bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Surgical Approach to Pediatric Glaucoma
Authors: Khan Arif O
Published: June 2015

Glaucoma in children differs from adult-onset disease and typically requires surgical intervention. However, affected children exhibit a spectrum of disease severity and prospective data guiding the choice of operation are lacking. This article reviews common procedures and a surgical approach to pediatric glaucoma.
Sustainable production of blended cement in Pakistan through addition of natural pozzolana
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad , Sajjad Muhammad , Khan Irfan , Durrani Amina , Durrani Ali , Gul Saeed , Ullah Asmat
Published: June 2015

In this work pozzolana deposits of district Swabi, Pakistan were investigated
for partial substitution of Portland cement along with limestone filler. The
cement samples were mixed in different proportions and tested for compressive
strength at 7 and 28 days. The strength activity index (SAI) for 10 %
pozzolana, and 5% limestone blend at 7 and 28 days was 75.5% and 85.0%
satisfying the minimum SAI limit of ASTM C618. Twenty two percents natural
pozzolana and five percents limestone were interground with clinker and
gypsum in a laboratory ball mill to compare the power consumption with
ordinary Portland cement (OPC) (95% clinker and 5% gypsum). The ternary
blended cement took less time to reach to the same fineness level as OPC due
to soft pozzolana and high grade lime stone indicating that intergrinding may
reduce overall power consumption. Blended cement production using natural
pozzolana and limestone may reduce the energy consumption and green house gas
emissions.
Thermodynamical research of using solar energy for desalination of seawater
Authors: Arsovic Marjan , Topic Radivoje , Komatina Mirko , Gojak Milan
Published: June 2015

Many regions of the world face the problem of saline water. Water
desalination processes, which require significant energy consumption, are a
common solution to produce drinking water. This study evaluated the influence
of the following process operational parameters on the energy consumption of
seawater RO systems: water salinity, permeate recovery ratio, membrane
performance and feed water temperature. Optimal operational conditions for
the theoretical minimum energy consumption were determined with experiments
by varying water qualities and operational parameters. In order to further
reduce energy consumption a RO system was integrated with a PV solar system
and a pilot PVRO system was built and tested. The results obtained from this
study indicated that even though a Solar PV system incurs a huge initial
capital investment, it will yield significant benefits in the long run of the
RO operational period.
Preliminary checklist of marine mollusks from Beyt Dwarka, Gulf Of Kutch (eco-sensitive zone), Gujarat, India
Authors: Soni Hiren B , Thakur Kavita
Published: June 2015

Correction: On 05/06/2016 The spelling of the first author's name was changed from "Biren B Soni" to "Hiren B Soni".The preliminary investigation of marine mollusks of Beyt Dwarka was carried out to prepare a checklist at the island of Beyt Dwarka, Gulf of Kachchh (Eco-sensitive Zone), Okhamandal Taluka, Jamnagar District, Gujarat, India. The rapid ecological assessment revealed the occurrence of 82 species of mollusks, belonging to 61 genera, 32 families, 9 orders, and 3 classes (including uncommon / rare species). Of the reported species, Class Bivalvia was represented by 5 orders, 8 families, and 20 species, followed by 4 orders of Gastropoda distributed in 23 families and 60 species, and only 1 order (Scaphopoda) with 1 family and 2 species. Of 82 species, 67 species were common throughout the study period (October 2013 to February 2014), whereas 15 species were designated as uncommon or rare therein. The overall ratio of Order, Family and Species of recorded molluscan taxa was found to be 3.00: 3.56: 2.56. From the present survey, it was observed that the study area (Beyt Dwarka) is endowed with rich diversity of marine mollusks prevailed therein. Therefore, it should be declared as “Sanctum sanctorum” by employing grassroots efforts involving local inhabitants with the help of forest officials suggesting site-specific conservation and management strategies.International Journal of Environment Vol.4(2) 2015: 243-255
Germany's Strategic Narrative of the Eurozone Crisis
Authors: Hertner Isabelle , Miskimmon Alister
Published: June 2015

This article outlines how Germany has sought to project a strategic narrative of the Eurozone crisis. Germany has been placed center stage in the Eurozone crisis, and as a consequence, the German government's crisis narrative matters for the future of the common currency. We highlight how the German government has sought to narrate a story of the cause of the Eurozone crisis and present policy solutions to influence policy decisions within the EU and maintain domestic political support. This focus on the public communication of the crisis is central to understanding the development of Germany's policy as it was negotiated with EU partners, the U.S. and international financial institutions. We draw on speeches and interviews by Chancellor Angela Merkel and two of her senior cabinet ministers delivered at key moments of the Eurozone crisis between May 2010 and June 2012. The article argues that while Merkel and her governments have been able to shore up domestic support for her Eurozone policies, she has struggled to find a coherent strategic narrative that is both consistent with German domestic preferences and historical memory, and with those of other Eurozone members.
(Extra)ordinary Life: The Rhetoric of Representing the Socialist Everyday After Unification
Authors: Jones Sara
Published: June 2015

