bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Particle Size and Chitosan Loading on Post-Combustion Carbon Dioxide Capture of Chitosan-Coated Natural Zeolite Adsorbent
Authors: Tan Dominique Jan Bacalso , Pajarito Bryan B.
Published: March 2018

This study investigated the effect of particle size and chitosan loading on the performance of chitosan-coated natural zeolite adsorbent in post-combustion carbon dioxide capture. The adsorbents were prepared in 3 levels of average particle size (0.75 mm, 1.5 mm and 2 mm) of natural zeolite and 4 levels of chitosan loading (0, 15, 30 and 45 wt% of natural zeolite) using a simple coating procedure. The adsorbents were characterized using infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. The capture performance of the adsorbent was measured in terms of breakthrough time. The change in chemical properties, surface morphology and thermal characteristics of natural zeolite confirms the successful coating of chitosan. The mean breakthrough time increases with decreasing particle size and increasing chitosan loading up to 15 wt% of natural zeolite.
Wear Resistance Improvement by Nanostructured Surface Layer Produced by Burnishing
Authors: Kato Hirotaka , Ueki Hiroto , Yamamoto Keitaro , Yasunaga Kazufumi
Published: March 2018

Burnishing, which is one of the most powerful processes for microstructural evolution, was performed by a cemented carbide ball (6 mm in diameter) that was loaded and fed on the flat surface of a rotating disk specimen of carbon steel using a lathe machine. The effects of burnishing process parameters such as force and rotation speed on the surface roughness, microstructure and hardness were investigated. In addition the dry sliding wear properties of the burnished surface layers were studied using a ball-on-disk friction method. It was found that the burnished surface was much smoother than as-turned surface (before burnishing) owing to the plastic flow of the surface asperities through the rubbing motion of the burnishing ball. Nanostructure in the 30 - 50 nm grain size range was formed in the burnished sub-surface layer, and the hardness significantly increased due to the grain refinement. The nanocrystalline microstructure was observed at high burnishing forces and speeds owing to the high strain and strain rate of the friction-induced plastic deformation. Moreover the burnishing process reduced the specific wear rates by a factor of six. Thus we concluded that the wear resistance of carbon steel can be significantly improved by burnishing due to the smooth surface and nanostructured sub-surface layers.
Preparation and Characterization of Poly(Lactic Acid) (PLA)/Polyoxymethylene (POM) Blends
Authors: Haniff Muhammad , Bijarimi Mohd , Zaidi M.S. , Sahrim Ahmad
Published: March 2018

PLA has limited applications due to its inherent brittleness, toughness and low elongation at break. One of the options for improvement is through blending with polyoxymethylene (POM). Melt blending of polylactic acid (PLA) and polyoxymethylene (POM) at 90/10 PLA/POM composition was carried out in a twin-screw extruder. The PLA/POM was loaded with 1 – 5 wt.% of nanoclay (Cloisite C20). The blends were then characterized for mechanical, morphological, chemical and thermal properties. It was found that tensile strength, Young's modulus, and elongation at break improved when the loadings of nanoclay were increased. Chemical analysis by FTIR revealed that PLA/POM blend is immiscible.
Reutilizing Sediment Soil Wastes from Water Supply Treatment Process as Replacement Materials of Non-Fired Wall Tiles
Authors: Wangrakdiskul Ubolrat , Neamlut Rachanon
Published: March 2018

Sediment soil is the wastes from water supply treatment process. It leads the high burden of disposal cost to the metropolitan waterworks authority. Utilizing of sediment soil has been studied. Likewise, this research aims to utilize the sediment soil, wastes of water supply treatment process for producing non-fired wall tiles. In the experiment, four types of raw materials have been employed consisting of sediment soil, laterite soil, Portland cement type 1 and fluvial sand. Constructed formulas have been divided into two groups. Substitution of sediment soil for laterite soil is the first group, and substitution for fluvial sand is the second group. After mixing the raw materials of all formulas, forming specimens by uni-axial pressing at 100 bars with dimension 100x50x8 mm. have been carried out. Then, they have been sprayed and aged for 7, 28, and 60 days at room temperature. After that, testing the specimens’ properties has been performed based on TIS 2508-2555 standard. The formula contains 10% of sediment soil wastes offering the highest bending strength 7.51 Mpa, and 6.87% water absorption at 60-day aging. The experimental results show that adding the sediment soil to the basic composition has an effect on the bending strength and water absorption. The water absorption property can pass standard TIS 2508-2555, and bending strength nearly passes the standard. Energy saving cost has been compared with fired wall tiles at 850°C. It can save cost by $13 USD/cycle/day In addition, imaging analysis using Scanning Electron Microscopy has been employed for analysing the microstructure of specimens at different curing age for 7, 28, and 60 days.
MTOR Suppresses Environmental Particle-Induced Inflammatory Response in Macrophages
Authors: Li Zhouyang , Wu Yinfang , Chen Hai-Pin , Zhu Chen , Dong Lingling , Wang Yong , Liu Huiwen , Xu Xuchen , Zhou Jiesen , Wu Yanping , Li Wen , Ying Songmin , Shen Huahao , Chen Zhi-Hua
Published: March 2018

