bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unfair Trade, Exploitation, and Below-Subsistence Wages
Authors: Dänzer Sonja
Published: April 2015

The article discusses the relation between the concepts of unfair trade, exploitation, and below-subsistence wages with regard to individual economic transactions. Starting from the common notion that exploitation involves some kind of unfair advantage taking, it asks how “unfair” is to be understood, and what it is that is taken advantage of in exploitative exchanges. On this basis it then explores a line of argument for grounding the claim that below-subsistence wages are exploitative, focusing on the condition of morally transformative voluntary consent to transactions. By analyzing the structure of coercion with regard to threats, offers, and circumstances it comes to the conclusion that consent to an offer is morally non-transformative with regard to legitimizing the outcome of a transaction if the person giving the “consent” has only unacceptable options in absolute terms to choose from, since this reduces “consent” to a mere act of rationality devoid of any normative content. Accordingly, it argues that insofar as below-subsistence wages are unacceptable options in absolute terms, they are to be considered exploitative and an instance of unfair trade.
Three Images of Trade: On the Place of Trade in a Theory of Global Justice
Authors: Risse Mathias , Wollner Gabriel
Published: April 2015

Economic theory teaches that it is in every country’s interest to trade. Trade is a voluntary activity among consenting parties. On this view, considerations of justice have little bearing on trade, and political philosophers concerned with global justice should stay largely silent on trade. According to a very different view that has recently gained prominence, international trade can only occur before the background of an international market reliance practice shaped by states. Trade is a shared activity among states, and all participating states have in principle equal claims to gains from trade. Trade then becomes a central topic for political philosophers. Both views are problematic. A third view about the role of trade in a theory of global justice is then presented, which gives pride of place to a (non-Marxian) notion of exploitation. The other two views should be abandoned.
Crystal structure of trans-dibromido-ethoxido-oxido-bis(triphenylphosphane)- rhenium(V) – a triclinic polymorph, C38H35Br2O2P2Re
Authors: Habarurema Gratien , Gerber Thomas I. A. , Hosten Eric C. , Betz Richard
Published: April 2015

C38H35Br2O2P2Re, triclinic, P1̄ (no. 2), a = 9.7769(2) Å, b = 11.3125(3) Å, c = 17.7285(4) Å, α = 77.450(1)°, β = 88.684(1)°, γ = 66.501(1)°, V = 1750.7 Å3, Z = 2, Rgt(F) = 0.0189, wRref(F2) = 0.0401, T = 200 K.
Crystal structure of bis[2,3-diaza-4-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1-thiomethylbuta- 1,3-diene]disulfide, C18H18N4O2S4
Authors: Madanhire Tatenda , Abrahams Abubak'r , Hosten Eric C. , Betz Richard
Published: April 2015

C18H18N4O2S4, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 12.3623(6) Å, b = 14.0153(7) Å, c = 11.9869(6) Å, β = 93.148(2)°, V = 2073.7 Å3, Z = 4, Rgt(F) = 0.0360, wRref(F2) = 0.0993, T = 200 K.
Crystal structure of fac-(acetylacetonato-κ2O,O')tricarbonyl(cyclohexyldiphenylphosphine- κP) rhenium(I), C26H28O5PRe
Authors: Manicum Amanda-Lee , Visser Hendrik G. , Engelbrecht Ilana , Roodt Andreas
Published: April 2015

C26H28O5PRe, monoclinic, P21/n (no. 14), a = 11.752(5) Å, b = 12.417(4) Å, c = 17.185(5) Å, β = 91.921(4)°, V = 2506.3 Å3, Z = 4, Rgt(F) = 0.0238, wRref(F2) = 0.054, T = 101 K.
Two Case Reports of Successful Treatment of Cholestasis With Steroids in Patients With PFIC-2
Authors: Engelmann Guido , Wenning Daniel , Herebian Diran , Sander Oliver , Dröge Carola , Kluge Stefanie , Kubitz Ralf
Published: April 2015

Mutations in the gene encoding the canalicular bile salt export pump (BSEP) can result in progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 2 (PFIC-2). Treatment options are limited, and PFIC-2 often necessitates liver transplantation. We report on a young woman and a boy who clinically presented with PFIC-2 phenotypes and dramatically improved with steroid treatment. Gene sequencing of ABCB11 encoding for BSEP revealed 2 relevant mutations in both patients. The young woman was compound heterozygous for p.T919del and p.R1235X. At the age of 5 years, partial biliary diversion was performed and rescued liver function but left serum bile salt levels elevated. At age 23 she developed systemic lupus erythematosus. Unexpectedly, steroid therapy normalized serum bile salt levels, with a strong correlation with the steroid dose. She is currently in clinical remission. The boy was compound heterozygous for the ABCB11 mutations c.150+3A>C and p.R832C and presented with intractable pruritus. When he developed colitis, he was treated with steroids. The pruritus completely disappeared and relapsed when steroids were withdrawn. To date, with low-dose budesonide, the boy has been symptom-free for >3 years. In conclusion, the clinical courses suggest that patients with BSEP deficiency and residual BSEP activity may benefit from steroid-based therapy, which represents a new treatment option.
Validity of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire in Preschool-Aged Children
Authors: Croft Simone , Stride Christopher , Maughan Barbara , Rowe Richard
Published: April 2015

BACKGROUND:

The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) is widely used to screen for child mental health problems and measure common forms of psychopathology in 4- to 16-year-olds. Using longitudinal data, we examined the validity of a version adapted for 3- to 4-year-olds.

