bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum paraoxonase-1 activity of dairy Holstein-Fresian cows in different lactation stages – preliminary study
Authors: Kulka M. , Bełtowski J. , Kluciński W. , Orłowska M. , Kołodziejska J. , Kleczkowski M.
Published: September 2014

The objective of this study was to investigate paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) activity in different lactation stages. The study was conducted on Holstein - Friesian dairy cows in 2nd and 3rd lactation. A significant decrease in paraoxonase activity was found in the postpartum period and during peak of lactation. Serum triglyceride and cholesterol concentration were also markedly reduced during postpartum period. The concentrations of uric acid in serum was 23% higher during lactation peak in comparison with dry and postpartum period. The results indicate that lower serum paraoxonase activity and higher concentration of uric acid are associated with oxidative character of transition period and lipid functional antioxidative protection during intensive milk production.
Is adenomyosis a problem in reproduction and fertility?
Authors: Korzekwa A. , Łupicka M. , Socha B. , Mannelli Ch. , Skarzynski D.J.
Published: September 2014

Adenomyosis is defined as the presence of glandular foci beside the endometrium of uterus: in the myometrium and/or perimetrium depending on the progress of the disorder. So far, adenomyosis has been diagnosed in women and rodents, and studies conducted on cows have been rare. In this review we: (1) summarize the knowledge regarding adenomyosis, (2) compare the symptoms and aetiopathology between women and cows, (3) describe angiogenic uterine processes related to adenomyosis development and (4) outline the influence of adenomyosis on proper fertility processes in cattle (conception and fertility rates).
Determination of direct violet 51 dye in water based on its decolorisation by electrochemical treatment
Authors: Sürme Yavuz , Demirci Onur
Published: September 2014

The decolorisation process of a synthetic textile dye, direct violet 51, was investigated in an aqueous solution using an electrochemical method in a batch electrochemical cell. Graphite electrodes were used as the anode and cathode for the decolorisation process. The parameters such as applied current, initial pH, solution conductivity, interfering ions, and effect of electrodes were optimised. It was found that the dye with an initial concentration of 20 mg L−1 could be removed after 50 min using a current of 100 mA with colour removal of up to 94 %. The UV-VIS spectra of the dye were analysed prior to and after treatment and these confirmed that the conjugated systems were decomposed at a current of 100 mA. The optimised method was successfully applied to real wastewater samples.
Numerical Investigation of the Flow Field in Realistic Nasal Septal Perforation Geometry
Authors: Faramarzi Mohammad , Hossein Baradaranfar Mohammad , Abouali Omid , Atighechi Saeid , Ahmadi Goodarz , Farhadi Pejman , Keshavarzian Erfan , Behniafard Nasim , Baradaranfar Amin
Published: September 2014

The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) are used to evaluate the physiological function of the nose. We evaluated the aerodynamics of the nasal cavity in a patient with septal perforation (SP), pre- and postvirtual repair. Three-dimensional nasal models were reconstructed, and then a wide range of the pressure drops and flow rates were analyzed. The airflow velocity is higher in the central region and is lower around the boundary of the SP. The air velocity in the SP increases as the pressure drop increases. Furthermore, at the anterior part of the SP, the shear stress is higher in the upper part. In addition, the repair of SP does not affect the total nasal airflow rate and the velocity contour patterns. The potential usage of the CFD technique as a predictive technique to explore the details and a preoperative assessment tool to help in clinical decision making in nasal surgery is emphasized.
Very Low Dose Bevacizumab for the Treatment of Epistaxis in Patients with Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia
Authors: Thompson Andrew B. , Ross Douglas A. , Berard Paul , Figueroa-Bodine Jaszmin , Livada Nancy , Richer Sara L.
Published: September 2014

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a disease characterized by mucocutaneous telangiectasias and visceral arteriovenous malformations. The genetic mutations that cause this disease result in elevated levels of vascular endothelial growth factor, which is inhibited by bevacizumab. Previous studies have shown bevacizumab treatment to be effective in reducing symptoms, but study protocols have all used oncological dosing parameters, which carry several well-described serious side effects. This study investigates whether drastically lower dosages of bevacizumab than normally used in oncological treatment could control epistaxis in patients with HHT and medically refractory epistaxis. A prospective, open-label, noncomparative study enrolled six patients receiving 0.125-mg/kg infusions of bevacizumab once every 4 weeks for a total of six infusions. Severity of epistaxis was assessed with the epistaxis severity score, and quality-of-life measures were followed with the 20-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test and 36-item Short Form surveys. A statistically significant improvement was seen in the control of epistaxis severity and frequency, with minimal negative side effects and high patient satisfaction. Very low dose bevacizumab treatment is an effective method of controlling medically refractory epistaxis in patients with HHT and additional investigation to optimize dosing guidelines is warranted.
New Trends in (heterogeneous) Catalysis for the Fine Chemicals Industry
Authors: Bonrath Werner
Published: September 2014

