bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Passive design applications - industrial architecture perspective
Authors: Jevremovic Ljiljana , Turnsek Branko , Vasic Milanka , Jordanovic Marina
Published: January 2015

This paper deals with the process of design in the context of the idea of
energy conservation. We used analytical instruments in order to extract the
principles and methods the architects used in their design as the solutions
for passive design concepts. We narrowed down our research focus to the
industrial architecture as a paradigm of the contemporary designs that is
very much into the idea of green technology and energy conservation. As
great energy consumers by their function, investors of the industrial
buildings are justifiably interested in building a more energy effective
building. There is a characteristic difference in the design of industrial
architecture and the other types that also make passive design applications
specific. Using the case study method and invert method of translation, we
have examined the selected design projects. We tend to make some progress in
the field of architectural design methodology, as a main area of application
of our findings. The idea was to make the proposition of methodological
principles extracted from the successful architectural practice for more
rational and less time-consuming design method that has passive design
component.
Comparative analysis of microscopic images and XRF and EDS results of bricks from arheological sites Mediana and Naisus
Authors: Kalamkovic Snezana , Halasi Tibor
Published: January 2015

This paper describes the archaeological sites Mediana and Naisus during Late
Antiquity. Microscopic images of bricks, and the results and analysis of XRF
bricks from these archaeological sites are shown. Based on the results, it
can be concluded that a similar brick exterior, and approximately the same
chemical composition. One reason is, most likely, a similar chemical
composition of the soil, because the archaeological sites are geographically
close to each other. Another reason could be the same way bricks were
producted, and that the same fuel was used in the kilns.
The role of creative and civil initiatives in transforming post-industrial landscapes: A case of study of industrial heritage re-use in the Czech Republic
Authors: Cizler Jasna
Published: January 2015

The aim of this research was to examine the role of creative and civil
initiatives in the transformation of former industrial sites in the Czech
Republic, to indicate positive effects of this approach, as well as to
identify limitations and offer recommendations. Research is based on two
hypotheses. Based on the evidence of monuments left to decay, being
demolished or inadequately used by dominantly commercial interests, the first
hypothesis is that the complexity of the re-use of heritage requires new,
innovative approaches. Second hypothesis is that, since the creative use of
former industrial sites can contribute to the city and its residents trough
several significant aspects, it should play a more important role in urban
planning and heritage management. This paper is a result of the qualitative
research based on observation of the phenomenon of the activation of former
industrial buildings and establishing the relationship with theoretical
concepts.
Cdiaph: Program for calculating reinforced concrete diaphragm with finite difference method
Authors: Lukic Predrag , Romic Nikola , Stajic Obrad , Pejic Petar
Published: January 2015

Works in soil requires making of supporting structures to ensure the
stability of the field. Reinforced concrete diaphragms allow you to perform
the most complex works in a safe manner. The current calculation practice of
the effect and movement of diaphragms implied the manual approach to the
calculation that requires a serious time commitment of engineers or the use
of complex commercial software packages. This paper presents the program
automation and acceleration of the process of calculating the effect,
movement and rotation of reinforced concrete diaphragms. A software package
Cdiaph has been developed, which with the finite difference method calculates
and draws diagrams of force impact at the intersection (M and V), movement
and rotation of the intersection (x and f) and the recommended depth of
foundation (D) of reinforced concrete diaphragms.
Reliability analysis of structures
Authors: Stanojev Milovan , Stojic Dragoslav
Published: January 2015

The process of building an object consists of planning, design, construction,
use and eventual demolition [1]. In each of these components in the process
of building uncertainties occurs, which can be caused by human or natural
effect. Human cause of uncertainties includes intentional and unintentional
deviation from the optimal realization, the use of inappropriate materials,
unverified construction methods, poor quality of connections between
elements, changes to the building design without the consent of all parties.
Natural effects are often unpredictable. Reliability is the ability of the
structure to meet the construction requirements set out under specific
conditions during the service life, according which it is designed to [2].
It refers to the carrying capacity, serviceability and durability of
construction and according to them different degrees of reliability can be
defined. One of the best ways of presenting the size of the uncertainty in
the theory of reliability is the reliability index ?.
Flexible planning strategies of sustainable city development
Authors: Zivkovic Milica , Jovanovic Goran , Kondic Slavisa
Published: January 2015

Recognizing the uncertainty of future city development is the basic starting
point of sustainable urban planning. Flexibility in design enables the
development of ?age-friendly cities?, reducing the risks of functional
failures caused by changing living circumstances. Planning strategies that
enable adaptation of the system to changing environmental, functional, social
and technological conditions are essential to the long service life and the
resilience of buildings and hence to sustainable city development. This paper
considers the implementation of flexible design strategies within the concept
of sustainability, defined as a key tool of urban renewal and resilient city
development. Value-enhancing flexibility in urban and architectural design is
an essential resource for all participants of integrative city development:
designers, managers, financial analysts, investors, regulators and academics.
Considering this, it is essential to support the flexibility in both
conceptual and legislative framework of sustainable urban strategies.
Architecture in Uzice from 1918 to 1941 - from architecture of historic styles towards modern
Authors: Kuzovic Dusko , Stojnic Nedeljko
Published: January 2015

