bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determining Sample Sizes for Precise Contrast Analysis With Heterogeneous Variances
Authors: Jan Show-Li , Shieh Gwowen
Published: March 2014

The analysis of variance (ANOVA) is one of the most frequently used statistical analyses in practical applications. Accordingly, the single and multiple comparison procedures are frequently applied to assess the differences among mean effects. However, the underlying assumption of homogeneous variances may not always be tenable. This study examines the sample size procedures for precise interval estimation of linear contrasts within the context of one-way heteroscedastic ANOVA models. The desired precision of both individual and simultaneous confidence intervals is evaluated with respect to the control of expected half width and to the tolerance probability of interval half width within a designated value. Supplementary computer programs are developed to aid the usefulness and implementation of the proposed techniques. The suggested sample size procedures improve upon the existing approaches and extend the methodology development in the statistical literature.
A State Space Modeling Approach to Mediation Analysis
Authors: Gu Fei , Preacher Kristopher J. , Ferrer Emilio
Published: March 2014

Mediation is a causal process that evolves over time. Thus, a study of mediation requires data collected throughout the process. However, most applications of mediation analysis use cross-sectional rather than longitudinal data. Another implicit assumption commonly made in longitudinal designs for mediation analysis is that the same mediation process universally applies to all members of the population under investigation. This assumption ignores the important issue of ergodicity before aggregating the data across subjects. We first argue that there exists a discrepancy between the concept of mediation and the research designs that are typically used to investigate it. Second, based on the concept of ergodicity, we argue that a given mediation process probably is not equally valid for all individuals in a population. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to propose a two-faceted solution. The first facet of the solution is that we advocate a single-subject time-series design that aligns data collection with researchers’ conceptual understanding of mediation. The second facet is to introduce a flexible statistical method—the state space model—as an ideal technique to analyze single-subject time series data in mediation studies. We provide an overview of the state space method and illustrative applications using both simulated and real time series data. Finally, we discuss additional issues related to research design and modeling.
Scientific Medical Publication in Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Rabindra Man
Published: March 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ojn.v3i2.10069 Orthodontic Journal of Nepal Vol.3(2) 2013; 5-6
Comparison of Maxillary and Mandibular Incisor Inclination in Class II Division 1 Malocclusion among Chinese Children
Authors: Bajracharya Manju
Published: March 2014

Objective: To determine maxillary and mandibular incisor inclination in Class II Division 1 malocclusion among different vertical skeletal type Chinese children.

Materials & Method: Lateral cephalograms of Class II Division I malocclusion cases of 120 Chinese children (male-55, female-65) of the age range 12-14 years were divided into three vertical skeletal types (low angle, average angle, high angle) based on Sella-Nasion to Mandibular plane angle. To determine incisor inclination, lateral cephalometric radiographs were measured and analyzed using factorial analysis. All angular parameters were processed using ANOVA and t-test. Maxillary and mandibular incisor inclinations were discussed in detail among three vertical facial skeletal types.

Result: The maxillary and mandibular incisors of low angle individuals were found to be proclined more than those with high and average angle individuals.

Conclusion: Different vertical facial types of Class II Division I malocclusion in early permanent dentition accord to establish discriminate values to set up the cephalometric standards for diagnosis and treatment planning for the clinicians.
Treatment of Facial Asymmetry and Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis by Distraction Osteogenesis: A Case Report
Authors: Dabla Neetu , Prasad P Narayana , Vedvyas Arjun , Aggarwal Richa
Published: March 2014

Facial asymmetry and functional problems due to dentofacial discrepancy and soft tissue disparities are commonly managed by orthognathic surgery and augmentation procedures. Distraction osteogenesis is a relatively new technique of bone generation and reconstruction. A patient reported with the chief complaint of asymmetry of face and deviated chin; had temporomandibular joint ankylosis. Distraction device was applied with simultaneous release of ankylosis by gap arthroplasty. For management of mandibular deformity and discrepancy of the dentition, orthodontic therapy was done using MBT 0.022” prescription. Distraction was stopped when the midline of upper central incisor coincided with the midline of lower central incisor followed by stabilization period of ten weeks. The functional and esthetic results achieved were acceptable.
Challenges and Responsibilities of Clinical Teachers in the Workplace: An Ethnographic Approach
Authors: Magnier Kirsty M. , Wang Ruolan , Dale Vicki H. M. , Pead Matthew J.
Published: March 2014

This study aimed to explore the complex role of the clinical teacher in the workplace, with a view to identifying effective teaching practices. An ethnographic case-study approach was taken, including participant observations and semi-structured interviews with three participants that were selected from two participating veterinary institutions. The clinical teacher has several responsibilities, such as establishing a rapport with learners and maximizing the use of case-based learning opportunities to provide instruction and support to individual learners in a safe but challenging environment. Associated difficulties include balancing the competing demands of students' learning needs and patients' welfare, as well as maximizing the learning opportunities within available case material. Participants in this study demonstrated a reflective approach, adjusting their teaching approach “in action” and “on action” as appropriate.
The Detergency of Surfactant Mixtures and Bentonites on Cotton Fabric
Authors: Carrion-Fite Francisco-Javier
Published: March 2014