New catalytic methods and modern trends for the synthesis of fine chemicals, especially vitamins, carotenoids, flavoring and fragrance compounds are presented. In particular the application of heterogeneous catalysis in the formation and production on industrial scale of these classes
of organic compounds will be highlighted and its use in the replacement of former stoichiometric processes.
Quantifying Intra- and Intermolecular Phenomena: Challenging yet Exciting Territory for Quantum Chemistry
Authors: Corminboeuf Clémence
Published: September 2014

van der Waals interactions occur in all molecules and intermolecular complexes but are poorly described by the most widely used electronic structure framework. This paper addresses the efforts pursued in our laboratory to improve the performance of standard density functional approximations
and deliver modern strategies to analyze and fine-tune the underlying physics of intra- and intermolecular interactions.
Surface Chemistry at Swiss Universities of Applied Sciences
Authors: Brodard Pierre , Pfeifer Marc E. , Adlhart Christian D , Pieles Uwe , Shahgaldian Patrick
Published: September 2014

In the Swiss Universities of Applied Sciences, a number of research groups are involved in surface science, with different methodological approaches and a broad range of sophisticated characterization techniques. A snapshot of the current research going on in different groups from the
University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO), the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) and the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) is given.
Life sciences at FHNW Muttenz An Innovative Network of Strong Partners
Authors: Heinzelmann Elsbeth
Published: September 2014

The School of Life Sciences at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland FHNW in Muttenz excels in molecular technology, bioanalytics and in vitro diagnostics – three very active areas of current biotech research. Cooperation with industry partners enables
knowledge to be transferred to the education process and gives companies access to qualified individuals and markets.
Moderate Emissions Grandfathering
Authors: Knight Carl
Published: September 2014

Emissions grandfathering holds that a history of emissions strengthens an agent's claim for future emission entitlements. Though grandfathering appears to have been influential in actual emission control frameworks, it is rarely taken seriously by philosophers. This article presents an argument for thinking this an oversight. The core of the argument is that members of countries with higher historical emissions are typically burdened with higher costs when tran-sitioning to a given lower level of emissions. According to several appealing views in political philosophy (utilitarianism, egalitarianism, prioritarianism and sufficientarianism) they are therefore entitled to greater resources, including emission entitlements, than those in similar positions but with lower emissions. This grandfathering may play an especially important role in allocating emission entitlements among rich countries.
Civil Disobedience, Climate Protests and a Rawlsian Argument for ‘Atmospheric’ Fairness
Authors: Kyllönen Simo
Published: September 2014

Activities protesting against major polluters who cause climate change may cause damage to private property in the process. This paper investigates the case for a more international general basis of moral justification for such protests. Specific reference is made to the Kingsnorth case, which involved a protest by Greenpeace against coal-powered electricity generation in the UK. An appeal is made to Rawlsian fairness arguments, traditionally employed to support the obligation of citizens to their national governments as opposed to their international duties. The argument made here, however, is that there seem to be sufficient reasons for holding that a stable climate is one of the first truly global public goods that is indispensable to acceptable standards of living everywhere. This would suffice to justify international and intergenerational ‘atmospheric’ political obligations, which in turn may justify protests – even those causing some damage to private property – against the laws and policies that violate the fair terms of cooperation in providing a stable climate. The fairness argument aims also to provide a ground from which Green political theory could integrate accounts of radical forms of citizenship into appeals to state political authority. This leads to justifying acts of civil disobedience on the basis of novel understandings of ‘atmospheric’ citizenship obligations.
Working Memory Training in Schizophrenia and Healthy Populations
Authors: Lawlor-Savage Linette , Goghari Vina
Published: September 2014

Cognitive deficits are consistently demonstrated in individuals with schizophrenia. Cognitive training involves structured exercises prescribed and undertaken with the intention of enhancing cognitive abilities such as attention, memory, and problem solving. Thus, cognitive training represents a potentially promising intervention for enhancing cognitive abilities in schizophrenia. However, cognitive training programs are numerous and heterogeneous, hence, the generalizability of training related outcomes can be challenging to assess. This article will provide a brief overview of current literature on cognitive training and explore how knowledge of working memory training in healthy populations can potentially be applied to enhance cognitive functioning of individuals with schizophrenia.
Pneumatic Performance Study of a High Pressure Ejection Device Based on Real Specific Energy and Specific Enthalpy
Authors: Ren Jie , Yang Fengbo , Ma Dawei , Le Guigao , Zhong Jianlin
Published: September 2014

In high-pressure dynamic thermodynamic processes, the pressure is much higher than the air critical pressure, and the temperature can deviate significantly from the Boyle temperature. In such situations, the thermo-physical properties and pneumatic performance can’t be described accurately by the ideal gas law. This paper proposes an approach to evaluate the pneumatic performance of a high-pressure air catapult launch system, in which esidual functions are used to compensate the thermal physical property uncertainties of caused by real gas effects. Compared with the Nelson-Obert generalized compressibility charts, the precision of the improved virial equation of state is better than Soave-Redlich-Kwong (S-R-K) and Peng-Robinson (P-R) equations for high pressure air. In this paper, the improved virial equation of state is further used to establish a compressibility factor database which is applied to evaluate real gas effects. The specific residual thermodynamic energy and specific residual enthalpy of the high-pressure air are also derived using the modified corresponding state equation and improved virial equation of state which are truncated to the third virial coefficient. The pneumatic equations are established on the basis of the derived residual functions. The comparison of the numerical results shows that the real gas effects are strong, and the pneumatic performance analysis indicates that the real dynamic thermodynamic process is obviously different from the ideal one.
A Trustworthiness Evaluation Method for Software Architectures Based on the Principle of Maximum Entropy (POME) and the Grey Decision-Making Method (GDMM)
Authors: Jiang Rong
Published: September 2014