Modern architecture in southwest Serbia, in the mid and second half of 20th
century, played a significant role in the reforming society. Thanks to its
conception it has enabled local communities to overcome major differences in
industry, manufacturing, culture, private life development, by not relying on
local traditions and standards, by introducing universal canons it allowed
flow of knowledge. Local communities at the time had a number of problems
caused by industrial and educational lagging behind: lack of building
materials was a consequence of poorly developed traffic network and
construction industry, lack of vocational schools limited worker skill at
construction site etc. All of the above directed the construction industry
not to develop but to rely on local knowledge sources, local customs, and
tradition. At that moment Modern architecture appeared with simple and
condensed forms, modest demands on the industry and builders and with
acceptance of local way of life. It was gradually introduced in everyday life
so after 1945 it became the general standard in the society. This paper is
based on available archive material, written material, and documents
encountered in the field work. Implications of the study are expected in the
area of urban planning of cities, economy, and culture.
Aromatic π-networks in Sm/LSm protein interfaces
Authors: Breberina Luka , Nikolic Milan , Stojanovic Srdjan
Published: January 2015

In this work, we have analyzed the influence of ?-? interactions on stability
and properties of Sm/LSm assemblies. Phe residues were found to be involved
in ?-? interactions much more frequently than Tyr or His. Similarly, the
Phe-Phe ?-? interacting pair had the highest frequency of occurrence.
Furthermore, a significant number of ?-networks were observed at the
interface of Sm/LSm proteins. Generally speaking, the distance between the
interacting pairs was in the range of 5-6 ?. 3? and 7?-networks were found to
frequently have plane-plane angles less than 60?. Solvent accessibility
pattern of Sm/LSm proteins revealed that all of the interacting residues were
from buried areas. Moreover, most of the ?-? interacting residues of Sm/LSm
proteins were evolutionary conserved and were in the strand regions. A high
percentage of these residues could be considered as stabilization centers
that (significantly) contribute to the net stability of Sm/LSm proteins.
Headspace volatiles of selected melon, pear and carrot cultivars
Authors: Jovanovic Olga , Stojanovic Gordana
Published: January 2015

Herein, we report on the results of solvent- and sorbent-free HS-GC-MS
(headspace - gas chromatography - mass spectrometry) analysis of the
headspace volatiles (HSVs) of fruits of cultivated melon (Cucumis melo L.
cultivar ?ananas dinja? [pineapple melon]) and pear (Pyrus communis L.
cultivar ?Julska lepotica? [the beauty of July]), as well as of underground
parts of carrot (Daucus carota L. cultivar ?nantes?). The obtained results
are comparable to those of the traditional HS method. The main HSVs of melon
were 2-methylbutyl acetate (42.9%), ethyl butanoate (11.4%), butyl acetate
(10.1%), and methyl 2-methylbutanoate (9.8%); these are mostly
biosynthetically related to amino acids. LOX (lipoxygenase) pathway products,
hexanal (32.9%) and 1-hexanol (20.8%), and s sesquiterpene hydrocarbon,
(E,E)-?-farnesene (24.9%), were found to be the dominant constituents of the
pear headspace profile. The dominant HSVs of carrot underground parts were
the monoterpenes sabinene (29.2%) and ?-pinene (21.5%).
Analogue cosmology in a hadronic fluid
Authors: Bilic Neven , Tolic Dijana
Published: January 2015

Analog gravity models of general relativity seem promising routes to
providing laboratory tests of the foundation of quantum field theory in
curved space-time. In contrast to general relativity, where geometry of a
spacetime is determined by the Einstein equations, in analog models geometry
and evolution of analog spacetime are determined by the equations of fluid
mechanics. In this paper we study the analogue gravity model based on
massless pions propagating in a expanding hadronic fluid. The analog
expanding spacetime takes the form of an FRW universe, with the apparent and
trapping horizons defined in the standard way.
Prospects in string field theory
Authors: Bonora Loriano
Published: January 2015

This is a review of the motivations for and recent progress in open string
field theory.
DBI-type tachyons for inverse cosh potential
Authors: Dimitrijevic Dragoljub , Djordjevic Goran , Milosevic Milan , Nesic Ljubisa
Published: January 2015

We consider classical and quantum dynamics of a tachyonic system described by
a DBI type Lagrangian and inverse cosh potential. This investigation is
partially motivated by the string theory and D-brane dynamics, but mostly by
their application in cosmological inflation. A formalism for describing
dynamics of spatially homogenous tachyon scalar field with this kind of
potentials is developed. Classical actions and corresponding quantum
propagators in the Feynman path integral approach, both on real and
nonarchimedean spaces, are calculated. Possibilities for a quantum adelic
generalization of these models are noticed. Cosmological applications are
pointed out and discussed.
On some models of the exotic hadron states
Authors: Ignjatovic Sinisa , Jovanovic Vesna
Published: January 2015

