bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Investigation on Flame Propagation Speed of Rice Husk Ash in Fixed Beds
Authors: Huang Chen , Zhu Yi Miao , Zhang Hou Lei , Liu Xin Zhi
Published: May 2014

Rice husk ash (RHA) is the product of rice husk pyrolysis or combustion, which contains inherent ash in original rice husk and non-converted fixed carbon. Due to large amounts of inherent silicon dioxide in rice husk, the decarbonized residue of RHA has great value as industrial materials. One basic method to remove carbon from RHA is roasting. Because of low carbon content in RHA and low roasting reaction velocity, the roasting process takes a long time. In this case, fixed-bed roasting is suitable for removing carbon from RHA. In the present work, experimental study on RHA decarbonization is conducted based on a specially-designed multi-section fixed-bed roasting. The experimental results show that under the experimental conditions, the flame propagation spread of RHA in fixed beds is in the range 0.833 to 0.121mm/s. The results documented in this paper provide the basis for further developing large-scale engineering devices.
Analysis of a Big Joint Implant
Authors: Monostori Renáta , Dudás Illés
Published: May 2014

Deteriorate of prosthesis can be defined as the mechanical wear of the components moving on each other. It occur the change of the rise and the shape of the component. This load can be depend on the extent of the load, the material of the component, the thickness of the polyethylene layer, the smoothness of the machining, the hardness of the surface of the head component and also on the implantation method. A 26-28 mm head diameter can be optimal and the upper level of the allowable polyethylene wear per year is 0.1 mm. It is not easy to determinate the usability of the different types [.
Measuring Parallelism for Two Thin Parallel Beams Based on Autocollimation Principle
Authors: Lu Zhen Gang , Lin Shen , Zheng Tao , Zhang Lu Yang , Tan Jiu Bin
Published: May 2014

In order to measure the parallelism of two thin parallel beams in multi-axis interferometers and differential interferometers, the autocollimation principle was used by locating a CCD at the focal plane of collimation lens, the two beams converge on CCD image plane at different points when they are not parallel, and the distance between the two converging points is used to calculate the parallelism of the two beams. To achieve high accuracy and low system error, the CCD defocus and tilt should be strictly controlled according to the accuracy requirement. A centroid algorithm with grey threshold was used to reduce the influence of image noise. A beam-selected structure was designed to let the two beams converge to the CCD image plane in sequence to avoid superposition of beam spots. An experimental setup is built to verify the validity of the method. Experimental results show that the system has a centroid position resolution of 0.05 arcsec and a centroid position stability of 0.4 arcsec. It is therefore concluded that the method can be used to measure parallelism that is more than few arcsecs for two thin beams. Moreover, the measuring accuracy of this method can be improved when higher centroid position stability is achieved.
Investigation of Different Piezoresistive Materials to be Integrated into Micromechanical Force Sensors Based on SU 8 Photoresist
Authors: Oerke Alexa , König Christina , Büttgenbach Stephanus , Dietzel Andreas
Published: May 2014

The aim of this scientific work is to present different piezoresistive materials suitable to be integrated into micromechanical force sensors. As material for the mechanical structure of the sensors SU-8 has been chosen because it features favorable characteristics, such as flexible and simple fabrication of micro components through the use of standard UV lithography for forming three dimensional geometries such as cantilevers and membranes. In addition, on the basis of a significantly lower Young’s modulus compared to silicon, great opportunities to improve the force sensitivity of such sensors are offered by SU-8.However, SU-8 photoresist does not have piezoresistive properties, and therefore it has to be combined with an additional, beneficial piezoresistive material. A well-controlled and frequently used material for piezoresistive elements is doped silicon. This paper provides an overview of characteristics such as gauge factor and temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) for a variety of commonly used piezoresistive materials, namely metals, silicon, conductive composite materials and diamond-like carbon. As a characteristic factor for the estimated sensitivity of the force sensor, the ratio of the gauge factor k to the Young´s modulus E of the structural material is presented for the different material combinations. A classification of conventional silicon based tactile force sensors is made to build a basis for comparison. Furthermore the suitability of different piezoresistive materials for the integration into an SU 8-based sensor is investigated.
Accumulative Drifting Model of Inertial Navigation Platform under Elliptic Vibration
Authors: Fu Zhen Xian , Lin Yu Rong , Liu Yang , Chen Xing Lin
Published: May 2014

To facilitate the calibration of a precision inertial navigation platform, the drifting of the platform under vibratory testing environment is analyzed, and a simplified drift model is developed which features the accumulative rather than instantaneous impact of the vibration on the platform drifting. When applied to error parameter calibration for the platform, the proposed model entails much less computing load in drifting prediction, and removes the requirement of strict real-time synchronization between the vibration generating device and the drift-predicting programs. The form of vibration can be assumed to be elliptic, a relatively general one which allows the shaker to vibrate sinuoidally in two directions perpendicular to each other and with phase difference of 90 degree. Under certain circumstances, the elliptic vibration can be simplified to a linear or circular one, as is typical in practice. Simulations of the platform drifting error under linear, circular and general elliptic vibration shows that the accumulative model can well serve as an alternative to the conventional one in such test environments, and the merits of the proposed model become more prominent when the frequency of vibration gets higher.
X-Ray Computed Tomography Applied as a Comprehensive Technique for Material Analysis and Dimensional Measurement of Metallic Parts
Authors: Silva Diogo Cesar Borges , Baldo Crhistian Raffaelo
Published: May 2014