As the early design decision-making structure, a software architecture plays a key role in the final software product quality and the whole project. In the software design and development process, an effective evaluation of the trustworthiness of a software architecture can help making scientific and reasonable decisions on the architecture, which are necessary for the construction of highly trustworthy software. In consideration of lacking the trustworthiness evaluation and measurement studies for software architecture, this paper provides one trustworthy attribute model of software architecture. Based on this model, the paper proposes to use the Principle of Maximum Entropy (POME) and Grey Decision-making Method (GDMM) as the trustworthiness evaluation method of a software architecture and proves the scientificity and rationality of this method, as well as verifies the feasibility through case analysis.
The Effects of Non-Invasive Radiofrequency Treatment and Hyperthermia on Malignant and Nonmalignant Cells
Authors: Curley Steven , Palalon Flavio , Sanders Kelly , Koshkina Nadezhda
Published: September 2014

Background: Exposure of biological subjects to electromagnetic fields with a high frequency is associated with temperature elevation. In our recent studies, we reported that non-invasive radiofrequency (RF) treatment at 13.56 MHz with the field ranging from 1 KeV to 20 KeV/m2 inhibits tumor progression in animals with abdominal tumor xenografts and enhances the anticancer effect of chemotherapy. The RF treatment was followed by temperature elevation in tumors to approximately 46 °C during 10 min of exposure. In contrast, the temperature of normal tissues remained within a normal range at approximately 37 °C. Whether all biological effects of RF treatment are limited to its hyperthermic property remains unclear. Here, we compared how RF and hyperthermia (HT) treatments change the proliferation rate, oxygen consumption and autophagy in malignant and nonmalignant cells. Methods: In the current study, cancer and nonmalignant cells of pancreatic origin were exposed to the RF field or to conventional HT at 46 °C, which was chosen based on our previous in vivo studies of the tumor-specific RF-induced hyperthermia. Results: Only RF treatment caused declines in cancer cell viability and proliferation. RF treatment also affected mitochondrial function in cancer cells more than HT treatment did and, unlike HT treatment, was followed by the elevation of autophagosomes in the cytoplasm of cancer cells. Importantly, the effects of RF treatment were negligible in nonmalignant cells. Conclusion: The obtained data indicate that the effects of RF treatment are specific to cancer cells and are not limited to its hyperthermic property.
Expression of Aspergillus nidulans phy Gene in Nicotiana benthamiana Produces Active Phytase with Broad Specificities
Authors: Oh Tae-Kyun , Oh Sung , Kim Seongdae , Park Jae , Vinod Nagarajan , Jang Kyung , Kim Sei , Choi Chang , Ko Suk-Min , Jeong Dong , Udayakumar Rajangam
Published: September 2014

A full-length phytase gene (phy) of Aspergillus nidulans was amplified from the cDNA library by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and it was introduced into a bacterial expression vector, pET-28a. The recombinant protein (rPhy-E, 56 kDa) was overexpressed in the insoluble fraction of Escherichia coli culture, purified by Ni-NTA resin under denaturing conditions and injected into rats as an immunogen. To express A. nidulans phytase in a plant, the full-length of phy was cloned into a plant expression binary vector, pPZP212. The resultant construct was tested for its transient expression by Agrobacterium-infiltration into Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. Compared with a control, the agro-infiltrated leaf tissues showed the presence of phy mRNA and its high expression level in N. benthamiana. The recombinant phytase (rPhy-P, 62 kDa) was strongly reacted with the polyclonal antibody against the nonglycosylated rPhy-E. The rPhy-P showed glycosylation, two pH optima (pH 4.5 and pH 5.5), an optimum temperature at 45~55 °C, thermostability and broad substrate specificities. After deglycosylation by peptide-N-glycosidase F (PNGase-F), the rPhy-P significantly lost the phytase activity and retained 1/9 of the original activity after 10 min of incubation at 45 °C. Therefore, the deglycosylation caused a significant reduction in enzyme thermostability. In animal experiments, oral administration of the rPhy-P at 1500 U/kg body weight/day for seven days caused a significant reduction of phosphorus excretion by 16% in rat feces. Besides, the rPhy-P did not result in any toxicological changes and clinical signs.
Comparative Genomic Analysis of Transgenic Poplar Dwarf Mutant Reveals Numerous Differentially Expressed Genes Involved in Energy Flow
Authors: Chen Su , Bai Shuang , Liu Guifeng , Li Huiyu , Jiang Jing
Published: September 2014