METHODS:

We used SDQ data from 16 659 families collected by the Millennium Cohort Study, which charts the development of children born throughout the United Kingdom during 2000–2001. Parents completed the preschool SDQ when children were aged 3 and the standard SDQ at ages 5 and 7. The SDQ’s internal factor structure was assessed by using confirmatory factor analysis, with a series of competing models and extensions used to determine construct, convergent, and discriminant validity and measurement invariance over time. Predictive validity was evaluated by examining the relationships of age 3 SDQ scores with age 5 diagnostic measures of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder/Asperger syndrome, and teacher-reported measures of personal, social, and emotional development.

RESULTS:

Confirmatory factor analysis supported a 5-factor measurement model. Internal reliability of subscales ranged from ω = 0.66 (peer problems) to ω = 0.83 (hyperactivity). Item-factor structures revealed measurement invariance over time. Strong positive correlations between ages 3 and 5 SDQ scores were not significantly different from correlations between age 5 and 7 scores. Conduct problems and hyperactivity subscales independently predicted developmental and clinical outcomes 2 years later.

CONCLUSIONS:

Satisfactory psychometric properties of the adapted preschool version affirm its utility as a screening tool to identify 3- to 4-year-olds with emotional and behavioral difficulties.
Cow’s Milk Contamination of Human Milk Purchased via the Internet
Authors: Keim Sarah A. , Kulkarni Manjusha M. , McNamara Kelly , Geraghty Sheela R. , Billock Rachael M. , Ronau Rachel , Hogan Joseph S. , Kwiek Jesse J.
Published: April 2015

BACKGROUND:

The US Food and Drug Administration recommends against feeding infants human milk from unscreened donors, but sharing milk via the Internet is growing in popularity. Recipient infants risk the possibility of consuming contaminated or adulterated milk. Our objective was to test milk advertised for sale online as human milk to verify its human origin and to rule out contamination with cow’s milk.

METHODS:

We anonymously purchased 102 samples advertised as human milk online. DNA was extracted from 200 μL of each sample. The presence of human or bovine mitochondrial DNA was assessed with a species-specific real-time polymerase chain reaction assay targeting the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) dehydrogenase subunit 5 gene. Four laboratory-created mixtures representing various dilutions of human milk with fluid cow’s milk or reconstituted infant formula were compared with the Internet samples to semiquantitate the extent of contamination with cow’s milk.

RESULTS:

All Internet samples amplified human DNA. After 2 rounds of testing, 11 samples also contained bovine DNA. Ten of these samples had a level of bovine DNA consistent with human milk mixed with at least 10% fluid cow’s milk.

CONCLUSIONS:

Ten Internet samples had bovine DNA concentrations high enough to rule out minor contamination, suggesting a cow’s milk product was added. Cow’s milk can be problematic for infants with allergy or intolerance. Because buyers cannot verify the composition of milk they purchase, all should be aware that it might be adulterated with cow’s milk. Pediatricians should be aware of the online market for human milk and the potential risks.
Genetic diversity and immunological characteristics of malignant melanoma: the therapeutic spectrum
Authors: Doma Viktória , Gulya Ernő
Published: April 2015

Malignant melanoma, originating from pigment cells, is a highly aggressive tumour affecting patients of any age group. Its incidence is rapidly growing. The most common form can be easily diagnosed by any physician. There are some well-known genetic (skin-, eye-, hair colour, naevi, melanoma in the personal/family history) and environmental (ultraviolet radiation) predisposing factors. Treatment is based on early diagnosis and excision. When metastasis occurs, the traditional chemo- and radiotherapy gives a low response rate. Recently some newly approved targeted therapies and immunomodulant drugs have become available. This review focuses on the classification and novel therapeutic approaches of malignant melanoma to provide guidance to clinicians. Orv. Hetil., 2015, 156(15), 583–591.
Monitoring carbon steel behavior under biotic and abiotic conditions
Authors: León E.J. , Koleva D.A. , Jonkers H.M. , Mol J.M.C. , Terryn H. , van Breugel K.
Published: April 2015

Deterioration of concrete structures, together with corrosion of reinforcing steel due to the action of microorganisms, is known as Microbiologically Induced Corrosion of Concrete (MICC). The activity of microorganisms can initiate and further accelerate both steel corrosion and cement-based matrix degradation in reinforced concrete structures. The mechanism is related to initial surface colonization and further bio-products (and aggressive substance respectively) penetration into the bulk concrete matrix, reaching the reinforcement level. Common knowledge is that bio-deterioration-related infrastructure degradation, maintenance and repair have a significant economic impact worldwide. However, due to the complexity of all related mechanisms, a durable and feasible solution is still to be achieved for the engineering practice. This paper briefly points out main bio-degradation related mechanisms for concrete, steel and reinforced concrete structures and presents results on the electrochemical response of carbon steel in simulated environment under biotic and abiotic conditions.
Thermodynamics of disaggregated polymer composites based on nanosized powders of Ni and NiO
Authors: Volodina N. S. , Terziyan T. V. , Safronov A. P. , Petrov A. V.
Published: April 2015