There are several kinds of exotic hadron states. In this paper, we are
concerned with the flavor exotic meson states: the tetraquarks and meson
molecules. Two distinct models of tetraquarks are studied:
diquark-antidiquark bound states and uncorrelated quarks. Although diquark is
not a color singlet, there is a strong theoretical evidence that such states
do exist within hadrons. Both tetraquark models as well as methods used to
study such states are reviewed. The meson-meson molecules are also mentioned.
It is remarked that hadron spectroscopy per se may not always be sufficient
to discern between physically distinct models.
Measurement of two- and four-particle correlations in p-Pb and Pb-Pb collisions at CMS
Authors: Milosevic Jovan
Published: January 2015

Results of two- and four-particle angular two-dimensional correlations in pPb
collisions at a nucleon-nucleon center-of-mass energy of 5.02 TeV, collected
with the CMS detector, are presented. In high-multiplicity pPb events a
ridge-like structure at the near-side emerges in two-particle ??-??
correlation. It is compared to the ridge found in 2.76 TeV PbPb collisions.
In both systems, the ridge yield rises, reaches a maximum at pT ? 1-3 GeV/c
and then decreases at higher pt, and increases monotonically with
multiplicity. The 2-nd order Fourier harmonic has qualitatively similar pT
dependence, but with a moderate multiplicity dependence in both systems. The
multiplicity dependence of the 3-rd Fourier harmonic is rather similar for
pPb and PbPb collisions. Color glass condensate and hydrodynamic predictions
are compared to the experimental results.
Neutrinos and the structure of space-time
Authors: Nicolaidis Argyris
Published: January 2015

The phenomenon of neutrino oscillations is studied usually as a mixing
between the flavor neutrinos and the neutrinos having a definite mass. The
mixing angles and the mass eigenvalues are treated independently in order to
accommodate the experimental data. We suggest that neutrino oscillations are
connected to the structure of spacetime. We expand on a recently proposed
model, where two ?mirror? branes coexist. One brane hosts left-handed
particles (our brane), while the other brane hosts right-handed particles.
Majorana-type couplings mixes neutrinos in an individual brane, while
Dirac-type couplings mixes neutrinos across the brares. We first focus our
attention in a single brane. The mass matrix, determined by the Majorana
mass, leads to mass eigenstates and further to mixing angles identical to the
mixing angles proposed by the tri-bimaximal mixing. When we include the
Dirac-type coupling, connecting the two branes, we obtain a definite
prediction for the transition to a sterile neutrino (righthanded neutrino).
With mL (mR) the Majorana mass for the left (right) brane, we are able to
explain the solar and the atmospheric neutrino data with mL = 2mR and mR =
10-2 eV.
Supermassive black hole at the galactic center
Authors: Zakharov Alexander
Published: January 2015

We derive an analytical expression of a shadow size as a function of a charge
in the Reissner - Nordstr?m (RN) metric. Using the derived expression we
consider shadows for negative tidal charges and charges corresponding to
naked singularities q=Q2/M2>1, where Q and M are black hole charge and mass,
respectively. An introduction of a negative tidal charge q can describes
black hole solutions in theories with extra dimensions, so following the
approach we consider an opportunity to extend RN metric to negative Q2, while
for the standard RN metric Q2 is always non-negative. We found that for q >
9=8 black hole shadows disappear. Significant tidal charges q=-6.4 are not
consistent with observations of a minimal spot size at the Galactic Center
observed in mm-band, moreover, these observations demonstrate that in
comparison with the Schwarzschild black hole a Reissner-Nordstr?m black hole
with a significant charge q ? 1 provides a better fit of recent observational
data for the black hole at the Galactic Center.
Caregiving Representations at Work and the Moderating Role of Job Self-Efficacy
Authors: Reizer Abira , Hetsroni Amir
Published: January 2015

This study measured the effect of job self-efficacy and caregiving dimensions (hyperactivation and deactivation) on Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) in a sample of 160 customer service workers. While job self-efficacy and caregiving deactivation independently had moderate main effects on OCB–Individual and OCB–Organizational, the effect of caregiving hyperactivation was smaller and significantly contributed solely to OCB–Organizational. When caregiving dimensions were examined in interaction with job self-efficacy, the effect of deactivated caregiving on OCB–Organizational was stronger for workers who scored high on job self-efficacy.
Paranormal Beliefs of Latvian College Students: A Latvian Version of the Revised Paranormal Belief Scale
Authors: Utinans A. , Ancane G. , Tobacyk J. J. , Boyraz G. , Livingston M. M. , Tobacyk J. S.
Published: January 2015

A Latvian version of the Revised Paranormal Belief Scale (RPBS) was completed by 229 Latvian university students. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses revealed six relatively independent factors labeled Magical Abilities, Psychokinesis, Traditional Religious Belief, Superstition, Spirit Travel, and Extraordinary Life Forms. Based on the motivational-control model, it was hypothesized that the societal stressors affecting Latvian society during the last 50 yr. have led to a reduced sense of personal control which, in turn, has resulted in increased endorsement of paranormal beliefs to re-establish a sense of control. The motivational-control hypothesis was not supported. Results indicated that (except for Traditional Religious Belief in women), the majority of these students were disbelievers in paranormal phenomena. As hypothesized, Latvian women reported significantly greater paranormal belief than men.
Influence of Culture on Tripartite Self-Concept Development in Adolescence: A Comparison between Han and Uyghur Cultures
Authors: Abdukeram Ziwida , Mamat Marhaba , Luo Wei , Wu Yanhong
Published: January 2015

