bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incontinentia Pigmenti
Authors: BS G , Pai GS , Pai AH , Vinekar AS , Pai HS , Noronha T , Fernandes MS
Published: September 2014

Incontinentia pigmenti is an X- linked dominant condition characterized by cutaneous lesions associated with developmental defects of the eye, skeletal system and central nervous system. We report a case of incontinentia pigmenti in a 30 day old female infant who presented to us with skin eruptions over bilateral upper limbs, lower limbs and trunk since birth. She had linear verrucous plaques and vesicles distributed along the Blaschko’s lines in addition to macular hyperpigmentation in a linear and whorled pattern involving the concerned areas. On ophthalmological examination, proliferative retinopathy in the right eye was noted. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v11i1.11052 Kathmandu University Medical Journal Vol.11(1) 2013: 91-93
A case of Synchronous Malignancy of Stomach and Kidney
Authors: Aslam S SM , Sridhar H , Rao MY
Published: September 2014

The synchronous occurrence of primary renal cell carcinoma with gastric cancer is very rare. We report a case of 41 year old male who presented on 05/07/2011 to M S Ramaiah hospital, Bangalore with history of fever, pain abdomen and malena. Ultrasound abdomen and pelvis showed large heterogenous mass arising from the upper pole of left kidney. Computed tomography of the abdomen showed left renal cell carcinoma. Renal biopsy showed features consistent with renal cell carcinoma – clear cell type. Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed gastric polypoidal growth. Gastric biopsy from the growth revealed poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of stomach. We report this case to highlight a rare occurrence of synchronous malignancy of stomach and kidney. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v11i1.11053 Kathmandu University Medical Journal Vol.11(1) 2013: 94-95
Adenosine Receptors as Targets for Therapeutic Intervention
Authors: Suvarna B
Published: September 2014

Adenosine receptors are major targets of caffeine, the most commonly consumed drug in the world. There is growing evidence that they could also be promising therapeutic targets in a wide range of conditions, including cerebral and cardiac ischaemic diseases, sleep disorders, immune and inflammatory disorders and cancer. After more than three decades of medicinal chemistry research, a considerable number of selective agonists and antagonists of adenosine receptors have been discovered, and some have been clinically evaluated, although none has yet received regulatory approval. However, recent advances in the understanding of the roles of the various adenosine receptor subtypes, and in the development of selective and potent ligands, as discussed in this review, have brought the goal of therapeutic application of adenosine receptor modulators considerably closer. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v11i1.11054 Kathmandu University Medical Journal Vol.11(1) 2013: 96-101
Is Central Nervous System an Immune-Privileged Site?
Authors: Shrestha R , Millington O , Brewer J , Bushell T
Published: September 2014

The central nervous system (CNS) was once considered to be an immune-privileged area. However, increasing evidence shows that the central nervous system is not an immune-privileged but is an active surveillance site. There is a bi-directional communication between the central nervous system and immune system. Normally, immune cells migrate into the central nervous system microenvironment through choroid plexus and interact with the central nervous system resident cells through either through neuromediators or immunomediators. This finding has led to a significant interest in neuroimmunological interactions and investigation onto the role of the immune system in the pathology of various neurological disorders and examine whether it can be targeted to produce novel therapeutic strategies. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v11i1.11055 Kathmandu University Medical Journal Vol.11(1) 2013: 102-107
A brief introduction to cone penetration testing (CPT) in frozen geomaterials
Authors: McCallum Adrian
Published: September 2014

The cone penetration test has been successfully used to classify soil for ∼100 years. However, it has received only limited contemporary use in frozen geomaterials. The historical and contemporary use of the cone penetration test in various frozen geomaterials is considered here and contemporary data from recent work in polar snow are examined. It is probable that many material physical properties (e.g. density, strength and microstructure) can be obtained directly from cone penetration testing. It appears under-utilized as a contemporary scientific and engineering investigative tool in frozen geomaterials.
Evaluation of an Anglo-Centric ELT Textbook in Bangladeshi Context: A Case Study
Authors: Kabir Md Humayun
Published: September 2014

With the advancement in human civilization and human understanding we are now bold enough to ask the value of and rationale for something imposed on us by any quarter. If carefully observed, it is evident that BANA (Britain, Australia and North America) country materials have dominated the ELT (English Language Teaching) related field for quite a long time. We anxiously notice that in these materials the socio-cultural background of the vast community of ESL/EFL users (learners and teachers) is grossly ignored. Since the learners background knowledge i.e. schema is an issue of paramount importance in ELT, in this study our attempt is to assess and justify the suitability of the Anglo-centric ELT textbooks titled Foundation English Course (FEC) Book-I&II which is designed to teach the students of REC (Remedial English Course) programme at IIUC (International Islamic University Chittagong). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/iiucs.v8i0.20399 IIUC Studies Vol.8 December 2011: 11-26
Ben Jonsons Volpone : An Unconventional and Innovative Jacobean Comedy
Authors: Karim Sajjadul
Published: September 2014