Technique to obtain disaggregated composites with uniform distribution of the Ni nanoparticles in a polymer matrix was developed on the example of epoxy resin. Disaggregated and aggregated composites based on butyl methacrylate copolymer with 5 wt% methacrylic acid and Ni and NiO nanoparticles were obtained. Enthalpies of mixing the components compositions in a wide range of compositions were defined using isothermal calorimetry. Parameters adhesive interaction at the interface and glassy polymer structure changes were calculated. The influence of the chemical nature of nanosized filler on interfacial energy was found.
Modeling of a microstructure and calculation of a tortuosity factor for cathodic materials of LSM–YSZ
Authors: Farlenkov A. S. , Anan’ev M. V.
Published: April 2015

In this work changes in physico-chemical properties (oxygen interphase exchange rate and specific resistance) and microstructure parameters (TPB length and tortuosity factor) with time have been analyzed to find the quantitative relationships on the example of composite cathode material LSM-YSZ. 3D microstructure of LSM-YSZ materials has been reconstructed and tortuosity factor has been calculated on the basis of SEM image analysis using the original software.
Structure and transport properties of composite materials on a basis of Ce0.8Nd0.2O2-δ and BaCe0.8Nd0.2O3-δ
Authors: Lyagaeva Ju. G. , Medvedev D. A.
Published: April 2015

In the present work the synthesis of materials was carried out by one-step citrate-nitrate method. The optimal synthesis temperature of the powders was chosen on the base of TG-DSC data. Phase nature of the synthesized materials was investigated by XRD and Rietveld refinement data analyzes. The influence of the perovskite phase content in the system of (1-x)Ce0.8Nd0.2O2-δ-xBaCe0.8Nd0.2O3-δ ( x = 0 , 0.25, 0.5 , 0.75 and 1) on the crystallite and particle size of powders and structure properties of ceramics (relative density, porosity, grain size) were investigated. Measurements of the electrical conductivity of materials in a wide ranges of temperatures (550-900 °C) and oxygen partial pressure (10-23≤pO2/atm≤0,21) revealed features of transport in the composite system.
Metabolic Syndrome Abolishes Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonist Stimulation of SERCA in Coronary Smooth Muscle
Authors: Dineen Stacey L. , McKenney Mikaela L. , Bell Lauren N. , Fullenkamp Allison M. , Schultz Kyle A. , Alloosh Mouhamad , Chalasani Naga , Sturek Michael
Published: April 2015

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) doubles the risk of adverse cardiovascular events. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists induce weight loss, increase insulin secretion, and improve glucose tolerance. Studies in healthy animals suggest cardioprotective properties of GLP-1 receptor agonists, perhaps partially mediated by improved sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA) activity. We examined the acute effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists on coronary smooth muscle cells (CSM) enzymatically isolated from lean, healthy Ossabaw miniature swine. Intracellular Ca2+ handling was interrogated with fura-2. The GLP-1 receptor agonist exenatide activated SERCA but did not alter other Ca2+ transporters. Further, we tested the hypothesis that chronic, in vivo treatment with GLP-1 receptor agonist AC3174 would attenuate coronary artery disease (CAD) in swine with MetS. MetS was induced in 20 swine by 6 months' feeding of a hypercaloric, atherogenic diet. Swine were then randomized (n = 10/group) into placebo or AC3174 treatment groups and continued the diet for an additional 6 months. AC3174 treatment attenuated weight gain, increased insulin secretion, and improved glucose tolerance. Intravascular ultrasound and histology showed no effect of AC3174 on CAD. MetS abolished SERCA activation by GLP-1 receptor agonists. We conclude that MetS confers vascular resistance to GLP-1 receptor agonists, partially through impaired cellular signaling steps involving SERCA.
Rapid Repression of ADP Transport by Palmitoyl-CoA Is Attenuated by Exercise Training in Humans: A Potential Mechanism to Decrease Oxidative Stress and Improve Skeletal Muscle Insulin Signaling
Authors: Ludzki Alison , Paglialunga Sabina , Smith Brennan K. , Herbst Eric A.F. , Allison Mary K. , Heigenhauser George J. , Neufer P. Darrell , Holloway Graham P.
Published: April 2015

Mitochondrial ADP transport may represent a convergence point unifying two prominent working models for the development of insulin resistance, as reactive lipids (specifically palmitoyl-CoA [P-CoA]) can inhibit ADP transport and subsequently increase mitochondrial reactive oxygen species emissions. In the current study, we aimed to determine if exercise training in humans diminished P-CoA attenuation of mitochondrial ADP respiratory sensitivity. Six weeks of exercise training increased whole-body glucose homeostasis and skeletal muscle Akt signaling and reduced markers of oxidative stress without reducing maximal mitochondrial H2O2 emissions. To ascertain if enhanced mitochondrial ADP transport contributed to the improvement in the in vivo oxidative state, we determined mitochondrial ADP sensitivity in the presence and absence of P-CoA. In the absence of P-CoA, exercise training reduced mitochondrial ADP sensitivity. In contrast, exercise training increased mitochondrial ADP sensitivity with P-CoA present. We further show that P-CoA noncompetitively inhibits mitochondrial ADP transport and the ability of ADP to attenuate mitochondrial H2O2 emission. Altogether, the current data provide a potential mechanism for how P-CoA contributes to insulin resistance and highlight the ability of exercise training to diminish P-CoA attenuation in mitochondrial ADP transport.
Anesthetic Management by Laryngeal Mask Airway in a Patient With a History of Difficult Intubation Resulting in Dental Injuries
Authors: Asahi Yoshinao , Fujii Ryosuke , Usui Naoko , Kagamiuchi Hajime , Omichi Shiro , Kotani Junichiro
Published: April 2015

