bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular and Structural Evaluation of Dentin Caries-Like Lesions Produced by Different Artificial Models
Authors: Pacheco Larissa Ferreira , Banzi Efani Caroline de Freitas , Rodrigues Eliana , Soares Luis Eduardo Silva , Pascon Fernanda Miori , Correr-Sobrinho Lourenco , Puppin-Rontani Regina Maria
Published: February 2014

This study evaluated structural and molecular issues of dentin caries-like lesions produced by different artificial models (ACL) compared with natural caries lesions (NCL). One hundred twenty-four sound occlusal dentin blocks and 47 carious blocks were obtained and surface hardness was analyzed (SH1). They were assigned to groups according to ACL: GB: Biological; GC: Chemical; GIS: In situ; GNC: natural caries (control). Blocks from groups 1, 2 and 3 were submitted to caries lesion induction. NCL and ACL blocks were submitted to surface hardness (SH 2), FT-Raman and µEDXRF analysis. All blocks were longitudinally sectioned and one of the halves was submitted to cross-sectional hardness (CSH) and the other to SEM analysis. SH1 and SH2 data were submitted to t test (unpaired and paired, respectively), CSH and SEM data to two-way and one-way ANOVA respectively, and Tukey and t tests, respectively (p<0.05). Data from FT-Raman/µEDXRF were submitted to one-way ANOVA and Dunnett multiple-comparisons test (a=0.05). GB and GNC showed lowest SH2 values that were significantly different from GC and GIS. Regarding CSH, GB and GNC showed no significant difference between them. SEM showed similar caries lesion depth for GB and GNC, being significantly higher than for GC and GIS. µEDXRF showed similar values of calcium and phosphate for GB and GNC; GNC values were significantly different from GIS. No significant difference was found among the groups concerning phosphate, carbonate and CH bonds values. For collagen type I, GC values were significantly different compared to other groups. It may be concluded that caries-like lesions produced by GB were the closest model to NCL.
Midbuccal Canals of Maxillary Molars Evaluated by Cone-Beam Computed Tomography: Endodontic Management of Two Cases
Authors: Brito-Junior Manoel , Moreira-Junior Gil , Normanha Joao Americo , Faria-e-Silva Andre Luis , Camilo Carla Cristina , Savioli Ricardo Novak , Saquy Paulo Cesar
Published: February 2014

Maxillary molars present variable root canal and root morphologies. This report describes the endodontic management of two cases of midbuccal canals found in maxillary molars. Midbuccal canals were present in a maxillary first molar with a single buccal root (Case 1), and in a maxillary second molar with three buccal roots (Case 2). An assessment of the internal configuration of these teeth was performed using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Magnification with a dental operating microscope, surgical loupes, and the use of an endodontic explorer enabled the identification of the midbuccal canal orifices. The root canals in both cases were chemomechanically prepared and filled. Postobturation radiographic images revealed four (one midbuccal, two mesiobuccal and one palatal) and five (one midbuccal, two mesiobuccal, one distobuccal and one palatal) root canals, which were filled in Cases 1 and 2, respectively. Complex canal configurations of maxillary molars including the presence of midbuccal canals were presented. CBCT was a valuable tool in this diagnosis, as it provided a precise description of these unusual anatomical variations.
Tensile Strength of Glass Fiber Posts Submitted to Different Surface Treatments
Authors: Faria Maria Isabel A. , Gomes Erica Alves , Messias Danielle Cristine , Silva Filho Joao Manoel , Souza Filho Celso Bernardo , Paulino Silvana Maria
Published: February 2014

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the tensile strength of glass fiber posts submitted to different surface treatments. Forty-eight maxillary canines had their crowns sectioned and root canals endodontically treated. The roots were embedded in acrylic resin and distributed into 3 groups according to the surface treatment: Group I: the posts were treated with silane agent for 30 s and adhesive; Group II: the posts were cleaned with alcohol before treatment with silane agent and adhesive; Group III: the posts were submitted to conditioning with 37% phosphoric acid for 30 s before treatment with silane agent and adhesive. Each group was divided into 2 subgroups for adhesive polymerization or not before insertion into the canal: A - adhesive was not light cured and B - adhesive was light cured. All posts were cemented with Panavia F and the samples were subjected to tensile strength test in a universal testing machine at crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. Data were submitted to one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test at 5% significance level. There was statistically significant difference (p<0.01) only between group GIII-B and groups GI-A and GI-B. No significant difference was found among the other groups (p>0.05). It was concluded that the products used for cleaning the posts influenced the retention regardless of adhesive light curing.
Correlation between body temperature, blood pressure and plasmatic nitric oxide in septic patients
Authors: Pereira Flávia Helena , Batalhão Marcelo Eduardo , Cárnio Evelin Capellari
Published: February 2014

