bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinação da temperatura Kondo a partir de curvas de susceptibilidade magnética em regime não líquido de Fermi
Authors: Pereira Lucas Carvalho , Ferreira João Vítor Batista
Published: April 2014

Em algumas ligas metálicas existem átomos magnéticos cercados por vários outros não magnéticos. Os primeiros são tão poucos que não interagem entre si. Os segundos são maioria e formam uma banda de condução. Nestas ligas é comum a ocorrência de um fenômeno conhecido como Efeito Kondo. Trata-se do acoplamento entre o spin do átomo magnético com os spins dos elétrons da banda de condução. Este fenômeno, em baixas temperaturas, é perceptível em propriedades como suscetibilidade magnética, calor específico eletrônico, resistividade elétrica, entre outros; e é caracterizado por um parâmetro denominado Temperatura Kondo. O valor deste parâmetro indica a faixa de temperatura em que o Efeito Kondo passa a ser significativo. Sua determinação é importante para a compreensão de compostos metálicos em baixa temperatura, como Ce0.5La0.5Ni9Ge4,URu2Si2 entre outros. Krishna-murthy e colaboradores, através de cálculos perturbativos do modelo de Anderson para ligas magnéticas diluídas, propuseram uma tabela de dados de suscetibilidade magnética a partir da qual é possível a determinação da temperatura Kondo para sistemas físicos no regime líquido de Fermi. Neste artigo foi reproduzido este procedimento utilizando regressão numérica para ajustar um tipo de equação não-linearizável aos dados desta tabela. Em seguida, determinou-se a temperatura Kondo de um modelo de Anderson de dois canais no regime não líquido de Fermi. Confirmou-se que o método numérico proposto por Krishna-murthy e colaboradores é válido para os dois regimes.
Multivariate statistical analysis of some traits of bread wheat for breeding under rainfed conditions
Authors: Janmohammadi Mohsen , Movahedi Zahra , Sabaghnia Naser
Published: April 2014

In order to evaluate several agro-morphological traits in 56 wheat genotypes,
an experiment based on randomized complete block design with three
replications was carried out. Principal component analysis (PCA) and factor
analysis were used for understanding the data structure and trait relations.
The PCA showed that five components explained 69% of the total variation
among traits. The first PCA was assigned 28% and the second PCA was assigned
13% of total variation among traits. The first PCA was more related to grain
number, floret number, tiller number, stem diameter, leaf width and spikelet
number. Therefore, the selection may be done according to the first
component and it was helpful for a good breeding program for development of
high yielding cultivars. The correlation coefficient between any two traits
is approximated by the cosine of the angle between their vectors in the plot
of the first two PCAs and the most prominent relations were between grain
diameter and grain yield; and between grain length and 1,000 seed weight.
The factor analysis divided the eighteen traits into five factors and the
first factor included stem diameter, leaf width, tiller number, spike
length, floret number, spikelet number, grain number and grain yield. The
second factor was composed of some morphological traits and indicated the
importance of the grain diameter, grain length, 1,000 seed weight and grain
yield. The two PCA and factor analysis methods were found to give
complementary information, and therefore such knowledge would assist the
plant breeders in making their selection. In other words, this data
reduction would let the plant breeder reduce field costs required to obtain
the genetic parameter estimates necessary to construct selection indices.
Rural youth participation in infrastructural development in Isin local government area of Kwara state, Nigeria
Authors: Adesiji Gbolagade , Omotesho Kemi , Komolafe Sola , Oni Kehinde , Adereti Francis
Published: April 2014

The study investigated the level of youth participation in infrastructural
development in Isin local government area of Kwara State, Nigeria. One
hundred and five youths were randomly selected from seven rural communities,
fifteen youths from each village. Data were collected with the aid of a
questionnaire, which was analysed using frequency count and percentages.
Chi-square analysis was used to test the hypothesis of significance between
the socio-economic characteristics and the level of participation in
infrastructural development. Findings revealed that 56.2% of respondents were
within the age category of 21-30 years, 62.9% were male, and 60% were single,
while 56.2% of the respondents had secondary school level education. The
study revealed the various roles played by youths in participating in
infrastructural development as well as the associated constraints which
include finance, availability of materials, technical knowledge and time.
Age, marital status, educational level and years of residence were found to
be significantly related to the level of participation of youths in
infrastructural development. The study recommended the adequate budget
allocation to rural areas as well as intensive training and educative
programmes for effective participative development.
Magnetohydrodynamic thin film and heat transfer of power law fluids over an unsteady stretching sheet with variable thermal conductivity
Authors: Lin Yanhai , Zheng Liancun , Li Botong , Zhang Xinxin
Published: April 2014

This paper presents an investigation on the MHD thin film flow and heat
transfer of a power law fluid over an unsteady stretching sheet. The effects
of power law viscosity on a temperature field are taken into account with a
modified Fourier?s law Proposed by Zheng by assuming that the temperature
field is similar to the velocity field. The governing equations are reduced
to a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. The numerical
solutions are obtained by using the shooting method coupled with the
Runge-Kutta method. The influence of the Hartmann number, the power law
exponent, the unsteadiness parameter, the thickness parameter and the
generalized Prandtl number on the velocity and temperature fields are
presented graphically and analyzed. Moreover, the critical formula for
parameters are derived which indicated that the magnetic field has no effect
on the critical value.
An alternative form of the Darcy equation
Authors: Awad Mohamed
Published: April 2014