X-ray computed tomography, first conceived to image internal structures of the human body, has become an important metrology technique for material quality control and dimensional quality control. As a material quality control tool, discontinuities, cracks and voids can be detected without physically destroying or damage the sample under analysis. As a dimensional metrology technique, the complete examination in a non-destructive manner of inner and outer geometries of parts and components has become possible. In this paper, material investigation of connecting rods manufactured through both casting and forging processes and dimensional evaluation of intricate geometries found on connecting rods are described and discussed from the metrology point of view.
Theory and Practice of Uncertainty Evaluation of Coordinate Measurements
Authors: Płowucha Wojciech , Jakubiec Władysław
Published: May 2014

Long-lasting works on the ISO 15530 series can be a proof for complexity of uncertainty evaluation of coordinate measurements for different characteristics defined according to the rules of geometrical product specification (GPS). Even the best known procedures (using the calibrated workpiece and using computer simulation) have not been implemented widely. The authors have elaborated the methodology and the software (EMU-CMMUncertaintyTM) which makes possible evaluation of the measurement uncertainty with less effort. The software has been developed with following assumptions. Uncertainty budget includes influences of particular geometrical errors of the CMM, probing system errors as well as temperature errors. Applied algorithms use type B method according to the rules of GUM. Uncertainty is analysed separately for each characteristic (task-specific approach). Uncertainty of measurement for particular characteristic is calculated with the formula describing the characteristic as a function of differences of coordinates of characteristic points of the workpiece. The paper presents some new details concerning formulation of uncertainty budget. Among others the methodology is presented for estimation of uncertainty component arising from the fact that some characteristic points are not integral features (surface points) but derived features (axes points).
Novel Method for Predicting Solar Proton Events Based on Grey Relational Analysis and Joint Probability Density
Authors: Li Qiang , Wang Zhong Yu , Yan Hu , Wang Qian
Published: May 2014

Solar proton event is one of the important sources of interference, which may cause perturbations of the Sun-earth system in a great contingency. Big levels of proton events can also affect the reliability of carrier laboratory equipment in space station. The safe operation of on-orbit space station may be threatened at sometimes. This paper presents a new method to predict the probability of occurrence and estimate the level of proton events based on grey relational analysis and joint probability density forecast. Firstly, the grey relational analysis is applied to extract the most relevant data sequences from numerous related characteristic quantities which characterize events occurrence. Secondly, the characteristic data sequences are made to be dimensionless and the dimensions are compressed. After the sequences of characteristic factors are recombined, the new independent integrated variables can be generated. Finally, the GM(1,N) prediction model for the present and absent event established. At the same time, the joint probability density method is used to analyse the optimized characteristic factor sequence, the joint probability density model of different levels of proton events corresponding characteristic factors can also be obtained. The combination of the model and setting event level threshold value are obtained, and the joint probability density discriminator is constituted. The level of impending proton event is predicted by utilizing the discriminator. The results show that the event predictive precision rate is prior to 90% by selecting the data of solar proton events occuring in 2012 for model prediction, and the prediction accuracy of events level is superior to 85%.
A Case of Cutaneous Sterile Pyogranuloma/Granuloma Syndrome in a Maltese
Authors: Kawarai Shinpei , Matsuura Shinobu , Yamamoto Saburo , Kiuchi Akio , Kanemaki Nobuyuki , Madarame Hiroo , Shirota Kinji
Published: May 2014

Cutaneous sterile pyogranuloma/granuloma syndrome (SPGS) is a locally restricted multinodular dermatitis. Affected dogs are typically healthy, but a few show systemic signs. Herein, a case of a dog presenting with generalized ulcerative dermatitis with systemic signs of mild anemia and an increased C-reactive protein level is described. Cutaneous SPGS was diagnosed by histopathology, negative staining causative organisms, and polymerase chain reaction for Mycobacterium spp. Successful treatment was achieved by immunosuppressive drugs, including prednisolone and azathioprine, administered for at least 20 mo. Recurrences of skin lesions were observed when prednisolone and/or azathioprine were discontinued. Long-term management with immunosuppressive agents may be required if the affected dog exhibits severe symptoms of cutaneous SPGS.
Presumptive Subdural Empyema in a Dog
Authors: Horikawa Taemi , MacKillop Edward , Bahr Anne
Published: May 2014

A 13 mo old mixed-breed dog was referred for acute lateralized forebrain signs. MRI of the brain demonstrated abnormalities consistent with severe meningitis and subdural empyema secondary to a retrobulbar abscess. The dog’s clinical signs improved with antibiotic therapy, and repeat imaging showed resolution of subdural fluid accumulation presumed to be empyema with mild residual meningeal enhancement. Subdural empyema is an infrequent cause of encephalopathy in small animals and usually develops through direct extension of a pericranial infection. This report presents a case of presumptive subdural empyema in a dog that was successfully treated without surgical intervention. MRI is the preferred imaging modality for diagnosis of subdural empyema, and the characteristic imaging features are described.
RepSox Slows Decay of CD34+ Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells and Decreases T Cell Immunoglobulin Mucin-3 Expression
Authors: Jajosky Audrey N. , Coad James E. , Vos Jeffrey A. , Martin Karen H. , Senft Jamie R. , Wenger Sharon L. , Gibson Laura F.
Published: May 2014