Increasing toxicological and epidemiological studies have demonstrated that ambient particulate matter (PM) could cause adverse health effects including inflammation in the lung. Alveolar macrophages represent a major type of innate immune responses to foreign substances. However, the detailed mechanisms of inflammatory responses induced by PM exposure in macrophages are still unclear. We observed that coarse PM treatment rapidly activated mechanistic target of rapamycin (MTOR) in mouse alveolar macrophages in vivo, and in cultured mouse bone marrow–derived macrophages, mouse peritoneal macrophages, and RAW264.7 cells. Pharmacological inhibition or genetic knockdown of MTOR in bone marrow–derived macrophages leads to an amplified cytokine production upon PM exposure, and mice with specific knockdown of MTOR or ras homolog enriched in brain in myeloid cells exhibit significantly aggregated airway inflammation. Mechanistically, PM activated MTOR through modulation of ERK, AKT serine/threonine kinase 1, and tuberous sclerosis complex signals, whereas MTOR deficiency further enhanced the PM-induced necroptosis and activation of subsequent NF κ light-chain–enhancer of activated B cells (NFKB) signaling. Inhibition of necroptosis or NFKB pathways significantly ameliorated PM-induced inflammatory response in MTOR-deficient macrophages. The present study thus demonstrates that MTOR serves as an early adaptive signal that suppresses the PM-induced necroptosis, NFKB activation, and inflammatory response in lung macrophages, and suggests that activation of MTOR or inhibition of necroptosis in macrophages may represent novel therapeutic strategies for PM-related airway disorders.
The role of pemetrexed in recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer: A scoping review
Authors: Roche Michael , Parisi Laura , Li Linda , Knehans Amy , Phaeton Rebecca , Kesterson Joshua P.
Published: March 2018

Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of mortality among gynecologic malignancies, with most cases diagnosed at an advanced stage. Despite an initial response, most develop a recurrence and subsequent resistance to standard therapies. Pemetrexed (AlimtaTM) is a new generation multi-targeted antifolate initially approved for the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma. In recent years, it has shown promise in the treatment of recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer. In this review, we outline the current literature and discuss the future of pemetrexed in the setting of recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer.
Brugbouer tussen generasies: Koos Roets se samewerkingsnetwerk in die Afrikaanse filmbedryf
Authors: Senekal Burgert A. , Geldenhuys Cornelia
Published: March 2018

Bridge builder between generations: Koos Roets’s cooperation network in the Afrikaans film industry. Koos Roets’s contribution to the Afrikaans film industry is widely recognised. Nevertheless, very little has been published specifically about his role in the Afrikaans film industry, although many studies exist about his collaborators such as Jans Rautenbach and Katinka Heyns. This article investigates Roets’s collaboration network by means of a network analysis, and identifies the persons with whom he collaborated the most, indicating his varied roles on different films. It is also indicated that he not only is and was an important role-player in his own right in this industry, but has also collaborated with many other important role-players in the Afrikaans film industry. He has contributed to Afrikaans films in collaboration with more than a 1000 persons throughout his career of nearly six decades. The directors, producers, sound operators, actors and crew with whom he has collaborated the most are highlighted, and the films on which they worked together are mentioned.
Malignancy Associated Microangiopathic Hemolytic Anemia and Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Abdulla Mansoor C , Alungal Jemshad , Nair Lekha K , Musambil Mohthash
Published: March 2018

Disseminated malignancy can rarely present with microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia clinically similar to thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), but does not respond to plasma exchange. TTP carries a grave prognosis if plasma exchange is delayed. Evaluating patients presenting with microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia is challenging for clinicians. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) should be considered in such patients and emergency plasma exchange is to be initiated. But all the clinical features seen in TTP can be caused by a disseminated malignancy. The awareness of such a rare presentation of disseminated malignancy helps clinicians to avoid unnecessary delay in appropriate treatment and the complications due to plasma exchange. We report two patients who presented with microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia due to disseminated malignancy.
Peculiarities of Yolk Sac Tumor in Head and Neck: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Devaraja K , Sikka Kapil , Singh Pankaj Kumar
Published: March 2018

Yolk sac tumor (YST) is the most common malignant germ cell tumor of head and neck region, constituting around 1% of all malignant germ cells. The rarity of the tumor has led to a relatively sparse collective description of clinical and prognostic factors of such a tumor affecting head and neck region. In this case report with review of the literature, we have highlighted certain peculiar features of YSTs affecting the head and neck region. They seem to commonly affect female children. These tumors seem to fare poorly in children of <1 year of age. Multimodality of treatment consisting of combination chemotherapy with the cisplatin-based regimen and surgery and/or radiotherapy helps in achieving long-term disease-free survival in those affected.
A Rare Nonhepatocytic Primary Liver Neoplasm with an Unusual Presentation: Ossifying Malignant Mixed Epithelial and Stromal Tumor
Authors: Venus Albina , Mehta Sangita Sharma , Natarajan Sumathi
Published: March 2018