Disabled patients may face respiratory problems during general anesthesia because of head and neck anomalies. We describe a case of dental treatment under general anesthesia using a laryngeal mask airway in a disabled patient who faced difficulty in endotracheal intubation on several occasions, 5 of which resulted in dental injuries.
Word Generation Randomized Trial
Authors: Lawrence Joshua F. , Crosson Amy C. , Paré-Blagoev E. Juliana , Snow Catherine E.
Published: April 2015

Classroom discussion, despite its association with good academic outcomes, is exceedingly rare in U.S. schools. The Word Generation intervention involves the provision of texts and activities to be implemented across content area class, organized around engaging and discussable dilemmas. The program was evaluated with 1,554 middle grade students in 28 schools randomly assigned to treatment or control conditions. There were large effects on classroom discussion quality across all content areas, especially in math and science (Cohen’s d  = 0.38-1.13). The program also produced significant, though small, effects on taught vocabulary (effect size = .25, p  < .01) but no effects on a standardized assessment of general vocabulary. Quality of classroom discussion mediated 14% of the treatment effect on vocabulary outcomes.
Long-Term Measurement for Low-Tropospheric Water Vapor and Aerosol by Raman Lidar in Wuhan
Authors: Wang Wei , Gong Wei , Mao Feiyue , Zhang Jinye
Published: April 2015

A Raman Lidar (RL) system is developed to measure the water vapor mixing ratio (WVMR) and aerosol optical property in Wuhan with high temporal-spatial resolution during rainless nights. The principle of the self-developed lidar system and data processing method are discussed. WVMR profiles of a representative case retrieved by RL, Radiosonde (RS), and microwave radiometer (MR) are in good agreement. The relationship of WVMR and aerosol optical depth (AOD) indicates that water vapor dramatically reduces with the decline of the AOD. Moreover, the mean relative difference of mean WVMRs at low-troposphere obtained by RL and RS (MR) is about 5.17% (9.47%) during the analyzed year. The agreement certifies that the self-developed RL system can stably provide accurate and high temporal-spatial resolution data for the fundamental physical studies on water vapor. Furthermore, the maximum AOD from 0.5 km to 3 km is 0.41 at night in spring, which indicates that the air quality in Wuhan is heavily influenced by aerosols that are transported by air mass from the north during this time. Moreover, abundant rainfall led to relatively low AOD in summer (0.22), which demonstrates that water vapor is crucial for air purification.
Label-Free Imaging and Biochemical Characterization of Bovine Sperm Cells
Authors: Ferrara Maria , Di Caprio Giuseppe , Managò Stefano , De Angelis Annalisa , Sirleto Luigi , Coppola Giuseppe , De Luca Anna
Published: April 2015

A full label-free morphological and biochemical characterization is desirable to select spermatozoa during preparation for artificial insemination. In order to study these fundamental parameters, we take advantage of two attractive techniques: digital holography (DH) and Raman spectroscopy (RS). DH presents new opportunities for studying morphological aspect of cells and tissues non-invasively, quantitatively and without the need for staining or tagging, while RS is a very specific technique allowing the biochemical analysis of cellular components with a spatial resolution in the sub-micrometer range. In this paper, morphological and biochemical bovine sperm cell alterations were studied using these techniques. In addition, a complementary DH and RS study was performed to identify X- and Y-chromosome-bearing sperm cells. We demonstrate that the two techniques together are a powerful and highly efficient tool elucidating some important criterions for sperm morphological selection and sex-identification, overcoming many of the limitations associated with existing protocols.
Magnetically Separable and Sustainable Nanostructured Catalysts for Heterogeneous Reduction of Nitroaromatics
Authors: Shokouhimehr Mohammadreza
Published: April 2015

This review is focused on the strategies and designs of magnetic nanostructured catalysts showing the enhanced and sustainable catalytic performances for the heterogeneous reduction of nitoaromatics. Magnetic catalysts have the benefits of easy recovery and reuse after the completion of the reactions and green chemical processes. Magnetic separation, among the various procedures for removing catalysts, not only obviates the requirement of catalyst filtration or centrifugation after the completion of reactions, but also provides a practical technique for recycling the magnetized nanostructured catalysts. Consequently, discussions will address the methodologies and exemplars for the reusable magnetic composite catalysts. Because the synthesis of ideal magnetic nanostructured catalysts is of primary importance in the development of high-quality sustainable processes, the designs, preparation methods and recyclability of various recoverable magnetic nanostructured catalysts are emphasized. The representative methods and strategies for the synthesis of durable and reusable magnetic nanostructured catalysts are highlighted. The advantages, disadvantages, recyclability and the efficiency of the introduced heterogeneous systems have been explored in the reduction of nitrobenzene derivatives.
Deactivation of Pd Catalysts by Water during Low Temperature Methane Oxidation Relevant to Natural Gas Vehicle Converters
Authors: Gholami Rahman , Alyani Mina , Smith Kevin
Published: April 2015