The primary aim of this work is to attain improvement of the softness of cotton fabric during the washing process with ecological surfactants. To attain that improvement, sodium bentonite was added to the detergent formulations to produce a softening effect during washing and obtain the so called “soft detergent” effect. Sodium bentonite (a mineral composed mainly of hydrated aluminium silicates) was mixed with the surfactants used in ecological detergents. This product was used with a suitable particle size that, given its large specific surface area, facilitated its deposition on the cotton fabric, producing the desired effect of increasing the softness of the washed fabric. The surfactants used were an anionic surfactant, namely LAS, and two non-ionic surfactants, namely APG and AE, used separately and as mixtures, without co-formulants, to demonstrate their detersive power in one wash and repeated washes, depending on the nature of the surfactants and on their separate mixtures and mixtures in different proportions of anionic and non-ionic surfactants in combination in all cases with a constant concentration of sodium bentonite with two particle sizes. Evaluation was performed of the subjective softness (to the touch) of pairs of samples by several observers and also of changes in whiteness after deposition of the bentonite during washing.
Synergistic Effect of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Micelles on Copper(II) Extraction from Saline Sulfate Medium with Some Ortho-Hydroxy-Schiff Base Chelating Extractants
Authors: Youcef M. Hadj , Benabdallah Tayeb , Reffas Hasnia
Published: March 2014

The present study investigates the synergistic effect of the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate micelles (SDS) on the solvent extraction of copper(II) from saline sulfate medium by some ortho-hydroxy Schiff base extracting agents (HL) in chloroform at (25 ± 2)°C. The Schiff base extractants used are N-salicylideneaniline (HSA), N-(2-hydroxy-1-naphthalidene)aniline (HNA) and N-(2-hydroxy-1-naphthalidene)naphthylamine (HNN). In the absence of SDS, the estimated extraction constants of the three ligands revealed that the extraction efficiency increased in the order HNN < HNA < HSA. The extraction of Cu(II) was remarkably enhanced with HL upon the addition of the SDS surfactant. It was found that SDS did not intervene in the coordination sphere of the Cu(II). The calculated synergistic constant fell in the order HNN > HNA > HSA. A synergistic extraction mechanism of copper(II) with ortho-hydroxy Schiff bases in the presence of the surfactant has been proposed.
English and French [NN]Nlexical units: A categorial, morphological and semantic comparison
Authors: Arnaud Pierre J.L. , Renner Vincent
Published: March 2014

This article presents a detailed classification of noun-noun nominal lexical units which shows that French and English have the same categories. It then contrasts French subordinative units with their English equivalents, and it appears that French units constitute less prototypical compounds, and their status as morphological or syntactic objects is a matter of debate.
Biofabrication Using Pyrrole Electropolymerization for the Immobilization of Glucose Oxidase and Lactate Oxidase on Implanted Microfabricated Biotransducers
Authors: Kotanen Christian , Karunwi Olukayode , Guiseppi-Elie Anthony
Published: March 2014

The dual responsive Electrochemical Cell-on-a-Chip Microdisc Electrode Array (ECC MDEA 5037) is a recently developed electrochemical transducer for use in a wireless, implantable biosensor system for the continuous measurement of interstitial glucose and lactate. Fabrication of the biorecognition membrane via pyrrole electropolymerization and both in vitro and in vivo characterization of the resulting biotransducer is described. The influence of EDC-NHS covalent conjugation of glucose oxidase with 4-(3-pyrrolyl) butyric acid (monomerization) and with 4-sulfobenzoic acid (sulfonization) on biosensor performance was examined. As the extent of enzyme conjugation was increased sensitivity decreased for monomerized enzymes but increased for sulfonized enzymes. Implanted biotransducers were examined in a Sprague-Dawley rat hemorrhage model. Resection after 4 h and subsequent in vitro re-characterization showed a decreased sensitivity from 0.68 (±0.40) to 0.22 (±0.17) µA·cm−2·mM−1, an increase in the limit of detection from 0.05 (±0.03) to 0.27 (±0.27) mM and a six-fold increase in the response time from 41 (±18) to 244 (±193) s. This evidence reconfirms the importance of biofouling at the bio-abio interface and the need for mitigation strategies to address the foreign body response.
Kinetics and Thermodynamics of Membrane Protein Folding
Authors: Roman Ernesto , González Flecha F. Luis
Published: March 2014