We present a case of a rare liver neoplasm – Ossifyimg malignant mixed epithelial and stromal tumor. This entity has well-delineated morphological and immunohistochemical features, and so can be easily diagnosed, even with core biopsy tissue. Our patient was a middle-aged male, which is unheard of in the literature of this disease. He had a bad recurrence of the disease after surgical removal of the tumor, unlike the previously reported cases with the same diagnosis, where the patients lived for almost a decade after surgery without recurrence. This neoplasticdisease can thus take a destructive course, and a change in treatment methods such as neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy should be thought of, to make it more beneficial and effective.
Elevated p63 Expression as an Indicator for Poorer Prognosis in Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Oral Cavity: An Immunohistochemical Study
Authors: Venkatesh Arvind , Wadhwan Vijay , Aggarwal Pooja , Reddy Vandana , Sharma Preeti , Gotur Suhasini Palakshappa , Saxena Chitrapriya
Published: March 2018

Background: Oral cancer remains one of the most debilitating and disfiguring of all malignancies. The survival rates for oral cancer vary, depending on several factors. Although p63 is an accepted prognostic marker in various other carcinomas, no consensus has been obtained till date regarding the applicability of p63 as a prognostic marker in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). Aim and Objectives: The present study was conducted to determine the applicability of p63 as a prognostic marker in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) using incisional biopsies. Materials and Methods: Incisional biopsies of 27 candidates who were histopathologically diagnosed with SCC (8070/3) of the oral cavity (C06.9) (OSCC) between January 2013 and June 2014 were included in the trial. Sections were subjected to immunohistochemistry with p63 as the primary antibody. The percentage p63 expression was calculated and compared based on their Broders' and Anneroth's multifactorial grading systems with the overall survival status of the patients. Results and Observations: A statistically significant increase (P = 0.0203) was found between p63 expression and the histological grading of the tumor (from Grade I OSCC to Grade III OSCC). Similarly, a statistically significant correlation (P = 0.013) was obtained between mean Anneroth score (MAS) and the Broders' grading. Log-rank (Mantel-Cox) test showed statistical significance for the survival curves when the candidates were classified based on % p63 expression (P = 0.0049) and MAS (P = 0.0003). Conclusion: We have shown expression of p63 to correlate with survival in OSCCs, where high expression was seen in tumors with poorer survival after treatment. Furthermore, the usage and importance of Anneroth's multifactorial grading system over Broders' grading system in routine histopathological reporting for incisional biopsies of OSCCs is stressed.
Bowel Lymphoma in Children: Management and Outcome
Authors: Veerabhadra R , Kumar G Krishna , Bibekanand J , Kumar N Bikash , Kumaravel S , Bhawana B , Biswajit D
Published: March 2018

Background: Primary bowel lymphoma is an uncommon neoplasm in children and not well documented in literature with regard to its outcome and management. Materials and Methods: A case record review of children with bowel lymphoma was undertaken in a tertiary care institute, from 2010 to 2016 and the relevant data were recorded. Results: 21 children were managed with bowel lymphoma over a period of 7 years. Pain abdomen was the most common presenting symptom (19/21). Ileum was the site of involvement in most children (17/21). Localised disease was seen in 13/21 while 8 had diffuse involvement. Predominantly (13/21) children presented at an advanced stage (III/IV). Surgical intervention was needed in 14/21 while 7/21 were managed only with chemotherapy. Majority (15/21) had Burkitt's lymphoma on histology. 13 of 21 (61.9%) have completed chemotherapy and on regular follow up. Among 8 who died, 6 were directly related to disease progression despite aggressive management. Conclusion: Bowel lymphoma in children is distinctly different in the site of presentation from that of the adults. Advanced stage at presentation portends poor prognosis. Bowel lymphoma is to be considered in case of recurrent intussusception in children.
On normal subgroups of the braided Thompson groups
Authors: Zaremsky Matthew C.B.
Published: March 2018

We inspect the normal subgroup structure of the braided Thompson groups

V_{\mathrm{br}}

and

F_{\mathrm{br}}

. We prove that every proper normal subgroup of

V_{\mathrm{br}}

lies in the kernel of the natural quotient

V_{\mathrm{br}} \twoheadrightarrow V

, and we exhibit some families of interesting such normal subgroups. For

F_{\mathrm{br}}

, we prove that for any normal subgroup

N

of

F_{\mathrm{br}}

, either

N

is contained in the kernel of

F_{\mathrm{br}} \twoheadrightarrow F

, or else

N

contains

[F_{\mathrm{br}},F_{\mathrm{br}}]

. We also compute the Bieri–Neumann–Strebel invariant

\Sigma^1(F_{\mathrm{br}})

, which is a useful tool for understanding normal subgroups containing the commutator subgroup.
Envelopes and covers for groups
Authors: Estrada Sergio , Rodríguez José L.
Published: March 2018

We connect work done by Enochs, Rada and Hill in module approximation theory with work undertaken by several group theorists and algebraic topologists in the context of homotopical localization and cellularization of spaces. This allows one to consider envelopes and covers of arbitrary groups. We show some characterizing results for certain classes of groups, and present some open questions.
Twitter weather warnings: Communicating risk in 140 characters—the impact of imperative and declarative message style on weather risk perception and behavioral intentions
Authors: Rainear, MA Adam M. , Lachlan, PhD Kenneth A. , Spence, PhD Patric R.
Published: March 2018

