solubility limit of Cu2+ in this material system is lower than 0.05 at.% Cu; above this limit, a Cu segregation at the grain boundaries is prevalent, unlike in PZT and KNN. Here, V was shown to be incorporated into the perovskite lattice and possess oxidation states of +4 and +5, acting both as isovalent and donor dopant, predominantly compensated by A‐site vacancies. A trend toward higher ceramic densities, higher maximum polarization, and higher remanent polarization with increasing Cu concentration was observed. A maximum mechanical coupling factor could be obtained in the case of doping with 0.4 at.% V and 0.1 at.% Cu with a planar coupling of 0.19 and a thickness coupling factor of 0.56.
Students as Producers: An ‘X’ Disciplinary Client‐Based Approach to Collaborative Art, Design and Media Pedagogy
Authors: Cocchiarella Fabrizio , Booth Paul
Published: October 2015

This article presents the findings of a cross‐disciplinary project between BA (Hons) Interior Design, Creative Multimedia and Film and Media Studies at a large Metropolitan University in the North of England. The collaboration was part of Unit X, a faculty‐wide credit‐bearing initiative to enable better collaboration across art and design courses.

The project explored cross‐disciplinary approaches to problem‐solving and generating designed outputs using a ‘vertical studio’ model. The outcomes for the students were to create a number of media/arts/design‐based interventions, responding to real clients (festival organisers, local bar and café owners) and real client briefs. The constructivist approach to pedagogy allowed students the opportunity to develop their practice skills within communities of practice to help explore, develop, support and form their creative identities. The aim was to facilitate a supported environment to allow knowledge creation to take place through group tasks, reflection and the challenges of working and negotiating roles as professionals.
Investigating the Experiential Impact of Sensory Affect in Contemporary Communication Design Studio Education
Authors: Marshalsey Lorraine
Published: October 2015

The studio is the primary site for learning in specialist Communication Design education worldwide. Differing higher education institutions, including art schools and university campuses, have developed a varied range of studio environments. These diverse learning spaces inherently create a complex fabric of affects. In addition, Communication Design studio education produces learning processes and methods of practice which provide affective sensory experiences for the students. Students may be sensitive to these sensory affects, yet the impact of these experiences may go unnoticed or unequivocally tolerated in the studio environment. This article examines the experiential impact of sensory affect occurring in contemporary Communication Design studio education: investigating the learning processes, within a specialist practice‐led discipline in the context of a studio environment. A preliminary study generated the question: ‘How might Communication Design learning address and exploit the sensory experiences occurring in studio education?’. Therefore this article contextualises how students might benefit from being aware of the affective experiences occurring inside studio education in future research studies. This research is grounded in collaborative practice with students in the field of Communication Design.
A systematic review of health service interventions to reduce use of unplanned health care in rural areas
Authors: Brainard Julii Suzanne , Ford John A. , Steel Nicholas , Jones Andy P.
Published: October 2015

Rationale, aims and objectives

Use of unplanned health care has long been increasing, and not enough is known about which interventions may reduce use. We aimed to review the effectiveness of interventions to reduce the use of unplanned health care by rural populations.

Methods

The method used was systematic review. Scientific databases (Medline, Embase and Central), grey literature and selected references were searched. Study quality and bias was assessed using Cochrane Risk of Bias and modified Newcastle Ottawa Scales. Results were summarized narratively.

Results

A total of 2708 scientific articles, reports and other documents were found. After screening, 33 studies met the eligibility criteria, of which eight were randomized controlled trials, 13 were observational studies of unplanned care use before and after new practices were implemented and 12 compared intervention patients with non‐randomized control patients. Eight of the 33 studies reported modest statistically significant reductions in unplanned emergency care use while two reported statistically significant increases in unplanned care. Reductions were associated with preventative medicine, telemedicine and targeting chronic illnesses. Cost savings were also reported for some interventions.

