bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial Hormesis and Diabetic Complications
Authors: Sharma Kumar
Published: February 2015

The concept that excess superoxide production from mitochondria is the driving, initial cellular response underlying diabetes complications has been held for the past decade. However, results of antioxidant-based trials have been largely negative. In the present review, the data supporting mitochondrial superoxide as a driving force for diabetic kidney, nerve, heart, and retinal complications are reexamined, and a new concept for diabetes complications—mitochondrial hormesis—is presented. In this view, production of mitochondrial superoxide can be an indicator of healthy mitochondria and physiologic oxidative phosphorylation. Recent data suggest that in response to excess glucose exposure or nutrient stress, there is a reduction of mitochondrial superoxide, oxidative phosphorylation, and mitochondrial ATP generation in several target tissues of diabetes complications. Persistent reduction of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation complex activity is associated with the release of oxidants from nonmitochondrial sources and release of proinflammatory and profibrotic cytokines, and a manifestation of organ dysfunction. Restoration of mitochondrial function and superoxide production via activation of AMPK has now been associated with improvement in markers of renal, cardiovascular, and neuronal dysfunction with diabetes. With this Perspective, approaches that stimulate AMPK and PGC1α via exercise, caloric restriction, and medications result in stimulation of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation activity, restore physiologic mitochondrial superoxide production, and promote organ healing.
Age- and Sex-Specific Causal Effects of Adiposity on Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Authors: Fall Tove , Hägg Sara , Ploner Alexander , Mägi Reedik , Fischer Krista , Draisma Harmen H.M. , Sarin Antti-Pekka , Benyamin Beben , Ladenvall Claes , Åkerlund Mikael , Kals Mart , Esko Tõnu , Nelson Christopher P. , Kaakinen Marika , Huikari Ville , Mangino Massimo , Meirhaeghe Aline , Kristiansson Kati , Nuotio Marja-Liisa , Kobl Michael , Grallert Harald , Dehghan Abbas , Kuningas Maris , de Vries Paul S. , de Bruijn Renée F.A.G. , Willems Sara M. , Heikkilä Kauko , Silventoinen Karri , Pietiläinen Kirsi H. , Legry Vanessa , Giedraitis Vilmantas , Goumidi Louisa , Syvänen Ann-Christine , Strauch Konstantin , Koenig Wolfgang , Lichtner Peter , Herder Christian , Palotie Aarno , Menni Cristina , Uitterlinden André G. , Kuulasmaa Kari , Havulinna Aki S. , Moreno Luis A. , Gonzalez-Gross Marcela , Evans Alun , Tregouet David-Alexandre , Yarnell John W.G. , Virtamo Jarmo , Ferrières Jean , Veronesi Giovanni , Perola Markus , Arveiler Dominique , Brambilla Paolo , Lind Lars , Kaprio Jaakko , Hofman Albert , Stricker Bruno H. , van Duijn Cornelia M. , Ikram M. Arfan , Franco Oscar H. , Cottel Dominique , Dallongeville Jean , Hall Alistair S. , Jula Antti , Tobin Martin D. , Penninx Brenda W. , Peters Annette , Gieger Christian , Samani Nilesh J. , Montgomery Grant W. , Whitfield John B. , Martin Nicholas G. , Groop Leif , Spector Tim D. , Magnusson Patrik K. , Amouyel Philippe , Boomsma Dorret I. , Nilsson Peter M. , Järvelin Marjo-Riitta , Lyssenko Valeriya , Metspalu Andres , Strachan David P. , Salomaa Veikko , Ripatti Samuli , Pedersen Nancy L. , Prokopenko Inga , McCarthy Mark I. , Ingelsson Erik
Published: February 2015

Observational studies have reported different effects of adiposity on cardiovascular risk factors across age and sex. Since cardiovascular risk factors are enriched in obese individuals, it has not been easy to dissect the effects of adiposity from those of other risk factors. We used a Mendelian randomization approach, applying a set of 32 genetic markers to estimate the causal effect of adiposity on blood pressure, glycemic indices, circulating lipid levels, and markers of inflammation and liver disease in up to 67,553 individuals. All analyses were stratified by age (cutoff 55 years of age) and sex. The genetic score was associated with BMI in both nonstratified analysis (P = 2.8 × 10−107) and stratified analyses (all P < 3.3 × 10−30). We found evidence of a causal effect of adiposity on blood pressure, fasting levels of insulin, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides in a nonstratified analysis and in the <55-year stratum. Further, we found evidence of a smaller causal effect on total cholesterol (P for difference = 0.015) in the ≥55-year stratum than in the <55-year stratum, a finding that could be explained by biology, survival bias, or differential medication. In conclusion, this study extends previous knowledge of the effects of adiposity by providing sex- and age-specific causal estimates on cardiovascular risk factors.
Efficacy of a Web-Based Intervention With Mobile Phone Support in Treating Depressive Symptoms in Adults With Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Nobis Stephanie , Lehr Dirk , Ebert David Daniel , Baumeister Harald , Snoek Frank , Riper Heleen , Berking Matthias
Published: February 2015