Understanding protein folding has been one of the great challenges in biochemistry and molecular biophysics. Over the past 50 years, many thermodynamic and kinetic studies have been performed addressing the stability of globular proteins. In comparison, advances in the membrane protein folding field lag far behind. Although membrane proteins constitute about a third of the proteins encoded in known genomes, stability studies on membrane proteins have been impaired due to experimental limitations. Furthermore, no systematic experimental strategies are available for folding these biomolecules in vitro. Common denaturing agents such as chaotropes usually do not work on helical membrane proteins, and ionic detergents have been successful denaturants only in few cases. Refolding a membrane protein seems to be a craftsman work, which is relatively straightforward for transmembrane β-barrel proteins but challenging for α-helical membrane proteins. Additional complexities emerge in multidomain membrane proteins, data interpretation being one of the most critical. In this review, we will describe some recent efforts in understanding the folding mechanism of membrane proteins that have been reversibly refolded allowing both thermodynamic and kinetic analysis. This information will be discussed in the context of current paradigms in the protein folding field.
Some Aspects of Ice-Hydropower Interaction in a Changing Climate
Authors: Gebre Solomon , Timalsina Netra , Alfredsen Knut
Published: March 2014

Ice formation and related processes in rivers and lakes/reservoirs influence the operation of hydropower plants in cold regions. It is a matter of interest to the scientific community and hydropower operators alike how existing ice effects and problems will manifest themselves in a future changed climate. In this paper, we use different modeling results to investigate future freshwater ice conditions. The modeling approaches include using temperature derived winter indices, using one-dimensional (1D) hydrodynamic and ice cover model on three case study reservoirs, and using a 1D river hydrodynamic and ice cover model for a river reach. The analysis shows that changes in river and reservoir ice regimes due to climate change scenarios may have both positive and negative consequences for hydropower operation. Positive consequences emerge from reduction in ice season and reduced static ice loads. Negative consequences or challenges are attributed to unstable winters that may lead to increased frequency of freeze-thaw episodes with a shortened winter season. These aspects are discussed in more detail in the paper.
Environmental Impact Assessment and End-of-Life Treatment Policy Analysis for Li-Ion Batteries and Ni-MH Batteries
Authors: Yu Yajuan , Chen Bo , Huang Kai , Wang Xiang , Wang Dong
Published: March 2014

Based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Eco-indicator 99 method, a LCA model was applied to conduct environmental impact and end-of-life treatment policy analysis for secondary batteries. This model evaluated the cycle, recycle and waste treatment stages of secondary batteries. Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) batteries and Lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries were chosen as the typical secondary batteries in this study. Through this research, the following results were found: (1) A basic number of cycles should be defined. A minimum cycle number of 200 would result in an obvious decline of environmental loads for both battery types. Batteries with high energy density and long life expectancy have small environmental loads. Products and technology that help increase energy density and life expectancy should be encouraged. (2) Secondary batteries should be sorted out from municipal garbage. Meanwhile, different types of discarded batteries should be treated separately under policies and regulations. (3) The incineration rate has obvious impact on the Eco-indicator points of Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) batteries. The influence of recycle rate on Lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries is more obvious. These findings indicate that recycling is the most promising direction for reducing secondary batteries’ environmental loads. The model proposed here can be used to evaluate environmental loads of other secondary batteries and it can be useful for proposing policies and countermeasures to reduce the environmental impact of secondary batteries.
Spatial Pattern of Land Use Change and Its Driving Force in Jiangsu Province
Authors: Du Xindong , Jin Xiaobin , Yang Xilian , Yang Xuhong , Zhou Yinkang
Published: March 2014

Scientific interpretation of the mechanism of land use change is important for government planning and management activities. This study analyzes the land use change in Jiangsu Province using three land use maps of 2000, 2005 and 2008. The study results show that there was a significant change in land use. The change was mainly characterized by a continuous built-up land expansion primarily at the expense of cropland loss, and the trend became increasingly rapid. There was an obvious regional difference, as most of the cropland loss or built-up land expansion took place in southern Jiangsu, where the rate of built-up land expansion was faster than in central and northern Jiangsu. Meanwhile, the spatial pattern changed remarkably; in general, the number of patches (NumP) showed a declining trend, and the mean patch size (MPS) and patch size standard deviation (PSSD) displayed increase trends. Furthermore, the relative importance of selected driven factors was identified by principal component analysis (PCA) and general linear model (GLM). The results showed that not only the relative importance of a specific driving factor may vary, but the driven factors may as well. The most important driven factor changed from urban population (UP), secondary gross domestic product (SGDP) and gross domestic product (GDP) during 2000–2005 to resident population (RP), population density (POD) and UP during 2005–2008, and the deviance explained (DE) decreased from 91.60% to 81.04%. Policies also had significant impacts on land use change, which can be divided into direct and indirect impacts. Development policies usually had indirect impacts, particularly economic development policies, which promote the economic development to cause land use change, while land management policies had direct impacts. We suggest that the government should think comprehensively and cautiously when proposing a new development strategy or plan.
The Long-Term Game: An Analysis of the Life Expectancy of National Football League Players
Authors: Koning Ruud , Matheson Victor , Nathan Anil , Pantano James
Published: March 2014