This study presents an alternative form of the Darcy equation. This
alternative form will be presented with the use of Bejan number (Be) in the
Left Hand Side (LHS) of the equation. The main advantage in this alternative
form of the Darcy equation is presenting both the Left Hand Side (LHS) and
the Right Hand Side (RHS) as dimensionless quantities. For instance, this is
similar to the relation of Fanning friction factor with Reynolds number for
Hagen-Poiseuille flow (fully developed laminar flow in a circular pipe).
Comparative Study Between Poland and South Africa Wind Climates, the Related Damage and Implications of Adopting the Eurocode for Wind Action on Buildings
Authors: Goliger A. , Żuranski J. , Giżejowski M. , Gaczek M. , Retief J. , Kruger A. , Dunaiski P. , Fiszer S. , Ćwik M.
Published: April 2014

Wind constitutes one of the major environmental factors affecting the design and performance of built environment. Each country has its unique climatic wind conditions, and the way in which these are considered and implemented in the structural design, is important. An implementation or adoption of any new engineering design stipulations introduces a formidable challenge to the developers of the standards and the design profession. This has been experienced in some of the countries (e.g. the UK, Australia and the USA), where processes of modernising the outdated codification took place in the past. Although both Poland and South Africa are currently at the early implementation stage of the new wind loading design stipulations, there is a major difference between the circumstances of the two countries. Poland, as an EU member state, has a compulsory obligation to adopt the new uniform standarisation requirements, within a stipulated time-frame. The South African code developers, after a thorough investigation process which will be highlighted in the paper, decided voluntarily to adopt the Eurocode as the primary model document
Comparison of Analytical Methods for Estimation of Early-Age Thermal-Shrinkage Stresses in RC Walls
Authors: Klemczak B. , Knoppik-Wróbel A.
Published: April 2014

The volume changes caused by coupled temperature and moisture variations in early-age concrete elements lead to formation of stresses. If a restraint exists along the contact surface of mature concrete against which a new concrete element has been cast, generated stresses are mostly of a restraint origin. In engineering practice a wide range of externally restrained concrete elements can be distinguished such as tank walls or bridge abutments cast against an old set foundation, in which early-age cracking may endanger their durability or functionality. Therefore, for years methods were being developed to predict early-age stresses and cracking risk of externally restrained concrete elements subjected to early-age thermal-moisture effects. The paper presents the comparative study of the most recognised analytical approaches: the method proposed in EC2, the method proposed by ACI Committee 207 and the method developed at the Luleå University of Technology.
Simulation of Stress Paths Derived from FEM Analysis in Triaxial Tests
Authors: Kowalska M.
Published: April 2014

Reliable estimation of geotechnical parameters is often based on reconstruction of a complete loading process of subsoil on a specimen in laboratory tests. Unfortunately laboratory equipment available in many laboratories is sometimes limited to just a triaxial apparatus - the use of which generates difficulties whenever a non-axisymmetric problem is analysed.

The author suggests two simple operations that may be done to improve the quality of simulation in triaxial tests. The first one is based on the use of triaxial extension along the segments of the stress path p’-q-θ for which the Lode’s angle values are positive. The second one consists in a modification of the equivalent stress value in such a way that the current stress level in the specimen complies with results of FEM analysis.
Distributed Strain Reconstruction Based on a Fiber Bragg Grating Reflection Spectrum
Authors: Detka Małgorzata , Detka Małgorzata
Published: April 2014

In this paper, we present a synthesis of the parameters of the fiber Bragg grating (FBG) and the reconstruction of the distributed strain affecting the grating, performed by means of its reflection spectrum. For this purpose, we applied the transition matrix method and the Nelder-Mead nonlinear optimization method. Reconstruction results of the strain profile carried out on the basis of a simulated reflection spectrum as well as measured reflection spectrum of the FBG indicate good agreement with the original strain profile; the profile reconstruction errors are within the single digit percentage range. We can conclude that the Nelder-Mead optimization method combined with the transition matrix method can be used for distributed sensing problems.
DYNAMIC CHARACTERISTICS MEASUREMENTS OF A FORCE TRANSDUCER AGAINST SMALL AND SHORT-DURATION IMPACT FORCES
Authors: Djamal Mitra , Watanabe Kazuhide , Irisa Kyohei , Prayogi Irfa Aji , Takita Akihiro , Yamaguchi Takao , Fujii Yusaku
Published: April 2014

A method for evaluating the dynamic characteristics of force transducers against small and short-duration impact forces is developed. In this method, a small mass collides with a force transducer and the impact force is measured with high accuracy as the inertial force of the mass. A pneumatic linear bearing is used to achieve linear motion with sufficiently small friction acting on the mass, which is the moving part of the bearing. Small and short-duration impact forces with a maximum impact force of approximately 5 N and minimum half-value width of approximately 1 ms are applied to a force transducer and the impulse responses are evaluated.
The Geometry of Product Conjugate Connections
Authors: Blaga Adara M. , Crăşmăreanu Mircea
Published: April 2014