OBJECTIVE

Depression is common in diabetes and linked to adverse health outcomes. This study evaluated the efficacy of a guided web-based intervention in reducing depression in adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 260 participants with diabetes and elevated depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale [CES-D ≥23]) were randomly assigned to the GET.ON Mood Enhancer Diabetes (a guided self-help intervention, n = 130) or a brief online unguided psychoeducation program for depression (n = 130). The primary outcome was depressive symptoms severity (CES-D). The secondary outcomes included diabetes-specific emotional distress (Problem Areas in Diabetes [PAID] scale) and participant satisfaction (adaption CSQ-8). Data were collected at baseline and 2 months after randomization. To identify differences in outcome between the groups, we used analyses of covariance with the baseline CES-D score as covariate on both intent-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) basis.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the intervention group showed significantly less depressive symptom severity at posttreatment based on ITT (d = 0.89) and PP analyses (d = 1.00). The intervention participants displayed a significantly larger reduction in diabetes-specific emotional distress (d = 0.58, ITT). The intervention appeared to be acceptable to the participants; 95% (n = 121) would recommend the training to a friend with diabetes in need of psychological help.

CONCLUSIONS

A guided, web-based intervention to reduce depression in adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes is effective in reducing both depressive symptoms and diabetes-specific emotional distress.
Association of catastrophic biaxial fracture of the proximal sesamoid bones with bony changes of the metacarpophalangeal joint identified by standing magnetic resonance imaging in cadaveric forelimbs of Thoroughbred racehorses
Authors: Peloso John G. , Vogler III James B. , Cohen Noah D. , Marquis Patricia , Hilt Lynn
Published: February 2015

Objective—To compare bony changes in the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) of racehorses with (cases) and without (controls) biaxial proximal sesamoid bone (PSB) fracture as determined by 2 grading scales applied to images of cadaveric forelimbs obtained by means of standing MRI (sMRI).

Design—Case-control study.

Sample—Forelimbs from 74 Thoroughbred racehorses (21 cases and 53 controls) that were euthanized at a Florida racetrack.

Procedures—Both forelimbs were harvested from cases and controls. Each forelimb underwent sMRI to obtain images of the MCPJ. Two grading scales were described and used for image evaluation; one assessed the density of the PSBs, and the other assessed the integrity of the subchondral bone (SCB) plate at the distopalmar aspect of the third metacarpal bone (MC3). Logistic regression was used to compare the grades between case and control limbs.

Results—Biaxial PSB fracture was associated with a total PSB grade (sum of lateral and medial PSB grades) ≥ 5 for the fractured limb, total MC3 SCB grade (sum of lateral and medial MC3 SCB grades) ≥ 5 for the contralateral limb, and the presence of orthopedic disease in the contralateral MC3.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—For cases with biaxial PSB fracture, the density of the PSBs in the affected limb was greater and the MC3 of the contralateral limb was more likely to have orthopedic disease, compared with those for controls. Further evaluation of sMRI as a screening tool for identification of racehorses at risk of biaxial PSB fracture is warranted. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2015;246:661–673)
Shoulder Strength and Physical Activity Predictors of Shoulder Pain in People With Paraplegia From Spinal Injury: Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Mulroy Sara J. , Hatchett Patricia , Eberly Valerie J. , Lighthall Haubert Lisa , Conners Sandy , Requejo Philip S.
Published: February 2015

Background

Shoulder joint pain is a frequent secondary complaint for people following spinal cord injury (SCI).

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine predictors of shoulder joint pain in people with paraplegia.

Methods/Design

A 3-year longitudinal study was conducted. Participants were people with paraplegia who used a manual wheelchair for at least 50% of their mobility and were asymptomatic for shoulder pain at study entry. Participants were classified as having developed shoulder pain if they experienced an increase of ≥10 points on the Wheelchair User's Shoulder Pain Index in the 3-year follow-up period. Measurements of maximal isometric shoulder torques were collected at study entry (baseline), 18 months, and 3 years. Daily activity was measured using a wheelchair odometer, and self-reported daily transfer and raise frequency data were collected by telephone every 6 weeks.

Results

Two hundred twenty-three participants were enrolled in the study; 39.8% developed shoulder pain over the 3-year follow-up period. Demographic variables and higher activity levels were not associated with shoulder pain onset. Baseline maximal isometric torque (normalized by body weight) in all shoulder muscle groups was 10% to 15% lower in participants who developed shoulder pain compared with those who remained pain-free. Lower shoulder adduction torque was a significant predictor of shoulder pain development (log-likelihood test=11.38), but the model explained only 7.5% of shoulder pain onset and consequently is of limited clinical utility.

Limitations

Time since SCI varied widely among participants, and transfer and raise activity was measured by participant recall.

