bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transport of dissolved load in the hydrologically extreme conditions in the Crnica river basin
Authors: Mustafic Sanja , Dobrosavljevic Tanja , Manojlovic Predrag , Srejic Milan
Published: April 2013

During 2010, 62065.3 t of the dissolved load were transported from the Crnica
Basin, which was 5.1 times higher than the long-term average value. In
hydrological terms the studied year was specific. In the period from January
to May the amount of runoff water was significantly above the average
perennial values, while in the period from August to November the amount was
below the perennial average. According to the hydrological conditions in the
period January-May 82.3% were transported, and in the period August-November
only 5.1% of the annual dissolved load amount. Most of the year (54.2% of the
time) the specific runoff was less than 10 l/s/km2, the average water
mineralization was 374.9 mg/l, and in that time 13% of the total annual
amount of the dissolved load was evacuated. On the other hand, the specific
runoffs greater than 50 l/s/km2 represented 13.4% of the annual frequency,
the average water mineralization was 263.3 mg/l, but for that time period
even 53.9% of the annual quantity of the dissolved load was evacuated.
Dental status of children with special needs in Banjaluka
Authors: Djeri Aleksandra , Kuzmanovic-Radman Irena , Novakovic Budimka , Bozic Dejan , Grabez Milkica , Prtina Alma , Zivkovic Slavoljub
Published: April 2013

Introduction. Dental status in people with special needs is generally non
satisfactory. Children with special needs have difficulties in maintaining
oral hygiene, they require special conditions for dental care and because of
previous negative experience they often show emotional vulnerability.
Development of oral and dental diseases in these subjects is the consequence
of insufficient knowledge about the causes of these diseases, poor eating
habits, low level of oral hygiene and inadequate number of visits to dentist.
The aim of this study was to determine dental status and the prevalence of
dental caries in children with special needs in the institution ?Zastiti me?
in Banjaluka. Material and Methods. The study included 82 children (53 boys
and 29 girls) with mixed and permanent dentition age 5-15 years. They were
divided into four groups according to their diagnosis. The first group
included children with combined disorders of speech development and hearing,
in the second group were children who had neurological disorders without
mental retardation, third group included children with mild mental
retardation and fourth group comprised children with moderate mental
retardation. For each patient the number of teeth, the presence of caries and
restorations, the number of extracted teeth, the presence of residual roots
and the presence and number of fixed restorations were recorded. Results.
Mean DMFT of all teeth was 9.77. Detailed analysis showed the greatest number
of decayed teeth (83.83%), and filled teeth (9.52%) whereas the least number
was for extracted teeth (6.65%). The highest percentage of children (79.27%)
did not have any class I composite filling or one amalgam filling class I
(82.92%). Only one child had a fixed restoration. Conclusion. The status of
teeth in children with special needs in the institution ?Zastiti me? in
Banjaluka indicated high percentage of carious teeth, small percentage of
restorations and extracted teeth, and inadequate oral hygiene.
Interest, networks and institutions: Socio-legal analysis of recent welfare legislation in Serbia
Authors: Vukovic Danilo
Published: April 2013

The article deals with the influence of organized social groups and their
interests on laws and public policies. The subject of the analysis is new
Serbian social legislation with 2011 Law on Social Protection being the
subject of the most detailed analysis. Two methodological tools were used:
(1) analysis of documents and (2) semi-structured interviews with key actors
involved in shaping laws and public policies. Using policy network and
institutional analysis we identify social groups and their interests that
shaped welfare policies. Particular attention is devoted to the role and
influence of international epistemic communities. In this article we analyze
in detail the redistributive and ideological dimensions of policy networks
involved in drafting and adoption of laws and public policies that are in the
focus of this analysis.
Female offenders’ pathways to prison in Belgium
Authors: Nuytiens An , Christiaens Jenneke
Published: April 2013

This paper examines some results of a research on female offenders? life
histories and pathways to prison in Belgium. Women?s pathways into crime
will be presented and the connection of these pathways to their life
histories will be explored. The study reveals that the greater part of the
research population are adult-onset offenders. The authors argue that the
importance of adult-onset pathways for female offenders might be explained
by the emergence of (gendered) vulnerabilities within the women?s lives,
often accumulated not before adulthood.
Homosexual relationships in women’s prisons: Deviation or deprivation?
Authors: Radovanovic Una , Popovic Milica
Published: April 2013

This paper intends to show current theoretical knowledge in the field of
homosexual relations in womens?s prisons by reviewing the existing
literature, and also by reviewing the situation in Serbia. The authors wanted
to explain the complexity of the phenomenon, and also to answer the question
of whether these relations are behaviors which result from deviations that is
expected for the inmate population or just modes of adaptation to the
conditions of prison life. Special attention was paid to gender socialization
and the types of emotional and intimate relationships among female prisoners.
Resilience of refugee families
Authors: Batic Dragana
Published: April 2013