Properties of pairs of product conjugate connections are stated with a special view towards the integrability of the given almost product structure. We define the analogous in product geometry of the structural and the virtual tensors from the Hermitian geometry and express the product conjugate connections in terms of these tensors. Some examples from the geometry of a pair of complementary distributions are discussed and for this case the above structural and virtual tensors are expressed in terms of O’Neill-Gray tensor fields.
Consistency Between Analytical and Finite Element Predictions for Safety of Cylindrical Pressure Vessels at Higher Temperatures
Authors: Iancu Otto Theodor , Erhard Anton , Otremba Frank , Sklorz Christian
Published: April 2014

The prediction of the plastic collapse load of cylindrical pressure vessels is very often made by using expensive Finite Element computations. The calculation of the collapse load requires an elastic-plastic material model and the consideration of non-linear geometry effects. The plastic collapse load causes overall structural instability and cannot be determined directly from a Finite Element analysis. In the present paper the plastic collapse load for a cylindrical pressure vessel is determined by an analytical method based on a linear elastic perfectly plastic material model. When plasticity occurs the material is considered to be incompressible and the tensor of plastic strains to be parallel to the stress deviator tensor. In this case the finite stress-strain relationships of Henkel can be used for calculating the pressure for which plastic flow occurs. The analytical results are completely confirmed by Finite Element predictions.
Investigation of the Element Diffusion in Friction Welded X53CrMnNiN219 and X45CrSi93 Steels
Authors: Uzkut Mehmet , Ünlü Bekir Sadık , Yavuz Mesut , Akdag Mustafa
Published: April 2014

In this study, high alloyed steel bars with a diameter of 12.30 mm made up of 1.4871 (X53CrMnNiN219) and 1.4718 (X45CrSi93) steels were used as experimental material for friction welding. Metallographic and X-ray diffraction investigations as well as microprobe sampling were performed on the samples. Mechanical orientation of particles caused by plastic deformation and carbide scattering has been observed. The diffusion behaviour has been investigated for the elements Cr, Ni, Mn, and Si, respectively. The existence of (Cr,Fe)7C3 carbides in the welding region was also observed.
Fluvial Landscape and the State: Property and the Gangetic Diaras in Colonial India, 1790s-1890s
Authors: Sinha Nitin
Published: April 2014

Looking at the interplay of law and revenue as a means of understanding colonial practices and policies towards diaras, this paper addresses a relatively neglected field in the agrarian-ecological history of South Asia. The constant formation and disappearance of lands due to river shifts raised several issues. Among the most important from the viewpoint of the colonial state were secure revenue extraction and the fixation of proprietorial rights. Using a number of case-studies, the paper argues that, although maximisation of revenue did not necessarily mean the dilution of the idea of the Permanent Settlement, the state throughout the nineteenth century failed to arrive at a standardised set of practices because of its own structural (bureaucratic) incoherency, ideological underpinnings and the ecological settings.
Human Agency and Exotic Birds in New Zealand
Authors: Star Paul
Published: April 2014

The subject of biological invasion is now accepted as a major theme in environmental history. This paper analyses the role of human agency in the deliberately managed invasion of British birds to New Zealand in the late nineteenth century, and finds both historical and ecological relevance in the available data. Evidence concerning these introductions, largely undertaken by acclimatisation societies, has already played a significant role in the development of biological invasion theory. Analysis of some of the data has been used by ecologists to confirm the importance of propagule pressure (introduction effort) in successful introduction. This paper exploits the recently increased accessibility of historic newspaper references to acclimatisation in New Zealand and stresses their importance. Firstly, they show the limits of the database used until now by ecologists when analysing the introductions. Secondly, a close case study sheds new light on the full potential for human agency with regard to introduction effort. The historic role of skilled individuals in perfecting and passing on management techniques, increasing acclimatisation success, is explored. Attention is also given to secondary, and even tertiary, releases of exotic birds from locally-established populations within New Zealand, accelerating the rate of spread. This indicates more active, multi-layered human involvement than that identified by ecologists in their numerical analyses. Finally, it is suggested that examination of historic New Zealand avian introductions may have relevance for present-day conservation biology, given the parallel between small exotic populations seeking to establish in a new location and small populations of endangered native species trying to avoid extinction. By 1900 there may already have been a transfer of technical expertise, gained from acclimatising exotics, to the newer task of conserving the indigenous.
The Biotechnological Applications of Recombinant Single-Domain Antibodies are Optimized by the C-Terminal Fusion to the EPEA Sequence (C Tag)
Authors: Djender Selma , Beugnet Anne , Schneider Aurelie , De Marco Ario
Published: April 2014