This study investigated the development of cultural variability in interdependent self-construal by comparing the differences in the tripartite self-concept of adolescent samples from the Han and Uyghur cultures. Participants (460 males, 522 females; M age = 16.3 yr., SD = 4.8) in the sub-phases of pre-, early-, mid-, late- and post-adolescence were asked to completed the revised Twenty Statements Test, and the items generated by the participants were coded into private, relational, and collective self-statements. The private self-statements were further differentiated by personal and social orientation, and the relational self-statements were further coded into family and friend focus. The relational aspect of an individual's self, or personal relationship, became increasingly important with age in the Han cultural groups, whereas the collective aspect of an individual's self, or social identity, became increasingly important with age in the Uyghur cultural groups. These findings seem to show the development of differences between relational and collective interdependent self-construals. Furthermore, these findings emphasize the need for further research into the development of within-cultural differences in self-construal.
Social Competence: Evaluation of Assertiveness in Spanish Adolescents
Authors: Castedo Antonio López , Juste Margarita Pino , Alonso José Domínguez
Published: January 2015

Relations between assertiveness in adolescents' social behavior and demographic variables were assessed in 4,943 Spanish adolescents, ages 12 to 17 years, enrolled in 32 schools for Compulsory Secondary Education. Province of residence, school size, age, grade, and academic focus were statistically significant sources of variance in assertiveness scores. All effects were small. Patterns in responses indicate the items should be reviewed to improve the measure for adolescents, and as a tool for addressing teens' social competence in real life situations.
Places for Help: Micro-Level Variation in Helping Behavior toward a Stranger
Authors: Lamy Lubomir , Fischer-Lokou Jacques , Guéguen Nicolas
Published: January 2015

A field experiment was conducted to explore whether certain urban places have an influence on helpfulness. Places semantically associated with the idea of love may act as primes and trigger increased helpfulness. Passersby (96 men, 96 women) happened upon a female confederate with a “leg injury” who inadvertently dropped personal items. The experiment took place in a common street or near a hospital entrance, a Catholic church, or a flower shop. Results indicated that helpfulness increased near a hospital or flower shop. These results are explained in light of automatic activation of normative behavior.
On the perception of Limited Traffic Zones as urban noise mitigation action
Authors: Maffei Luigi , Di Gabriele Maria , Masullo Massimiliano , Aletta Francesco
Published: January 2015

Environmental noise is a very important issue in modern urban agglomerations and new policies are being explored in order to reduce high sound-pressure levels from transportation and industry, especially in urban contexts. Considering this issue from the subjective perspective, environmental noise is often related to noise annoyance. Over the years, possible solutions were explored for urban sound planning beyond the mere noise control engineering techniques and a number of international projects proposed innovative approaches to deal with this issue: most of them were traffic-related. In order to support the city management, it is suitable to analyse possible indirect effects of traffic limitations on the perception of the sonic environment. Indeed, it was observed that even traffic management plans with no specific focus on noise mitigation are likely to have acoustic implications. The present study investigated the variations of the sonic environment induced by the implementation of a Limited Traffic Zone (LTZ) in the historic centre of Naples, in terms of objective parameters and perceived quality of the ‘sound’ component by means of noise and social surveys before, immediately after and one year after the LTZ implementation, in order to check for possible time effects. Results show that the sample interviewed immediately after the LTZ implementation reported overall positive opinions on the sonic environment and its variation, while the sample interviewed one year after tended to shift to more neutral opinions. This finding suggests that the LTZ could be considered an effective environmental strategy for the urban noise control, but it should be adequately actuated in order to preserve the achievements in terms of noise reduction and subjective perception by the local population.
The Annals of the Parish: Referendum Year 2014
Authors: Bort Eberhard
Published: January 2015

The decisive No vote in the Scottish independence referendum on 18 September 2014 was not a vote for the constitutional status quo, although it confirmed that Scotland would remain part of the United Kingdom. The referendum outcome is likely to have far-reaching consequences for the power relations between London and Edinburgh and, perhaps more than expected, for the constitutional future of the entire UK. A tight timetable for the delivery of extra powers for the Scottish Parliament is in place, and the ‘elephant in the room’, the constitutional status and governance of England, is now firmly on the agenda. There is also pressure for decentralisation in Scotland itself. And the huge ‘democratic awakening’ which characterised this ‘national conversation’ about Scotland's future, with massive democratic participation and a record turnout, demands that these changes will have to be brought about in a participative way – and not ‘top-down’, as a Westminster or Holyrood ‘stitch-up’.
Scottish Muslims Through a Decade of Change: Wounded by the Stigma, Healed by Islam, Rescued by Scotland
Authors: Bonino Stefano
Published: January 2015