The National Football League (NFL) has recently received significant negative media attention surrounding the safety of its players, revolving largely around the long term health risks of playing the sport. Recent premature deaths and instances of suicide associated with chronic traumatic encephalopathy and other football related injuries have brought the sport under increased scrutiny. By comparing mortality rates of the general population to mortality rates of players using publically available data from the 1970 and 1994 NFL seasons, we test whether participation in football is significantly harmful to the longevity of the players. We conclude that, in total, players in the NFL have lower mortality rates than the general population. However, there is evidence that line players have higher mortality rates than other players and that those who played more games have higher mortality rates than those who played fewer games.
Tau Protein Modifications and Interactions: Their Role in Function and Dysfunction
Authors: Mietelska-Porowska Anna , Wasik Urszula , Goras Marcelina , Filipek Anna , Niewiadomska Grazyna
Published: March 2014

Tau protein is abundant in the central nervous system and involved in microtubule assembly and stabilization. It is predominantly associated with axonal microtubules and present at lower level in dendrites where it is engaged in signaling functions. Post-translational modifications of tau and its interaction with several proteins play an important regulatory role in the physiology of tau. As a consequence of abnormal modifications and expression, tau is redistributed from neuronal processes to the soma and forms toxic oligomers or aggregated deposits. The accumulation of tau protein is increasingly recognized as the neuropathological hallmark of a number of dementia disorders known as tauopathies. Dysfunction of tau protein may contribute to collapse of cytoskeleton, thereby causing improper anterograde and retrograde movement of motor proteins and their cargos on microtubules. These disturbances in intraneuronal signaling may compromise synaptic transmission as well as trophic support mechanisms in neurons.
Current Progress in Bioactive Ceramic Scaffolds for Bone Repair and Regeneration
Authors: Gao Chengde , Deng Youwen , Feng Pei , Mao Zhongzheng , Li Pengjian , Yang Bo , Deng Junjie , Cao Yiyuan , Shuai Cijun , Peng Shuping
Published: March 2014

Bioactive ceramics have received great attention in the past decades owing to their success in stimulating cell proliferation, differentiation and bone tissue regeneration. They can react and form chemical bonds with cells and tissues in human body. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the application of bioactive ceramics for bone repair and regeneration. The review systematically summarizes the types and characters of bioactive ceramics, the fabrication methods for nanostructure and hierarchically porous structure, typical toughness methods for ceramic scaffold and corresponding mechanisms such as fiber toughness, whisker toughness and particle toughness. Moreover, greater insights into the mechanisms of interaction between ceramics and cells are provided, as well as the development of ceramic-based composite materials. The development and challenges of bioactive ceramics are also discussed from the perspective of bone repair and regeneration.
Identification of the Novel Interacting Partners of the Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 in Human CCRF-CEM and HEK293 Cells
Authors: Rahman Hazir , Qasim Muhammad , Oellerich Michael , Asif Abdul
Published: March 2014

The present study was undertaken to identify proteins that interact with the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) to enable it to carry out its crucial cell signaling functions. Endogenous and myc-tag mTORC1 was purified, in-gel tryptic digested and then identified by nano-LC ESI Q-TOF MS/MS analysis. A total of nine novel interacting proteins were identified in both endogenous and myc-tag mTORC1 purifications. These new mTORC1 interacting partners include heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins A2/B1, enhancer of mRNA decapping protein 4, 60S acidic ribosomal protein, P0, nucleolin, dynamin 2, glyceraldehyde 3 phosphate dehydrogenase, 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase, glycosyl transferase 25 family member 1 and prohibitin 2. Furthermore hnRNP A2/B1 and dynamin 2 interaction with mTORC1 was confirmed on immunoblotting. The present study has for the first time identified novel interacting partners of mTORC1 in human T lymphoblasts (CCRF-CEM) and human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells. These new interacting proteins may offer new targets for therapeutic interventions in human diseases caused by perturbed mTORC1 signaling.
Intracellular Glutathione Depletion by Oridonin Leads to Apoptosis in Hepatic Stellate Cells
Authors: Kuo Liang-Mou , Kuo Chan-Yen , Lin Chen-Yu , Hung Min-Fa , Shen Jiann-Jong , Hwang Tsong-Long
Published: March 2014

Proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) plays a key role in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. Induction of HSC apoptosis by natural products is considered an effective strategy for treating liver fibrosis. Herein, the apoptotic effects of 7,20-epoxy-ent-kaurane (oridonin), a diterpenoid isolated from Rabdosia rubescens, and its underlying mechanisms were investigated in rat HSC cell line, HSC-T6. We found that oridonin inhibited cell viability of HSC-T6 in a concentration-dependent manner. Oridonin induced a reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential and increases in caspase 3 activation, subG1 phase, and DNA fragmentation. These apoptotic effects of oridonin were completely reversed by thiol antioxidants, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and glutathione monoethyl ester. Moreover, oridonin increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which was also inhibited by NAC. Significantly, oridonin reduced intracellular glutathione (GSH) level in a concentration- and time-dependent fashion. Additionally, oridonin induced phosphorylations of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). NAC prevented the activation of MAPKs in oridonin-induced cells. However, selective inhibitors of MAPKs failed to alter oridonin-induced cell death. In summary, these results demonstrate that induction of apoptosis in HSC-T6 by oridonin is associated with a decrease in cellular GSH level and increase in ROS production.
Magnetite Nanoparticles Induce Genotoxicity in the Lungs of Mice via Inflammatory Response
Authors: Totsuka Yukari , Ishino Kousuke , Kato Tatsuya , Goto Sumio , Tada Yukie , Nakae Dai , Watanabe Masatoshi , Wakabayashi Keiji
Published: March 2014

