bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Problems of research and evalution of human capital of companies
Authors: Тугускина  , Tuguskina Galina
Published: November 2013

The human capital plays a basic role in activity of the enterprises, however at definition of market cost the overwhelming majority of the organizations faces a problem caused by that in modern practice of an estimation the human capital are not considered in accounting balance of the enterprise. Only intellectual capital identified with non-material actives is subject to the account and revaluation. The given circumstance does not allow to receive real estimation of cost of the enterprise. For the decision of the given problem it is necessary to create, first of all, system of estimation of cost of the human capital of the enterprises.
Experience of the formation of the staff of the Federation council
Authors: Рогожкин  , Rogozhkin Aleksey
Published: November 2013

The article presents the author's approach to solving the most

important task of reforming the civil service — to attract young professionals

to state authorities.
A control system of weak students
Authors: Буймов  , Buymov Arkadiy
Published: November 2013

No student left behind! This idea and a suitable for its implementation organizational system are discussed in this message. There the reasons are named why it could be interesting for various parties and, first of all, for first-year students.
Influence of depth on the growth of the seaweed Gracilaria birdiae (Rhodophyta) in a shrimp pond
Authors: De Oliveira Vinícius Peruzzi , Freire Fúlvio Aurélio de Morais , Soriano Eliane Marinho
Published: November 2013

This study evaluates the influence of depth and environmental parameters on the development of Gracilaria birdiae Plastino & Oliveira (Gracilariaceae) in an organic shrimp pond. The macroalgae was cultivated on modules placed at three depths (surface, 10 and 20 cm depth). Growth rates were measured weekly based on variation in fresh weight during 35 days. G. birdie showed the greatest productivity (35.7%) at 10 cm, followed by 20 cm (33.4%) and surface (25.3%). Average SGR values were 0.36Â±0.57% d-1(surface) 0.38Â±0.96% d-1 (10 cm) and 0.38 Â±0.54% d-1(20 cm), over the study period. The biomass variation of G. birdiae showed significant difference among the three depths. The correlations generated by multiple regressions demonstrated that analyzed environmental parameters explain from 62 to 67 % of G. birdiae growth.
Ocorrência de dinoflagelados tecados potencialmente tóxicos e nocivos em cultivos de moluscos situados no município de Penha, SC
Authors: Miotto Maria Cecília , Tamanaha Marcio da Silva
Published: November 2013

The purpose of this study was to describe the composition and occurrence of species of thecate dinoflagellates potentially toxic and harmful in cultured shellfish, located at Easel Itapocorói (AI) and Praia Alegre (PA) in the municipality of Penha, SC. Water samples and environmental parameters (salinity, water temperature and measured Secchi disk) were collected weekly during the months of April 2007 and April 2008 at two sites sampled by monitoring maintained by the Laboratory for the Study of Harmful Algae, CTTMar, Univali. The identification of the bodies was through an Olympus microscope, model BX41 with up to 1000x. During the sample period, we identified 21 species of thecate dinoflagellates potentially toxic and harmful in the genus Alexandrium, Ceratium, Dinophysis and Prorocentrum. The species P. obtusum (86%), D. acuminata (78.5%) and P. micans (72%) were very frequent throughout the period in the two sample points. The point with highest species richness was the AI, with 14 species, and the PA had the lowest point in two species richness. Most of the samples was considered rare relative abundance of thecate dinoflagellates compared to the presence of harmful micro algae, but during the month of September, were considered abundant, during which there was a flowering of D. acuminata. The similarity between the two points throughout the sample period had a high coefficient (86%), and between the months examined, the month of June 2007 showed the lowest similarity (10%) and the month of July 2007 the greatest similarity recorded (91%). The composition and distribution of thecate dinoflagellates during the study showed that the existence of a dynamic community structure could be used as a tool to aid the monitoring of harmful algae mariculture activity in this region.
Populational and reproductive aspects of Southern Macrobrachium acanthurus (Wiegmann, 1836) (Crustacea: Palaemonidae), Brazil
Authors: Gomes Ana Francisca Tamburus , Mossolin Emerson C , Mantelatto Fernando l
Published: November 2013

Macrobrachium acanthurus has a wide geographic distribution in America, mainly in rivers that flow into the Atlantic Ocean. Considering the economic interest in the Brazilian freshwater shrimp culture and its potential as a living resource, this study addresses the population and reproductive information of M. acanthurus that inhabit the north coast of São Paulo State. Individuals (N: 466,164 males and 302 females, with size ranging from 3.96 to 35.14 mm of carapace length) were captured with sieves (two people during 30 minutes) and traps (four hours after the nightfall) in April and October/2008 and in March/2009. Females were predominant in all sampled months; their ovaries showed changes in color and their size increased according to the developmental stage. The presence and percentage of ovigerous females in all sampled months indicated the possibility that the reproductive activity was continuous. The average fecundity (2299 ± 1653 eggs) found was directly related to the female’s size. The ovarian development occurred concomitantly with the eggs’ development, indicating successive spawning. It was observed that the eggs changed color and increased their volume independently of the female size. The absence of embryo loss during the incubation process may be speculated to be an efficient strategy developed by the ovigerous females, as a mechanism of parental care against the most common causes of egg loss.
Depth map color constancy
Authors: Ebner Marc , Hansen Johannes
Published: November 2013