OBJECTIVE: to investigate whether there is a relationship between plasmatic levels of nitrate, body temperature, and blood pressure values in patients with sepsis, severe sepsis and septic shock. METHOD: prospective observational study performed in a Brazilian hospital; data were collected from July to December 2009. Thirty blood samples were obtained from a total of 29 patients. Blood samples (10ml) were collected for subsequent laboratory analysis to determine nitrate levels in the plasma. RESULTS: nitric oxide synthesis is increased in patients with septic shock, and is inversely correlated to the body temperature values. CONCLUSION: these data show that the measurement of body temperature and the observation of hypothermic conditions in septic patients could be important to guide the nursing regarding the evolution of individuals with sepsis to septic shock.
Moral distress and Burnout syndrome: are there relationships between these phenomena in nursing workers?
Authors: Dalmolin Graziele de Lima , Lunardi Valéria Lerch , Lunardi Guilherme Lerch , Barlem Edison Luiz Devos , Silveira Rosemary Silva da
Published: February 2014

OBJECTIVE: to identify relationships between moral distress and Burnout in the professional performance from the perceptions of the experiences of nursing workers. METHODS: this is a survey type study with 375 nursing workers working in three different hospitals of southern Rio Grande do Sul, with the application of adaptations of the Moral Distress Scale and the Maslach Burnout Inventory, validated and standardized for use in Brazil. Data validation occurred through factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha. For the data analysis bivariate analysis using Pearson's correlation and multivariate analysis using multiple regression were performed. RESULTS: the existence of a weak correlation between moral distress and Burnout was verified. A possible positive correlation between Burnout and therapeutic obstinacy, and a negative correlation between professional fulfillment and moral distress were identified. CONCLUSION: the need was identified for further studies that include mediating and moderating variables that may explain more clearly the models studied.
The exposure of the nursing profession in online and print media
Authors: Cardoso Rodrigo José Martins , Graveto João Manuel Garcia de Nascimento , Queiroz Ana Maria Correia Albuquerque
Published: February 2014

OBJECTIVE: to describe the coverage of news concerning the nursing profession in the Portuguese media: informative sites on the Internet and in print media. METHOD: a total of 1,271 health news items were collected in September and October of 2011 (956 online news items and 325 news items originating from the press review of the Portuguese Order of Nurses). Statistical analysis was used to characterize the variables. RESULTS: nurses were the sources of information in 6.6% of cases, suggesting limited media exposure. The health news collected is characterized by a production based on limited information sources, that is, male and official sources, on information disseminated by news agencies focused on economic and political issues in the health field. CONCLUSION: the presence of nurses in the news concerning nursing health is reduced. We suggest that nurses develop public communication skills to disseminate the importance of their profession in society and their relationship with the media.
Adherence to treatment for diabetes mellitus: validation of instruments for oral antidiabetics and insulin
Authors: Boas Lilian Cristiane Gomes-Villas , Lima Maria Luisa Soares Almeida Pedroso de , Pace Ana Emilia
Published: February 2014

OBJECTIVES: to verify the face validity, criterion-related validity and the reliability of two distinct forms of presentation of the instrument Measurement of Adherence to Treatment, one being for ascertaining the adherence to the use of oral antidiabetics and the other for adherence to the use of insulin, as well as to assess differences in adherence between these two modes of drug therapy. METHOD: a methodological study undertaken with 90 adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. The criterion-related validity was verified using the Receiver Operating Characteristic curves; and for the reliability, the researchers calculated the Cronbach alpha coefficient, the item-total correlation, and the Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS: the oral antidiabetics and the other showed sensitivity of 0.84, specificity of 0.35 and a Cronbach correlation coefficient of 0.84. For the adherence to the use of insulin, the values found were, respectively, 0.60, 0.21 and 0.68. A statistically significant difference was found between the final scores of the two forms of the instrument, indicating greater adherence to the use of insulin than to oral antidiabetics. CONCLUSION: it is concluded that the two forms of the Measurement of Adherence to Treatment instrument are reliable and should be used to evaluate adherence to drug treatment among people with diabetes mellitus.
Linking regional wave conditions to local beach profile change
Authors: Reeve Dominic E. , Horrillo-Caraballo Jose M.
Published: February 2014

The focus of this study is the beach response to the construction of a coastal defence. The study site is on the frontage of Herne Bay (Kent, UK). The beaches along this segment of coast are predominantly composite, with a shingle upper beach and sandy lower beach, or mixed sand and shingle. The varying beach response updrift and downdrift of, as well as within, the scheme was captured by detailed beach profile surveys covering a period of more than a decade. Canonical correlation analysis has been employed to interpret the beach response in terms of the prevailing wave conditions. The results demonstrate that suitable regression relationships can be found between offshore wave conditions and beach levels at transects throughout the scheme. The regression relationships were also applied to independent wave observations to test whether they could be used to provide useful predictions of beach response. Comparisons between predictions and measurements over a 3 year period are encouraging in this regard. Notably, predictions using ‘offshore’ data provided reasonable predictions of beach response within the scheme without the need for special treatment to account for refraction or diffraction effects. To the east of the scheme the predictions were not as good, indicating that additional factors are important in determining beach profile change there.
Over‐invasion by functionally equivalent invasive species
Authors: Russell James C. , Sataruddin Nurul S. , Heard Allison D.
Published: February 2014

