bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of Fees to Discourage Nonmedical Exemptions to School Immunization Laws in US States
Authors: Billington John K. , Omer Saad B.
Published: December 2015

Recent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases in the United States have renewed public discourse about state vaccine mandates for children entering schools. With acknowledgment of the challenge of eliminating religious and philosophical exemptions in most states, some have proposed instead to impose additional administrative burdens for parents seeking such exemptions. We review the use of taxes, fines, and fees as financial disincentives in public health. We argue that adding processing fees to a comprehensive set of administrative requirements for obtaining exemptions will avoid the use of taxpayer funding for exemption processing and will help tilt the balance of convenience in favor of vaccination.
An Update in Breast Cancer Screening and Management
Authors: Warrier Sanjay , Tapia Grace , Goltsman David , Beith Jane
Published: December 2015

This article provides an overview of the main controversies in a number of key areas of breast cancer management. Relevant studies that have contributed to guide the treatment of this heterogeneous disease in the field of breast screening, surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are highlighted. Mammography and ultrasound are the main methods of breast screening. MRI and tomosynthesis are emerging as new screening tools for a selected group of breast cancer patients. From a surgical perspective, oncoplastic techniques and neoadjuvant chemotherapy are improving cosmetic results in breast-conserving surgery. For high-risk patients, controversies still remain regarding prophylactic mastectomies. Finally, the appropriate management of the axilla continues evolving with the increasing role of radiotherapy as an alternative treatment to axillary dissection.
Hard cash, easy credit, fictitious capital: Critical reflections on money as a fetishised social relation
Authors: Jessop Bob
Published: December 2015

This article explores some aspects of money as a social relation. Starting from Polanyi, it explores the nature of money as a non-commodity, real commodity, quasi-commodity, and fictitious commodity. The development of credit-debt relations is important in the last respect, especially in market economies where money in the form of coins and banknotes plays a minor role. This argument is developed through some key concepts from Marx concerning money as a fetishised and contradictory social relation, especially his crucial distinction, absent from Polanyi, between money as money and money as capital, each with its own form of fetishism. Attention then turns to Minsky's work on Ponzi finance and what one might describe as cycles of the expansion of easy credit and the scramble for hard cash. This analysis is re-contextualised in terms of financialisation and finance-dominated accumulation, which promote securitisation and the autonomisation of credit money, interest-bearing capital. The article ends with brief reflections on the role of easy credit and hard cash in the surprising survival of neo-liberal economic and political regimes since the North Atlantic Financial Crisis became evident.
Making ‘Making money’: A discussion with Ole Bjerg
Authors: Bjerg Ole , Dunne Stephen
Published: December 2015

Stephen Dunne recently sat down with Ole Bjerg to chair a discussion about his new book Making Money: The Philosophy of Crisis Capitalism (Verso, 2014). We publish an elaborated version of the book's concluding chapter - ‘Life after Debt’ - within this special issue. This interview and question and answer session puts Ole's argument there, as well as the arguments of his book more generally, into a broader context.
The Use of 3,6-Pyridazinediones in Organic Synthesis and Chemical Biology
Authors: Lee Maximillian T. W. , Maruani Antoine , Chudasama Vijay
Published: December 2015

This article gives an overview of the use of 3,6-pyridazinediones in organic synthesis and chemical biology with an emphasis on recent developments. The properties of pyridazinediones, how they are constructed and how they have been applied in various fields of organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry and chemical biology will be highlighted.
The Effect of Formation of Titanium Nitride Thin Film on Surface Characteristics of Titanium by Nitrogen Ion Implantation
Authors: Alipour R. , Khani A. Ali , Mohammadi R. , Rostami S.
Published: December 2015

Titanium is used widely for applications that involve low weight and require suitable mechanical, biomedical and other desirable properties. In this paper, the effect of nitrogen ion implantation on surface structure and resistance against titanium corrosion and achievement of the best conditions for titanium nitride formation is investigated. For these experiments nitrogen ions with an energy of 30 keV and doses of 1 × 1018 to 5 × 1018 ion cm−2 were used. X-ray diffraction was performed for metallic analysis and investigation of new structures created by nitrogen ion implantation. Roughness variations before and after implantation were observed by atomic force microscopy. Corrosion analysis apparatus is used for comparison of resistance against titanium corrosion before and after ion implantation. Results show that nitrogen ion implantation has a substantial effect on resistance improvement against titanium corrosion. The surface morphology of the samples after corrosion testing is investigated using scanning electron microscopy. It is shown that the more important factor will control the final corrosion speed. In doses lower than 2×1018 ion cm−2, the roughness effect is most important, and in higher does, TiN phase formation is dominant.
The pH-dependency of Diastereomeric Salt Resolutions with Amphoteric Resolving Agents
Authors: Szeleczky Zsolt , Bagi Péter , Pálovics Emese , Faigl Ferenc , Fogassy Elemér
Published: December 2015

We have analysed the role of pH in the diastereomeric resolution of racemic mandelic acid with (S)-phenylalanine and (R)-3-(aminomethyl)-5-methylhexanoic acid [(R)-Pregabalin] enantiomers. The adjusted pH had an effect on the optical purity and yield of the mandelic acid enantiomeric mixtures isolated from the diastereomeric salts. We showed that the pKa of the carboxyl group of the amphoteric resolving agents should be considered during the pH optimisation of diastereomeric salt resolutions.
Synthesis of N-[aryl(4-hydroxy-6-methyl-2-oxo-2H-pyran-3-yl)methyl] Thioacetamide Derivatives
Authors: Zhiani Rahele
Published: December 2015

