bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MiR-9-5p promotes MSC migration by activating β-catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Li Xianyang , He Lihong , Yue Qing , Lu Junhou , Kang Naixin , Xu Xiaojing , Wang Huihui , Zhang Huanxiang
Published: April 2017

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the potential to treat various tissue damages, but the very limited number of cells that migrate to the damaged region strongly restricts their therapeutic applications. Full understanding of mechanisms regulating MSC migration will help to improve their migration ability and therapeutic effects. Increasing evidence shows that microRNAs play important roles in the regulation of MSC migration. In the present study, we reported that miR-9-5p was upregulated in hepatocyte growth factor -treated MSCs and in MSCs with high migration ability. Overexpression of miR-9-5p promoted MSC migration, whereas inhibition of endogenous miR-9-5p decreased MSC migration. To elucidate the underlying mechanism, we screened the target genes of miR-9-5p and report for the first time that CK1α and GSK3β, two inhibitors of β-catenin signaling pathway, were direct targets of miR-9-5p in MSCs and that overexpression of miR-9-5p upregulated β-catenin signaling pathway. In line with these data, inhibition of β-catenin signaling pathway by FH535 decreased the miR-9-5p-promoted migration of MSCs, while activation of β-catenin signaling pathway by LiCl rescued the impaired migration of MSCs triggered by miR-9-5p inhibitor. Furthermore, the formation and distribution of focal adhesions as well as the reorganization of F-actin were affected by the expression of miR-9-5p. Collectively, these results demonstrate that miR-9-5p promotes MSC migration by upregulating β-catenin signaling pathway, shedding light on the optimization of MSCs for cell replacement therapy through manipulating the expression level of miR-9-5p.
Klotho, an antiaging molecule, attenuates oxidant-induced alveolar epithelial cell mtDNA damage and apoptosis
Authors: Kim Seok-Jo , Cheresh Paul , Eren Mesut , Jablonski Renea P. , Yeldandi Anjana , Ridge Karen M. , Budinger G. R. Scott , Kim Dong-Hyun , Wolf Myles , Vaughan Douglas E. , Kamp David W.
Published: April 2017

Alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) apoptosis and inadequate repair resulting from “exaggerated” lung aging and mitochondrial dysfunction are critical determinants promoting lung fibrosis. α-Klotho, which is an antiaging molecule that is expressed predominantly in the kidney and secreted in the blood, can protect lung epithelial cells against hyperoxia-induced apoptosis. We reasoned that Klotho protects AEC exposed to oxidative stress in part by maintaining mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) integrity and mitigating apoptosis. We find that Klotho levels are decreased in both serum and alveolar type II (AT2) cells from asbestos-exposed mice. We show that oxidative stress reduces AEC Klotho mRNA and protein expression, whereas Klotho overexpression is protective while Klotho silencing augments AEC mtDNA damage. Compared with wild-type, Klotho heterozygous hypomorphic allele ( kl/+) mice have increased asbestos-induced lung fibrosis due in part to increased AT2 cell mtDNA damage. Notably, we demonstrate that serum Klotho levels are reduced in wild-type but not mitochondrial catalase overexpressing ( MCAT) mice 3 wk following exposure to asbestos and that EUK-134, a MnSOD/catalase mimetic, mitigates oxidant-induced reductions in AEC Klotho expression. Using pharmacologic and genetic silencing studies, we show that Klotho attenuates oxidant-induced AEC mtDNA damage and apoptosis via mechanisms dependent on AKT activation arising from upstream fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 activation. Our findings suggest that Klotho preserves AEC mtDNA integrity in the setting of oxidative stress necessary for preventing apoptosis and asbestos-induced lung fibrosis. We reason that strategies aimed at augmenting AEC Klotho levels may be an innovative approach for mitigating age-related lung diseases.
Neuroprotective Effect of Fagopyrum dibotrys Extract against Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Liang Chen , Yuan Jian-Ping , Ding Tao , Yan Lv , Ling Lu , Zhou Xin-Fu , Zeng Yue-Qin
Published: April 2017

Accumulated evidence suggests that polyphenolic antioxidants present in herbs play important roles in prevention of AD; the molecular mechanisms behind neuroprotective actions rely on the phenols through different effects on the amyloid‐aggregation pathway. Fagopyrum dibotrys is a traditional herbal medicine which contains high quantity phenols. In present study, we investigate the beneficial pharmacological actions of Fagopyrum dibotrys extract in the APP/PS1 transgenic mouse mode; meanwhile, effects of the FDE on the fibrillation and cytotoxicity of Aβ peptide were evaluated in vitro. After 9‐month treatment, FDE exhibited multifunctional properties on Aβ‐related pathologies, which cleaned Aβ deposits in the brain and decreased Aβ burden in the plasma, inhibited microhaemorrhage, and reduced reactive microglia in APP/PS1 transgenic mice and also promoted Aβ fibrils disaggregation and inhibited neurotoxicity induced by Aβ in SH‐SY5Y cells. These results highlighted that FDE is an AD type pathology modulator with therapeutic potential against AD.
Rapid Determination of Six Low Molecular Carbonyl Compounds in Tobacco Smoke by the APCI-MS/MS Coupled to Data Mining
Authors: Zhao Wuduo , Zhang Qidong , Lu Binbin , Sun Shihao , Zhang Shusheng , Zhang Jianxun
Published: April 2017