Multiple invasive species have now established at most locations around the world, and the rate of new species invasions and records of new invasive species continue to grow. Multiple invasive species interact in complex and unpredictable ways, altering their invasion success and impacts on biodiversity. Incumbent invasive species can be replaced by functionally similar invading species through competitive processes; however the generalized circumstances leading to such competitive displacement have not been well investigated. The likelihood of competitive displacement is a function of the incumbent advantage of the resident invasive species and the propagule pressure of the colonizing invasive species. We modeled interactions between populations of two functionally similar invasive species and indicated the circumstances under which dominance can be through propagule pressure and incumbent advantage. Under certain circumstances, a normally subordinate species can be incumbent and reject a colonizing dominant species, or successfully colonize in competition with a dominant species during simultaneous invasion. Our theoretical results are supported by empirical studies of the invasion of islands by three invasive Rattus species. Competitive displacement is prominent in invasive rats and explains the replacement of R. exulans on islands subsequently invaded by European populations of R. rattus and R. norvegicus. These competition outcomes between invasive species can be found in a broad range of taxa and biomes, and are likely to become more common. Conservation management must consider that removing an incumbent invasive species may facilitate invasion by another invasive species. Under very restricted circumstances of dominant competitive ability but lesser impact, competitive displacement may provide a novel method of biological control.
A framework to optimize the restoration and retention of large mature forest tracts in managed boreal landscapes
Authors: Bouchard Mathieu , Garet Jérôme
Published: February 2014

The decreasing abundance of mature forests and their fragmentation have been identified as major threats for the preservation of biodiversity in managed landscapes. In this study, we developed a multi‐level framework to coordinate forest harvestings so as to optimize the retention or restoration of large mature forest tracts in managed forests. We used mixed‐integer programming for this optimization, and integrated realistic management assumptions regarding stand yield and operational harvest constraints. The model was parameterized for eastern Canadian boreal forests, where clear‐cutting is the main silvicultural system, and is used to examine two hypotheses. First, we tested if mature forest tract targets had more negative impacts on wood supplies when implemented in landscapes that are very different from targeted conditions. Second, we tested the hypothesis that using more partial cuts can be useful to attenuate the negative impacts of mature forest targets on wood supplies. The results indicate that without the integration of an explicit mature forest tract target, the optimization leads to relatively high fragmentation levels. Forcing the retention or restoration of large mature forest tracts on 40% of the landscapes had negative impacts on wood supplies in all types of landscapes, but these impacts were less important in landscapes that were initially fragmented. This counter‐intuitive result is explained by the presence in the models of an operational constraint that forbids diffuse patterns of harvestings, which are more costly. Once this constraint is applied, the residual impact of the mature forest tract target is low. The results also indicate that partial cuts are of very limited use to attenuate the impacts of mature forest tract targets on wood supplies in highly fragmented landscapes. Partial cuts are somewhat more useful in landscapes that are less fragmented, but they have to be well coordinated with clearcut schedules in order to contribute efficiently to conservation objectives. This modeling framework could easily be adapted and parameterized to test hypotheses or to optimize restoration schedules in landscapes where issues such as forest fragmentation and the abundance of mature or old‐growth forests are a concern.
Inspiratory Flows and Volumes in Subjects with Cystic Fibrosis Using a New Dry Powder Inhaler Device
Authors: Elkins Mark R. , Robinson Philip , Anderson Sandra D. , Perry Clare P. , Daviskas Evangelia , Charlton Brett
Published: February 2014

Introduction:

Drug inhalation via a dry-powder inhaler (DPI) is a convenient, time efficient alternative to
nebulizers in the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF). Efficient drug administration via DPIs depends on the device resistance
and adequate (≥ 45L/min) inspiratory flows and volumes generated by individuals. Dry-powder mannitol is delivered
using a RS01 breath-actuated device developed by Plastiape, for Pharmaxis. The study aim was to determine in vivo if CF
patients’ inspiratory flows and volumes are adequate to use the RS01 DPI device.

Materials and Methodology:

An open, non-interventional study; enrolled 25 CF subjects, aged ≥ 6 years with FEV1 ≥ 30
to < 90‰ predicted. Inspiratory flows and volumes were measured when subjects inhaled in a controlled manner through
the RS01 device in series with a spirometer.

Results:

The mean inspiratory volume (IV) of CF subjects was 1.83L ± 0.97. Their achieved mean ± SD peak inspiratory
flow (PIF) was 75.5 ± 27.2L/min. Twenty-three subjects (92%) achieved PIF of > 45L/min with the inhaler device;
eighteen of those subjects (78%) had a baseline FEV1 of > 1L.

Conclusion:

Use of the RS01 DPI device allowed adequate inspiratory flow and volume for dispersion of dry-powder
mannitol in CF patients.
Is CRX Protein a Useful Marker in Differential Diagnosis of Tumors of the Pineal Region?
Authors: Manila Antonelli , Mariangela Novello , Libero Lauriola , Francesca Gianno , Romana Buttarelli Francesca , Felice Giangaspero
Published: February 2014

The cone-rod homeobox (CRX) is a gene that belongs to the member of the orthodenticle homeobox (Otx) family, with important function in development and differentiation of retinal and pineal cells. Moreover, CRX appears to be specifically expressed in pineal tumors and retinoblastomas. We performed an immunohistochemical study on 91 pediatric and adult central nervous system tumors, plus 2 normal brain samples. Our results demonstrated that CRX is expressed not only in pineal parenchymal tumors and retinoblastoma, but also in a some medulloblastomas and supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumors. None of the glial tumors screened were positive for CRX. In conclusion, CRX could be useful in surgical neuropathology for the differential diagnosis of pineal region tumors, in particular to discriminate pineal tumors from glial tumors.
TOF-SIMS surface analysis of L-Tryptophan self assembled monolayer
Authors: Petrovic Marian , Talian Ivan , Skantarova Lenka , Orinak Andrej , Velic Dusan
Published: February 2014