This article investigates the politics of representing everyday life (Alltag) in the German Democratic Republic in state-mandated museums and memorials in the contemporary Federal Republic. Through an analysis of advertising material, exhibits, and visitor surveys, it considers how managers of “auratic” sites have responded to the challenge posed by interpretations of the East German state that resist the focus on repression, as well as the impact of this response on different visitor groups. The discussion focuses on two established sites—Gedenkstätte Hohenschönhausen and Forschungs- und Gedenkstätte Normannenstraße—as well as the exhibition in the Tränenpalast in Berlin, opened in September 2011. It argues that state-supported sites frequently seek to contain memories of Alltag by reinterpreting the term to mean the extraordinary experiences of ordinary people. Nonetheless, overly didactic interpretations that leave little space for individual meaning-making risk disinheriting those whose memories are based on social and economic security, rather than state violence. The article argues that there is a tension in these museums and memorials between a desire to present a singular view of the East German state as the second German dictatorship and the recognition that the “active visitor” brings his or her own experiences, interests and memories to public history sites.
Berlin as a Terrain of Cultural Policy: Outline of a Struggle
Authors: van der Will Wilfried
Published: June 2015

After considering the functions of capital cities this article argues that culture both as creative activity and as living heritage of customs and architectural assemblies plays a central role in the self-perception of present-day Berlin. The agents—public and private—that interact in the conception and execution of decisive initiatives in the remake of the city form an extensive cultural policy establishment. They derive their legitimation from regional and federal constitutions and from their command of attention in the public discourse. Berlin's claimed status as the most obvious German metropolis is not self-evident. Within the nation it is neither the center of finance, nor the media, nor the supreme courts. In Germany there are other towns and metropolitan regions with a similarly rich infrastructure that can compete at least nationally. But Berlin, building on Enlightenment traditions, is making a plausible effort in regaining its cosmopolitanism. Despite a host of problems, it is now surpassing the ethnic and cultural diversity that was lost in the years of Nazi dictatorship. Can it maintain its attraction for creative talent, both cultural and technological, in view of accelerating social divisions and gentrification?
Acute Effects of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) or Paraquat on Core Temperature in C57BL/6J Mice
Authors: Jiao Yun , Dou Yuchen , Lockwood Georgina , Pani Amar , Smeyne Richard Jay
Published: June 2015

Background:

MPTP and paraquat are two compounds that have been used to model Parkinson’s disease in mice. Previous studies in two non-traditional strains of mice have shown that a single dose of MPTP can induce changes in body temperature, while the effects of paraquat have not been examined. Examination of body temperature is important since small fluctuations in an animal’s core temperature can significantly affect drug metabolism, and if significant enough can even culminate in an animal’s death.

Objective:

To determine how external heating can alter the survival of C57BL/6J mice following MPTP administration.

Methods:

In this study, we examine the effects of MPTP (4×20 mg/kg, 2 hours apart) and paraquat (2×10 mg/kg/week for 3 weeks) on core temperature of C57BL/6J mice. Correlations of purine and catecholamine levels were also done in mice treated with MPTP.

Results:

We find that MPTP induces a significant hypothermia in C57BL/6J mice that reduces their core temperature below the limit of fatal hypothermia. Unlike MPTP, paraquat did not induce a significant hypothermia. Placement of animals on heating pads significantly abrogates the loss of core temperature. In both heated and non-heated conditions, mice treated with MPTP showed a significant depletion of ATP within 2 hours of administration in both striatum and SN that started to recover 2 hours after MPTP administration was complete. Striatal DA and DOPAC are significantly reduced starting 4–6 hours after MPTP.

Conclusions:

The fatal hypothermic effects of MPTP can be abrogated through use of external heating.
The Unique and Combined Effects of Apathy and Depression on Cognition in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Cohen Matthew L. , Aita Stephen , Mari Zoltan , Brandt Jason
Published: June 2015

Background:

Apathy and depression are associated with poor cognition in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, the cognitive signature of each syndrome is not well understood. The cognitive consequences of having apathy or depression, versus apathy and depression, are also unclear.

Objective:

This study investigated the unique and combined effects of apathy and depression on cognition in PD patients.

