bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endothelial Dysfunction in Chronic Inflammatory Diseases
Authors: Steyers Curtis , Miller Francis
Published: June 2014

Chronic inflammatory diseases are associated with accelerated atherosclerosis and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). As the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is increasingly recognized as an inflammatory process, similarities between atherosclerosis and systemic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, lupus, psoriasis, spondyloarthritis and others have become a topic of interest. Endothelial dysfunction represents a key step in the initiation and maintenance of atherosclerosis and may serve as a marker for future risk of cardiovascular events. Patients with chronic inflammatory diseases manifest endothelial dysfunction, often early in the course of the disease. Therefore, mechanisms linking systemic inflammatory diseases and atherosclerosis may be best understood at the level of the endothelium. Multiple factors, including circulating inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-α), reactive oxygen species, oxidized LDL (low density lipoprotein), autoantibodies and traditional risk factors directly and indirectly activate endothelial cells, leading to impaired vascular relaxation, increased leukocyte adhesion, increased endothelial permeability and generation of a pro-thrombotic state. Pharmacologic agents directed against TNF-α-mediated inflammation may decrease the risk of endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease in these patients. Understanding the precise mechanisms driving endothelial dysfunction in patients with systemic inflammatory diseases may help elucidate the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in the general population.
Structural Characterization and Antioxidant Activities of Polysaccharides Extracted from the Pulp of Elaeagnus angustifolia L.
Authors: Chen Qingqing , Chen Juncheng , Du Hongtao , Li Qi , Chen Jun , Zhang Gechao , Liu Hong , Wang Junru
Published: June 2014

In this study, two polysaccharides (Elaeagnus angustifolia L. polysaccharide-1 (PEA-1) and PEA-2) were prepared from Elaeagnus angustifolia L. Then, the preliminary structure and antioxidant activities of all the samples were investigated. The results showed that the average molecular weights for PEA-1 and PEA-2 were 9113 and 5020 Da, respectively. And, PEA-1 was mainly composed of rhamnose, xylose, mannose, glucose, and galactose, respectively. The components of PEA-2 were rhamnose, mannose, glucose, and galactose, respectively. Moreover, the Antioxidant assays demonstrated that PEA-1 possessed of strong free radicals scavenging activity and hydroxyl radicals scavenging activities, suggesting that PEA-1 could potentially be used as natural antioxidant.
Retinoic Acid-Induced Epidermal Transdifferentiation in Skin
Authors: Akimoto Yoshihiro , Miyaji Mary , Morimoto-Kamata Riyo , Kosaka Yasuhiro , Obinata Akiko
Published: June 2014

Retinoids function as important regulatory signaling molecules during development, acting in cellular growth and differentiation both during embryogenesis and in the adult animal. In 1953, Fell and Mellanby first found that excess vitamin A can induce transdifferentiation of chick embryonic epidermis to a mucous epithelium (Fell, H.B.; Mellanby, E. Metaplasia produced in cultures of chick ectoderm by high vitamin A. J. Physiol. 1953, 119, 470–488). However, the molecular mechanism of this transdifferentiation process was unknown for a long time. Recent studies demonstrated that Gbx1, a divergent homeobox gene, is one of the target genes of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) for this transdifferentiation. Furthermore, it was found that ATRA can induce the epidermal transdifferentiation into a mucosal epithelium in mammalian embryonic skin, as well as in chick embryonic skin. In the mammalian embryonic skin, the co-expression of Tgm2 and Gbx1 in the epidermis and an increase in TGF-β2 expression elicited by ATRA in the dermis are required for the mucosal transdifferentiation, which occurs through epithelial-mesenchymal interaction. Not only does retinoic acid (RA) play an important role in mucosal transdifferentiation, periderm desquamation, and barrier formation in the developing mammalian skin, but it is also involved in hair follicle downgrowth and bending by its effect on the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and on members of the Runx, Fox, and Sox transcription factor families.
Re-Treatment with EGFR-TKIs in NSCLC Patients Who Developed Acquired Resistance
Authors: Wu Wen-Shuo , Chen Yuh-Min
Published: June 2014

In the era of personalized medicine, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibition with tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) has been a mainstay of treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with an EGFR mutation. Acquired resistance, especially substitution of methionine for threonine at position 790 (T790M), which has accounted for more than half of the cases, developed inevitably in patients who were previously treated with EGFR-TKI. At present, there is no standard treatment for patients who have developed a resistance to EGFR-TKI. Several strategies have been developed or suggested to treat such patients. This article aimsto review the EGFR-TKI re-treatment strategy and the efficacy of different generations of EGFR-TKIs in patients with acquired resistance to prior EGFR-TKI.
Fabrication of an Optical Fiber Micro-Sphere with a Diameter of Several Tens of Micrometers
Authors: Yu Huijuan , Huang Qiangxian , Zhao Jian
Published: June 2014

A new method to fabricate an integrated optical fiber micro-sphere with a diameter within 100 µm, based on the optical fiber tapering technique and the Taguchi method is proposed. Using a 125 µm diameter single-mode (SM) optical fiber, an optical fiber taper with a cone angle is formed with the tapering technique, and the fabrication optimization of a micro-sphere with a diameter of less than 100 µm is achieved using the Taguchi method. The optimum combination of process factors levels is obtained, and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of three quality evaluation parameters and the significance of each process factors influencing them are selected as the two standards. Using the minimum zone method (MZM) to evaluate the quality of the fabricated optical fiber micro-sphere, a three-dimensional (3D) numerical fitting image of its surface profile and the true sphericity are subsequently realized. From the results, an optical fiber micro-sphere with a two-dimensional (2D) diameter less than 80 µm, 2D roundness error less than 0.70 µm, 2D offset distance between the micro-sphere center and the fiber stylus central line less than 0.65 µm, and true sphericity of about 0.5 µm, is fabricated.
Catalytic Behavior of Lipase Immobilized onto Congo Red and PEG-Decorated Particles
Authors: Silva Rubens , Carmona-Ribeiro Ana , Petri Denise
Published: June 2014

Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-decorated polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles with mean hydrodynamic diameter (D) and zeta–potential (ζ) of (286 ± 15) nm and (−50 ± 5) mV, respectively, were modified by the adsorption of Congo red (CR). The PS/PEG/CR particles presented D and ζ values of (290 ± 19) nm and (−36 ± 5) mV, respectively. The adsorption of lipase onto PS/PEG or PS/PEG/CR particles at (24 ± 1) °C and pH 7 changed the mean D value to (380 ± 20) and (405 ± 11) nm, respectively, and ζ value to (−32 ± 4) mV and (−25 ± 2) mV, respectively. The kinetic parameters of the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl butyrate were determined for free lipase, lipase immobilized onto PS/PEG and PS/PEG/CR particles. Lipase on PS/PEG/CR presented the largest Michaelis-Menten constant (KM), but also the highest Vmax and kcat values. Moreover, it could be recycled seven times, losing a maximum 10% or 30% of the original enzymatic activity at 40 °C or 25 °C, respectively. Although lipases immobilized onto PS/PEG particles presented the smallest KM values, the reactions were comparatively the slowest and recycling was not possible. Hydrolysis reactions performed in the temperature range of 25 °C to 60 °C with free lipases and lipases immobilized onto PS/PEG/CR particles presented an optimal temperature at 40 °C. At 60 °C free lipases and lipases immobilized onto PS/PEG/CR presented ~80% and ~50% of the activity measured at 40 °C, indicating good thermal stability. Bioconjugation effects between CR and lipase were evidenced by circular dichroism spectroscopy and spectrophotometry. CR molecules mediate the open state conformation of the lipase lid and favor the substrate approaching.
Potential Anti-Inflammatory Effects of the Hydrophilic Fraction of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Seed Oil on Breast Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Costantini Susan , Rusolo Fabiola , De Vito Valentina , Moccia Stefania , Picariello Gianluca , Capone Francesca , Guerriero Eliana , Castello Giuseppe , Volpe Maria
Published: June 2014

In this work, we characterized conjugated linolenic acids (e.g., punicic acid) as the major components of the hydrophilic fraction (80% aqueous methanol extract) from pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) seed oil (PSO) and evaluated their anti-inflammatory potential on some human colon (HT29 and HCT116), liver (HepG2 and Huh7), breast (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) and prostate (DU145) cancer lines. Our results demonstrated that punicic acid and its congeners induce a significant decrease of cell viability for two breast cell lines with a related increase of the cell cycle G0/G1 phase respect to untreated cells. Moreover, the evaluation of a great panel of cytokines expressed by MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells showed that the levels of VEGF and nine pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-2, IL-6, IL-12, IL-17, IP-10, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, MCP-1 and TNF-α) decreased in a dose dependent way with increasing amounts of the hydrophilic extracts of PSO, supporting the evidence of an anti-inflammatory effect. Taken together, the data herein suggest a potential synergistic cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant role of the polar compounds from PSO.
Effects of Propylene Glycol Alginate and Sucrose Esters on the Physicochemical Properties of Modified Starch-Stabilized Beverage Emulsions
Authors: Cheong Kok , Mirhosseini Hamed , Hamid Nazimah , Osman Azizah , Basri Mahiran , Tan Chin
Published: June 2014

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of main emulsion components namely, modified starch, propylene glycol alginate (PGA), sucrose laurate and sucrose stearate on creaming index, cloudiness, average droplet size and conductivity of soursop beverage emulsions. Generally, the use of different emulsifiers or a mixture of emulsifiers has a significant (p < 0.05) effect on the response variables studied. The addition of PGA had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on the creaming index at 55 °C, while PGA-stabilized (PGA1) emulsions showed low creaming stability at both 25 °C and 55 °C. Conversely, the utilization of PGA either as a mixture or sole emulsifier, showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher cloudiness, as larger average droplet size will affect the refractive index of the oil and aqueous phases. Additionally, the cloudiness was directly proportional to the mean droplet size of the dispersed phase. The inclusion of PGA into the formulation could have disrupted the properties of the interfacial film, thus resulting in larger droplet size. While unadsorbed ionized PGA could have contributed to higher conductivity of emulsions prepared at low pH. Generally, emulsions prepared using sucrose monoesters or as a mixture with modified starch emulsions have significantly (p < 0.05) lower creaming index and conductivity values, but higher cloudiness and average droplet size.
In Vitro and in Vivo Antitumor Activity of Scutebarbatine A on Human Lung Carcinoma A549 Cell Lines
Authors: Yang Xiao-Kun , Xu Ming-Yuan , Xu Gui-Sen , Zhang Yu-Lan , Xu Zhao-Xia
Published: June 2014