We designed a vector for the bacterial expression of recombinant antibodies fused to a double tag composed of 6xHis and the EPEA amino acid sequence. EPEA sequence (C tag) is tightly bound by a commercial antibody when expressed at the C-term end of a polypeptide. The antigen is released in the presence of 2 M MgCl2. Consequently, constructs fused to the 6xHis-C tags can be purified by two successive and orthogonal affinity steps. Single-domain antibodies were produced either in the periplasmic or in the cytoplasmic space of E. coli. Surprisingly, the first affinity purification step performed using the EPEA-binding resin already yielded homogeneous proteins. The presence of the C tag did not interfere with the binding activity of the antibodies, as assessed by FACS and SPR analyses, and the C tag was extremely effective for immunoprecipitating HER2 receptor. Finally, the Alexa488-coupled anti-C tag allowed for simplification of FACS and IF analyses. These results show that a tag of minimal dimensions can be effectively used to improve the applicability of recombinant antibodies as reagents. In our hands, C tag was superior to His-tag in affinity purification and pull-down experiments, and practical in any other standard immune technique.
Clinical Efficacy of a Single Two Gram Dose of Azithromycin Extended Release for Male Patients with Urethritis
Authors: Takahashi Satoshi , Kiyota Hiroshi , Ito Shin , Iwasawa Akihiko , Hiyama Yoshiki , Uehara Teruhisa , Ichihara Koji , Hashimoto Jiro , Masumori Naoya , Sunaoshi Kenichi , Takeda Koichi , Suzuki Nobukazu , Hosobe Takahide , Goto Hirokazu , Suzuki Hidenori , Onodera Shoichi
Published: April 2014

To clarify the clinical efficacy of a single oral 2 g dose of azithromycin extended-release for heterosexual male patients with urethritis, and the current antimicrobial sensitivity of Neisseria gonorrhoeae to azithromycin, a prospective clinical trial was conducted from 2011–2013. In patients with gonococcal urethritis, the eradication rate was 90.9% (30 of 33). The susceptibility rates of isolated Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains to ceftriaxone, spectinomycin, cefixime and azithromycin were 100%, 100%, 95.3% (41/43) and 37.2% (16/43), respectively. In the patients with nongonococcal urethritis, the eradication rate was 90.0% (45 of 50). The microbiological eradication rates for the pathogens were 90.9% (30/33) for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, 91.5% (43/47) for Chlamydia trachomatis, 71.4% (5/7) for Mycoplasma genitalium, and 100% (13/13) for Ureaplasma urealyticum. The main adverse event was diarrhea and its manifestation rate was 35.2% (32 of 120). The symptom of diarrhea was mostly temporary and resolved spontaneously. The conclusion was that the treatment regimen with a single oral 2 g dose of azithromycin extended-release would be effective for patients with urethritis. However, the antimicrobial susceptibilities of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Mycoplasma genitalium should be carefully monitored because of possible treatment failure.
Spatial Working Memory Deficits in Male Rats Following Neonatal Hypoxic Ischemic Brain Injury Can Be Attenuated by Task Modifications
Authors: Smith Amanda , Hill Courtney , Alexander Michelle , Szalkowski Caitlin , Chrobak James , Rosenkrantz Ted , Fitch R.
Published: April 2014

Hypoxia-ischemia (HI; reduction in blood/oxygen supply) is common in infants with serious birth complications, such as prolonged labor and cord prolapse, as well as in infants born prematurely (<37 weeks gestational age; GA). Most often, HI can lead to brain injury in the form of cortical and subcortical damage, as well as later cognitive/behavioral deficits. A common domain of impairment is working memory, which can be associated with heightened incidence of developmental disorders. To further characterize these clinical issues, the current investigation describes data from a rodent model of HI induced on postnatal (P)7, an age comparable to a term (GA 36–38) human. Specifically, we sought to assess working memory using an eight-arm radial water maze paradigm. Study 1 used a modified version of the paradigm, which requires a step-wise change in spatial memory via progressively more difficult tasks, as well as multiple daily trials for extra learning opportunity. Results were surprising and revealed a small HI deficit only for the final and most difficult condition, when a delay before test trial was introduced. Study 2 again used the modified radial arm maze, but presented the most difficult condition from the start, and only one daily test trial. Here, results were expected and revealed a robust and consistent HI deficit across all weeks. Combined results indicate that male HI rats can learn a difficult spatial working memory task if it is presented in a graded multi-trial format, but performance is poor and does not appear to remediate if the task is presented with high initial memory demand. Male HI rats in both studies displayed impulsive characteristics throughout testing evidenced as reduced choice latencies despite more errors. This aspect of behavioral results is consistent with impulsiveness as a core symptom of ADHD—a diagnosis common in children with HI insult. Overall findings suggest that task specific behavioral modifications are crucial to accommodating memory deficits in children suffering from cognitive impairments following neonatal HI.
Effects of Lipoic Acid on Immune Function, the Antioxidant Defense System, and Inflammation-Related Genes Expression of Broiler Chickens Fed Aflatoxin Contaminated Diets
Authors: Li Yan , Ma Qiu-Gang , Zhao Li-Hong , Wei Hua , Duan Guo-Xiang , Zhang Jian-Yun , Ji Cheng
Published: April 2014