Despite initial response to therapy, most acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients relapse. To eliminate relapse-causing leukemic stem/progenitor cells (LPCs), patient-specific immune therapies may be required. In vitro cellular engineering may require increasing the “stemness” or immunogenicity of tumor cells and activating or restoring cancer-impaired immune-effector and antigen-presenting cells. Leukapheresis samples provide the cells needed to engineer therapies: LPCs to be targeted, normal hematopoietic stem cells to be spared, and cancer-impaired immune cells to be repaired and activated. This study sought to advance development of LPC-targeted therapies by exploring nongenetic ways to slow the decay and to increase the immunogenicity of primary CD34+ AML cells. CD34+ AML cells generally displayed more colony-forming and aldehyde dehydrogenase activity than CD34− AML cells. Along with exposure to bone marrow stromal cells and low (1%–5%) oxygen, culture with RepSox (a reprogramming tool and inhibitor of transforming growth factor-β receptor 1) consistently slowed decline of CD34+ AML and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) cells. RepSox-treated AML cells displayed higher CD34, CXCL12, and MYC mRNA levels than dimethyl sulfoxide-treated controls. RepSox also accelerated loss of T cell immunoglobulin mucin-3 (Tim-3), an immune checkpoint receptor that impairs antitumor immunity, from the surface of AML and MDS cells. Our results suggest RepSox may reduce Tim-3 expression by inhibiting transforming growth factor-β signaling and slow decay of CD34+ AML cells by increasing CXCL12 and MYC, two factors that inhibit AML cell differentiation. By prolonging survival of CD34+ AML cells and reducing Tim-3, RepSox may promote in vitro immune cell activation and advance development of LPC-targeted therapies.
Reduction of Pain and Depression in Occlusal Splint-Based Treatment for TMD is Accompanied with Increase in Urinary Serotonin
Authors: M.B. Nunes  , J. Oliveira  , R. Brito
Published: May 2014

The aim of this study was to assess the parallel effects of an occlusal splint-based intervention for TMD on urinary serotonin levels, depression and pain. Previous RCT studies have shown that occlusal splint-based treatment reduce pain and depression, but have not measured serotonin. 15 patients (four males and 11 females) completed an intervention protocol with a silicone dental splint for 60 days. Patients were assessed before and after treatment for urinary serotonin levels, TMD-related pain and depression symptoms (self-reports). Results showed a significant increase in urinary serotonin levels between the two assessments along with a reduction in pain and depression. Overall results suggest that the positive effects of occlusal-based treatment on physical and mental health could be related to increases in serotonin levels.
Evidence for a Big Brother Effect in Survey-Based Fear of Crime Research
Authors: Ashbourne Jessica
Published: May 2014

The objective of this study was to determine whether sibling sex and birth order have any influence on individuals' reported fear of crime levels. Based on literature relating to gender, socialization, vicarious fear for spouses and children, and sibling influence, three hypotheses were formed. It was expected that a) having siblings would be protective against fear, b) male fear of crime would increase with the number of younger sisters and c) female fear of crime would decrease with the number of older brothers. A total of 83 McMaster University undergraduate students completed a survey that included demographic questions and a fear of crime index. Results indicated the existence of a "big brother effect", whereby females with older brothers exhibited less fear of crime than other females. There was no statistically significant difference in fear of crime among those with and without siblings and no sex-specific sibling effects on fear of crime in males. Explanations of this result focused on female vulnerability, socialization and the particular influence of older brothers on their sisters' behaviour and characteristics. This study highlights the influence of siblings on fear of crime and provides impetus for future research
La participation citoyenne pour développer un quartier
Authors: Chevrier Eve-Isabelle , Panet-Raymond Jean
Published: May 2014

Ce récit de pratique tente de montrer comment une stratégie de participation/mobilisation citoyenne peut contribuer à la revitalisation urbaine intégrée (RUI) d’un quartier, et favoriser ultimement les conditions de la sortie de la pauvreté et de l’exclusion sociale. Au-delà du défi de la mobilisation citoyenne se trouve l’enjeu d’un territoire administratif et imposé par les paliers de gouvernement supérieurs. La démarche de participation citoyenne souhaite développer un sentiment d’appartenance et d’appropriation pour en faire un quartier qui partage des visions et des intérêts communs.
L’intervention de quartier à Sherbrooke, ou quand le CLSC s’installe à la porte d’à côté
Authors: Morin Paul , Benoît Maryse , Dallaire Nicole , Doré Chantal , LeBlanc Jeannette
Published: May 2014