A human observer is able to determine the color of objects independent of the light illuminating these objects. This ability is known as color constancy. In the first stages of visual information processing, data are analyzed with respect to wavelength composition, orientation, motion, and depth. With this contribution, we investigate whether depth information can help in estimating the color of the objects. We assume that local space average color is computed in V4 through resistively coupled neurons to estimate the color of the illuminant. We show how this computational model can be extended to incorporate depth information.
Effect of Rare Earth Yttrium on the Hot Ductility of Eco-friendly Bi-S Based Free Cutting Steel
Authors: Liu Haitao , Chen Weiqing , Qi Fengyou , Li Wenying
Published: November 2013

The hot ductility of eco-friendly Bi-S based free cutting steels micro-alloyed with and without yttrium was studied using a Gleeble-1500 thermal–mechanical simulator over the temperature range 850–1200 °C. The results showed that the addition of rare earth yttrium had a substantial improvement in the hot ductility of Bi-S based free-cutting steel, especially at 1000 °C. The beneficial effect of yttrium on the hot ductility of Bi-S based free-cutting steel at the temperature no less than 1000 °C was mainly associated to the refinement of austenite grain size, which could effectively reduce the segregation density of bismuth at the grain boundary, and the lowering of the DRX onset temperature by yttrium addition. At 850–950 °C, the improvement of the hot ductility in these steels by yttrium addition might be attributed to the reduction of the low melting point sulphides at grain boundary and the refinement of the austenite grain size. However, the hot ductility of these steels micro-alloyed with yttrium was still poor at 850–950 °C, which was mainly owning to the presence of pro-eutectoid ferrite films and the absence of dynamic recrystallization as well as the segregation of liquid bismuth films at austenite grain boundaries.
Morphology-controlled Synthesis of Hexagonal AlN Whiskers by Direct Nitridation of Aluminum and Alumina Mixture
Authors: Qiu Peng-Long , Hou Xin-Mei , Chou Kuo-Chih
Published: November 2013

Hexagonal 1D AlN whiskers were synthesized by direct nitridation of aluminum and alumina. The effect of the atmosphere was investigated based on thermodynamic calculation. A green body compacting alumina with different particle size in between 44–420 μm in graphite crucible was found to be favorable for the large-scale synthesis of AlN at 1650 °C for 3 h in flowing nitrogen atmosphere. XRD result indicated that hexagonal AlN phase with high purity has been successfully synthesized. SEM and TEM analysis indicated that the whiskers possessed uniform morphology with 100–200 nm in diameter and length up to microns. The formation mechanism was further proposed based on the experimental results.
Air-assisted bubble immobilization at hydrophilic porous surface
Authors: Zawala Jan , Kosior Dominik , Malysa Kazimierz
Published: November 2013

The article presents experimental results and numerical simulations on influence of air presence at hydrophilic porous surface (fritted glass filter) on kinetics of the bubble collisions and bouncing. Phenomena occurring during collisions of the rising bubble with surface of the fritted glass filter without and with microbubbles sticking out (protruding) of the pores was monitored using a high-speed camera (1000 Hz). It was found that air presence at hydrophilic porous surface affected significantly the collision course, the bouncing amplitude and time of the bubble immobilization (capture). Air presence (microbubbles sticking out) caused that the amplitudes of the bubble position oscillations and the bubble local velocity variations during the collisions were shifted toward smaller time values. Numerical calculations carried out for a model system were in a pretty good agreement with the experimental data obtained. Both sets of data indicate that faster immobilization of the colliding bubble at hydrophilic porous surface was related to a quicker drainage and rupture of foam (water) film formed locally between the colliding macrobubble and submicroscopic bubbles protruding from the hydrophilic surface pores.
An efficient multi-layer model for pier scour computations
Authors: Pournazeri Shaghayegh , Li S. Samuel , Haghighat Fariborz
Published: November 2013

Pier scour has caused bridge failures with catastrophic consequences. The aim of this study was to develop and verify a mathematical model for pier scour predictions. A new approach is taken that combines shallow-water equations with non-hydrostatic pressure corrections and a non-uniform mesh in the horizontal with terrain-following layers in the vertical. This approach significantly improves computational efficiency from the conventional computational fluid dynamics approach. It is concluded that, emerging from the lateral sides of a pier (cylinder), scour deepens while the patterns migrate upstream towards the pier's upstream nose. On the upstream side, scour continues to grow until the bed slope reaches the angle of repose of sediments. On the downstream side, scour grows until equilibrium is reached. The scour hole is shallower downstream than upstream of the pier. The presence of the pier causes a strong downflow near its upstream nose, a strong vortex at its foot on the upstream side and a weak vortex on the downstream side. The predicted flow velocity and scour depth agree well with measurements. The terrain-following layer feature is particularly useful for scour computations; the high efficiency makes the model practical for field-scale applications, which are highly relevant to improved design of pier foundations and pier scour control.
In Vitro Analysis of Human Periodontal Microvascular Endothelial Cells
Authors: Tsubokawa Mizuki , Sato Soh
Published: November 2013

Background: Endothelial cells (ECs) participate in key aspects of vascular biology, such as maintenance of capillary permeability, initiation of coagulation, and regulation of inflammation. According to previous reports, ECs have revealed highly specific characteristics depending on the organs and tissues. However, some reports have described the characteristics of the capillaries formed by human periodontal ECs. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to examine the functional characteristics of the periodontal microvascular ECs in vitro.