Understanding how individuals utilize risk messages is important for protecting lives and gaining compliance toward safe behaviors. Recent advances in technology afford users with timeliness when needing to acquire information, and research investigating imperative and declarative message styles suggests utilizing both strategies is most effective. Similarly, the element of time can play a role when an individual engages in certain behaviors. This study employed an experimental design to better understand how imperative and declarative tweets, and time can contribute to risk perceptions and behavioral intentions. Results indicate the most negative affect is experienced after receiving an imperative-only tweet in a short-lead time condition, whereas a tweet utilizing both message styles in a long-lead time condition induces the most fear. Future research should investigate stylistic message elements on new media platforms to better understand how messages can be effectively sent and received by the intended audience within character-limited platforms.
Controlling disasters: Local emergency management perceptions about Federal Emergency Management and Homeland Security actions after September 11, 2001
Authors: Hildebrand, PhD Sean
Published: March 2018

This article examines local emergency manager's beliefs regarding control over tasks during various stages of the hazard cycle since federal policies went into effect following the September 11 attacks. The study considers whether a disparity exists between the actions of local officials during each phase of the “hazard cycle” and the policy expectations of the federal government, which call for greater federal control over activities in emergency management and homeland security. To do so, hypothesis testing investigates the jurisdiction's use of comprehensive emergency management (CEM) practices, the perceived “clarity” of the federal policy demands, and if the local actors feel coerced to comply with federal policy demands so that grant funding is not compromised. Using a model developed from “third-generation” policy implementation research, the results show that the odds of local officials citing federal control over these actions have very limited statistical significance. This signals that the perceived lack of local input into the development of these federal policies and the policies’ limited use of traditional CEM measures may not be in concert with what local actors perform in the field. Simply put, the respondents claim to understand the federal policy demands, support the concept of federal control as the policies describe, yet follow their own plans or traditional CEM principles, even if such actions do not support the federal policy demands. These results align with pre-existing research in the emergency management field that show issues with efforts to centralize policies under the Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency.
In situ high-temperature gas sensors: continuous monitoring of the combustion quality of different wood combustion systems and optimization of combustion process
Authors: Kohler Heinz , Ojha Binayak , Illyaskutty Navas , Hartmann Ingo , Thiel Christian , Eisinger Konrad , Dambacher Markus
Published: March 2018

Abstract. The sensing characteristics and long-term stability of different
kinds of CO ∕ HC gas sensors (non-Nernstian mixed potential type) during
in situ operation in flue gas from different types of low-power
combustion systems (wood-log- and wood-chip-fuelled) were investigated. The
sensors showed representative but individual sensing behaviour with respect to
characteristically varying flue gas composition over the combustion process.
The long-term sensor signal stability evaluated by repeated exposure to
CO ∕ H2 ∕ N2 ∕ synthetic air mixtures showed no sensitivity loss
after operation in the flue gas. Particularly for one of the sensors
(Heraeus GmbH), this high signal stability was observed in a field
test experiment even during continuous operation in the flue gas of the
wood-chip firing system over 4 months. Furthermore, it was experimentally
shown that the signals of these CO ∕ HC sensing elements yield important
additional information about the wood combustion process. This was
demonstrated by the adaptation of an advanced combustion airstream control
algorithm on a wood-log-fed fireplace and by the development of a combustion
quality monitoring system for wood-chip-fed central heaters.
Western Faculty Profile: Dr. Douglas Hamilton
Authors: Zhou Kevin X
Published: March 2018

Dr. Douglas Hamilton is an Assistant Dean for Research and Associate Professor in Oral Biology and Anatomy & Cell Biology at the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry. Hamilton completed his Ph.D. at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. His research is in the field of cell biology, biomaterials, and tissue engineering, with a focus on how the surface features of different implant materials affect cell behavior. Dr. Hamilton was interviewed for his professional and personal insights on how undergraduates can begin their journey into scientific research.
Evolutionary GEM: The Evolution of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Tu Jaiden , Gray Patricia M.
Published: March 2018

Since 1961, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has evolved through both single locus gene variation and horizontal gene transfer. By the late 1970s, the emergence of new SCCmec allotypes marked the beginning of a worldwide MRSA pandemic. The continuous and rapid evolution of MRSA, in response to new antibiotics, remains a major public health issue worldwide.
Western Faculty Profile: Dr. Andrew Pruszynski
Authors: Carlos Joselia
Published: March 2018

Dr. Andrew Pruszynski is an assistant professor in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Western Ontario. He currently teaches a few undergraduate courses offered in the department and has been appointed Tier 2 Canada Research Chair of Sensorimotor Neuroscience. His research interests lie in the neural mechanisms that occur during sensory perception and motor control. Joselia Carlos, a WURJHNS representative, had the pleasure of interviewing him to learn more about his career in research.
Irracionalidad, barbarie y violencia en el "De ira" de Séneca: una lectura política
Authors: Pajón Leyra Ignacio
Published: March 2018

