bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Responses to altered oxygen tension are distinct between human stem cells of high and low chondrogenic capacity
Authors: Anderson Devon E. , Markway Brandon D. , Bond Derek , McCarthy Helen E. , Johnstone Brian
Published: October 2016

Background

Lowering oxygen from atmospheric level (hyperoxia) to the physiological level (physioxia) of articular cartilage promotes mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) chondrogenesis. However, the literature is equivocal regarding the benefits of physioxic culture on preventing hypertrophy of MSC-derived chondrocytes. Articular cartilage progenitors (ACPs) undergo chondrogenic differentiation with reduced hypertrophy marker expression in hyperoxia but have not been studied in physioxia. This study sought to delineate the effects of physioxic culture on both cell types undergoing chondrogenesis.

Methods

MSCs were isolated from human bone marrow aspirates and ACP clones were isolated from healthy human cartilage. Cells were differentiated in pellet culture in physioxia (2 % oxygen) or hyperoxia (20 % oxygen) over 14 days. Chondrogenesis was characterized by biochemical assays and gene and protein expression analysis.

Results

MSC preparations and ACP clones of high intrinsic chondrogenicity (termed high-GAG) produced abundant matrix in hyperoxia and physioxia. Poorly chondrogenic cells (low-GAG) demonstrated a significant fold-change matrix increase in physioxia. Both high-GAG and low-GAG groups of MSCs and ACPs significantly upregulated chondrogenic genes; however, only high-GAG groups had a concomitant decrease in hypertrophy-related genes. High-GAG MSCs upregulated many common hypoxia-responsive genes in physioxia while low-GAG cells downregulated most of these genes. In physioxia, high-GAG MSCs and ACPs produced comparable type II collagen but less type I collagen than those in hyperoxia. Type X collagen was detectable in some ACP pellets in hyperoxia but reduced or absent in physioxia. In contrast, type X collagen was detectable in all MSC preparations in hyperoxia and physioxia.

Conclusions

MSC preparations and ACP clones had a wide range of chondrogenicity between donors. Physioxia significantly enhanced the chondrogenic potential of both ACPs and MSCs compared with hyperoxia, but the magnitude of response was inversely related to intrinsic chondrogenic potential. Discrepancies in the literature regarding MSC hypertrophy in physioxia can be explained by the use of low numbers of preparations of variable chondrogenicity. Physioxic differentiation of MSC preparations of high chondrogenicity significantly decreased hypertrophy-related genes but still produced type X collagen protein. Highly chondrogenic ACP clones had significantly lower hypertrophic gene levels, and there was little to no type X collagen protein in physioxia, emphasizing the potential advantage of these cells.
Evaluation of patients with multiple sclerosis using reverse nutech functional score and expanded disability status scale after human embryonic stem cell therapy
Authors: Shroff Geeta
Published: October 2016

Background

The expanded disability status scale (EDSS) is a validated and reliable tool to assess the extent of disabilities in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the use of this tool has been found to be limited in assessing various symptoms of MS that are important. Our study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of a new scoring system, reverse nutech functional score (RNFS) as compared to EDSS in assessing patients with MS treated with human embryonic stem cell (hESC) therapy.

Methods

The MS patients were treated with hESC therapy for one treatment period. All the patients were evaluated with EDSS and RNFS at baseline and after the hESC therapy.

Results

The study included a total of 24 MS patients with mean age of 45 year. The patients showed an improvement in parameters (sleeping disorders, paralysis, paraesthesia, myalgia, muscle weakness, memory, language, irritability, eye pain, depression and coordination, communication, breathing pattern, attention and appetite) associated with MS when evaluated with RNFS. This improvement went unnoticed when the patients were assessed with EDSS.

Conclusion

RNFS can efficiently assess the effectiveness of hESC therapy in treating patients with MS. It could be a suitable scoring system for patients with MS as it can assess the slightest improvements in the patients. Use in other settings would be helpful in assessing its utility.
Comparing young people's experience of technology-delivered v. face-to-face mindfulness and relaxation: Two-armed qualitative focus group study
Authors: Tunney Conall , Cooney Patricia , Coyle David , O'Reilly Gary
Published: October 2016

Background

The current popularity of mindfulness-based practices has coincided with the increase in access to mobile technology. This has led to many mindfulness apps and programs becoming available, some specifically for children. However, little is known about the experience of engaging with mindfulness through these mediums.

Aims

To explore children's experience of mindfulness delivered both face-to-face and through a computer game to highlight any differences or similarities.

Method

A two-armed qualitative focus groups design was used to explore children's experiences. The first arm offered mindfulness exercises in a traditional face-to-face setting with guided meditations. The second arm offered mindfulness exercises through a computer game avatar.

Results

Themes of relaxation, engagement, awareness, thinking, practice and directing attention emerged from both arms of focus groups. Subthematic codes highlight key differences as well as similarities in the experience of mindfulness.