A simple method was established for the rapid determination of low molecular carbonyl compounds by the combination of atmospheric pressure chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry (APCI-MS/MS) and data mining. The ionization was carried out in positive mode, and six low molecular carbonyl compounds of acrolein, acetone, propionaldehyde, crotonaldehyde, butanone, and butyraldehyde were analyzed by both full scan mode and daughter scan mode. To overcome the quantitative difficulties from isomer of acetone/propionaldehyde and butanone/butyraldehyde, the quantitation procedure was performed with the characteristic ion of [CH3O]+ under CID energy of 5 and 15 eV. Subsequently, the established method was successfully applied to analysis of six low molecular carbonyl compounds in tobacco smoke with analytical period less than four minutes. The contents of acrolein, acetone, propionaldehyde, crotonaldehyde, butanone, and butyraldehyde for a cigarette were about 63±5.8, 325±82, 55±9.7, 11±1.4, 67±5.9, and 12±1.8 μg/cig, respectively. The experimental results indicated that the established method had the potential application in rapid determination of low molecular carbonyl compounds.
Cryoablation for Ventricular Tachycardia Originating from Anterior Papillary Muscle of Left Ventricle Guided by Intracardiac Echocardiography
Authors: Marai Ibrahim , Andria Nizar , Gurevitz Osnat
Published: April 2017

Papillary muscles (PMs) were reported to be origin of ventricular arrhythmia (VA). Radiofrequency (RF) ablation was reported to be acutely effective in eliminating VA. However, the recurrence rate is high. Recently, cryoablation guided by intracardiac echocardiography, 3-dimensional mapping system, and image integration was introduced as alternative strategy for this challenging ablation. We present a case of ventricular tachycardia originating from anterior PM of left ventricle treated by cryoablation guided only by intracardiac echocardiography.
Blood Pressure during the Immediate Neonatal Transition: Is the Mean Arterial Blood Pressure Relevant for the Cerebral Regional Oxygenation?
Authors: Baik Nariae , Urlesberger Berndt , Schwaberger Bernhard , Avian Alexander , Mileder Lukas , Schmölzer Georg M. , Pichler Gerhard
Published: April 2017

Background: Measurement of mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) is feasible during neonatal transition. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate a potential influence of MABP on the cerebral regional oxygen saturation (crSO2) in preterm and term infants during the immediate neonatal transition. Materials and Methods: Preterm and term infants were included in this observational study. The crSO2 was measured by near-infrared spectroscopy with the INVOS 5100C (Somanetics Corp., Troy, MI, USA) during the immediate neonatal transition (15 min after birth). The near-infrared spectroscopy sensor was applied to the left forehead. Furthermore, a pulse oximeter was applied to monitor arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) and heart rate (HR). Fifteen minutes after birth, blood pressure was measured noninvasively at the left upper arm. Cerebral fraction tissue oxygen extraction (cFTOE) was calculated from SpO2 and crSO2. To investigate a potential association between crSO2/cFTOE and MABP, we performed a correlation analysis. Results: A total of 462 preterm and term infants (186/292) were included. Mean gestational age was 31.0 ± 3.5 weeks for preterm infants and 38.9 ± 0.8 weeks for full term infants. Mean birth weight was 1.591 ± 630 g in preterm infants and 3.331 ± 461 g in term infants. There was a significant negative correlation between MABP and cFTOE (ρ = -0.19, p = 0.03) in preterm infants but not in term infants (ρ = 0.05, p = 0.39). There was no significant correlation between MABP and crSO2 in either group. Conclusion: MABP has an impact on cerebral oxygenation in preterm infants. Therefore, blood pressure monitoring during the immediate neonatal transition might be relevant for improving cerebral oxygenation especially in preterm infants.
Perioperative Outcomes and Safety of Atrial Fibrillation Catheter Ablation in Octogenarians: A Retrospective Study and Review of the Benefits of Rhythm Control
Authors: Hakimian Stephanie , Camacho Juan C. , Grajeda Silvestri Edwin , AbdelMalak Farid , Donath Elie , Chait Robert
Published: April 2017