La filosofía de Séneca reserva un lugar especial al tratamiento de las pasiones como principal escollo para alcanzar la sabiduría y, en especial, a la ira como la más temible de todas ellas. La lectura principal de su tratado sobre el tema, el De ira, lo interpreta como un manual ético individual para llegar a ser sabio. Sin embargo, el presente artículo profundiza en otro modo de enfocar dicho texto: encuadrar su lectura en la discusión sobre la virtud de la valentía. De este modo, la ira en Séneca se revela como una cuestión social que afecta tanto a las comunidades políticas como a los individuos aislados.
"Ornithorhynchus paradoxus": la recepción de la filosofía de Arthur Schopenhauer entre 1818 y 1848
Authors: Del Estal Sánchez Héctor
Published: March 2018

Este trabajo pretende examinar la recepción de la filosofía de Arthur Schopenhauer en el período comprendido entre 1818 y 1848, y con ello contribuir a una desmitificación sobre la fortuna del pensamiento de este filósofo en estas tres décadas anteriores al comienzo de su fama. Para ello, tras ofrecer una imagen general del mito personal que ha marcado una buena parte de la tradición historiográfica y según el cual su filosofía habría sido silenciada o ignorada (1), presentaremos, mediante el análisis de las noticias que de ella dieron sus contemporáneos en reseñas, historias de la filosofía o enciclopedias, las cuatro líneas fundamentales de su recepción: una lectura que hizo hincapié en los rasgos orientales de su filosofía (2), una interpretación en clave idealista que acusaba una falta de originalidad en ella (3), una comunidad académica que la situaba en contra “del espíritu de la época” por el papel subalterno de la razón frente a la voluntad (4) y, por último, la aparición de sus primeros seguidores (5).
Band and Orchestra Teachers’ Primary Instrument Playing Inside and Outside the Classroom
Authors: Millican J. Si , Pellegrino Kristen
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this descriptive survey study was to investigate trends, characteristics, beliefs, and music-making practices of band and orchestra teachers. Respondents (N = 791) indicated that they taught band (n = 525) and/or orchestra (n = 381) at the elementary (n = 306), middle school (n = 493), and/or high school (n = 401) levels. These teachers reported that they (a) played their instruments more frequently for their least-advanced students than for their most-advanced students, (b) most frequently used modeling for their least-advanced students to demonstrate technique and model tone quality, and (c) most frequently used modeling for their most-advanced students to demonstrate musicality or musical style. Directors who played string instruments were more likely than their wind and percussion counterparts to report modeling for their most-advanced students. We also found that middle school directors claimed to model most frequently compared to elementary and high school directors. Respondents valued modeling most for being an effective teaching tool but also found that modeling promoted student engagement and motivation and was a relationship-building tool. Almost all of our respondents (94.9%) reported playing their primary instruments outside of the classroom, and the most frequent reasons were that it was part of their identity, it kept their performing skills sharp in order to model for students, and it contributed to personal satisfaction and well-being. Orchestra directors were more likely to play outside the classroom than band teachers, and orchestral string players were more likely to play outside the classroom than wind, percussion, piano, or guitar principals.
Short communication: Gender and heat stress effects on hypothalamic gene expression and feed intake in broilers
Authors: Khatlab Angélica S. , Del Vesco Ana P. , Goes Elenice R. , Neto Adhemar R. O. , Soares Maria A. M. , Gasparino Eliane
Published: March 2018

Our study aims to evaluate gender and heat stress effects on animal performance and on the expression of five hypothalamic genes related to feed consumption: neuropeptide Y (NPY), ghrelin (GHRL), pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPKα-1), and liver kinase B1 (LKB1). To assay these effects, 42-day-old male and female broilers were maintained in thermal comfort or were subjected to heat stress (HS, 38°C for 24 hours). All animals were fed with diets formulated to meet their nutritional requirements. Broilers subjected to HS showed lower weight gain (p=0.0065) and tended to have lower feed intake (p=0.0687) than broilers kept in comfortable conditions. We observed gender and heat stress interaction effects on NPY (p=0.0225), AMPKα-1 (p=0.0398), and POMC expression (p=0.0072). The highest NPY gene expression was observed in male broilers from the thermal comfort group. Male broilers exposed to HS showed the highest AMPKα-1 gene expression levels. Comparing POMC expression between males and females at the comfortable temperature, we observed that females showed higher POMC expression levels than male broilers. A gender effect was also observed on LKB1 and AMPKα-1 gene expression (p=0.0256 and p=0.0001, respectively); increased expression was observed in male broilers. Our results indicate that the expression of some hypothalamic genes related to food consumption may contribute to the observed differences in voluntary feed intake between animals of different gender exposed to different environmental conditions.
Multisequent Gentzen Deduction Systems For B2 2-Valued First-Order Logic
Authors: Li Wei , Sui Yuefei
Published: March 2018

For the four-element Boolean algebra B22, a multisequent Г|Δ|∑|∏ is a generalization of sequent Г→Δ in traditional B22 valued first-order logic. By defining the truth-values of quantified formulas, a Gentzen deduction system G22 for B22-valued first-order logic will be built and its soundness and completeness theorems will be proved.
Gravitational Mass Dependence on Velocity and the Conservation of Energy in General Relativity
Authors: Hynecek Jaroslav
Published: March 2018