Conclusions

These results indicate that mindfulness delivered via technology can offer a rich experience.
HIF1α and physiological responses to hypoxia are correlated in mice but not in rats
Authors: Jochmans-Lemoine Alexandra , Shahare Manju , Soliz Jorge , Joseph Vincent
Published: October 2016

We previously reported that rats and mice that have been raised for more than 30 generations in La Paz, Bolivia (3600m), display divergent physiological responses to high altitude (HA), including improved respiratory and metabolic control in mice. In the present study we asked whether these traits would also be present in response to hypoxia at sea level (SL). To answer this question, we exposed rats (SD) and mice (FVB) to normoxia (21% O2) or hypoxia (15 and 12% O2) for 6 hours and measured ventilation and metabolic rate (whole body plethysmography), and expression of the transcription factor HIF-1α (ELISA and Mass Spectrometry) and other proteins whose expression are regulated by hypoxia (Glucose Transporter 1, Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinase 1, and Angiopoietin 2 - Mass Spectrometry) in the brainstem. In response to hypoxia, compared with rats, mice had higher minute ventilation, lower metabolic rate, and higher expression of HIF-1α in the brainstem. In mice the expression level of HIF-1α was positively correlated with ventilation and negatively correlated with metabolic rate. In rats, the concentration of brainstem cytosolic protein decreased by 38% at 12% O2, while expression of the glucose transporter 1 increased. We conclude that mice and rats raised at sea level have divergent physiological and molecular responses to hypoxia, supporting the hypothesis that mice have innate traits that favor adaptation to altitude.
Exact calculation of loop formation probability identifies folding motifs in RNA secondary structures
Authors: Sloma Michael F. , Mathews David H.
Published: October 2016

RNA secondary structure prediction is widely used to analyze RNA sequences. In an RNA partition function calculation, free energy nearest neighbor parameters are used in a dynamic programming algorithm to estimate statistical properties of the secondary structure ensemble. Previously, partition functions have largely been used to estimate the probability that a given pair of nucleotides form a base pair, the conditional stacking probability, the accessibility to binding of a continuous stretch of nucleotides, or a representative sample of RNA structures. Here it is demonstrated that an RNA partition function can also be used to calculate the exact probability of formation of hairpin loops, internal loops, bulge loops, or multibranch loops at a given position. This calculation can also be used to estimate the probability of formation of specific helices. Benchmarking on a set of RNA sequences with known secondary structures indicated that loops that were calculated to be more probable were more likely to be present in the known structure than less probable loops. Furthermore, highly probable loops are more likely to be in the known structure than the set of loops predicted in the lowest free energy structures.
Anticodon-like binding of the HIV-1 tRNA-like element to human lysyl-tRNA synthetase
Authors: Liu Sheng , Comandur Roopa , Jones Christopher P. , Tsang Pearl , Musier-Forsyth Karin
Published: October 2016

A critical step in the HIV-1 lifecycle involves reverse transcription of the viral genomic RNA (gRNA). Human tRNALys3 serves as a primer for transcription initiation and is selectively enriched in virus particles. Human lysyl-tRNA synthetase (hLysRS) is also packaged into virions. Recently, a tRNA-like element (TLE) within the HIV-1 gRNA was shown to mimic the global tRNA fold and bind competitively to hLysRS, suggesting a mechanism of tRNA targeting to the primer binding site (PBS) and release from the synthetase. Here, we use NMR to investigate hLysRS anticodon-binding domain (ACB) binding to six RNA oligonucleotides, including a hairpin derived from the HIV-1 gRNA TLE. We show that ACB interacts with submicromolar affinity to U-rich RNA oligonucleotides—the tRNALys3 anticodon stem–loop (ACSL), the WT TLE, and a nonanucleotide, U9. In contrast, the ACB bound only weakly to two TLE loop mutants and a C9 nonanucleotide. NMR chemical shift perturbations induced by each RNA indicate that the ACSL and the WT TLE both interact with the ACB in a strikingly similar manner. Taken together, these findings support the conclusion that tRNA mimicry by the HIV-1 genome leads to a highly specific protein–RNA interaction that facilitates efficient primer release from hLysRS prior to reverse transcription.
Congenital vascular malformations
Authors: Schlembach D.
Published: October 2016

Congenital vascular anomalies may occur at any anatomical region, but genital vascular anomalies in women are rare findings. Therefore the majority of the problems in pregnancy are due to secondary complications of vascular anomalies (especially in syndromes). Proper knowledge of these disorders and the necessities in diagnosis and management is essential.
Study on effect of some geometric transformations of the trailing edge of airfoils on their aerodynamic parameters
Authors: Mescheryakov Konstantin I. , Sumbatyan Mezhlum A.
Published: October 2016

The work objective is to evaluate how the geometric transformations of the trailing edge of some airfoils affect the aerodynamic characteristics. Such transformations as the trailing edge thickening and rounding are considered. The performance of Wortmann FX 63-137, NACA 23024 и Clark Y is calculated. The effect of the trailing edge changes on their aerodynamic performance at Reynolds numbers from 200,000 to 1,000,000 is assessed. It is shown that the thickening of the trailing edge increases the drag coefficient up to some Reynolds number dependent on the airfoil, and thereafter it reduces. At that the increase of the lift coefficient is observed. The rounding of the trailing edge reduces both the lift and drag forces, and it can lead to the improvement of the airfoil lift-to-drag ratio for certain angles of attack. The data obtained can be used in the manufacture of blades with the profiles discussed.
Mathematical models of dynamic systems that include layered watered poroelastic foundations
Authors: Usoshina Elena A. , Suvorova Tatiana V. , Solovyev Arkady N.
Published: October 2016