Ben Jonsons Volpone (1605) is the best known, most performed and most studied of all of his Plays. Volpone, or The Fox, does not contain the traditional moral and broad themes of Shakespeare. Volpone, disguised as a didactic comedy, is actually an intelligent and cynical satire that compels the audience to rethink their moral expectations. In Volpone, Jonson was successful in combining three genres in order to create a new form of comedy. Volpone is a powerful moral study of human greed, foxy cunning, and goatish lust. It is not the traditional form of comedy. It is a play that takes on the form of a comical satire as well as a morality play. It also adapts the features of a fable, and in that it strives to teach a moral. This play puts a different twist on what people would expect from a comedy or morality play. But, more than a satire on the traditional morality, it is a satire on the type of drama that was prevalent. This article analyses how Jonson presents his audience with an unconventional way of approaching the subjects he is satirizing by creating a new form of comedy that embodies the aspects of all three genres. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/iiucs.v8i0.20400 IIUC Studies Vol.8 December 2011: 27-38
Industrial Relations An Islamic Approach
Authors: Hoque Nazamul
Published: September 2014

Industrial relations (IR) have been found to have a significant impact on the organizational performance. Good industrial relation is the outcome of integrated and just efforts of employer, managers, workers, and state. Since Islam is a complete code of life, all Muslims must abide by the rules and regulations of Islam in developing and maintaining industrial relations. But lack of adequate Islamic guidelines regarding IR is one of the very important constraints to the way of practicing it from Islamic point of view in the Muslim world. So this study is an attempt to minimize the gap found therein. In this study some fundamental principles of Islamic IR are developed along with the specific roles of employers, managers, workers, and state from Islamic perspectives. If all parties perform their roles as per the guidelines of this study it is expected that each and every party would be benefited highly through developing good IR both here and here after. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/iiucs.v8i0.20402 IIUC Studies Vol.8 December 2011: 39-58
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Practice of Cellular Phone Companies in Bangladesh
Authors: Hoque Sayema , Chowdhury Tanzina
Published: September 2014

Cellular phone companies have occupied a significant position in the economy of Bangladesh. It has become one of the most profitable sectors as well as a big contributor to the government exchequer of this country. A great deal of economic resources is being utilized in this particular industry. Being an integral part of the society the companies operating within this industry are supposed to contribute towards social welfare through performing corporate social responsibility (CSR). In this backdrop, this study attempts to provide an overview of the CSR practices of the cellular phone companies of Bangladesh with special reference to the nature and impact of those practices. Based on the information provided in the annual reports and websites of respective companies the study has reached a conclusion that all the cellular companies except Airtel are engaged in CSR practices of some sort or other such as education, empowerment & poverty alleviation, environment, health care and others. However, there is still room for expanding CSR related activities to gain the potential benefits. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/iiucs.v8i0.20403 IIUC Studies Vol.8 December 2011: 59-80
Social Business: A Revolutionary Idea in the Field of Poverty Alleviation
Authors: Hoque Sayema
Published: September 2014

Poverty is one of the major problems around the world. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yunus has come up with a revolutionary idea to solve that problem by introducing the social business concept which emphasizes a combined and organized effort of poverty alleviation through self-sustaining business mechanism. This paper attempts to overview of the idea, discuss current practice of social business in Bangladesh; and compare social business model with other existing business models. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/iiucs.v8i0.20404 IIUC Studies Vol.8 December 2011: 81-94
Efficiency and Effectiveness of Alternative Dispute Resolution Schemes Towards the Promotion of Access to Justice in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Mohammad Saidul
Published: September 2014

In recent years in Bangladesh there has been renewed emphasis on the Alternative Dispute Resolution schemes as a means to avoid the use of contested hearings in the formal litigation and to ensure the most fundamental right of access to justice for all in an easy way. These Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) modalities are considered as less likely to fuel the parental conflicts, more likely to induce the parties to resolve their conflicts in an amicable manner preserving the future relationship between the parties and reducing cost, delay and loss of energy to a significant extent. Following the considerable advantages of ADR almost every county of the world has introduced ADR system in its justice delivery system which has paved the way to the promotion of access to justice indiscriminately for all. This paper is an attempt to provide a comprehensive idea about obstacles in the way of access to justice in our legal system and by analyzing the different mechanisms of ADR and court and non-court based practices of those modalities under different legislations of Bangladesh, to show the fairness, efficiency and effectiveness of ADR towards the promotion of access to justice and to provide some recommendations for the complete success of ADR towards the effective, non-discriminative, speedy and easy access to justice for all either rich or poor, literate or illiterate, male or female and elite or lower class. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/iiucs.v8i0.20405 IIUC Studies Vol.8 December 2011: 95-112
Ideological Views of Islam in Relation to Contemporary Human Rights: An Evaluation
Authors: Karim Sheikh Mohammad Towhidul , Murad Mohammad Hasan
Published: September 2014