This paper explores the emergence of self-conscious Muslim identities a decade after 9/11 within a generally inclusive Scottish context. Qualitative fieldwork conducted among Muslims in Edinburgh between 2011 and 2013 suggests that Islam has come to the foreground of Muslims' multiple identities as a force that unites an ethno-culturally diverse community in a historical moment of perceived threat and exclusion. Muslims challenge the global post-9/11 negative climate and find in Islam a powerful tool of individual and collective survival. The global stigmatization of Muslimness has local ramifications in, but is not a specific function of, Scotland. Instead, Scotland generally appears to be a place of relative tolerance in which proudly Scottish Muslims can express their Muslimness with a certain degree of freedom. Scotland promotes a uniquely Scottish experience to be Muslim and acts as a conduit for positive, rediscovered religious experiences.
Cell-Free Synthesis Meets Antibody Production: A Review
Authors: Stech Marlitt , Kubick Stefan
Published: January 2015

Engineered antibodies are key players in therapy, diagnostics and research. In addition to full size immunoglobulin gamma (IgG) molecules, smaller formats of recombinant antibodies, such as single-chain variable fragments (scFv) and antigen binding fragments (Fab), have emerged as promising alternatives since they possess different advantageous properties. Cell-based production technologies of antibodies and antibody fragments are well-established, allowing researchers to design and manufacture highly specific molecular recognition tools. However, as these technologies are accompanied by the drawbacks of being rather time-consuming and cost-intensive, efficient and powerful cell-free protein synthesis systems have been developed over the last decade as alternatives. So far, prokaryotic cell-free systems have been the focus of interest. Recently, eukaryotic in vitro translation systems have enriched the antibody production pipeline, as these systems are able to mimic the natural pathway of antibody synthesis in eukaryotic cells. This review aims to overview and summarize the advances made in the production of antibodies and antibody fragments in cell-free systems.
PM2.5 Chemical Compositions and Aerosol Optical Properties in Beijing during the Late Fall
Authors: Wang Huanbo , Li Xinghua , Shi Guangming , Cao Junji , Li Chengcai , Yang Fumo , Ma Yongliang , He Kebin
Published: January 2015

Daily PM2.5 mass concentrations and chemical compositions together with the aerosol optical properties were measured from 8–28 November 2011 in Beijing. PM2.5 mass concentration varied from 15.6–237.5 μg∙m−3 and showed a mean value of 111.2 ± 73.4 μg∙m−3. Organic matter, NH4NO3 and (NH4)2SO4 were the major constituents of PM2.5, accounting for 39.4%, 15.4%, and 14.9% of the total mass, respectively, while fine soil, chloride salt, and elemental carbon together accounted for 27.7%. Daily scattering and absorption coefficients (σsc and σap) were in the range of 31.1–667 Mm−1 and 8.24–158.0 Mm−1, with mean values of 270 ± 200 Mm−1 and 74.3 ± 43.4 Mm−1. Significant increases in σsc and σap were observed during the pollution accumulation episodes. The revised IMPROVE algorithm was applied to estimate the extinction coefficient (bext). On average, organic matter was the largest contributor, accounting for 44.6% of bext, while (NH4)2SO4, NH4NO3, elemental carbon, and fine soil accounted for 16.3% 18.0%, 18.6%, and 2.34% of bext, respectively. Nevertheless, the contributions of (NH4)2SO4 and NH4NO3 were significantly higher during the heavy pollution periods than those on clean days. Typical pollution episodes were also explored, and it has been characterized that secondary formation of inorganic compounds is more important than carbonaceous pollution for visibility impairment in Beijing.
Understanding the Importance of Urban Amenities: A Case Study from Auckland
Authors: Allen Natalie
Published: January 2015

Along with many Pacific Rim cities in Australia and North America, Auckland, New Zealand has enacted an urban growth management strategy premised on two concepts: “liveability” and a “quality compact city”. The effective implementation of this strategy will, in part, require higher density housing typologies to be developed within the existing suburban fabric. The urban amenities in a neighbourhood play an important role in providing a sense of liveability for residents. This paper examines these issues by evaluating and reporting on key outcomes from 57 face-to-face qualitative interviews with residents who currently live in medium density housing in four Auckland suburbs; Takapuna, Kingsland, Botany Downs, and Te Atatu Peninsula. Findings consider the trade-offs residents make when choosing to live in medium density housing typologies, how they value the urban amenities in their neighbourhood and the role they think these amenities play in their location satisfaction. Conclusions are drawn around how the resident-derived information may inform the market on the supply side of housing, and comment is made about how these preferences may, or may not, respond to the objectives of the underlying urban management strategies involved.
Extracellular Molecules Involved in Cancer Cell Invasion
Authors: Stivarou Theodora , Patsavoudi Evangelia
Published: January 2015

Nowadays it is perfectly clear that understanding and eradicating cancer cell invasion and metastasis represent the crucial, definitive points in cancer therapeutics. During the last two decades there has been a great interest in the understanding of the extracellular molecular mechanisms involved in cancer cell invasion. In this review, we highlight the findings concerning these processes, focusing in particular on extracellular molecules, including extracellular matrix proteins and their receptors, growth factors and their receptors, matrix metalloproteinases and extracellular chaperones. We report the molecular mechanisms underlying the important contribution of this pool of molecules to the complex, multi-step phenomenon of cancer cell invasion.
Desmoglein 3: A Help or a Hindrance in Cancer Progression?
Authors: Brown Louise , Wan Hong
Published: January 2015