This study attempted to find a correlation between the trauma of family
members of war and exile, and the characteristics of family functioning and
lasted from 1992-1995. The term ?family resilience? refers to the processes
of adaptation and coping in the family as a functional unit. This paper
presents a study of refugee families from Bosnia, who lived in refugee camps
in Macedonia during the war of 1992- 1995. Data were obtained by interviews,
observations, and a number of psychological instruments especially for
children and parents, which measured the effects of psychological stress and
family relationships. Based on the results obtained by quantitative and
qualitative analysis, and application of theoretical models of systemic
theory and family therapy, existence for four types of refugee families has
been found and described, depending on the structure and the level of
functionality.
Race and ethnicity as a victimogenic predisposition of exceeding and abuse of police authority
Authors: Kesic Zoran
Published: April 2013

The unique position in society and the specific functions make the police one
of the key holders of protection of the fundamental rights and freedoms of
citizens. At the same time, their position and function provide police
officers significant opportunities to violate the same freedoms and rights,
by resorting to various forms of violation and abuse of power. This dual
nature of the police authority gives us reason to question the police from a
completely different angle - as a source of a specific form of victimization.
The risk degree of victimization by police authority is determined by the
different predispositions, and above all by the victim?s behavior. However,
some individual characteristics (gender, age, sexual orientation, ethnic and
social origin) are also a kind of victimogenic predisposition, as they
contribute to the process of victimization independently or in combination
with the behavior of the victim. In this work we draw attention to the fact
that race (ethnicity) often makes an independent criterion which the police
use when deciding how to act in the concrete case. This circumstance
contributes to a distinctive form of police procedure, known as racial
profiling. The fact that the race of a person is taken as a criterion for
treatment suggests the conclusion that here is actually about a form of
discriminatory behavior. Considered in this context, race may be treated as
victimogenic predisposition of police authority, and racial profiling as a
process of victimization.
Sex roles and attitudes toward gender roles of people with higher education
Authors: Stefanovic Jelena , Vidanovic Snezana , Todorovic Dusan
Published: April 2013

The paper presents the results of the research of relation of sex and gender
roles, more precisely, how much the degree of egalitarianism in attitudes
toward gender roles depends on the category and the level of adopted sex
role. The sample included 236 subjects of both sexes with high education
between the ages of 25 to 65, in central and south Serbia. For the evaluation
of gender role BSRI (Bem) was used and for egalitarianism in attitudes SRES
(Raboteg-Saric, Ravlic). The results show that egalitarianism of attitudes is
positively correlated with femininity (p<0.01) and negatively with
masculinity (p<0.05). The adoption of androgyne sex role is evident in men
(p<0.01) and the adoption of feminine but also of masculine role in women
which correlates positively with egalitarianism in attitudes (p<0.05).
Younger respondents show more femininity and more egalitarianism, but also
androgyny which correlates negatively with egalitarianism (p<0.05).
Considering the location of respondents we found that those who grew up in
urban areas show greater egalitarianism in attitudes (p<0.01), but greater
masculinity as well (p<0.05).
Financial Literacy Education for Citizens: What Kind of Responsibility, Equality and Engagement?
Authors: Arthur Chris
Published: April 2013

Financial literacy education is often assumed to be a form of technical and/or hermeneutic training that assists citizens as well as consumers make responsible financial decisions. As a form of civic literacy education, financial literacy education is often framed as promoting civic responsibility, equality and engagement. This article calls into question the seemingly common-sense construction of financial literacy as personal money management for citizens and consumers and charges that many of the dominant financial literacy education initiatives support civic irresponsibility, inequality and disengagement. From a perspective informed by critical theory and pedagogy, the first three sections of this article analyse the character of the civic responsibility, equality and political engagement promoted in the dominant financial literacy education literature while presenting critical alternatives for each. The analysis in these sections supports the claim made in the fourth and final section of this article that a critical, emancipatory civic financial literacy is needed for a responsible, engaged citizenry who can extend and protect more robust conceptions of freedom and democracy.
Evidence of Reduced β-Cell Function in Asian Indians With Mild Dysglycemia
Authors: Staimez Lisa R. , Weber Mary Beth , Ranjani Harish , Ali Mohammed K. , Echouffo-Tcheugui Justin B. , Phillips Lawrence S. , Mohan Viswanathan , Narayan K.M. Venkat
Published: April 2013

OBJECTIVE

To examine β-cell function across a spectrum of glycemia among Asian Indians, a population experiencing type 2 diabetes development at young ages despite low BMI.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

One-thousand two-hundred sixty-four individuals without known diabetes in the Diabetes Community Lifestyle Improvement Program in Chennai, India, had a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test, with glucose and insulin measured at 0, 30, and 120 min. Type 2 diabetes, isolated impaired fasting glucose (iIFG), isolated impaired glucose tolerance (iIGT), combined impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance, and normal glucose tolerance (NGT) were defined by American Diabetes Association guidelines. Measures included insulin resistance and sensitivity (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance [HOMA-IR], modified Matsuda Index, 1/fasting insulin) and β-cell function (oral disposition index = [Δinsulin0–30/Δglucose0–30] × [1/fasting insulin]).