Conclusions

Participants who developed shoulder pain had decreased muscle strength, particularly in the shoulder adductors, and lower levels of physical activity prior to the onset of shoulder pain. Neither factor was a strong predictor of shoulder pain onset.
Fanon, the French Liberal Left and the Colonial Consensus
Authors: Haddour Azzedine
Published: February 2015

This article focuses on a murky period in French history when nationalism cemented a consensus between left and right. It demonstrates how nationalism came to underlie racial antagonism, engaging with Jean-François Lyotard's analysis in La Guerre des Algériens and situating Fanon's unorthodox Marxist views in relation to the PCF's ‘assimilationist’ politics which shaped such consensus and ultimately offered fertile ground for the emergence of colonial fascism in the 1950s. Fanon's journalistic writings show that he upheld the Republican – and more specifically Dreyfusard – tradition which was jettisoned by the left at the height of the Algerian crisis. His reworking of Marxist theory helps us understand how the colonial issue was overshadowed by the PCF's (inter)nationalist rhetoric. The article demonstrates that Les Damnés de la terre as a revolutionary anthem draws its significance from the Internationale at the same time as it rethinks the Marxist-Leninist doctrine that acted in complicity with colonialism.
Multivariate DoE Optimization of Asymmetric Flow Field Flow Fractionation Coupled to Quantitative LC-MS/MS for Analysis of Lipoprotein Subclasses
Authors: Kuklenyik Zsuzsanna , Gardner Michael , Parks Bryan , Schieltz David , Rees Jon , McWilliams Lisa , Williamson Yulanda , Pirkle James , Barr John
Published: February 2015

In this report we demonstrate a practical multivariate design of experiment (DoE) approach for asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) method optimization using separation of lipoprotein subclasses as an example. First, with the aid of commercially available software, we built a full factorial screening design where the theoretical outcomes were calculated by applying established formulas that govern AF4 channel performance for a 5–35 nm particle size range of interest for lipid particles. Second, using the desirable ranges of instrumental parameters established from theoretical optimization, we performed fractional factorial DoE for AF4 separation of pure albumin and ferritin with UV detection to narrow the range of instrumental parameters and allow optimum size resolution while minimizing losses from membrane immobilization. Third, the optimal range of conditions were tested using response surface DoE for sub-fractionation of high and low density lipoproteins (HDL and LDL) in human serum, where the recovery of the analytes were monitored by fraction collection and isotope-dilution LC-MS/MS analysis of each individual fraction for cholesterol and apolipoproteins (ApoA-1 and ApoB-100). Our results show that DoE is an effective tool in combining AF4 theoretical knowledge and experimental data in finding the most optimal set of AF4 instrumental parameters for quantitative coupling with LC-MS/MS measurements.
Entropy Rate Maps of Complex Excitable Dynamics in Cardiac Monolayers
Authors: Schlemmer Alexander , Berg Sebastian , Shajahan T. , Luther Stefan , Parlitz Ulrich
Published: February 2015

The characterization of spatiotemporal complexity remains a challenging task. This holds in particular for the analysis of data from fluorescence imaging (optical mapping), which allows for the measurement of membrane potential and intracellular calcium at high spatial and temporal resolutions and, therefore, allows for an investigation of cardiac dynamics. Dominant frequency maps and the analysis of phase singularities are frequently used for this type of excitable media. These methods address some important aspects of cardiac dynamics; however, they only consider very specific properties of excitable media. To extend the scope of the analysis, we present a measure based on entropy rates for determining spatiotemporal complexity patterns of excitable media. Simulated data generated by the Aliev–Panfilov model and the cubic Barkley model are used to validate this method. Then, we apply it to optical mapping data from monolayers of cardiac cells from chicken embryos and compare our findings with dominant frequency maps and the analysis of phase singularities. The studies indicate that entropy rate maps provide additional information about local complexity, the origins of wave breakup and the development of patterns governing unstable wave propagation.
A Count Model to Study the Correlates of 60 Min of Daily Physical Activity in Portuguese Children
Authors: Borges Alessandra , Gomes Thayse , Santos Daniel , Pereira Sara , Santos Fernanda , Chaves Raquel , Katzmarzyk Peter , Maia José
Published: February 2015

This study aimed to present data on Portuguese children (aged 9–11 years) complying with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) guidelines, and to identify the importance of correlates from multiple domains associated with meeting the guidelines. Physical activity (PA) was objectively assessed by accelerometry throughout seven days on 777 children. A count model using Poisson regression was used to identify the best set of correlates that predicts the variability in meeting the guidelines. Only 3.1% of children met the recommended daily 60 min of MVPA for all seven days of the week. Further, the Cochrane–Armitage chi-square test indicated a linear and negative trend (p < 0.001) from none to all seven days of children complying with the guidelines. The count model explained 22% of the variance in meeting MVPA guidelines daily. Being a girl, having a higher BMI, belonging to families with higher income, sleeping more and taking greater time walking from home to a sporting venue significantly reduced the probability of meeting daily recommended MVPA across the seven days. Furthermore, compared to girls, increasing sleep time in boys increased their chances of compliance with the MVPA recommendations. These results reinforce the relevance of considering different covariates’ roles on PA compliance when designing efficient intervention strategies to promote healthy and active lifestyles in children.
1,5-(4,4'-Dipyridyl)naphthalene
Authors: Hassan Mohammad , Boeré René
Published: February 2015

The title compound has been prepared from 1,5-dibromonaphthalene (obtained from 1,5-diaminonaphthalene) using Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling to 4-pyridylboronic acid. The crystal and molecular structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.
Lectins with Potential for Anti-Cancer Therapy
Authors: Yau Tammy , Dan Xiuli , Ng Charlene , Ng Tzi
Published: February 2015