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of low level of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on oxidative stress, immune reaction and inflammation response and the possible ameliorating effects of dietary alpha-lipoic acid (α-LA) in broilers. Birds were randomly allocated into three groups and assigned to receive different diets: basal diet, diet containing 74 μg/kg AFB1, and 300 mg/kg α-LA supplementation in diet containing 74 μg/kg AFB1 for three weeks. The results showed that the serum levels of malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and interferon gamma (IFNγ) in the AFB1-treated group were significantly increased than the control group. In addition, the increased expressions of interleukin 6 (IL6), TNFα and IFNγ were observed in birds exposed to the AFB1-contaminated diet. These degenerative changes were inhibited by α-LA-supplement. The activities of total superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, the levels of humoral immunity, and the expressions of nuclear factor-κB p65 and heme oxygenase-1, however, were not affected by AFB1. The results suggest that α-LA alleviates AFB1 induced oxidative stress and immune changes and modulates the inflammatory response at least partly through changes in the expression of proinflammatory cytokines of spleen such as IL6 and TNFα in broiler chickens.
Immuno-Expression of Endoglin and Smooth Muscle Actin in the Vessels of Brain Metastases. Is There a Rational for Anti-Angiogenic Therapy?
Authors: Barresi Valeria , Branca Giovanni , Caffo Maria , Caltabiano Rosario , Ieni Antonio , Vitarelli Enrica , Lanzafame Salvatore , Tuccari Giovanni
Published: April 2014

Despite ongoing clinical trials, the efficacy of anti-angiogenic drugs for the treatment of brain metastases (BM) is still questionable. The lower response rate to anti-angiogenic therapy in the presence of BM than in metastatic disease involving other sites suggests that BM may be insensitive to these drugs, although the biological reasons underlining this phenomenon are still to be clarified. With the aim of assessing whether the targets of anti-angiogenic therapies are actually present in BM, in the present study, we analyzed the microvessel density (MVD), a measure of neo-angiogenesis, and the vascular phenotype (mature vs. immature) in the tumor tissue of a series of BM derived from different primary tumors. By using immunohistochemistry against endoglin, a specific marker for newly formed vessels, we found that neo-angiogenesis widely varies in BM depending on the site of the primary tumor, as well as on its histotype. According to our results, BM from lung cancer displayed the highest MVD counts, while those from renal carcinoma had the lowest. Then, among BM from lung cancer, those from large cell and adenocarcinoma histotypes had significantly higher MVD counts than those originating from squamous cell carcinoma (p = 0.0043; p = 0.0063). Of note, MVD counts were inversely correlated with the maturation index of the endoglin-stained vessels, reflected by the coverage of smooth muscle actin (SMA) positive pericytes (r = −0.693; p < 0.0001). Accordingly, all the endoglin-positive vessels in BM from pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma and renal carcinoma, displayed a mature phenotype, while vessels with an immature phenotype were found in highly vascularized BM from pulmonary large cell and adenocarcinoma. The low MVD and mature phenotype observed in BM from some primary tumors may account for their low sensitivity to anti-angiogenic therapies. Although our findings need to be validated in correlative studies with a clinical response, this should be taken into account in therapeutic protocols in order to avoid the adverse effects of useless therapies.
Can Characteristics of Reciprocal Translocations Predict the Chance of Transferable Embryos in PGD Cycles?
Authors: Dul Elsbeth , Van Echten-Arends Jannie , Groen Henk , Kastrop Peter , Wissen Lucie , Engelen John , Land Jolande , Coonen Edith , Van Ravenswaaij-Arts Conny
Published: April 2014

Translocation carriers have an increased risk of miscarriage or the birth of a child with congenital anomalies. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is performed in translocation carriers to select for balanced embryos and, thus, increase the chance of an ongoing pregnancy. However, a common experience is that reciprocal translocation carriers produce a high percentage of unbalanced embryos, which cannot be transferred. Therefore, the pregnancy rates in PGD in this patient group are low. In a cohort of 85 reciprocal translocation carriers undergoing PGD we have searched for cytogenetic characteristics of the translocations that can predict the percentage of balanced embryos. Using shape algorithms, the most likely segregation mode per translocation was determined. Shape algorithm, breakpoint location, and relative chromosome segment sizes proved not to be independent predictors of the percentage of balanced embryos. The ratio of the relative sizes of the translocated segments of both translocation chromosomes can give some insight into the chance of transferable embryos: Very asymmetrical translocations have a higher risk of unbalanced products (p = 0.048). Counseling of the couples on the pros and cons of all their reproductive options remains very important.
Hybrid Organic/Inorganic Nanocomposites for Photovoltaic Cells
Authors: Liu Ruchuan
Published: April 2014

Inorganic/organic hybrid solar cells have attracted a lot of interest due to their potential in combining the advantages of both components. To understand the key issues in association with photoinduced charge separation/transportation processes and to improve overall power conversion efficiency, various combinations with nanostructures of hybrid systems have been investigated. Here, we briefly review the structures of hybrid nanocomposites studied so far, and attempt to associate the power conversion efficiency with these nanostructures. Subsequently, we are then able to summarize the factors for optimizing the performance of inorganic/organic hybrid solar cells.
New Terpenes from the Egyptian Soft Coral Sarcophyton ehrenbergi
Authors: Elkhateeb Ahmed , El-Beih Ahmed , Gamal-Eldeen Amira , Alhammady Montaser , Ohta Shinji , Paré Paul , Hegazy Mohamed-Elamir
Published: April 2014