Le texte décrit et analyse les pratiques d’intervention de quartier (IQ) telles qu’elles se sont déployées dans leurs contextes particuliers, pour ensuite mettre en lumière les effets perçus par les diverses parties prenantes (intervenants, partenaires du milieu, gestionnaires). Les deux territoires d’intervention (Ascot et Jardins-Fleuris) ont la particularité d’être parmi les plus défavorisés de Sherbrooke tout en ayant une forte densité de population. Le modèle logique opérationnel d’intervention se traduit par cinq orientations : 1) tenir compte des particularités des personnes et des milieux, 2) agir dans la proximité, 3) intervenir de façon proactive, 4) favoriser une dimension relationnelle et 5) réguler de façon continue l’intervention. De fait, l’intervention clinique et communautaire s’articule entre elles sur un territoire, ce qui constitue la grande originalité du projet d’intervention. L’évaluation des résultats de cette initiative est très positive et peut constituer une source d’inspiration.
2013 Canadian Historical Association Presidential Address: On Local History and Local Historical Knowledge
Authors: Dick Lyle
Published: May 2014

This article considers two undervalued aspects of historical production — local history and local historical knowledge. It distinguishes between microhistory as carried out by professionals and local history as practised by vernacular historians, sometimes in collaboration with professionals. Relating his own experience with the genre of local history, the author highlights the importance of local historical knowledge as held and transmitted by community elders. His collaboration with the Elders of the Inuit community of Grise Fiord, Nunavut, is discussed as an illustration of its potential. The collaborative and dialogical character of local historical knowledge is further exemplified by folklorist Henry Glassie’s work with a small Northern Irish community. Noting current challenges of changing demographics, uprootedness and diaspora, the article considers how emerging communities and minorities are recreating new opportunities for local historical knowledge in Canada’s cities. Heeding the advice of senior Elders such as the late William Commanda of the Algonquin First Nation at Maniwaki, Quebec, the author asserts the importance of local historical knowledge to Canadians’ identities as members of communities with a common history, strengthening connections between people, past and present, and positioning us to better face the future.
From Integration to Segregation: Government Education Policy and the School at Telegraph Creek, British Columbia, 1906–1951
Authors: Chapple Eve , Raptis Helen
Published: May 2014

This article explores the unique circumstances surrounding the provincial school at Telegraph Creek in northwestern British Columbia, which was initially established for white settler children by Presbyterian missionaries in 1906. Local public school trustees permitted the attendance of Indigenous (specifically Tahltan) children year after year to maintain the minimum enrolment required to receive provincial funding. Combined with an annual tuition grant from the Department of Indian Affairs for the schooling of status Indian children, the Telegraph Creek public school functioned as an integrated school until provincial, federal, and missionary authorities interfered in the 1940s. This paper demonstrates how decisions made by both provincial and Indian Affairs officials leading up to the 1949 cost-sharing agreement to build a new school at Telegraph Creek were far from benign. Indigenous children in northwest British Columbia became the objects of a post-war educational policy that promoted integrated schooling and, ironically, facilitated segregation.
Les douaniers de la modernité : l’engagement des intellectuels dominicains dans la crise de confessionnalité, 1940-1946
Authors: Racine St-Jacques Jules
Published: May 2014

En décembre 1945, le père dominicain Georges-Henri Lévesque publie dans Ensemble un article afin d’expliquer le principe de la non-confessionnalité promu par le Conseil supérieur de la coopération depuis 1940. Loin de passer inaperçue, cette clarification soulève une vive polémique au sein du clergé catholique canadien-français au cours de l’hiver 1946. L’École sociale populaire et certains membres de l’épiscopat voient dans la non-confessionnalité une porte ouverte sur la neutralité religieuse. Pressant leurs pairs de s’adapter au contexte changeant du Québec moderne, Lévesque et son supérieur, Pie-Marie Gaudrault, affirment quant à eux la nécessité de désengager l’Église de certains secteurs d’activité socio-économiques. Ainsi, sous son vernis théologique, le débat met en jeu les tenants de deux paradigmes concurrents luttant pour la définition légitime de la nature et du rôle de l’Église catholique dans la modernité canadienne-française.
La négociation d’une entente collective en marge du Code du travail : le cas d’un collège privé
Authors: Gagnon Mélanie , Le Capitaine Catherine
Published: May 2014

Cet article, qui prend appui sur une étude de cas menée dans un collège secondaire privé du Québec, s’intéresse à la représentation non syndicale en se penchant sur le processus de négociation d’une entente en marge du régime général. La présente contribution a pour objet de comprendre les motifs pour lesquels un groupe de travailleurs, de concert avec l’employeur, emprunte cette avenue ayant pour dessein la signature d’une entente de travail. Ce cas de représentation non syndicale, étudié à partir d’une diversité de sources de données, met en évidence que le mode de représentation initié par l’employeur s’inscrit dans la thèse de l’évitement syndical.