During our systematic study on the anticancer activities of Scutellaria barbata, scutebarbatine A (SBT-A), one of the major alkaloids in S. barbata, was found to have antitumor effects on A549 cells. Thus, we designed the present study to investigate in detail the antitumor effects of SBT-A. The cytotoxic effect of SBT-A on A549 in vitro were determined by an MTT assay and evaluated by IC50 values. Furthermore, results of Hoechst 33258 and Annexin V/PI staining assays demonstrated that SBT-A had significant antitumor effects on A549 cells via apoptosis, in a concentration-dependent manner. What’s more, the mechanism was explored by western blotting, and our study revealed that SBT-A can up-regulate the expressions of cytochrome c, caspase-3 and 9, and down-regulate the levels of Bcl-2 in A549 cells. Finally, the antitumor effects of SBT-A were evaluated in vivo by using transplanted tumor nude mice, and the results confirmed that SBT-A has a notable antitumor effect on A549 cancer via mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. Collectively, our results demonstrated that SBT-A showed significant antitumor effects on A549 cells in vivo and in vitro via mitochondria-mediated apoptosis by up-regulating expressions of caspase-3 and 9, and down-regulating Bcl-2.
Cytotoxic Aporphine Alkaloids from Leaves and Twigs of Pseuduvaria trimera (Craib)
Authors: Sesang Wuttikrai , Punyanitya Sittiporn , Pitchuanchom Siripit , Udomputtimekakul Phansuang , Nuntasaen Narong , Banjerdpongchai Ratana , Wudtiwai Benjawan , Pompimon Wilart
Published: June 2014

From ethyl acetate-methanol extracts of leaves and twigs of Pseuduvaria trimera a new aporphine alkaloid; 8-hydroxy-1,4,5-trimethoxy-7-oxoaporphine or 8-hydroxyartabonatine C (1) was isolated, together with the known 1,2,3-trimethoxy-4,5-dioxo-6a,7-dehydroaporphine (ouregidione, 2). Their structures were elucidated by a combination of spectral methods; mainly 2D NMR; IR and MS. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited cytotoxic activity with IC50 values of 26.36 ± 5.18 μM and 12.88 ± 2.49 μM, respectively, for human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells, and 64.75 ± 4.45 and 67.06 ± 3.5 μM, respectively, for human breast cancer MDA-MB231 cells. Both compounds displayed anti-cancer activity but less than that of doxorubicin; a conventional chemotherapeutic drug, the IC50 levels of which were 2.21 ± 1.72 and 1.83 ± 0.09 μM for HepG2 and MDA-MB231 cells, respectively.
Two-Step Separation of Nostotrebin 6 from Cultivated Soil Cyanobacterium (Nostoc sp.) by High Performance Countercurrent Chromatography
Authors: Cheel José , Kučerová Petra , Garrard Ian , Ignatova Svetlana , Hrouzek Pavel , Kopecký Jiří
Published: June 2014

High performance countercurrent chromatography (HPCCC) was successfully applied for the separation of nostotrebin 6 from cultivated soil cyanobacteria in a two-step operation. A two-phase solvent system composed of n-hexane–ethyl acetate–methanol–water (4:5:4:5, v/v/v/v) was employed for the HPCCC separation. In the first-step operation, its neutral upper phase was used as stationary phase and its basic lower phase (1% NH3 in lower phase) was employed as mobile phase at a flow rate of 1 mL/min. In the second operation step, its neutral upper phase was used as stationary phase, whereas both its neutral lower phase and basic lower phase were employed as mobile phase with a linear gradient elution at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min. The revolution speed and temperature of the separation column were 1,000 rpm and 30 °C, respectively. Using HPCCC followed by clean-up on Sephadex LH-20 gel, 4 mg of nostotrebin 6 with a purity of 99% as determined by HPLC/DAD-ESI-HRMS was obtained from 100 mg of crude extract. The chemical identity of the isolated compound was confirmed by comparing its spectroscopic data (UV, ESI-HRMS, ESI-HRMS2) with those of an authentic standard and data available in the literature.
Phenoxyacetohydrazide Schiff Bases: β-Glucuronidase Inhibitors
Authors: Jamil Waqas , Perveen Shagufta , Shah Syed , Taha Muhammad , Ismail Nor , Perveen Shahnaz , Ambreen Nida , Khan Khalid , Choudhary Muhammad
Published: June 2014

Phenoxyacetohydrazide Schiff base analogs 1–28 have been synthesized and their in vitro β-glucouoronidase inhibition potential studied. Compounds 1 (IC50 = 9.20 ± 0.32 µM), 5 (IC50 = 9.47 ± 0.16 µM), 7 (IC50 = 14.7 ± 0.19 µM), 8 (IC50 = 15.4 ± 1.56 µM), 11 (IC50 = 19.6 ± 0.62 µM), 12 (IC50 = 30.7 ± 1.49 µM), 15 (IC50 = 12.0 ± 0.16 µM), 21 (IC50 = 13.7 ± 0.40 µM) and 22 (IC50 = 22.0 ± 0.14 µM) showed promising β-glucuronidase inhibition activity, better than the standard (D-saccharic acid-1,4-lactone, IC50 = 48.4 ± 1.25 µM).
Using MUSIC and CC(CO)NH for Backbone Assignment of Two Medium-Sized Proteins Not Fully Accessible to Standard 3D NMR
Authors: Brenner Annette , Frøystein Nils
Published: June 2014