In our previous research, the Tamarix androssowii LEA gene (Tamarix androssowii late embryogenesis abundant protein Mrna, GenBank ID: DQ663481) was transferred into Populus simonii × Populus nigra. Among the eleven transgenic lines, one exhibited a dwarf phenotype compared to the wild type and other transgenic lines, named dwf1. To uncover the mechanisms underlying this phenotype, digital gene expression libraries were produced from dwf1, wild-type, and other normal transgenic lines, XL-5 and XL-6. Gene expression profile analysis indicated that dwf1 had a unique gene expression pattern in comparison to the other two transgenic lines. Finally, a total of 1246 dwf1-unique differentially expressed genes were identified. These genes were further subjected to gene ontology and pathway analysis. Results indicated that photosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism related genes were significantly affected. In addition, many transcription factors genes were also differentially expressed in dwf1. These various differentially expressed genes may be critical for dwarf mutant formation; thus, the findings presented here might provide insight for our understanding of the mechanisms of tree growth and development.
Evaluation of Secure Multi-Hop Node Authentication and Key Establishment Mechanisms for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Mansour Ismail , Chalhoub Gérard , Lafourcade Pascal
Published: September 2014

Designing secure authentication mechanisms in wireless sensor networks in order to associate a node to a secure network is not an easy task due to the limitations of this type of networks. In this paper, we propose different multi-hop node authentication protocols for wireless sensor networks. For each protocol, we provide a formal proof to verify the security of our proposals using Scyther, which is an automatic cryptographic protocols verification tool. We also provide implementation results in terms of execution time consumption obtained by real measurements on TelosB motes. These protocols offer different security mechanisms depending on the design of the protocol itself. Moreover, we evaluate the overhead of protection of each solution by studying the effect on execution time overhead of each protocol. Finally, we propose a mechanism to detect possible attack based on our evaluation results.
The Re-Greening of the Sahel: Natural Cyclicity or Human-Induced Change?
Authors: Ouedraogo Issa , Runge Jürgen , Eisenberg Joachim , Barron Jennie , Sawadogo-Kaboré Séraphine
Published: September 2014

The Sahel has been the focus of scientific interest in environmental-human dynamics and interactions. The objective of the present study is to contribute to the recent debate on the re-greening of Sahel. The paper examines the dynamics of barren land in the Sahel of Burkina Faso through analysis of remotely-sensed and rainfall data from 1975–2011. Discussions with farmers and land management staff have helped to understand the anthropogenic efforts toward soil restoration to enable the subsistence farming agriculture. Results showed that area of barren land has been fluctuating during the study period with approximately 10-year cyclicity. Similarly, rainfall, both at national and local levels has followed the same trends. The trends of the area of barren land and rainfall variability suggest that when rainfall increases, the area of barren land decreases and barren land increases when rainfall decreases. This implies that rainfall is one of the main factors driving the change in area of barren land. In addition, humans have contributed positively and negatively to the change by restoring barren lands for agriculture using locally known techniques and by accelerating land degradation through intensive and inappropriate land use practices.
Effects of Solvent Diols on the Synthesis of ZnFe2O4 Particles and Their Use as Heterogeneous Photo-Fenton Catalysts
Authors: Anchieta Chayene , Cancelier Adriano , Mazutti Marcio , Jahn Sérgio , Kuhn Raquel , Gündel Andre , Chiavone-Filho Osvaldo , Foletto Edson
Published: September 2014

A solvothermal method was used to prepare zinc ferrite spinel oxide (ZnFe2O4) using ethylene glycol and 1,4 butanediol as solvent diols, and the influence of diols on the physical properties of ZnFe2O4 particles was investigated. The produced particles were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nitrogen adsorption isotherms, and the catalytic activity for the organic pollutant decomposition by heterogeneous photo-Fenton reaction was investigated. Both solvents produced particles with cubic spinel structure. Microporous and mesoporous structures were obtained when ethylene glycol and 1,4 butanediol were used as diols, respectively. A higher pore volume and surface area, as well as a higher catalytic activity for the pollutant degradation were found when 1,4 butanediol was used as solvent.
Exocytosis and Endocytosis of Small Vesicles across the Plasma Membrane in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Stein Kathryn , Chiang Hui-Ling
Published: September 2014

When Saccharomyces cerevisiae is starved of glucose, the gluconeogenic enzymes fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBPase), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, isocitrate lyase, and malate dehydrogenase, as well as the non-gluconeogenic enzymes glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and cyclophilin A, are secreted into the periplasm. In the extracellular fraction, these secreted proteins are associated with small vesicles that account for more than 90% of the total number of extracellular structures observed. When glucose is added to glucose-starved cells, FBPase is internalized and associated with clusters of small vesicles in the cytoplasm. Specifically, the internalization of FBPase results in the decline of FBPase and vesicles in the extracellular fraction and their appearance in the cytoplasm. The clearance of extracellular vesicles and vesicle-associated proteins from the extracellular fraction is dependent on the endocytosis gene END3. This internalization is regulated when cells are transferred from low to high glucose. It is rapidly occurring and is a high capacity process, as clusters of vesicles occupy 10%–20% of the total volume in the cytoplasm in glucose re-fed cells. FBPase internalization also requires the VPS34 gene encoding PI3K. Following internalization, FBPase is delivered to the vacuole for degradation, whereas proteins that are not degraded may be recycled.
Different Fluorophore Labeling Strategies and Designs Affect Millisecond Kinetics of DNA Hairpins
Authors: Hartmann Andreas , Krainer Georg , Schlierf Michael
Published: September 2014