This paper investigates by simple means the relativistic accelerated motion of a small test body in a simulated uniform gravitational like field and compares the predictions of energy loss, perhaps by radiation, obtained from the General Relativity Theory (GRT) and from the Metric Theory of Gravity (MTG). The study is first conducted in a flat Minkowski space-time with simulated constant gravitational like force and later in a true curved space-time with a metric, which, however, is not derived from the GRT. It is found that the gravitational mass dependence on velocity in GRT is not correct, because it predicts a negative loss of energy while the MTG predicts correctly a positive loss. The energy is conserved in a curved space-time free fall where the gravitational mass does not depend on velocity. There can be no energy radiation during the test body free fall in a uniform gravitational field.
Culture Clash in the Multicultural Classroom: A Case Study From a Newcomer School
Authors: Hansen-Thomas Holly , Chennapragada SriPadmini
Published: March 2018

This ethnographic case study of a multicultural/multilingual classroom in a newcomer school describes an incident that occurred among new immigrant English Language Learners from widely diverse backgrounds in a secondary classroom in Texas. Increased numbers of immigrant students in U.S. schools have resulted in classrooms with tremendous diversity in terms of language, ethnicity, culture, religion, among other categories. The incident arose as the result of a clash of cultures and lack of knowledge on the part of students. As a result, an explicit focus on culturally responsive teaching is called for, as is training for teachers in multicultural classrooms regarding the specific demographic backgrounds of their students.
Investigating the Mediation Role of Information Technology (IT) Components in the Relationship between Knowledge Management (KM) Processes and Decision-Making
Authors: Alkhaffaf Maha
Published: March 2018

This paper is focused on providing a justification and rationale for the relationship between Knowledge Management (KM) theories, components of Information Technology (IT), and Decision-Making. A literature review is provided with the aim of examining the potential constructs associated with KM processes and components of IT in order to investigate potential aspects and factors pertaining to Decision-Making. In consideration to the findings garnered through the literature review, a research hypothetical framework was devised, combining the model characteristic constructs of the suggested model. In order to achieve framework validation, a survey was carried out across a total of 182 technical and administrative staff employed by various top and middle levels at a telecommunications organisation in Jordan—notably, Zain. Through the application of PLS Graph software coupled with the Structural Equation Model (SEM), an analysis was completed in consideration to the interrelationships inherent in those latent variables identified, comprising Decision-Making, IT components and KM processes. The findings garnered following the completion of the analysis suggest that there is an entirely mediating role in Knowledge Discovery and Knowledge Update. Furthermore, Knowledge-Sharing and Knowledge Application are, in part, mediating. In contrast, however, the relationship between IT components and Decision-Making are not mediated by Knowledge Capture and Knowledge Storage.This paper has been successful in filling the gap in the literature through garnering and highlighting further empirical evidence pertaining to the effects of KM processes on Decision-Making, with IT components positioned as a mediation construct.
Economic Inefficiencies of Cost-based Electricity Market Designs
Authors: Munoz Francisco D. , Wogrin Sonja , Oren Shmuel S. , Hobbs Benjamin F.
Published: March 2018

Some restructured power systems rely on audited cost information instead of competitive bids for the dispatch and pricing of electricity in real time, particularly in hydro systems in Latin America. Audited costs are also substituted for bids in U.S. markets when local market power is demonstrated to be present. Regulators that favor a cost-based design argue that this is more appropriate for systems with a small number of generation firms because it eliminates the possibilities for generators to behave strategically in the spot market, which is a main concern in bid-based markets. We discuss existing results on market power issues in cost- and bid-based designs and present a counterintuitive example, in which forcing spot prices to be equal to marginal costs in a concentrated market can actually yield lower social welfare than under a bid-based market design due to perverse investment incentives. Additionally, we discuss the difficulty of auditing the true opportunity costs of generators in cost-based markets and how this can lead to distorted dispatch schedules and prices, ultimately affecting the long-term economic efficiency of a system. An important example is opportunity costs that diverge from direct fuel costs due to energy or start limits, or other generator constraints. Most of these arise because of physical and financial inflexibilities that become more relevant with increasing shares of variable and unpredictable generation from renewables.
Investment in Energy Efficiency, Adoption of Renewable Energy and Household Behavior: Evidence from OECD Countries
Authors: Dato Prudence
Published: March 2018

There are possible synergies between the decision to invest in energy efficiency measures and to adopt renewable energy, in the sense that the former reduces energy demand so that the latter can further cut future greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and which has great potential in the residential sector. Much work has been done in the residential sector on demand for clean energy and on investment in energy efficiency, but to our knowledge there is no specific study that investigates the relationship between the two. This paper fills a gap in the literature, and first shows theoretically that there are relationships of substitution or complementarity between the two decisions depending on the threshold of the cross effect related to the environmental motivation of the consumer. Second, the paper empirically shows that the two decisions are positively interrelated due to unobserved characteristics that determine both decisions. Third, the paper provides differential impact of energy poverty, split incentive problem, dwelling characteristics, commitment and trust on the two decisions. Finally, the paper investigates household characteristics that significantly affect the joint adoption of energy efficient and renewable energy technologies. This contribution can serve to define incentive policies to advance the energy transition.
The Role of Attitudes and Marketing in Consumer Behaviours in the British Retail Electricity Market
Authors: Flores Miguel , Price Catherine Waddams
Published: March 2018