Conclusion

Relatively few studies report on unscheduled medical care by specifically rural populations, and interventions were associated with modest reductions in unplanned care use. Future research should evaluate interventions more robustly and more clearly report the results.
The Role of Heterotrophic Microbial Communities in Estuarine C Budgets and the Biogeochemical C Cycle with Implications for Global Warming: Research Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Anderson O. Roger
Published: October 2015

Estuaries are among the most productive and economically important marine ecosystems at the land–ocean interface and contribute significantly to exchange of CO2 with the atmosphere. Estuarine microbial communities are major links in the biogeochemical C cycle and flow of C in food webs from primary producers to higher consumers. Considerable attention has been given to bacteria and autotrophic eukaryotes in estuarine ecosystems, but less research has been devoted to the role of heterotrophic eukaryotic microbes. Current research is reviewed here on the role of heterotrophic eukaryotic microbes in C biogeochemistry and ecology of estuaries, with particular attention to C budgets, trophodynamics, and the metabolic fate of C in microbial communities. Some attention is given to the importance of these processes in climate change and global warming, especially in relation to sources and sinks of atmospheric CO2, while also documenting the current paucity of research on the role of eukaryotic microbes that contribute to this larger question of C biogeochemistry and the environment. Some recommendations are made for future directions of research and opportunities of applying newer technologies and analytical approaches to a more refined analysis of the role of C in estuarine microbial community processes and the biogeochemical C cycle.
Conjugation morphology of Zygogonium ericetorum (Zygnematophyceae, Charophyta) from a high alpine habitat
Authors: Stancheva Rosalina , Herburger Klaus , Sheath Robert G. , Holzinger Andreas
Published: October 2015

Reproductive characteristics are important for defining taxonomic groups of filamentous Zygnematophyceae, but they have not been fully observed in the genus Zygogonium. Specimens of Z. ericetorum previously studied and used to clarify the generic concept lacked fertile material, which was obtained recently. This study illustrates for the first time, using color light microscopic and fluorescence images, a consequent conjugation stage in Z. ericetorum, including completely developed zygospores and purple cytoplasmic residue content left outside the zygospores, similar to aplanospore formation. Structures confirmed earlier reports and provided new observation informative regarding phylogenetically relevant reproductive characters of Z. ericetorum.
Ethical principles for novel therapies in veterinary practice
Authors: Yeates J. W.
Published: October 2015

Objectives

To present insights to aid decision‐making about novel veterinary treatments from regulations concerning animal experimentation and human clinical medical trials.

Materials and Methods

EU Directive 2010/63/EU on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes and EU Regulation 536/2014 on clinical trials on medicinal products for human use were analysed, evaluated and “translated” into relevant principles for veterinary surgeons.

Results

A number of principles are relevant, relating to treatment expectations, thresholds and objectives; client consent; minimising harms; personnel; review committees; assessment and publication.

Clinical Significance

These principles should assist veterinary surgeons to make good ethical decisions about novel treatments.
Impact of the Minimum Wage on Youth Labor Markets
Authors: Liu Shanshan , Hyclak Thomas J. , Regmi Krishna
Published: October 2015

We study the effect of the minimum wage on labor market outcomes for young workers using US county‐level panel data from the first quarter of 2000 to the first quarter of 2009. We go beyond the usual estimates of earnings and employment effects to consider how differences across states in the minimum wage affect worker turnover via separations and accessions and job turnover through new job creation and job losses. We find that a higher minimum wage level is associated with higher earnings, lower employment and reduced worker turnover for those in the 14–18 age group. For workers aged 19–21 and 22–24, we find less consistent evidence of minimum wage effects on earnings and employment. But, even for these age groups, a higher minimum wage is found to reduce accessions, separations and the turnover rate.
Building Tier 3 Intervention for Long‐Term Slow Growers in Grades 3–4: A Pilot Study
Authors: Sanchez Victoria M. , O'Connor Rollanda E.
Published: October 2015