Methods: Human periodontal ligament‐endothelial cells (HPDL‐ECs) and human gingiva‐endothelial cells (HG‐ECs) were isolated by immunoprecipitation with magnetic beads conjugated to a monoclonal anti‐CD31 antibody. The isolated HPDL‐ECs and HG‐ECs were characterized to definitively demonstrate that these cell cultures represented pure ECs. Human umbilical‐vein ECs and human dermal microvascular ECs were used for comparison. These cells were compared according to the proliferation potential, the formation of capillary‐like tubes, the transendothelial electric resistance (TEER), and the expression of tight junction proteins.

Results: HPDL‐ECs and HG‐ECs with characteristic cobblestone monolayer morphology were obtained, as determined by light microscopy at confluence. Furthermore, the HPDL‐ECs and HG‐ECs expressed the EC markers platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule‐1 (also known as CD31), von Willebrand factor, and Ulex europaeus agglutinin 1, and the cells stained strongly positive for CD31 and CD309. In addition, the HPDL‐ECs and HG‐ECs were observed to form capillary‐like tubes, and they demonstrated uptake of acetylated low‐density lipoprotein. Functional analyses of the HPDL‐ECs and HG‐ECs showed that, compared to the control cells, tube formation persisted for only a brief period of time, and TEER was substantially reduced at confluence. Furthermore, the cells exhibited delocalization of zonula occludens‐1 and occludin at cell–cell contact sites.

Conclusions: The present results provide new evidence that HPDL‐ECs and HG‐ECs have characteristics of fenestrated capillaries. Therefore, capillaries in human periodontal tissues have functional characteristics of fenestrated capillaries, which might be related to the onset and the progression of systemic diseases and inflammation.
Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP)‐8 and Tissue Inhibitor of MMP‐1 (TIMP‐1) Gene Polymorphisms in Generalized Aggressive Periodontitis: Gingival Crevicular Fluid MMP‐8 and TIMP‐1 Levels and Outcome of Periodontal Therapy
Authors: Emingil Gülnur , Han Buket , Gürkan Ali , Berdeli Afig , Tervahartiala Taina , Salo Tuula , Pussinen Pirkko J. , Köse Timur , Atilla Gül , Sorsa Timo
Published: November 2013

Background: The aim of the present study is to investigate matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐8 and tissue inhibitor of MMP‐1 (TIMP‐1) gene polymorphisms in generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP) and to assess the effects of MMP‐8 and TIMP‐1 genotypes on the outcomes of non‐surgical periodontal therapy.

Methods: Genomic DNA was obtained from peripheral blood of 100 patients with GAgP and 167 periodontally healthy controls. MMP‐8 +17 C/G, −799 C/T, −381 A/G and TIMP‐1 372 T/C, *429 T/G polymorphisms were determined by polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism. Patients with GAgP received non‐surgical periodontal therapy and were followed for 6 months. Clinical periodontal parameters and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were collected at baseline and at follow‐up visits. GCF biomarkers were analyzed by immunofluorescence assay and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: Distribution of the MMP‐8 −799 C/T genotypes was significantly different between the GAgP and control groups (P <0.005). TIMP‐1 372 T/C and *429 T/G genotypes in males were also significantly different between study groups (P <0.004). GCF MMP‐8 levels decreased until 3 months after non‐surgical therapy compared with baseline in T and G alleles, as well as G and C allele carriers (P <0.0125), whereas no significant decreased was observed in non‐carriers (P >0.0125).

Conclusion: On the basis of the present findings, it can be suggested that MMP‐8 −799 C/T and TIMP‐1 372 T/C, *429 T/G gene polymorphisms in males may be associated with the susceptibility to GAgP in the Turkish population.
Nature and Extent of iPad Use among Freshmen Honors Students
Authors: Maxwell Patricia , Banerjee Priya
Published: November 2013

On the heels of national studies reporting that college students believe tablet computers will “transform” learning, many colleges have begun to use mobile technology like the iPad and laptop as recruitment tools. The effectiveness of such incentives can be tested by determining whether enrollment increased as a result, and whether or not tablet computers found meaningful use. To this end, a study was conducted to examine the use of the iPad by freshmen honors students and the effect of the recruitment incentive on enrollment. The results revealed a significant difference in the anticipated and actual use of the iPad in social networking, multimedia, learning, lifestyle activities, and information management. Sixty-nine percent of the students reported that their decision to accept admission was influenced in large part by the iPad incentive.
Transform Modern Language Learning through Mobile Devices
Authors: Tuttle Harry Grover
Published: November 2013