This paper dealt with the preparation and characterization of self — assembled monolayersSAM-s of 1-hexadecanethiole and mercapto acetic acid on the silver nanostructure and subsequently the immobilization with amino acid L-Tryptophane. In order to achieve it, we used the electrodeposition of silver onto nanostructured surface of paraffin impregnated graphite electrode (PIGE). Subsequently, we assembled SAM by choosing the 1-hexadecanethiole and mercaptoacetic acid. These two kinds of SAM underwent the functionalization by L-Tryptophan. The observations of silver on PIGE surfaces were performed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). For surface analysis of the SAM functionalized by L-tryphophan, the TOF-SIMS technique was chosen. Finally, the fragmented ions of the immobilized-L-Tryptophan SAM were determined on the basis of suggested residues and three-dimensional structure. The residues show that the ability of L-Tryptophan to build homogeneous structure is better by mercaptoacetic acid SAM structure than by 1-hexadecanethiol. It was observed that L-Tryptophan built compact surface, which, due its chemical properties, can represent very interesting side regarding biocompatibility, homochirality and robustness in the area of life science.
Regio- and stereoselectivity of polar [2+3] cycloaddition reactions between (Z)-C-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-N-methylnitrone and selected (E)-2-substituted nitroethenes
Authors: Jasiński Radomir , Ziółkowska Magda , Demchuk Oleh , Maziarka Agata
Published: February 2014

[2+3] Cycloaddition reactions of the highly reactive (Z)-C-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-N-methylnitrone with (E)-2-R-nitroethenes proceed under mild conditions and yield mixtures of stereoisomeric 2-methyl-3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-4-nitro-5-R-isoxazolidines. The effect of regiospecificity of the cycloadditions may be accounted for by the theory of electrophilicity indexes. Stereoselectivity, however, is determined by a compilation of steric and secondary orbital effects.
Experimental and theoretical studies on the photodegradation of 2-ethylhexyl 4-methoxycinnamate in the presence of reactive oxygen and chlorine species
Authors: Gackowska Alicja , Przybyłek Maciej , Studziński Waldemar , Gaca Jerzy
Published: February 2014

2-Ethylhexyl 4-methoxycinnamate (EHMC) is one of the most commonly used sunscreen ingredient. In this study we investigated photodegradation of EHMC in the presence of such common oxidizing and chlorinating systems as H2O2, H2O2/HCl, H2O2/UV, and H2O2/HCl/UV. Reaction products were detected by gas chromatography with a mass spectrometric detector (GC-MS). As a result of experimental studies chloro-substituted 4-methoxycinnamic acid (4-MCA), 4-methoxybenzaldehyde (4-MBA) and 4-methoxyphenol (4-MP) were identified. Experimental studies were enriched with DFT and MP2 calculations. We found that reactions of 4-MCA, 4-MBA and 4-MP with Cl2 and HOCl were in all cases thermodynamically favorable. However, reactivity indices provide a better explanation of the formation of particular chloroorganic compounds. Generally, those isomeric forms of mono- and dichlorinated compounds which exhibits the highest hardness were identified. Nucleophilicity of the chloroorganic compounds precursors were examined by means of the Fukui function.
Supramolecular complexes of podand ligands with xenon
Authors: Gierczyk Błażej , Pankiewicz Radosław
Published: February 2014

Formation of stable complexes between xenon and podand polyoxyethylene ligands was ascertained. The complexation process was studied by 129Xe NMR titration, NMR diffusiometry and heteronuclear NOE measurements. The ligands studied form a 1:1 complexes with Xe(0). Their stability constants depend on the ligand structure, i.e., polyoxyethylene chain length, number of complexating polyether units and the topology of the anchoring centre.
Upper bounds for the moments of derivatives of Dirichlet L-functions
Authors: Sono Keiju
Published: February 2014

In this paper, we give certain upper bounds for the 2k-th moments, k ≥ 1/2, of derivatives of Dirichlet L-functions at s = 1/2 under the assumption of the Generalized Riemann Hypothesis.
Improvement in γ-decalactone production by Yarrowia sp. after genome shuffling
Authors: Zhao Yu-Ping , Mu Xiao-Qing , Xu Yan
Published: February 2014