Objectives: Catheter ablation for rhythm control has emerged as a successful therapeutic option for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF), though it has not been well studied in octogenarians. This study evaluates its safety in octogenarians in a community hospital and reviews the benefits of rhythm control. Methods: Among 1,592 patients undergoing AF ablation, 84 octogenarian were identified. The primary outcome was normal sinus rhythm (NSR) on electrocardiogram at discharge. Secondary outcomes were periprocedural complications and markers and risks of reablation compared to younger cohorts. Results: An NSR on discharge occurred in 83 patients. Three patients required pacing for symptomatic sinus bradycardia, complete heart block, and symptomatic junctional bradycardia, respectively. Reablation for recurrent AF occurred in 23 octogenarians. Using the octogenarians as reference, the relative risk (RR) of 1 reablation was not significantly different among the age groups 70-79, 60-69, and <60 years. The RR of 2 reablations was greater in the octogenarian group (RR 0.26 [95% CI 0.09-0.71, p = 0.008], 0.42 [95% CI 0.17-1.04, p = 0.06], and 0.27 [95% CI 0.1-0.75, p = 0.01], respectively). Coronary artery disease (OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.02-0.68, p = 0.026) and percutaneous coronary intervention (OR 0.13, 95% CI 0.02-0.63, p = 0.021) were markers for reablation. Conclusion: AF catheter ablation achieved an NSR with minimal periprocedural complications. The benefits of rhythm control should be considered in treatment.
Aquaporin-4 Mediates the Suppressive Effect of Lipopolysaccharide on Hippocampal Neurogenesis
Authors: Liang Rui , Yong Shoulei , Huang Xu , Kong Hui , Hu Gang , Fan Yi
Published: April 2017

Objective: Aquaporin-4 (AQP4), a key molecule for water homeostasis in the brain, is associated with adult neurogenesis, but its mechanisms regulating adult neural stem cells (aNSC) remain largely unexplored. Neuroinflammation has a relevant influence on adult neurogenesis, which is a common feature in various neurodegenerative diseases. Considering the possible link between neuroinflammation and AQP4, we speculate that AQP4 may mediate the synthesis and release of proinflammatory cytokines in glia and then indirectly regulate adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Methods: Using AQP4 knockout mice, we investigated the effects of AQP4 on hippocampal neurogenesis after lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation. Results: We unexpectedly found that AQP4 deficiency attenuated the decrease in aNSC proliferation after systemic LPS exposure, accompanied by inhibition of glial activation and suppression of the production of proinflammatory cytokines in the hippocampus. Meanwhile, in vivo studies demonstrated that LPS-induced activated microglia did not express AQP4, indicating the impossibility of direct regulation of AQP4 to activate microglia. Furthermore, we demonstrated in vitro that AQP4 deficiency inhibited astrocyte activation and reduced the release of proinflammatory cytokines from astrocytes. Conclusion: Our data suggest that AQP4 mediates the suppressive effect of neuroinflammation on hippocampal neurogenesis via regulation of the astroglial response.
Predictive Validity of Two Physical Frailty Phenotype Specifications Developed for Investigation of Frailty Pathways in Older People
Authors: Ding Yew Yoong
Published: April 2017

Background: For investigating the relationship of frailty with physical, psychological, and social conditions on pathways, the frailty definition should ideally exclude these conditions. Based on the frailty phenotype, 2 candidate physical frailty specifications or instruments with 3 indicators, namely slowness, weakness, and exhaustion, and 4 indicators with addition of weight loss were previously developed, and had their construct and concurrent validity demonstrated. Objective: This study seeks to evaluate the predictive validity of 2 candidate physical frailty specifications with respect to death, functional impairment, and poor quality of life in older people. Methods: For 4,368 respondents aged 65-89 years from wave 2 of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, confirmatory factor analysis is performed for these 2 physical frailty specifications to obtain unique factor scores for each respondent. Prediction of death, basic and instrumental activities of daily living (BADL and IADL) difficulty, and poor quality of life (reverse of Control, Autonomy, Self-realization, and Pleasure [19 items] or CASP-19) 2 years later by factor scores for these 2 specifications is evaluated using standardized coefficients, c-statistics, and r2 values from regression analyses. Their performance is compared with those of alternative specifications with 3 (slowness, weakness, and weight loss) and 5 indicators (slowness, weakness, exhaustion, weight loss, and low physical activity), and Frailty Index (FI). Results: For the 2 candidate specifications, an increase of 1 standard deviation (SD) predicts 50-57% increase in odds of death, 0.10-15 SD increase in change in BADL or IADL difficulty, and poor quality of life at 2 years. They predict these outcomes as well or better than the alternative specification with 3 indicators, but marginally worse than that with 5 indicators. Compared with FI, they predict death and poor quality of life similarly, but perform worse for functional impairment. Minor differences are observed across gender. Conclusion: Reasonable predictive validity of 2 candidate physical frailty specifications based on the frailty phenotype with 3 and 4 indicators is demonstrated for death, functional impairment, and poor quality of life. These findings offer evidence to support their suitability for employment in investigating frailty pathways in older people.
Rapamycin Induces Autophagy and Reduces the Apoptosis of Podocytes Under a Stimulated Condition of Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy
Authors: Liang Shikai , Jin Juan , Lin Bo , Gong Jianguang , Li Yiwen , He Qiang
Published: April 2017