A three-component reaction between 4-hydroxy-6-methyl-2H-pyran-2-one, an aryl aldehyde and thioacetamide catalysed by p-toluenesulfonic acid under reflux conditions provided a simple and efficient one-pot route for the synthesis of N-[aryl(4-hydroxy-6-methyl-2-oxo-2H-pyran-3-yl)methyl]thioacetamide derivatives in excellent yields.
Effect of Plasma Power on Growth of Multilayer Graphene on Copper Using Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapour Deposition
Authors: Jafari A. , Ghoranneviss M. , Hantehzadeh M.R. , Boochani A.
Published: December 2015

Large-area multilayer graphene was synthesised on Cu foil by DC plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition (DC PECVD) at a relatively low temperature. We discuss the growth mechanism of graphene in the plasma environment by the PECVD method based on the results of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and Raman scattering. Also, the I–V characteristics of graphene synthesised at different plasma powers was studied with a Keithley 2361 system. Due to the advantages of plasma growth, graphene synthesised under DC plasma exhibits better crystallinity, higher growth rate and large grain size at relatively low temperatures. At a plasma power of 100 W, the grain size of graphene (~5 μm) can be increased by a factor of 5. Raman spectroscopy showed D, G and 2D bound in our graphene samples while we find that the intensity of the D peak decreases by increasing the plasma power in growth conditions, which means that the defect density is reduced by the use of the plasma. The XPS results from the sample with maximum plasma power confirm the existence of sp2 carbon atoms (C=C), which indicates the successful formation of graphene onto Cu foil by PECVD. In addition the increase of plasma power is attributed to larger grain sizes, thus leading to the increase of mobility and current change. This investigation shows that DC PECVD is a simple and effective technique to synthesise large-area multilayer graphene, which has potential for application as electronic devices.
Synthesis of New Derivatives of Pyridazino[6,1-c]Pyrimido[5,4-e][1,2,4]Triazine; a Novel Heterocyclic System
Authors: Akaberi Toktam , Shiri Ali , Sheikhi-Mohammareh Seddigheh
Published: December 2015

Several derivatives of the novel pyridazino[6,1-c]pyrimido[5,4-e][1,2,4]triazine ring system have been synthesised through heterocyclisation of 5-bromo-2,4-dichloro-6-methylpyrimidine with 3-chloro-6-hydrazinylpyridazine followed by treatment with secondary amines in boiling ethanol.
Synthesis of Novel Derivatives of Imidazo[2,1-c][1,2,4]Triazine from Biologically Active 4-Arylidene-2-Hydrazino-1-Phenyl-1H-Imidazol-5(4H)-Ones and Evaluation of their Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: El-Aal Eatedal Abd , Fattah Hanan Abdel , Osman Nermine , Seliem Israa
Published: December 2015

4-Arylidene-2-hydrazino-1-phenyl-1H-imidazolin-5(4H)-ones were synthesised and used as key intermediates for the synthesis of novel imidazo[2,1-c][1,2,4]triazine derivatives. The new imidazo[2,1-c][1,2,4]triazine derivatives were obtained via the reaction of the hydrazino derivatives with pyruvic acid, chloroacetyl chloride and phenacyl bromide derivatives respectively. Structures of the newly synthesised compounds were confirmed using spectral data as well as elemental analysis. Seven compounds were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values against several reference strains of bacteria and fungi, with ampicillin, gentamicin and amphotericin B used as comparison drugs. It was observed that most of the evaluated compounds showed high antibacterial as well as antifungal activities. 6-(4-Chlorobenzylidene)-4-(4-methylphenyl)-8-phenyl-6,8-dihydroimidazo-[2,1-c][1,2,4] triazin-7(2H)-one was the most potent compound with high inhibition zones and low MIC values.
Gd0.5Y0.5CrO3 Perovskite-Type Oxide Nanopowder: A Novel Adsorbent to Remove Organic Dye from Aqueous Media
Authors: Tavakkoli Haman , Zaman Zohreh , Ghaemi Arezoo
Published: December 2015

Nanoparticles of perovskite-type Gd0.5Y0.5CrO3 were prepared by the sol–gel method and tested for dye removal from aqueous media. The structure and morphology of Gd0.5Y0.5CrO3 nanopowders were characterised using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller technique, thermal gravimetric analysis-differential thermal analysis and infrared spectroscopy. The ability of calcined nanoparticles to remove bromothymol blue (BTB) dye from aqueous solution was assessed. Adsorption experiments were carried out systematically by batch experiments to investigate the influence of different factors, such as contact time, initial concentration of dye, various adsorbent doses and pH of the solutions. The dye removal efficiency was found to be decreased with an increase in initial pH of the dye solution and Gd0.5Y0.5CrO3 nanoparticles exhibited good dye removal efficiency at acidic pH, optimized at pH 2. Kinetic adsorption data were studied using three most popular isotherm models, namely Langmuir, Freundlich and Redlich–Peterson. A non-linear method was used for comparing the best fit of the isotherms. The best fit was found for the Redlich– Peterson isotherm. The maximum predicted adsorption capacity was 366.67 mg−1 for BTB. In addition experimental results indicated that the adsorption kinetic data followed a pseudo second-order rate for the tested dye.
Anti-tumor activity of cabozantinib by FAK down-regulation in human oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Da-Lu , Wei Zhu-Liang , Zhang Wen-Mei , Li Zhi-Gang
Published: December 2015

Cabozantinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor involved in inhibition of cell proliferation and colony formation. We studied anti-cancer properties of cabozantinib in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells. The viability of BHY and HSC-3 cells decreased with increase in cabozantinib concentration and time. The proliferation of cell lines was affected by increasing concentration of cabozantinib from 0.3 to 1.2 μM after 48 hours of treatment. The expression of MET and phosphorylated MET was not affected by cabozantinib treatment. Cabozantinib-treated cells when compared to control, showed concentration-dependent increase in BHY and HSC-3 cells during G2/M phase and decrease in S phase with increase in cabozantinib concentration. Annexin-V/propidium iodide double staining showed that cells with annexin-V increased with the increase in cabozantinib concentration. The expression of apoptosis related proteins cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved-PARP were increased with increase in cabozantinib concentration. It was also found that suppression of FAK activation and expression was dose dependent. The results from this study revealed that cabozantinib can be useful in developing a drug for effective treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells.

 
Implementation of a Clinical Decision Support Alert for the Management of Clostridium difficile Infection
Authors: Revolinski Sara
Published: December 2015

Clostridium difficile infections are common in hospitalized patients and can result in significant morbidity and mortality. It is imperative to optimize the management of C. difficile infections to help minimize disease complications. Antimicrobial stewardship techniques including guidelines, order sets and other clinical decision support functionalities may be utilized to assist with therapy optimization. We implemented a novel alert within our electronic medical record to direct providers to the C. difficile order set in order to assist with initiating therapy consistent with institutional guideline recommendations. The alert succeeded in significantly increasing order set utilization, but guideline compliance was unchanged.
Sounding Science: Exploring Music in Science and Science in Music
Authors: Fallowfield Ellen
Published: December 2015

Musical study has its origins as a branch of philosophy, and has developed historically in conjunction with mathematics and astronomy, etc.[...]
Entropy Production and Equilibrium Conditions of General-Covariant Spin Systems
Authors: Muschik Wolfgang , Von Borzeszkowski Horst-Heino
Published: December 2015

In generalizing the special-relativistic one-component version of Eckart’s continuum thermodynamics to general-relativistic space-times with Riemannian or post-Riemannian geometry as presented by Schouten (Schouten, J.A. Ricci-Calculus, 1954) and Blagojevic (Blagojevic, M. Gauge Theories of Gravitation, 2013) we consider the entropy production and other thermodynamical quantities, such as the entropy flux and the Gibbs fundamental equation. We discuss equilibrium conditions in gravitational theories, which are based on such geometries. In particular, thermodynamic implications of the non-symmetry of the energy-momentum tensor and the related spin balance equations are investigated, also for the special case of general relativity.
Life is Short: The Impact of Power States on Base Station Lifetime
Authors: Chiaraviglio Luca , Listanti Marco , Manzia Edoardo
Published: December 2015

We study the impact of power state transitions on the lifetime of base stations (BSs) in mobile networks. In particular, we propose a model to estimate the lifetime decrease/increase as a consequence of the application of power state changes. The model takes into account both hardware (HW) parameters, which depend on the materials used to build the device, and power state parameters, that instead depend on how and when power state transitions take place. More in depth, we consider the impact of different power states when a BS is active, and one sleep mode state when a BS is powered off. When a BS reduces the power consumption, its lifetime tends to increase. However, when a BS changes the power state, its lifetime tends to be decreased. Thus, there is a tradeoff between these two effects. Our results, obtained over universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS) and long term evolution (LTE) case studies, indicate the need of a careful management of the power state transitions in order to not deteriorate the BS lifetime, and consequently to not increase the associated reparation/replacement costs.
A Hierarchical Multitier Approach for Privacy Policies in e-Government Environments
Authors: Drogkaris Prokopios , Gritzalis Stefanos , Kalloniatis Christos , Lambrinoudakis Costas
Published: December 2015

The appeal of e-Government users to retain control over their personal information, while making use of advanced governmental electronic services through interconnected and interoperable deployments, can be assisted by the incorporation of privacy policy and Preferences documents. This paper addresses the formulation of light-weight and accurate privacy policies, while preserving compliance with underlying legal and regulatory framework. Through the exploitation of existing governmental hierarchies, a multitier approach is proposed able to support diverge data needs and processing requests imposed by service providers. The incorporation of this approach into e-Government environments will reduce the administrative workload, imposed by the inclusion of privacy policy documents, and promote the implementation and provision of user-centric and data privacy aware electronic services.
On the Road to Biopolymer Aerogels—Dealing with the Solvent
Authors: Subrahmanyam Raman , Gurikov Pavel , Dieringer Paul , Sun Miaotian , Smirnova Irina
Published: December 2015