Islam, being the religion of nature, embodies all the basic ideas of human rights. The principles of human rights were introduced during the advent of Islam in order to ensure peace, justice, tranquility, morality, dignity, quality and values all over the world. The rights recognized by Islam were established not only to protect special race like Muslims, but also to shelter the non-Muslims. This research is mainly based on secondary data and logic. This article is an attempt to outline the contribution of Islam in the field of human rights and endeavors to establish that the principles of human rights are not the sole outcome of the progress of western civilization. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/iiucs.v8i0.20406 IIUC Studies Vol.8 December 2011: 113-130
The Study of Errors and Feedback in Second Language Acquisition (SLA) Research: Strategies used by the ELT practitioners in Bangladesh to address the errors their students make in learning English
Authors: Ali Md Maksud
Published: September 2014

The study of errors and feedback is one of the major issues in Second Language Acquisition (SLA) research. The research in this area is so important because it gives the English language teaching (ELT) practitioners an opportunity to have an insight in understanding the nature of learners errors and in giving feedback to learners. Following quantitative method, this paper carries out an empirical cross-sectional survey research on errors and feedback in SLA in the context of Bangladesh in order to generalize the way in which the Bangladeshi ELT practitioners view their students errors and the ways they correct the errors. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/iiucs.v8i0.20409 IIUC Studies Vol.8 December 2011: 131-140
The Contribution of the Language, Culture and Vision Constructed by Quran and Sunnah to the World Peace
Authors: Demirel Serdar , K?l?ç Zeynep Havva
Published: September 2014

Many factors bring people together and unite them. Although these factors may have common characteristics in different civilizations and religions, they also have varying attributes. Today, Muslims need a consolidating language, not a divisive one. This is possible only when Muslims have a common language, culture and edifice constructed by revelation. This is crucial for the world peace. Because if peace cannot be achieved in the Muslim world and ethnic problems continue, it will, obviously, threaten regional and global peace. This article is about how Islam provided its followers a common language, culture and edifice constructed by revelation in theory and practice to unite them. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/iiucs.v8i0.20410 IIUC Studies Vol.8 December 2011: 141-160
Chieftaincy Institutions among Yoruba Muslims in Nigeria: Between The Present And Past
Authors: Sulaiman Kamal-deen Olawale
Published: September 2014

This paper intends to analyse the contemporary issues and challenges of chieftaincy Institutions among Yoruba Muslims in Nigeria. It delves in to the origins of Islamic chieftaincy institutions, the roles and functions of Islamic Chieftaincy title holders. The methodology employed was based on information and analysis of the data from written sources. The paper reveals that, the need to encourage believers in the propagation of Islam is a major reason for the multiplicity of chieftaincy titles. The paper recommended that for Islamic chieftaincy titles to be meaningful, preference should be given to Muslims who have the fear of Allah. While it concluded that in the early history merit and not mediocrity was the major consideration in the award of chieftaincy titles. The current trend therefore requires urgent review. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/iiucs.v8i0.20411 IIUC Studies Vol.8 December 2011: 161-174
A Fovea Localization Scheme Using Vessel Origin-Based Parabolic Model
Authors: Yu Chun-Yuan , Liu Chen-Chung , Yu Shyr-Shen
Published: September 2014

At the center of the macula, fovea plays an important role in computer-aided diagnosis. To locate the fovea, this paper proposes a vessel origin (VO)-based parabolic model, which takes the VO as the vertex of the parabola-like vasculature. Image processing steps are applied to accurately locate the fovea on retinal images. Firstly, morphological gradient and the circular Hough transform are used to find the optic disc. The structure of the vessel is then segmented with the line detector. Based on the characteristics of the VO, four features of VO are extracted, following the Bayesian classification procedure. Once the VO is identified, the VO-based parabolic model will locate the fovea. To find the fittest parabola and the symmetry axis of the retinal vessel, an Shift and Rotation (SR)-Hough transform that combines the Hough transform with the shift and rotation of coordinates is presented. Two public databases of retinal images, DRIVE and STARE, are used to evaluate the proposed method. The experiment results show that the average Euclidean distances between the located fovea and the fovea marked by experts in two databases are 9.8 pixels and 30.7 pixels, respectively. The results are stronger than other methods and thus provide a better macular detection for further disease discovery.
The Effects of Using a Ramp and Elevator to Load and Unload Trailers on the Behavior and Physiology of Piglets
Authors: McGlone John , Sapkota Avi
Published: September 2014

Transport is an inevitable process in the modern U.S. swine industry. The loading process is a novel and potentially stressful experience. This study uses behavior, heart rate and leukocyte counts to compare stress one hour before, during and after loading via ramp or elevator. Piglets were held in a home pen (control (CON)), walked up and down an aisle (handled (HAN)), or walked to a truck and loaded via elevator (ELE) or ramp (RAM). Sitting, feeding and blood parameters did not show a significant treatment by time effect (p > 0.05). Standing behavior did not differ between CON and HAN piglets nor between RAM and ELE piglets (p > 0.05); however, CON and HAN piglets stood more than RAM and ELE piglets during treatment (p < 0.05). After treatment, drinking behavior was increased in RAM piglets (p < 0.05). The heart rate of ELE piglets decreased 6.3% after treatment; whereas the heart rate of RAM piglets remained elevated 2.4% (p < 0.05). In terms of heart rate, loading by elevator appears to be less stressful than loading by ramp.
Friedreich’s Ataxia: A Neuronal Point of View on the Oxidative Stress Hypothesis
Authors: Carletti Barbara , Piemonte Fiorella
Published: September 2014