Effects of H2O on the activity and deactivation of Pd catalysts used for the oxidation of unburned CH4 present in the exhaust gas of natural-gas vehicles (NGVs) are reviewed. CH4 oxidation in a catalytic converter is limited by low exhaust gas temperatures (500–550 °C) and low concentrations of CH4 (400–1500 ppmv) that must be reacted in the presence of large quantities of H2O (10–15%) and CO2 (15%), under transient exhaust gas flows, temperatures, and compositions. Although Pd catalysts have the highest known activity for CH4 oxidation, water-induced sintering and reaction inhibition by H2O deactivate these catalysts. Recent studies have shown the reversible inhibition by H2O adsorption causes a significant drop in catalyst activity at lower reaction temperatures (below 450 °C), but its effect decreases (water adsorption becomes more reversible) with increasing reaction temperature. Thus above 500 °C H2O inhibition is negligible, while Pd sintering and occlusion by support species become more important. H2O inhibition is postulated to occur by either formation of relatively stable Pd(OH)2 and/or partial blocking by OH groups of the O exchange between the support and Pd active sites thereby suppressing catalytic activity. Evidence from FTIR and isotopic labeling favors the latter route. Pd catalyst design, including incorporation of a second noble metal (Rh or Pt) and supports high O mobility (e.g., CeO2) are known to improve catalyst activity and stability. Kinetic studies of CH4 oxidation at conditions relevant to natural gas vehicles have quantified the thermodynamics and kinetics of competitive H2O adsorption and Pd(OH)2 formation, but none have addressed effects of H2O on O mobility.
Effect of Long-Term Consumption of Lactobacillus paracasei SD1 on Reducing Mutans streptococci and Caries Risk: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Teanpaisan Rawee , Piwat Supatcharin , Tianviwat Sukanya , Sophatha Benchamat , Kampoo Thanyanan
Published: April 2015

Background: A previous study revealed Lactobacillus paracasei SD1, a probiotic strain, could reduce mutans streptococci (MS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects of L. paracasei SD1 on the colonization of MS, and whether caries lesions developed. Methods: After informed consent, 122 children were recruited and randomly assigned to the probiotic or control groups. The probiotic group received milk-powder containing L. paracasei SD1 and the control group received standard milk-powder once daily for six months. Salivary MS and lactobacilli were enumerated using differential culture at baseline and at three-month intervals for 12 months. The persistence of L. paracasei SD1 was investigated using AP-PCR for DNA-fingerprinting. Oral health was examined at baseline and at the end of the study according to WHO criteria. Results: The long-term consumption could prolong colonization of L. paracasei SD1. Significantly reduced MS counts and increased lactobacilli levels were found among children in the probiotic group. There were less caries lesions in the probiotic group at the end of the study. A significant reduction of the development of new caries lesions (4.5 times) was observed in the high caries risk group but not in the low caries risk group. Conclusions: Results demonstrate that the long-term daily ingestion of the human-derived probiotic L. paracasei SD1 significantly reduces the number of MS and caries risk in the high caries group.
Computing Bi-Invariant Pseudo-Metrics on Lie Groups for Consistent Statistics
Authors: Miolane Nina , Pennec Xavier
Published: April 2015

In computational anatomy, organ’s shapes are often modeled as deformations of a reference shape, i.e., as elements of a Lie group. To analyze the variability of the human anatomy in this framework, we need to perform statistics on Lie groups. A Lie group is a manifold with a consistent group structure. Statistics on Riemannian manifolds have been well studied, but to use the statistical Riemannian framework on Lie groups, one needs to define a Riemannian metric compatible with the group structure: a bi-invariant metric. However, it is known that Lie groups, which are not a direct product of compact and abelian groups, have no bi-invariant metric. However, what about bi-invariant pseudo-metrics? In other words: could we remove the assumption of the positivity of the metric and obtain consistent statistics on Lie groups through the pseudo-Riemannian framework? Our contribution is two-fold. First, we present an algorithm that constructs bi-invariant pseudo-metrics on a given Lie group, in the case of existence. Then, by running the algorithm on commonly-used Lie groups, we show that most of them do not admit any bi-invariant (pseudo-) metric. We thus conclude that the (pseudo-) Riemannian setting is too limited for the definition of consistent statistics on general Lie groups.
On Nonlinear Complexity and Shannon’s Entropy of Finite Length Random Sequences
Authors: Liu Lingfeng , Miao Suoxia , Liu Bocheng
Published: April 2015

Pseudorandom binary sequences have important uses in many fields, such as spread spectrum communications, statistical sampling and cryptography. There are two kinds of method in evaluating the properties of sequences, one is based on the probability measure, and the other is based on the deterministic complexity measures. However, the relationship between these two methods still remains an interesting open problem. In this paper, we mainly focus on the widely used nonlinear complexity of random sequences, study on its distribution, expectation and variance of memoryless sources. Furthermore, the relationship between nonlinear complexity and Shannon’s entropy is also established here. The results show that the Shannon’s entropy is strictly monotonically decreased with nonlinear complexity.
Plug-in Bandwidth Selection for Kernel Density Estimation with Discrete Data
Authors: Chu Chi-Yang , Henderson Daniel , Parmeter Christopher
Published: April 2015