College professors can transform their modern language classes through mobile devices. Their students' learning becomes more active, more personalized, more contextual, and more culturally authentic as illustrated through the author's modern language mobile learning classroom examples. In addition, their students engage in many diverse types of speaking when they use their mobile devices. The educators' use of mobile learning promotes language communication instead of discrete learning.
Towards a New Learning: The Scholar Social Knowledge Workspace, in Theory and Practice
Authors: Cope Bill , Kalantzis Mary
Published: November 2013

This article describes the thinking behind the development of Scholar, a ‘social knowledge’ technology developed as part of a series of research and development projects at the University of Illinois. Seven pedagogical openings are identified in this article, possibilities for the creation of innovative learning environments afforded by a new generation of educational technologies: ubiquitous learning, active knowledge production, multimodal knowledge representations, recursive feedback, collaborative intelligence, metacognitive reflection and differentiated learning. The article explores these ideas in general terms, and also describes the ways in which the Scholar environment attempts to translate these ideas into practice.
Constellations of Support and Impediment: Understanding Early Implementation Dynamics in the Research and Development of an Online Multimodal Writing and Peer Review Environment
Authors: Olmanson Justin , Abrams Sandra Schamroth
Published: November 2013

In this article, the authors trace teachers' experiences while participating in an educational technology development and research project focused on the creation and use of an online writing and peer review environment. They follow teachers from their initial expectations of the program, to their response to professional development training sessions, planning sessions, student account setup, and to their initial attempts at utilizing the digital learning environment in the classroom. In so doing, the authors suggest that the path toward and away from successful classroom implementation of emerging learning technologies is a multiple, shifting, and interrelational one, influenced by constellations of factors including affect, administrator support, student buy-in, research and development team knowledge and availability, district priorities, and the amount of upheaval in the personal lives of teachers.
Peer Review and Nuanced Power Structures: Writing and Learning within the Age of Connectivism
Authors: Abrams Sandra Schamroth
Published: November 2013

Through a Foucauldian lens, this article examines the affordances and constraints of an online peer-review program in four special education English language arts classes in two New York City middle schools. Data from classroom observations, teacher interviews, and online student spaces and artifacts provide insight into the technologies of power that ultimately supported the emergence of students' voices. The negotiated and disrupted power structures within the online writing space are central to the discussion of paradigmatic shifts and flexible student-driven learning opportunities.
Exploring the Effectiveness of an Online Writing Workspace to Support Literacy in a Social Studies Classroom
Authors: Carlin-Menter Shannon
Published: November 2013

The purpose of this exploratory study was to analyze the writing experiences of eighth-grade students in three social studies classrooms while using a Web 2.0 online writing workspace. Participants included one social studies teacher and 69 eighth-grade students in a selective admission public high school. Furthermore, three of the eighth-grade students were chosen as case studies to allow for a more detailed exploration of their writing processes within the online environment. The project was guided by the Common Core Writing Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, and objectives were to enhance the students' literacy skills and knowledge acquisition by having students create a wiki-like project. The author proposes that the online writing project and environment allowed students in the social studies class to extend their learning and make connections to outside sources in an accessible manner. The students took ownership over their own learning within their topics and were able to extend and show proficiency in understanding their topics and also in the use of online tools and other Web 2.0 technologies.
Science in Writing: Learning Scientific Argument in Principle and Practice
Authors: Cope Bill , Kalantzis Mary , Abd-El-Khalick Fouad , Bagley Elizabeth
Published: November 2013

This article explores the processes of writing in science and in particular the ‘complex Performance’ of writing a scientific argument. The article explores in general terms the nature of scientific argumentation in which the author-scientist makes claims, provides evidence to support these claims, and develops chains of scientific reasoning to coordinate claims and evidence. The article then describes a case in which two classes of Grade 8 students in a New York City school wrote scientific arguments in a web-writing and peer review environment that provides each writer with ‘as-you-go’ formative assessment on the constitutive elements of their arguments.
Immobilisation of acid pectinase on graphene oxide nanosheets
Authors: Liu Yang , Li Qiang , Feng Yuan-Yuan , Ji Geng-Sheng , Li Tian-Cheng , Tu Jie , Gu Xu-Ding
Published: November 2013

Recent progress in nanotechnology has prompted research interest in immobilised enzymes on graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets for their large specific surface area and abundant functional groups. In the present work, acid pectinase was immobilised on the GO via the cross-linking of amino groups on pectinase and functional groups (e.g. carboxyl group) on the GO surface. Acid pectinase was effectively immobilised on the support and high loading densities were obtained (2400 mg per g of support). In addition, the immobilised enzyme achieved a better catalytic efficiency (K cat/K m) than its free counterpart; 3.7 mg−1 min−1 mL for immobilised pectinase, 3.5 mg−1 min−1 mL for free pectinase. Under acidic conditions, pectinase immobilised on GO will be agglomerated, but the addition of surfactant PEG 6000 could solve the problem and afford higher catalytic activity and catalytic efficiency.
Cellulose-precipitated calcium carbonate composites and their effect on paper properties
Authors: Mohamadzadeh-Saghavaz Kamel , Resalati Hossein , Ghasemian Ali
Published: November 2013