Tier 3 interventions are necessary for improving the reading performance of students who fail to respond adequately to Tier 1 general education instruction and Tier 2 supplemental reading intervention. In this pilot study, we identified 8 students in 3rd and 4th grade who had demonstrated slow response to Tier 2 reading interventions for three years. Students participated in a researcher‐developed Tier 3 intervention for 8 weeks that focused on skill development in word analysis, word identification, and reading rate. In the 6 months prior to Tier 3, students were making minimal growth in reading; however, during Tier 3, the 8 students demonstrated strong growth on measures of word identification and reading rate. Although results are promising for poor readers who are difficult to remediate, several aspects of the Tier 3 intervention need further testing.
Intensive Intervention in Mathematics
Authors: Powell Sarah R. , Fuchs Lynn S.
Published: October 2015

Students who demonstrate persistent mathematics difficulties and whose performance is severely below grade level require intensive intervention. Intensive intervention is an individualized approach to instruction that is more demanding and concentrated than Tier 2 intervention efforts. We present the elements of intensive intervention that teachers should consider when planning for, implementing, and monitoring intensive intervention in mathematics. Each of these elements is based on evidence from validated interventions. We also highlight strategies for intensifying instruction. We provide two examples of intensive intervention, one of which launches from a Tier 2 intervention platform and the other which is completely generated by a teacher. We conclude with considerations for intensive intervention in mathematics.
Extreme nickel hyperaccumulation in the vascular tracts of the tree Phyllanthus balgooyi from Borneo
Authors: Mesjasz‐Przybylowicz Jolanta , Przybylowicz Wojciech , Barnabas Alban , van der Ent Antony
Published: October 2015

Phyllanthus balgooyi (Phyllanthaceae), one of > 20 nickel (Ni) hyperaccumulator plant species known in Sabah (Malaysia) on the island of Borneo, is remarkable because it contains > 16 wt% Ni in its phloem sap, the second highest concentration of Ni in any living material in the world (after Pycnandra acuminata (Sapotaceae) from New Caledonia with 25 wt% Ni in latex).

This study focused on the tissue‐level distribution of Ni and other elements in the leaves, petioles and stem of P. balgooyi using nuclear microprobe imaging (micro‐PIXE).

The results show that in the stems and petioles of P. balgooyi Ni concentrations were very high in the phloem, while in the leaves there was significant enrichment of this element in the major vascular bundles. In the leaves, cobalt (Co) was codistributed with Ni, while the distribution of manganese (Mn) was different. The highest enrichment of calcium (Ca) in the stems was in the periderm, the epidermis and subepidermis of the petiole, and in the palisade mesophyll of the leaf.

Preferential accumulation of Ni in the vascular tracts suggests that Ni is present in a metabolically active form. The elemental distribution of P. balgooyi differs from those of many other Ni hyperaccumulator plant species from around the world where Ni is preferentially accumulated in leaf epidermal cells.
ON THE DYNAMICS OF EVOLUTIONARY COMPETITION MODELS
Authors: ACKLEH AZMY S. , CUSHING J. M. , SALCEANU PAUL L.
Published: October 2015

As exemplified by classic Lotka–Volterra theory, there are several canonical outcomes possible to a two species (interference) competitive interaction: coexistence, initial condition‐dependent competitive exclusion of one species, or the global exclusion of one species. Evolutionary versions of Lotka–Volterra dynamics have been investigated in order to see the role that evolutionary adaptation can play in influencing the competitive outcome. For the most part, however, these investigations have been carried out by numerical simulations. In this paper, we provide some rigorous mathematical criteria concerning the outcome of a competition between two species x1 and x2 when evolution is taken into account. Motivated by two classic experiments in which the outcome of two competing beetle species was observed to change due to phenotypic or genetic changes in one species, we consider the case when only the species x2 can evolutionarily adapt. Using methods from persistence theory, we obtain criteria under which x2 will persist and criteria under which x1 will persist.
Effective Dose Titration of Fentanyl Sublingual Spray in Patients With Breakthrough Cancer Pain
Authors: Rauck Richard , Bull Janet , Parikh Neha , Dillaha Larry , Stearns Lisa
Published: October 2015

Objective

To further describe effective dose titration of fentanyl sublingual spray to treat breakthrough cancer pain (BTCP) during the 26‐day open‐label titration phase of a phase 3, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study.