RESULTS

Mean age was 44.2 years (SD, 9.3) and BMI 27.4 kg/m2 (SD, 3.8); 341 individuals had NGT, 672 had iIFG, IGT, or IFG plus IGT, and 251 had diabetes. Patterns of insulin resistance or sensitivity were similar across glycemic categories. With mild dysglycemia, the absolute differences in age- and sex-adjusted oral disposition index (NGT vs. iIFG, 38%; NGT vs. iIGT, 32%) were greater than the differences in HOMA-IR (NGT vs. iIFG, 25%; NGT vs. iIGT, 23%; each P < 0.0001). Compared with NGT and adjusted for age, sex, BMI, waist circumference, and family history, the odds of mild dysglycemia were more significant per SD of oral disposition index (iIFG: odds ratio [OR], 0.36; 95% CI, 0.23–0.55; iIGT: OR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.24–0.56) than per SD of HOMA-IR (iIFG: OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.23–2.33; iIGT: OR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.11–2.11).

CONCLUSIONS

Asian Indians with mild dysglycemia have reduced β-cell function, regardless of age, adiposity, insulin sensitivity, or family history. Strategies in diabetes prevention should minimize loss of β-cell function.
(1+1)-Dirac bound states in one dimension, with position-dependent Fermi velocity and mass
Authors: Mustafa Omar
Published: April 2013

We extend Panella and Roy’s [17] work for massless Dirac particles with position-dependent (PD) velocity. We consider Dirac particles where the mass and velocity are both position-dependent. Bound states in the continuum (BIC)-like and discrete bound state solutions are reported. It is observed that BIC-like solutions are not only feasible for the ultra-relativistic (massless) Dirac particles but also for Dirac particles with PDmass and PD-velocity that satisfy the condition m(x) v
F2 (x) = A, where A ≥ 0 is constant. Dirac Pöschl-Teller and harmonic oscillator models are also reported.
A fractional approach to the Sturm-Liouville problem
Authors: Rivero Margarita , Trujillo Juan , Velasco M.
Published: April 2013

The objective of this paper is to show an approach to the fractional version of the Sturm-Liouville problem, by using different fractional operators that return to the ordinary operator for integer order. For each fractional operator we study some of the basic properties of the Sturm-Liouville theory. We analyze a particular example that evidences the applicability of the fractional Sturm-Liouville theory.
Tuning fractional PID controllers for a Steward platform based on frequency domain and artificial intelligence methods
Authors: Copot Cosmin , Zhong Yu , Ionescu Clara , Keyser Robin
Published: April 2013

In this paper, two methods to tune a fractional-order PI λ D μ controller for a mechatronic system are presented. The first method is based on a genetic algorithm to obtain the parameter values for the fractionalorder PI λ D μ controller by global optimization. The second method used to design the fractional-order PI λ D μ controller relies on an auto-tuning approach by meeting some specifications in the frequency domain. The real-time experiments are conducted using a Steward platform which consists of a table tilted by six servo-motors with a ball on the top of the table. The considered system is a 6 degrees of freedom (d.o.f.) motion platform. The feedback on the position of the ball is obtained from images acquired by a visual sensor mounted above the platform. The fractional-order controllers were implemented and the performances of the steward platform are analyzed.
U937 variant cells as a model of apoptosis without cell disintegration
Authors: Stasiłojć Grzegorz , Pinto Sandra , Wyszkowska Roksana , Wejda Magda , Słomińska Ewa , Filipska Martyna , Koszałka Patrycja , Świerczyński Julian , O’Connor Jose , Bigda Jacek
Published: April 2013

The variant cell line U937V was originally identified by a higher sensitivity to the cytocidal action of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) than that of its reference cell line, U937. We noticed that a typical morphological feature of dying U937V cells was the lack of cellular disintegration, which contrasts to the formation of apoptotic bodies seen with dying U937 cells. We found that both TNFα, which induces the extrinsic apoptotic pathway, and etoposide (VP-16), which induces the intrinsic apoptotic pathway, stimulated U937V cell death without cell disintegration. In spite of the distinct morphological differences between the U937 and U937V cells, the basic molecular events of apoptosis, such as internucleosomal DNA degradation, phosphatidylserine exposure on the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane, caspase activation and cytochrome c release, were evident in both cell types when stimulated with both types of apoptosis inducer. In the U937V cells, we noted an accelerated release of cytochrome c, an accelerated decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, and a more pronounced generation of reactive oxygen species compared to the reference cells. We propose that the U937 and U937V cell lines could serve as excellent comparison models for studies on the mechanisms regulating the processes of cellular disintegration during apoptosis, such as blebbing (zeiosis) and apoptotic body formation.
Home-Based Versus In-Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation After Cardiac Surgery: A Nonrandomized Controlled Study
Authors: Scalvini Simonetta , Zanelli Emanuela , Comini Laura , Dalla Tomba Margherita , Troise Giovanni , Febo Oreste , Giordano Amerigo
Published: April 2013

Background

Exercise rehabilitation after cardiac surgery has beneficial effects, especially on a long-term basis. Rehabilitative programs with telemedicine plus appropriate technology might satisfy the needs of performing rehabilitation at home.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to compare exercise capacity after home-based cardiac rehabilitation (HBCR) or in-hospital rehabilitation in patients at low to medium risk for early mortality (EuroSCORE 0–5) following cardiac surgery.

Design

A quasi-experimental study was conducted.