Methods:

PD patients were identified from a clinical research database as having self-reported apathy ( n = 21), depression ( n = 11), or both ( n = 43). PD patients without apathy or depression served as the Control group ( n = 49). The groups were of similar age, education, disease severity, age of symptom onset, and medication status. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) compared the groups on 17 neuropsychological test scores in the domains of attention, motor and psychomotor speed, construction, language, episodic memory, and executive functioning.

Results:

There was a significant overall effect of group: F(18,276) = 2.12, p = 0.006, ηp2=0.12. Univariate analyses and planned contrasts revealed medium-sized effects distinguishing only the control group and the group with both apathy and depression (ηp2=0.06–0.12) on measures of verbal fluency and manual, processing, and psychomotor speed.

Conclusions:

PD patients with apathy alone or depression alone did not perform worse than PD controls on neuropsychological tests. Patients with apathy and depression performed worse than controls, but only on speed-based measures. This suggests that apathy and depression are associated with the same or similar circuits as those of cognitive and motor speed.
Clinical Parameters and Tools for Home-Based Assessment of Parkinson’s Disease: Results from a Delphi study
Authors: Ferreira Joaquim J. , Santos Ana T. , Domingos Josefa , Matthews Helen , Isaacs Tom , Duffen Joy , Al-Jawad Ahmed , Larsen Frank , Serrano J. Artur , Weber Peter , Thoms Andrea , Sollinger Stefan , Graessner Holm , Maetzler Walter
Published: June 2015

Background:

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with fluctuating symptoms. To aid the development of a system to evaluate people with PD (PwP) at home (SENSE-PARK system) there was a need to define parameters and tools to be applied in the assessment of 6 domains: gait, bradykinesia/hypokinesia, tremor, sleep, balance and cognition.

Objective:

To identify relevant parameters and assessment tools of the 6 domains, from the perspective of PwP, caregivers and movement disorders specialists.

Methods:

A 2-round Delphi study was conducted to select a core of parameters and assessment tools to be applied. This process included PwP, caregivers and movement disorders specialists.

Results:

Two hundred and thirty-three PwP, caregivers and physicians completed the first round questionnaire, and 50 the second. Results allowed the identification of parameters and assessment tools to be added to the SENSE-PARK system. The most consensual parameters were: Falls and Near Falls; Capability to Perform Activities of Daily Living; Interference with Activities of Daily Living; Capability to Process Tasks; and Capability to Recall and Retrieve Information. The most cited assessment strategies included Walkers; the Evaluation of Performance Doing Fine Motor Movements; Capability to Eat; Assessment of Sleep Quality; Identification of Circumstances and Triggers for Loose of Balance and Memory Assessment.

Conclusions:

An agreed set of measuring parameters, tests, tools and devices was achieved to be part of a system to evaluate PwP at home. A pattern of different perspectives was identified for each stakeholder.
Usefulness of Genetic Testing in PD and PD Trials: A Balanced Review
Authors: Gasser Thomas
Published: June 2015

An increasing proportion of the individual and population risk to develop Parkinson’s disease (PD) can be explained by genetic variants of different effect strength, forming a continuum from rare high penetrance gain or loss of function mutations to relatively common genetic risk variants that only mildly modify disease risk. In the coming years, further advances in molecular genetic technologies, in particular the increasing use of next generation sequencing, is likely to generate a wealth of new knowledge about the genetic basis of PD. Although specific treatments for PD based on the underlying genetic etiology will probably not be available in the near future, genetic testing is therefore likely to play an increasing role, both in the counselling of individual patients and their families with respect to the expected disease course and recurrence risks, and in the stratification of patient groups in clinical trials. Thus, the usefulness of genetic testing strongly depends on question asked and needs to be considered within each particular setting.
The Rationale for Exercise in the Management of Pain in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Allen Natalie E. , Moloney Niamh , van Vliet Vanessa , Canning Colleen G.
Published: June 2015

Pain is a distressing non-motor symptom experienced by up to 85% of people with Parkinson’s disease (PD), yet it is often untreated. This pain is likely to be influenced by many factors, including the disease process, PD impairments as well as co-existing musculoskeletal and/or neuropathic pain conditions. Expert opinion recommends that exercise is included as one component of pain management programs; however, the effect of exercise on pain in this population is unclear. This review presents evidence describing the potential influence of exercise on the pain-related pathophysiological processes present in PD. Emerging evidence from both animal and human studies suggests that exercise might contribute to neuroplasticity and neuro-restoration by increasing brain neurotrophic factors, synaptic strength and angiogenesis, as well as stimulating neurogenesis and improving metabolism and the immune response. These changes may be beneficial in improving the central processing of pain. There is also evidence that exercise can activate both the dopaminergic and non-dopaminergic pain inhibitory pathways, suggesting that exercise may help to modulate the experience of pain in PD. Whilst clinical data on the effects of exercise for pain relief in people with PD are scarce, and are urgently needed, preliminary guidelines are presented for exercise prescription for the management of central neuropathic, peripheral neuropathic and musculoskeletal pain in PD.
Rising to the Challenges of Clinical Trial Improvement in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Mathur Soania , DeWitte Steve , Robledo Israel , Isaacs Tom , Stamford Jon
Published: June 2015