In this study, a modified genome shuffling method was used to improve γ-decalactone (GDL) production of Yarrowia sp. China General Microbiological Culture Collection Center (CGMCC 2.1405). Five UV mutant strains with higher GDL production or shorter fermentation time were selected as the initial strains for genome shuffling. Conditions of protoplast preparation, regeneration, inactivation, fusion, sporulation of recombinant fusants and ascospore isolation were optimized. Four hereditarily stable haploid recombinants with high GDL production were obtained by three rounds of genome shuffling. Among them, a high GDL-producing recombinant, G3-3.21, producing 3.75 g L−1 of GDL in the fermentation medium after 64 h was obtained. This value is 6.54-fold higher than that of the parent strains CGMCC 2.1405, at the peak production shortened by 8 h. Mathematical kinetic models of CGMCC 2.1405 and G3-3.21 were established to well predict the cell growth and GDL production. The cell growth of G3-3.21 was significantly faster than that of CGMCC 2.1405. The product synthesis constant associated with the strain growth of G3-3.21 was higher than that associated with CGMCC 2.1405. Long-chain fatty-acyl-CoA oxidase activities of G3-3.21 were 833 mU mg−1 and 6.83 times higher than that of CGMCC 2.1405.
Shaping traffic flow with a ratio of time constants
Authors: Bîrlea Nicolae
Published: February 2014

In this paper we present how the main parameters of an optimal velocity model, the velocity adaptation time, τ, and the desired time gap between consecutive vehicles (time headway), T, control the structure of vehicular traffic flow. We show that the ratio between the desired time gap and the velocity adaptation time, T /τ, establishes the pattern formation in congested traffic flow. This ratio controls both the collective behavior and the individual response of vehicles in traffic. We also introduced a response (transfer) function, which shows how perturbation is transmitted between adjacent vehicles and permits the study of collective stability of traffic flow.
Are cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials sensitive to changes in the vestibular system associated with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo?
Authors: Singh Niraj Kumar , Sinha Sujeet Kumar , Govindaswamy Rajeshwari , Kumari Apeksha
Published: February 2014

Objective:

This study aimed to correct the notion regarding the efficacy of cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMP) in identifying benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)-associated changes in the peripheral vestibular system.

Study design:

A static group comparison research design was used to compare the cVEMP results of a group of individuals with BPPV in the age range of 30–60 years against age- and gender-matched healthy individuals. The cVEMP were recorded with tone bursts of 500 Hz gated using a Blackman window. The 95dB nHL tone bursts were presented at the rate of 5.1 Hz. The response was band-pass filtered between 10 and 1500 Hz and amplified by a factor of 5000. The response window was set to 70 ms, which was inclusive of a 15-ms pre-stimulus recording.

Results:

Responses were analysed for individual peak latencies, peak-to-peak amplitudes, and asymmetry ratio and compared between the groups using mixed analysis of variance and an independent samples t-test. The results revealed no significant difference in the latencies of P13 and N23 (p > 0.05). There was also a lack of difference for peak-to-peak amplitude and asymmetry ratio between the two groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion:

There was no difference in the latency or amplitude measures between healthy individuals and the individuals with BPPV, which undermines the utility of cVEMP in identifying changes associated with BPPV in the peripheral vestibular system.
You are Not a Loan: A Debtors Movement
Authors: Ross Andrew
Published: February 2014

Written from the participant perspective of the author, the article documents the debt resistance movement that is one of the enduring offshoots of Occupy Wall Street. Addressing the household debt crisis in the wake of the financial crash, it focuses in particular on student debt, approaching an aggregate 1.2 trillion in the U.S., with defaulters numbering in the tens of millions. The emergence of The Occupy Student Debt Campaign is analyzed, along with the initiatives of its successor, Strike Debt, including the Rolling Jubilee and the Debt Resistors Opera-tions Manual. The article concludes by arguing that debt will be the frontline of anticapitalist struggles in the 21st century, just as the struggle over wages dominated the twentieth century.
Cultural Governance and the Crisis of Financial Capitalism
Authors: Fabiani Jean-Louis
Published: February 2014

Cultural policies in Europe were designed, albeit in significantly different ways national and ideological lines, as an additional component of the Welfare State. They were supposed to bring about democracy in cultural consumption by removing the obstacles on the road to giving access to symbolic goods. Since the ‘80s and the neo-liberal turn, this democratic imperative has declined, and was even labeled a complete failure, and new goals for cultural policy emerged: developing the conditions for a creative society, supporting city branding, and encouraging private sponsorship. This change in political justification created new contradictions and some disenchantment among the professionals who were, in growing numbers, employed in the cultural sector. The current crisis of capitalism has two main consequences. Shrinking budgets add new limits on cultural policy as culture tends to be identified as a “supplement of soul” when basic needs are no longer addressed and new claims for full democratic access to cultural resources.
Beyond Kulturkritik: Along the Supply Chain of Contemporary Capitalism
Authors: Neilson Brett
Published: February 2014

Notions of Kulturkritik stemming from twentieth century accounts of mass con-sumption present culture as an effect of the mode or relations of production. Culture becomes the means by which capitalism imposes itself as an ideological system. This paper asks how Kulturkritik might be revived or revisited in the current moment of capitalist globalisation. Focusing on changes to production systems introduced by the growth of logistics and supply chain management, it argues that cultural processes of translation, signification, communication and argument have become deeply and materially embedded in the development of capitalism. Particular attention is paid to how infrastructure and technology shape relations of capital and labour. The paper asks how the subjective force of labour can exploit the vulnerabilities inherent in supply chains and confront the networked forms of organisation that enable contemporary capitalism. Overall the aim is to establish a role for culture in struggles against capitalism and to rethink the place of critique and ideology in the wake of such an approach.
Realization of Thermal Inertia in Frequency Domain
Authors: Hong Boe-Shong , Chou Chia-Yu
Published: February 2014