Methods

Opioid‐tolerant patients with 1 to 4 episodes of BTCP per day were enrolled. For randomization into double‐blind treatment, patients must have titrated to a dose (100 to 1,600 mcg) providing effective analgesia for 2 consecutive BTCP episodes. The Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication was administered at baseline and at titration end and included a Global Satisfaction domain.

Results

Of 130 patients undergoing titration, 98 (75%) achieved pain relief (median dose = 800 mcg). The most common doses that allowed for adequate pain relief were 800 mcg (24.5%) and 1,200 mcg (20.4%). Of 32 (25%) patients who withdrew from the study, only 3 (2.3%) did not achieve an effective dose. In patients attaining an effective dose, mean Global Satisfaction increased from 54.9 ± 2.1 at baseline to 75.3 ± 1.7 at the end of the titration phase. Seventy‐eight patients (60%) reported ≥ 1 adverse event (AE). Thirty‐three AEs (25.4%) were considered probably related to treatment, with nausea (6.2%) and somnolence (4.6%) most commonly reported.

Conclusions

In patients with BTCP, fentanyl sublingual spray can be rapidly and safely titrated to an effective dose, resulting in greater satisfaction with fentanyl sublingual spray than previous BTCP medications.
Judging Intimacies at the French Court of Asylum
Authors: Kobelinsky Carolina
Published: October 2015

Some legal scholars have asserted that rigid notions of homosexual identity shape adjudicators’ approach when evaluating asylum claims based on sexual orientation. Recent ethnographic research at the French Court of Asylum, in charge of reviewing appeals on decisions from the French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons, shows indeed that adjudication is based on particular gender stereotypes. However, my analysis centers on an unexplored but related issue: the relationship between the problems raised by adjudicators when facing what they call “intimacy cases,” specifically regarding the administration of proof and stereotyped performances. Through ethnographic data drawn from encounters with adjudicators and asylum seekers at the French Court of Asylum; through interviews with judges, rapporteurs (reporters), interpreters, and lawyers; and by examining 60 court rulings, I argue that sexual orientation‐based cases crystallize the importance of intimacy in the politics of asylum, helping to seize the new shapes of the refugee as well as the growing difficulties for judges in relying on material evidence. [asylum, sexual orientation, intimacy, proof, France]
How biophysical in vivo testing techniques can be used to characterize full thickness skin equivalents
Authors: Houcine A. , Delalleau A. , Heraud S. , Guiraud B. , Payre B. , Duplan H. , Delisle M.‐B. , Damour O. , Bessou‐Touya S.
Published: October 2015

Background

The reliability of the biophysical properties of skin equivalents (SEs) remains a challenge for medical applications and for product efficacy tests following the European Directive 2003/15/EC2 on the prohibition of animal experiments for cosmetic products.

Methods

We propose to adapt the biophysical in vivo testing techniques to compare full thickness model growth vs. time. The interest in using such techniques lies in possible comparisons between in vivo and in vitro skin as well as monitoring samples over the culture time.

Results

High frequency ultrasound technique, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and laser scanning microscopy were used to analyze SEs morphology at days D42 and D60 whereas their microstructure was assessed through transmission electron microscopy and classical histology. A correlation between these observations and mechanical measurements has been proposed so as to underline the consequence of both the development of the dermis elastic fibers and the epidermis differentiation.

Conclusion

Ultrasounds measurements show a highly homogeneous dermis whereas the OCT technique clearly distinguishes the stratum corneum and the living epidermis. The increase in the thicknesses of these layers as well as the growth in elastin and collagen fibers results in strong modifications of the samples mechanical properties.
COMPARISON OF IRRIGATION REQUIREMENTS BETWEEN TRANSPLANTING CULTIVATION AND DIRECT-SEEDING CULTIVATION IN LARGE-SIZED PADDY FIELDS WITH GROUNDWATER LEVEL CONTROL SYSTEMS
Authors: Naoko KOSHIYAMA , Miki SAKAI , Nobuo ITO , Kazumasa NAKAMURA
Published: October 2015