Aerogels are three-dimensional ultra-light porous structures whose characteristics make them exciting candidates for research, development and commercialization leading to a broad scope of applications ranging from insulation and catalysis to regenerative medicine and pharmaceuticals. Biopolymers have recently entered the aerogel foray. In order to fully realize their potential, progressive strategies dealing with production times and costs reduction must be put in place to facilitate the scale up of aerogel production from lab to commercial scale. The necessity of studying solvent/matrix interactions during solvent exchange and supercritical CO2 drying is presented in this study using calcium alginate as a model system. Four frameworks, namely (a) solvent selection methodology based on solvent/polymer interaction; (b) concentration gradient influence during solvent exchange; (c) solvent exchange kinetics based on pseudo second order model; and (d) minimum solvent concentration requirements for supercritical CO2 drying, are suggested that could help assess the role of the solvent in biopolymer aerogel production.
Disruption of the Gut Microbiome: Clostridium difficile Infection and the Threat of Antibiotic Resistance
Authors: Johanesen Priscilla , Mackin Kate , Hutton Melanie , Awad Milena , Larcombe Sarah , Amy Jacob , Lyras Dena
Published: December 2015

Clostridium difficile is well recognized as the leading cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, having a significant impact in both health-care and community settings. Central to predisposition to C. difficile infection is disruption of the gut microbiome by antibiotics. Being a Gram-positive anaerobe, C. difficile is intrinsically resistant to a number of antibiotics. Mobile elements encoding antibiotic resistance determinants have also been characterized in this pathogen. While resistance to antibiotics currently used to treat C. difficile infection has not yet been detected, it may be only a matter of time before this occurs, as has been seen with other bacterial pathogens. This review will discuss C. difficile disease pathogenesis, the impact of antibiotic use on inducing disease susceptibility, and the role of antibiotic resistance and mobile elements in C. difficile epidemiology.
Views from the Coalface: What Do English Stop Smoking Service Personnel Think about E-Cigarettes?
Authors: Hiscock Rosemary , Bauld Linda , Arnott Deborah , Dockrell Martin , Ross Louise , McEwen Andy
Published: December 2015

The UK Stop Smoking Services (SSS) are a source of information and advice on e-cigarettes for smokers and thus it is important to understand the knowledge of, and attitudes towards, e-cigarettes held by stop smoking practitioners. The datasets were English SSS quarterly monitoring returns (n = 207,883) and an online survey of English SSS practitioners, managers, and commissioners between 26th November and 15th December 2014 (n = 1801). SSS monitoring data suggested 2% of clients were using e-cigarettes to quit with SSS and that clients using e-cigarettes had similar quit rates to clients using Varenicline. Most SSS personnel are waiting for licenced e-cigarettes to become available before they will recommend them to clients. However, less than a quarter view e-cigarettes as “a good thing”. Managers and commissioners were more positive than practitioners. SSS personnel working for the NHS (hospitals and GP surgeries) were less positive about e-cigarettes than those employed elsewhere. E-cigarettes were cited as the most important reason for the recent decline in service footfall. Thus dissemination of information about e-cigarettes needs to be examined and services should address their stance on e-cigarettes with some urgency.
Epigenetics of Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease: Implications for Pharmacogenomics and Drug Response
Authors: Cacabelos Ramón , Torrellas Clara
Published: December 2015

Epigenetic variability (DNA methylation/demethylation, histone modifications, microRNA regulation) is common in physiological and pathological conditions. Epigenetic alterations are present in different tissues along the aging process and in neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Epigenetics affect life span and longevity. AD-related genes exhibit epigenetic changes, indicating that epigenetics might exert a pathogenic role in dementia. Epigenetic modifications are reversible and can potentially be targeted by pharmacological intervention. Epigenetic drugs may be useful for the treatment of major problems of health (e.g., cancer, cardiovascular disorders, brain disorders). The efficacy and safety of these and other medications depend upon the efficiency of the pharmacogenetic process in which different clusters of genes (pathogenic, mechanistic, metabolic, transporter, pleiotropic) are involved. Most of these genes are also under the influence of the epigenetic machinery. The information available on the pharmacoepigenomics of most drugs is very limited; however, growing evidence indicates that epigenetic changes are determinant in the pathogenesis of many medical conditions and in drug response and drug resistance. Consequently, pharmacoepigenetic studies should be incorporated in drug development and personalized treatments.
Brain Recovery after a Plane Crash: Treatment with Growth Hormone (GH) and Neurorehabilitation: A Case Report
Authors: Devesa Jesús , Díaz-Getino Gustavo , Rey Pablo , García-Cancela José , Loures Iria , Nogueiras Sonia , Hurtado de Mendoza Alba , Salgado Lucía , González Mónica , Pablos Tamara , Devesa Pablo
Published: December 2015

The aim of this study is to describe the results obtained after growth hormone (GH) treatment and neurorehabilitation in a young man that suffered a very grave traumatic brain injury (TBI) after a plane crash. Methods: Fifteen months after the accident, the patient was treated with GH, 1 mg/day, at three-month intervals, followed by one-month resting, together with daily neurorehabilitation. Blood analysis at admission showed that no pituitary deficits existed. At admission, the patient presented: spastic tetraplegia, dysarthria, dysphagia, very severe cognitive deficits and joint deformities. Computerized tomography scanners (CT-Scans) revealed the practical loss of the right brain hemisphere and important injuries in the left one. Clinical and blood analysis assessments were performed every three months for three years. Feet surgery was needed because of irreducible equinovarus. Results: Clinical and kinesitherapy assessments revealed a prompt improvement in cognitive functions, dysarthria and dysphagia disappeared and three years later the patient was able to live a practically normal life, walking alone and coming back to his studies. No adverse effects were observed during and after GH administration. Conclusions: These results, together with previous results from our group, indicate that GH treatment is safe and effective for helping neurorehabilitation in TBI patients, once the acute phase is resolved, regardless of whether or not they have GH-deficiency (GHD).
Molecular Pnictogen Activation by Rare Earth and Actinide Complexes
Authors: Turner Zoë
Published: December 2015