A prominent feature of Friedreich’s ataxia (FRDA) is the neurodegeneration of the central and peripheral nervous systems, but little information is available about the mechanisms leading to neuronal damage in this pathology. Currently, no treatments delay, prevent, or reverse the inexorable decline that occurs in this condition. Evidence of oxidative damage has been demonstrated in Friedreich’s ataxia, and this damage has been proposed as the origin of the disease. Nevertheless, the role of oxidative stress in FRDA remains debatable. The lack of direct evidence of reactive oxygen species overproduction in FRDA cells and tissues and the failure of exogenous antioxidants to rescue FRDA phenotypes questions the role of oxidative stress in this pathology. For example, the antioxidant “idebenone” ameliorates cardiomyopathy in FRDA patients, but this therapy does not improve neurodegeneration. To date, no known pharmacological treatment with antioxidant properties cures or delays FRDA neuropathology. This review reports and discusses the evidence of oxidative stress in FRDA and focuses on the existing knowledge of the apparent ineffectiveness of antioxidants for the treatment of neuronal damage.
A Survey of Mercury in Air and Precipitation across Canada: Patterns and Trends
Authors: Cole Amanda , Steffen Alexandra , Eckley Chris , Narayan Julie , Pilote Martin , Tordon Rob , Graydon Jennifer , St. Louis Vincent , Xu Xiaohong , Branfireun Brian
Published: September 2014

Atmospheric mercury (Hg) measurements from across Canada were compiled and analysed as part of a national Hg science assessment. Here we update long-term trends of Hg in air and precipitation, and present more extensive measurements on patterns and trends in speciated Hg species (gaseous elemental mercury—GEM, reactive gaseous mercury—RGM, and total particulate mercury on particles <2.5 μm—TPM2.5) at several sites. A spatial analysis across Canada revealed higher air concentrations and wet deposition of Hg in the vicinity of local and regional emission sources, and lower air concentrations of Hg at mid-latitude maritime sites compared to continental sites. Diel and seasonal patterns in atmospheric GEM, RGM and TPM2.5 concentrations reflected differences in patterns of anthropogenic emissions, photo-induced surface emissions, chemistry, deposition and mixing. Concentrations of GEM decreased at rates ranging from −0.9% to −3.3% per year at all sites where measurements began in the 1990s. Concentrations of total Hg in precipitation declined up to 3.7% yr−1. Trends in RGM and TPM2.5 were less clear due to shorter measurement periods and low concentrations, however, in spring at the high Arctic site (Alert) when RGM and TPM2.5 concentrations were high, concentrations of both increased by 7%–10% per year.
Essential BIM Input Data Study for Housing Refurbishment: Homeowners’ Preferences in the UK
Authors: Park Kenneth , Kim Ki
Published: September 2014

Construction customers are persistently seeking to achieve sustainability and maximize value as sustainability has become a major consideration in the construction industry. In particular, it is essential to refurbish a whole house to achieve the sustainability agenda of 80% CO2 reduction by 2050 as the housing sector accounts for 28% of the total UK CO2 emission. However, whole house refurbishment seems to be challenging due to the highly fragmented nature of construction practice, which makes the integration of diverse information throughout the project lifecycle difficult. Consequently, Building Information Modeling (BIM) is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore in order to manage construction projects in a collaborative manner, although the current uptake of the housing sector is low at 25%. This research aims to investigate homeowners’ decision making factors for housing refurbishment projects and to provide a valuable dataset as an essential input to BIM for such projects. One-hundred and twelve homeowners and 39 construction professionals involved in UK housing refurbishment were surveyed. It was revealed that homeowners value initial cost more while construction professionals value thermal performance. The results supported that homeowners and professionals both considered the first priority to be roof refurbishment. This research revealed that BIM requires a proper BIM dataset and objects for housing refurbishment.
Palladium-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling Reactions of Perfluoro Organic Compounds
Authors: Ohashi Masato , Ogoshi Sensuke
Published: September 2014