Backgroud/Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the potential renoprotective effect of rapamycin on the autophagy of podocytes treated with the supernatant of mesangial cells cultured with aggregated IgA1 (aIgA1) from immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) patients. Methods: Monomeric IgA1 (mIgA1) was isolated from the serum of IgAN patients or healthy volunteers, and then transformed to aIgA1 by heating. Subsequently, the aIgA1-mesangial cell supernatant was prepared by collecting the medium of mouse mesangial cells (MSC1097) cultured with aIgA1 (100 mg/L) from different IgAN patients or healthy volunteers for 48 h. Subsequently mouse podocytes (MPC5) were exposed to the supernatant of the aIgA1-mesangial cells for 24 h, using 100 mg/L aIgA1 from healthy volunteers as the control group or 100 mg/L aIgA1 from IgAN patients as the IgANs group, in RPMI 1640 medium. The MPC5 cells in the IgANs+Rap group were cultured with rapamycin (10 nmol/L) and the supernatant of MSC-1097 cells cultured with aIgA1 from IgAN patients in RPMI 1640 medium. Autophagy was assessed by western blot analysis (LC3, p62), electron microscopy, and immunofluorescence staining (LC3, p62, and CD63). The apoptosis of podocytes was evaluated by flow cytometry, and the expression of apoptosis-associated proteins cleaved-caspase-3 and caspase-3 were determined by western blot analysis. Results: Deficient autophagy, which was evident by decreased LC3-II and CD63 levels, caused accumulation of p62, and fewer autophagosomes were observed in the MPC5 cells cultured with the IgAN supernatant, along with stronger expression of cleaved caspase-3 and a higher apoptosis rate. Inhibition of autophagy was alleviated in the IgANs+Rap group. The LC3-II/LC3-I ratio increased by almost 30%, the accumulated p62 amount was reduced by 50%, and the number of autophagosomes per podocyte increased to about 7 times that of the IgAN groups. These results were confirmed by immunofluorescence staining. In addition, the apoptosis rate of MPC5 cells decreased from 19.88% in the IgAN group to 16.78% in the IgANs+Rap group, which was accompanied by a weaker expression level of cleaved caspase-3. Conclusions: Rapamycin can reduce the apoptosis of podocytes by inducing autophagy in IgAN.
A fotografia e seus tentáculos: interpretações possíveis no universo dos arquivos
Authors: Malverdes Andre , Lopez Andre Porto Ancona
Published: April 2017

A fotografia não somente constitui um tipo de representação icônica que goza de um extenso uso cultural e uma ampla trajetória histórica como também apresenta uma morfologia específica e um tipo documental com características específicas. Ao longo das duas últimas décadas, surgiu um grande interesse no âmbito das ciências sociais e humanas em torno da fotografia com uma abordagem interdisciplinar e enfoques historiográficos, da história das técnicas fotográficas, filosóficos, artísticos, antropológicos, sociológicos, psicológicos, semióticos, educativos, para citar aqui apenas alguns. Nossa pesquisa pretende enfocar a fotografia na perspectiva informativo-documental, examinando a imagem como evidência de um registro dentro de um sistema da informação, estudando a gestão dos fundos e coleções fotográficas, e do tratamento de seu conteúdo de representação icônica para gerar representações documentais secundárias, visando possibilitar a recuperação dos documentos e das informações nelas contidas. Partindo dessa perspectiva, buscaremos a partir de agora a contribuição de autores como Agustín Lacruz (2015); Benítez e Rodrigues (2006), Boadas i Raset (2001), Valle Gastaminza (1999), Lacerda (2013) e Lopez (2000), que irão corroborar na construção teórica de nossa pesquisa, no que diz respeito aos conceitos da fotografia e de suas características. Buscamos nesse breve apresentação elencarmos a problemática da fotografia dentro do âmbito do arquivo e conceituar os documentos fotográficos dentro de um estado de coisas. Uma vez reconhecido a fotografia como documento de arquivo é necessário estudos e reflexões sobre as atividades de arquivo como a avaliação, a classificação e a descrição arquivística e a sua aplicabilidade na fotografia como objeto de análise documental, seus métodos e possibilidades nos principais métodos de leitura de imagens.
Genetic Discrimination: A Case for a European Legislative Response?
Authors: de Paor Aisling
Published: April 2017

With rapid scientific and technological advances, a new genetic era is emerging. However, these advances raise ethical and legal issues, particularly genetic discrimination, that may threaten advancing science in the absence of appropriate regulation. There is currently no concrete legislative position in this area at eu level, but rather a patchwork of diverging legislative approaches amongst Member States. Genetic discrimination has been singled out as an area of reform in Europe as evidenced, for example in eu Charter of Fundamental Rights, Article 21.1 prohibiting discrimination based on ‘genetic features.’ The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities also informs this debate and may spur legislative action. From a transatlantic perspective, the United States’ federal legislation (Genetic Information Non Discrimination Act) is noteworthy. Considering scientific and technological developments, the rights at stake and the various regulatory benchmarks, this paper explores the regulation of genetic information in the eu.
An analysis on the luminance efficiency of the machine embroidery method applied to flexible plastic optical fiber for realization of the textile display
Authors: Yang Jin-Hee , Cho Hyun-Seung , Lee Joo Hyeon
Published: April 2017