This review covers the activation of molecular pnictogens (group 15 elements) by homogeneous rare earth and actinide complexes. All examples of molecular pnictogen activation (dinitrogen, white phosphorus, yellow arsenic) by both rare earths and actinides, to date (2015), are discussed, focusing on synthetic methodology and the structure and bonding of the resulting complexes.
Novel Method for Loading Microporous Ceramics Bone Grafts by Using a Directional Flow
Authors: Seidenstuecker Michael , Kissling Steffen , Ruehe Juergen , Suedkamp Norbert , Mayr Hermann , Bernstein Anke
Published: December 2015

The aim of this study was the development of a process for filling the pores of a β-tricalcium phosphate ceramic with interconnected porosity with an alginate hydrogel. For filling of the ceramics, solutions of alginate hydrogel precursors with suitable viscosity were chosen as determined by rheometry. For loading of the porous ceramics with the gel the samples were placed at the flow chamber and sealed with silicone seals. By using a vacuum induced directional flow, the samples were loaded with alginate solutions. The loading success was controlled by ESEM and fluorescence imaging using a fluorescent dye (FITC) for staining of the gel. After loading of the pores, the alginate is transformed into a hydrogel through crosslinking with CaCl2 solution. The biocompatibility of the obtained composite material was tested with a live dead cell staining by using MG-63 Cells. The loading procedure via vacuum assisted directional flow allowed complete filling of the pores of the ceramics within a few minutes (10 ± 3 min) while loading through simple immersion into the polymer solution or through a conventional vacuum method only gave incomplete filling.
Fair and Equitable Benefit-Sharing at the Cross-Roads of the Human Right to Science and International Biodiversity Law
Authors: Morgera Elisa
Published: December 2015

As the debate about the need to clarify the content of the human right to science intensifies, this article assesses opportunities for opening a scholarly and policy dialogue on fair and equitable benefit-sharing between international human rights and biodiversity lawyers. To that end, the article contrasts the emerging conceptualizations of the right to science in the context of international cultural rights and of fair and equitable benefit-sharing under international biodiversity law. It then critically assesses the potential for cross-fertilization with specific regard to: the sharing of scientific information and promotion of scientific cooperation, the transfer of technology, and the protection and valorization of traditional knowledge of indigenous peoples and local communities. While acknowledging that both the right to science and fair and equitable benefit-sharing are far from being fully understood or operationalized, the article argues that developments in international biodiversity law concerning the latter may provide insights into how a vague and optimistic concept can (and when it cannot) lead to tangible outcomes, rather than remaining merely rhetorical.
Surface Effects and Challenges for Application of Piezoelectric Langasite Substrates in Surface Acoustic Wave Devices Caused by High Temperature Annealing under High Vacuum
Authors: Seifert Marietta , Rane Gayatri , Kirbus Benjamin , Menzel Siegfried , Gemming Thomas
Published: December 2015

Substrate materials that are high-temperature stable are essential for sensor devices which are applied at high temperatures. Although langasite is suggested as such a material, severe O and Ga diffusion into an O-affine deposited film was observed during annealing at high temperatures under vacuum conditions, leading to a damage of the metallization as well as a change of the properties of the substrate and finally to a failure of the device. Therefore, annealing of bare LGS (La 3 Ga 5 SiO 14 ) substrates at 800 ∘ C under high vacuum conditions is performed to analyze whether this pretreatment improves the suitability and stability of this material for high temperature applications in vacuum. To reveal the influence of the pretreatment on the subsequently deposited metallization, RuAl thin films are used as they are known to oxidize on LGS at high temperatures. A local study of the pretreated and metallized substrates using transmission electron microscopy reveals strong modification of the substrate surface. Micro cracks are visible. The composition of the substrate is strongly altered at those regions. Severe challenges for the application of LGS substrates under high-temperature vacuum conditions arise from these substrate damages, revealing that the pretreatment does not improve the applicability.
Development of Porous Piezoceramics for Medical and Sensor Applications
Authors: Ringgaard Erling , Lautzenhiser Frans , Bierregaard Louise , Zawada Tomasz , Molz Eric
Published: December 2015