We examine characteristics associated with consumer (dis)engagement in the residential electricity market, a topic of increasing policy interest and intervention, introducing consumer attitudes and marketing recall as new factors. General attitudes are closely associated with electricity market activity, with considerable variation in the strength and statistical significance of these relationships, indicating very different motivations amongst consumers. Recall of direct marketing routes has little identifiable effect, while advice of family and friends is influential.We identify implications for communication by both suppliers and policy makers seeking to improve the functioning of such markets, including the necessity for a variety of approaches.
Acquired Resistance to Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancers: The Role of Next-Generation Sequencing on Endobronchial Ultrasound–Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration Samples
Authors: Guerini-Rocco Elena , Passaro Antonio , Casadio Chiara , De Luca Valeria Midolo , Guarize Juliana , de Marinis Filippo , Vacirca Davide , Barberis Massimo
Published: March 2018

Context.—

Molecular testing is essential for the diagnostic workup of patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancers. Cytology specimens from minimally invasive procedures, such as endobronchial ultrasound–guided transbronchial needle aspiration, are often the only available samples for these patients. The implementation of molecular diagnostic testing, and in particular next-generation sequencing–based testing, on these cytologic specimens is currently an evolving field for lung cytopathology. The application of these molecular analyses on tyrosine kinase inhibitor–resistant non–small cell lung cancers raises unique technical, biologic, and clinical challenges.

Objective.—

To provide an overview of the implementation of next-generation sequencing analysis on endobronchial ultrasound–guided transbronchial needle aspiration samples to detect the molecular aberrations underneath the phenomenon of acquired resistance in patients with non–small cell lung cancers progressing while on the EGFR/ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment.

Data Sources.—

Peer-reviewed original articles, review articles, and published guidelines and expert opinion reports were reviewed, together with our single-center experience.

Conclusions.—

Next-generation sequencing analyses and the endobronchial ultrasound–guided transbronchial needle aspiration procedure may represent a valuable strategy to address the unique requirements of molecular testing on tyrosine kinase inhibitor–resistant non–small cell lung cancers.
The Role of Next-Generation Sequencing in the Cytologic Diagnosis of Pancreatic Lesions
Authors: de Biase Dario , Visani Michela , Acquaviva Giorgia , Fornelli Adele , Masetti Michele , Fabbri Carlo , Pession Annalisa , Tallini Giovanni
Published: March 2018

Context.—

Integration of the analysis of genetic markers with endoscopic ultrasound–guided fine-needle aspiration and cytologic evaluation has increased the accuracy of the preoperative diagnosis of pancreatic lesions. The application of high-throughput gene panel analysis using next-generation sequencing platforms is now offering a great opportunity for further improvements.

Objective.—

To review the application of next-generation sequencing to the preoperative diagnosis of pancreatic lesions.

Data Sources.—

For data acquisition, a PubMed search using the terms next-generation sequencing, pancreas, pancreatic lesions, pancreatic tumors, and EUS-FNA was performed covering the years 2000–2017.

Conclusions.—

KRAS remains the gene most widely studied for preoperative single-gene tests. Next-generation sequencing reliably allows analysis of multiple gene markers starting from limited amounts of DNA. The study of multigene panels has become a very attractive option for the management and preoperative risk stratification of patients with pancreatic cancer.
HepG2 Attenuation Induced by RNase A Modulates Gene Profiling and Immunophenotypic Characterization of Some Immune Cells Operating in Cancer Vaccine
Authors: Fatma F. Abdel Hamid  , Mahmoud K. Singer  , Mahmoud N. El-Rouby  , Mahmoud M. Said  , Reda H. Tabashy  , Motawa E. El-Houseini
Published: March 2018

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks as the third leading cause of cancer death. Attempts to induce an effective immune response against cancer by immunotherapeutic intervention, including activation of dendritic cells (DCs), were established. The present study was undertaken to investigate the attenuation of HepG2 cells using ribonuclease enzyme A (RNase A) as a possible biological factor to sensitize allogenic DCs and lymphocytes isolated from Egyptian HCC patients. Attenuation of HepG2 cells resulted in a significant increase in activated DC and T-lymphocyte markers, upregulation of CD44 gene expression and increased lactate dehydrogenase as well as interleukin-12 levels. In contrast, a significant decrease in mature DCs, B-cells, T-helper, cytotoxic T-cells, and NK-cells, as well as LMP-2 gene expression was recorded. In conclusion, the attenuation of HepG2 cells with RNase A and subsequent pulsation to allogenic DCs and lymphocytes caused a differential immune response. Further studies are recommended to explain the role of RNase A in modulating antigen expression on the tumor cell surface.
PtCoNb2O5/graphene as electrocatalyst towards oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline and acidic media
Authors: Kepenienė Virginija , Stagniūnaitė Raminta , Tamašauskaitė-Tamašiūnaitė Loreta , Pakštas Vidas , Norkus Eugenijus
Published: March 2018