In this review, we summarize our recent development of palladium(0)-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions of perfluoro organic compounds with organometallic reagents. The oxidative addition of a C–F bond of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) to palladium(0) was promoted by the addition of lithium iodide, affording a trifluorovinyl palladium(II) iodide. Based on this finding, the first palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction of TFE with diarylzinc was developed in the presence of lithium iodide, affording α,β,β-trifluorostyrene derivatives in excellent yield. This coupling reaction was expanded to the novel Pd(0)/PR3-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction of TFE with arylboronates. In this reaction, the trifluorovinyl palladium(II) fluoride was a key reaction intermediate that required neither an extraneous base to enhance the reactivity of organoboronates nor a Lewis acid additive to promote the oxidative addition of a C–F bond. In addition, our strategy utilizing the synergetic effect of Pd(0) and lithium iodide could be applied to the C–F bond cleavage of unreactive hexafluorobenzene (C6F6), leading to the first Pd(0)-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction of C6F6 with diarylzinc compounds.
The Impact of Transient Hepatic Attenuation Differences in the Diagnosis of Pseudoaneurysm and Arteriovenous Fistula on Follow-Up CT Scans after Blunt Liver Trauma
Authors: Brandt Andreas , Ewertsen Caroline , Hansen Kristoffer
Published: September 2014

A feared complication to liver trauma is delayed vascular complication, such as pseudoaneurysm and arteriovenous fistula (PS/AF) seen as focal enhancement on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) in the arterial phase. A hyperdense area termed transient hepatic attenuation difference (THAD) representing altered hepatic blood flow can be seen in the arterial phase near the liver lesion. The objective of this study was to describe THAD and PS/AF on follow-up CT after blunt liver trauma, and to evaluate if THAD influenced the evaluation of PS/AF. Three radiology residents retrospectively evaluated scans of 78 patients. The gold standard for PS/AF was an evaluation by an experienced senior radiologist, while THAD was a consensus between the residents. PS/AF was present in 14% and THAD in 54%. THAD was located in the periphery of the lesion with hazy borders and mean HU levels of 100, while PS/AF was located within the lesion with focal enhancement and mean HU levels of 170 (p < 0.05). In evaluation of PS/AF, the likelihood of agreement between the observers and the gold standard was 89% when THAD was present, and 98% when THAD was absent (p = 0.04). THAD is common and can hamper the evaluation of PS/AF.
On Shannon’s Formula and Hartley’s Rule: Beyond the Mathematical Coincidence
Authors: Rioul Olivier , Magossi José
Published: September 2014

In the information theory community, the following “historical” statements are generally well accepted: (1) Hartley did put forth his rule twenty years before Shannon; (2) Shannon’s formula as a fundamental tradeoff between transmission rate, bandwidth, and signal-to-noise ratio came out unexpected in 1948; (3) Hartley’s rule is inexact while Shannon’s formula is characteristic of the additive white Gaussian noise channel; (4) Hartley’s rule is an imprecise relation that is not an appropriate formula for the capacity of a communication channel. We show that all these four statements are somewhat wrong. In fact, a careful calculation shows that “Hartley’s rule” in fact coincides with Shannon’s formula. We explain this mathematical coincidence by deriving the necessary and sufficient conditions on an additive noise channel such that its capacity is given by Shannon’s formula and construct a sequence of such channels that makes the link between the uniform (Hartley) and Gaussian (Shannon) channels.
Challenges in Bioenergy Production from Sugarcane Mills in Developing Countries: A Case Study
Authors: Colombo Guido , Ocampo-Duque William , Rinaldi Fabio
Published: September 2014

Worldwide energy policies are moving towards a reduction of fossil fuels’ share in the energy mix and to invest in renewable and green energy sources. Biomass is one of these, and it represents, in the form of sugarcane, a strategic source in Colombia, especially in the Valle del Cauca. In this region, the sugarcane industry is able to convert the energy content of the cane into different energy products, such as ethanol, electricity, and high-pressure steam, which are cogenerated via bagasse combustion. In this work, the case of a sucrose and ethanol production plant, which mills ten thousand tons of sugarcane per day, is considered. A tailor-made computational model was developed to assess the energy and material process balances in order to estimate the effect of different operating conditions on cogeneration boilers and turbines, and to optimize the overall process efficiency. The current situation was modeled with good precision from the developed model. Likewise, the concept of “Renewable Efficiency” was introduced to explain the degree of green power, which a process plant is able to produce. Consequently, new innovative solutions and process layouts were proposed in order to increase their renewable efficiency. With the new configurations, a convenient energy surplus of up to 33 MW can be reached, which could be sold in the national electricity grid, representing long-term interesting economic benefits for the company.
A Semantic Middleware Architecture Focused on Data and Heterogeneity Management within the Smart Grid
Authors: De Diego Rubén , Martínez José-Fernán , Rodríguez-Molina Jesús , Cuerva Alexandra
Published: September 2014

There is an increasing tendency of turning the current power grid, essentially unaware of variations in electricity demand and scattered energy sources, into something capable of bringing a degree of intelligence by using tools strongly related to information and communication technologies, thus turning into the so-called Smart Grid. In fact, it could be considered that the Smart Grid is an extensive smart system that spreads throughout any area where power is required, providing a significant optimization in energy generation, storage and consumption. However, the information that must be treated to accomplish these tasks is challenging both in terms of complexity (semantic features, distributed systems, suitable hardware) and quantity (consumption data, generation data, forecasting functionalities, service reporting), since the different energy beneficiaries are prone to be heterogeneous, as the nature of their own activities is. This paper presents a proposal on how to deal with these issues by using a semantic middleware architecture that integrates different components focused on specific tasks, and how it is used to handle information at every level and satisfy end user requests.
Efficacy of Acetic Acid against Listeria monocytogenes Attached to Poultry Skin during Refrigerated Storage
Authors: Gonzalez-Fandos Elena , Herrera Barbara
Published: September 2014