In this research, we investigated the luminance efficiency of the computerized embroidery methods applied to flexible plastic optical fiber (POF) for realization of the textile display. Due to the nature of the flexible POF being similar to that of textile yarn, it has been possible to realize a flexible textile display by application of some adjusted fabrication methods. However, besides the simple property of flexibility, two requirements are still demanded for the flexible POF-based textile display: high luminance and the method for realization of pixels in a display. Among the fabrication methods, machine embroidery has feasibility to realize relatively higher luminance of flexible POF-based textiles through a simple procedure. The aim of this study is to evaluate of the feasibility of the embroidery method for the flexible POF-based textile display in terms of luminance, and an approach for a suitable condition in the embroidery method to realize the textile display. To do this, four embroidery methods, in which bending angles from around 90° to around 180° were applied to the flexible POF, were developed in this study. The measurement method was conducted identically on two types of POFs (flexible POFs and non-flexible POFs). The measurement points were selected in consideration of the distance from the light source and the rotation angle of the embroidery, depending on each embroidery design. Based on the resulting luminance efficiency according to the four embroidery methods, suitable conditions for the embroidery method to realize a relatively higher level of luminance for the textile display were suggested.
Reducing fabric wastage through image projected virtual marker (IPVM)
Authors: Naveed Tayyab , Hussain Azmat , Zhong Yueqi
Published: April 2017

In apparel manufacturing, more than 50% of the total cost is consumed by the fabric in comparison to the rest of the materials. The efficient use of fabric may result in the reduction of considerable expenditure and efforts. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to propose an image projected virtual marker (IPVM) onto the surface of fabric layers/plies to improve fabric utilization and visual quality control. 20 garment production orders are scheduled for experimental work to investigate the utilization of fabrics with imperfections. The statistical analysis indicates a 3.5%–4% improvement in the fabric utilization, a 22% improvement in throughput time of visual inspection, and a 25% reduction of labor intensity during visual inspection in the cutting room. The result implies that the proposed method is an efficient approach to improve fabric utilization and cost reduction.
Computational model for virtually characterizing two-dimensional tri-axially braided composites using realistic microstructural details
Authors: Heinrich Christian , Ji Wooseok , Waas Anthony M
Published: April 2017

A finite element model is created from realistic microstructural data in order to predict the mechanical properties of two-dimensional tri-axially braided textile composites (2DTBCs), specifically with a focus on the prediction of their compressive strength. The virtually manufactured model is based on information about the realistic geometry of the textile architecture and nonlinear material properties of fiber tows and matrix. A parametric representative unit cell model is developed in a fully three-dimensional setting for the construction of representative textile architectures. The computational model is utilized to predict the compressive strength of 2DTBCs.
Primary trauma care: a 20-year review
Authors: Ley Greaves RA , Wilkinson LF , Wilkinson DA
Published: April 2017

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Primary Trauma Care Foundation (PTC), which provides a course aimed at providing a systematic approach to trauma and the unwell patient in low- and middle-income countries. The course is based on the original 36-page PTC manual and a key ethos of being appropriate to the target audience, affordable to those who need it, adaptable to the needs of each local area and sustainable to perpetuate itself. The concept is simple: a two-day course for candidates, followed by a one-day instructor course, and finally a first course delivered to local healthcare staff by the first cohort. Now in its 20th year, its reach spans 76 countries, is ingrained in the syllabus of many healthcare systems and continues to reach new territories with a programme shown to produce a measurable improvement in the care delivered.
Curses in Acts: Hearing the Apostles’ Words of Judgment Alongside ‘Magical’ Spell Texts
Authors: Kent Benedict H. M.
Published: April 2017

Scholars of Luke–Acts have struggled to define the apostles’ proclamations of judgment on those who threatened the early Christian community. Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 4.32–5.11), Simon magus (8.4-25) and Bar-Jesus (13.4-12) all fall victim to the apostles’ words of power, yet scholars have typically shied away from categorizing their speeches as curses. Close analysis of the structure, style, phonaesthetic and dramatic aspects of the Greek texts suggests, however, that Luke indeed intends the apostles’ speeches to be heard as curses whilst simultaneously presenting them as legitimate acts of power. A comparison with Greek and Coptic ‘magical’ texts helps to place the curses of Acts in the context of cursing traditions in the wider ancient Mediterranean world.
Event-triggered and self-triggered wide-area damping control designs under uncertainties
Authors: Duan Jiajun , Xu Hao , Liu Wenxin
Published: April 2017