The aim of the study was to prepare and to investigate the catalytic activity of the Nb2O5/graphene-supported platinum–cobalt catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline and acidic media. Electrocatalytic properties of the prepared catalyst towards the oxygen reduction reaction were characterized by using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and rotating disk electrode (RDE) linear sweep voltammetry (LSV).
It has been found that the PtCoNb2O5/graphene catalyst shows more positive onset potentials, as well as higher current in the mixed-kineticdiffusion region towards the oxygen reduction reaction in both alkaline and acidic solutions as compared with those for the bare Pt/GR catalyst.
Human Enhancement Ethics and Uncertainty
Authors: Holub Grzegorz
Published: March 2018

This article deals with some uncertainties associated with human enhancement ethics. It presents the latter as a kind of a narrative made up of scientific and philosophical concepts. In the paper it is shown that scientific notions underpinning the human enhancement tendency are burdened with a substantial level of uncertainty, especially when the radical enhancement is considered. On the level of philosophical thinking, we encounter many unresolved questions concerning the understanding of the good and our post human destiny, namely who we want to become and why. This amounts to a high level of uncertainty. However, uncertainties are not utterly useless and destructive. They can play roles of stimulating factors or, at least, they can be helpful in discovering new horizons for our existence. In some situations they can also lead us to realize and appreciate what we possess already.
Staying alive? Navigating Uncertainty in Cancer in Childhood
Authors: Løvschal-Nielsen Pia , Andersen Rikke Sand , Meinert Lotte
Published: March 2018

Abstract In this article we explore how institutions and individuals in Denmark deal with uncertainty of cancer in childhood. Based on a seven months ethnographic fieldwork conducted on a paediatric oncology ward from 2011-2013, we examine how uncertainty and insecurities manifest in the interface between cancer treatment and childhood in the Danish welfare state. We develop our argument theoretically with the American pragmatist philosophy and its ideas that people are responding to a hazardous world in constant transformation. Through a focus on micro practices we explore how uncertainty manifests especially for children and their families, and how they navigate insecurities. Important collective attempts to create some measure of certainty and security are done in treatment practices, but we argue that biomedical practices dealing with uncertainty of cancer paradoxically give rise to existential and social uncertainty among children and their families, which they struggle with, also after the end of cancer treatment, as long-term social effects of cancer in childhood. We suggest that more attention could be paid to assist children in dealing with uncertainty and insecurities imminent to being in cancer treatment in the Danish welfare state and the social effects of this.
Overlooking cancer: Practising cancer diagnostics in the subjunctive mood
Authors: Frumer Michal
Published: March 2018

The paper explores modes of uncertainty, when watching the possible development of signs of lung cancer at a lung cancer outpatient clinic. Based on ethnographic fieldwork at a clinic in Denmark, it is presented how potential signs of lung cancer, termed nodules, on people’s lungs call to be managed due to the hope and aspirations of alleviating cancer. The paper suggests that the significance of the uncertainties of lung nodules is tried out by watching the nodule with follow-up CT scans and opposed by focusing on intervention. Approaching the management of uncertainties as in a subjunctive mood in addition to a focus on cautionary but qualified guessing, the paper proposes that the physicians try out a possible but indeterminate future of cancer, to contain the prognostic and existential uncertainties by acting ‘as if’ cancer will develop. However, in this cautionary managing of cancer doubt and uncertainty, ambiguities are (re-)produced, leaving an interim certainty: This lung nodule is most likely not and may never become cancer. In this sense, the paper argues that how we as humans are practising the management of risk and uncertainty is shared across different, specific locations.
La décision de faire la grève : déterminants théoriques et perceptions syndicales
Authors: HENNEBERT Marc-Antonin , FAULKNER Marcel
Published: March 2018

Dans le contexte du déclin tendanciel du nombre de grèves au Québec et dans une vaste majorité de pays industrialisés, cet article s’intéresse à la décision syndicale de faire grève. Partant de ses principaux déterminants théoriques, les auteurs confrontent ces derniers aux perceptions entretenues à l’égard de la grève par des représentants syndicaux actifs dans les processus de négociation collective du secteur privé québécois. L’analyse des entretiens réalisés dans le cadre de cette étude témoigne tout d’abord d’une forte intégration par les représentants syndicaux des contraintes qui pèsent aujourd’hui sur la pratique de la grève, que celles-ci soient de nature économique, institutionnelle, organisationnelle ou, encore, qu’elles soient relatives aux dynamiques de mobilisation que la grève implique. Si les représentants syndicaux rencontrés ne représentent pas un bloc homogène, cette étude souligne néanmoins la nature plus ambiguë du rapport qu’ils entretiennent désormais à son égard. De manière générale, ce rapport se caractérise par une plus grande prudence qui commande une analyse plus serrée des risques et des avantages associés au déclenchement d’une grève. Les propos de nos répondants permettent toutefois de conclure que la prudence affichée n’est pas une abdication et que la grève constitue toujours un outil important du répertoire de l’action syndicale.