Background:

Despite an urgent need for new medications, clinical trials in Parkinson’s have a relatively low rate of success. Although many reasons have been proposed for this, the opinions of patients and scientists, the two principal stakeholders, have not been widely canvassed.

Objective:

The objective of the present study was to establish the main barriers to clinical trials success in Parkinson’s, as perceived by people with Parkinson’s and those engaged in conducting clinical trials in Parkinson’s.

Method:

Three hundred and three people (303) with a connection to Parkinson’s completed an online four-item questionnaire, directed towards discovering the barriers that interfere with the establishment of effective clinical trials.

Results:

87% of respondents were patients and their care partners and 11% were medical professionals involved with clinical research. In the survey, those involved in conducting research cited insufficient financial and administrative support as the biggest obstacles to carrying out effective clinical trials. For responders with Parkinson’s, the principal barrier to their participation in medical research was fear of potential adverse consequences and misconceptions regarding the clinical trial system as a whole, issues rooted in a perceived lack of communication of relevant information between the research and patient communities.

Conclusions:

Areas for future improvement as highlighted by this survey and debated at the Rallying to the Challenge meeting of people with Parkinson’s (PwP) at the Van Andel Research Institute that followed included recommendations in the areas of communication, education, funding, recruitment and compliance.
Role of Different Alpha-Synuclein Strains in Synucleinopathies, Similarities with other Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Melki Ronald
Published: June 2015

Misfolded protein aggregates are the hallmark of several neurodegenerative diseases in humans. The main protein constituent of these aggregates and the regions within the brain that are affected differ from one neurodegenerative disorder to another. A plethora of reports suggest that distinct diseases have in common the ability of protein aggregates to spread and amplify within the central nervous system. This review summarizes briefly what is known about the nature of the protein aggregates that are infectious and the reason they are toxic to cells. The chameleon property of polypeptides which aggregation into distinct high-molecular weight assemblies is associated to different diseases, in particular, that of alpha-synuclein which aggregation is the hallmark of distinct synucleinopathies, is discussed. Finally, strategies targeting the formation and propagation of structurally distinct alpha-synuclein assemblies associated to different synucleinopathies are presented and their therapeutic and diagnostic potential is discussed.
Analgesic and anti-diarrheal activities of Aganosma dichotoma (Roth) K. Schum. in Swiss-albino mice model
Authors: Faruk Md Al , Khan Mohammad Firoz , Mian Md Yeunus , Rahman Mohammad Sharifur , Rashid Mohammad A
Published: June 2015

Aganosma dichotoma (Roth) K. Schum. is an indigenous plant of Bangladesh. Traditional healers use this plant to treat many diseases. In order to systematically explore the medicinal values of this plant, the crude methanol extract of leaves of A. dichotoma were screened for analgesic and antidiarrheal activities in mice model. The peripheral and central analgesic actions were determined by using acetic acid-induced writhing and tail immersion methods. The extract significantly (p < 0.05) attenuated the acetic acid-induced writhing in a dose dependent manner. A noticeable dose-dependent increase (p < 0.05) of latency period was also observed in the tail immersion method. In the castor oil induced anti-diarrheal assay, the extract exhibited significant (p < 0.05) anti-diarrheal effect at a dose of 400 mg/kg body weight.Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 18(1): 15-19, 2015
Antidiabetics in combination with hydroxychloroquine improve antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities in alloxan-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Zannah Shaheda , Islam Monirul , Ali Yusuf , Asaduzzaman Md , Sarwar Md Shahid , Bari Abdul Alim Al , Rashid Mamunur
Published: June 2015