Desmoglein 3 is one of seven desmosomal cadherins that mediate cell-cell adhesion in desmosomes. Desmosomes are the intercellular junctional complexes that anchor the intermediate filaments of adjacent cells and confer strong cell adhesion thus are essential in the maintenance of tissue architecture and structural integrity. Like adherens junctions, desmosomes function as tumour suppressors and are down regulated in the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and in tumour cell invasion and metastasis. However, recently several studies have shown that various desmosomal components, including desmoglein 3, are up-regulated in cancer with increased levels of expression correlating with the clinical stage of malignancy, implicating their potentiality to serve as a diagnostic and prognostic marker. Furthermore, in vitro studies have demonstrated that overexpression of desmoglein 3 in cancer cell lines activates several signal pathways that have an impact on cell morphology, adhesion and locomotion. These additional signalling roles of desmoglein 3 may not be associated to its adhesive function in desmosomes but rather function outside of the junctions, acting as a key regulator in the control of actin based cellular processes. This review will discuss recent advances which support the role of desmoglein 3 in cancer progression.
A Geometric Algebra Co-Processor for Color Edge Detection
Authors: Mishra Biswajit , Wilson Peter , Wilcock Reuben
Published: January 2015

This paper describes advancement in color edge detection, using a dedicated Geometric Algebra (GA) co-processor implemented on an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). GA provides a rich set of geometric operations, giving the advantage that many signal and image processing operations become straightforward and the algorithms intuitive to design. The use of GA allows images to be represented with the three R, G, B color channels defined as a single entity, rather than separate quantities. A novel custom ASIC is proposed and fabricated that directly targets GA operations and results in significant performance improvement for color edge detection. Use of the hardware described in this paper also shows that the convolution operation with the rotor masks within GA belongs to a class of linear vector filters and can be applied to image or speech signals. The contribution of the proposed approach has been demonstrated by implementing three different types of edge detection schemes on the proposed hardware. The overall performance gains using the proposed GA Co-Processor over existing software approaches are more than 3.2× faster than GAIGEN and more than 2800× faster than GABLE. The performance of the fabricated GA co-processor is approximately an order of magnitude faster than previously published results for hardware implementations.
Thermodynamic Rarity and the Loss of Mineral Wealth
Authors: Valero Antonio , Valero Alicia
Published: January 2015

The second law of thermodynamics and, specifically, exergy analysis have been traditionally used for the assessment and optimization of energy systems. Nevertheless, as shown in this paper, exergy could also constitute a powerful tool for the evaluation of mineral commodities. That said, new or re-defined exergy-based concepts need to be developed. This paper presents Thanatia as a baseline for evaluating the exergy of any mineral in the crust and opens the door to discuss the “thermodynamic rarity” concept as a basis for exergy analyses for mineral systems. Thermodynamic rarity is understood as the amount of exergy needed to obtain a given mineral from a completely degraded state, denoted as Thanatia. The rarer the mineral, the greater the associated exergy costs. It quantifies value, as it relates to concentration, chemical composition and cohesion, key aspects that determine whether a mine is exploitable. The theory further allows one to quantify the gradual loss of mineral capital on Earth as a consequence of “rarefaction processes” that occur at a mineral’s end-of-life, when a commodity is wasted, and at its beginning-of-life, where mining ore grades decline after extraction.
Changes in a Primary Resistance Parameter of Lodgepole Pine to Bark Beetle Attack One Year Following Fertilization and Thinning
Authors: Cook Stephen , Carroll Amy , Kimsey Mark , Shaw Terry
Published: January 2015

Many of the forest soils in the Intermountain West are deficient in several nutrients, including nitrogen (N), potassium (K), sulfur (S) and boron (B) and these deficiencies may impact tree resistance to insect attack. Two potential techniques for manipulating tree resistance are fertilization and thinning. We examined fertilization (both alone and in conjunction with stand thinning). Conifer resistance to bark beetles involves a three-step response, the first stage of which is resin flow. Rapid resin flow can prevent the colonization of bark beetles within a tree. Fertilization with low levels of N resulted in an increase in resin flow while high levels of N did not significantly increase resin flow in treated trees. Thinning did not result in higher concentrations of foliar K or B but did result in higher concentrations of foliar N and S. The highest concentrations of foliar N and S consistently occurred in the trees from thinned treatments, regardless of fertilization. There was a negative correlation between tree growth and resin flow one year following treatments. Increasing available nutrient levels to trees (either through fertilization or stand density management) may result in modified resistance parameters that must be considered when making management decisions.
Remote Sensing Image Fusion at the Segment Level Using a Spatially-Weighted Approach: Applications for Land Cover Spectral Analysis and Mapping
Authors: Johnson Brian
Published: January 2015