Ainsi, la reconnaissance d’un regroupement d’enseignants et la négociation volontaire de la part de l’employeur sont directement liées au désir d’éviter la syndicalisation. Du côté des enseignants, le choix de demeurer dans un regroupement non reconnu repose essentiellement sur la qualité des relations avec la direction et sur le désir d’avoir un mode de représentation exempt de conflits. Les enseignants sont, dans une large proportion, satisfaits des termes de l’entente de travail, d’autant plus qu’ils bénéficient de plusieurs avantages négociés par le personnel enseignant syndiqué du Québec. Il ressort des résultats que le regroupement n’est pas sous le joug de l’idéologie managériale, mais son pouvoir d’influencer les décisions est plutôt lacunaire. Cette entente, qui ne repose que sur le contexte particulier, la confiance mutuelle et la crainte de syndicalisation, comporte des limites importantes en termes d’application.
The Transformation of Employment Regulation in Greece: Towards a Dysfunctional Liberal Market Economy?
Authors: Kornelakis Andreas , Voskeritsian Horen
Published: May 2014

Since the eruption of the European sovereign debt crisis, the bailout conditions imposed on Greece have gradually shifted their emphasis from ‘‘tidying up” public finances towards ‘‘improving the competitiveness” of the economy. In the process, collective bargaining has been targeted as one of the priority areas for reform, which resulted in a gradual dismantling of the system. The main aim of this article is to analyse the changes in the institutional framework of employment regulation, using insights from the varieties of capitalism literature. It is argued that the on-going injection of liberal market elements into the Greek employment system is likely to transform Greece into a dysfunctional Liberal Market Economy.

The changes in the collective regulation of employment ignore the specificities and idiosyncrasies of the Mediterranean model of capitalism and, thus, are likely to leave the country with the ‘‘worst of both worlds”: suboptimal economic performance and diluted social cohesion. The article is structured as follows. First, the debate on varieties of capitalism is considered in light of the Global Crisis. Second, the basic features of the Greek employment relations’ model are discussed. Third, the transformation of employment regulation after the bailout is examined. Fourth, the evolution towards a dysfunctional Liberal Market Economy is analysed. The final section concludes.
“No other weapon except organization”: The Métis Association of Alberta and the 1938 Metis Population Betterment Act
Authors: O’Byrne Nicole C.
Published: May 2014

In the 1930s, the Métis Association of Alberta (MAA) successfully lobbied the provincial government to establish a royal commission to inquire into the socio-economic conditions affecting the Métis living in Alberta. The MAA strongly advocated that land be set aside so that the Métis could continue to pursue their traditional economic livelihoods of hunting, trapping, and fishing. Following the recommendation of the Ewing Commission, the provincial government passed the 1938 Metis Population Betterment Act, which provided for Métis land settlements. These lands represent the first time in Canadian history that a provincial government set aside land in response to Métis claims. The MAA and provincial government both agreed on the land grant, but for different reasons. The Métis were motivated by historical claims to redress failed government policies such as the Métis scrip program and to protect land rights from the further incursion of non-Aboriginal settlement. By contrast, the provincial government saw the land grant as an expedient and inexpensive way to distribute relief to one of the province’s poorest populations. This paper illuminates the Alberta government’s response to the political lobbying efforts of the MAA in the 1930s to address the question of why Alberta was the first (and only) Canadian province to set aside Métis land settlements.
La reconnaissance du capital immatériel : quels enjeux pour l’évaluation des entreprises ?
Authors: Bessieux-Ollier Corinne , Schatt Alain , Walliser Elisabeth , Zéghal Daniel
Published: May 2014

Le capital immatériel a pris une importance croissante dans de nombreuses entreprises, mais les règles comptables ne permettent généralement pas de faire figurer ses composantes dans les états financiers publiés en fin d’année. Cet article se focalise sur les conséquences de la normalisation comptable actuelle sur l’évaluation des entreprises. Il discute également du rôle des informations extra comptables sur les actifs immatériels, divulguées volontairement par les entreprises pour aider les investisseurs à évaluer les entreprises. Enfin, le rôle des analystes financiers est évoqué : leur expertise devient essentielle pour apprécier l’impact du capital immatériel sur le devenir des entreprises et, par conséquent sur leur valeur.
High‐level soluble expression of Serratia marcescensH30 lipase in Escherichia coli
Authors: Su Erzheng , Xu Jingjing , Wu Xiangping
Published: May 2014

Serratia marcescens lipase (SmL) is an important biocatalyst used to enantioselectively hydrolyze (±)‐trans‐3‐(4‐methoxyphynyl) glycidic acid methyl ester. However, the economically justified level recombinant soluble expression of SmL in Escherichia coli has not been established. Thus, fusion genes of lipase from S. marcescens H30 with different fusion tags were constructed and expressed in E. coli. The effects of fusion tags were revealed. A significant increase in recombinant lipase solubility showed that E. coli BL21 (DE3)/pET32a‐SmL was a suitable choice for SmL production. To optimize the performance of recombinant SmL production, changes in culture medium compositions and induction conditions were systematically tested. Finally, the recombinant SmL activity and productivity reached approximately 23,000 U/L and 1,278 U/L/H in shake flasks, respectively. This value is the highest SmL activity attained by heterogeneous recombinant expression in E. coli. Lipase activity and productivity reached 19,650 U/L and 1,228 U/L/H, respectively, by scaling up SmL production in a 7.0 L fermenter. The existence of the Trx tag did not influence the chiral selectivity of recombinant SmL. These findings indicate a possibility for soluble and economical SmL expression in E. coli to meet industrial needs.
Cell‐free eukaryotic systems for the production, engineering, and modification of scFv antibody fragments
Authors: Stech Marlitt , Hust Michael , Schulze Corina , Dübel Stefan , Kubick Stefan
Published: May 2014