The backbone assignment of medium-sized proteins is rarely as straightforward as that of small proteins, and thus often requires creative solutions. Here, we describe the application of a combination of standard 3D heteronuclear methods with CC(CO)NH and a variety of MUltiplicity Selective In-phase Coherence transfer (MUSIC) experiments. Both CC(CO)NH and MUSIC are, in theory, very powerful methods for the backbone assignment of proteins. Due to low sensitivity, their use has usually been linked to small proteins only. However, we found that combining CC(CO)NH and MUSIC experiments simplified the assignment of two challenging medium-sized proteins of 13 and 19.5 kDa, respectively. These methods are to some extent complementary to each other: CC(CO)NH acquired with a long isotropic mixing time can identify amino acids with large aliphatic side chains. Whereas the most sensitive MUSIC experiments identify amino acid types that cannot be detected by CC(CO)NH, comprising the residues with acid and amide groups, and aromatic rings in their side chains. Together these methods provide a means of identifying the majority of peaks in the 2D 15N HSQC spectrum which simplifies the backbone assignment work even for proteins, e.g., small kinases, whose standard spectra resulted in little spectral resolution and low signal intensities.
Alterations in Soluble Class III Peroxidases of Maize Shoots by Flooding Stress
Authors: Meisrimler Claudia-Nicole , Buck Friedrich , Lüthje Sabine
Published: June 2014

Due to changing climate, flooding (waterlogged soils and submergence) becomes a major problem in agriculture and crop production. In the present study, the effect of waterlogging was investigated on peroxidases of maize (Zea mays L.) leaves. The plants showed typical adaptations to flooding stress, i.e., alterations in chlorophyll a/b ratios and increased basal shoot diameter. Seven peroxidase bands could be detected by first dimension modified SDS-PAGE and 10 bands by first dimension high resolution Clear Native Electrophoresis that altered in dependence on plant development and time of waterlogging. Native isoelectric focusing revealed three acidic to neutral and four alkaline guaiacol peroxidases that could be further separated by high resolution Clear Native Electrophorese in the second dimension. One neutral peroxidase (pI 7.0) appeared to be down-regulated within four hours after flooding, whereas alkaline peroxidases (pI 9.2, 8.0 and 7.8) were up-regulated after 28 or 52 h. Second dimensions revealed molecular masses of 133 kDa and 85 kDa for peroxidases at pI 8.0 and 7.8, respectively. Size exclusion chromatography revealed native molecular masses of 30–58 kDa for peroxidases identified as class III peroxidases and ascorbate peroxidases by mass spectrometry. Possible functions of these peroxidases in flooding stress will be discussed.
Proximal Sensing of Plant-Pathogen Interactions in Spring Barley with Three Fluorescence Techniques
Authors: Leufen Georg , Noga Georg , Hunsche Mauricio
Published: June 2014

In the last years fluorescence spectroscopy has come to be viewed as an essential approach in key research fields of applied plant sciences. However, the quantity and particularly the quality of information produced by different equipment might vary considerably. In this study we investigate the potential of three optical devices for the proximal sensing of plant-pathogen interactions in four genotypes of spring barley. For this purpose, the fluorescence lifetime, the image-resolved multispectral fluorescence and selected indices of a portable multiparametric fluorescence device were recorded at 3, 6, and 9 days after inoculation (dai) from healthy leaves as well as from leaves inoculated with powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis) or leaf rust (Puccinia hordei). Genotype-specific responses to pathogen infections were revealed already at 3 dai by higher fluorescence mean lifetimes in the spectral range from 410 to 560 nm in the less susceptible varieties. Noticeable pathogen-induced modifications were also revealed by the ‘Blue-to-Far-Red Fluorescence Ratio’ and the ‘Simple Fluorescence Ratio’. Particularly in the susceptible varieties the differences became more evident in the time-course of the experiment i.e., following the pathogen development. The relevance of the blue and green fluorescence to exploit the plant-pathogen interaction was demonstrated by the multispectral fluorescence imaging system. As shown, mildewed leaves were characterized by exceptionally high blue fluorescence, contrasting the values observed in rust inoculated leaves. Further, we confirm that the intensity of green fluorescence depends on the pathogen infection and the stage of disease development; this information might allow a differentiation of both diseases. Moreover, our results demonstrate that the detection area might influence the quality of the information, although it had a minor impact only in the current study. Finally, we highlight the relevance of different excitation-emission channels to better understand and evaluate plant-physiological alterations due to pathogen infections.
Epilogue: The Machinery of Urban Resilience
Authors: Amin Ash
Published: June 2014

Cities are increasingly being recognized as sites of resilience, or as centres of life that will have to become more resilient in a world of intensifying hazard and risk. The literature on urban resilience tends to emphasize either the qualities of human cooperation and solidarity or those of the city’s intelligence capabilities—human or technological. This paper focuses, instead, on the city’s supply networks, arguing that the “machinic” qualities of mass provisioning and the flexibilities capacity of the city’s infrastructures may be key to the capacity of a city to mitigate against, or bounce back from, adversity.
The Chemistry Scoring Index (CSI): A Hazard-Based Scoring and Ranking Tool for Chemicals and Products Used in the Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Verslycke Tim , Reid Kim , Bowers Teresa , Thakali Sagar , Lewis Ari , Sanders Johnny , Tuck Denise
Published: June 2014