This article reviews lectins of animal and plant origin that induce apoptosis and autophagy of cancer cells and hence possess the potential of being developed into anticancer drugs. Apoptosis-inducing lectins encompass galectins, C-type lectins, annexins, Haliotis discus discus lectin, Polygonatum odoratum lectin, mistletoe lectin, and concanavalin A, fucose-binding Dicentrarchus labrax lectin, and Strongylocentrotus purpuratus lectin, Polygonatum odoratum lectin, and mistletoe lectin, Polygonatum odoratum lectin, autophagy inducing lectins include annexins and Polygonatum odoratum lectin.
Performance of Linear and Nonlinear Two-Leaf Light Use Efficiency Models at Different Temporal Scales
Authors: Wu Xiaocui , Ju Weimin , Zhou Yanlian , He Mingzhu , Law Beverly , Black T. , Margolis Hank , Cescatti Alessandro , Gu Lianhong , Montagnani Leonardo , Noormets Asko , Griffis Timothy , Pilegaard Kim , Varlagin Andrej , Valentini Riccardo , Blanken Peter , Wang Shaoqiang , Wang Huimin , Han Shijie , Yan Junhua , Li Yingnian , Zhou Bingbing , Liu Yibo
Published: February 2015

The reliable simulation of gross primary productivity (GPP) at various spatial and temporal scales is of significance to quantifying the net exchange of carbon between terrestrial ecosystems and the atmosphere. This study aimed to verify the ability of a nonlinear two-leaf model (TL-LUEn), a linear two-leaf model (TL-LUE), and a big-leaf light use efficiency model (MOD17) to simulate GPP at half-hourly, daily and 8-day scales using GPP derived from 58 eddy-covariance flux sites in Asia, Europe and North America as benchmarks. Model evaluation showed that the overall performance of TL-LUEn was slightly but not significantly better than TL-LUE at half-hourly and daily scale, while the overall performance of both TL-LUEn and TL-LUE were significantly better (p < 0.0001) than MOD17 at the two temporal scales. The improvement of TL-LUEn over TL-LUE was relatively small in comparison with the improvement of TL-LUE over MOD17. However, the differences between TL-LUEn and MOD17, and TL-LUE and MOD17 became less distinct at the 8-day scale. As for different vegetation types, TL-LUEn and TL-LUE performed better than MOD17 for all vegetation types except crops at the half-hourly scale. At the daily and 8-day scales, both TL-LUEn and TL-LUE outperformed MOD17 for forests. However, TL-LUEn had a mixed performance for the three non-forest types while TL-LUE outperformed MOD17 slightly for all these non-forest types at daily and 8-day scales. The better performance of TL-LUEn and TL-LUE for forests was mainly achieved by the correction of the underestimation/overestimation of GPP simulated by MOD17 under low/high solar radiation and sky clearness conditions. TL-LUEn is more applicable at individual sites at the half-hourly scale while TL-LUE could be regionally used at half-hourly, daily and 8-day scales. MOD17 is also an applicable option regionally at the 8-day scale.
A Robust Photogrammetric Processing Method of Low-Altitude UAV Images
Authors: Ai Mingyao , Hu Qingwu , Li Jiayuan , Wang Ming , Yuan Hui , Wang Shaohua
Published: February 2015

Low-altitude Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) images which include distortion, illumination variance, and large rotation angles are facing multiple challenges of image orientation and image processing. In this paper, a robust and convenient photogrammetric approach is proposed for processing low-altitude UAV images, involving a strip management method to automatically build a standardized regional aerial triangle (AT) network, a parallel inner orientation algorithm, a ground control points (GCPs) predicting method, and an improved Scale Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) method to produce large number of evenly distributed reliable tie points for bundle adjustment (BA). A multi-view matching approach is improved to produce Digital Surface Models (DSM) and Digital Orthophoto Maps (DOM) for 3D visualization. Experimental results show that the proposed approach is robust and feasible for photogrammetric processing of low-altitude UAV images and 3D visualization of products.
Development of a Passive Liquid Valve (PLV) Utilizing a Pressure Equilibrium Phenomenon on the Centrifugal Microfluidic Platform
Authors: Al-Faqheri Wisam , Ibrahim Fatimah , Thio Tzer , Bahari Norulain , Arof Hamzah , Rothan Hussin , Yusof Rohana , Madou Marc
Published: February 2015

In this paper, we propose an easy-to-implement passive liquid valve (PLV) for the microfluidic compact-disc (CD). This valve can be implemented by introducing venting chambers to control the air flow of the source and destination chambers. The PLV mechanism is based on equalizing the main forces acting on the microfluidic CD (i.e., the centrifugal and capillary forces) to control the burst frequency of the source chamber liquid. For a better understanding of the physics behind the proposed PLV, an analytical model is described. Moreover, three parameters that control the effectiveness of the proposed valve, i.e., the liquid height, liquid density, and venting chamber position with respect to the CD center, are tested experimentally. To demonstrate the ability of the proposed PLV valve, microfluidic liquid switching and liquid metering are performed. In addition, a Bradford assay is performed to measure the protein concentration and evaluated in comparison to the benchtop procedure. The result shows that the proposed valve can be implemented in any microfluidic process that requires simplicity and accuracy. Moreover, the developed valve increases the flexibility of the centrifugal CD platform for passive control of the liquid flow without the need for an external force or trigger.
Development of an NDIR CO2 Sensor-Based System for Assessing Soil Toxicity Using Substrate-Induced Respiration
Authors: Kaur Jasmeen , Adamchuk Viacheslav , Whalen Joann , Ismail Ashraf
Published: February 2015