Nanomaterials are useful for their characteristic properties and are commonly used in various fields. Nanosized-magnetite (MGT) is widely utilized in medicinal and industrial fields, whereas their toxicological properties are not well documented. A safety assessment is thus urgently required for MGT, and genotoxicity is one of the most serious concerns. In the present study, we examined genotoxic effects of MGT using mice and revealed that DNA damage analyzed by a comet assay in the lungs of imprinting control region (ICR) mice intratracheally instilled with a single dose of 0.05 or 0.2 mg/animal of MGT was approximately two- to three-fold higher than that of vehicle-control animals. Furthermore, in gpt delta transgenic mice, gpt mutant frequency (MF) in the lungs of the group exposed to four consecutive doses of 0.2 mg MGT was significantly higher than in the control group. Mutation spectrum analysis showed that base substitutions were predominantly induced by MGT, among which G:C to A:T transition and G:C to T:A transversion were the most significant. To clarify the mechanism of mutation caused by MGT, we analyzed the formation of DNA adducts in the lungs of mice exposed to MGT. DNA was extracted from lungs of mice 3, 24, 72 and 168 h after intratracheal instillation of 0.2 mg/body of MGT, and digested enzymatically. 8-Oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) and lipid peroxide-related DNA adducts were quantified by stable isotope dilution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Compared with vehicle control, these DNA adduct levels were significantly increased in the MGT-treated mice. In addition to oxidative stress- and inflammation related-DNA adduct formations, inflammatory cell infiltration and focal granulomatous formations were also observed in the lungs of MGT-treated mice. Based on these findings, it is suggested that inflammatory responses are probably involved in the genotoxicity induced by MGT in the lungs of mice.
Development of a Physiologically-Based Pharmacokinetic Model of the Rat Central Nervous System
Authors: Badhan Raj , Chenel Marylore , Penny Jeffrey
Published: March 2014

Central nervous system (CNS) drug disposition is dictated by a drug’s physicochemical properties and its ability to permeate physiological barriers. The blood–brain barrier (BBB), blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier and centrally located drug transporter proteins influence drug disposition within the central nervous system. Attainment of adequate brain-to-plasma and cerebrospinal fluid-to-plasma partitioning is important in determining the efficacy of centrally acting therapeutics. We have developed a physiologically-based pharmacokinetic model of the rat CNS which incorporates brain interstitial fluid (ISF), choroidal epithelial and total cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) compartments and accurately predicts CNS pharmacokinetics. The model yielded reasonable predictions of unbound brain-to-plasma partition ratio (Kpuu,brain) and CSF:plasma ratio (CSF:Plasmau) using a series of in vitro permeability and unbound fraction parameters. When using in vitro permeability data obtained from L-mdr1a cells to estimate rat in vivo permeability, the model successfully predicted, to within 4-fold, Kpuu,brain and CSF:Plasmau for 81.5% of compounds simulated. The model presented allows for simultaneous simulation and analysis of both brain biophase and CSF to accurately predict CNS pharmacokinetics from preclinical drug parameters routinely available during discovery and development pathways.
Application of Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Analysis to the Development of Liposomal Formulations for Oncology
Authors: Ait-Oudhia Sihem , Mager Donald , Straubinger Robert
Published: March 2014

Liposomal formulations of anticancer agents have been developed to prolong drug circulating lifetime, enhance anti-tumor efficacy by increasing tumor drug deposition, and reduce drug toxicity by avoiding critical normal tissues. Despite the clinical approval of numerous liposome-based chemotherapeutics, challenges remain in the development and clinical deployment of micro- and nano-particulate formulations, as well as combining these novel agents with conventional drugs and standard-of-care therapies. Factors requiring optimization include control of drug biodistribution, release rates of the encapsulated drug, and uptake by target cells. Quantitative mathematical modeling of formulation performance can provide an important tool for understanding drug transport, uptake, and disposition processes, as well as their role in therapeutic outcomes. This review identifies several relevant pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic models that incorporate key physical, biochemical, and physiological processes involved in delivery of oncology drugs by liposomal formulations. They capture observed data, lend insight into factors determining overall antitumor response, and in some cases, predict conditions for optimizing chemotherapy combinations that include nanoparticulate drug carriers.
Experimental Investigations on Airborne Gravimetry Based on Compressed Sensing
Authors: Yang Yapeng , Wu Meiping , Wang Jinling , Zhang Kaidong , Cao Juliang , Cai Shaokun
Published: March 2014