Methods

At hospital discharge, patients were given the option to decide whether to enroll in the HBCR program. Clinical examinations (electrocardiography, cardiac echo color Doppler, chest radiography, blood samples) of patients in the HBCR group were collected during 4 weeks of rehabilitation, and exercise capacity (assessed using the Six-Minute Walk Test [6MWT]) was assessed before and after rehabilitation. A group of patients admitted to the in-hospital rehabilitation program was used as a comparison group. Patients in the HBCR group were supervised at home by a medical doctor and telemonitored daily by a nurse and physical therapist by video conference. Periodic home visits by health staff also were performed.

Results

One hundred patients were recruited into the HBCR group. An equal number of patients was selected for the comparison group. At the end of the 4-week study, the 2 groups showed improvement from their respective baseline values only in the 6MWT. No difference was found in time × group interaction.

Limitations

Because patients self-selected to enroll in the HBCR program and because they were enrolled from a single clinical center, the results of the study cannot be generalized.

Conclusions

In patients who self-selected HBCR, the program was found to be effective and comparable to the standard in-hospital rehabilitative approach, indicating that rehabilitation following cardiac surgery can be implemented effectively at home when coadministered with an integrated telemedicine service.
Longitudinal Change in Physical Activity and Its Correlates in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Motl Robert W. , McAuley Edward , Sandroff Brian M.
Published: April 2013

Background

Physical activity is beneficial for people with multiple sclerosis (MS), but this population is largely inactive. There is minimal information on change in physical activity and its correlates for informing the development of behavioral interventions.

Objective

This study examined change in physical activity and its symptomatic, social-cognitive, and ambulatory or disability correlates over a 2.5-year period of time in people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

Methods

On 6 occasions, each separated by 6 months, people (N=269) with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis completed assessments of symptoms, self-efficacy, walking impairment, disability, and physical activity. The participants wore an accelerometer for 7 days. The change in study variables over 6 time points was examined with unconditional latent growth curve modeling. The association among changes in study variables over time was examined using conditional latent growth curve modeling, and the associations were expressed as standardized path coefficients (β).

Results

There were significant linear changes in self-reported and objectively measured physical activity, self-efficacy, walking impairment, and disability over the 2.5-year period; there were no changes in fatigue, depression, and pain. The changes in self-reported and objective physical activity were associated with change in self-efficacy (β=.49 and β=.61, respectively), after controlling for other variables and confounders.

Limitations

The primary limitations of the study were the generalizability of results among those with progressive multiple sclerosis and inclusion of a single variable from social-cognitive theory.

Conclusions

Researchers should consider designing interventions that target self-efficacy for the promotion and maintenance of physical activity in this population.
Validation of a speech-in-noise test used for verification of hearing aid fitting
Authors: Grunditz Marie , Magnusson Lennart
Published: April 2013

Objective:

The aim of the study was to develop and validate a monosyllabic 50-word speech-in-noise test to be used in hearing aid fitting for comparison of speech recognition performance in the aided and unaided listening condition.

Study design:

One hundred and two adult hearing aid users were included in the study and tested at the final visit of their hearing aid fitting process. A speech recognition test, comprising the Swedish PB lists mixed with a standardized multi-talker noise, was performed with and without hearing aids. The International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids (IOI-HA) was also administered to the patients and the audiologists provided their evaluation of the test in a post study survey.

Results:

The speech recognition scores revealed a statistically significant hearing aid benefit for 77% of the subjects; however, this objectively measured benefit was not significantly correlated to the total IOI-HA results. This would indicate that the two different tests demonstrate different aspects of the rehabilitation outcome and that the one cannot predict the outcome of the other. The speech-in-noise test was considered to be applicable as well as practical for clinical use.

Conclusion:

The results of this study show that a monosyllabic speech-in-noise test would provide valuable information in the hearing aid fitting process, in addition to already established quality measurement methods, i.e. ear canal measurements and outcome inventories.
Distribution of Environmental Radioactivity in Drinking Water Samples of the Surrounding Area of Proposed Rooppur Nuclear Plant in Banglades
Authors: Yeasmin Selina , Begum Aleya , Rahman AFMM , Hossain Syed Mohammed , Akramuzzaaman MM
Published: April 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jueb.v1i0.14545 Jahangirnagar University Environmental Bulletin, Vol.1, 35-39, 2012
Comparative Study of Antioxidant Power, Polyphenols, Flavonoids and Betacyanins of the Peel and Pulp of Three Tunisian Opuntia Forms
Authors: Yeddes Nizar , Chérif Jamila , Guyot Sylvain , Sotin Hélène , Ayadi Malika
Published: April 2013