To realize the lagging behavior in heat conduction observed in these two decades, this paper firstly theoretically excludes the possibility that the underlying thermal inertia is a result of the time delay in heat diffusion. Instead, we verify in experiments the electro-thermal analogy, wherein the thermal inertial is parameterized by thermal inductance that formulates hyperbolic heat-conduction. The thermal hyperbolicity exhibits a special frequency response in Bode plot, wherein the amplitude ratios is kept flat after crossing some certain frequency, as opposed to Fourier heat-conduction. We apply this specialty to design an instrument that reliably identifies thermal inductances of some materials in frequency domain. The instrument is embedded with a DSP-based frequency synthesizer capable of modulating frequencies in utmost high-resolution. Thermal inertia implies a new possibility for energy storage in analogy to inductive energy storage in electricity or mechanics.
Structure and Composition of Old-Growth and Unmanaged Second-Growth Riparian Forests at Redwood National Park, USA
Authors: Keyes Christopher , Teraoka Emily
Published: February 2014

Restoration of second-growth riparian stands has become an important issue for managers of redwood (Sequoia sempervirens [D. Don] Endl.) forest reserves. Identifying differences between old-growth and second-growth forest vegetation is a necessary step in evaluating restoration needs and targets. The objective of this study was to characterize and contrast vegetation structure and composition in old-growth and unmanaged second-growth riparian forests in adjacent, geomorphologically similar watersheds at Redwood National Park. In the old-growth, redwood was the dominant overstory species in terms of stem density, basal area, and importance values. Second-growth was dominated by red alder (Alnus rubra Bong.), Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirbel] Franco), and redwood. Understory species were similar in both forests, with several key differences: Oxalis oregana Nutt. and Trillium ovatum Pursh had greater importance values in the old-growth, and Vaccinium parvifolium Sm., Dryopteris spp. and sedges Carex spp. had greater importance values in the second-growth. Notable differences in structure and composition suggest that restoration practices such as thinning could expedite the acquisition of old-growth characteristics in second-growth riparian forests.
High NDVI and Potential Canopy Photosynthesis of South American Subtropical Forests despite Seasonal Changes in Leaf Area Index and Air Temperature
Authors: Cristiano Piedad , Madanes Nora , Campanello Paula , Di Francescantonio Débora , Rodríguez Sabrina , Zhang Yong-Jiang , Carrasco Laureano , Goldstein Guillermo
Published: February 2014

The canopy photosynthesis and carbon balance of the subtropical forests are not well studied compared to temperate and tropical forest ecosystems. The main objective of this study was to assess the seasonal dynamics of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and potential canopy photosynthesis in relation to seasonal changes in leaf area index (LAI), chlorophyll concentration, and air temperatures of NE Argentina subtropical forests throughout the year. We included in the analysis several tree plantations (Pinus, Eucalyptus and Araucaria species) that are known to have high productivity. Field studies in native forests and tree plantations were conducted; stem growth rates, LAI and leaf chlorophyll concentration were measured. MODIS satellite-derived LAI (1 km SIN Grid) and NDVI (250m SIN Grid) from February 2000 to 2012 were used as a proxy of seasonal dynamics of potential photosynthetic activity at the stand level. The remote sensing LAI of the subtropical forests decreased every year from 6 to 5 during the cold season, similar to field LAI measurements, when temperatures were 10 °C lower than during the summer. The yearly maximum NDVI values were observed during a few months in autumn and spring (March through May and November, respectively) because high and low air temperatures may have a small detrimental effect on photosynthetic activity during both the warm and the cold seasons. Leaf chlorophyll concentration was higher during the cold season than the warm season which may have a compensatory effect on the seasonal variation of the NDVI values. The NDVI of the subtropical forest stands remained high and fairly constant throughout the year (the intra-annual coefficient of variation was 1.9%), and were comparable to the values of high-yield tree plantations. These results suggest that the humid subtropical forests in NE Argentina potentially could maintain high canopy photosynthetic activity throughout the year and thus this ecosystem may be a large carbon sink.
Soluble Calreticulin Induces Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) and Interleukin (IL)-6 Production by Macrophages through Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) and NFκB Signaling Pathways
Authors: Duo Cui-Cui , Gong Fang-Yuan , He Xiao-Yan , Li Yan-Mei , Wang Jun , Zhang Jin-Ping , Gao Xiao-Ming
Published: February 2014

We have recently reported that soluble calreticulin (CRT) accumulates in the sera of patients with rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus. Moreover, following self-oligomerization, soluble recombinant CRT (rCRT) polypeptides exhibit potent immunostimulatory activities including macrophage activation in vitro and antibody induction in vivo. This study was designed to further investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms for soluble CRT-induced macrophage activation. Treatment of murine macrophages with oligomerized rCRT (OrCRT) led to (i) TNF-α and IL-6 transcription and protein expression without affecting intracellular mRNA stability; and (ii) IκBα degradation, NFκB phosphorylation and sustained MAPK phosphorylation in cells. Inhibition of IKK and JNK in macrophages substantially abrogated production of TNF-α and IL-6 induced by OrCRT, while ERK suppression only reduced IL-6 expression in parallel experiments. In vitro, fucoidan, a scavenger receptor A (SRA)-specific ligand, significantly reduced the uptake of FITC-labeled OrCRT by macrophages and subsequent MAPK and NFκB activation, thereby suggesting SRA as one of the potential cell surface receptors for soluble CRT. Together, these data indicate that soluble CRT in oligomerized form could play a pathogenic role in autoimmune diseases through induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α and IL-6) by macrophages via MAPK-NFκB signaling pathway.
Information: A Personal Synthesis
Authors: Brenner Joseph
Published: February 2014