This work evaluates the effect of acetic acid dipping on the growth of L. monocytogenes on poultry legs stored at 4 °C for eight days. Fresh inoculated chicken legs were dipped into either a 1% or 2% acetic acid solution (v/v) or distilled water (control). Changes in mesophiles, psychrotrophs, Enterobacteriaceae counts and sensorial characteristics (odor, color, texture and overall appearance) were also evaluated. The shelf life of the samples washed with acetic acid was extended by at least two days over the control samples washed with distilled water. L. monocytogenes counts before decontamination were 5.57 log UFC/g, and after treatment with 2% acetic acid (Day 0), L. monocytogenes counts were 4.47 log UFC/g. Legs washed with 2% acetic acid showed a significant (p < 0.05) inhibitory effect on L. monocytogenes compared to control legs, with a decrease of about 1.31 log units after eight days of storage. Sensory quality was not adversely affected by acetic acid. This study demonstrates that while acetic acid did reduce populations of L. monocytogenes on meat, it did not completely inactivate the pathogen. The application of acetic acid may be used as an additional hurdle contributing to extend the shelf life of raw poultry and reducing populations of L. monocytogenes.
Functional Role of the microRNA-200 Family in Breast Morphogenesis and Neoplasia
Authors: Hilmarsdottir Bylgja , Briem Eirikur , Bergthorsson Jon , Magnusson Magnus , Gudjonsson Thorarinn
Published: September 2014

Branching epithelial morphogenesis is closely linked to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process important in normal development and cancer progression. The miR-200 family regulates epithelial morphogenesis and EMT through a negative feedback loop with the ZEB1 and ZEB2 transcription factors. miR-200 inhibits expression of ZEB1/2 mRNA, which in turn can down-regulate the miR-200 family that further results in down-regulation of E-cadherin and induction of a mesenchymal phenotype. Recent studies show that the expression of miR-200 genes is high during late pregnancy and lactation, thereby indicating that these miRs are important for breast epithelial morphogenesis and differentiation. miR-200 genes have been studied intensively in relation to breast cancer progression and metastasis, where it has been shown that miR-200 members are down-regulated in basal-like breast cancer where the EMT phenotype is prominent. There is growing evidence that the miR-200 family is up-regulated in distal breast metastasis indicating that these miRs are important for colonization of metastatic breast cancer cells through induction of mesenchymal to epithelial transition. The dual role of miR-200 in primary and metastatic breast cancer is of interest for future therapeutic interventions, making it important to understand its role and interacting partners in more detail.
Wound Healing: Biologics, Skin Substitutes, Biomembranes and Scaffolds
Authors: Vyas Krishna , Vasconez Henry
Published: September 2014

This review will explore the latest advancements spanning several facets of wound healing, including biologics, skin substitutes, biomembranes and scaffolds.
International and National Expert Group Evaluations: Biological/Health Effects of Radiofrequency Fields
Authors: Vijayalaxmi  , Scarfi Maria
Published: September 2014

The escalated use of various wireless communication devices, which emit non-ionizing radiofrequency (RF) fields, have raised concerns among the general public regarding the potential adverse effects on human health. During the last six decades, researchers have used different parameters to investigate the effects of in vitro and in vivo exposures of animals and humans or their cells to RF fields. Data reported in peer-reviewed scientific publications were contradictory: some indicated effects while others did not. International organizations have considered all of these data as well as the observations reported in human epidemiological investigations to set-up the guidelines or standards (based on the quality of published studies and the “weight of scientific evidence” approach) for RF exposures in occupationally exposed individuals and the general public. Scientists with relevant expertise in various countries have also considered the published data to provide the required scientific information for policy-makers to develop and disseminate authoritative health information to the general public regarding RF exposures. This paper is a compilation of the conclusions, on the biological effects of RF exposures, from various national and international expert groups, based on their analyses. In general, the expert groups suggested a reduction in exposure levels, precautionary approach, and further research.
Assessing Climate Variability Effects on Dengue Incidence in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Authors: Méndez-Lázaro Pablo , Muller-Karger Frank , Otis Daniel , McCarthy Matthew , Peña-Orellana Marisol
Published: September 2014