The antioxidant activity and the chemical composition of methanol extracts from peel and pulp belonging to two species of Tunisian prickly pears Opuntia ficus indica (spiny and thornless forms) and Opuntia stricta have been studied. The antioxidant capacity was measured by DPPH radical scavenging activity. The total phenolic compound (TPC) and the total flavonoid content were determined by the Folin–Ciocalteu method and colorimetric method, respectively. The phenolic compounds were identified and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with an electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). The results showed that O. stricta fruits present the best antioxidant activities than the two forms of O. ficus indica, while the TPC was more important in O. ficus indica than in the O. stricta fruits. The peels have higher flavonoids than pulp, and the thornless variety has more flavonoid than the spiny. The RP-HPLC and ESI-MS analysis detected two classes of phenolic compounds and betalain pigments. Isorhamnetin derivatives are the dominant flavonol glycoside identified in O. ficus indica (spiny: 65.25 μg·g−1; thornless: 77.03 μg·g−1) and O. stricta peels (19.22 μg·g−1).
Glyphosate’s Suppression of Cytochrome P450 Enzymes and Amino Acid Biosynthesis by the Gut Microbiome: Pathways to Modern Diseases
Authors: Samsel Anthony , Seneff Stephanie
Published: April 2013

Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup®, is the most popular herbicide used worldwide. The industry asserts it is minimally toxic to humans, but here we argue otherwise. Residues are found in the main foods of the Western diet, comprised primarily of sugar, corn, soy and wheat. Glyphosate's inhibition of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes is an overlooked component of its toxicity to mammals. CYP enzymes play crucial roles in biology, one of which is to detoxify xenobiotics. Thus, glyphosate enhances the damaging effects of other food borne chemical residues and environmental toxins. Negative impact on the body is insidious and manifests slowly over time as inflammation damages cellular systems throughout the body. Here, we show how interference with CYP enzymes acts synergistically with disruption of the biosynthesis of aromatic amino acids by gut bacteria, as well as impairment in serum sulfate transport. Consequences are most of the diseases and conditions associated with a Western diet, which include gastrointestinal disorders, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, depression, autism, infertility, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. We explain the documented effects of glyphosate and its ability to induce disease, and we show that glyphosate is the “textbook example” of exogenous semiotic entropy: the disruption of homeostasis by environmental toxins.
Energy–QoS Trade-Offs in Mobile Service Selection
Authors: Gelenbe Erol , Lent Ricardo
Published: April 2013

An attractive advantage of mobile networks is that their users can gain easy access to different services. In some cases, equivalent services could be fulfilled by different providers, which brings the question of how to rationally select the best provider among all possibilities. In this paper, we investigate an answer to this question from both quality-of-service (QoS) and energy perspectives by formulating an optimisation problem. We illustrate the theoretical results with examples from experimental measurements of the resulting energy and performance.
Functionalization of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes with Thermo-Responsive Azide-Terminated Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) via Click Reactions
Authors: Su Xin , Shuai Ya , Guo Zanru , Feng Yujun
Published: April 2013

Covalently functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were prepared by grafting well-defined thermo-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) via click reactions. First, azide-terminated poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (N3-PNIPAM) was synthesized by reversible addition fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization, and then the N3-PNIPAM moiety was connected onto MWNTs by click chemistry. The products were characterized by means of FT-IR, TGA and TEM. The results show that the modification of MWNTs is very successful and MWNTs functionalized by N3-PNIPAM (MWNTs-PNIPAM) have good solubility and stability in water. TEM images show the functionalized MWNTs are dispersed individually, indicating that the bundles of original MWNTs are separated into individual tubes by surface modification with polymer chains. These MWNTs modified with PNIPAM represent a potential nano-material for preparation of hydrophilic composite materials.
Synthesis of New 1,2,3-Triazole Derivatives of Uracil and Thymine with Potential Inhibitory Activity against Acidic Corrosion of Steels
Authors: Negrón-Silva Guillermo , González-Olvera Rodrigo , Angeles-Beltrán Deyanira , Maldonado-Carmona Nidia , Espinoza-Vázquez Araceli , Palomar-Pardavé Manuel , Romero-Romo Mario , Santillan Rosa
Published: April 2013

Ten 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles were synthesized from one of 1-(azido-methyl)benzene, 1-(azidomethyl)-4-fluorobenzene, 1-(azidomethyl)-4-chlorobenzene, 1-(azidomethyl)-4-bromobenzene or 1-(azidomethyl)-4-iodobenzene, generated in situ from sodium azide and the corresponding benzyl halide, and dipropargyl uracil or dipropargyl thymine. Optimal experimental conditions were established for the conventional click chemistry. The corrosion inhibiting properties of some of these compounds, which were determined by means of an electrochemical technique, are also presented.
Resveratrol Protects against Physical Fatigue and Improves Exercise Performance in Mice
Authors: Wu Ruei-Er , Huang Wen-Ching , Liao Chen-Chung , Chang Yu-Kai , Kan Nai-Wen , Huang Chi-Chang
Published: April 2013