The use of porosity to modify the functional properties of piezoelectric ceramics is well known in the scientific literature as well as by the industry, and porous ceramic can be seen as a 2-phase composite. In the present work, examples are given of applications where controlled porosity is exploited in order to optimise the dielectric, piezoelectric and acoustic properties of the piezoceramics. For the optimisation efforts it is important to note that the thickness coupling coefficient kt will be maximised for some non-zero value of the porosity that could be above 20%. On the other hand, with a good approximation, the acoustic velocity decreases linearly with increasing porosity, which is obviously also the case for the density. Consequently, the acoustic impedance shows a rather strong decrease with porosity, and in practice a reduction of more than 50% may be obtained for an engineered porous ceramic. The significance of the acoustic impedance is associated with the transmission of acoustic signals through the interface between the piezoceramic and some medium of propagation, but when the porous ceramic is used as a substrate for a piezoceramic thick film, the attenuation may be equally important. In the case of open porosity it is possible to introduce a liquid into the pores, and examples of modifying the properties in this way are given.
OSU-6: A Highly Efficient, Metal-Free, Heterogeneous Catalyst for the Click Synthesis of 5-Benzyl and 5-Aryl-1H-tetrazoles
Authors: Nammalwar Baskar , Muddala Nagendra , Pitchimani Rajasekar , Bunce Richard
Published: December 2015

OSU-6, an MCM-41 type hexagonal mesoporous silica with mild Brönsted acid properties, has been used as an efficient, metal-free, heterogeneous catalyst for the click synthesis of 5-benzyl and 5-aryl-1H-tetrazoles from nitriles in DMF at 90 °C. This catalyst offers advantages including ease of operation, milder conditions, high yields, and reusability. Studies are presented that demonstrate the robust nature of the catalyst under the optimized reaction conditions. OSU-6 promotes the 1,3-dipolar addition of azides to nitriles without significant degradation or clogging of the nanoporous structure. The catalyst can be reused up to five times without a significant reduction in yield, and it does not require treatment with acid between reactions.
The Non-Coding RNA Journal Club: Highlights on Recent Papers—3
Authors: Berindan-Neagoe Ioana , Calin George , Francastel Claire , Hubé Florent , Santulli Gaetano
Published: December 2015

We are glad to share with you our third Journal Club and to highlight some of the most interesting papers published recently. [...]
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of New Imine- and Amino-Chitosan Derivatives
Authors: Abdelwahab Huda , Hassan Seham , Yacout Galila , Mostafa Mohamed , El Sadek Mohamed
Published: December 2015

N-substituted chitosan derivatives were synthesized through condensation with a number of selected aryl and heteroaryl aldehydes. The synthesis of the amino-derivatives has been carried out by reductive amination with sodium borohydride as reducing agent. Their structures were characterized by (FT-IR, 1HNMR, and XRD). The antimicrobial activity of Chitosan Schiff’s base (CSB) derivatives were investigated against four types of bacteria and two crop-threatening pathogenic fungi, and the results indicated that the antibacterial and antifungal activities of the investigated derivatives are very promising. Additionally, different concentrations of the triazolo-Schiff’s base derivative 3c were used for cytotoxicity screening against Human Breast Adenocarcinoma Cells (MCF-7), Human Colon Carcinoma Cells (HCT-116), and Human Hepatocellular Liver Carcinoma Cells (HepG-2), and the obtained data revealed that the examined compounds have an excellent cell growth inhibitory effects on the cell lines as compared to standard.
Can We Move Beyond the Secular State?
Authors: Watson Brenda
Published: December 2015

The article argues for re-consideration of the secularization so often in the West regarded as an essential condition for a democratic state. Its inbuilt incoherence and problematic consequences suggest that the term secular should be abandoned. Deep-seated reasons for objecting to such a proposal follow, discussing an affront to personal integrity, confronting intellectual apartheid and analysing abuse of religion. A way forward is suggested in learning to accept unavoidable levels of uncertainty, so that generous-minded dialogue can take the place of either/or thinking.
Modified Munich Chain-Ladder Method
Authors: Merz Michael , Wüthrich Mario
Published: December 2015

The Munich chain-ladder method for claims reserving was introduced by Quarg and Mack on an axiomatic basis. We analyze these axioms, and we define a modified Munich chain-ladder method which is based on an explicit stochastic model. This stochastic model then allows us to consider claims prediction and prediction uncertainty for the Munich chain-ladder method in a consistent way.
Far-Infrared Based Pedestrian Detection for Driver-Assistance Systems Based on Candidate Filters, Gradient-Based Feature and Multi-Frame Approval Matching
Authors: Wang Guohua , Liu Qiong
Published: December 2015

Far-infrared pedestrian detection approaches for advanced driver-assistance systems based on high-dimensional features fail to simultaneously achieve robust and real-time detection. We propose a robust and real-time pedestrian detection system characterized by novel candidate filters, novel pedestrian features and multi-frame approval matching in a coarse-to-fine fashion. Firstly, we design two filters based on the pedestrians’ head and the road to select the candidates after applying a pedestrian segmentation algorithm to reduce false alarms. Secondly, we propose a novel feature encapsulating both the relationship of oriented gradient distribution and the code of oriented gradient to deal with the enormous variance in pedestrians’ size and appearance. Thirdly, we introduce a multi-frame approval matching approach utilizing the spatiotemporal continuity of pedestrians to increase the detection rate. Large-scale experiments indicate that the system works in real time and the accuracy has improved about 9% compared with approaches based on high-dimensional features only.
Synthesis and Sensing Applications of Fluorescent 3-Cinnamoyl Coumarins
Authors: Yadav Preeti , Gill Hardeep , Chand Karam , Li Lian , Kumar Jayant , Sharma Sunil
Published: December 2015