The eco-toxicological indicators used to evaluate soil quality complement the physico-chemical criteria employed in contaminated site remediation, but their cost, time, sophisticated analytical methods and in-situ inapplicability pose a major challenge to rapidly detect and map the extent of soil contamination. This paper describes a sensor-based approach for measuring potential (substrate-induced) microbial respiration in diesel-contaminated and non-contaminated soil and hence, indirectly evaluates their microbial activity. A simple CO2 sensing system was developed using an inexpensive non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) CO2 sensor and was successfully deployed to differentiate the control and diesel-contaminated soils in terms of CO2 emission after glucose addition. Also, the sensor system distinguished glucose-induced CO2 emission from sterile and control soil samples (p ≤ 0.0001). Significant effects of diesel contamination (p ≤ 0.0001) and soil type (p ≤ 0.0001) on glucose-induced CO2 emission were also found. The developed sensing system can provide in-situ evaluation of soil microbial activity, an indicator of soil quality. The system can be a promising tool for the initial screening of contaminated environmental sites to create high spatial density maps at a relatively low cost.
Development of a Hydrogen Gas Sensor Using a Double Saw Resonator System at Room Temperature
Authors: Yunusa Zainab , Hamidon Mohd , Ismail Alyani , Isa Maryam , Yaacob Mohd , Rahmanian Saeed , Ibrahim Siti , Shabaneh Arafat
Published: February 2015

A double SAW resonator system was developed as a novel method for gas sensing applications. The proposed system was investigated for hydrogen sensing. Commercial Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) resonators with resonance frequencies of 433.92 MHz and 433.42 MHz were employed in the double SAW resonator system configuration. The advantages of using this configuration include its ability for remote measurements, and insensitivity to vibrations and other external disturbances. The sensitive layer is composed of functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes and polyaniline nanofibers which were deposited on pre-patterned platinum metal electrodes fabricated on a piezoelectric substrate. This was mounted into the DSAWR circuit and connected in parallel. The sensor response was measured as the difference between the resonance frequencies of the SAW resonators, which is a measure of the gas concentration. The sensor showed good response towards hydrogen with a minimum detection limit of 1%.
Refrigerated Fruit Storage Monitoring Combining Two Different Wireless Sensing Technologies: RFID and WSN
Authors: Badia-Melis Ricardo , Ruiz-Garcia Luis , Garcia-Hierro Javier , Villalba Jose
Published: February 2015

Every day, millions of tons of temperature-sensitive goods are produced, transported, stored or distributed worldwide, thus making their temperature and humidity control essential. Quality control and monitoring of goods during the cold chain is an increasing concern for producers, suppliers, logistic decision makers and consumers. In this paper we present the results of a combination of RFID and WSN devices in a set of studies performed in three commercial wholesale chambers of 1848 m3 with different set points and products. Up to 90 semi-passive RFID temperature loggers were installed simultaneously together with seven motes, during one week in each chamber. 3D temperature mapping charts were obtained and also the psychrometric data model from ASABE was implemented for the calculation of enthalpy changes and the absolute water content of air. Thus thank to the feedback of data, between RFID and WSN it is possible to estimate energy consumption in the cold room, water loss from the products and detect any condensation over the stored commodities.
Calculation of the Electronic Parameters of an Al/DNA/p-Si Schottky Barrier Diode Influenced by Alpha Radiation
Authors: Al-Ta'ii Hassan , Amin Yusoff , Periasamy Vengadesh
Published: February 2015

Many types of materials such as inorganic semiconductors have been employed as detectors for nuclear radiation, the importance of which has increased significantly due to recent nuclear catastrophes. Despite the many advantages of this type of materials, the ability to measure direct cellular or biological responses to radiation might improve detector sensitivity. In this context, semiconducting organic materials such as deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA have been studied in recent years. This was established by studying the varying electronic properties of DNA-metal or semiconductor junctions when exposed to radiation. In this work, we investigated the electronics of aluminium (Al)/DNA/silicon (Si) rectifying junctions using their current-voltage (I-V) characteristics when exposed to alpha radiation. Diode parameters such as ideality factor, barrier height and series resistance were determined for different irradiation times. The observed results show significant changes with exposure time or total dosage received. An increased deviation from ideal diode conditions (7.2 to 18.0) was observed when they were bombarded with alpha particles for up to 40 min. Using the conventional technique, barrier height values were observed to generally increase after 2, 6, 10, 20 and 30 min of radiation. The same trend was seen in the values of the series resistance (0.5889–1.423 Ω for 2–8 min). These changes in the electronic properties of the DNA/Si junctions could therefore be utilized in the construction of sensitive alpha particle detectors.
An Automated Field Phenotyping Pipeline for Application in Grapevine Research
Authors: Kicherer Anna , Herzog Katja , Pflanz Michael , Wieland Markus , Rüger Philipp , Kecke Steffen , Kuhlmann Heiner , Töpfer Reinhard
Published: February 2015