In direct-seeding cultivation of rice, it is possible to save working time for growing and transplanting seedlings. In Hokkaido, where the management area of one farm is larger than that of other parts of Japan, the area of direct-seeding cultivation in large-sized paddy fields with groundwater level control systems has been increasing. Irrigation requirements increase in some cases of direct-seeding compared with the transplanting cultivation. To disseminate direct-seeding in an area it is necessary that the increases in irrigation requirements be within the permissible range of the irrigation of the area. The authors compared three cultivation methods: direct-seeding in non-puddled submerged paddy fields, direct-seeding in well-drained paddy fields, and transplanting cultivation, by using a large-sized block paddy field with the groundwater level control system facilities in Moseushi Town of Hokkaido. The following were clarified: 1) The difference in infiltration was small between the transplanting and direct-seeding cultivation methods. 2) The water supply volume, which is the sum of the irrigation requirement and the effective rainfall, of the three methods had very few differences in the period from the initial water intake and the re-submerging of the field because the groundwater level in the vicinity of the field was comparatively high and the infiltration was small. 3) The quantity of water intake during the period of shallow water management in direct-seeding cultivation is comparable to the puddling water requirement in transplanting cultivation.
FLEXURAL STRENGTH OF SPECIAL REINFORCED LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE BEAM FOR INDUSTRIALISED BUILDING SYSTEM (IBS)
Authors: Yip Chun-Chieh , Marsono Abdul Kadir , Wong Jing-Ying , Amran Mugahed Y. H.
Published: October 2015

Special reinforced lightweight aggregate concrete (SRLWAC) beam is designed as beam component in Industrialised Building System (IBS). It is used to overcome the difficulties during the component installation due to the heavy lifting task. This paper presents the flexural strength and performance of SRLWAC beam under vertical static load. SRLWAC beam was set-up on two columns corbel and tested under monotonic vertical load. Five Linear Variable Displacement Transducers (LVDTs) were instrumented in the model to record displacement. The ultimate flexural capacity of the beam was obtained at the end of experiment where failure occurred. Performance of the beam was evaluated in load-displacement relationship of beam and mode of failure. SRLWAC beam was then modelled and simulated by nonlinear finite element software- Autodesk Simulation Mechanical. Result from finite element analysis was verified by experimental result. Maximum mid-span displacement, Von-Mises stress, concrete maximum principal stress, and yielding strength of reinforcement were discussed in this paper. The beam was behaved elastically up to 90 kN and deformed plastically until ultimate capacity of 250.1 kN in experimental test. The maximum mid span displacement for experimental and simulation were 15.21 mm and 15.36 mm respectively. The major failure of IBS SRLWAC beam was the splitting of the concrete and yielding of main reinforcements at overlay end. Ductility ratio of IBS SRLWAC beam was 14.2, which was higher than pre-stressed concrete beam.
EFFECTIVE ARABIC SPEECH SEGMENTATION STRATEGY
Authors: Radman Abduljalil , Zainal Nasharuddin , Umat Cila , Abdul Hamid Badrulzaman
Published: October 2015

Speech segmentation is a process to segment speech utterances into small chunks, where each chunk represents a phoneme. The phoneme is an essential unit in any speech which is recognizable. In this paper, a segmentation speech approach was proposed to segment consonant and vowel phonemes from speech utterances of Arabic basic syllables, in order to analyze the consonant production of a group of Malay-speaking normal hearing children and adults. The approach is a combination of zero-crossing counts and signal energy. The zero-crossing counts were used to extract the noise signals, whilst the signal energy was utilized for identifying the speech signals. The spectrogram was used to determine the frequencies with the most intense energy.
SPATIAL CHARACTERIZATION AND IDENTIFICATION SOURCES OF POLLUTION USING MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS AT TERENGGANU RIVER BASIN, MALAYSIA
Authors: Kamaruddin Ahmad Firdaus , Toriman Mohd Ekhwan , Juahir Hafizan , Md Zain Sharifuddin , Abdul Rahman Mohd Nordin , Kamarudin Mohd Khairul Amri , Azid Azman
Published: October 2015