Traditional damping controllers of wide-area power systems (WAPSs) are not able to solve the inter-area oscillation problem effectively owing to lack of global vision. It weakens the power transfer capability and even the stability of WAPSs. The installation of a large number of phase measurement units brings about the system-wide synchronized measurements. Considering that conventional periodic control solutions have placed an excessive burden on the cyber infrastructure, in this paper, two advanced aperiodic control schemes are designed based on the real-time global synchronized measurements. Two control schemes, that is, zero-order-hold event-triggered control and self-triggered control, are developed for wide-area damping control with the minimum communication between the control center and the actuators. The control center only updates control signals for the actuators when certain conditions are triggered, and there is no communication occurrence for the rest of time. Thus, they have mild requirements on communication and computation. The algorithms are tested through simulations of WAPS models with different levels of details. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness and benefits of the control design.
Noise level and its influences on dental professionals in a dental hospital in Hong Kong
Authors: Ai ZT , Mak CM , Wong HM
Published: April 2017

Noise is recognized as one of the major indoor environmental issues in dental settings. This study presents the noise measurements and questionnaire surveys conducted in the clinics for pediatric dentistry and laboratories in the Prince Philip Dental Hospital in Hong Kong. Noise level and octave noise spectrum were measured at 60 locations distributed around the working areas. Totally, 60 valid questionnaires were collected, of which 30 were completed by dental surgery assistants and 30 by laboratory technicians. Data were coded and analyzed statistically using SPSS 19.0. The average noise levels in the dental clinics and laboratories were 62.6 dB(A) and 67.7 dB(A), respectively, which are well below the limit of 85 dB(A) for causing hearing loss. Statistical analysis shows that there is a significant difference in hearing status (condition of hearing ability) between different gender, age and occupation groups. Among others, noise generated by the equipment operated by others presents a principal influence on dental professionals. Importantly, suddenness and frequency of noise occurrence, rather than noise level, produce a significant influence on dental works. Most dental professionals work routinely and do not take any precautions or actions against noise at work.

Practical application: The findings of this study should first increase the understanding of acoustical environment in dental settings for clinicians and its influence on dental professionals and second help designers and engineers improve the acoustical environment in dental settings.
The Role of the Legal Profession in the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Authors: Rombouts Heidy , Parmentier Stephan
Published: April 2017

In situations of a transition to democracy, the legal profession tends to have a strong impact. While this is quite clear in the case when criminal prosecutions are initiated against perpetrators of gross human rights violations, and when amnesty provisions are enacted for some violations, it is far less obvious in cases when a truth commission is set up. The current article looks into the role that the legal profession, i.e. the judiciary, the bar and the non-governmental organisations, has played in the notorious case of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). It draws on the systems analysis of political life by David Easton, which identifies how demands (input) that rise in society, are processed (conversion) and produce results (output), which provide new inputs to the political system. This ‘flow model’ is applied to two separate processes during the life of the TRC: the Special Legal Hearing of October 1997, and the legal challenges put to the Commission in Court in 1996.

Our analysis reveals a number of interesting conclusions. One is that the organised profession approached the Special Legal Hearing from a very legalistic point of view, despite the non-judicial character of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission at large. This stands in contrast with the position of the Constitutional Court, which recognised the limits of the traditional judicial system and came out in support of the TRC. Another conclusion is that, although the participation of the judges and the magistrates in the Special Legal Hearing was limited to written submissions, their influence proved very large, as they threatened the TRC with a constitutional crisis. Finally, throughout the two processes under review, breaches became visible within the legal profession, between the ‘progressive’ non-governmental organisations and the ‘conservative’ organised profession on the one hand, and between the organised profession on the one hand and the judges on the other hand. In sum, it can convincingly be concluded that the impact of the legal profession remains quite important when a truth commission is opted for in a context of transition to democracy.
The Right to Live Wherever You Want? The Right to Family Life following the UN Human Rights Committee's Decision in Winata
Authors: Burchill Richard
Published: April 2017

In situations where immigration decisions impact upon the right to family life the ability of a State to control entry and residence to its territory is to be weighed up against the rights of the individuals concerned to the enjoyment of family life. Any decision in this area depends heavily on the particular circumstances that are involved. When it comes to individuals illegally present in a State, international practice has usually held that the right of a State to control immigration outweighs the right to family life except in the most limited circumstances. The Human Rights Committee's decision in Winata is significant for the Committee has held that the removal of individuals illegally present in the territory would result in violations of the right to family life. This marks a shift in international practice which has commonly given States a wide margin of discretion in upholding their immigration laws when it comes to individuals illegally resident in the territory. This article will look at the Committee's decision and compare it to international practice with a view to determining if there now exists for families a right to live wherever they choose.
Completing the UN Complaint Mechanisms for Human Rights Violations Step by Step: Towards a Complaints Procedure Complementing the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
Authors: Vandenhole Wouter
Published: April 2017

With the entry into force of the Optional Protocol to CEDAW in 2000, four of the six main UN human rights treaties are now complemented with an individual complaints procedure. The proposal to establish an individual complaints mechanism for economic, social and cultural rights (ESCR) meets with considerable political opposition. Progress has been jeopardised by an ongoing discussion on the nature of ESCR, which are still very often considered as second-class human rights. It is submitted here that the two main issues of debate – justiciability and the nature of the obligations of States – have been sufficiently clarified in recent years in order to allow for individual complaints. Ongoing reluctance to establish an individual complaints procedure for ESCR can therefore no longer convincingly be based on legal motives.