We test the hypothesis that climate and environmental conditions are becoming favorable for dengue transmission in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Sea Level Pressure (SLP), Mean Sea Level (MSL), Wind, Sea Surface Temperature (SST), Air Surface Temperature (AST), Rainfall, and confirmed dengue cases were analyzed. We evaluated the dengue incidence and environmental data with Principal Component Analysis, Pearson correlation coefficient, Mann-Kendall trend test and logistic regressions. Results indicated that dry days are increasing and wet days are decreasing. MSL is increasing, posing higher risk of dengue as the perimeter of the San Juan Bay estuary expands and shorelines move inland. Warming is evident with both SST and AST. Maximum and minimum air surface temperature extremes have increased. Between 1992 and 2011, dengue transmission increased by a factor of 3.4 (95% CI: 1.9–6.1) for each 1 °C increase in SST. For the period 2007–2011 alone, dengue incidence reached a factor of 5.2 (95% CI: 1.9–13.9) for each 1 °C increase in SST. Teenagers are consistently the age group that suffers the most infections in San Juan. Results help understand possible impacts of different climate change scenarios in planning for social adaptation and public health interventions.
Improving Female Participation in Professional Engineering Geology to Bring New Perspectives to Ethics in the Geosciences
Authors: Pereira Dolores
Published: September 2014

Many papers have been published related to the retention and advancement of women in sciences. Engineering geology is one of the professional areas where women have not yet broken the gender barrier. The research issues of this paper are focused on why female students “leak out” at the end of engineering geology studies, and what can be done to encourage them to complete their degrees with an engineering career in mind. The author has studied students’ preferences of the final year project required to complete their degree at the University of Salamanca (Salamanca, Spain). It has been found that most female students are choosing a more theoretical final project instead of a practical one relevant to professional employment, contrary to their male peers. Focus group meetings with the students showed that at the end of five years of engineering geology training, many female students, unsatisfied with the content of their courses, feel that their expectations had not been met. They often have preferences for traditional geology rather than applied branches of the subject. Also, they do not feel comfortable with future job prospects in the profession. From the findings of this research it is clear that tutoring and mentoring would be valuable from the beginning of studies to allow all students to become aware of the content and the potential outcomes of engineering geology studies. In the case of female students, it is particularly important for them to know from the very start that they are about to join what is still a man’s world but that they are capable of achieving just as much as men can in the profession. Most importantly, the involvement of more female engineers in professional engineering, including teaching duties, should serve as example and role models in students’ education and future careers.
Sleep-Related Factors and Work-Related Injuries among Farmers in Heilongjiang Province, People’s Republic of China
Authors: Zhu Huiping , Han Yunfeng , Sun Yaowu , Xie Zhiping , Qian Xueyan , Stallones Lorann , Xiang Huiyun , Wang Limin
Published: September 2014

The association between sleep and work-related injuries among Chinese farmers has not been well studied. This study examined the impact of lack of sleep on agricultural work-related injuries among farmers in China. Data were from a cross-sectional survey of farm-workers in northeastern China. Information was obtained on injuries that occurred in 12 months prior to the survey, on eight sleep-related variables, and on socio-demographic variables. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to test the hypothesis that lack of sleep significantly increased the risk of work-related injuries after controlling for other injury-related risk- factors. Farmers who slept less than six hours per night were 59% more likely to be injured than those who slept more than eight hours per night (OR = 1.59; 95% CI = 1.04, 2.41). The odds of a work-related injury was 2.46 (1.56–3.89) for farmers who reported going to sleep after midnight at least once a week compared with farmers who reported going to sleep after midnight once a month. Farmers who reported having difficulty falling asleep or waking frequently during the night, who often having nightmares, or who experienced daytime sleepiness were at higher injury risk compared with the reference group after controlling for age, gender and alcohol consumption. Reduced sleep hours and poor sleep quality significantly increased the risk of work-related injuries in Chinese farmers. Sleep hours and sleep quality should be considered when assessing occupational safety among farmers.
EMF Monitoring—Concepts, Activities, Gaps and Options
Authors: Dürrenberger Gregor , Fröhlich Jürg , Röösli Martin , Mattsson Mats-Olof
Published: September 2014

Exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) is a cause of concern for many people. The topic will likely remain for the foreseeable future on the scientific and political agenda, since emissions continue to change in characteristics and levels due to new infrastructure deployments, smart environments and novel wireless devices. Until now, systematic and coordinated efforts to monitor EMF exposure are rare. Furthermore, virtually nothing is known about personal exposure levels. This lack of knowledge is detrimental for any evidence-based risk, exposure and health policy, management and communication. The main objective of the paper is to review the current state of EMF exposure monitoring activities in Europe, to comment on the scientific challenges and deficiencies, and to describe appropriate strategies and tools for EMF exposure assessment and monitoring to be used to support epidemiological health research and to help policy makers, administrators, industry and consumer representatives to base their decisions and communication activities on facts and data.
ESTs Analysis of Putative Genes Engaged in Polyporus umbellatus Sclerotial Development
Authors: Song Chao , Liu Mengmeng , Xing Yongmei , Guo Shunxing
Published: September 2014