New mathematical models including an oscillation generator and semi-bounded non-uniform in depth foundation possessing porosity, fluid saturation, and viscoelasticity, are considered. The foundation is represented by a poroelastic layer saturated with gas-liquid mixture, a heterogeneous layer with a viscoelastic coating, and a heterogeneous layer with a subsurface liquid sheet. The foundation of the pack of layers is hard. The operation of the surface oscillator is represented as Fourier series, and the problem of steady-state oscillatory conditions is solved. Applying the Fourier integral transform to the equations that describe continuous media under satisfying boundary conditions allows the construction of integral formulas describing the stress-strain condition in the layer package. A numerical algorithm to study the dependence of the ground-wave propagation on the mechanical and geometrical characteristics of the problem is proposed. The models described are widely used in Geophysics, seismic exploration, construction, railway design, and new material designing.
Attracting manifolds forming features in neighborhood of cutdown endmilling trajectories
Authors: Zakovorotny Vilor L. , Gubanova Alexandra A. , Lukyanov Alexander D.
Published: October 2016

The work objective is to analyze the attracting manifolds generated under the endmilling. The formation of the periodic stationary trajectories of the tool deformation displacements in relation to the workpiece and their sustainability is previously considered. In this case, the movements form the attracting manifold defined by the trajectories of the periodic changes in the thickness and width of the cut-off layer by each cutter tooth taking into account the deformation displacements. As opposed to the previously considered cases, the paper focuses on the attracting manifolds generated at the buckling failure of the stationary trajectory. It is shown that depending on the system parameters and the process conditions in the dynamic milling system, the attracting manifolds of limit cycles, invariant tori, and strange (chaotic) attractors can be formed. In this context, two cases are analyzed. The first relates to the system parameters (primarily the cutting speed) which allow neglecting the coefficient variations in the differential equations within the impulsive reaction of the system. In the second case, the system parameters vary within the impulsive reaction of the system, and an additional source of the parametric self-excitation is formed in it. Considerable attention is paid to the analysis of the attracting manifold bifurcations in a parameter space: an overview and examples are provided. The attracting sets are analyzed from the perspective of their impact on the quality parameters of the parts production.
Handicraft of butterflies and moths (Insecta: Lepidoptera) in Bantimurung Nature Recreation Park and its implications on conservation
Authors: PUTRI INDRA A.S.L.P.
Published: October 2016

Putri IASLP. 2016 Handicraft of butterflies and moths (Insecta: Lepidoptera) in Bantimurung Nature Recreation Park and itsimplications on conservation. Biodiversitas 17: 823-831. The abundance of butterflies in Bantimurung Nature Recreation Park of Bantimurung-Bulusaraung National Park, South Sulawesi, Indonesia provides economic benefits to the community through butterflyâ€™s handicrafts trading. This study aims to determine local species of commodified butterfly that are traded in various forms of craft and its implications for the conservation of butterflies. The study was conducted through the direct identification of butterfly species which are sold as crafts or deposited directly by the catchers to collectors. Data of commodified butterfly were collected using direct interviews.Data were analyzed by descriptive quantitative and qualitative. The results showed that there are 142 species of butterfly which are traded in the period of 2010-2015. The seller participants on butterfly handicrafts consist of the butterfly catchers, middlemen, craftsmen, stall employee, stall employers, and street vendors. The buyer participants consist of local tourists, tourists from outside district/province, traders from outside district/province, buyers from overseas and scientists or butterfly collectors. The butterfly price range was in between Rp. 500.00-Rp. 150,000.00/head at collectorsâ€™ level. The butterfly selling prices increased up to Rp. 7,500.00-Rp. 1,000,000.00 when they were processed into various souvenirs forms. Considering that there were so many traded butterfly souvenirs in the market, it raised an impression that there were more butterflies trapped for souvenir than free-living butterfly escaped from the trap. Commodification of butterflies needs to be regulated by setting the butterflies harvesting quota based on population in nature, sex, season and age (especially for female butterfly), accompanied by socializing rules of law, increasing public awareness about the importance of conservation butterflies, and creating new jobs for the people who depend on the butterflies trading.
Flora of Bahia: Aristolochiaceae
Authors: Abreu Ivan Silva , Giulietti Ana Maria
Published: October 2016

The taxonomic treatment of Aristolochiaceae from the state of Bahia, Brazil, is presented here. We recognize 20 species of Aristolochia, the only genus of the family represented in Brazil. Aristolochia melastoma is reported for the first time in Bahia and A. brunneomaculata was recognized as new from this study. Descriptions, an identification key, illustrations, general comments and geographic distribution maps of species in Bahia are presented.
Pedagogies applied to develop student self-awareness and written self-evaluations: A costume case study
Authors: Malik Nadia
Published: October 2016