A cellulose-PCC composite was synthesised using the CaCl2 reaction with dimethyl carbonate (DMC) under alkaline conditions and in the presence of cellulose fibrils made from highly refined bleached softwood kraft pulp. The results showed that the ash content in the synthesised cellulose-PCC composite increased by increasing the reaction temperature from 25°C to 70°C, the reaction time from 3.5 min to 7.5 min and the cellulose consistency from 0.05 % to 0.1 %. The ratio of calcium carbonate generated to the calcium chloride used initially was increased by increasing the reaction temperature and time. The XRD pattern of the cellulose-PCC composite indicated no modification micro-crystal habit of the deposited CaCO3. The SEM images showed that the cellulose-PCC composite filler had a rhombohedral shape as opposed to the scalenohedral shape of common PCC. The paper filled with the cellulose-PCC composite had much higher bursting and tensile strengths, at a tearing strength similar to common PCC.
A simple method for creating molecularly imprinted polymer-coated bacterial cellulose nanofibers
Authors: Piacham Theeraphon , Isarankura-Na-Ayudhya Chartchalerm , Prachayasittikul Virapong
Published: November 2013

Molecularly imprinted polymer-coated bacterial cellulose nanofibers have been prepared by immersing solvent treated-bacterial cellulose into a dilute pre-polymerization mixture solution prior to the polymerization process. The quercetin-imprinted polymer coating bacterial cellulose (QIP-BC) nanofibers show discrete nanoparticles encapsulated along the BC nanofibers. The binding capacity of dried QIP-BC was approximately 3 mg per gram of the polymer. The obtained results indicated that QIP-BC nanofibers provided a three fold higher recognition ability for quercetin than quercetin-imprinted nanospheres. This technique can be easily used to combine two fascinating materials like BC nanofibers and molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) to afford promising polymer composites that are useful in various innovative applications in biomedical, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors.
Learning with Disney
Authors: Whitley David
Published: November 2013

This article reconsiders the concept of innocence in relation to animated films for children, focusing particularly on Disney but additionally drawing on examples from other traditions. The author argues that the notion of innocence within these films is potentially double-edged, encompassing both actively transformative and more vulnerable, passive properties. Children's animation is not simply culturally conservative, however, but also rehearses other possibilities, often in a playful form. The article suggests that what children learn from Disney and other animated films is shaped in complex ways by responses to the quality of innocence with which such films are so often imbued.
On the Efficacy of PCM to Shave Peak Temperature of Crystalline Photovoltaic Panels: An FDM Model and Field Validation
Authors: Lo Brano Valerio , Ciulla Giuseppina , Piacentino Antonio , Cardona Fabio
Published: November 2013

The exploitation of renewable energy sources and specifically photovoltaic (PV) devices have been showing significant growth; however, for a more effective development of this technology it is essential to have higher energy conversion performances. PV producers often declare a higher efficiency respect to real conditions and this deviation is mainly due to the difference between nominal and real temperature conditions of the PV. In order to improve the solar cell energy conversion efficiency many authors have proposed a methodology to keep the temperature of a PV system lower: a modified crystalline PV system built with a normal PV panel coupled with a Phase Change Material (PCM) heat storage device. In this paper a thermal model analysis of the crystalline PV-PCM system based on a theoretical study using finite difference approach is described. The authors developed an algorithm based on an explicit finite difference formulation of energy balance of the crystalline PV-PCM system. Two sets of recursive equations were developed for two types of spatial domains: a boundary domain and an internal domain. The reliability of the developed model is tested by a comparison with data coming from a test facility. The results of numerical simulations are in good agreement with experimental data.
Rapid Biogas Production by Compact Multi-Layer Membrane Bioreactor: Efficiency of Synthetic Polymeric Membranes
Authors: Youngsukkasem Supansa , Barghi Hamidreza , Rakshit Sudip , Taherzadeh Mohammad
Published: November 2013

Entrapment of methane-producing microorganisms between semi-permeable synthetic membranes in a multi-layer membrane bioreactor (MMBR) was studied and compared to the digestion capacity of a free-cell digester, using a hydraulic retention time of one day and organic loading rates (OLR) of 3.08, 6.16, and 8.16 g COD/L·day. The reactor was designed to retain bacterial cells with uprising plug flow through a narrow tunnel between membrane layers, in order to acquire maximal mass transfer in a compact bioreactor. Membranes of hydrophobic polyamide 46 (PA) and hydroxyethylated polyamide 46 (HPA) as well as a commercial membrane of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) were examined. While the bacteria in the free-cell digester were washed out, the membrane bioreactor succeeded in retaining them. Cross-flow of the liquid through the membrane surface and diffusion of the substrate through the membranes, using no extra driving force, allowed the bacteria to receive nutrients and to produce biogas. However, the choice of membrane type was crucial. Synthesized hydrophobic PA membrane was not effective for this purpose, producing 50–121 mL biogas/day, while developed HPA membrane and the reference PVDF were able to transfer the nutrients and metabolites while retaining the cells, producing 1102–1633 and 1016–1960 mL biogas/day, respectively.
Evaluation of Different CH4-CO2 Replacement Processes in Hydrate-Bearing Sediments by Measuring P-Wave Velocity
Authors: Liu Bei , Pan Heng , Wang Xiaohui , Li Fengguang , Sun Changyu , Chen Guangjin
Published: November 2013