Open cell‐free translation systems based on Escherichia coli cell lysates have successfully been used to produce antibodies and antibody fragments. In this study, we demonstrate the cell‐free expression of functional single‐chain antibody variable fragments (scFvs) in a eukaryotic and endotoxin‐free in vitro translation system based on Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf21) insect cell extracts. Three scFv candidates with different specificities were chosen as models. The first scFv candidate SH527‐IIA4 specifically discriminates between its phosphorylated (SMAD2‐P) and nonphosphorylated antigens (SMAD2) (where SMAD is mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 2), whereas the second scFv candidate SH527‐IIC10 recognizes both, SMAD2‐P and SMAD2. The third scFv candidate SH855‐C11 binds specifically to a linear epitope of the CXC chemokine receptor type 5. The translocation of antibody fragments into the lumen of endogenous microsomal vesicles, which are contained in the lysate, was facilitated by fusion of scFv genes to the insect cell specific signal sequence of honeybee melittin. We compared the binding capabilities of scFv fragments with and without melittin signal peptide and detected that translocated scFv fragments were highly functional, whereas scFvs synthesized in the cytosol of the cell extract showed strongly decreased binding capabilities. Additionally, we describe a cell‐free protein synthesis method for the incorporation of noncanonical amino acids into scFv molecules in eukaryotic cell lysates. We demonstrate the successful cotranslational labeling of de novo synthesized scFv molecules with fluorescent amino acids, using residue‐specific as well as site‐specific labeling.
Do Momentum‐Based Trading Strategies Work in the Commodity Futures Markets?
Authors: Narayan Paresh Kumar , Ahmed Huson Ali , Narayan Seema
Published: May 2014

This article examines whether momentum‐based trading strategies work in the commodity futures markets. Using a wide range of moving average trading rules, commodities are ranked from best‐ to worst‐performing. Then investors are allowed to take long positions in best‐performing commodities and a short position in the least attractive commodity. Findings suggest that investors can earn statistically significant profits from the commodity futures markets. Moreover, it is found that short‐selling improves commodity profits and profits are both data frequency and sub‐sample dependent. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 35:868–891, 2015
Origin of Carboniferous sandstones fringing the northern margin of the Wales‐Brabant Massif: insights from detrital zircon ages
Authors: Morton Andrew , Waters Colin , Fanning Mark , Chisholm Ian , Brettle Matt
Published: May 2014

A study of detrital zircon age populations in Namurian–Westphalian (Carboniferous) sandstones in the southern Central Pennine Basin of the UK has revealed considerable complexity in their provenance history. The Pendleian–Marsdenian Morridge Formation, which is known to have been derived from the Wales‐Brabant Massif to the south on the basis of palaeocurrent and petrographic information, is dominated by zircons ultimately derived from the Caledonian belt to the north. These zircons were recycled from sandstones of northern origin that had been previously deposited over the massif during Middle to Late Devonian times. The Morridge Formation also includes Late Neoproterozoic zircons of local Wales‐Brabant Massif origin. The south lobe of the Yeadonian Rough Rock has been previously interpreted as having a complex provenance including sediment of northern origin interbedded with sediment ascribed to a Wales‐Brabant Massif source. However, the zircon spectrum lacks a Late Neoproterozoic component that would have been diagnostic of input from the Wales‐Brabant Massif, and the provenance history of the Rough Rock south lobe therefore remains enigmatic. The Langsettian Ludgbridge Conglomerate is dominated by Late Neoproterozoic zircons of Wales‐Brabant Massif origin, but even in this evidently proximal deposit, the provenance is complex since the main zircon group (ca. 640 Ma) cannot be matched with known local Neoproterozoic basement sources. The data either indicate the presence of hitherto‐unknown magmatic rocks of this age adjacent to the South Staffordshire coalfield or indicate that the zircons were recycled from sediment with a more distal origin. Finally, the Duckmantian Top Hard Rock contains zircons that can be reconciled with a source in the Irish Caledonides, consistent with the palaeocurrent evidence, supplemented by zircons derived from the Wales‐Brabant Massif, possibly including the Monian Composite Terrane of Anglesey. The study reinforces the important message that failure to recognize the presence of recycled zircon could lead to erroneous reconstructions of sediment provenance and transport history. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigating the genetic polymorphism of sheep milk proteins: a useful tool for dairy production
Authors: Selvaggi Maria , Laudadio Vito , Dario Cataldo , Tufarelli Vincenzo
Published: May 2014

Sheep is the second most important dairy species after cow worldwide, and especially in the Mediterranean and Middle East regions. In some countries, the difficult environmental conditions require a peculiar adaptation and, in these contexts, sheep are able to provide higher quality protein than cattle. In the least‐developed countries, the amount of dairy sheep and ovine milk production is progressively increasing. In order to improve dairy productions, in particular those with local connotations, it is necessary to obtain in‐depth information regarding milk quality and rheological properties. The genetic polymorphisms of milk proteins are often associated with quantitative and qualitative parameters in milk and are potential candidate markers that should be included in breeding strategies similar to those already available for cattle. Due to the current and growing interest in this topic and considering the large amount of new information, the aim of this study was to review the literature on sheep milk protein polymorphisms with a particular emphasis on recent findings in order to give scientists useful support. Moreover, the effects of different protein variants on milk yield and composition are discussed. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
The Parkinson Anxiety Scale (PAS): Development and validation of a new anxiety scale
Authors: Leentjens Albert F.G. , Dujardin Kathy , Pontone Gregory M. , Starkstein Sergio E. , Weintraub Daniel , Martinez‐Martin Pablo
Published: May 2014