In 2013–14 a change in assessment criteria percentage weightings on the BA Stage Management and Technical Theatre course at East 15 Acting School was implemented – a course taught mainly through authentic learning processes. This change, coupled with the increase in emphasis on reflective processes in higher education in general, highlighted that students not only on this course but also more widely need to be able to articulate their learning more rigorously than before through more comprehensively written self-evaluations. Through a discussion of critical thinking and reflection and instinctively applying Art and Design pedagogies to teaching on what is traditionally considered to be a vocational course, this article charts an experimental case study following students on the Costume Pathway, hoping to improve their ability in this area. The aim was to develop the self-awareness and analytical and reflective thinking involved in evaluating personal working practices to a high standard in order to improve the written communication thereof. Therefore, this article is also a reflection on how a thorough understanding from educators of what self-evaluation demands of students can enrich student learning experiences and develop transferable skills to produce industry-ready and life-ready graduates.
The etymology of a colourful design language: How do we determine what informs architect’s colour choices?
Authors: Motamed Bahareh , Tucker Richard
Published: October 2016

The development of materials and visualization technology is transforming the colour palettes of cities. As architects have significant roles in determining the appearance of buildings that contribute to city colourscapes, it might be expected that they have considerable colour knowledge. However, there is largely an absence of colour training in built environment education outside of interior design, meaning architects are likely making colour choices based on practical rather than theoretical knowledge. This prompts the question: what informs the architect’s colour choices? While colour has been studied in a broad range of disciplines, few studies have focussed on the built environment and even fewer on how and why built environment designers choose colours. This article explains the origins and development of a framework for understanding factors that influence architects’ uses of colour. The framework has informed a national survey in Australia to determine how personal and educational experiences have affected the use of colour.
A brief analysis of digital journalism in Spain and its direction
Authors: Contreras Fernando R. , Hellín Pedro , O’Connor Logan Terrence W.
Published: October 2016

This article offers a retrospective analysis of the more notable contributions about Spanish Digital Journalism. In this text, we review the changes in digital journalistic practice in Spain. We have brought together their most significant techno-cultural contributions, the social transformation of the reader of the digital press and the new debatable technological discoveries in Digital Journalism beginning from the boom in mobile equipment.
Direct-Action Journalism: Resilience in grassroots autonomous media
Authors: Jeppesen Sandra
Published: October 2016

Situating grassroots autonomous media within complex contemporary media ecologies and protest movements, this article uses resilience theory to critically analyse the characteristics generative of adaptive capacity in alternative media. The organizing structures, decisionmaking processes and social movement strategies of two case studies – Concordia University TV (CUTV) and the Montreal Media Co-op – are analysed using online self-produced media materials and participant observation during the 2012 Quebec Student Strike. Both groups have existed for more than ten years, achieving a balance between anti-authoritarian militant activist culture and formal organizational structure. We find they are open to remediation and reconfiguration as needed, including adapting new technologies and organizing journalism teams and peer-to-peer training of volunteers. In addition, these forms of ‘direct action journalism’ exhibit professionalism beyond the basic amateurism of most citizen journalism. Some of the characteristics of grassroots autonomous media production in which resilience may be cultivated include anti-authoritarian militant spaces such as CUTV’s media lab, formalized organizational structures with mixed funding models such as the Media Co-op’s multi-stakeholder cooperative, and deeper relationships and networks with social movements exhibited by both, including reconfigured horizontal relationships among media producers and users.
Methodology matters: A framework for gauging accuracy and impact
Authors: Maguire Miles
Published: October 2016

The journalism profession has recently turned its attention to developing new measures of impact while seeking ways to boost the influence of news accounts. This focus on impact has generated a great deal of enthusiasm but also raised thorny questions about how to balance a desire for impact with traditional values such as credibility and accuracy. This article outlines a framework for assessing both accuracy and impact by focusing on reporting methodology and considering whether the main points of an article are, or are not, borne out by subsequent events, a standard that was articulated by management theorist Chris Argyris. The analysis here suggests that a reporter’s methodology can be directly observed in a news account and used as a way to infer the article’s credibility, accuracy and likely impact.
Burman’s news model: How to do journalism in the twenty-first century
Authors: Barkho Leon
Published: October 2016

This article analyses a special case to illustrate paradigmatic rectification in news production that took place at the turn of the century. The special case concerns Tony Burman, a former head of Canada’s CBC and former managing director of the global news channel Al Jazeera English. Burman drew the journalistic community’s attention through ‘editorial remedies’ that saw the emergence of a special way of news coverage rarely practised by mainstream western media. Burman’s news model holds that all people or actors involved in an event determined newsworthy are equal and matter to the story in the same way regardless of their power. This article examines Burman’s news model as a shared mindset among members of a 24/7 news organization, focusing on the principles of objectivity, event and news values.
Jim Thompson – dark poet of the plains
Authors: Dixon Wheeler Winston
Published: October 2016