Polyporus umbellatus is one of the most widely used and precious medicinal fungi and the underground sclerotia are known to be with great medicinal value. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in sclerotial development are poorly understood. In the present study, we constructed a forward suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) cDNA library of Polyporus umbellatus to identify genes expressing differently between mycelium and sclerotia. In this library, a total of 1202 clones were sequenced, assembled into 222 contigs and 524 singletons which were further searched against the NCBI nonredundant (NR) protein database (E-value cutoff, 10−5). Based on sequence similarity with known proteins, 378 sequences between mycelium and sclerotial were identified and classified into different functional categories through Gene Ontology (GO), Clusters of orthologous Groups of proteins (COGs). We have finally identified a majority of differentially expressed genes (constituting 5.6% of the present library) between the two different periods. An expression level of 32 selected expressed sequence tags (ESTs) generated from the above SSH cDNA library was studied through RT-PCR. This study provides the first global overview of genes putatively involved in Polyporus umbellatus sclerotial development and provides a preliminary basis for further functional research in terms of regulated gene expression in sclerotial production.
Neighbor Preferences of Amino Acids and Context-Dependent Effects of Amino Acid Substitutions in Human, Mouse, and Dog
Authors: Fu Mingchuan , Huang Zhuoran , Mao Yuanhui , Tao Shiheng
Published: September 2014

Amino acids show apparent propensities toward their neighbors. In addition to preferences of amino acids for their neighborhood context, amino acid substitutions are also considered to be context-dependent. However, context-dependence patterns of amino acid substitutions still remain poorly understood. Using relative entropy, we investigated the neighbor preferences of 20 amino acids and the context-dependent effects of amino acid substitutions with protein sequences in human, mouse, and dog. For 20 amino acids, the highest relative entropy was mostly observed at the nearest adjacent site of either N- or C-terminus except C and G. C showed the highest relative entropy at the third flanking site and periodic pattern was detected at G flanking sites. Furthermore, neighbor preference patterns of amino acids varied greatly in different secondary structures. We then comprehensively investigated the context-dependent effects of amino acid substitutions. Our results showed that nearly half of 380 substitution types were evidently context dependent, and the context-dependent patterns relied on protein secondary structures. Among 20 amino acids, P elicited the greatest effect on amino acid substitutions. The underlying mechanisms of context-dependent effects of amino acid substitutions were possibly mutation bias at a DNA level and natural selection. Our findings may improve secondary structure prediction algorithms and protein design; moreover, this study provided useful information to develop empirical models of protein evolution that consider dependence between residues.
Adsorption of Bisphenol A to a Carbon Nanotube Reduced Its Endocrine Disrupting Effect in Mice Male Offspring
Authors: Wang Wenwei , Jiang Cuijuan , Zhu Ledong , Liang Nana , Liu Xuejiao , Jia Jianbo , Zhang Chengke , Zhai Shumei , Zhang Bin
Published: September 2014

Soluble carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have shown promise as materials for adsorption of environmental contaminants such as Bisphenol A (BPA), due to the high adsorption capacity and strong desorption hysteresis of BPA on CNTs. The adsorption of BPA to CNTs may change the properties of both BPA and CNTs, and induce different toxicity to human and living systems from that of BPA and CNTs alone. Herein, we report that oral exposure of BPA/MWCNT–COOH (carboxylated multi-walled carbon nantubes) adduct to mice during gestation and lactation period decreased the male offspring reproductive toxicity compared with those induced by BPA alone. The adduct decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) level in testis and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in serum, but increased the level of serum testosterone in male offspring in comparison to BPA alone. Our investigations broadened the knowledge of nanotoxicity and provided important information on the safe application of CNTs.
In Silico Discovery of Potential VEGFR-2 Inhibitors from Natural Derivatives for Anti-Angiogenesis Therapy
Authors: Li Jing , Zhou Nan , Luo Kun , Zhang Wei , Li Xinru , Wu Chuanfang , Bao Jinku
Published: September 2014

Angiogenesis is the growth of new capillaries from existing blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients and provide gateways for immune surveillance. Abnormal vessel growth in term of excessive angiogenesis is a hallmark of cancer, inflammatory and eye diseases. VEGFR-2 (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2) dominating the process of angiogenesis has led to approval of therapeutic inhibitors and is becoming a promising target for anti-angiogenic drugs. Notwithstanding these successes, the clinical use of current VEGFR-2 blockers is more challenging than anticipated. Taking axitinib as a reference drug, in our study we found three potent VEGFR-2 inhibitors (ZINC08254217, ZINC08254138, and ZINC03838680) from natural derivatives. Each of the three inhibitors acquired a better grid score than axitinib (−62.11) when docked to VEGFR-2. Molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated that ZINC08254217– and ZINC08254138–VEGFR-2 complexes were more stable than axitinib. Similar to bind free energy for axitinib (−54.68 kcal/mol), such for ZINC03838680, ZINC08254217, and ZINC08254138 was −49.37, −43.32, and −32.73 kcal/mol respectively. These results suggested these three compounds could be candidate drugs against angiogenesis, with comparable VEGFR-2 binding affinity of axitinib. Hence findings in our study are able to provide valuable information on discovery of effective anti-angiogenesis therapy.