Gravity surveys are an important research topic in geophysics and geodynamics. This paper investigates a method for high accuracy large scale gravity anomaly data reconstruction. Based on the airborne gravimetry technology, a flight test was carried out in China with the strap-down airborne gravimeter (SGA-WZ) developed by the Laboratory of Inertial Technology of the National University of Defense Technology. Taking into account the sparsity of airborne gravimetry by the discrete Fourier transform (DFT), this paper proposes a method for gravity anomaly data reconstruction using the theory of compressed sensing (CS). The gravity anomaly data reconstruction is an ill-posed inverse problem, which can be transformed into a sparse optimization problem. This paper uses the zero-norm as the objective function and presents a greedy algorithm called Orthogonal Matching Pursuit (OMP) to solve the corresponding minimization problem. The test results have revealed that the compressed sampling rate is approximately 14%, the standard deviation of the reconstruction error by OMP is 0.03 mGal and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is 56.48 dB. In contrast, the standard deviation of the reconstruction error by the existing nearest-interpolation method (NIPM) is 0.15 mGal and the SNR is 42.29 dB. These results have shown that the OMP algorithm can reconstruct the gravity anomaly data with higher accuracy and fewer measurements.
Mountaintop Removal Mining and Catchment Hydrology
Authors: Miller Andrew , Zégre Nicolas
Published: March 2014

Mountaintop mining and valley fill (MTM/VF) coal extraction, practiced in the Central Appalachian region, represents a dramatic landscape-scale disturbance. MTM operations remove as much as 300 m of rock, soil, and vegetation from ridge tops to access deep coal seams and much of this material is placed in adjacent headwater streams altering landcover, drainage network, and topography. In spite of its scale, extent, and potential for continued use, the effects MTM/VF on catchment hydrology is poorly understood. Previous reviews focus on water quality and ecosystem health impacts, but little is known about how MTM/VF affects hydrology, particularly the movement and storage of water, hence the hydrologic processes that ultimately control flood generation, water chemistry, and biology. This paper aggregates the existing knowledge about the hydrologic impacts of MTM/VF to identify areas where further scientific investigation is needed. While contemporary surface mining generally increases peak and total runoff, the limited MTM/VF studies reveal significant variability in hydrologic response. Significant knowledge gaps relate to limited understanding of hydrologic processes in these systems. Until the hydrologic impact of this practice is better understood, efforts to reduce water quantity and quality problems and ecosystem degradation will be difficult to achieve.
Population differentiation for germination and early seedling root growth traits under saline conditions in the annual legume Medicago truncatula (Fabaceae)
Authors: Cordeiro Matilde A. , Moriuchi Ken S. , Fotinos Tonya D. , Miller Kelsey E. , Nuzhdin Sergey V. , von Wettberg Eric J. , Cook Douglas R.
Published: March 2014

• Premise of the study: Seedling establishment and survival are highly sensitive to soil salinity and plants that evolved in saline environments are likely to express traits that increase fitness in those environments. Such traits are of ecological interest and they may have practical value for improving salt tolerance in cultivated species. We examined responses to soil salinity and tested potential mechanisms of salt tolerance in Medicago truncatula, using genotypes that originated from natural populations occurring on saline and nonsaline soils.

• Methods: Germination and seedling responses were quantified and compared between saline and nonsaline origin genotypes. Germination treatments included a range of sodium chloride (NaCl) concentrations in both offspring and parental environments. Seedling treatments included NaCl, abscisic acid (ABA), and potassium chloride (KCl).

• Key results: Saline origin genotypes displayed greater salinity tolerance for germination and seedling traits relative to nonsaline origin genotypes. We observed population specific differences for the effects of salinity on time to germination and for the impact of parental environment on germination rates. ABA and NaCl treatments had similar negative effects on root growth, although relative sensitivities differed, with saline population less sensitive to NaCl and more sensitive to ABA compared to their nonsaline counterparts.

• Conclusions: We report population differentiation for germination and seedling growth traits under saline conditions among populations derived from saline and nonsaline environments. These observations are consistent with a syndrome of adaptations for salinity tolerance during early plant development, including traits that are common among saline environments and those that are idiosyncratic to local populations.
Near-infrared dye loaded polymeric nanoparticles for cancer imaging and therapy and cellular response after laser-induced heating
Authors: Lei Tingjun , Fernandez-Fernandez Alicia , Manchanda Romila , Huang Yen-Chih , McGoron Anthony J
Published: March 2014

Background: In the past decade, researchers have focused on developing new biomaterials for cancer therapy that combine imaging and therapeutic agents. In our study, we use a new biocompatible and biodegradable polymer, termed poly(glycerol malate co-dodecanedioate) (PGMD), for the synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) and loading of near-infrared (NIR) dyes. IR820 was chosen for the purpose of imaging and hyperthermia (HT). HT is currently used in clinical trials for cancer therapy in combination with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. One of the potential problems of HT is that it can up-regulate hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) expression and enhance vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion.