We have synthesized two novel fluorescent 3-(4-diethylaminocinnamoyl) coumarins that exhibit fluorescence quenching upon exposure to a nerve agent simulant, diethylchlorophosphate (DCP), providing a basis for rapid and sensitive DCP chemosensing. Furthermore, these coumarin derivatives display two-photon fluorescence upon illumination with near-infrared laser pulses and their two-photon (TP) absorption cross-section was evaluated. The potential for TP bio-imaging of these compounds was investigated by their cellular uptake in HeLa cells by TP confocal microscopy.
One Small Step for a Man: Estimation of Gender, Age and Height from Recordings of One Step by a Single Inertial Sensor
Authors: Riaz Qaiser , Vögele Anna , Krüger Björn , Weber Andreas
Published: December 2015

A number of previous works have shown that information about a subject is encoded in sparse kinematic information, such as the one revealed by so-called point light walkers. With the work at hand, we extend these results to classifications of soft biometrics from inertial sensor recordings at a single body location from a single step. We recorded accelerations and angular velocities of 26 subjects using integrated measurement units (IMUs) attached at four locations (chest, lower back, right wrist and left ankle) when performing standardized gait tasks. The collected data were segmented into individual walking steps. We trained random forest classifiers in order to estimate soft biometrics (gender, age and height). We applied two different validation methods to the process, 10-fold cross-validation and subject-wise cross-validation. For all three classification tasks, we achieve high accuracy values for all four sensor locations. From these results, we can conclude that the data of a single walking step (6D: accelerations and angular velocities) allow for a robust estimation of the gender, height and age of a person.
Natural Disasters, Economic Growth and Sustainable Development in China―An Empirical Study Using Provincial Panel Data
Authors: Guo Ji , Liu Hui , Wu Xianhua , Gu Jiong , Song Shunfeng , Tang Yinshan
Published: December 2015

Using a newly developed integrated indicator system with entropy weighting, we analyzed the panel data of 577 recorded disasters in 30 provinces of China from 1985–2011 to identify their links with the subsequent economic growth. Meteorological disasters promote economic growth through human capital instead of physical capital. Geological disasters did not trigger local economic growth from 1999–2011. Generally, natural disasters overall had no significant impact on economic growth from 1985–1998. Thus, human capital reinvestment should be the aim in managing recoveries, and it should be used to regenerate the local economy based on long-term sustainable development.
The Effects of Mitigation Measures on Flood Damage Prevention in Korea
Authors: Son Cheol-Hee , Baek Jong-In , Ban Yong-Un , Ha Sung-Ryong
Published: December 2015

This study analyzed the characteristics of flood damages and the effects of structural and non-structural flood damage mitigation measures in Korea. First, a theoretical discussion of the structural and non-structural measures to mitigate flood damages was used to select the variables and devise the hypotheses. An analysis was conducted using the Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving-Average (ARIMA) time series methodology, Korean socioeconomic data, and damage characteristics of major flood events. The effects of flood damage mitigation measures on the extent of flood damages were assessed using an intervention time series model. The major findings were that the intervention effects of structural and non-structural measures were statistically significant from 1958 to 2013 (a period of 55 years) and that while the former were ineffective at mitigating flood damages, the latter were successful in doing so. Based on the above findings, policy suggestions for future flood damage mitigation measures in Korea were offered. For structural measures, the government should manage its existing facilities, recover ecosystems of damaged rivers, and devise mitigation measures for urban areas. For non-structural measures, the government should enhance its flood forecasting capacity, revise laws related to flood control and prevention, and update and rationalize land-use plans.
Ebola Virus Infections in Nonhuman Primates Are Temporally Influenced by Glycoprotein Poly-U Editing Site Populations in the Exposure Material
Authors: Trefry John , Wollen Suzanne , Nasar Farooq , Shamblin Joshua , Kern Steven , Bearss Jeremy , Jefferson Michelle , Chance Taylor , Kugelman Jeffery , Ladner Jason , Honko Anna , Kobs Dean , Wending Morgan , Sabourin Carol , Pratt William , Palacios Gustavo , Pitt M.
Published: December 2015

Recent experimentation with the variants of the Ebola virus that differ in the glycoprotein’s poly-uridine site, which dictates the form of glycoprotein produced through a transcriptional stutter, has resulted in questions regarding the pathogenicity and lethality of the stocks used to develop products currently undergoing human clinical trials to combat the disease. In order to address these concerns and prevent the delay of these critical research programs, we designed an experiment that permitted us to intramuscularly challenge statistically significant numbers of naïve and vaccinated cynomolgus macaques with either a 7U or 8U variant of the Ebola virus, Kikwit isolate. In naïve animals, no difference in survivorship was observed; however, there was a significant delay in the disease course between the two groups. Significant differences were also observed in time-of-fever, serum chemistry, and hematology. In vaccinated animals, there was no statistical difference in survivorship between either challenge groups, with two succumbing in the 7U group compared to 1 in the 8U challenge group. In summary, survivorship was not affected, but the Ebola virus disease course in nonhuman primates is temporally influenced by glycoprotein poly-U editing site populations.
Spotlight on HIV-1 Nef: SERINC3 and SERINC5 Identified as Restriction Factors Antagonized by the Pathogenesis Factor
Authors: Fackler Oliver
Published: December 2015