This article considers the life and career of the American novelist Jim Thompson, whose bleak vision of American society, and the Midwest in particular, led him to write a series of highly praised and influential ‘hard-boiled’ paperback novels, which were initially dismissed as popular entertainment, but are now considered American classics, showing the dark underside of the American Dream. Thompson laboured in obscurity for much of his life, and dealt with poverty, despair, alcoholism and the Great Depression, but triumphed late in life as his work gained prestige in France and England, and finally was adapted for the screen. Thompson’s life demonstrates that even in the absolute depths of commercial fiction, one can create a unique and compelling personal vision.
A town called Celebration
Authors: Allen David
Published: October 2016

The town of Celebration, Florida, is built in a neo-traditional style. The residents have been dismissed as people choosing to live in a form of ‘theme park’ world. Jean Baudrillard argued that in the age of the hyperreal, there is a frantic overproduction and proliferation of signs of the ‘real’, in order to ‘persuade us of the reality of the social’. On the surface, Celebration may seem to epitomize this phenomenon; but in fact, the town does not seek to disguise its counterfeit status. Rather, it signals it is not real. It is designed, indeed, as a form of ‘living cinema’, where residents can play at living in a fabled world. Celebration was welcomed by residents precisely as a simulacrum: like a ‘real’ old town, but ‘better’. They show a knowing awareness of the extent to which it is a manufactured reality. Moreover, they are not simply passive consumers of the ‘spectacle’; they are active participants in the construction and maintenance of the simulacrum.
The stories we share: Reflections on a community-based art exhibit displaying work by refugees and immigrants
Authors: Rubesin Hillary
Published: October 2016

There are currently 65.3 million forcibly displaced persons worldwide (UNHCR, 2016). Refugees and immigrants often enter host countries with psychological disorders and complex trauma, but, globally, newcomer mental health needs continue to be underserved and under-researched. Newcomers may also experience antinewcomer sentiment upon arrival to host countries. In order to improve newcomer mental health and to increase positive community connections, researchers have advocated for strengths-based, action-oriented approaches to mental health care (Tedeschi & Calhoun 2004). Expressive arts therapy is a culturally-congruent approach that meets these suggestions. The current study describes a communityand school- based expressive therapies programme designed for newcomers resettled in North Carolina. It focuses on the programme’s annual art exhibit, where newcomers’ stories and images are displayed within the greater community. Survey results from the show indicate that attendees were inspired and informed by the narratives, and shared their own stories in response.
Out of the shadow: A collaborative arts performance for the black rain hibakusha
Authors: Kasai Aya , Yuasa Masae
Published: October 2016

In July of 2015, a group of undesignated hibakusha – survivors of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima – gathered to prepare for a class-action lawsuit against the Japanese government. Having suffered for decades from the debilitating effects of radioactive fallout, these hibakusha sought official recognition of their hardship and an end to their exclusion from the support measures granted to survivors who had lived closer to the bomb’s hypocentre. Their plight, as well as the continued failure of the government to recognize and address their suffering, provided the impetus for our group to co-create and host an art performance for and in support of all undesignated hibakusha. This article documents our process of participatory arts research and performance – as well as the audience and hibakusha response – while suggesting how applied arts and activism can unite in the face of institutional discrimination, civic prejudice and discursive erasure.
The Stuck in Traffick film project: Engaging young men in community-based expressive arts activism
Authors: Rubin Rebecca
Published: October 2016

The Stuck in Traffick film project (SIT) is a community-based, expressive arts activism project supported by the Joe Torre Safe at Home Foundation’s Margaret’s Place program (MP). SIT was sparked by the vision of five teen male participants of the MP peer leadership and young men’s groups in Brooklyn, New York, in 2013. Through an integrative, expressive arts-based process, the young men used filmmaking to explore the relationship between two social issues that called to them: Domestic Violence and Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children. This article will discuss the SIT film project process, which included community-based expressive arts enquiry, production, exhibition and aesthetic response.
Impact of the Temperature of Waste Biomass Py-Rolysis on the Quality of the Obtained Biochar
Authors: Marczak Marta , Karczewski Mateusz , Makowska Dorota , Burmistrz Piotr
Published: October 2016

Combustion and co-combustion of biomass from different sources is one of the most popular technologies applied in Poland. It allows management of numerous industrial, communal and agricultural waste. Organic waste constitutes one of the richest sources of cheap biomass solid fuels since they are very popular. The paper includes an assessment of practical use of biomass waste: hazelnut shell and pistachio nut shell. The impact of pyrolysis temperature (300, 450 and 550°C) of the investigated biomass on the quality of the obtained biochar was determined and the optimal temperature of this process was defined. The quality of the investigated biomass was analysed on account of its use for energy purposes. Numerous advantageous properties of the obtained materials were found out, for instance: low content of ash and a noticeable increase of the calorific value with an increase of the pyrolysis temperature.
Assessment of the Logistic System of Fuel Life Cycle Using the LCA Method
Authors: Marek Aleksander , Kardasz Piotr , Karpinski Mikolaj , Pohrebennyk Volodymyr
Published: October 2016