Changes in molecular conformations are one of the major driving forces of complex biological processes. Many studies based on single-molecule techniques have shed light on conformational dynamics and contributed to a better understanding of living matter. In particular, single-molecule FRET experiments have revealed unprecedented information at various time scales varying from milliseconds to seconds. The choice and the attachment of fluorophores is a pivotal requirement for single-molecule FRET experiments. One particularly well-studied millisecond conformational change is the opening and closing of DNA hairpin structures. In this study, we addressed the influence of base- and terminal-labeled fluorophores as well as the fluorophore DNA interactions on the extracted kinetic information of the DNA hairpin. Gibbs free energies varied from ∆G0 = −3.6 kJ/mol to ∆G0 = −0.2 kJ/mol for the identical DNA hairpin modifying only the labeling scheme and design of the DNA sample. In general, the base-labeled DNA hairpin is significantly destabilized compared to the terminal-labeled DNA hairpin and fluorophore DNA interactions additionally stabilize the closed state of the DNA hairpin. Careful controls and variations of fluorophore attachment chemistry are essential for a mostly undisturbed measurement of the underlying energy landscape of biomolecules.
Cycloaddition of 1,3-Butadiynes: Efficient Synthesis of Carbo- and Heterocycles
Authors: Nizami Tauqir , Hua Ruimao
Published: September 2014

Cycloaddition reactions of alkynes are elegant, atom-efficient transformations for the synthesis of carbo- and heterocycles, mostly aromatic, involving the construction of challenging skeletons of complex molecules. Therefore significant efforts have recently been devoted to the development of novel methodologies, efficient strategies and different catalytic systems to broaden the scope of these reactions. We summarize in this review the recent advances in the cycloaddition reactions of 1,3-butadiynes to provide facile and reliable approaches to various functionalized carbo- and heterocycles.
Tape Transfer Printing of a Liquid Metal Alloy for Stretchable RF Electronics
Authors: Jeong Seung , Hjort Klas , Wu Zhigang
Published: September 2014

In order to make conductors with large cross sections for low impedance radio frequency (RF) electronics, while still retaining high stretchability, liquid-alloy-based microfluidic stretchable electronics offers stretchable electronic systems the unique opportunity to combine various sensors on our bodies or organs with high-quality wireless communication with the external world (devices/systems), without sacrificing enhanced user comfort. This microfluidic approach, based on printed circuit board technology, allows large area processing of large cross section conductors and robust contacts, which can handle a lot of stretching between the embedded rigid active components and the surrounding system. Although it provides such benefits, further development is needed to realize its potential as a high throughput, cost-effective process technology. In this paper, tape transfer printing is proposed to supply a rapid prototyping batch process at low cost, albeit at a low resolution of 150 μm. In particular, isolated patterns can be obtained in a simple one-step process. Finally, a stretchable radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is demonstrated. The measured results show the robustness of the hybrid integrated system when the tag is stretched at 50% for 3000 cycles.
A Micro Oxygen Sensor Based on a Nano Sol-Gel TiO2 Thin Film
Authors: Wang Hairong , Chen Lei , Wang Jiaxin , Sun Quantao , Zhao Yulong
Published: September 2014

An oxygen gas microsensor based on nanostructured sol-gel TiO2 thin films with a buried Pd layer was developed on a silicon substrate. The nanostructured titania thin films for O2 sensors were prepared by the sol-gel process and became anatase after heat treatment. A sandwich TiO2 square board with an area of 350 μm × 350 μm was defined by both wet etching and dry etching processes and the wet one was applied in the final process due to its advantages of easy control for the final structure. A pair of 150 nm Pt micro interdigitated electrodes with 50 nm Ti buffer layer was fabricated on the board by a lift-off process. The sensor chip was tested in a furnace with changing the O2 concentration from 1.0% to 20% by monitoring its electrical resistance. Results showed that after several testing cycles the sensor’s output becomes stable, and its sensitivity is 0.054 with deviation 2.65 × 10−4 and hysteresis is 8.5%. Due to its simple fabrication process, the sensor has potential for application in environmental monitoring, where lower power consumption and small size are required.
Uremic Toxins Enhance Statin-Induced Cytotoxicity in Differentiated Human Rhabdomyosarcoma Cells
Authors: Uchiyama Hitoshi , Tsujimoto Masayuki , Shinmoto Tadakazu , Ogino Hitomi , Oda Tomoko , Yoshida Takuya , Furukubo Taku , Izumi Satoshi , Yamakawa Tomoyuki , Tachiki Hidehisa , Minegaki Tetsuya , Nishiguchi Kohshi
Published: September 2014

The risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis is considerably increased in statin users with end-stage renal failure (ESRF). Uremic toxins, which accumulate in patients with ESRF, exert cytotoxic effects that are mediated by various mechanisms. Therefore, accumulation of uremic toxins might increase statin-induced cytotoxicity. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of four uremic toxins—hippuric acid, 3-carboxy-4-methyl-5-propyl-2-furanpropionate, indole-3-acetic acid, and 3-indoxyl sulfate—on statin-induced myopathy. Differentiated rhabdomyosarcoma cells were pre-treated with the uremic toxins for seven days, and then the cells were treated with pravastatin or simvastatin. Cell viability and apoptosis were assessed by viability assays and flow cytometry. Pre-treatment with uremic toxins increased statin- but not cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity (p < 0.05 vs. untreated). In addition, the pre-treatment increased statin-induced apoptosis, which is one of the cytotoxic factors (p < 0.05 vs. untreated). However, mevalonate, farnesol, and geranylgeraniol reversed the effects of uremic toxins and lowered statin-induced cytotoxicity (p < 0.05 vs. untreated). These results demonstrate that uremic toxins enhance statin-induced apoptosis and cytotoxicity. The mechanism underlying this effect might be associated with small G-protein geranylgeranylation. In conclusion, the increased severity of statin-induced rhabdomyolysis in patients with ESRF is likely due to the accumulation of uremic toxins.
Near-field photochemical and radiation-induced chemical fabrication of nanopatterns of a self-assembled silane monolayer
Authors: Fischer Ulrich Christian , Hentschel Carsten , Fontein Florian , Stegemann Linda , Hoeppener Christiane , Fuchs Harald , Hoeppener Stefanie
Published: September 2014

A general concept for parallel near-field photochemical and radiation-induced chemical processes for the fabrication of nanopatterns of a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) is explored with three different processes: 1) a near-field photochemical process by photochemical bleaching of a monomolecular layer of dye molecules chemically bound to an APTES SAM, 2) a chemical process induced by oxygen plasma etching as well as 3) a combined near-field UV-photochemical and ozone-induced chemical process, which is applied directly to an APTES SAM. All approaches employ a sandwich configuration of the surface-supported SAM, and a lithographic mask in form of gold nanostructures fabricated through colloidal sphere lithography (CL), which is either exposed to visible light, oxygen plasma or an UV–ozone atmosphere. The gold mask has the function to inhibit the photochemical reactions by highly localized near-field interactions between metal mask and SAM and to inhibit the radiation-induced chemical reactions by casting a highly localized shadow. The removal of the gold mask reveals the SAM nanopattern.
Le contrôle de gestion environnemental : quels rôles pour le contrôleur de gestion ?
Authors: Renaud Angèle
Published: September 2014

Cet article s’interroge sur les rôles du contrôleur de gestion dans le domaine environnemental. Pour ce faire, une étude de cas longitudinale est menée sur une entreprise française avant-gardiste en matière de contrôle de gestion environnemental (CGE). Les résultats révèlent 4 rôles du contrôleur de gestion (vérificateur de CO 2 , business partner , traducteur euro-carbone, acteur du changement) et ses caractéristiques dans ce nouveau domaine (image, pouvoir d’influence et territoire). Plusieurs enseignements d’ordre théorique, managérial et méthodologique sont tirés du cas.
La diligence du comité d'audit dans les entreprises françaises : question d'indépendance ou de compétence ?
Authors: Maraghni Ines , Nekhili Mehdi
Published: September 2014

Notre étude porte sur la relation entre la composition du comité d’audit et sa diligence pour un échantillon de 176 entreprises françaises non-financières cotées et disposant d’un comité d’audit sur la période 2004–2008. Les résultats des analyses multivariées montrent que l’indépendance contribue à la diligence du comité d’audit via l’assiduité aux réunions, alors que la compétence individuelle (niveau d’études et expérience acquise dans les autres comités) y contribue via la fréquence des réunions et l’assiduité des membres. La diversité par le genre ou par l’âge n’affecte aucunement la diligence dudit comité alors que la présence de membres étrangers joue négativement. Ces résultats soulèvent quelques interrogations sur la portée de la transposition en droit français de la 8 e Directive européenne qui impose peu de contraintes sur l’indépendance et la compétence des membres et occulte la question de la diligence du comité. Ils questionnent également le rôle du président du comité d’audit (ou du conseil d’administration) dans l’établissement d’une cohésion entre les membres et d’une dynamique collective en situation de diversité.
Retos y oportunidades en organización del conocimiento en la intersección con las tecnologías de la información
Authors: Martínez-Ávila Daniel , San Segundo Rosa , Zurian Francisco A.
Published: September 2014

En este trabajo se estudia la intersección de la Organización del Conocimiento y las Tecnologías de la Información, haciendo especial incidencia en los retos y oportunidades que existen en este área para los expertos en Organización del Conocimiento, tanto a un nivel teórico como práctico. Primero se revisan algunos conceptos necesarios para la contextualización del trabajo. Después se analiza la historia de la Web, comenzando con Internet, y continuando con la World Wide Web, la Web Semántica, los problemas en Inteligencia Artificial, la Web 2.0, y Linked Data. Finalmente, se concluye el estudio con algunas aplicaciones de las tecnologías de la información para la Organización del Conocimiento en el campo bibliotecario, como FRBR, BIBFRAME e iniciativas de OCLC, así como algunos retos y oportunidades en los que la investigación y los expertos en Organización del Conocimiento podrían jugar un rol clave en relación con la Web Semántica.
Las colecciones patrimoniales en las bibliotecas españolas: dialéctica entre legislación y prácticas
Authors: Varela-Orol Concha
Published: September 2014