Resveratrol (RES) is a well-known phytocompound and food component which has antioxidative and multifunctional bioactivities. However, there is limited evidence for the effects of RES on physical fatigue and exercise performance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential beneficial effects of trans-RES on fatigue and ergogenic functions following physiological challenge. Male ICR mice from four groups (n = 8 per group) were orally administered RES for 21 days at 0, 25, 50, and 125 mg/kg/day, which were respectively designated the vehicle, RES-25, RES-50, and RES-125 groups. The anti-fatigue activity and exercise performance were evaluated using forelimb grip strength, exhaustive swimming time, and levels of serum lactate, ammonia, glucose, and creatine kinase (CK) after a 15-min swimming exercise. The exhaustive swimming time of the RES-25 group (24.72 ± 7.35 min) was significantly (p = 0.0179) longer than that of vehicle group (10.83 ± 1.15 min). A trend analysis revealed that RES treatments increased the grip strength. RES supplementation also produced dose-dependent decreases in serum lactate and ammonia levels and CK activity and also an increase in glucose levels in dose-dependent manners after the 15-min swimming test. The mechanism was related to the increased energy utilization (as blood glucose), and decreased serum levels of lactate, ammonia, and CK. Therefore, RES could be a potential agent with an anti-fatigue pharmacological effect.
Estimation of Tree Lists from Airborne Laser Scanning Using Tree Model Clustering and k-MSN Imputation
Authors: Lindberg Eva , Holmgren Johan , Olofsson Kenneth , Wallerman Jörgen , Olsson Håkan
Published: April 2013

Individual tree crowns may be delineated from airborne laser scanning (ALS) data by segmentation of surface models or by 3D analysis. Segmentation of surface models benefits from using a priori knowledge about the proportions of tree crowns, which has not yet been utilized for 3D analysis to any great extent. In this study, an existing surface segmentation method was used as a basis for a new tree model 3D clustering method applied to ALS returns in 104 circular field plots with 12 m radius in pine-dominated boreal forest (64°14'N, 19°50'E). For each cluster below the tallest canopy layer, a parabolic surface was fitted to model a tree crown. The tree model clustering identified more trees than segmentation of the surface model, especially smaller trees below the tallest canopy layer. Stem attributes were estimated with k-Most Similar Neighbours (k-MSN) imputation of the clusters based on field-measured trees. The accuracy at plot level from the k-MSN imputation (stem density root mean square error or RMSE 32.7%; stem volume RMSE 28.3%) was similar to the corresponding results from the surface model (stem density RMSE 33.6%; stem volume RMSE 26.1%) with leave-one-out cross-validation for one field plot at a time. Three-dimensional analysis of ALS data should also be evaluated in multi-layered forests since it identified a larger number of small trees below the tallest canopy layer.
Comparison of Geophysical Model Functions for SAR Wind Speed Retrieval in Japanese Coastal Waters
Authors: Takeyama Yuko , Ohsawa Teruo , Kozai Katsutoshi , Hasager Charlotte , Badger Merete
Published: April 2013

This work discusses the accuracies of geophysical model functions (GMFs) for retrieval of sea surface wind speed from satellite-borne Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images in Japanese coastal waters characterized by short fetches and variable atmospheric stability conditions. In situ observations from two validation sites, Hiratsuka and Shirahama, are used for comparison of the retrieved sea surface wind speeds using CMOD (C-band model)4, CMOD_IFR2, CMOD5 and CMOD5.N. Of all the geophysical model functions (GMFs), the latest C-band GMF, CMOD5.N, has the smallest bias and root mean square error at both sites. All of the GMFs exhibit a negative bias in the retrieved wind speed. In order to understand the reason for this bias, all SAR-retrieved wind speeds are separated into two categories: onshore wind (blowing from sea to land) and offshore wind (blowing from land to sea). Only offshore winds were found to exhibit the large negative bias, and short fetches from the coastline may be a possible reason for this. Moreover, it is clarified that in both the unstable and stable conditions, CMOD5.N has atmospheric stability effectiveness, and can keep the same accuracy with CMOD5 in the neutral condition. In short, at the moment, CMOD5.N is thought to be the most promising GMF for the SAR wind speed retrieval with the atmospheric stability correction in Japanese coastal waters, although there is ample room for future improvement for the effect from short fetch.
Carmustine-Induced Phosphatidylserine Translocation in the Erythrocyte Membrane
Authors: Jilani Kashif , Lang Florian
Published: April 2013

The nitrosourea alkylating agent, carmustine, is used as chemotherapeutic drug in several malignancies. The substance triggers tumor cell apoptosis. Side effects of carmustine include myelotoxicity with anemia. At least in theory, anemia could partly be due to stimulation of eryptosis, the suicidal death of erythrocytes, characterized by cell shrinkage and breakdown of phosphatidylserine asymmetry of the cell membrane with phosphatidylserine exposure at the erythrocyte surface. Stimulators of eryptosis include increase of cytosolic Ca2+ activity ([Ca2+]i). The present study tested whether carmustine triggers eryptosis. To this end [Ca2+]i was estimated from Fluo3 fluorescence, cell volume from forward scatter, phosphatidylserine exposure from annexin V binding, and hemolysis from hemoglobin release. As a result a 48 h exposure to carmustine (≥25 µM) significantly increased [Ca2+]i, decreased forward scatter and increased annexin V binding. The effect on annexin V binding was significantly blunted in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. In conclusion, carmustine stimulates eryptosis at least partially by increasing cytosolic Ca2+ activity.
Réflexions sur le courage chez Thucydide et chez Platon
Authors: Romilly Jacqueline de
Published: April 2013