Hyperglycemia exerts toxic effects on the pancreatic ?-cells. This study investigated the hypothesis that the antidiabetic drugs glibenclamide and metformin, in combination with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) offer additional protection for the pancreas against oxidative stress and produce hepatoprotective effect in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in male Long-Evans rats by a single dose of alloxan (120 mg/kg; i.p.). Different groups of diabetic animals were treated with glibenclamide (10 mg/70 kg, i.p.), metformin (850 mg/70 kg, i.p.), HCQ (300 mg/70 kg, i.p.) and combination of both glibenclamide and metformin with HCQ, separately for a period of 28 days. Diabetic rats had significantly elevated levels of serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), while catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were significantly reduced. Glibenclamide and metformin produced no significant effects on antioxidant enzymes but both showed significant (p<0.05) result in reducing SGOT and SGPT level in diabetic rats. In contrast, the combination of glibenclamide or metformin with HCQ showed better effect on up-regulation of CAT and SOD activity and down-regulation of SGOT and SGPT activity in comparison with the antidiabetic drug alone. These findings suggest that, HCQ potentiates the effect of glibenclamide and metformin to protect pancreas against oxidative stress and produce hepatoprotective effect in diabetic rats.Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 18(1): 72-77, 2015
Recent Pharma News
Authors: Rahman SM Ashikur
Published: June 2015

Abstract not availableBangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 18(1): 78-82, 2015
New drugs approval
Authors: Hossain Md Akbar
Published: June 2015

Abstract not availableBangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 18(1): 83-84, 2015
Plant regeneration through somatic embryogenesis from calli derived from leaf bases of Laurus nobilis L. (Lauraceae)
Authors: Al Gabbiesh Ahmad H , Ghabeish M , H I , Kleinwächter M , Selmar D
Published: June 2015

Somatic embryogenesis was induced in embryo culture on half MS medium supplemented with NAA (8 mg/l) as the sole plant growth regulator after incubation of the media in the refrigerator at 4°C for two weeks to promote callus induction and somatic embryogenesis in Laurus nobilis. Both embryogenetic calli and somatic embryos were induced in the above selected medium. Embryo growth and development were stimulated by separation of embryos successfully from embryo clusters and transferred onto fresh half MS. Among the selected explants, only leaf bases were found to respond actively to plant regeneration, especially in inducing callus formation and in sustaining faster callus growth. Root formation of regenerated plantlets tended to decrease with time on regeneration media. Overall, 75% of the plantlets derived from the callus survived in the greenhouse; and they all grew to phenotypically normal plants. This procedure will enable the use of regeneration tissue culture technology for germplasm conservation of L. nobilis, a plant of high medicinal and commercial value.Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 24(2): 213-221, 2014 (December)
In vitro shoot regeneration of Stereospermum suaveolens DC. using cotyledonary node and nodal explants
Authors: Trivedi Darshini R , Joshi Aruna G
Published: June 2015

The cotyledonary node and nodal explants Stereospermum suaveolens DC. were cultured on Woody Plant medium (WPM) supplemented with individual BAP 2?25 ?M), Kn (2?25 ?M) and TDZ (0.1?2 ?M. Observations revealed that in both cotyledonary node and nodal explants, lower concentrations of cytokinins (BAP/Kn/TDZ) were effective in inducing proliferation response. The axillary bud of both the explants proliferated into single shoots which were further subcultured on fresh medium with respective concentrations for shoot multiplication. It was observed that multiple shoots developed only in presence of Kn (8 ?M) in both the explants but the shoots developed from nodal explants were strong and healthy with average shoot number reaching to 3.8 ± 0.6 and length 5.4 ± 0.4 cm by the end of third passage. Rooting (100%) was achieved in microshoots when transferred to half strength WPM liquid medium supplemented with IBA (2 ?M). The plantlets were transferred to different substrates for acclimatization.Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 24(2): 235-246, 2014 (December
Optimization of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) callus culture
Authors: Keykha Fatemeh , Khadem Azade , Bagheri Abdolreza , Sharifi Ahmad , Ameri Maryam
Published: June 2015

Abstract not availablePlant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 24(2): 279-285, 2014 (December)
Cycads in vitro
Authors: Da Silva Jaime A Teixeira , Woodenberg Wynston Ray , Zeng Songjun
Published: June 2015

The Cycadales are a group of botanical and evolutionary importance; however, many species face the threat of extinction due to poaching and habitat destruction. The current investigation reviews previous work on in vitro production of cycads, which holds great potential for mass production and germplasm conservation of these unique plants. Megagametophytes and zygotic embryos have been used as explants in most studies, while seedling tissue and new leaf tissue of mature trees have also been used. Callus, coralloid roots and somatic embryos have been formed in vitro but direct organogenesis appears to be the most promising method for mass production and germplasm preservation of the cycads, as recent studies have reported the acclimatization of numerous plantlets less than 200 days after initial culture of zygotic embryos.Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 24(2): 287-301, 2014 (December)
Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Haskap Cultivars is Polyphenols-Dependent
Authors: Rupasinghe H. , Boehm Mannfred , Sekhon-Loodu Satvir , Parmar Indu , Bors Bob , Jamieson Andrew
Published: June 2015