Existing anxiety rating scales have limited construct validity in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). This study was undertaken to develop and validate a new anxiety rating scale, the Parkinson Anxiety Scale (PAS), that would overcome the limitations of existing scales. The general structure of the PAS was based on the outcome of a Delphi procedure. Item selection was based on a canonical correlation analysis and a Rasch analysis of items of the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) from a previously published study. Validation was done in a cross‐sectional international multicenter study involving 362 patients with idiopathic PD. Patients underwent a single screening session in which the PAS was administered, along with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, the HARS, and the BAI. The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview was administered to establish Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) diagnoses of anxiety and depressive disorders. The PAS is a 12‐item observer or patient‐rated scale with three subscales, for persistent, episodic anxiety and avoidance behavior. Properties for acceptability and reliability met predetermined criteria. The convergent and known groups validity was good. The scale has a satisfactory factorial structure. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve and Youden index of the PAS are higher than that of existing anxiety rating scales. The PAS is a reliable and valid anxiety measure for use in PD patients. It is easy and brief to administer, and has better clinimetric properties than existing anxiety rating scales. The sensitivity to change of the PAS remains to be assessed. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Identification of a novel lncRNA in gluteal adipose tissue and evidence for its positive effect on preadipocyte differentiation
Authors: Divoux Adeline , Karastergiou Kalypso , Xie Hui , Guo Weimen , Perera Ranjan J. , Fried Susan K. , Smith Steven R.
Published: May 2014

Objective

Peripheral lower body fat is associated with lower cardiometabolic risk. Physiological differences in gluteal compared with abdominal subcutaneous (sc) adipocyte functions are known but the molecular basis for depot differences in adipocyte function is poorly understood. Our goal is to identify novel gene regulatory pathways that underlie the heterogeneity of human fat distribution.

Methods

Abdominal and gluteal adipose tissue aspirates obtained from 35 subjects (age = 30 ± 1.6 years; BMI = 27.3 ± 1.3 kg/m2) were analyzed using Illumina microarrays and confirmed by RT‐PCR. The HOTAIR gene was stably transfected into primary cultured human abdominal sc preadipocytes using a lentivirus and effects on adipogenic differentiation were analyzed.

Results

A long noncoding RNA, HOTAIR that was expressed in gluteal but not in Abd sc adipose tissue was identified. This difference was retained throughout in vitro differentiation and was maximal at day 4. Ectopic expression of HOTAIR in abdominal preadipocytes produced an increase in differentiation as reflected by a higher percentage of differentiated cells, and increased expression of key adipogenic genes including PPARγ and LPL.

Conclusions

HOTAIR is expressed in gluteal adipose and may regulate key processes in adipocyte differentiation. The role of this lncRNA in determining the metabolic properties of gluteal compared with abdominal adipocytes merits further study.
Isolation and stable nitrogen isotope analysis of ammonium ions in ammonium nitrate prills using sodium tetraphenylborate
Authors: Howa John D. , Lott Michael J. , Ehleringer James R.
Published: May 2014

RATIONALE

Because of the threat of bombings using improvised explosives containing ammonium nitrate (AN), law enforcement and intelligence communities have been interested in stable isotope techniques for tracking and discriminating AN sources. Separate analysis of the AN component ions ammonium and nitrate would add discriminatory power to these techniques.

METHODS

Ammonium ions in dissolved AN solution were isolated from samples by precipitation using sodium tetraphenylborate solution. We tested the isolation of ammonium from nitrates using solutions of ammonium and nitrate salts with different 15N/14N isotope ratios. Ammonium tetraphenylborate and AN were separately analyzed for their 15N/14N isotope ratios using EA‐ConFlo‐IRMS, and the 15N/14N isotope ratios of the nitrate ions were calculated using mass balance. Ammonium and nitrate nitrogen isotope ratios were plotted as two separate variables.

RESULTS

Isolation of ammonium precipitate from solutions containing dissolved nitrates did not influence the nitrogen isotope ratios of test ammonium salts. A survey set of 42 AN samples showed that the ammonium and nitrate 15N/14N isotope ratios were not significantly correlated, and the paired mean differences were not statistically significant. Both ammonium and nitrate were depleted in 15N relative to their theoretical atmospheric sources.