A large portfolio of chemicals and products is needed to meet the wide range of performance requirements of the oil and gas industry. The oil and gas industry is under increased scrutiny from regulators, environmental groups, the public, and other stakeholders for use of their chemicals. In response, industry is increasingly incorporating “greener” products and practices but is struggling to define and quantify what exactly constitutes “green” in the absence of a universally accepted definition. We recently developed the Chemistry Scoring Index (CSI) which is ultimately intended to be a globally implementable tool that comprehensively scores and ranks hazards to human health, safety, and the environment for products used in oil and gas operations. CSI scores are assigned to products designed for the same use (e.g., surfactants, catalysts) on the basis of product composition as well as intrinsic hazard properties and data availability for each product component. As such, products with a lower CSI score within a product use group are considered to have a lower intrinsic hazard compared to other products within the same use group. The CSI provides a powerful tool to evaluate relative product hazards; to review and assess product portfolios; and to aid in the formulation of products.
Conditions for Sustainability of the Elephant Marsh Fishery in Malawi
Authors: Kosamu Ishmael
Published: June 2014

The Elephant Marsh, a wetland in Southern Malawi, is important for small-scale fisheries. It is managed by local institutions, which are not formally linked to any state institutions. This paper uses qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) to examine factors for sustainability at 24 fishing villages around the wetland using a hypothesis that “If strong local institutions (with or without government support) exist in an environment where resource users take collective action, and there is no or minimal conflictive interference, small-scale fisheries become sustainable”. It was revealed that the sustainability of small-scale fisheries management at Elephant Marsh relies heavily on the strength of local fisheries’ committees. Future interventions on fisheries management at the resource should, therefore, pay particular attention to protecting and (re)building collective social capital, especially in the leadership of fisheries committees.
Towards a Metamodel to Support the Joint Optimization of Socio Technical Systems
Authors: Di Maio Paola
Published: June 2014

Designing and implementing functional Socio Technical Systems (STS) is becoming increasingly important, as technologies become more pervasive and critical to everyday life. Socio technical systems are said to be efficient and useful when they are “jointly optimized” yet few system designers understand what joint optimization is, and how to achieve it. The paper explains the core tenets of Joint Optimization and identifies the need for artifacts to support the built in design of joint optimization in socio technical systems from the early stages of development. JOM (Joint Optimization Metamodel) is proposed, as a cognitive artifact to help conceptualize and model joint optimization, and five types of JO are identified resulting from conceptual evaluation of the metamodel.
A Designed Framework for Delivering Systems Thinking Skills to Small Business Managers
Authors: Sun Daowei , Hyland Paul , Cui Haiyang
Published: June 2014

Many small businesses suffer from inadequate management skills which can lead to poor business performance and unsustainable businesses. Research to date has focused on traditional skills such as communication, time management and people skills, yet critically many business managers have no systems thinking skills. This paper presents a framework targeted at delivering systems thinking skills to managers of small businesses utilizing some key characteristic of small business managers. The design is also based on a systems analysis and guided by both adult learning theory and teaching theory. The quality of a training framework depends on the quality of the content design and the right training delivery methods. The systems thinking skills training framework structured systems thinking knowledge into three modules in order to meet the needs of different levels of managers. The framework advocates blended training delivery methods and it also presents possible pitfalls based on training experiences. Additionally, the framework incorporates a continuous improvement process for ongoing systemic improvement.
Direct observation of microcavitation in underwater adhesion of mushroom-shaped adhesive microstructure
Authors: Heepe Lars , Kovalev Alexander E , Gorb Stanislav N
Published: June 2014

In this work we report on experiments aimed at testing the cavitation hypothesis [Varenberg, M.; Gorb, S. J. R. Soc., Interface 2008, 5, 383–385] proposed to explain the strong underwater adhesion of mushroom-shaped adhesive microstructures (MSAMSs). For this purpose, we measured the pull-off forces of individual MSAMSs by detaching them from a glass substrate under different wetting conditions and simultaneously video recording the detachment behavior at very high temporal resolution (54,000–100,000 fps). Although microcavitation was observed during the detachment of individual MSAMSs, which was a consequence of water inclusions present at the glass–MSAMS contact interface subjected to negative pressure (tension), the pull-off forces were consistently lower, around 50%, of those measured under ambient conditions. This result supports the assumption that the recently observed strong underwater adhesion of MSAMS is due to an air layer between individual MSAMSs [Kizilkan, E.; Heepe, L.; Gorb, S. N. Underwater adhesion of mushroom-shaped adhesive microstructure: An air-entrapment effect. In Biological and biomimetic adhesives: Challenges and opportunities; Santos, R.; Aldred, N.; Gorb, S. N.; Flammang, P., Eds.; The Royal Society of Chemistry: Cambridge, U.K., 2013; pp 65–71] rather than by cavitation. These results obtained due to the high-speed visualisation of the contact behavior at nanoscale-confined interfaces allow for a microscopic understanding of the underwater adhesion of MSAMSs and may aid in further development of artificial adhesive microstructures for applications in predominantly liquid environments.
L'imbroglio centrafricain
Authors: Chauvin Emmanuel , Seignobos Christian
Published: June 2014

L’imbroglio centrafricain est né du prolongement de plusieurs situations. Structurellement, le pouvoir central est confiné dans la capitale et les grandes villes. Dans le nord du pays, des rébellions ont pris le contrôle de l’espace rural et divisé le territoire national en une mosaïque de territoires plus ou moins autonomes. Au fil du temps, des bandes de coupeurs de route, les zargina , ont imposé un modèle prédateur d’organisation de l’espace. Les putschs de François Bozizé et de Michel Djotodia ont favorisé l’enrôlement massif de mercenaires étrangers, tchadiens et soudanais, dans les conflits centrafricains. La prise du pouvoir de Bangui par la Séléka, en mars 2013, mêle ces composantes de façon inextricable. Elle se traduit par une mise en coupe réglée du pays suivie d’affrontements à connotation religieuse.
L'incidence éthique d'une guérison dite « spirituelle »
Authors: Gimenez Maxime
Published: June 2014