A new impetus to the debate on the establishment of an individual complaints procedure for ESCR was given in 2001, with the appointment of an independent expert, and in 2003, with the establishment of an open-ended working group. The suggested amendments to the draft for an Optional Protocol as prepared by the ESCR-Committee in 1996, may assist the working group in bringing the draft Optional Protocol in line with changed circumstances since 1996, with particular reference to the OP-CEDAW.
Family Values: The Recognition of Same-Sex Relationships in International Law
Authors: Hodson Loveday
Published: April 2017

There are currently no international human rights treaties in force that explicitly provide for the recognition and protection of same-sex relationships. The ‘family’ that is safeguarded under human rights treaties has been consistently defined in a heterosexual way. The consequence of non-recognition of same-sex relationships is a considerable degree of suffering and discrimination. This article questions whether it is justifiable for the international law of human rights to deny its protection to those people in same-sex relationships. It points in particular to recent developments that have taken place in many countries towards offering these relationships legal recognition. This article concludes that, given its commitment to equality and tolerance, international human rights law's failure to recognise same-sex relationships is increasingly untenable.
A Need for Transnational Non Bis in Idem Protection in International Human Rights Law
Authors: Poels Alexander
Published: April 2017

Although safeguards for the individual human right guarantees for protection against double jeopardy are strongly entrenched in international and domestic law as well as widely reflected in State practice, such protection is generally limited in scope and applicability to surrender or extradition procedures. Where criminal offenders face courts of a State after having been prosecuted and punished or acquitted by a court of another State, the absence of transnational non bis in idem protection constitutes a serious lacuna in international human rights law. Although legislative and judicial initiatives are being undertaken – notably under the aegis of the European Union – to remedy this lacuna, the international community must incontestably act upon this need for individuals' protection against abuses of power and breaches of due process through the amendment or complementing of the classical international human rights conventions.
Turkey's Compliance with European Union Democratic Conditionality: Resistance or Transformation of Identity?
Authors: Erdogan Birsen
Published: April 2017

This article sheds a light on the recent legal, political and social developments in Turkey, which led to intense debates in the society on the freedom of expression and the protection of minorities. Author chooses these issues, since they represent cracks in the establishment of the Turkish identity by traditional state elite. Turkey's candidacy process to the European Union highlighted those cracks and caused the emergence of an identity crisis. Those issues have been among the main issues in the negotiation process with the European Union for membership. Author analyses these recent developments by looking at their reflections in the liberal and progressive Turkish media. Finally, she concludes that the success of the Turkish compliance with the human rights criteria of the European Union will depend on the resolution of those issues through democratic means, necessary legislative changes and reconciliation within the society.
Advocating Accountability: The (Re)forming of a Refugee Rights Discourse in South Africa
Authors: Handmaker Jeff
Published: April 2017

This paper examines the roles and impact of civic initiatives in forming a refugee rights discourse and ushering in refugee policy in South Africa in compliance with its international obligations. Some inputs to this process have sought to ‘reformulate’ the law to fit political realities, while recent commentaries of the process have been limited to moralistic arguments supported by little more than legal rhetoric. Both miss the broader picture and fail to acknowledge the explicit role of civic society both in helping to frame policy and urging its proper implementation. Civic initiatives representing various constituencies in South Africa and abroad have played a central role in forming obligations, claiming rights and even determining state practice. South Africa presents an intriguing case study in testing the validity and practicability of civic society (non-State) efforts in advocating government's accountability in the protection of refugees, particularly in the making of the Refugees Act 1998.
Protection of Traditional Knowledge and Human Rights Obligations: The Status of Discussion in International Organisations
Authors: Razzaque Jona , Ssenyonjo Manisuli
Published: April 2017

Traditional knowledge and human rights are two fields that have largely developed separately despite being interrelated. A number of international institutions are pursuing different priorities related to the protection of traditional knowledge. The underlying theme of all these discussions could be linked to various human rights obligations. Despite this reality, in the discussions on the protection and the use of traditional knowledge within the World Trade Organisation, the Convention of Biological Diversity, and the World Intellectual Property Organisation, the human rights dimension is often sidelined. The main purpose of this article is to examine the status of the ongoing discussion on the protection of traditional knowledge including the level of coordination among these international processes. The article argues that it is crucial to integrate human rights dimensions in the discussion of traditional knowledge in other international fora.
An Unwelcome Trend: Religious Dress and Human Rights following Leyla Şahin vs Turkey
Authors: Gibson Nicholas
Published: April 2017