This article is an attempt to capture, in a reasonable space, some of the major developments and currents of thought in information theory and the relations between them. I have particularly tried to include changes in the views of key authors in the field. The domains addressed range from mathematical-categorial, philosophical and computational approaches to systems, causal-compositional, biological and religious approaches and messaging theory. I have related key concepts in each domain to my non-standard extension of logic to real processes that I call Logic in Reality (LIR). The result is not another attempt at a General Theory of Information such as that of Burgin, or a Unified Theory of Information like that of Hofkirchner. It is not a compendium of papers presented at a conference, more or less unified around a particular theme. It is rather a highly personal, limited synthesis which nonetheless may facilitate comparison of insights, including contradictory ones, from different lines of inquiry. As such, it may be an example of the concept proposed by Marijuan, still little developed, of the recombination of knowledge. Like the best of the work to which it refers, the finality of this synthesis is the possible contribution that an improved understanding of the nature and dynamics of information may make to the ethical development of the information society.
Performance Analysis of MODIS 500-m Spatial Resolution Products for Estimating Chlorophyll-a Concentrations in Oligo- to Meso-Trophic Waters Case Study: Itumbiara Reservoir, Brazil
Authors: Ogashawara Igor , Alcântara Enner , Curtarelli Marcelo , Adami Marcos , Nascimento Renata , Souza Arley , Stech José , Kampel Milton
Published: February 2014

Monitoring chlorophyll-a (chl-a) concentrations is important for the management of water quality, because it is a good indicator of the eutrophication level in an aquatic system. Thus, our main purpose was to develop an alternative technique to monitor chl-a in time and space through remote sensing techniques. However, one of the limitations of remote sensing is the resolution. To achieve a high temporal resolution and medium space resolution, we used the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) 500-m reflectance product, MOD09GA, and limnological parameters from the Itumbiara Reservoir. With these data, an empirical (O14a) and semi-empirical (O14b) algorithm were developed. Algorithms were cross-calibrated and validated using three datasets: one for each campaign and a third consisting of a combination of the two individual campaigns. Algorithm O14a produced the best validation with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 30.4%, whereas O14b produced an RMSE of 32.41% using the mixed dataset calibration. O14a was applied to MOD09GA to build a time series for the reservoir for the year of 2009. The time-series analysis revealed that there were occurrences of algal blooms in the summer that were likely related to the additional input of nutrients caused by rainfall runoff. During the winter, however, the few observed algal blooms events were related to periods of atmospheric meteorological variations that represented an enhanced external influence on the processes of mixing and stratification of the water column. Finally, the use of remote sensing techniques can be an important tool for policy makers, environmental managers and the scientific community with which to monitor water quality.
Evaluating the Ability of NPP-VIIRS Nighttime Light Data to Estimate the Gross Domestic Product and the Electric Power Consumption of China at Multiple Scales: A Comparison with DMSP-OLS Data
Authors: Shi Kaifang , Yu Bailang , Huang Yixiu , Hu Yingjie , Yin Bing , Chen Zuoqi , Chen Liujia , Wu Jianping
Published: February 2014

The nighttime light data records artificial light on the Earth’s surface and can be used to estimate the spatial distribution of the gross domestic product (GDP) and the electric power consumption (EPC). In early 2013, the first global NPP-VIIRS nighttime light data were released by the Earth Observation Group of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Geophysical Data Center (NOAA/NGDC). As new-generation data, NPP-VIIRS data have a higher spatial resolution and a wider radiometric detection range than the traditional DMSP-OLS nighttime light data. This study aims to investigate the potential of NPP-VIIRS data in modeling GDP and EPC at multiple scales through a case study of China. A series of preprocessing procedures are proposed to reduce the background noise of original data and to generate corrected NPP-VIIRS nighttime light images. Subsequently, linear regression is used to fit the correlation between the total nighttime light (TNL) (which is extracted from corrected NPP-VIIRS data and DMSP-OLS data) and the GDP and EPC (which is from the country’s statistical data) at provincial- and prefectural-level divisions of mainland China. The result of the linear regression shows that R2 values of TNL from NPP-VIIRS with GDP and EPC at multiple scales are all higher than those from DMSP-OLS data. This study reveals that the NPP-VIIRS data can be a powerful tool for modeling socioeconomic indicators; such as GDP and EPC.
Modeling of the Through-the-Thickness Electric Potentials of a Piezoelectric Bimorph Using the Spectral Element Method
Authors: Dong Xingjian , Peng Zhike , Hua Hongxing , Meng Guang
Published: February 2014