Résumé Une guérison dite « spirituelle » renvoie inévitablement à la problématique de l’articulation entre le mal de la pathologie ou de la souffrance, d’une part, et le mal moral, d’autre part. Si l’on donne, au concept d’ esprit son sens le plus fondamental, et si le qualificatif de « spirituel » en vient à désigner, non pas les modalités extérieures de la guérison, mais la guérison elle-même, entendue comme un mouvement de la vie intérieure au processus même de la maladie, il faudra alors pousser la compréhension de ce double et unique processus jusqu’à sa radicalité ultime, à savoir l’affranchissement de l’homme par rapport aux implications morales de la maladie. La réflexion menée ici tente une ouverture éthique en revenant sur la considération du phénomène incontournable de la « conscience ». Quel lien existe-t-il, en effet, entre la conscience fondamentale de l’âme, entendue comme condition de possibilité de la manifestation du sens, et la conscience morale, entendue comme lieu de la détermination des valeurs ? Le processus d’intériorisation de la Loi (au sens biblique du terme) ne correspondrait-il pas, en définitive, à l’intégration de ces deux aspects apparemment hétérogènes de la conscience – le sens et la valeur –, c’est-à-dire à cette unification de l’homme par laquelle la guérison lui advient comme une manifestation de l’ Esprit .
Issues and Challenges in Securing eHealth Systems
Authors: Bai Yan , Dai Lirong , Li Juan
Published: June 2014

With the widespread eHealth usage, security of eHealth services is becoming increasingly important. In this paper, we analyze the security problems in eHealth systems, discuss various approaches of securing health data collection and sharing proposed in the recent literature on eHealth security, and provide comparative evaluations that include advantages and limitations of each approach. Possible future research directions on each approach for enhancing security for eHealth applications are also suggested.
Wavelet-Based FDTD and High Resolution Spectral Estimation for Calculation of Band Structures in Two-Dimensional Phononic Crystals
Authors: Yan Zhi Zhong
Published: June 2014

This paper discusses the wavelet-based Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) method and high resolution spectral estimation with a specific problem of sound wave propagation through phononic crystals. If the band structures of a phononic crystal are calculated by the traditional FDTD method combined with the fast Fourier transform (FFT), good estimation of the eigenfrequencies can only be ensured by the postprocessing of sufficiently long time series generated by a large number of FDTD iterations. In this paper, a postprocessing method based on the high-resolution spectral estimation via the Yule-Walker method is proposed to overcome the difficulty. Numerical simulation results for two-dimensional phononic crystal show that, the wavelet-based FDTD method improves the efficiency of the time stepping algorithm, and high resolution spectral estimation shows the advantages over the classic FFT-based postprocessing.
The Accurate Prediction Method of Tension Modulus for Nylon Cord/Rubber Composite Material
Authors: Ren Jie , Zhong Jian Lin
Published: June 2014

To study the change rule of tension modulus for nylon cord/rubber composite material, a accurate prediction method is provided. Firstly, the calculation method for relevant parameters for rubber material Mooney-Rivilin constitutive model is proposed , the amendment formula for cord tension modulus is derived. Secondly, based on composite material micromechanics, the accurate numerical model is built, the equivalent modulus is calculated and compared to the experiment results in reference. Finally, the accurate prediction formula of tension modulus for the nylon cord/rubber composite material is provided, compare the equivalent tension modulus obtained by the prediction formula and the numerical model. The results show that: the method to build the numerical model of nylon/ cord-rubber composite material is correct, the prediction formula of the tension modulus for the nylon cord/rubber composite could predict the tension modulus well.
Study on the Grinding Process of Ceramic Zirconia Oxide Rod
Authors: Chang Shinn Liang , Juan Dai Jia , Lee Bean Yin , Lin You Jhih
Published: June 2014

Grinding technology is used in this study to overcome the hard machining of ceramic with hard and brittle characteristics. The grinding machine with diamond grain size 25 and 5 , spindles speed 1720 rpm and 3450 rpm are applied. Combining the unintentional roll clamp and the grinding machine, ceramic rods can be ground to the desired size.In the research, surface profilometer is applied to measure the rod surface roughness of processing results under different conditions. The results show that the grinding wheel with finer particle, the roughness of the ground ceramic rod will be better. While the rotation speed of grinding wheel is increased, the surface roughness will have the same trend.
Optimization of Products Yields from the Pyrolysis of Palm Kernel Shells Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Lucas E.B. , Itabiyi O.E. , Ogunleye O.O.
Published: June 2014

This work focussed on the optimisation of product yields from the pyrolysis of palm kernel shells (PKS). 479g of dried PKS were loaded into the retort and then placed inside the furnace chamber and this was pyrolysed at 300, 400, 500, 600 and 700°C. The pyrolysis products obtained are char, tar (pyro oil and pyroligneous acid) and gas. A full factorial design (FFD) consisting two factors (Temperature and duration of pyrolysis) at three level was used to study the pattern of product yields from the pyrolysis of PKS. Char, tar and gas were evaluated as the responses. Thirteen experimental runs resulted from the FFD with a minimum product yield of 0.9wt% and maximum product yield of 99wt%. Response surface methodology was used to analyse the results of the FFD of the product yields of PKS. The optimum conversion yields expressed as a percentage of oven-dried weight of palm kernel shells of char, tar and gas products at their respective pyrolysing temperatures were 99wt% char at 304°C, 35wt% tar at 700°C and 39% gas at 700°C. The duration for the pyrolysis process was 20mins for 479g of dried palm kernel shells. The results of the work show that palm kernel shells can be readily pyrolised to obtain optimum yield of gas, tar (mixture of pyrolitic oil and pyroligneous acid) and char.
Effect of Auxiliaries on Pore Structure of Foam Glass
Authors: Wu Zhen Xian , Zhu Shao Feng , Guo Rui
Published: June 2014