Due to its perennial nature and size, the acquisition of phenotypic data in grapevine research is almost exclusively restricted to the field and done by visual estimation. This kind of evaluation procedure is limited by time, cost and the subjectivity of records. As a consequence, objectivity, automation and more precision of phenotypic data evaluation are needed to increase the number of samples, manage grapevine repositories, enable genetic research of new phenotypic traits and, therefore, increase the efficiency in plant research. In the present study, an automated field phenotyping pipeline was setup and applied in a plot of genetic resources. The application of the PHENObot allows image acquisition from at least 250 individual grapevines per hour directly in the field without user interaction. Data management is handled by a database (IMAGEdata). The automatic image analysis tool BIVcolor (Berries in Vineyards-color) permitted the collection of precise phenotypic data of two important fruit traits, berry size and color, within a large set of plants. The application of the PHENObot represents an automated tool for high-throughput sampling of image data in the field. The automated analysis of these images facilitates the generation of objective and precise phenotypic data on a larger scale.
The Past, Present and Future of Cyber-Physical Systems: A Focus on Models
Authors: Lee Edward
Published: February 2015

This paper is about better engineering of cyber-physical systems (CPSs) through better models. Deterministic models have historically proven extremely useful and arguably form the kingpin of the industrial revolution and the digital and information technology revolutions. Key deterministic models that have proven successful include differential equations, synchronous digital logic and single-threaded imperative programs. Cyber-physical systems, however, combine these models in such a way that determinism is not preserved. Two projects show that deterministic CPS models with faithful physical realizations are possible and practical. The first project is PRET, which shows that the timing precision of synchronous digital logic can be practically made available at the software level of abstraction. The second project is Ptides (programming temporally-integrated distributed embedded systems), which shows that deterministic models for distributed cyber-physical systems have practical faithful realizations. These projects are existence proofs that deterministic CPS models are possible and practical.
Ultra-Sensitive Nanofiber Fluorescence Detection in a Microfluidic Chip
Authors: Li Zhiyong , Xu Yingxin , Fang Wei , Tong Limin , Zhang Lei
Published: February 2015

We report an ultra-sensitive and robust fluorescence sensor made by using a biconical taper with a waist diameter of 720 nm for both excitation and fluorescence collection. To enhance the stability of the fluorescence sensor, the biconical taper has been embedded in a 125 µm wide microchannel with a detection length of 2.5 cm. Investigated by measuring the fluorescence intensity of rhodamine 6G (R6G), the sensor shows a detection limit down to 100 pM, with excellent reversibility in a concentration range of 0–10 nM. The sensor has also been applied to quantum dot (QD)-labeled streptavidin measurements, yielding a detection sensitivity down to 10 pM for QDs. In addition, the small sample volume (ca. 500 nL), high sampling throughput, and seamless connection between the biconical taper and standard optical fibers offer a number of attractive advantages for chemical and biosensing applications.
The A, B, Cs of Herpesvirus Capsids
Authors: Tandon Ritesh , Mocarski Edward , Conway James
Published: February 2015

Assembly of herpesvirus nucleocapsids shares significant similarities with the assembly of tailed dsDNA bacteriophages; however, important differences exist. A unique feature of herpesviruses is the presence of different mature capsid forms in the host cell nucleus during infection. These capsid forms, referred to as A-, B-, and C-capsids, represent empty capsids, scaffold containing capsids and viral DNA containing capsids, respectively. The C-capsids are the closest in form to those encapsidated into mature virions and are considered precursors to infectious virus. The evidence supporting A- and B-capsids as either abortive forms or assembly intermediates has been lacking. Interaction of specific capsid forms with viral tegument proteins has been proposed to be a mechanism for quality control at the point of nuclear egress of mature particles. Here, we will review the available literature on these capsid forms and present data to debate whether A- and B-capsids play an important or an extraneous role in the herpesvirus life cycle.
La superposition des conflits : limites de l'institution judiciaire comme espace de résolution
Authors: Noreau Pierre
Published: February 2015

L'étude qui suit est une contribution à la théorie des institutions. Elle vise à illustrer en quoi le droit participe à la mise en forme des rapports sociaux. On s'intéressera plus particulièrement ici à la judiciarisation des conflits matrimoniaux. La recherche met notamment en évidence la transformation que le procès impose aux relations entre les justiciables, en superposant à leur conflit initial un mode d'interaction prédéterminé : le litige. Une démonstration empirique exploitant des données de type quantitatif vient compléter un exposé-synthèse. On y révèle que les conflits extrêmes se poursuivent généralement après le procès, alors que les conjoints aux prises avec un conflit de moindre amplitude négocient quant à eux des ententes en marge du cadre juridique.
La déstabilisation des territoires de justice
Authors: Commaille Jacques
Published: February 2015

Les politiques de territorialisation de la fonction de justice ont été traditionnellement soumises, en France, à une tension entre deux conceptions des territoires de justice : l'une où ils sont d'abord territoires de l'État jacobin, l'autre où ils sont principalement « travaillés » par la société, les problèmes qu'elle rencontre, les exigences des citoyens. La réforme du 22 décembre 1958 répond parfaitement à la première conception, mais elle constitue une exception dans la mesure où l'influence de la représentation politique aboutit généralement à des compromis ou à l'immobilisme. La forte inscription de la justice dans des changements structurels de la puissance publique et de ses territoires laisse néanmoins supposer des réformes prenant acte de la déstabilisation actuelle des territoires de justice.
Les tribunaux dans les sociétés contemporaines : le cas portugais
Authors: de Sousa Santos Boaventura , Leitão Marques Maria Manuel , Pedroso João
Published: February 2015