An efficient spectral element (SE) with electric potential degrees of freedom (DOF) is proposed to investigate the static electromechanical responses of a piezoelectric bimorph for its actuator and sensor functions. A sublayer model based on the piecewise linear approximation for the electric potential is used to describe the nonlinear distribution of electric potential through the thickness of the piezoelectric layers. An equivalent single layer (ESL) model based on first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) is used to describe the displacement field. The Legendre orthogonal polynomials of order 5 are used in the element interpolation functions. The validity and the capability of the present SE model for investigation of global and local responses of the piezoelectric bimorph are confirmed by comparing the present solutions with those obtained from coupled 3-D finite element (FE) analysis. It is shown that, without introducing any higher-order electric potential assumptions, the current method can accurately describe the distribution of the electric potential across the thickness even for a rather thick bimorph. It is revealed that the effect of electric potential is significant when the bimorph is used as sensor while the effect is insignificant when the bimorph is used as actuator, and therefore, the present study may provide a better understanding of the nonlinear induced electric potential for bimorph sensor and actuator.
Material Cycle of Agriculture on Miyakojima Island: Material Flow Analysis for Sugar Cane, Pasturage and Beef Cattle
Authors: Tamura Shuichi , Fujie Koichi
Published: February 2014

Agriculture on Miyakojima Island is highly dependent on imported fertilizer and feed. To reduce this dependence, the present research examines the biomass resources on the island by conducting a material flow analysis of stockbreeding and other related systems. To accurately quantify the amount of available biomass resources, loss ratios of the storage and composting processes are established. Then, a material flow analysis of a composting facility is made. Finally, current material flows between beef cattle, sugar cane and pasturage are shown. Based on this research, two proposals are made: the first is to use urine as liquid fertilizer, which is currently being done in Saga prefecture. The precedent of using urine as fertilizer is now widely accepted in the Saga area; is considered to be readily adoptable in other areas and could be substituted for the imported fertilizers on Miyakojima Island. The second is to use more residues of sugar cane for the beef cattle feed when the pasturage growth is slow in the winter. The present research suggests that the silage feeds for beef cattle.
Evaluation of PET quantification accuracy in vivo
Authors: Hofheinz F. , Schramm G. , Oehme L. , Beuthien-Baumann B. , Lukas M. , Buchert R. , Steinbach J. , Kotzerke J. , van den Hoff J. , Maus J.
Published: February 2014

Quantitative positron emission tomography (PET) requires accurate scanner calibration, which is commonly performed using phantoms. It is not clear to what extent this procedure ensures quantitatively correct results in vivo, since certain conditions differ between phantom and patient scans. Aim: We, therefore, have evaluated the actual quantification accuracy in vivo of PET under clinical routine conditions. Patients, methods: We determined the activity concentration in the bladder in patients undergoing routine [18F]FDG whole body investigations with three different PET scanners (Siemens ECAT EXACT HR+ PET: n = 21; Siemens Biograph 16 PET/CT: n = 16; Philips Gemini-TF PET/CT: n = 19). Urine samples were collected immediately after scan. Activity concentration in the samples was determined in well counters cross-calibrated against the respective scanner. The PET (bladder) to well counter (urine sample) activity concentration ratio was determined. Results: Activity concentration in the bladder (PET) was systematically lower than in the urine samples (well The patient-averaged PET to well counter ratios for the investigated scanners are (mean ± SEM): 0.881 ± 0.015 (ECAT HR+), 0.898 ± 0.024 (Biograph 16), 0.932 ± 0.024 (Gemini-TF). These values correspond to underestimates by PET of 11.9%, 10.2%, and 6.8%, respectively. Conclusions: The investigated PET systems consistently underestimate activity concentration in the bladder. The comparison of urine samples with PET scans of the bladder is a straightforward means for in vivo evaluation of the expectable quantification accuracy. The method might be interesting for multi-center trials, for additional quality assurance in PET and for investigation of PET/MR systems for which clear proof of sufficient quantitative accuracy in vivo is still missing.
Industria y placer estético en las Novelas ejemplares y El Quijote de Cervantes
Authors: Matas Caballero Juan
Published: February 2014

En este trabajo se estudia el uso que hace Cervantes de la industria o traza en algunas de sus Novelas ejemplares y en el episodio de las bodas de Camacho del Quijote como estrategia que contribuye a la concepción de la novela como un juego literario y a la finalidad hedonista de la novela.
Un personaje del Persiles a la luz del Mecencio virgiliano: Bradamiro, el bárbaro violento
Authors: Alarcos Miguel
Published: February 2014

El presente artículo profundiza en las relaciones intertextuales entre dos personajes, esto es, el cervantino Bradamiro del Persiles y el Mecencio de Virgilio, de manera que se ha pretendido averiguar las claves de la reelaboración ejecutada por Cervantes con respecto a semejante modelo virgiliano –patente en diversos libros de la Eneida–, es decir, tanto los procedimientos del proceso reelaborador como su función estética. Para ello, hemos comparado ambas figuras a tenor de su caracterización y desarrollo argumental (inclusive su articulación diegética). Por otra parte, se incluyen cotejos textuales, habida cuenta de que algunas de las reminiscencias virgilianas de Bradamiro remiten a la expresión poética de Virgilio, como consecuencia de las diversas modificaciones operadas por Cervantes sobre tales hipotextos.