In this paper, foam glass as thermal insulation material was prepared from alkali-free glass powder, and silicon carbide was used as foaming agent in the process. The effect of silicon carbide and sodium carbonate was investigated. Thermal performance of the batch was investigated by using the TG/DSC simultaneous thermal analyzer. The morphology of the glass foams was evaluated by the scanning electron microscopy. The phase of the sample was studied through X-ray diffraction, and chemical composition of the samples was estimated by using X-ray fluorescence spectrum. The results show that, the pore diameter of sample increases gradually at first and then stabilizes with the increasement of silicon carbide. Sodium carbonate not only improves the foaming ability by reducing the glass viscosity but also influences the crystallization of the sample. The bulk density and compressive strength are decreasing while the content of sodium carbonate increasing.
Synthesis and Characterization of CuO/SnO2 Nanocomposites
Authors: Pukird Supakorn , Polsongkram Dheerachai , Noothongkeaw Suttinart , Jantasom Khanidtha , An Ki Seok
Published: June 2014

CuO/SnO2 nanocomposites materials were prepared by solution coprecipitation process using CuO nanowires-rods and SnO2 nanowires mixture as a starting materials. The mixture materials were put in beaker glass with distilled water and magnetic stering at 90 oC for 3 h. The mixture materials were filtered and heated at 980 oC for 20 h. The prepared products were investigated by FE scanning electron microscope (FESEM), X-rays photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray driffraction technique (XRD). The results showed nanocomposites structures which consisting of CuO and SnO2 phase.
Study on Resistivity Changes of Local Material Silicon Wafer Doped with Neutron Transmutation Doping (NTD) Using Multi Purpose Nuclear Reactor (MPR-30)
Authors: Sudjadi Usman
Published: June 2014

Study on resistivity changes of local material silicon wafer, doped with Neutron Transmutation Doping (NTD) using Multi Purpose Nuclear Reactor (MPR-30) was carried out. Two kinds of local material of intrinsic silicon wafer were used as samples for this experiment. These local silicon wafers have no shallow doping. The first have resistivity of between (0.7960 – 0.8010) Ω cm (sample 1). The second have resistivity of between (18.6000 – 33.0000) Ω cm (sample 2). The samples were cleaned with distilled water, and acetone. The samples were sprayed with high pure nitrogen gas. The natural oxide layer on the surface of the local silicon wafer was etched with HF for 1 until 3 minutes. The local silicon wafer was inserted into the aluminum tube. The diameter of aluminum tube was 7 inch. High of aluminum tube was 40 cm. The position of the sample 1 was in the aluminum tube 4 cm that was lower than in the sample 2. The local silicon wafers were irradiated with thermal neutron, in Neutron Transmutation Doping (NDT) facility, in research nuclear reactor MPR-30 (Multi Purpose Reactor-30), Indonesia. The power reactor for the experiment was 15 Mega Watt (MW). The thermal neutron flux was 1012neutron cm-2s-1. The irradiation time was 264 hours. After irradiated samples, the local silicon wafers were annealed at a temperature of 7000C, for one hour. The resistivity of local silicon wafers before and after irradiated, measured by four-point probe. The results showed that average resistivity of sample 1 before the irradiated was 0.8120 Ω cm, and after irradiation its resistivity decreased to 0.0673 Ω cm. The average resistivity of sample 2 before the irradiated was 20.4890 Ω cm, and after irradiation its resistivity decreased to 0.9730 Ω cm. The resistivity of sample 1 and sample 2 after irradiation were homogeneous, it means that the doped phosphorus concentrations also homogeneous.
Surface Properties and Cell Response of Bioactive Thermally Grown TiO2 Nanofibers
Authors: Tan A.W. , Pingguan-Murphy Belinda , Ahmad Roslina , Akbar Sheikh
Published: June 2014

Titania nanofiber (TiO2 NFs) arrays were fabricated in situ on a Ti-6Al-4V substrate by an oxidation process. Their surface morphology, crystallographic structure, surface roughness and wettability were characterized, as well as their in vitro interaction with bovine articular chondrocytes at different time points. Results showed that TiO2 NFs possessed greater surface roughness, hydrophilicity and degree of crystallinity. The in vitro cell studies revealed that TiO2 NFs substrate triggers enhanced cell adhesion, proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM) formation compared to the untreated control sample. These results showed that chondrocytes have an affinity to the nanofibrous substrate surface and thus we suggest that such surfaces are suited to be used as an implant designed for cartilage growth.
Effects of Fibre Loading and Interfacial Modification on Physical Properties of Rice Husk/PE Composites
Authors: Bilal Ahmad , Lin Richard , Jayaraman Krishnan
Published: June 2014