Haskap (Lonicera caerulea L.) berries have long been used for their health promoting properties against chronic conditions. The current study investigated the effect of Canadian haskap berry extracts on pro-inflammatory cytokines using a human monocytic cell line THP-1 derived macrophages stimulated by lipopolysaccharide. Methanol extracts of haskap from different growing locations in Canada were prepared and characterized for their total phenolic profile using colorimetric assays and liquid chromatography—Mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Human THP-1 monocytes were seeded in 24-well plates (5 × 105/well) and treated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA, 0.1 μg/mL) for 48 h to induce macrophage differentiation. After 48 h, the differentiated macrophages were washed with Hank’s buffer and treated with various concentrations of test compounds for 4 h, followed by the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulation (18 h). Borealis cultivar showed the highest phenolic content, flavonoid content and anthocyanin content (p < 0.05). A negative correlation existed between the polyphenol concentration of the extracts and pro-inflammatory cytokines: Interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), prostaglandin (PGE2), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme. Borealis exhibited comparable anti-inflammatory effects to COX inhibitory drug, diclofenac. The results showed that haskap berry polyphenols has the potential to act as an effective inflammation inhibitor.
Consensus Analysis of Heterogeneous Multi-Agent Systems with Time-Varying Delay
Authors: Wang Beibei , Sun Yuangong
Published: June 2015

This paper studies consensus and \(H_\infty\) consensus problems for heterogeneous multi-agent systems composed of first-order and second-order integrator agents. We first rewrite the multi-agent systems into the corresponding reduced-order systems based on the graph theory and the reduced-order transformation. Then, the linear matrix inequality approach is used to consider the consensus of heterogeneous multi-agent systems with time-varying delays in directed networks. As a result, sufficient conditions for consensus and \(H_\infty\) consensus of heterogeneous multi-agent systems in terms of linear matrix inequalities are established in the cases of fixed and switching topologies. Finally, numerical simulations are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
Investigation of Heat Generation from Biomass Fuels
Authors: Murasawa Naoharu , Koseki Hiroshi
Published: June 2015

New biomass fuels are constantly being developed from renewable resources in an effort to counter global warming and to create a sustainable society based on recycling. Among these, biomass fuels manufactured from waste are prone to microbial fermentation, and are likely to cause fires and explosions if safety measures, including sufficient risk assessments and long-term storage, are not considered. In this study, we conducted a series of experiments on several types of newly developed biomass fuels, using combinations of various thermal- and gas-analysers, to identify the risks related to heat- and gas-generation. Since a method for the evaluation of the relative risks of biomass fuels is not yet established in Japan, we also such a method based on our experimental results. The present study found that in cases where safety measures are not thoroughly observed, biomass fuels manufactured from waste materials have a higher possibility of combusting spontaneously at the storage site due to microbial fermentation and heat generation.
Prototype Early Warning Systems for Vector-Borne Diseases in Europe
Authors: Semenza Jan
Published: June 2015

Globalization and environmental change, social and demographic determinants and health system capacity are significant drivers of infectious diseases which can also act as epidemic precursors. Thus, monitoring changes in these drivers can help anticipate, or even forecast, an upsurge of infectious diseases. The European Environment and Epidemiology (E3) Network has been built for this purpose and applied to three early warning case studies: (1) The environmental suitability of malaria transmission in Greece was mapped in order to target epidemiological and entomological surveillance and vector control activities. Malaria transmission in these areas was interrupted in 2013 through such integrated preparedness and response activities. (2) Since 2010, recurrent West Nile fever outbreaks have ensued in South/eastern Europe. Temperature deviations from a thirty year average proved to be associated with the 2010 outbreak. Drivers of subsequent outbreaks were computed through multivariate logistic regression models and included monthly temperature anomalies for July and a normalized water index. (3) Dengue is a tropical disease but sustained transmission has recently emerged in Madeira. Autochthonous transmission has also occurred repeatedly in France and in Croatia mainly due to travel importation. The risk of dengue importation into Europe in 2010 was computed with the volume of international travelers from dengue affected areas worldwide.These prototype early warning systems indicate that monitoring drivers of infectious diseases can help predict vector-borne disease threats.
A New Homogeneous Catalyst for the Dehydrogenation of Dimethylamine Borane Starting with Ruthenium(III) Acetylacetonate
Authors: Barın Ebru , Masjedi Mehdi , Özkar Saim
Published: June 2015