This paper proposes plug-in bandwidth selection for kernel density estimation with discrete data via minimization of mean summed square error. Simulation results show that the plug-in bandwidths perform well, relative to cross-validated bandwidths, in non-uniform designs. We further find that plug-in bandwidths are relatively small. Several empirical examples show that the plug-in bandwidths are typically similar in magnitude to their cross-validated counterparts.
Virtual Placements to Develop Employability Skills for Civil and Environmental Engineering Students
Authors: Paul Parneet
Published: April 2015

This project work addresses the crucial need to encourage undergraduate civil and environmental engineering students to gain employment skills and training right from the start of their studies so that their overall employability increases; their confidence level in networking with industry and within the workplace increases; and so that they are successfully able to obtain employment after finishing their studies. This initiative is a stepping-stone employability exercise which focuses specifically on first year students to help them engage with industry right from the start of their course. It is proposed that they would gain some realistic work experience both individually and as part of group within a virtual work environment using an action learning approach. The virtual environment used was based on SecondLife, a popular virtual reality programme. A pilot scheme was set up and run at Brunel University during the summer of 2014 using eight self-selecting first year students. The scheme’s outputs were extensively monitored and evaluated to assess its impact on the development of employability skills. This approach may prove a cost effective way of letting students gain an insight into the workplace whilst improving these skills. It may also prove a way for employers to select from a large range of students the best to actually undertake their real work-based internships.
Wind Integration into Energy Systems with a High Share of Nuclear Power—What Are the Compromises?
Authors: Zakeri Behnam , Rinne Samuli , Syri Sanna
Published: April 2015

Towards low-carbon energy systems, there are countries with ongoing plans for expanding their nuclear power capacity, and simultaneously advancing the role of variable renewable energy sources (RES), namely wind and solar energy. This crossroads of capital-intensive, baseload power production and uncontrollable, intermittent RES may entail new challenges in the optimal and economic operation of power systems. This study examines this case by hourly analysis of a national-level energy system with the EnergyPLAN modeling tool, coupled with wind integration simulations (including uncertainty) implemented using MATLAB. We evaluate the maximum feasible wind integration under different scenarios for nuclear power plants, energy demand, and the flexibility of energy infrastructure for a real case study (Finland). We propose wind-nuclear compromise charts to envision the impact of any mix of these two technologies on four parameters: total costs, power exchange, carbon emissions, and renewable energy integration. The results suggest that nuclear power constrains the room for maximum uptake of wind energy by a descending parabolic relationship. If nuclear power production exceeds 50% of the total power demand, wind will be unlikely to penetrate in shares over 15% of the respective demand. Moreover, we investigate the role of four flexibility options: demand side management, electrical energy storage, smart electric heating, and large-scale heat pumps (backed with thermal energy storage). Heat pumps (which are in connection with combined heat and power (CHP) and district heating systems) offer the highest efficiency in balancing excess power from variable RES. However, power-to-heat options offer a limited capability for absorbing excess power, as oversupply arises mainly in the periods with relatively low demand for heat. This calls for longer-term energy storage and/or other flexibility options to achieve the planned targets in wind-nuclear scenarios.
Methodologies and Advancements in the Calibration of Building Energy Models
Authors: Fabrizio Enrico , Monetti Valentina
Published: April 2015

Buildings do not usually perform during operation as well as predicted during the design stage. Disagreement between simulated and metered energy consumption represents a common issue in building simulation. For this reason, the calibration of building simulation models is of growing interest. Sensitivity and uncertainty analyses play an important role in building model accuracy. They can be used to identify the building model parameters most influent on the energy consumption. Given this, these analyses should be integrated within calibration methodologies and applications for tuning the parameters. This paper aims at providing a picture of the state of the art of calibration methodologies in the domain of building energy performance assessment. First, the most common methodologies for calibration are presented, emphasizing criticalities and gaps that can be faced. In particular the main issues to be addressed, when carrying out calibrated simulation, are discussed. The standard statistical criteria for considering the building models calibrated and for evaluating their goodness-of-fit are also presented. Second, the commonly used techniques for investigating uncertainties in building models are reviewed. Third, a review of the latest main studies in the calibrated simulation domain is presented. Criticalities and recommendations for new studies are finally provided.
Second Generation Ethanol Production from Brewers’ Spent Grain
Authors: Liguori Rossana , Soccol Carlos , Porto de Souza Vandenberghe Luciana , Woiciechowski Adenise , Faraco Vincenza
Published: April 2015

Ethanol production from lignocellulosic biomasses raises a global interest because it represents a good alternative to petroleum-derived energies and reduces the food versus fuel conflict generated by first generation ethanol. In this study, alkaline-acid pretreated brewers’ spent grain (BSG) was evaluated for ethanol production after enzymatic hydrolysis with commercial enzymes. The obtained hydrolysate containing a glucose concentration of 75 g/L was adopted, after dilution up to 50 g/L, for fermentation by the strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae NRRL YB 2293 selected as the best producer among five ethanologenic microorganims. When the hydrolysate was supplemented with yeast extract, 12.79 g/L of ethanol, corresponding to 0.28 g of ethanol per grams of glucose consumed (55% efficiency), was obtained within 24 h, while in the non-supplemented hydrolysate, a similar concentration was reached within 48 h. The volumetric productivity increased from 0.25 g/L·h in the un-supplemented hydrolysate to 0.53 g/L h in the yeast extract supplemented hydrolysate. In conclusion, the strain S. cerevisiae NRRL YB 2293 was shown able to produce ethanol from BSG. Although an equal amount of ethanol was reached in both BSG hydrolysate media, the nitrogen source supplementation reduced the ethanol fermentation time and promoted glucose uptake and cell growth.
The Impact of a Carbon Tax on the Chilean Electricity Generation Sector
Authors: Benavides Carlos , Gonzales Luis , Diaz Manuel , Fuentes Rodrigo , García Gonzalo , Palma-Behnke Rodrigo , Ravizza Catalina
Published: April 2015