The spatial water quality data (281x22) obtained from 12 sampling stations located along the Terengganu River and its main tributaries were evaluated with environmetric methods. Principal component analysis was used to investigate the origin of each variable due to land use and human activities based on the three clustered regions obtained from the hierarchical agglomerative cluster analysis. Six principal components (PCs) were obtained, where six varimax factor (VF) of values more than 0.70 that considered strong loading are discussed. The possible pollution sources identified are of anthropogenic sources, mainly municipal waste, surface runoff, agricultural runoff, organic pollution and urban storm runoff. As a conclusion, the application of environmetric methods could reveal important information on the spatial variability of a large and complex river water quality data in order to control pollution sources.
TOOL LIFE PERFORMANCE OF COATED CARBIDE TOOL ON TITANIUM ALLOY EXTRA LOW INTERSTITIALS
Authors: Zuraimi R. , Sulaiman M. A. , Sahaya Anand T. Joseph , Mohamad E. , Che Haron C. H.
Published: October 2015

The Titanium alloys (Ti-6Al-4V) has been employed in a variety of applications, particularly in the aerospace, automotive, medical and chemical industries, primarily because of its high strength to weight ratio, high resistance to fracture, and exceptional anti-corrosion property. However, Ti-6Al-4V cannot be easily machined even at a high temperature as it has a low thermal conductivity and low elastic modulus, and may react chemically with the coating on the cutting tool. The objective of this study was to investigate the cutting tool life performance in the turning of Ti-6Al-4V Extra Low Interstitials (ELI) using a Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) carbide cutting tool in dry conditions. The Factorial method was used as the basis for the experimental design of this study. A factorial design with two levels was chosen for the arrangement of the cutting parameters, which comprised a cutting speed of between 100 to 140 m/min, a feed rate of between 0.15 to 0.20 mm/rev, and a fixed depth of cut of 0.35 mm. A three-axis microscope was used to measure the flank wear for every 20 mm on the workpiece until the ISO criterion was arrived at by the flank wear (Vb). The results indicated that the maximum tool life of 20.68 minutes was achieved at a cutting speed of 100 m/min and a feed rate of 0.15 mm/rev.
SYNTHESIZING THE DOMAIN OF LEAN PRACTICES IN MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS: A REVIEW
Authors: Yusup Muhamad Zaki , Wan Mahmood Wan Hasrulnizzam , Salleh Mohd Rizal , Muhamad Mohd Razali , Saptari Adi
Published: October 2015

The implementation of Lean practices via various techniques and approaches have provided the room of improvement for manufacturers to increase the manufacturing operations performance. Nevertheless, the lack of understanding in synthesizing each of the strategies can cause the implementation benefits of this practice are unable to be retained. This is possibly due to the weaknesses in identifying the exact domain and the right indicators in strengthening the Lean implementation processes. From the review, planning, development, evaluation and execution are the four primary domains that highly influenced the manufacturer performance in synthesizing the Lean practice. In fact, each of the domains has its own performance indicator in streamlining the strategy outlined in strengthening this practice in manufacturing operations. The ability to fortify all these domains is seen to be able to increase the performance of Lean implementation and ensure the adaptation process becomes smoother and easier for a longer period of time. This will be useful to the manufacturer and academician, primarily in formulating the best approach in establishing the sustainable manufacturing practice via Lean approach.
SIMULATION STUDY ON ENHANCING HYDROGEN PRODUCTION IN AN OCEAN THERMAL ENERGY (OTEC) SYSTEM UTILIZING A SOLAR COLLECTOR
Authors: MY Amyra , Othman Nor'azizi , Sarip Shamsul , Ikegami Yasuyuki , Tambi Chik Mohd Alshafiq , Othman Norazli , Yacob Ridzuan , Hara Hirofumi , Zakaria Zuriati
Published: October 2015