In this study, the physical properties of thermoplastic composites manufactured from linear medium density polyethylene (LMDPE), rice husk (RH) and maleic anhydride polyethylene (MAPE) were evaluated. Composites were manufactured with RH loadings of 15 wt%, 30 wt% and 50 wt% with 1 wt% of MAPE to investigate the effect of RH loading on the physical properties (water absorption and thickness swelling) of the composites. The results show that the water absorption and the corresponding thickness swelling increased with an increase in RH loading. Further manufacturing was carried out with 50 wt% of RH and 1wt%, 3.5 wt% and 6 wt% of MAPE to evaluate the effects of interfacial modification on the physical properties of the composites. The results show that the composites with 3.5 wt% of MAPE had least water absorption and the corresponding thickness swelling, whereas the composites having 1 wt% of MAPE had maximum water absorption and the thickness swelling. It can be concluded from these experiments that fibre loading as well as interfacial modification play a significant role in determining the physical properties of the composites.
Characteristics of Electrophoretic Deposition-Assisted Polishing Using Bamboo Charcoal
Authors: Lee Hsin Min , Wu Kun Ling
Published: June 2014

This study examines the feasibility of using high-porosity and conductive bamboo charcoal in electrophoretic deposition (EPD)-assisted polishing of silicon wafers and explored the influence of various parameters on surface roughness. EPD-assisted polishing with bamboo charcoal offers an alternative to the lapping process prior to CMP. According to the results, the best parameter combination obtained under the current experimental setting is machining time, 12 min; rotational speed of platen, 75 rpm; and voltage, 6V. EPD indeed contributes to more effective and efficient polishing, with better surface quality attained within a shorter machining time.
Parameters Design of Shaving Cutter with Novel Relief Portion
Authors: Chang Shinn Liang , Chu Chang Shiuan , Wang Pei Yu , Tsai Feng Ying , Yang Tien Chieh
Published: June 2014

Shaving cutter is the most important tool for the refinement manufacture of gears with high precision and manufacturing efficiency. In this study, design parameters of shaving cutter are studied considering the strength of shaving cutter and the tooth profile of shaved gears. The finite element analysis and Taguchi method are adopted to analyze the shaving process for the optimum shaving cutter design parameters. The main objectives are due to increase the strength of shaving cutter and reduce the concavity phenomenon of the generated tooth profile.
Diamond like Carbon (DLC) Thin Films: Preparation and Characterization
Authors: Ray Sekhar C. , Mbiombi W. , Papakonstantinou P.
Published: June 2014

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) thin films are prepared using plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD) process at different bias voltage. We have studied their microstructural and electrical properties using Raman spectroscopy and current (I) – voltage (V) relationships. Electrical conductivity is gradually decreases with bias voltage as the films are becoming more and more diamond like carbon as observed from Raman spectroscopy results. Raman spectroscopy result shows that the ID/IG ratio gradually decreases indicating formation of more diamond like carbon films that responsible for the decrease of conductivity of the films. The full width half maximum of G peak increase with increase the bias voltage indicating the ring-like sp2 transforms to sp2 chains and raises the amount of sp3-chains. The structural disorder arises from the bond angle and bond length distortions in amorphous carbon films. Thus the structural disorder and mechanical properties such as hardness and elastic modulus increase with bias voltage.
Effect of Thermodynamic Properties on Porosity of Ceramic Membrane Prepared by Phase Inversion
Authors: Harun Zawati , Hubadillah Sitikhadijah , Hasan Sulaiman , Yunos Muhamad Zaini
Published: June 2014

In this present work, the effects of phase inversion ceramic membranes prepared by phase inversion were investigated. Kaolin with 25µm was used as the composition of membrane preparation. The amounts of kaolin investigated were 60g, 70g and 80g respectively while the temperature was conducted assist room temperature and 3°C. Non-solvent additive with 6g distilled water present formation of pore during phase inversion.The effects of phase inversion temperature and kaolin composition on morphology and porosity were investigated in detail. Result of porosity showed that by decreasingphase inversion temperature improve the membrane porosity up to 64%. In addition, the FESEM images explained that membrane morphology obviously change with the effect of temperature during phase inversion process.
Thermal Characteristics of a Circular Finned Thermosyphon Using Different Working Fluids
Authors: Alagappan Narayanan , Karunakaran Narayanan
Published: June 2014

The two-phase closed thermosyphon (TPCT), which is essentially a gravity-assisted wickless heat pipe, utilizes the evaporation and condensation of the working fluid inside the TPCT to transport heat. This experimental study was carried out to understand the thermal performance of circular finned thermosyphon using nanofluid with alcohol and was analyzed, compared with alcohol and base fluid DI water. The concentration of nanoparticle used in this setup was 110mg/lit of TiO2combined with 0.2 ml of ethylene glycol. The heat input (Q) were 10W, 12W, 14 W and 16 W and the orientation 30°, 45°, 60° and 90°.The results demonstrate that TiO2nanofluid with 0.2 ml of ethylene glycol improves the performance through reduction in thermal resistance by 85.86%.
Structural-Acoustic Topology Analysis Based on Evolutionary Structural Optimization
Authors: Chen Lu Yun
Published: June 2014

Application of the evolutionary structural optimization (ESO) approach for structural acoustic optimization is investigated. Combining the sizing optimization, a more appropriate rejection criterion for ESO was put forward. There is a trial of applying modified evolutionary structural optimization (MESO) method in dynamic response problem. Finally, the topology optimization of plate structure under harmonic loading as example, the MESO approach is conducted. The numerical results show that the MESO is feasible in topology optimization analysis; and it expands the application of traditional ESO theory.