The catalytic activity of ruthenium(III) acetylacetonate was investigated for the first time in the dehydrogenation of dimethylamine borane. During catalytic reaction, a new ruthenium(II) species is formed in situ from the reduction of ruthenium(III) and characterized using UV-Visible, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), 1H NMR, and mass spectroscopy. The most likely structure suggested for the ruthenium(II) species is mer-[Ru(N2Me4)3(acac)H]. Mercury poisoning experiment indicates that the catalytic dehydrogenation of dimethylamine-borane is homogeneous catalysis. The kinetics of the catalytic dehydrogenation of dimethylamine borane starting with Ru(acac)3 were studied depending on the catalyst concentration, substrate concentration and temperature. The hydrogen generation was found to be first-order with respect to catalyst concentration and zero-order regarding the substrate concentration. Evaluation of the kinetic data provides the activation parameters for the dehydrogenation reaction: the activation energy Ea = 85 ± 2 kJ·mol−1, the enthalpy of activation ∆H# = 82 ± 2 kJ·mol−1 and the entropy of activation; ∆S# = −85 ± 5 J·mol−1·K−1. The ruthenium(II) catalyst formed from the reduction of ruthenium(III) acetylacetonate provides 1700 turnovers over 100 hours in hydrogen generation from the dehydrogenation of dimethylamine borane before deactivation at 60 °C.
Metabolism at Evolutionary Optimal States
Authors: Rabbers Iraes , Van Heerden Johan , Nordholt Niclas , Bachmann Herwig , Teusink Bas , Bruggeman Frank
Published: June 2015

Metabolism is generally required for cellular maintenance and for the generation of offspring under conditions that support growth. The rates, yields (efficiencies), adaptation time and robustness of metabolism are therefore key determinants of cellular fitness. For biotechnological applications and our understanding of the evolution of metabolism, it is necessary to figure out how the functional system properties of metabolism can be optimized, via adjustments of the kinetics and expression of enzymes, and by rewiring metabolism. The trade-offs that can occur during such optimizations then indicate fundamental limits to evolutionary innovations and bioengineering. In this paper, we review several theoretical and experimental findings about mechanisms for metabolic optimization.
Do Overweight Adolescents Adhere to Dietary Intervention Messages? Twelve-Month Detailed Dietary Outcomes from Curtin University’s Activity, Food and Attitudes Program
Authors: Smith Kyla , Kerr Deborah , Howie Erin , Straker Leon
Published: June 2015

Dietary components of adolescent obesity interventions are rarely evaluated with comprehensive reporting of dietary change. The objective was to assess dietary change in overweight adolescents, including adherence to dietary intervention. The dietary intervention was part of a multi-component intervention (CAFAP) targeting the physical activity, sedentary and healthy eating behaviors of overweight adolescents (n = 69). CAFAP was a staggered entry, within-subject, waitlist controlled clinical trial with 12 months of follow up. Diet was assessed using three-day food records and a brief eating behavior questionnaire. Changes in dietary outcomes were assessed using linear mixed models, adjusted for underreporting. Food record data suggested reduced adherence to dietary intervention messages over time following the intervention, despite conflicting information from the brief eating behavior questionnaire. During the intervention, energy intake was stable but favorable nutrient changes occurred. During the 12 month maintenance period; self-reported eating behaviors improved, energy intake remained stable but dietary fat and saturated fat intake gradually returned to baseline levels. Discrepancies between outcomes from brief dietary assessment methods and three-day food records show differences between perceived and actual intake, highlighting the need for detailed dietary reporting. Further, adherence to dietary intervention principles reduces over time, indicating a need for better maintenance support.
Feasibility and Use of the Mobile Food Record for Capturing Eating Occasions among Children Ages 3–10 Years in Guam
Authors: Aflague Tanisha , Boushey Carol , Guerrero Rachael , Ahmad Ziad , Kerr Deborah , Delp Edward
Published: June 2015

Children’s readiness to use technology supports the idea of children using mobile applications for dietary assessment. Our goal was to determine if children 3–10 years could successfully use the mobile food record (mFR) to capture a usable image pair or pairs. Children in Sample 1 were tasked to use the mFR to capture an image pair of one eating occasion while attending summer camp. For Sample 2, children were tasked to record all eating occasions for two consecutive days at two time periods that were two to four weeks apart. Trained analysts evaluated images. In Sample 1, 90% (57/63) captured one usable image pair. All children (63/63) returned the mFR undamaged. Sixty-two children reported: The mFR was easy to use (89%); willingness to use the mFR again (87%); and the fiducial marker easy to manage (94%). Children in Sample 2 used the mFR at least one day at Time 1 (59/63, 94%); Time 2 (49/63, 78%); and at both times (47/63, 75%). This latter group captured 6.21 ± 4.65 and 5.65 ± 3.26 mean (±SD) image pairs for Time 1 and Time 2, respectively. Results support the potential for children to independently record dietary intakes using the mFR.
Complexity and Volume: An Inquiry into Factors that Drive Principals’ Work
Authors: Pollock Katina , Wang Fei , Hauseman David
Published: June 2015