L'important rôle social et politique des tribunaux apparaît de plus en plus comme un des thèmes importants de la science politique contemporaine. Ainsi, une recherche réalisée sur la justice portugaise décrit la nature nouvelle des relations entre les citoyens et les tribunaux, en prenant en compte le niveau de connaissance que ces citoyens ont de leurs droits et leurs opinions sur la justice. Une observation est entreprise des conditions dans lesquelles le recours à la justice est effectué en relation avec le type de conflit. Les tribunaux de première instance constituent le terrain choisi pour cette analyse du traitement judiciaire, au civil et au pénal.
Sur quelques topiques de la complexité... des situations que peut connaître le juriste dans ses pratiques
Authors: Le Moigne Jean-Louis
Published: February 2015

L'essentiel de la pensée scientifique consistant à bien penser, et non dans tel ou tel de ses résultats conjoncturels, le juriste contemporain a, pour sa part, une réelle responsabilité épistémologique qu'il peut mettre au service de toute l'activité scientifique de ce nouveau siècle. L'expérience modélisatrice de situations humaines perçues tragiquement complexes, accumulée par les rhéteurs et les juristes depuis vingt-cinq siècles, ne peut- elle, en effet, être interprétée et méditée assez pour que nous réapprenions à modéliser-symboliser les situations sans d'abord les simplifier ? Argumenter, délibérer, par topiques modélisatrices comme par heuristiques rhétoriques, devient indispensable dans toutes les disciplines dès lors qu'elles assument leur projet d'intelligibilité des complexités des situations abordées dans lesquelles il faut élaborer des décisions collectives.
Échecs économiques et dérive du pragmatisme juridique : l'expérience anglaise du droit de la faillite
Authors: Armstrong Mark Anthony , Cerfontaine Alexandrine
Published: February 2015

Economic Failure and Legal Pragmatism : The English Experience of Insolvency Law.

An examination of the political economy immediately preceding the passage of the Insolvency Act 1986 reveals that the major reform had little hope of reversing the rise in the companies failing. Accordingly, when a new reform is proposed, it is legitimate to question its methodology, the precise relationship between law and economies and an approach espousing predominantly a private law framework.
La peur des travailleurs et le droit du travail
Authors: Auvergnon Philippe
Published: February 2015

L'inventaire des peurs pouvant apparaître dans les relations de travail permet d'observer comment elles croisent et rencontrent parfois le droit du travail. L'éventualité d'un risque, notamment physique, mais aussi l'évolution des formes d'emploi et de travail peuvent faire naître des peurs au quotidien. L'accélération de la mise en concurrence des travailleurs et l'accentuation de leur dépendance à l'entreprise fondent bien souvent les peurs du lendemain. Si, dans sa fonction de protection, le droit du travail vient limiter certaines peurs des travailleurs, une part de ses dispositions encadre la réalisation d'autres peurs, preuve, s'il en était besoin, de l'ambivalence du droit du travail.
Segmenting Luxury Cruise Tourists Based on Their Motivations
Authors: Petrick James F. , Durko Angela M.
Published: February 2015

People cruise for many different reasons. For cruise line management, understanding what these motives are, and specifically which segments have different motives, is extremely important in engineering appropriate on-board experiences and marketing efforts. Thus, the primary purpose
of this study was to measure common motives for cruising, in order to develop segments of cruisers based on these motives. A secondary purpose was to look for differences between the profiles of the resultant groups. Results of a cluster analysis of nine primary motives for cruise travel revealed
five clusters termed: Relaxers, Socializers, Cultured, Unmotivated, and Highly Motivated. Each of the groups was found to be different demographically, and in their travel behavior, yet no differences were found in how they evaluated their cruise experiences. Implications for both developing
cruise programming and marketing are discussed.
Range‐wide population genetics and variation in morph ratio in style‐dimorphic Narcissus papyraceus
Authors: Simón‐Porcar Violeta I. , Picó F. Xavier , Arroyo Juan
Published: February 2015

• Premise of the study: Theoretical models state that natural selection and mating patterns account for floral morph ratio in style‐polymorphic plants. However, the demographic history of populations can also influence variation in morph ratios. If so, we hypothesize an association between the morph ratios and the genetic structure across populations.

• Methods: We used nuclear microsatellites to assess genetic variation and structure in populations of Narcissus papyraceus, a style‐dimorphic plant whose floral morph ratios (L‐morph to S‐morph) gradually vary throughout its distribution range in the southwestern Mediterranean Basin. We implemented analyses to relate the genetic features of populations with their morph ratios.

• Key results: We found greater frequencies of the S‐morph in central populations and declining frequencies toward the periphery. This geographic pattern was not associated with the genetic structure of populations. Instead, we found two distinct genetic groups, mainly separated by the Strait of Gibraltar, with a mixture of morph ratios within each one. Overall, there was a weak genetic structure. Genetic diversity was greater in central and southern dimorphic populations than in northern L‐monomorphic populations.