Les discussions sur le courage qui figurent dans le Lachès et le Protagoras s'expliquent beaucoup mieux à la lumière des débats contemporains dont on trouve l'écho chez Thucydide. La question de savoir dans quelle mesure le courage se ramène au savoir ou à l'expérience est traitée au livre II de Thucydide, avant la bataille de Naupacte. Et l'idée d'un courage fondé sur une conscience claire des fins à poursuivre est déjà présente dans les paroles de Périclès. Platon reprend ces idées et les approfondit, en une transposition philosophique.
Journey from the West: Did tropical Graphidaceae (lichenized Ascomycota: Ostropales) evolve from a saxicolous ancestor along the American Pacific coast?
Authors: Lücking Robert , Tehler Anders , Bungartz Frank , Rivas Plata Eimy , Lumbsch H. Thorsten
Published: April 2013

• Premise of the study: This study elucidates the phylogenetic position of a unique taxon of Graphidaceae occurring on rock in coastal desert areas, assessing its importance for our understanding of the evolution of the largest family of tropical lichenized fungi.

• Methods: We used maximum likelihood and Bayesian approaches to reconstruct a three‐gene phylogeny of Graphidaceae and a Bayesian molecular clock approach to estimate divergence dates for major clades, as well as Bayesian ancestral ecogeography state analysis.

• Key results: The new genus Redonographa represents a new subfamily, Redonographoideae, sister to subfamily Graphidoideae. Redonographa is exclusively saxicolous and restricted to the American Pacific coast from California to central Chile, including Galapagos. It contains four species: Redonographa chilensis comb. nov., R. saxiseda comb. nov., R. saxorum comb. nov., and R. galapagoensis sp. nov. The genus Gymnographopsis, with a similar ecogeography but differing in excipular carbonization and chemistry, is also included in Redonographoideae, with the species G. chilena from Chile and G. latispora from South Africa. Molecular clock analysis indicates that Redonographoideae diverged from Graphidoideae about 132 million years ago (Ma) in the Early Cretaceous.

• Conclusions: The divergence date for subfamilies Redonographoideae and Graphidoideae coincides with the early breakup of Gondwana and ancient origin of the Atacama Desert. However, the common ancestor of Redonographoideae plus Graphidoideae was reconstructed to be tropical‐epiphytic. Thus, even if Redonographoideae is subtropical‐saxicolous, the hypothesis that Graphidoideae evolved from a subtropical‐saxicolous ancestor is not supported.
BEHAVIOR OF LARGE-SCALE BRACING SYSTEM IN TALL BUILDINGS SUBJECTED TO EARTHQUAKE LOADS
Authors: Hemmati Ali , Kheyroddin Ali
Published: April 2013

Bracing is a highly efficient and economical method of resisting of lateral forces in a steel structure. The most common types of bracing are those that form a fully triangulated vertical truss. These include the concentric and eccentric braced types. In high-rise buildings, the location and number of bracings is an important limitation to the architectural plan. A similar scheme has been used in larger scale spanning multiple stories and bays in tall buildings which is called large-scale bracing system. Large-scale bracing (LSB) is a particular form of a space truss. It consists of multiple diagonal elements that form a diagonal grid on the face of the structure. In this paper, a 20 story steel frame with different arrangement of bracing systems is analyzed. Linear and static nonlinear (push-over) analyses are carried out and the results presented here. Analytical results show that, the large-scale bracing is more adequate system under the lateral loads. Using LSB in tall buildings, decreases the lateral displacement, drift ratio, uplift forces in foundation and increases the ductility and shear absorption percent of the bracing system. Moreover, the stress ratios in the structural members of LSB system are less than the relevant values in other bracing systems.
BEHAVIOUR OF CFST MEMBERS UNDER COMPRESSION EXTERNALLY REINFORCED BY CFRP COMPOSITES
Authors: Sundarraja M. C. , Prabhu G. Ganesh
Published: April 2013

This research is aimed at investigating the structural improvements of concrete filled steel tubular (CFST) sections with normal strength concrete externally bonded with fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. For this study, compact mild steel tubes were used with the main variable being FRP characteristics. Carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) fabrics was used as horizontal strips (lateral ties) with several other parameters such as the number of layers and spacing of strips. Among twenty one columns, eighteen were externally bonded by CFRP strips having a constant width of 50 mm with a spacing of 20 mm and 40 mm and the remaining three columns were unbounded. Experiments were undertaken until column failure to fully understand the influence of FRP characteristics on the compressive behaviour of square CFST sections including their failure modes, axial stress-strain behaviour, and enhancement in load carrying capapcity. It was found that the external bonding of CFRP strips provides external confinement pressure effectively and intended to delay the local buckling of steel tube and also to improve the load carrying capacity further.
Le motif : une unité phraséologique englobante ? Étendre le champ de la phraséologie de la langue au discours
Authors: Longrée Dominique , Mellet Sylvie
Published: April 2013