This article reports the simulation study on the performance of utilizing a solar collector at the inlet of an evaporator to provide auxiliary heat into a system for hydrogen generation in an OTEC cycle. The conventional method of OTEC is simulated by FORTRAN programming and the results were compared with the presence of solar collector on the system. In the simulation experimental, the incoming temperature of warm seawater was boosted by using a flat plate solar collector. For the purpose of the experiment, a 100 kW OTEC cycle that was designed incorporated a solar boosting capability. Its thermodynamic efficiency was then compared through a series of simulation involving several control parameters. The results reveal that the proposed solar boosted OTEC enhanced the thermal efficiency, TE. Increase in solar power absorption can increase the net power output, thus increasing the amount of hydrogen produced. The results obtained provided insights, from a thermodynamic perspective, on the outcome of combining sustainable energy with solar thermal energy to improve the system performance.
TTHE CONJUGACY CLASSES OF METABELIAN GROUPS OF ORDER AT MOST 24
Authors: Sarmin Nor Haniza , Gambo Ibrahim , Mohamed Saleh Omer Sanaa
Published: October 2015

In this paper, G denotes a non-abelian metabelian group and denotes conjugacy class of the element x in G. Conjugacy class is an equivalence relation and it partitions the group into disjoint equivalence classes or sets. Meanwhile, a group is called metabelian if it has an abelian normal subgroup in which the factor group is also abelian. It has been proven by an earlier researcher that there are 25 non-abelian metabelian groups of order less than 24 which are considered in this paper. In this study, the number of conjugacy classes of non-abelian metabelian groups of order less than 24 is computed.
ASSESSMENT OF THE SPATIAL VARIATION AND SOURCE APPORTIONMENT OF AIR POLLUTION BASED ON CHEMOMETRIC TECHNIQUES: A CASE STUDY IN THE PENINSULAR MALAYSIA
Authors: Isiyaka Hamza Ahmad , Juahir Hafizan , Toriman Mohd Ekhwan , Azid Azman , Gasim Barzani Mohd , Kamarudin Mohd Khairul Amri
Published: October 2015

This study aims to investigate the spatial variation in the source of air pollution, identify the percentage contribution of each pollutant and apportion the mass contribution of each source category using chemometric techniques. Hierarchical agglomerative cluster analysis (HACA) successfully grouped the five air monitoring sites into three groups (cluster 1, 2 and 3). Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to spot out the sources of air pollution which are attributed to anthropogenic activities. Multiple linear regression (MLR) was used to develop an equation model that explains the contribution of pollutants in each cluster. However, it was observed that particulate matter (PM10) and Ozone (O3) are the most significant pollutants influencing the value of air pollutant index (API). Meanwhile, the source apportionment indicates that cluster 1 is influenced by gas and non-gas pollutants to a degree of 84%, weather condition 15% and 1% by gas and secondary pollutants. Cluster 2 is affected by gas and secondary pollutants to a tune of 87% and 13% by weather condition while cluster 3 is apportioned with 98% secondary gas and non-gas pollutants and 2% weather condition. This study reveals the usefulness of chemometric technique in modeling and reducing the cost and time of monitoring redundant stations and parameters.
APPLICATION OF ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK AND RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY FOR MODELLING OF HYDROGEN PRODUCTION USING NICKEL LOADED ZEOLITE
Authors: Azaman Fazureen , Azid Azman , Juahir Hafizan , Mohamed Mahadhir , Yunus Kamaruzzaman , Toriman Mohd Ekhwan , Mustafa Ahmad Dasuki , Amran Mohammad Azizi , Che Hasnam Che Noraini , Umar Roslan , Hairoma Norsyuhada
Published: October 2015