• Conclusions: Altogether, our results do not support the hypothesis that the demographic history of populations can account for the observed geographical pattern of morph ratios in N. papyraceus. We suggest that adaptive processes shown in previous studies in the species are the main determinant of the existing variation in the morph composition of populations.
BEHAVIOR OF STRIP FOOTING ON REINFORCED SAND SLOPE
Authors: Altalhe Enas B. , Taha Mohd Raihan , Abdrabbo Fathi M.
Published: February 2015

This study evaluated the effects of single, double, and triple reinforcing layers on the bearing capacity ratio (BCR) of strip footing on a sand slope system. Seventy-two laboratory-loading tests were conducted on a stripfooting model on a reinforced sand slope. Moreover, this study illustrated the effects of the different parameters of two reinforcing layers on the bearing capacity of a double-reinforced sand slope. The BCR increased from 1.06 to 3.00 for single-reinforced slope soils, 1.09 to 7.73 for double-reinforced slope soils, and up to 8.00 for three-layered reinforced systems. For double-reinforced soil slopes, the most effective spacing between the two reinforcing layers is 0.3 B.
MANAGING THE TECHNICAL RISK OF PERFORMANCE-BASED BUILDING STRUCTURES
Authors: De Almeida Nuno Marques , Sousa Vitor , Dias Luís Alves , Branco Fernando A.
Published: February 2015

During the past decades, the construction industry has been gradually adhering to major conceptual approaches such as those of quality, performance and risk. This paper proposes a management framework that enables the joint application of these conceptual approaches throughout the various phases of building projects – a Risk-Managed Performance-Based Building (RM-PBB) framework. This framework is based on the policies, procedures and practices of initiatives that gather international consensus, including performance-based model codes and standards, internationally recognized management principles and guidelines, standardized requirements for different types of management systems and also agreed principles of conformity assessment and auditing. This paper presents a summary of the strategic and operational components of this RM-PBB management framework. It also shows the practical outreach of the proposed framework by providing an example of application of each component of the management framework to the specific engineering context of building structures. The example of application further shows how technical risks arising from performance-based building structures can be managed, so that an intended level of structural performance can be fulfilled throughout all stages of a building project.
SUPPORT VECTOR MACHINES IN STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING: A REVIEW
Authors: Çevik Abdulkadir , Kurtoğlu Ahmet Emin , Bilgehan Mahmut , Gülşan Mehmet Eren , Albegmprli Hasan M.
Published: February 2015

Recent development in data processing systems had directed study and research of engineering towards the creation of intelligent systems to evolve models for a wide range of engineering problems. In this respect, several modeling techniques have been created to simulate various civil engineering systems. This study aims to review the studies on support vector machines (SVM) in structural engineering and investigate the usability of this machine learning based approach by providing three case studies focusing on structural engineering problems. Firstly, the concept of SVM is explained and then, the recent studies on the application of SVM in structural engineering are summarized and discussed. Next, we performed three case studies using the experimental studies provided. Applicability of SVM in structural engineering is confirmed by these case studies. The results showed that SVM is superior to various other learning techniques considering the generalization capability of produced model.
Acceso al conocimiento público universitario en España: patrones geográficos
Authors: Azagra Caro Joaquín M.ª
Published: February 2015

Las referencias bibliográficas contenidas en los documentos de patente son una fuente de información sobre el acceso al conocimiento público con que se justifica o ataca la novedad de la invención. En vez de la distinción habitual entre referencias por tipo de literatura citada, se aborda otra más original, por tipo de institución citada, y se pone el acento en las universidades. El acceso al conocimiento público universitario en España comparte tendencias europeas: está altamente internacionalizado y se accede sobre todo a universidades estadounidenses. Presenta algunas idiosincrasias, como el acceso relativamente infrecuente al Instituto Tecnológico de Massachussets; y la elevada frecuencia de citas a universidades holandesas e israelíes. Además, se accede a universidades de la propia región mucho más que en otros estados miembros (sobre todo en comunidades distintas de Madrid). Respecto al acceso de otros países de la UE27, Alemania cita relativamente poco a las universidades españolas y la única citada por encima de la media europea es la Autónoma de Madrid. Se ofrece a los gestores de política algunas recomendaciones para influir sobre alguna de estas características de acuerdo con ciertos criterios de deseabilidad.
Actividad investigadora y contexto económico. El caso de las universidades públicas españolas
Authors: Luque-Martínez Teodoro
Published: February 2015

La actividad investigadora de las universidades se realiza en un contexto socio-económico y un territorio determinado. Sus dimensiones pueden verse condicionadas por dicho contexto. Este trabajo analiza la actividad investigadora de las universidades públicas presenciales españolas en relación con el PIB per cápita de su territorio, para datos de la primera década del siglo XXI obtenidos del Observatorio IUNE. Se analiza la relación entre PIB y las diferentes dimensiones de la actividad investigadora: reconocimiento, actividad científica, innovación, competitividad, y capacidad formativa. El contexto económico no es neutro y presenta correlaciones significativas, así como relaciones lineales entre el PIB pc y diversas dimensiones. Especialmente, la significación se constata para las dimensiones relativizadas por el número de profesores. En particular para la competitividad, capacidad formativa o actividad científica. En suma, hay diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre las universidades localizadas en los territorios más ricos frente a las de territorios menos ricos.