L’objectif de cet article est de proposer, dans le cadre d’une conception récente de la phraséologie fondée sur des critères de fréquence, de récurrence et de mémorisation, et non pas du seul figement, l’intégration d’un nouveau concept – celui de motif  – à l’ensemble conceptuel et terminologique de la discipline. On montre que cette proposition, qui a certes l’inconvénient d’alourdir une terminologie déjà riche et complexe, a aussi deux avantages : (i) le premier est de permettre une réflexion sur les différents types d’unités phraséologiques reconnues et de suggérer la possibilité d’un concept intégratif qui, sans nier la pertinence des oppositions établies, pourrait être à même d’en subsumer certaines ; (ii) le second est d’ouvrir le champ de la phraséologie à l’analyse de discours en mettant en exergue une des fonctionnalités importantes de la création phraséologique jusqu’ici relativement sous-estimée : en effet, dans la définition que nous en proposons, nous considérons que certains motifs peuvent jouer un rôle fondamental d’agencement discursif propre à structurer les textes et à caractériser certains usages. Ainsi, après une définition de la notion de motif sur le plan formel et sur le plan fonctionnel, on confronte le motif avec les principales unités phraséologiques traditionnellement reconnues pour en montrer les proximités et les différences. Puis, à partir d’exemples empruntés au latin, on illustre la fonction structurante et la fonction caractérisante des motifs et de leurs différentes instanciations en discours.
Une approche psycholinguistique des phénomènes phraséologiques : le cas des expressions conventionnelles
Authors: Edmonds Amanda
Published: April 2013

L’omniprésence d’unités phraséologiques dans toute langue découle, selon de nombreux chercheurs, de leur statut psycholinguistique tout à fait particulier ; de telles unités seraient stockées et extraites en bloc du lexique mental, ce qui rend leur traitement plus « facile » et/ou plus « rapide ». Ce présupposé psycholinguistique est généralement accepté, en dépit d’un manque général de preuves psychométriques. Le présent article tente de déterminer si un sous-ensemble d’unités phraséologiques –  les expressions conventionnelles  – jouit d’avantages psycholinguistiques pour un groupe de locuteurs natifs et deux groupes de non natifs du français. Pour ce faire, nous avons mis au point une expérience chronométrée, et l’analyse des temps de réaction suggère que les expressions conventionnelles ont, en effet, un corrélat mental pour les natifs comme pour les non natifs. Deux hypothèses (l’hypothèse lexicaliste et l’hypothèse de la compétence pragmatique) seront confrontées afin d’expliquer ces résultats.
Study of QPSK Modulator and Demodulator in Wireless Communication System Using MATLAB
Authors: Abdel-Razeq Sharief Nasr , Al-Azzeh Areej Salah , Ayyoub Rawan Yousef
Published: April 2013

Quadrature Phase-Shift Keying (QPSK) modulation technique is one of the most widely used modulation scheme in modern digital communication system; it provides high performance on bandwidth efficiency. In this paper, the model of QPSK modulator and demodulator has been simulated using MATLAB Simulink.
Aspects of Content, Context and Adaptation Modeling in Mobile Learning Application Design
Authors: Bhaskar Nagella Uday , Raju Surya Narayana , Paladugu Govindarajulu , Reddy VenkataRamana
Published: April 2013

Mobile leaning application development has been influenced by the e-learning models, methods and a variation of these for the better understanding and accommodation of additional elements that prop up in m-learning scenarios and applications. Here uniquely designed models for various aspects of m-learning scenarios and situations by concentrating on Learner Styles or Contextual Features or Learning Content or Learner Behavior or Adaptation methods are proposed.
The Use of Smartphones and Mobile Clinical Decision Support Systems in Clinical Clerkships: A Pilot Study
Authors: Schols Angel , Donkers Jeroen , Voorend Manuela , Verstegen Daniëlle , Hoogland Henk , Kubben Pieter
Published: April 2013

Smartphones and Mobile Clinical Decision Support Systems (MCDSS) could help to overcome information overload and support physicians in providing up-to-date medical care. However, would smartphones and MCDSS also be useful for medical students during their clinical clerkships? In this prospective pilot study eight students were asked to use a smartphone during their daily clerkship activities and specifically to evaluate a basic MCDSS. Students were asked to fill out a short survey and exit interviews were conducted. Most students found the smartphone, especially access to the internet, a useful tool during their clerkship. Some students thought that the internet was an easier accessible information source compared to many applications. Several students were not aware of any high-quality applications and most students were not willing to pay more than ten Euros for such an application. In the opinion of most students smartphones should not be used in the presence of a patient. Students expressed a desire for more basic content in the tested MCDSS. In conclusion, smartphones can be a useful tool for medical students during their clerkship. MCDSS for medical students should be designed to their needs. Further research is needed to guide MCDSS development specifically targeted at medical students.
Mobile Support in CSCW Applications and Groupware Development Frameworks
Authors: Johnson David
Published: April 2013

Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW) is an established subset of the field of Human Computer Interaction that deals with the how people use computing technology to enhance group interaction and collaboration. Mobile CSCW has emerged as a result of the progression from personal desktop computing to the mobile device platforms that are ubiquitous today.

CSCW aims to not only connect people and facilitate communication through using computers; it aims to provide conceptual models coupled with technology to manage, mediate, and assist collaborative processes. Mobile CSCW research looks to fulfil these aims through the adoption of mobile technology and consideration for the mobile user. Facilitating collaboration using mobile devices brings new challenges. Some of these challenges are inherent to the nature of the device hardware, while others focus on the understanding of how to engineer software to maximize effectiveness for the end-users. This paper reviews seminal and state-of-the-art cooperative software applications and development frameworks, and their support for mobile devices.