The replacement of methane with carbon dioxide in natural gas hydrate-bearing sediments is considered a promising technology for simultaneously recovering natural gas and entrapping CO2. During the CH4-CO2 replacement process, the variations of geophysical property of the hydrate reservoir need to be adequately known. Since the acoustic wave velocity is an important geophysical property, in this work, the variations of P-wave velocity of hydrate-bearing sediments were measured during different CH4-CO2 replacement processes using pure gaseous CO2 and CO2/N2 gas mixtures. Our experimental results show that P-wave velocity continually decreased during all replacement processes. Compared with injecting pure gaseous CO2, injection of CO2/N2 mixture can promote the replacement process, however, it is found that the sediment experiences a loss of stiffness during the replacement process, especially when using CO2/N2 gas mixtures.
Occupational Pesticide Exposures and Respiratory Health
Authors: Ye Ming , Beach Jeremy , Martin Jonathan , Senthilselvan Ambikaipakan
Published: November 2013

Pesticides have been widely used to control pest and pest-related diseases in agriculture, fishery, forestry and the food industry. In this review, we identify a number of respiratory symptoms and diseases that have been associated with occupational pesticide exposures. Impaired lung function has also been observed among people occupationally exposed to pesticides. There was strong evidence for an association between occupational pesticide exposure and asthma, especially in agricultural occupations. In addition, we found suggestive evidence for a link between occupational pesticide exposure and chronic bronchitis or COPD. There was inconclusive evidence for the association between occupational pesticide exposure and lung cancer. Better control of pesticide uses and enforcement of safety behaviors, such as using personal protection equipment (PPE) in the workplace, are critical for reducing the risk of developing pesticide-related symptoms and diseases. Educational training programs focusing on basic safety precautions and proper uses of personal protection equipment (PPE) are possible interventions that could be used to control the respiratory diseases associated with pesticide exposure in occupational setting.
Regenerative Medicine for Epilepsy: From Basic Research to Clinical Application
Authors: Yasuhara Takao , Agari Takashi , Kameda Masahiro , Kondo Akihiko , Kuramoto Satoshi , Jing Meng , Sasaki Tatsuya , Toyoshima Atsuhiko , Sasada Susumu , Sato Kenichiro , Shinko Aiko , Wakamori Takaaki , Okuma Yu , Miyoshi Yasuyuki , Tajiri Naoki , Borlongan Cesario , Date Isao
Published: November 2013

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder, which presents with various forms of seizures. Traditional treatments, including medication using antiepileptic drugs, remain the treatment of choice for epilepsy. Recent development in surgical techniques and approaches has improved treatment outcomes. However, several epileptic patients still suffer from intractable seizures despite the advent of the multimodality of therapies. In this article, we initially provide an overview of clinical presentation of epilepsy then describe clinically relevant animal models of epilepsy. Subsequently, we discuss the concepts of regenerative medicine including cell therapy, neuroprotective agents, and electrical stimulation, which are reviewed within the context of our data.
Tyrosol and Its Analogues Inhibit Alpha-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone Induced Melanogenesis
Authors: Wen Kuo-Ching , Chang Chih-Shiang , Chien Yin-Chih , Wang Hsiao-Wen , Wu Wan-Chen , Wu Chin-Sheng , Chiang Hsiu-Mei
Published: November 2013

Melanin is responsible for skin color and plays a major role in defending against harmful external factors such as ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Tyrosinase is responsible for the critical steps of melanogenesis, including the rate-limiting step of tyrosine hydroxylation. The mechanisms of action of skin hypopigmenting agents are thought to be based on the ability of a given agent to inhibit the activity of tyrosinase and, hence, down regulate melanin synthesis. Tyrosol and its glycoside, salidroside, are active components of Rhodiola rosea, and in our preliminary study we found that Rhodiola rosea extract inhibited melanogenesis. In this study, we examined the effects of tyrosol and its analogues on melanin synthesis. We found that treatment of B16F0 cells to tyrosol (1), 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (5), 3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (6), 2-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (7), or salidroside (11) resulted in a reduction in melanin content and inhibition of tyrosinase activity as well as its expression. Tyrosol (1), 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (5) and 2-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (7) suppressed MC1R expression. Tyrosol (1), 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (5), 3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (6), and 2-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (7) inhibited α-MSH induced TRP-1 expression, but salidroside (11) did not. All the compounds did not affect MITF and TRP-2 expression. Furthermore, we found that the cell viability of tyrosol (1), 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (5), 3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (6), and 2-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (7) at concentrations below 4 mM and salidroside (11) at concentrations below 0.5 mM were higher than 90%. The compounds exhibited metal-coordinating interactions with copper ion in molecular docking with tyrosinase. Our results suggest that tyrosol, 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, 3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, 2-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, and salidroside are potential hypopigmenting agents.
Effectiveness of a Reduced-Risk Insecticide Based Bed Bug Management Program in Low-Income Housing
Authors: Singh Narinderpal , Wang Changlu , Cooper Richard
Published: November 2013