This paper aims to analyse the economy-wide implications of a carbon tax applied on the Chilean electricity generation sector. In order to analyse the macroeconomic impacts, both an energy sectorial model and a Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium model have been used. During the year 2014 a carbon tax of 5 US$/tCO2e was approved in Chile. This tax and its increases (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 US$/tCO2e) are evaluated in this article. The results show that the effectiveness of this policy depends on some variables which are not controlled by policy makers, for example, non-conventional renewable energy investment cost projections, natural gas prices, and the feasibility of exploiting hydroelectric resources. For a carbon tax of 20 US$/tCO2e, the average annual emission reduction would be between 1.1 and 9.1 million tCO2e. However, the price of the electricity would increase between 8.3 and 9.6 US$/MWh. This price shock would decrease the annual GDP growth rate by a maximum amount of 0.13%. This article compares this energy policy with others such as the introduction of non-conventional renewable energy sources and a sectorial cap. The results show that the same global greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction can be obtained with these policies, but the impact on the electricity price and GDP are lower than that of the carbon tax.
Carbamate Pesticide-Induced Apoptosis in Human T Lymphocytes
Authors: Li Qing , Kobayashi Maiko , Kawada Tomoyuki
Published: April 2015

We previously found that carbamate pesticides induced significant apoptosis in human natural killer cells. To investigate whether carbamate pesticides also induce apoptosis in human T lymphocytes, in the present study Jurkat human T cells were treated in vitro with thiram, maneb, carbaryl or ziram. Apoptosis was determined by FITC-Annexin-V/PI staining. To explore the mechanism of apoptosis, intracellular levels of active caspase 3 and mitochondrial cytochrome-c release were determined by flow cytometry. We found that thiram, ziram, maneb and carbaryl also induced apoptosis in a time- and dose-dependent manner in the human T cells. However, the strength of the apoptosis-inducing effect differed among the pesticides, with the: thiram > ziram > maneb > carbaryl. Moreover, thiram significantly increased the intracellular level of active caspase 3 and caspase inhibitors significantly inhibited apoptosis. Thiram also significantly caused mitochondrial cytochrome-c release. These findings indicate that carbamate pesticides can induce apoptosis in human T cells, and the apoptosis is mediated by the activation of caspases and the release of mitochondrial cytochrome-c.
Assessment of Foetal Exposure to the Homogeneous Magnetic Field Harmonic Spectrum Generated by Electricity Transmission and Distribution Networks
Authors: Fiocchi Serena , Liorni Ilaria , Parazzini Marta , Ravazzani Paolo
Published: April 2015

During the last decades studies addressing the effects of exposure to Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields (ELF-EMF) have pointed out a possible link between those fields emitted by power lines and childhood leukaemia. They have also stressed the importance of also including in the assessment the contribution of frequency components, namely harmonics, other than the fundamental one. Based on the spectrum of supply voltage networks allowed by the European standard for electricity quality assessment, in this study the exposure of high-resolution three-dimensional models of foetuses to the whole harmonic content of a uniform magnetic field with a fundamental frequency of 50 Hz, was assessed. The results show that the main contribution in terms of induced electric fields to the foetal exposure is given by the fundamental frequency component. The harmonic components add some contributions to the overall level of electric fields, however, due to the extremely low permitted amplitude of the harmonic components with respect to the fundamental, their amplitudes are low. The level of the induced electric field is also much lower than the limits suggested by the guidelines for general public exposure, when the amplitude of the incident magnetic field is set at the maximum permitted level.
Temporal Dynamics and Drivers of Ecosystem Metabolism in a Large Subtropical Shallow Lake (Lake Taihu)
Authors: Hu Zhenghua , Xiao Qitao , Yang Jinbiao , Xiao Wei , Wang Wei , Liu Shoudong , Lee Xuhui
Published: April 2015

With continuous measurements of dissolved oxygen, temperature, irradiance, and wind speed, as well as frequent measurements of pH, oxidation-reduction potential, and algal chlorophyll, temporal dynamics and drivers of ecosystem metabolism in a large nutrient-rich shallow lake (Lake Taihu) are tested in this study. The results show that the dissolved oxygen concentrations in the lake fluctuate annually. They increase in autumn and winter with a peak value of 14.19 mg·L−1 in winter, and decrease in spring and summer with a trough value of 6.40 mg·L−1 in summer. Gross primary production (GPP), ecosystem respiration (R), and net ecosystem production (NEP) increase in summer, with their peak values in late summer and autumn, and decrease in winter and spring. Mean values of GPP, R and NEP are 1.75 ± 0.06 (Mean ± SE), 1.52 ± 0.05, and 0.23 ± 0.03 g O2 m−3·d−1, respectively. It is also found that water temperature and surface irradiance are the best predictors of GPP and R, while water temperature (wind speed) has a significantly positive (negative) relationship with NEP. The findings in this study suggest that Lake Taihu is a net autotrophic ecosystem, and water temperature and surface irradiance are the two important drivers of lake metabolism.
Longitudinal Changes in Functioning and Disability in Patients with Disorders of Consciousness: The Importance of Environmental Factors
Authors: Willems Michelle , Sattin Davide , Vingerhoets Ad , Leonardi Matilde
Published: April 2015