Results: We explored cellular response after rapid, short-term and low thermal dose laser-IR820-PGMD NPs (laser/NPs) induced-heating, and compared it to slow, long-term and high thermal dose heating by a cell incubator. The expression levels of the reactive oxygen species (ROS), HIF-1 and VEGF following the two different modes of heating. The cytotoxicity of NPs after laser/NP HT resulted in higher cell killing compared to incubator HT. The ROS level was highly elevated under incubator HT, but remained at the baseline level under the laser/NP HT. Our results show that elevated ROS expression inside the cells could result in the promotion of HIF-1 expression after incubator induced-HT. The VEGF secretion was also significantly enhanced compared to laser/NP HT, possibly due to the promotion of HIF-1. In vitro cell imaging and in vivo healthy mice imaging showed that IR820-PGMD NPs can be used for optical imaging.

Conclusion: IR820-PGMD NPs were developed and used for both imaging and therapy purposes. Rapid and short-term laser/NP HT, with a low thermal dose, does not up-regulate HIF-1 and VEGF expression, whereas slow and long term incubator HT, with a high thermal dose, enhances the expression of both transcription factors.
EFFECTS OF ORGANIC LOADING RATE AND HYDRAULIC RETENTION TIME ON TREATMENT OF PHENOLIC WASTEWATER IN AN ANAEROBIC IMMOBILIZED FLUIDIZED BED REACTOR
Authors: Pishgar Roya , Najafpour Ghasem D. , Neya Bahram Navayi , Bakhshi Zeinab , Mousavi Naﬁse
Published: March 2014

Treatability of phenolic wastewater in an anaerobic immobilized fluidized bed reactor (AIFBR) in consequence of stepwise increment in phenolic load as well as decrease in hydraulic retention time (HRT) was investigated. The experimental data indicated that high degradation efficiencies of phenol and COD in the bioreactor at low HRTs and high organic loading rates were obtained. At constant HRT of 16 h with increase in influent phenol concentration from 98 to 630 mg/l, the average phenol and COD removals were 96 and 88%, respectively. However, further increase in phenol concentration in the feed stream to 995 mg/l resulted in decrease in phenol and COD removal efficiencies to 84 and 79%, respectively. For influent phenol concentration of 995 mg/l, the biogas production rate of 4.55 l/l.d was obtained. As HRT decreased from 3 to 0.15 day, the system showed high stability; influent phenol and COD were removed and reached to average values of 17 and 173 mg/l correspond to the removal efficiencies of about 97 and 90.5%, respectively. The bioreactor experienced a failure with further decrease in HRT to 0.1 day. Biogas production was gradually decreased from 7.04 l/l.d at HRT of 3 days to 2.23 l/l.d at HRT of 0.1 days. The value of the ratio of volatile fatty acids to total alkalinity (VFAs/TA) ranged from 0.03 to 0.24 during the entire course of operation.
Un modelo web para la asistencia en la toma de decisiones en la integración de las construcciones rurales mediante planificación espacial multi-criterio
Authors: Jeong J. S. , García-Moruno L. , Hernández-Blanco J.
Published: March 2014

Este trabajo presenta un modelo web ideado para asesorar en la toma de decisiones en la integración de construcciones turísticas rurales en su entorno, mediante el intercambio de información y colaboración entre los agentes implicados. Se expone el uso de metodologías espaciales para la selección de localizaciones adecuadas a partir de la evaluación de criterios múltiples (ECM) en un marco web. Se emplean cuatro criterios para la evaluación, que se muestran en un mapa final global de idoneidad, basado en cuatro mapas intermedios parciales según los criterios de evaluación. Como resultado se utilizan tres niveles de información: página de información general, página para la toma de decisión espacial multi-criterio y una página con mapas de intercambio de conocimiento. El modelo propuesto, aplicado al caso práctico de ‘Hervás’, pretende conseguir una discusión esclarecedora entre distintas percepciones de integración de construcciones en su entorno, considerando diferentes alternativas de decisión y posibles contribuciones.
A model for acoustic absorbent materials derived from coconut fiber
Authors: Ramis J. , Del Rey R. , Alba J. , Godinho L. , Carbajo J.
Published: March 2014

In the present paper, a methodology is proposed for obtaining empirical equations describing the sound absorption characteristics of an absorbing material obtained from natural fibers, specifically from coconut. The method, which was previously applied to other materials, requires performing measurements of air-flow resistivity and of acoustic impedance for samples of the material under study. The equations that govern the acoustic behavior of the material are then derived by means of a least-squares fit of the acoustic impedance and of the propagation constant. These results can be useful since they allow the empirically obtained analytical equations to be easily incorporated in prediction and simulation models of acoustic systems for noise control that incorporate the studied materials.
Experimental study of masonry wall exposed to blast loading
Authors: Ahmad S. , Elahi A. , Pervaiz H. , Rahman A. G.A. , Barbhuiya S.
Published: March 2014