The Nef protein is an accessory gene product encoded by human immunodeficiency virus types 1 and 2 (HIV-1/-2) and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) that boosts virus replication in the infected host and accelerates disease progression. Unlike the HIV-1 accessory proteins Vif, Vpr and Vpu, Nef was, until recently, not known to antagonize the antiviral activity of a host cell restriction factor. Two recent reports now describe the host cell proteins serine incorporator 3 and 5 (SERINC3 and SERINC5) as potent inhibitors of HIV-1 particle infectivity and demonstrate that Nef counteracts these effects. These findings establish SERINC3/5 as restrictions to HIV replication in human cells and define a novel activity for the HIV pathogenesis factor Nef.
Selectively fluorinated cyclohexane building blocks: Derivatives of carbonylated all-cis-3-phenyl-1,2,4,5-tetrafluorocyclohexane
Authors: Ayoup Mohammed Salah , Cordes David B , Slawin Alexandra M Z , O'Hagan David
Published: December 2015

Palladium catalysed carbonylation reactions using the meta- and para-iodo derivatives of all-cis-3-phenyl-1,2,4,5-tetrafluorocyclohexane (4) are illustrated as the start point for a variety of functional group interconversions. The resultant benzaldehyde and benzoic acids offer novel building blocks for further derivatisation and facilitate the incorporation of the facially polarised all-cis-1,2,4,5-tetrafluorocyclohexane motif into more advanced molecular scaffolds.
Pigmentų įtakos savaime sutankėjančio betono savybėms tyrimai
Authors: Ivanauskas Ernestas , Grigonis Donatas
Published: December 2015

Darbe aprašomas geležies oksido pigmento įtakos savaime sutankėjančio betono savybėms tyrimai. Tyrimo metu pigmento į betono mišinius buvo pridedama nuo 3 iki 6 % cemento masės. Taip pat atlikti kelių (chromo oksido, geležies oksido hidroksido ir geležies oksido) pigmentų įtakos normalaus tirštumo cementinei tešlai gauti tyrimai. Straipsnyje parodome, kad geležies oksido pigmentas sumažina vandens poreikio normalaus tirštumo cemento tešlai gauti. Pridedamas pigmentas mažina betono stiprį gniuždant iki 20 %. Bandiniai buvo testuojami po 1 paros ir 28 parų kietėjimo, išlaikant juos vandenyje 20±2 ºC. Dalis bandinių, siekiant paspartinti cemento hidratacijos procesą bei įvertinti pelenuose esančio aktyvaus SiO2 poveikį savaime sutankėjančio betono savybėms, buvo apdorota termiškai šutinimo kameroje 60 ºC temperatūroje. Naudojant geležies oksido pigmentą savaime sutankėjančiam betono mišiniui gaminti, pasklidimas padidėja iki 5 %. Sukietėjusio betono tyrimų duomenys parodė, kad geležies oksidas sumažina vandens įgeriamumą (iki 6 %) bei atvirą betono poringumą. Tai daro jį atsparesnį šalčiui.
Kompozitinių plienbetoninių plokščių, armuotų plieniniu plaušu, savybių tyrimas
Authors: Petkevičius Mindaugas
Published: December 2015

Nagrinėjama plieninio plaušo įtaka kompozitinių plienbetoninių plokščių stiprumui ir standumui veikiant statinei trumpalaikei apkrovai. Bandiniams panaudoti „kregždės uodegos“ tipo plieniniai lakštai ir plieniniu plaušu armuotas betonas. Iš viso buvo pagamintos keturios plokštės. Siekiant nustatyti plieninio plaušo įtaką kompozitinių plokščių stiprumui ir standumui, atliktas eksperimentinis tyrimas. Eksperimentinių bandymų metu buvo matuojamos skersinės, išilginės, šlyties deformacijos ir įlinkiai. Bandymų rezultatai parodė, kad plieninio plaušo naudojimas kompozitinėse plokštėse yra efektyvus: laikomoji galia yra 20–24 % didesnė ir įlinkių reikšmės, veikiant 0,6MR (čia MR lenkimo momentas, kuriam veikiant plokštės suyra) apkrovai, yra 16–18 % mažesnės už plokščių su įprastu betonu.
Oro tarša kietosiomis dalelėmis, jos įtaka gyvenimo kokybei ir taršos mažinimo patalpose priemonės
Authors: Matuliauskaitė Agnė
Published: December 2015

Straipsnyje pristatoma sudėtinga ir vis didėjanti problema – oro tarša kietosiomis dalelėmis (KD10, KD2,5), jų poveikis žmogaus sveikatai, kartu ir įtaka gyvenimo kokybei. Analizuojami kietųjų dalelių ribines vertes reglamentuojantys teisės aktai, pateikiamos ES direktyvų ir nacionalinių teisės aktų nustatytos kietųjų dalelių koncentracijų vertinimui taikomos ribinės vertės. Pastarųjų metų tyrimai rodo, jog didžiąją laiko dalį žmonės praleidžia patalpose, o patalpų oras didžiuosiuose miestuose gali būti kur kas labiau užterštas nei oras lauke, todėl nagrinėjamos patalpų oro užterštumo priežastys. Apibendrinant straipsnyje pateiktą analizę, siūlomos oro taršos kietosiomis dalelėmis mažinimo priemonės gyvenamosiose patalpose, t. y. pateikiamos trys pagrindinės patalpų oro kokybės gerinimo strategijos.