Chemical investigations of the Egyptian soft coral Sarcophyton ehrenbergi have led to the isolation of compounds 1–3 as well as the previously reported marine cembranoid diterpene sarcophine (4). Structures were elucidated by comprehensive NMR and HRMS experimentation. Isolated compounds were in vitro assayed for cytotoxic activity against human hepatocarcinoma (HepG2) and breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cell lines.
Camalexin-Induced Apoptosis in Prostate Cancer Cells Involves Alterations of Expression and Activity of Lysosomal Protease Cathepsin D
Authors: Smith Basil , Randle Diandra , Mezencev Roman , Thomas LeeShawn , Hinton Cimona , Odero-Marah Valerie
Published: April 2014

Camalexin, the phytoalexin produced in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, possesses antiproliferative and cancer chemopreventive effects. We have demonstrated that the cytostatic/cytotoxic effects of camalexin on several prostate cancer (PCa) cells are due to oxidative stress. Lysosomes are vulnerable organelles to Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)-induced injuries, with the potential to initiate and or facilitate apoptosis subsequent to release of proteases such as cathepsin D (CD) into the cytosol. We therefore hypothesized that camalexin reduces cell viability in PCa cells via alterations in expression and activity of CD. Cell viability was evaluated by MTS cell proliferation assay in LNCaP and ARCaP Epithelial (E) cells, and their respective aggressive sublines C4-2 and ARCaP Mesenchymal (M) cells, whereby the more aggressive PCa cells (C4-2 and ARCaPM) displayed greater sensitivity to camalexin treatments than the lesser aggressive cells (LNCaP and ARCaPE). Immunocytochemical analysis revealed CD relocalization from the lysosome to the cytosol subsequent to camalexin treatments, which was associated with increased protein expression of mature CD; p53, a transcriptional activator of CD; BAX, a downstream effector of CD, and cleaved PARP, a hallmark for apoptosis. Therefore, camalexin reduces cell viability via CD and may present as a novel therapeutic agent for treatment of metastatic prostate cancer cells.
Identifying Critical Nutrient Intake in Groups at Risk of Poverty in Europe: The CHANCE Project Approach
Authors: Nikolić Marina , Glibetić Maria , Gurinović Mirjana , Milešević Jelena , Khokhar Santosh , Chillo Stefania , Abaravicius Jonas , Bordoni Alessandra , Capozzi Francesco
Published: April 2014

The aim of the CHANCE project is to develop novel and affordable nutritious foods to optimize the diet and reduce the risk of diet-related diseases among groups at risk of poverty (ROP). This paper describes the methodology used in the two initial steps to accomplish the project’s objective as follows: 1. a literature review of existing data and 2. an identification of ROP groups with which to design and perform the CHANCE nutritional survey, which will supply new data that is useful for formulating the new CHANCE food. Based on the literature review, a low intake of fruit and vegetables, whole grain products, fish, energy, fiber, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B12 and C, folate, calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium and zinc and a high intake of starchy foods, processed meat and sodium were apparent. However, the available data appeared fragmented because of the different methodologies used in the studies. A more global vision of the main nutritional problems that are present among low-income people in Europe is needed, and the first step to achieve this goal is the use of common criteria to define the risk of poverty. The scoring system described here represents novel criteria for defining at-risk-of-poverty groups not only in the CHANCE-participating countries but also all over Europe.
Morphine Attenuates Apically-Directed Cytokine Secretion from Intestinal Epithelial Cells in Response to Enteric Pathogens
Authors: Brosnahan Amanda , Jones Bryan , Dvorak Cheryl , Brown David
Published: April 2014

Epithelial cells represent the first line of host immune defense at mucosal surfaces. Although opioids appear to increase host susceptibility to infection, no studies have examined opioid effects on epithelial immune functions. We tested the hypothesis that morphine alters vectorial cytokine secretion from intestinal epithelial cell (IPEC-J2) monolayers in response to enteropathogens. Both entero-adherent Escherichia coli O157:H7 and entero-invasive Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium increased apically-directed IL-6 secretion and bi-directional IL-8 secretion from epithelial monolayers, but only IL-6 secretion evoked by E. coli was reduced by morphine acting through a naloxone-sensitive mechanism. Moreover, the respective type 4 and 5 Toll-like receptor agonists, lipopolysaccharide and flagellin, increased IL-8 secretion from monolayers, which was also attenuated by morphine pretreatment. These results suggest that morphine decreases cytokine secretion and potentially phagocyte migration and activation directed towards the mucosal surface; actions that could increase host susceptibility to some enteric infections.
Engineering the Jatropha Hype in Indonesia
Authors: Afiff Suraya
Published: April 2014