Hydrogen gas production via glycerol steam reforming using nickel (Ni) loaded zeolite (HZSM-5) catalyst was focused on this research. 15 wt % Ni(HZSM-5) catalyst loading has been investigated based on the parameter of different range of catalyst weight (0.3-0.5g) and glycerol flow rate (0.2-0.4mL/min) at 600 ºC and atmospheric pressure. The products were analyzed by using gas-chromatography with thermal conductivity detector (GC-TCD), where it used to identify the yield of hydrogen. The data of the experiment were analyzed by using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) in order to predict the production of hydrogen. The results show that the condition for maximum hydrogen yield was obtained at 0.4 ml/min of glycerol flow rate and 0.3 g of catalyst weight resulting in 88.35 % hydrogen yield. 100 % glycerol conversion was achieved at 0.4 of glycerol flow rates and 0.3 g catalyst weight. After predicting the model using RSM and ANN, both models provided good quality predictions. The ANN showed a clear superiority with R2 was almost to 1 compared to the RSM model.
INDOOR AIR QUALITY AT HIGHER INSTITUTION’S LABORATORY: A STUDY ON PRE-SYMPTOMS, AWARENESS AND UNDERSTANDING AMONG OCCUPANTS
Authors: Osman Mohamad Romizan , Azid Azman , Juahir Hafizan , Yunus Kamaruzzaman , Amran Mohammad Azizi , Mustafa Ahmad Dasuki , Azaman Fazureen , Mohamed Zainuddin Syahrir Farihan
Published: October 2015

This study intends to show the effectiveness of indoor air quality (IAQ) at the higher institution laboratory. The objective is to determine the impact of current IAQ, to study the occupants’ knowledge in the indoor air pollutants and to identify the significance of occupants’ personality regarding the IAQ awareness. 100 respondents had responded to answer the questionnaires given. The questionnaires were analysed using XLSTAT2014 software for descriptive statistic and discriminant analysis in order to fulfil the outlined objectives. The finding shows that 56% of the respondents know about IAQ, while 40% and 4% did not know and not sure about the IAQ, respectively. By gender, there were 20 of male respondents having the IAQ knowledge and 21 of male respondents did not know about the IAQ. Meanwhile, 36 of female respondents have IAQ knowledge, 19 of female respondents did not know the IAQ knowledge and 4 of female respondents were not sure regarding the IAQ knowledge. Furthermore, the IAQ in the laboratory at the higher institution is considered as unhealthy based on the respondents’ complaints of their health problem symptoms. Meanwhile, the results of personality tests show that women have more IAQ awareness compared to men. It indicated that the personalities of the occupants have significance to influence and able to determine their awareness on the IAQ. Hence, it described that IAQ is a significant factor to determine and influence the health of laboratory occupants.
Comparative Study of Thermal Conductivity Values of Different Percentage Compositions of Ground Arachis hypogea (Groundnut) Husk and Vigna unguiculata (Beans) Husk Compressed Fiberboards
Authors: Etuk Sunday E. , Ikot Akpan N. , George Nyakno J. , Ekpe Samuel D. , Nathaniel Ekong U.
Published: October 2015

Thermal conductivity values of compressed boards made of ground Arachis hypogea husk and Vigna unguiculata husk as binder at different percentage compositions at a temperature of 303 K were investigated using steady-state method. Other thermal properties including specific heat capacity, density, thermal absorptivity, and diffusivity values were also estimated for the prepared samples. Comparative studies of the determined values for the board at different proportions or ratios of combination of A. hypogeal ground husk with V. unguiculata ground husk reveal that thermal conductivity value decreases with an increase in the percentage content of A. hypogea husk contents. A fitting polynomial regression analysis reveals a correlation coefficient of 99.6%. The range of thermal conductivity values falls within the range of conventional good thermal insulators. Thus, the husks are potential ecofriendly raw materials for insulation board for cold building design and other thermal envelops.
Genome-wide RNAi screening implicates the E3 ubiquitin ligase Sherpa in mediating innate immune signaling by Toll in
Drosophila
adults
Authors: Kanoh Hirotaka , Tong Li-Li , Kuraishi Takayuki , Suda Yamato , Momiuchi Yoshiki , Shishido Fumi , Kurata Shoichiro
Published: October 2015

Ubiquitylation and SUMOylation of the adaptor protein dMyd88 are required for Toll-dependent immune responses in
Drosophila
.