In Leyla Şahin vs Turkey, the prohibition on university students wearing the Islamic headscarf was found (by a majority of 16:1) not to violate Ms Şahin's freedom to manifest her religion. This article contends that the majority's arguments are flawed, and Judge Tulkens' solitary dissenting judgement should be preferred. The majority judgement fails to strike an appropriate balance between Ms Şahin's rights and those of Turkish society, and relies on an overbroad margin of appreciation. These deficiencies are accentuated by comparison with the wider jurisprudence of the Court and other national jurisdictions. The article concludes by considering Şahin's wider implications, particularly regarding the Court's ability to protect individual rights in a climate that increasingly calls for their effective protection.
The Personal Application of the Right to Work in the Age of Migration
Authors: Lu Haina
Published: April 2017

The right to work is an important human right recognised by most major human rights instruments. It is, however, not clear whether and to what extent non-nationals can enjoy the right to work in the host State. As globalisation stimulates international migration more than ever, clarifying the personal application of the right to work has important implications for protecting the human rights of immigrants and for promoting immigrants' integration in the host country. In practice, the right of non-nationals to work is restricted to varying degrees according to their legal status in the host country. Based on existing human rights standards and jurisprudence, this study intends to clarify the right to work of several categories of non-nationals: long-term residents, temporary residents, refugees and asylum-seekers, illegal immigrants, and migrant workers.
Letting States off the Hook? The Paradox of the Legal Consequences following State Non-Compliance with Provisional Measures in the Inter-American and European Human Rights Systems
Authors: Herrera Clara Burbano , Haeck Yves
Published: April 2017

Anyone who proves that he or she is in a situation of danger and who is a potential victim of a violation of a right set forth in the American or the European Convention on Human Rights may be protected by interim measures. Interim measures in the human rights systems may be defined as an instrument, the purpose of which is to prevent irreparable harm to persons who are in a situation of extreme gravity and urgency, which a favourable final judgment would therefore not be able to undo. They result in protection offered by the State in compliance with the legally binding order of the Inter-American or European Court on Human Rights. While this legal figure is nowadays applied more and more frequently and in most cases the American and European countries have complied with the order of their respective Court of Human Rights, the question that this contribution would like to answer is what the legal consequences of incompliance are and whether the difference as to the legal basis of the interim measures in both human rights systems has influenced the legal effect that the respective Courts have given to non-compliance with the measures. After an overview of the case-law, it will be shown that in fact each regional system has given different legal consequences to the incompliance with its interim measures, but paradoxically, the effects are not directly related to the type of legal instrument in which the interim measures are contemplated. The issue is relevant because on the one hand interim measures are mostly adopted in dramatic contexts where the life and personal integrity of human beings are endangered and because a survey of the case-law shows that under the European system the cases of incompliance seem to be on the rise, and on the other hand, because it appears that under the Inter-American system there are many cases in which provisional measures have been issued which will be decided soon on the merits, and therefore during the examination of which it will be decided whether the member States have complied or not with the Inter-American Court's interim measures and what consequences incompliance entails.
Can an Intergovernmental Mechanism Increase the Protection of Human Rights? The Potential of Universal Periodic Review in Relation to the Realisation of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
Authors: Duggan-Larkin Jessica
Published: April 2017

The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism, one of the most significant innovations of the new Human Rights Council, promises to improve the scrutiny of human rights and raise their position within the United Nation's system. This article analyses the current and potential impact of the UPR on the realisation of economic, social and cultural rights. It considers the practice of the first five UPR working group sessions and makes recommendations to increase the impact of the mechanism on UN member State behaviour in the future. With the implementation of these recommendations it is hoped the UPR can make a real impact on the realisation of economic, social and cultural rights and human rights more generally.
Analysing the Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Jurisprudence of the African Commission: 30 Years since the Adoption of the African Charter
Authors: Ssenyonjo Manisuli
Published: April 2017

The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (the Commission), established by the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights (African Charter), is a quasi-judicial regional body charged with the functions of promoting and protecting human rights in Africa, including economic, social and cultural (ESC) rights. The Commission was the third regional human rights body after the European and American regional bodies. It is empowered to ‘interpret’ Africa's key regional human rights treaty, the African Charter adopted in 1981. Although the African Charter protects ESC rights alongside other rights, the African Commission noted in its Resolution on ESC Rights in Africa, ACHPR /Res.73(XXXVI)04 (2004), that ‘despite the consensus on the indivisibility of human rights, economic, social and cultural rights remain marginalised in their implementation’ in Africa. The Commission observed that there is inadequate recognition by African States of this category of rights that results in the continued marginalisation of these rights, which ‘excludes the majority of Africans from the full enjoyment of human rights’. Not surprisingly, the Commission has found several States in violations of ESC rights. One contributory cause for the continued marginalisation of this category of rights in Africa can be attributed to the lack of awareness of the Commission's jurisprudence on these rights. This article reviews selected key aspects in the Commission's jurisprudence on ESC rights since the Commission was inaugurated in 1987 focusing on the normative content; State obligations and obligations of non-State Actors; remedies and limitations to and derogations from ESC rights.