This paper explores the actors, social networks, and narratives at national and global levels that have been contributing to creating a hype about Jatropha as a biofuel crop in Indonesia. Widespread concerns about climate change and the 2005–2006 rise of world crude oil prices had created the important momentum for promoting Jatropha based biofuel around the world. What have been the drivers behind this hype and which narratives have been spread? The paper discusses the difference between hypes and boom-and-bust patterns, and argues that the latter is not applicable to Jatropha, because a market for Jatropha products has not been developed yet. In terms of the actors’ contributions to this hype, the paper highlights the important role of engineers in mobilizing public support for Jatropha activities. Drawing on the results from interviews and secondary analysis, the paper reports how they have spread the news and claims through the Internet, creating public expectations about the potentials of the crop. Those narratives include one specifically Indonesian argument for supporting Jatropha cultivation appealing to the collective memory about Jatropha during the Japanese occupation period in Indonesia.
The Carboxy Terminal Region of the Human Cytomegalovirus Immediate Early 1 (IE1) Protein Disrupts Type II Inteferon Signaling
Authors: Raghavan Bindu , Cook Charles , Trgovcich Joanne
Published: April 2014

Interferons (IFNs) activate the first lines of defense against viruses, and promote innate and adaptive immune responses to viruses. We report that the immediate early 1 (IE1) protein of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) disrupts signaling by IFNγ. The carboxyl-terminal region of IE1 is required for this function. We found no defect in the initial events in IFNγ signaling or in nuclear accumulation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) in IE1-expressing cells. Moreover, we did not observe an association between disruption of IFNγ signaling and nuclear domain 10 (ND10) disruption. However, there is reduced binding of STAT1 homodimers to target gamma activated sequence (GAS) elements in the presence of IE1. Co-immunoprecipitation studies failed to support a direct interaction between IE1 and STAT1, although these studies revealed that the C-terminal region of IE1 was required for interaction with STAT2. Together, these results indicate that IE1 disrupts IFNγ signaling by interfering with signaling events in the nucleus through a novel mechanism.
Métissages entre musées d’art et musées de société dans les musées nord-américains
Authors: Bergeron Yves
Published: April 2014

This article analyzes the changes that have caracterized museography of art museums and societal museums in North America over the last few decades. Taking into account the specific elements that have historically differentiated North American museums from European museums, the author emphasizes the role of artifacts in defining museography that focuses on using narration. Developments introduced by museums of societies in presenting exhibitions have brought on changes from which has emerged a discipline that questions the interpretation of artifacts and particularly masterpieces. North American museums have incrementally adopted this model of museography by developping theme-based exhibitions that critique the perspective on works of art. To a certain extent, we are witnessing a sort of mixing of the two approaches of museography, which are incidently becoming less and less distinct from one another.
Révéler l’Art Brut : À la recherche d’un musée idéal
Authors: Rousseau Valérie
Published: April 2014

Jean Dubuffet thought of museums as «morgues for embalming» or «citadels of official culture», and denounced «the sterilized actions of their culturales pomp». The initiatives he led between 1945 and 1976, in order to define and finally institutionalize

Art Brut, forged in spite of apparent contradictions, a veritable museological reflection towards outsider works. Our article attempts to identify the strategies for the conservation and presentation of Art Brut by examining the initiatives that were prevalent during the inception of its very notion. We focus on certain seminal moments during Dubuffet’s singular contribution, targeting the resistance he observed and the museum approaches that he dispelled. By breaking away from the traditional museum and the practices in place at this time in the field of fine art, he virtually conceived of an «ideal museum», imbued with an ethnological sensibility, resonating with scientific values and responsive to the discourse of the intellectual community.
Du réel au virtuel : Une expérience de visite dans l’exposition
Authors: Chabert Ghislaine , Bouillot Daniel
Published: April 2014

¿ Cómo una exposición virtual se integra en un espacio de exposición tradicional ? ¿ Cuáles son los usos de los públicos de estas exposiciones virtuales ? ¿ Cómo los públicos reciben las obras digitales en un espacio museográfico tradicional ? Estas son algunas interrogaciones tratadas en este artículo. Nos basamos en el análisis de una instalación interactiva, en la exposición permanente dedicada a la imagen animada en la ciudad fran cesa de Annecy (CITIA - Ciudad de la Imagen en Movimiento) desde marzo 2006. El método de investigación utilizado, conforme a la tradición sociológica pero con aportaciones pluridisciplinarias, permite relacionar los usos de obras digitales con un «sentimiento de uso» de estas obras. Insistimos en la importancia del sentido comunicacional de las obras y de la emoción estética. Los públicos viven también una experiencia profundamente «física» y «corporal» de los espacios virtuales y de las obras digitales.
Updating the OMERACT Filter: Implications of Filter 2.0 to Select Outcome Instruments Through Assessment of “Truth”: Content, Face, and Construct Validity
Authors: Tugwell Peter , Boers Maarten , D’Agostino Maria-Antonietta , Beaton Dorcas , Boonen Annelies , Bingham Clifton O. , Choy Ernest , Conaghan Philip G. , Dougados Maxime , Duarte Catia , Furst Daniel E. , Guillemin Francis , Gossec Laure , Heiberg Turid , van der Heijde Désirée M. , Hewlett Sarah , Kirwan John R. , Kvien Tore K. , Landewé Robert B. , Mease Philip J. , Østergaard Mikkel , Simon Lee , Singh Jasvinder A. , Strand Vibeke , Wells George
Published: April 2014

Objective.

The Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) Filter provides guidelines for the development and validation of outcome measures for use in clinical research. The “Truth” section of the OMERACT Filter requires that criteria be met to demonstrate that the outcome instrument meets the criteria for content, face, and construct validity.

Methods.

Discussion groups critically reviewed a variety of ways in which case studies of current OMERACT Working Groups complied with the Truth component of the Filter and what issues remained to be resolved.

Results.

The case studies showed that there is broad agreement on criteria for meeting the Truth criteria through demonstration of content, face, and construct validity; however, several issues were identified that the Filter Working Group will need to address.

Conclusion.

These issues will require resolution to reach consensus on how Truth will be assessed for the proposed Filter 2.0 framework, for instruments to be endorsed by OMERACT.
Les « Mixed Martial Arts » sont-ils solubles dans la pulsion sexuelle de mort ?
Authors: Vannier Jean-Luc
Published: April 2014

Pratique sportive de l’extrême, les « Mixed Martial Arts » (MMA) suscitent un questionnement psychanalytique sur la nature de l’énergie pulsionnelle indispensable tant à l’entraînement que lors d’un combat. Les adeptes des MMA se rapprochent de la définition freudienne de la « horde » et entretiennent un rapport pour le moins énigmatique, non dénué d’une sexualité « élargie », au corps de l’autre et à la douleur. La soumission de l’adversaire, but ultime d’un combat, dévoile des enjeux inconscients, notamment dans le registre du sadisme et des angoisses scopiques.
La différence des cultures quotidiennes de la Corée et du Japon
Authors: Park Jae Hwan
Published: April 2014

La Corée et le Japon sont deux pays étroitement liés tout au long de l’histoire, mais des pays à la fois si proches et si lointains. Lorsque nous comparons les caractères culturels des deux pays, nous pouvons reconnaître que l’ordre hiérarchique et la tradition sont des principes fondamentaux. L’importance reconnue de l’ordre hiérarchique est plus lourde au Japon qu’en Corée. L’importance de la tradition est également plus grande au Japon qu’en Corée. Cependant, on peut prévoir que les différences observées entre les deux pays seront maintenues ou changées dans la société de la nouvelle technologie.
Despiking of magnetic resonance signals in time and wavelet domains
Authors: Costabel Stephan , Müller‐Petke Mike
Published: April 2014

In this paper three different despiking methods for surface‐NMR data are investigated and compared. Two of these are applied in the time domain: a threshold is determined that identifies and marks a spiky event. Afterward, the marked time sequence is substituted with zeros or with the mean value of the signal amplitude of the measurement repetitions for the same passage on the time axis. The third despiking approach takes advantage of the wavelet‐like nature of spiky events. It isolates and eliminates spiky signals in the wavelet domain, i.e., after transforming a single record with the help of the discrete wavelet transform. The latter is able to reconstruct the original signal content in the (spike‐caused) distorted time sequence to some extent. If the spiky noise in surface‐NMR measurements consists mainly of single spiky events, the three despiking methods show very similar results and are able to remove spiky noise from data very effectively, as we can show with two real data examples. However, a synthetic study shows that, if a series of spikes within a relatively short period of time occurs, the wavelet‐based despiking approach shows significant shortcomings. Because the NMR signal content cannot be restored completely in a single record, the fitting of the signal after stacking leads to underestimation of the initial amplitude up to approximately 10%. Nevertheless, we can show that, in principle, the processing of surface‐NMR data in the wavelet domain works and can lead to the same results as straight‐forward applications. Moreover, wavelet‐based strategies have some interesting properties and thus have some potential for further development regarding surface‐NMR processing, which is discussed in detail.
Exploiting the MRS‐phase information to enhance detection of masked deep aquifers: examples from the Netherlands
Authors: Roy Jean , Lubczynski Maciek W.
Published: April 2014

Several magnetic resonance soundings (MRS) in the Netherlands showed a monotonous single peak anomaly on the amplitude versus excitation moment sounding pattern, which were interpreted as a single aquifer when using an amplitude‐only mode MRS data inversion. However, in all these soundings, borehole logs documented the presence of two or three aquifers separated by clay‐rich aquitards in the first 100 m below ground surface. Such environments were electrically conductive so a phase excursion was noticeable on the MRS soundings. Multi‐aquifer systems, in a conductive environment, may show interference among signals originating from different parts of the systems including amplitude masking or destructive interference. A new version of an off‐the‐shelf MRS forward modelling and inversion tool (Samovar 11.3) allowing complex amplitude and phase inversion was used to detect and parameterize deep, MRS‐masked second aquifers at two selected sites in the Netherlands, one near Delft and one near Waalwijk. At the Delft site, the proposed strategy was effective in the detection and characterization of a second previously missed aquifer at 45 m below ground surface, while at the Waalwijk site, the second aquifer was not detected because of a considerably deeper aquifer at 85 m and too small excitation (6000 A ms). However, forward modelling showed that with a larger excitation moment (e.g., 13 000 A ms), detection and parameterization of the second aquifer would become possible when using both amplitude and phase.