Bed bug (Cimex lectularius L.) infestations are becoming increasingly common in low-income communities. Once they are introduced, elimination is very difficult. As part of the efforts to develop effective and safe bed bug management programs, we conducted a laboratory study evaluating the efficacy of a reduced-risk insecticide—Alpine aerosol (0.5% dinotefuran). We then conducted a field evaluation of a reduced-risk insecticide based integrated pest management (IPM) program in low-income family apartments with young children. In laboratory evaluations, direct spray and 5 min exposure to dry Alpine aerosol residue caused 100.0 ± 0.0 and 91.7 ± 8.3% mortality to bed bug nymphs, respectively. Direct Alpine aerosol spray killed 91.3 ± 4.3% of the eggs. The IPM program included education, steam, bagging infested linens, placing intercepting devices under furniture legs and corners of rooms, applying Alpine aerosol and Alpine dust (0.25% dinotefuran, 95% diatomaceous earth dust), and regularly scheduled monitoring and re-treatment. Nine apartments ranging from 1–1,428 (median: 29) bed bugs based on visual inspection and Climbup interceptor counts were included. Over a 6-month period, an average 172 g insecticide (Alpine aerosol + Alpine dust) was used in each apartment, a 96% reduction in pesticide usage compared to chemical only treatment reported in a similar environment. The IPM program resulted in an average of 96.8 ± 2.2% reduction in the number of bed bugs. However, elimination of bed bugs was only achieved in three lightly infested apartments (<30 bed bugs at the beginning). Elimination success was closely correlated with the level of bed bug populations.
Shellfish Toxins Targeting Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels
Authors: Zhang Fan , Xu Xunxun , Li Tingting , Liu Zhonghua
Published: November 2013

Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) play a central role in the generation and propagation of action potentials in excitable neurons and other cells and are targeted by commonly used local anesthetics, antiarrhythmics, and anticonvulsants. They are also common targets of neurotoxins including shellfish toxins. Shellfish toxins are a variety of toxic secondary metabolites produced by prokaryotic cyanobacteria and eukaryotic dinoflagellates in both marine and fresh water systems, which can accumulate in marine animals via the food chain. Consumption of shellfish toxin-contaminated seafood may result in potentially fatal human shellfish poisoning. This article provides an overview of the structure, bioactivity, and pharmacology of shellfish toxins that act on VGSCs, along with a brief discussion on their pharmaceutical potential for pain management.
Phenolic Composition, Antioxidant Activity and Anti-Adipogenic Effect of Hot Water Extract from Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) Seed
Authors: Yu Seok-Yeong , Lee Young-Jun , Kim Jong-Dai , Kang Suk-Nam , Lee Seong-Kap , Jang Jung-Young , Lee Hyo-Ku , Lim Jeong-Ho , Lee Ok-Hwan
Published: November 2013

This study was to evaluate the phenolic content and composition of Carthamus tinctorius L. seed extract (CSE) and to further assess its antioxidant and anti-adipogenic activities using various radical scavenging systems and 3T3-L1 cells. Our results show that the total phenolic and flavonoid contents of CSE were 126.0 ± 2.4 mg GAE/g and 62.2 ± 1.9 mg QE/g, respectively. The major phenolic compounds in CSE was (−)-epigallocatechin (109.62 mg/g), with a 4-hydroxy benzhydrazide derivative and gallocatechin present at 18.28 mg/g and 17.02 mg/g, respectively. CSE exhibited remarkable radical scavenging activities, FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) and reducing power in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) value of CSE (0.1 mg/mL) was 62.9 ± 4.7 μM TE (trolox equivalent)/g. During adipogenesis, CSE significantly inhibited fat accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells compared with control cells. Overall, these results indicate that CSE might be a valuable source of bioactive compounds that impart functional food and natural antioxidant properties.
Pharmacy Student Perceptions of Pharmacist Prescribing: A Comparison Study
Authors: Charrois Theresa , Rosenthal Meagen , Hoti Kreshnik , Hughes Christine
Published: November 2013