Segment-level image fusion involves segmenting a higher spatial resolution (HSR) image to derive boundaries of land cover objects, and then extracting additional descriptors of image segments (polygons) from a lower spatial resolution (LSR) image. In past research, an unweighted segment-level fusion (USF) approach, which extracts information from a resampled LSR image, resulted in more accurate land cover classification than the use of HSR imagery alone. However, simply fusing the LSR image with segment polygons may lead to significant errors due to the high level of noise in pixels along the segment boundaries (i.e., pixels containing multiple land cover types). To mitigate this, a spatially-weighted segment-level fusion (SWSF) method was proposed for extracting descriptors (mean spectral values) of segments from LSR images. SWSF reduces the weights of LSR pixels located on or near segment boundaries to reduce errors in the fusion process. Compared to the USF approach, SWSF extracted more accurate spectral properties of land cover objects when the ratio of the LSR image resolution to the HSR image resolution was greater than 2:1, and SWSF was also shown to increase classification accuracy. SWSF can be used to fuse any type of imagery at the segment level since it is insensitive to spectral differences between the LSR and HSR images (e.g., different spectral ranges of the images or different image acquisition dates).
Novel Localization of Peripherin 2, the Photoreceptor-Specific Retinal Degeneration Slow Protein, in Retinal Pigment Epithelium
Authors: Uhl Patrizia , Amann Barbara , Hauck Stefanie , Deeg Cornelia
Published: January 2015

Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) builds the outer blood-retinal barrier of the eye. Since one typical feature of the autoimmune disease, equine recurrent uveitis (ERU), is the breakdown of this barrier, we recently performed comparative analysis of healthy and uveitic RPE. We identified for the first time peripherin 2, which is responsible for visual perception and retina development, to be localized in RPE. The purpose of this study was therefore to validate our findings by characterizing the expression patterns of peripherin 2 in RPE and retina. We also investigated whether peripherin 2 expression changes in ERU and if it is expressed by the RPE itself. Via immunohistochemistry, significant downregulation of peripherin 2 in uveitic RPE compared to the control was detectable, but there was no difference in healthy and uveitic retina. A further interesting finding was the clear distinction between peripherin 2 and the phagocytosis marker, rhodopsin, in healthy RPE. In conclusion, changes in the expression pattern of peripherin 2 selectively affect RPE, but not retina, in ERU. Moreover, peripherin 2 is clearly detectable in healthy RPE due to both phagocytosis and the expression by the RPE cells themselves. Our novel findings are very promising for better understanding the molecular mechanisms taking place on RPE in uveitis.
Sustainable Hydrogen Photoproduction by Phosphorus-Deprived Marine Green Microalgae Chlorella sp.
Authors: Batyrova Khorcheska , Gavrisheva Anastasia , Ivanova Elena , Liu Jianguo , Tsygankov Anatoly
Published: January 2015

Previously it has been shown that green microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is capable of prolonged H2 photoproduction when deprived of sulfur. In addition to sulfur deprivation (-S), sustained H2 photoproduction in C. reinhardtii cultures can be achieved under phosphorus-deprived (-P) conditions. Similar to sulfur deprivation, phosphorus deprivation limits O2 evolving activity in algal cells and causes other metabolic changes that are favorable for H2 photoproduction. Although significant advances in H2 photoproduction have recently been realized in fresh water microalgae, relatively few studies have focused on H2 production in marine green microalgae. In the present study phosphorus deprivation was applied for hydrogen production in marine green microalgae Chlorella sp., where sulfur deprivation is impossible due to a high concentration of sulfates in the sea water. Since resources of fresh water on earth are limited, the possibility of hydrogen production in seawater is more attractive. In order to achieve H2 photoproduction in P-deprived marine green microalgae Chlorella sp., the dilution approach was applied. Cultures diluted to about 0.5–1.8 mg Chl·L−1 in the beginning of P-deprivation were able to establish anaerobiosis, after the initial growth period, where cells utilize intracellular phosphorus, with subsequent transition to H2 photoproduction stage. It appears that marine microalgae during P-deprivation passed the same stages of adaptation as fresh water microalgae. The presence of inorganic carbon was essential for starch accumulation and subsequent hydrogen production by microalgae. The H2 accumulation was up to 40 mL H2 gas per 1iter of the culture, which is comparable to that obtained in P-deprived C. reinhardtii culture.
Implied and Local Volatility Surfaces for South African Index and Foreign Exchange Options
Authors: Kotzé Antonie , Oosthuizen Rudolf , Pindza Edson
Published: January 2015

Certain exotic options cannot be valued using closed-form solutions or even by numerical methods assuming constant volatility. Many exotics are priced in a local volatility framework. Pricing under local volatility has become a field of extensive research in finance, and various models are proposed in order to overcome the shortcomings of the Black-Scholes model that assumes a constant volatility. The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) lists exotic options on its Can-Do platform. Most exotic options listed on the JSE’s derivative exchanges are valued by local volatility models. These models needs a local volatility surface. Dupire derived a mapping from implied volatilities to local volatilities. The JSE uses this mapping in generating the relevant local volatility surfaces and further uses Monte Carlo and Finite Difference methods when pricing exotic options. In this document we discuss various practical issues that influence the successful construction of implied and local volatility surfaces such that pricing engines can be implemented successfully. We focus on arbitrage-free conditions and the choice of calibrating functionals. We illustrate our methodologies by studying the implied and local volatility surfaces of South African equity index and foreign exchange options.
Hybrid Membranes of PLLA/Collagen for Bone Tissue Engineering: A Comparative Study of Scaffold Production Techniques for Optimal Mechanical Properties and Osteoinduction Ability
Authors: Gonçalves Flávia , Bentini Ricardo , Burrows Mariana , Carreira Ana , Kossugue Patricia , Sogayar Mari , Catalani Luiz
Published: January 2015