Se analiza la legislación estatal y de las Comunidades Autónomas referida al patrimonio bibliográfico con objeto de identificar el alcance y las características de los fondos que subyacen bajo esta denominación en las normas. De forma paralela se estudian a través de las sedes web una serie de prácticas llevadas adelante por las bibliotecas públicas y universitarias que se consideran indicativas de la patrimonialización de determinados bienes. Al poner en relación legislación y prácticas, a través de consonancias y disonancias, se observa cómo en esta dialéctica se van construyendo los contenidos del patrimonio bibliográfico.
Análisis cienciométrico de las publicaciones educacionales cubanas en la WoS y Scopus (2003-2012)
Authors: Cruz-Ramírez Miguel , Escalona-Reyes Miguel , Cabrera-García Suitberto , Martínez-Cepena Mayelín Caridad
Published: September 2014

Esta investigación consiste en un análisis cienciométrico de las publicaciones educacionales cubanas, referenciadas en la WoS y Scopus durante el período 2003-2012. Mediante un procedimiento de normalización, las palabras clave se clasifican con base en las categorías generales del tesauro ERIC. La matriz de datos comprende un total de 286 observaciones con 42 variables (41 categorías generales del tesauro y el año de publicación). A partir de varios indicadores se realiza una caracterización del conjunto de publicaciones. La productividad diacrónica tiene tendencia al crecimiento, con irregularidades que son explicadas de forma hipotética. El análisis estadístico multivariado facilita la clasificación de las investigaciones reportadas, así como la identificación de patrones subyacentes que sirven para caracterizar las publicaciones afines de mayor visibilidad.
Diversidad y reconocimiento de la producción académica en los sistemas de evaluación de la investigación en Colombia
Authors: Vélez-Cuartas Gabriel , Gómez-Flórez Henry , Úsuga-Ciro Ana , Vélez-Trujillo Manuel
Published: September 2014

Este artículo hace una revisión de los productos resultados de investigación reconocidos por las seis universidades mejor posicionadas en Colombia en los rankings internacionales y los documentos de Sistema Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación. Se utiliza análisis de redes exploratorio y estadística descriptiva para analizar la producción documental de las instituciones con respecto a sus metas de producción investigativa y evaluación de su desempeño. Se demuestra que la discusión internacional acerca de lo que debe o no medirse para dar cuenta del impacto de la investigación académica y científica aún hace invisibles muchas formas de producción que revelan construcción de nuevo conocimiento.
Optimization of Focused Wave Front Algorithm in Unknown Dynamic Environment for Multi-Robot Navigation
Authors: Meel Priyanka , Tiwari Ritu , Shukla Anupam
Published: September 2014

Robotics is a field which includes multiple disciplines such as environment mapping, localization, path planning, path execution, area exploration etc. Path planning is the elementary requirement for all the above mentioned diversified fields. This paper presents a new method for motion planning of mobile robots which carry forward the best features of Focused Wave Front and other wave front based path planners, at the same time optimizes the algorithm in terms of path length, energy consumption and memory requirements. This research introduces a method of choosing every next step in grid based environment and also proposes a backtracking procedure to minimize turns by means of identifying landmark points in the path. Further, the authors have enhanced the functionality of Focused Wave Front algorithm by applying it in uncertain dynamic environment. The proposed method is a combination of global and local path planning as well as online and offline navigation process. A new method based on bidirectional wave propagation along the walls of obstacle and wall following behavior is being proposed for avoiding uncertain static obstacles. Considering the criticalness of moving obstacles a colored safety zone is assumed to have around them and the robot is equipped with color sensitivity. Based on the particular color (red, green, yellow) that has sensed the robot will make intelligent decisions to avoid them. The simulation result reflects how the proposed method has efficiently and safely navigates a robot towards its destination by avoiding all known and unknown obstacles. Finally the algorithms are extended for multi-robot environment.
An Approach to the Collection, Processing, and Analysis of Towed Camera Video Imagery for Marine Resource Management
Authors: Knight Ashley , Lindholm James , DeVogelaere Andrew , Watson Fred
Published: September 2014

AbstractA variety of video and photographic imaging platforms are used to survey seafloor habitats and organisms beyond the effective depth of most SCUBA diving (>30 m). Each platform has benefits and shortcomings, with the most frequently limiting factors being (a) access
to the most advanced instruments, (b) response of organisms, and (c) resolution of organism identification. Here, we describe the approaches used to collect, process, and analyze video imagery collected with a simple towed camera sled in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary as part of
a larger, ongoing characterization project that began in 2006. We describe the details of deployment, imagery collection, postprocessing, and analyses gleaned from hundreds of hours of underwater video. Data extracted from camera sled imagery have been analyzed using multivariate model comparison
techniques and have been represented in a variety of forms to support management needs and public outreach efforts.
Integrating Google Maps/Earth Into an Automated Oil Spill Forecast System
Authors: Hou Xianlong , Hodges Ben R.
Published: September 2014