Several jurisdictions throughout the world, such as the UK and Canada, now have independent prescribing by pharmacists. In some areas of Canada, initial access prescribing can be done by pharmacists. In contrast, Australian pharmacists have no ability to prescribe either in a supplementary or independent model. Considerable research has been completed regarding attitudes towards pharmacist prescribing from the perspective of health care professionals, however currently no literature exists regarding pharmacy student views on prescribing. The primary objective of this study is to examine pharmacy student’s opinions and attitudes towards pharmacist prescribing in two different settings. Focus groups were conducted with selected students from two universities (one in Canada and one in Australia). Content analysis was conducted. Four main themes were identified: benefits, fears, needs and pharmacist roles. Students from the Australian University were more accepting of the role of supplementary prescribing. In contrast, the Canadian students felt that independent prescribing was moving the profession in the right direction. There were a number of similarities with the two groups with regards to benefits and fears. Although the two cohorts differed in terms of their beliefs on many aspects of prescribing, there were similarities in terms of fears of physician backlash and blurring of professional roles.
Aptamer-Based Analysis: A Promising Alternative for Food Safety Control
Authors: Amaya-González Sonia , De-los-Santos-Álvarez Noemí , Miranda-Ordieres Arturo , Lobo-Castañón María
Published: November 2013

Ensuring food safety is nowadays a top priority of authorities and professional players in the food supply chain. One of the key challenges to determine the safety of food and guarantee a high level of consumer protection is the availability of fast, sensitive and reliable analytical methods to identify specific hazards associated to food before they become a health problem. The limitations of existing methods have encouraged the development of new technologies, among them biosensors. Success in biosensor design depends largely on the development of novel receptors with enhanced affinity to the target, while being stable and economical. Aptamers fulfill these characteristics, and thus have surfaced as promising alternatives to natural receptors. This Review describes analytical strategies developed so far using aptamers for the control of pathogens, allergens, adulterants, toxins and other forbidden contaminants to ensure food safety. The main progresses to date are presented, highlighting potential prospects for the future.
Noninvasive High-Throughput Single-Cell Analysis of HIV Protease Activity Using Ratiometric Flow Cytometry
Authors: Gaber Rok , Majerle Andreja , Jerala Roman , Benčina Mojca
Published: November 2013

To effectively fight against the human immunodeficiency virus infection/ acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) epidemic, ongoing development of novel HIV protease inhibitors is required. Inexpensive high-throughput screening assays are needed to quickly scan large sets of chemicals for potential inhibitors. We have developed a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based, HIV protease-sensitive sensor using a combination of a fluorescent protein pair, namely mCerulean and mCitrine. Through extensive in vitro characterization, we show that the FRET-HIV sensor can be used in HIV protease screening assays. Furthermore, we have used the FRET-HIV sensor for intracellular quantitative detection of HIV protease activity in living cells, which more closely resembles an actual viral infection than an in vitro assay. We have developed a high-throughput method that employs a ratiometric flow cytometry for analyzing large populations of cells that express the FRET-HIV sensor. The method enables FRET measurement of single cells with high sensitivity and speed and should be used when subpopulation-specific intracellular activity of HIV protease needs to be estimated. In addition, we have used a confocal microscopy sensitized emission FRET technique to evaluate the usefulness of the FRET-HIV sensor for spatiotemporal detection of intracellular HIV protease activity.
A Table-Shaped Tactile Sensor for Detecting Triaxial Force on the Basis of Strain Distribution
Authors: Lee Jeong , Kim Min-Gyu , Shikida Mitsuhiro , Sato Kazuo
Published: November 2013

A slim and flexible tactile sensor applicable to the interaction of human and intelligent robots is presented. In particular, a simple sensing principle for decoupling of three-dimensional force is proposed. Sensitivity of the proposed tactile sensor is tested experimentally. To improve the sensitivity of the sensor, a table-shaped sensing element was designed. Table-shaped structure can convert an external acting force into concentrated internal stress. A “triaxial force decoupling algorithm” was developed by combining two-dimensional mapping data calculated by finite element analysis. The sensor was calibrated under normal and tangential forces. The external loads applied to the sensor could be decoupled independently as a function of the strain-gauge responses.
Capability for Fine Tuning of the Refractive Index Sensing Properties of Long-Period Gratings by Atomic Layer Deposited Al2O3 Overlays
Authors: Śmietana Mateusz , Myśliwiec Marcin , Mikulic Predrag , Witkowski Bartłomiej , Bock Wojtek
Published: November 2013

This work presents an application of thin aluminum oxide (Al2O3) films obtained using atomic layer deposition (ALD) for fine tuning the spectral response and refractive-index (RI) sensitivity of long-period gratings (LPGs) induced in optical fibers. The technique allows for an efficient and well controlled deposition at monolayer level (resolution ~ 0.12 nm) of excellent quality nano-films as required for optical sensors. The effect of Al2O3 deposition on the spectral properties of the LPGs is demonstrated experimentally and numerically. We correlated both the increase in Al2O3 thickness and changes in optical properties of the film with the shift of the LPG resonance wavelength and proved that similar films are deposited on fibers and oxidized silicon reference samples in the same process run. Since the thin overlay effectively changes the distribution of the cladding modes and thus also tunes the device’s RI sensitivity, the tuning can be simply realized by varying number of cycles, which is proportional to thickness of the high-refractive-index (n > 1.6 in infrared spectral range) Al2O3 film. The advantage of this approach is the precision in determining the film properties resulting in RI sensitivity of the LPGs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that an ultra-precise method for overlay deposition has been applied on LPGs for RI tuning purposes and the results have been compared with numerical simulations based on LP mode approximation.