The challenge of protecting the nation against the attack of terrorism has raised the importance to explore the understanding of building materials against the explosion. Unlike most of the building materials, brick masonry materials offer relatively small resistance against blast loading. In this research, a brick masonry wall was exposed to varying blast load at different scaled distances. Six tests with different amounts of explosives at various distances were carried out. Pressure time history, acceleration time history and strain at specific location were measured. The parameters measured from experimental pressure time history and acceleration time history is compared with those determined by ConWep to establish the correlations between experimental determined records and ConWep values. The experimental results were also compared with some researchers. These correlations may assist in understanding the behaviour of masonry structures subjected to explosive loading.
Border Crossings
Authors: Linden Ian
Published: March 2014

This chapter explores some of the core misconceptions about the key concepts central to secularity and their interaction with the realm of religious discourse. In particular, it looks at the supposed hiatus between human rights discourse and religious views of justice with a view to identifying to what extent religious values and secular values are the same or are perceived to be different. For example why are Reason, Liberty, and Choice assumed to be secular values in the public domain differentiating a secular worldview. Finally, the role of assumptions made by journalists about these issues is discussed as a feature of a mystifying account of religion in the public domain.
Religious Sphere in Canada
Authors: Eid Mahmoud
Published: March 2014

Canadian demographic trends indicate that the number of religious adherents from various faith groups is on the rise. Despite successful integration of some religions into mainstream Canadian society, discrimination against some faith groups persists. Christianity is the dominant religion in Canada, the minorities being Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Sikhism. The mainstream media are considered a main driver of social cohesion in Canada because they construct ideologies and define communities. They are a key lever in shaping debate about religion in the public sphere; however, debates exist on how religion is portrayed in the media. Despite the vast religious diversity in Canada, media organizations commonly ignore religious minorities, deeming them insignificant, unfavourable, and sometimes invisible. This chapter reviews and compares research findings on Canadian media depictions of these faith groups over the past few decades. Canadians of various faith groups have expressed a wide array of sentiments toward their representations in the media. Vast differences in media depictions exist; however, dominant discourses and representations prevail for each faith group: Christians are the normal group; Muslims are in discord with Western societies; Jews require sympathy; Buddhists are peaceful; Hindus are friendly; and Sikhs are extremists. It is suggested here that considerable research needs to be conducted on Canadian mainstream media patterns of coverage and portrayals of interfaith activities within Canadian society.
Public Relations and Religious Diversity
Authors: Tilson Donn James
Published: March 2014

Modern nation-states have become culturally diverse owing in part to changes in immigration law, globalization, and increased ease of transportation presenting both opportunities and challenges, particularly where religious diversity is concerned. The author proposes a conceptual framework that embraces an interpretation of public relations as a social function (Tilson, 2009a), a covenantal model as a theoretical ground (Koehn, 1994; cited in Baker, 2002), and expanded communicative conceptual parameters that include religion in definitions of diversity. Using telephone and e-mail interviews and textual analysis of media to obtain data on religious diversity and public relations practices in the U.S., a review of initiatives suggests that communicators are fostering tolerance and resolving religious conflict through dialogue in keeping with conceptual models that emphasize the social responsibility of the profession. The study also underscores that socially responsible behavior often has a foundation of faith and that the intersection of faith and institutional practice merits a closer look.
Cultural and Religious Dialogue
Authors: Dietz Judith E.
Published: March 2014

The exhibition, “An Expression of Faith: Sacred Art of Centuries Past,” first displayed at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia in 1998 illustrates the positive effects of mutual co-operation between the cultural, religious, and civic communities in preserving religious and cultural heritage. The exhibition featured a select group of European sculptures from the Renaissance period donated by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Halifax. In this chapter, the history and preservation of the three featured sculptures from the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries are revealed – from their installation in the Chapel Built in a Day in Halifax, to their removal and long-term conservation in Ottawa, and finally to their eventual return, public display, and ultimate community impact, resulting in additional donations and a new and rare discovery.
Meeting Emerging Needs of Online Coaching in Teacher Education
Authors: Song Kim H.
Published: March 2014

The chapter examines emerging priorities and trends in virtual or online teacher education courses using empirical research findings on online courses. The benefits and challenges of the online practicum course are explored, as well as the efficacy of online coaching if it impacts on participants' teaching practice. The uniqueness of this online course is that it uses synchronous one-on-one coaching as an innovative way of leading them to the next level of inquiry. This virtual course facilitates mutual and progressive improvement through synchronous and asynchronous communication tools. The results include the procedure of the interactive and effective online course development, benefits and challenges of taking well-designed online courses, and impact of guided and reflective virtual coaching as well as future direction.
Removing the Disability from Distance Education
Authors: Yuknis Christina
Published: March 2014

Students with disabilities are increasingly opting to take distance education courses. As a result, many courses are not prepared to adequately meet the needs of their students. This chapter provides an overview of the main accessibility issues, including the delay in technology use and adaptation and assistive technology integration for people with disabilities in distance education courses. To mitigate these issues, a framework for instructional design, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), is presented. UDL is a set of three principles that, when applied from the beginning of the course design, can reduce the need for later modifications or accommodations. Instructors may use UDL to ensure that the course is accessible, not just for students with disabilities, but for all students in the course.