Disorders of consciousness are neurological conditions associated with low levels of functioning which pose a serious challenge to public health systems. The current study aimed to examine longitudinal changes in functioning in patients with disorders of consciousness and to identify associated biopsychosocial factors using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health. An Italian sample of 248 patients was assessed longitudinally. Differences in relative variability (an index of change that controls for baseline levels) between acute and chronic patients and predictors of relative variability in “Activities & Participation” were examined. Results showed that there were subgroups of patients whose functioning improved over time. The number of problems in “Activities & Participation” decreased in acute patients over time, whereas in chronic patients, an increase was found. The significant difference in relative variability for the environmental factor “support and relationships” reflects the increase in facilitators in acute patients, whereas the number of facilitators in chronic patients remained unchanged over time. Age at event, time from event, and relative variability in “Environmental Factors” were significant predictors of relative variability in “Activities & Participation”. It is of clinical relevance that patients with disorders of consciousness are kept in a supportive and facilitative environment, in order to prevent a decline in their functioning. Moreover, caregivers should receive tailored support in order to enhance and facilitate appropriate care of patients with disorders of consciousness.
Cross-Sectional Associations of Depressive Symptom Severity and Functioning with Health Service Use by Older People in Low-and-Middle Income Countries
Authors: Twomey Conal , Prince Martin , Cieza Alarcos , Baldwin David , Prina A.
Published: April 2015

Background: Comprehensive understanding of the determinants of health service use (HSU) by older people with depression is essential for health service planning for an ageing global population. This study aimed to determine the extent to which depressive symptom severity and functioning are associated with HSU by older people with depression in low and middle income countries (LMICs). Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of the 10/66 Dementia Research Group population-based surveys dataset. Participants (n = 4590) were those aged 65 or older, in the clinical range for depressive symptoms (defined as scoring four or more on the EURO-D), living in 13 urban and/or rural catchment areas in nine LMICs. Associations were calculated using Poisson regression and random-effects meta-analysis. Results: After adjustment for confounding variables, (EURO-D) depressive symptom severity was significantly associated with “any community HSU” (Pooled Prevalence Ratios = 1.02; 95% CI = 1.01–1.03) but not hospital admission. Conversely, after adjustment, (WHODAS-II) functioning was significantly associated with hospital admission (Pooled PR = 1.14; 95% CI = 1.02–1.26) but not “any community HSU”. Conclusions: Depressive symptom severity does not explain a large proportion of the variance in HSU by older people with depression in LMICs. The association of functioning with this HSU is worthy of further investigation. In LMICs, variables related to accessibility may be more important correlates of HSU than variables directly related to health problems.
The Influence of Climacteric Symptoms on Women’s Lives and Activities
Authors: Bień Agnieszka , Rzońca Ewa , Iwanowicz-Palus Grażyna , Pańczyk-Szeptuch Małgorzata
Published: April 2015

In the present study, we performed an analysis of the influence of climacteric symptoms on women’s lives and activities, i.e. their quality of life (QoL). The study was performed between October 2011 and February 2012. It included 148 women aged 44–62. The study used a diagnostic survey with questionnaires. The research instrument was the Blatt-Kupperman index. The respondents were asked to complete a questionnaire on socio-demographic data, quality of life, and the influence of climacteric symptoms on life and its various aspects. The respondents experiencing moderate or severe climacteric symptoms also had stronger feelings of failure (p = 0.005), feeling that opportunities are still available (p = 0.002), of losing their youth and beauty (p < 0.0001), compared to those who had slight or no symptoms. The intensity of climacteric symptoms significantly affects women’s lives and activities, i.e., their QoL. The reported intensity of climacteric symptoms is influenced by the respondents’ education, residence, marital status and professional activity. The more severe the climacteric symptoms, the lower the women’s quality of life, as evidenced for example by the feeling of failure and of losing one’s youth, beauty and opportunities.
Glycolic Acid-Catalyzed Deamidation of Asparagine Residues in Degrading PLGA Matrices: A Computational Study
Authors: Manabe Noriyoshi , Kirikoshi Ryota , Takahashi Ohgi
Published: April 2015

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is a strong candidate for being a drug carrier in drug delivery systems because of its biocompatibility and biodegradability. However, in degrading PLGA matrices, the encapsulated peptide and protein drugs can undergo various degradation reactions, including deamidation at asparagine (Asn) residues to give a succinimide species, which may affect their potency and/or safety. Here, we show computationally that glycolic acid (GA) in its undissociated form, which can exist in high concentration in degrading PLGA matrices, can catalyze the succinimide formation from Asn residues by acting as a proton-transfer mediator. A two-step mechanism was studied by quantum-chemical calculations using Ace-Asn-Nme (Ace = acetyl, Nme = NHCH3) as a model compound. The first step is cyclization (intramolecular addition) to form a tetrahedral intermediate, and the second step is elimination of ammonia from the intermediate. Both steps involve an extensive bond reorganization mediated by a GA molecule, and the first step was predicted to be rate-determining. The present findings are expected to be useful in the design of more effective and safe PLGA devices.