This paper presents the logistic system of fuel life cycle, covering diesel oil and the mixture of rapeseed oil and butanol (2:3 ratio), using the Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) method. This method is a technique in the field of management processes with a view to assessing the potential environmental hazards. Our intention was to compare the energy consumption needed to produce each of the test fuels and emissions of selected substances generated during ithe production process. The study involved 10,000 liters of diesel and the same amount of rapeseed oil and butanol mixture (2:3 ratio). On the basis of measurements the following results were obtained. To produce a functional unit of diesel oil (i.e. 10,000 liters) it is necessary to extract 58.8 m3 of crude oil. The entire life cycle covering the consumption of 10,000 liters of diesel consumes 475.668 GJ of energy and causes the emission to air of the following substances: 235.376 kg of COx, 944.921 kg of NOx, 83.287 kg of SOx. In the ease of a functional unit, to produce a mixture of rapeseed oil and butanol (2:3 ratio) 10,000 kg of rapeseed and 20,350 kg of straw should be used. The entire life cycle of 10,000 liters of a mixture of rapeseed oil and butyl alcohol (2:3 ratio) absorbs 370.616 GJ of energy, while emitting the following air pollutants: 105.14832 kg of COx, 920.03124 kg of NOx, 0.162 kg of SOx. Analysis of the results leads to the conclusion that it is oil refining which is the most energy-intensive and polluting process in the life cycle of diesel. The process consumes 41.4 GJ of energy, and causes a significant emission of sulfur oxides (50 kg). In the production of fuel that is a mixture of rapeseed oil and butyl alcohol (2:3 ratio), rape production is the most energy-intensive manufacturing process is (absorbs 53.856 GJ of energy). This is due to the long operation time of the farm tractor and combine harvester. The operation of these machines leads also to the emission of a significant amount of pollution in the form of COx (2.664 kg) and NOx (23.31 kg).
An Experimental Study Of The Compression Properties Of Polyurethane-Based Warp-Knitted Spacer Fabric Composites
Authors: Chen Si , Zhang Xue-pei , Chen Hong-xia , Gao Xiao-ping
Published: October 2016

The present work has reported the compression properties of polyurethane-based warp-knitted spacer fabric composites (PWSF). In order to investigate the effect of structural parameters of fabric on the compression performance of composites, a series of warp-knitted spacer fabrics (WSF) with different structural parameters including spacer yarn inclination angle, thickness, fineness of spacer yarns, and outer layer structure have been involved. The produced composites have been characterized for compression properties. The energy-absorption performance during the compression process has been determined as a function of the efficiency and the compression stress obtained from compression tests. The results show that the composites based on spacer fabrics having smaller spacer yarns inclination angle, higher fabric thickness, finer spacer yarn, and larger mesh in outer layers perform better with respect to energy-absorption properties at lower stress level, whereas at higher stress level, the best energy-absorption abilities are obtained in case of spacer fabrics constructed of larger spacer yarn inclination angle, lower fabric thickness, coarser spacer yarn, and smaller mesh in surface layers.
Patient’s Cross-border Mobility Directive: Application, Performance and Perceptions Two Years after Transposition
Authors: Riedel Rafał
Published: October 2016

This paper seeks to analyse the directive on the application of patients’ rights in cross-border healthcare. Two years after the transposition, it is time for first evaluations of its application, performance and perception. The analysis consists of three major elements: reconstruction of the legal scope and subject matter of the new legislation, conclusions of the evaluative reports monitoring its implementation and performance as well as the public opinion polls revealing the EU citizens’ perception of its details. These three components combined together deliver a picture of the state of play about the pan-European cross-border patients’ mobility. The bottomline conclusions negatively verify the supposition present in some earlier literature on patients’ cross-border mobility that the directive has a transformative potential leading towards the creation of truly competitive pan-European medical market. After two years of its operation, there is still no increased patients’ mobility across EU internal borders observed. As regards the speculations for the future, there are only some weak symptoms identified and they may result in intensified cross-border mobility for healthcare.
A Structural and Grammatical Analysis of the Estonian Constitution
Authors: Rull Addi , Tamme Tõnu , Võhandu Leo
Published: October 2016

The authors propose a novel quantitative method to analyse the structure of legal texts. The method enables to determine grammatical similarity between legal texts. The authors use the external theory of fundamental rights to separate the text of fundamental rights of the Estonian Constitution into two categories of norms: constitutional rights and restrictions. Grammatical similarity between constitutional rights, restrictions and selected legal acts and case law is measured. The layer of special norms renders the best grammatical similarity with the text of fundamental rights. The same grammatical similarity tests can be replicated to cover other jurisdictions in the future. The research is experimental, but the authors believe that the method can be utilised in fields of computational linguistics and legal text mining, but also in research where legal text structures are analysed for various purposes.
Location Determinants of Portuguese FDI in Poland
Authors: Aleksandruk Patrycja , Forte Rosa
Published: October 2016