AbstractAn automated method for visualizing oil spill forecasts using Google Maps and Google Earth has been integrated into a Hydrodynamic and Oil Spill Python (HyosPy) modeling system. HyosPy downloads wind and tide observations and forecasts, runs a hydrodynamic model (the
Semi-Implicit Eulerian Lagrangian Finite Element), links to an oil spill model (General NOAA Operational Modeling Environment), and visualizes the predicted spill trajectories. Using object-oriented approaches with Python code, HyosPy can run multiple instances of the hydrodynamic and oil
spill models to provide a set of multiple predicted spill tracks controlled by different wind and tide forecasts. Automation of HyosPy allows the hydrodynamic model to be continuously running on a server so that hydrodynamic forecasts are immediately available in the event of a spill. Once
the size, location, and time of the oil spill are provided to the system, no further human intervention is necessary. Google Maps/Earth visualization methods employ JavaScript tools and Keyhole Markup Language files to provide rapid display and animation in Web browsers of Java-capable devices.
HyosPy is designed with a loosely coupled architecture to permit easy update and adaptation to different models and data sources.
Model-Based Control of a BCF Mode Carangiform Bioinspired Robotic Fish
Authors: Chowdhury Abhra Roy , Kumar Vinoth , Prasad Bhuneshwar , Kumar Rajesh , Panda S.K.
Published: September 2014

AbstractBioinspired robotic locomotion in the ocean environment can unveil critical issues on maneuverability, efficiency, and power consumption. This paper describes the modeling and closed-loop control of a bioinspired robotic fish. A body-caudal fin (BCF) carangiform swimming mode is presented. The propulsion scheme simulates the oscillatory motion of fish tail as thrust generator. The manufactured prototype is a 45-cm-long BCF mode four-joint, 6 degree of freedom modular robotic fish with a horizontal caudal fin (tail). The system uses DC servomotors as actuators and is controlled by microcontroller dsPIC33F. The mechanical CAD design in done in Solidworks and its 3D motion simulations in Matlab VRML, respectively. Lagrange-based dynamic modeling is done for the robotic fish. Based on the model, two nonlinear closed-loop control schemes, namely computed torque method and feed-forward control, both with dynamic PD compensation, are evaluated. This paper compares these model-based controllers to match the desired response based on reference angle position and velocity tracking. Real-time simulation results in Matlab/Simulink are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodologies for robotic fish locomotion.
Automated Detection of Underwater Military Munitions Using Fusion of 2D and 2.5D Features From Optical Imagery
Authors: Shihavuddin A.S.M. , Gracias Nuno , Garcia Rafael , Campos Ricard , Gleason Arthur C.R. , Gintert Brooke
Published: September 2014

Abstract Technologies that can efficiently and objectively detect, identify, and map underwater military munitions are needed. The knowledge of benthic environments adjacent to underwater military munitions is crucial for remediation decisions. When attempting to identify
munitions from optical imagery, tridimensional structure information obtained from the surveyed area can complement the texture information that is available in the images. In this work, we use a fusion of two-dimensional (2D) and two-and-a-half-dimensional (2.5D) features to classify munitions
on the seabed from a sequence of images of an optical survey of the seabed. The 2D features respond to texture, whereas the 2.5D features respond to geometry. The 2.5D features used were coefficients of polynomial surface fitting, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis of the elevation,
slope of principal plane, mean and standard deviation of the distance of 2.5D points to the principal plane, surface normal, curvatures, rugosity and symmetry measures. Adding the 2.5D features increased classification accuracy relative to using only 2D features when detecting discarded military
munitions.
Investigation of the Relationship Between the Yucatan Channel Transport and the Loop Current Area in a Multidecadal Numerical Simulation
Authors: Nedbor-Gross Robert , Dukhovskoy Dmitry S. , Bourassa Mark A. , Morey Steven L. , Chassignet Eric P.
Published: September 2014

Abstract A hypothesis by Maul (1977), stating the rate of change of loop current (LC) volume is related to deep Yucatan Channel (YC) transport, is tested with a continuous 54-year simulation of the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) using a regional 1/25° resolution Hybrid Coordinate
Ocean Model (HYCOM) configuration. The hypothesis states that the imbalance of transport between the upper YC and the Florida Straits controls the rate of change of the LC volume and that the imbalance is compensated by transport through the deep YC. Bunge et al. (2002) found a strong relationship
between the deep YC transport and the LC area using 7.5 months of data from a mooring array in the YC, but the observational record length was relatively short compared to the time scale of LC variability. The 54-year HYCOM simulation provides a much longer and spatially complete data set
to study the LC variability. Results show that the time evolution of the LC between two shedding events can be viewed as a combination of relatively high-frequency fluctuations superimposed on a low-frequency trend. The high-frequency variability of the LC area time derivative and the deep
YC transport are related. The low-frequency variability is examined by comparing the LC area time series with time-integrated transport in the deep YC, and statistically similar trends are identified, supporting the Maul (1977) theory.