Synthetic and natural polymer association is a promising tool in tissue engineering. The aim of this study was to compare five methodologies for producing hybrid scaffolds for cell culture using poly-l-lactide (PLLA) and collagen: functionalization of PLLA electrospun by (1) dialkylamine and collagen immobilization with glutaraldehyde and by (2) hydrolysis and collagen immobilization with carbodiimide chemistry; (3) co-electrospinning of PLLA/chloroform and collagen/hexafluoropropanol (HFP) solutions; (4) co-electrospinning of PLLA/chloroform and collagen/acetic acid solutions and (5) electrospinning of a co-solution of PLLA and collagen using HFP. These materials were evaluated based on their morphology, mechanical properties, ability to induce cell proliferation and alkaline phosphatase activity upon submission of mesenchymal stem cells to basal or osteoblastic differentiation medium (ODM). Methods (1) and (2) resulted in a decrease in mechanical properties, whereas methods (3), (4) and (5) resulted in materials of higher tensile strength and osteogenic differentiation. Materials yielded by methods (2), (3) and (5) promoted osteoinduction even in the absence of ODM. The results indicate that the scaffold based on the PLLA/collagen blend exhibited optimal mechanical properties and the highest capacity for osteodifferentiation and was the best choice for collagen incorporation into PLLA in bone repair applications.
Antitumor and Antimicrobial Potential of Bromoditerpenes Isolated from the Red Alga, Sphaerococcus coronopifolius
Authors: Rodrigues Daniel , Alves Celso , Horta André , Pinteus Susete , Silva Joana , Culioli Gérald , Thomas Olivier , Pedrosa Rui
Published: January 2015

Cancer and infectious diseases continue to be a major public health problem, and new drugs are necessary. As marine organisms are well known to provide a wide range of original compounds, the aim of this study was to investigate the bioactivity of the main constituents of the cosmopolitan red alga, Sphaerococcus coronopifolius. The structure of several bromoditerpenes was determined by extensive spectroscopic analysis and comparison with literature data. Five molecules were isolated and characterized which include a new brominated diterpene belonging to the rare dactylomelane family and named sphaerodactylomelol (1), along with four already known sphaerane bromoditerpenes (2–5). Antitumor activity was assessed by cytotoxicity and anti-proliferative assays on an in vitro model of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG-2 cells). Antimicrobial activity was evaluated against four pathogenic microorganisms: Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. Compound 4 exhibited the highest antimicrobial activity against S. aureus (IC50 6.35 µM) and compound 5 the highest anti-proliferative activity on HepG-2 cells (IC50 42.9 µM). The new diterpene, sphaerodactylomelol (1), induced inhibition of cell proliferation (IC50 280 µM) and cytotoxicity (IC50 720 µM) on HepG-2 cells and showed antimicrobial activity against S. aureus (IC50 96.3 µM).
Characterization of Four Popular Sweet Cherry Cultivars Grown in Greece by Volatile Compound and Physicochemical Data Analysis and Sensory Evaluation
Authors: Vavoura Maria , Badeka Anastasia , Kontakos Stavros , Kontominas Michael
Published: January 2015

Volatile compounds, physicochemical and sensory attributes of four sweet cherry cultivars (Canada giant, Ferrovia, Lapins and Skeena) grown in Northern Greece were determined. Eighteen volatile compounds were identified and semi-quantified in cherries using solid phase micro extraction in combination with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (SPME-GC/MS). Carbonyl compounds were the most abundant in sweet cherry aroma, followed by alcohols, esters and hydrocarbons/terpenes. Cherry cultivars in order of increasing amounts of volatiles were: Lapins < Canada giant < Ferrovia < Skeena. Physicochemical parameters determined included: titratable acidity (TA), pH, total soluble solids (TSS), maturity index (MI) and total phenolic content (TPC). TA ranged between 0.21 and 0.28 g malic acid/100 g fresh weight (FW). The pH ranged between 3.81 and 3.96. TSS ranged between 13.00 and 16.00 °Brix. MI ranged between 51.8 and 75.0. TPC ranged between 95.14 and 170.35 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100 g FW. Sensory evaluation showed that cherry colour, in order of increasing intensity, was: Canada giant < Ferrovia < Lapins < Skeena. Respective order for cherry firmness was: Canada giant < Lapins ≤ Ferrovia < Skeena and for flavour: Lapins < Canada giant < Skeena ≤ Ferrovia. Correlation of volatiles to physicochemical and sensory attributes showed varying trends.