In recent years, Poland has become one of the most attractive locations for foreign investment and has strengthened its position in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and throughout Europe. The aim of this paper is to analyse what makes Poland an attractive market for foreign investors, to offer a better understanding of reasons why Poland is a more attractive location compared to its neighbours in the CEE. After surveying Portuguese investors in Poland, our results indicate that the most significant factor determining locating a business in Poland is its large domestic market. Poland’s location is also appreciated by Portuguese investors while deciding on FDI. As indicated by Portuguese investors, the most important obstacles to investment in Poland are language barriers, cultural differences and bureaucracy. These results are relevant for companies who wish to invest in Poland and can also assist policymakers in designing policies to attract FDI.
Matrix metalloproteinases: an emerging role in regulation of actin microfilament system
Authors: Bildyug Natalya
Published: October 2016

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are implicated in many physiological and pathological processes, including contraction, migration, differentiation, and proliferation. These processes all involve cell phenotype changes, known to be accompanied by reorganization of actin cytoskeleton. Growing evidence indicates a correlation between MMP activity and the dynamics of actin system, suggesting their mutual regulation. Here, data on the influence of MMPs on the actin microfilament system, on the one hand, and the dependence of MMP expression and activation on the organization of actin structures, on the other hand, are reviewed. The different mechanisms of putative actin-MMP regulation are discussed.
A New Localization Algorithm Based on Taylor Series Expansion for NLOS Environment
Authors: Ren Jin , Chen Jingxing , Bai Wenle
Published: October 2016

In Non-Line-Of-Sight (NLOS) environment, location accuracy of Taylorseries expansion location algorithm degrades greatly. A new Taylor-series expansion location algorithm based on self-adaptive Radial-Basis-Function (RBF) neural network is proposed in this paper, which can reduce the impact on the positioning accuracy of NLOS effectively on the basis of the measurement error correction. RBF neural network has a faster learning characteristic and the ability of approximate arbitrary nonlinear mapping. In the process of studying, RBF neural network adjusts to the quantity of the nodes according to corresponding additive strategy and removing strategy. The newly-formed network has a simple structure with high accuracy and better adaptive ability. After correcting the error, reuse Taylor series expansion location algorithm for positioning. The simulation results indicate that the proposed algorithm has high location accuracy, the performance is better than RBF-Taylor algorithm, LS-Taylor algorithm, Chan algorithm and LS algorithm in NLOS environment.
Joint Timing Synchronization and Channel Estimation Using Perfect Sequence in Uplink Time Domain Synchronous OFDMA
Authors: Lakshmanan M. , Mallick P.S. , Nithyanandan L.
Published: October 2016

Time Domain Synchronous Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (TDS-OFDMA) is used in mobile broadband wireless access scheme in uplink transmission. This leads to multiple user interference due to timing offset and frequency offset. In this paper, the effect of timing offset and channel estimation in mobile broadband system is analysed. Time-space two dimensional structure is used in TDS-OFDMA and perfect sequence is used for guard interval to achieve perfect timing synchronization and channel estimation for each user. Simulations are performed for timing synchronization and channel estimation using perfect sequence under Urban channel, Indoor Office B channel and HIPER LAN-A channel. Simulation results show that the timing synchronization is achieved and channel estimation performance using perfect sequence is better than CAZAC and PN Sequences.
Analysis and Design of Colpitts Oscillator for Short-range WSN
Authors: Yousefi Mousa
Published: October 2016

In this paper, analysis and design of colpitts oscillator with ability to transmit data at low output power with application in short-range wireless sensor networks such as MICS is described. Reducing the area required to implement the transmitter, on-chip implementation and appropriate energy efficiency are the advantages of this structure that makes it suitable for the design of short-range transmitter in biomedical applications. The proposed OOK transmitter works at 405 MHz with 10 Mbps data rate. Output power and total power consumption are 25 µW and 726 µW, respectively. Energy efficiency is 72.6 pJ/bit. The transmitter has been designed and simulated in 0.18 µm CMOS technology.
Heart-rate Monitoring System Design and Analysis Using a Nios II Soft-core Processor
Authors: Keat Lim Chun , Jambek Asral Bahari , Hashim Uda
Published: October 2016

The heart rate of a person is able to tell whether they are healthy. A heart-rate monitoring device is able to measure or record the heart rate of a person in real time, whether it is an electrocardiogram (ECG) or a photoplethysmogram (PPG). In this work, a microprocessor system loaded with a heart-rate monitoring algorithm is implemented. The microprocessor system is the Nios II processor system, which interfaces with an analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) and a pulse sensor. A beat-finding algorithm is used in the microprocessor system for heart rate measurement. An experiment is carried out to analyse the functionality of the microprocessor system loaded with the algorithm. The results show that the detected heart rate is in the range of the average human being’s heart rate. The signal flow within the microprocessor system is observed and analysed using SignalTap II from Quartus’ software. Based on a power analysis report, the proposed microprocessor system has a total power dissipation of around 218.26 mW.
TFC polyamide NF membrane: characterization, application and evaluation of MTPs and MTC for simultaneous removal of hexavalent chromium and fluoride
Authors: Gaikwad Mahendra S. , Balomajumder Chandrajit
Published: October 2016