CONCLUSIONS

Isolation of the ammonium ion from AN adds another dimension for the discrimination of forensic AN samples. This technique using sodium tetraphenylborate is robust and does not require specialized equipment. Our observations indicated that ammonium nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen have independent sources of isotopic variation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Personality Disturbances in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Case Study Demonstrating Changes in Personality Without Cognitive Deficits
Authors: Waldron Eric J. , Barrash Joseph , Swenson Andrea , Tranel Daniel
Published: May 2014

Patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) often show deficits on neuropsychological tests that tap functions related to the integrity of the prefrontal lobes. Various aspects of personality are also known to be mediated by prefrontal regions, particularly ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC). Other than apathy, personality changes have not been widely reported in patients with ALS, although clinical observations indicate such changes might be relatively common. Here, we report on a middle-aged woman with bulbar onset ALS (diagnosed 06/2011, examined in Spring, 2012) whose neuropsychological exam did not reveal cognitive deficits. She performed normally on tests of executive functioning. Self-report measures of mood and personality were unremarkable. However, significant personality changes subsequent to disease onset were reported by her husband and two daughters, and these changes were quantified with the Iowa Scales of Personality Change. Results show that personality disturbance may manifest in the absence of notable cognitive changes in ALS, and careful assessment of personality may be important for documenting early neurobehavioral changes in some ALS patients. Findings also show that patients with ALS may not have good insight into personality changes, underscoring the importance of acquiring collateral information. More generally, the results provide further evidence that ALS may compromise the integrity of ventromedial prefrontal regions. (JINS, 2014, 20, 1–8)
SERRE WEIGHTS FOR LOCALLY REDUCIBLE TWO-DIMENSIONAL GALOIS REPRESENTATIONS
Authors: Diamond Fred , Savitt David
Published: May 2014

Let $F$ be a totally real field, and $v$ a place of $F$ dividing an odd prime $p$. We study the weight part of Serre’s conjecture for continuous totally odd representations $\overline{{\it\rho}}:G_{F}\rightarrow \text{GL}_{2}(\overline{\mathbb{F}}_{p})$ that are reducible locally at $v$. Let $W$ be the set of predicted Serre weights for the semisimplification of $\overline{{\it\rho}}|_{G_{F_{v}}}$. We prove that, when $\overline{{\it\rho}}|_{G_{F_{v}}}$ is generic, the Serre weights in $W$ for which $\overline{{\it\rho}}$ is modular are exactly the ones that are predicted (assuming that $\overline{{\it\rho}}$ is modular). We also determine precisely which subsets of $W$ arise as predicted weights when $\overline{{\it\rho}}|_{G_{F_{v}}}$ varies with fixed generic semisimplification.
The transfer of European social policy concepts to tropical Africa, 1900–50: the example of maternal and child welfare
Authors: Lindner Ulrike
Published: May 2014

Concerns about a sinking birth rate and possible ‘national degeneration’ led to the implementation of various measures in maternal and child welfare across Europe at the dawn of the twentieth century. Infant health was strongly connected with the idea of population as both a national and imperial resource. In the colonies of the imperial powers, similar issues started to be addressed later, mostly after the First World War, when colonial administrations, who until then had predominantly worried about the health of the white European colonizers, started to take an interest in the health of the indigenous population. This article investigates the transfer of maternal and infant health policies from Britain and Germany to their tropical African colonies and protectorates. It argues that colonial health policy developed in a complex interplay between imperial strategies and preconceptions as well as local reactions and demands, mostly reifying racial demarcation lines in colonial societies. It focuses on examples from German East Africa, which became the British Tanganyika mandate after the First World War, and from the British sub-Saharan colonies Kenya and Nigeria.
„Dann hat's Klick gemacht“
Authors: Amberger Stephanie , Schura Anne
Published: May 2014

Anhand einer Gesprächssituation im psychiatrischen Setting erprobten wir die Wirkung der Anleitungsmethode „Modeling mit Metalog“. Wir konnten dabei einen Benefit für Anleitende, Anzuleitende und Patienten feststellen. Die Methode eignet sich für verschiedene Situationen im pflegerischen Kontext.
Comparative evaluation of the metabolic effects of hydroxytyrosol and its lipophilic derivatives (hydroxytyrosyl acetate and ethyl hydroxytyrosyl ether) in hypercholesterolemic rats
Authors: Tabernero María , Sarriá Beatriz , Largo Carlota , Martínez-López Sara , Madrona Andrés , Espartero José Luis , Bravo Laura , Mateos Raquel
Published: May 2014

Hydroxytyrosol and its lipophilic derivatives reduce the metabolic imbalance induced by high-fat diets.
Probing molecular interaction in ionic liquids by low frequency spectroscopy: Coulomb energy, hydrogen bonding and dispersion forces
Authors: Fumino Koichi , Reimann Sebastian , Ludwig Ralf
Published: May 2014

Low vibrational spectroscopy provides detailed information on the strength and type of interaction and their influence on the properties of ionic liquids.
Polystyrene-grafted graphene nanoplatelets with various graft densities by atom transfer radical polymerization from the edge carboxyl groups
Authors: Roghani-Mamaqani Hossein , Haddadi-Asl Vahid , Khezri Khezrollah , Salami-Kalajahi Mehdi
Published: May 2014

An initiator containing modifier, 4-hydroxybutyl 2-bromopropionate (CBr), was synthesized by the reaction of 1,4-butanediol and alpha-bromoisobutyryl bromide. Subsequently, graphene oxide was functionalized with CBr to yield initiator-anchored graphene (GCBr). Then, GCBr was used as the precursor for ATRP of styrene.
Bronsted acid-catalyzed skeletal rearrangements in polycyclic conjugated boracycles: a thermal route to a ladder diborole
Authors: Araneda Juan F. , Piers Warren E. , Sgro Michael J. , Parvez Masood
Published: May 2014

A Bronsted acid-catalysed rearrangement of a dianionic boron containing heterocycle provides efficient access to diborapentalenes.