The aim of the present work was check the feasibility of thin film composite (TFC) polyamide NF500 nanofiltration (NF) membrane for simultaneous removal of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] and fluoride from a synthetically prepared binary solution. The characterizations of the membrane were made with techniques like Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The study of simultaneous removal of Cr(VI) and fluoride ions at different parameters such as feed concentration, pressure and pH. Evaluation of mass transfer coefficient (MTC) and membrane transport parameters (MTPs) using the combined film theory-Spiegler-Kedem (CFSK) model. The estimated parameters are used to predict membrane performance for simultaneous removal of Cr(VI) and fluoride. Experimental results and model predicted results that show good correlations.
Questions de style à propos des romans arthuriens en vers des xiie et xiie siècles
Authors: James-Raoul Danièle
Published: October 2016

Indépendamment de son objet fuyant, qui, par nature, se dérobe et se métamorphose sans cesse, ne fait pas consensus, le style a été pensé pendant longtemps comme un impossible sujet d’étude dans la littérature médiévale, un anachronisme. Certes, la question du style de l’œuvre médiévale demeure sans doute, aujourd’hui encore, épineuse, mais elle mérite d’être reconsidérée de près: comme l’ont montré de récents travaux, entre pratique et théorie, le style s’affirme comme une référence parfaitement pertinente pour approcher la littérature du Moyen Âge, l’apprécier et l’évaluer, aussi pour accéder à la transformation qui réalise un texte en œuvre et au style d’auteur. S’y intéresser dans les romans arthuriens en vers des xii
e et xiii
e siècles relève de la gageure quand le corpus, immense, est déterminé par trois caractéristiques elles-mêmes problématiques: la première, le vers, s’impose pour d’évidentes raisons d’écriture et de gestion d’un corpus à restreindre un tant soit peu, mais on manque cruellement de données d’études sur lui; les deux autres, mieux étudiées, sont sujettes à caution: la matière, organisée autour du roi Arthur, est une notion dont on sait à quel point elle suscite, depuis peu, d’interrogations quant à sa circonscription, voire sa validité; quant au genre romanesque, il est par excellence tentaculaire et englobant, et son existence à l’époque médiévale ne fait pas l’unanimité, même pour les médiévistes. Je soulèverai peut-être plus de questions que je ne donnerai de réponses dans cette étude, soulignant par là que des recherches sont encore à mener. Après avoir dressé une sorte de constat sur ce qui appelle de ses vœux l’étude du style des œuvres médiévales aux xii
e et xiii
e siècles, je verrai comment opérer, c’est-à-dire comment évaluer méthodologiquement le style pour dégager ensuite, non pas une sorte de patron de l’œuvre médiévale en vers d’alors, mais plutôt des tendances globales de l’écriture permettant d’envisager, pour finir, la délicate question de la particularisation du style des romans arthuriens en vers à cette époque.
The Joy of Love in Béroul’s
Tristan
and Chrétien’s
Chevalier de la Charrette
Authors: Paradisi Gioia , Fuksas Anatole Pierre
Published: October 2016

The connection between the joie d’amor and the bleeding wound defines a proper Pathosformel, an iconic set based on the predetermined connection between a pleasurable emotion and a painful bodily state, that summarizes the dialectic of love on which both Béroul’s Tristan and Chrétien’s Charrette are based.
L’influence des
Métamorphoses
d’Ovide sur la visite de Perceval au château du Roi Pêcheur
Authors: Péron Goulven
Published: October 2016

La quête moderne des origines du Graal a suscité ces dernières décennies des hypothèses nombreuses et variées qui ont contribué à rendre le sujet fortement complexe. Nous présentons dans cet article une nouvelle théorie explicative basée sur la simple supposition que la visite de Perceval au château du Roi Pêcheur, telle que Chrétien de Troyes nous la décrit dans son célèbre Conte du Graal, est un emprunt à un passage des Métamorphoses d’Ovide. Dans son ouvrage, l’auteur latin nous raconte en effet comment le héros Thésée, bloqué par un fleuve, est invité dans son palais par un personnage souffrant d’une mutilation: le dieu-fleuve Achelous en personne. Au cours du somptueux repas qui est servi, une nymphe entre dans la pièce portant dans ses mains la mythique corne d’abondance. Puis Thésée quitte abruptement le palais et reprend sa route sans plus se soucier du fleuve. Le schéma général de la visite au palais d’Achelous offre des similitudes frappantes avec la première apparition du Graal au château du Roi Pêcheur dans le roman de Chrétien de Troyes, mais le passage des Métamorphoses propose aussi à travers ses textes enchâssés riches en paradoxes – en particulier l’histoire d’Erysichton et de Mnestra telle que contée par Achelous lors de la visite de Thésée –, des éléments qui semblent pouvoir nous éclairer sur plusieurs autres détails du Conte du Graal, notamment sur le qualificatif de «pêcheur» attribué par Chrétien de Troyes au roi gardien de l’objet mythique, et d’émettre des hypothèses sur l’invention de la lance qui saigne et sur l’état du père du roi, uniquement nourri par le Graal depuis de nombreuses années sans que Chrétien n’en donne jamais la raison.