Background: The work of contemporary school principals is intensifying in terms of its complexity and volume. Many factors moderate and drive such work intensification. This study aims to understand what and how factors interact to complicate principals’ work. Methods: Focus groups and an online survey were used for data collection. Three focus group sessions with eight principals were conducted to help develop and refine the online survey. The survey covers 12 key areas in principals’ work and was distributed among the members of Ontario Principals’ Council. Descriptive statistics, correlation and factor analysis were conducted on survey results. Results: The study shows that there are many key areas that moderate principals’ work, such as administrative duties and responsibilities, jurisdictional policies, external influences, partnerships, and challenges and possibilities. School principals are experiencing increased expectations at work in terms of the number of tasks they are expected to undertake, the duration of time they are required to complete those tasks, and the many challenges they face at their work. Conclusions: Principals’ choice of leadership approaches and practices is subject to factors that exist within and beyond schools. Such factors moderate the way that principals carry out their work and limit their choices in exercising their professional autonomy.
The Bumpy Road toward Low-Energy Urban Mobility: Case Studies from Two UK Cities
Authors: Schwanen Tim
Published: June 2015

Cities are increasingly seen as the places where innovations that can trigger a sociotechnical transition toward urban mobility are emerging and maturing. Processes such as peak car, rail renaissance and cycling boom manifest themselves particularly in cities, and success stories of cities experimenting with specific types of low-energy mobility abound in the academic literature. Nonetheless, innovation is known to be a precarious process requiring favorable circumstances. Using document analysis and in-depth interviews, this study examines the nature of low-energy innovation in the everyday mobility of people in two UK cities with favorable conditions for a transition away from fossil fuels—Brighton and Oxford. It shows that clear differences exist between the two cities in the sorts of innovation that emerge and diffuse as a result of path dependencies, local politics, and financial support from supra-local governments and agencies. While low-energy mobility currently has substantial momentum in both cities, the majority of low-carbon innovations in urban mobility are incremental rather than radical in nature, and their future is often imbued with uncertainty. The autonomy of small- and medium-sized cities as agents in bringing about transformational change toward low-energy urban mobility should not be overestimated.
The Accelerated Urbanization Process: A Threat to Soil Resources in Eastern China
Authors: Li Jiadan , Deng Jinsong , Gu Qing , Wang Ke , Ye Fangjin , Xu Zhihao , Jin Shuquan
Published: June 2015

The eastern coastal region of China has been experiencing rapid urbanization which has imposed great challenges on soil resources, characterized by soil sealing and fragmented soil landscapes. Taking Zhejiang Province—a fairly economically-developed and highly-urbanized region in eastern China—as a case study, a practical framework that integrates remote sensing, GIS, soil quality assessment and landscape analysis was employed to track and analyze the rapid urbanization process and spatiotemporal dynamics of soil sealing and landscape change from 1990 to 2010. Meanwhile, this paper qualitatively explored the regional inequality and characteristics in soil sealing intensity among cities of different geo-zones in Zhejiang Province. Results showed that total area of 6420 km2 had been sealed during the past two decades for the entire study area, which represents 6.2% of the provincial area. Among these sealed soils, 68.6% are fertile soils located in flat plains, such as Paddy soils. Soil landscapes became more fragmented and dispersed in distribution, more irregular and complex in shape, and less dominant and diverse in soil type, as evidenced by the constant change of various spatial landscape metrics. What is more, different geo-zones exhibited significant differences in dynamics of soil sealing intensity, soil composition and soil landscape patterns. The permanent loss of valuable soil resource and increasing fragmented soil landscape patterns concomitant with rapid urbanization processes may inevitably bring about potential threats to regional soil resources and food security.
Dynamics of Virus-Receptor Interactions in Virus Binding, Signaling, and Endocytosis
Authors: Boulant Steeve , Stanifer Megan , Lozach Pierre-Yves
Published: June 2015

During viral infection the first challenge that viruses have to overcome is gaining access to the intracellular compartment. The infection process starts when the virus contacts the surface of the host cell. A complex series of events ensues, including diffusion at the host cell membrane surface, binding to receptors, signaling, internalization, and delivery of the genetic information. The focus of this review is on the very initial steps of virus entry, from receptor binding to particle uptake into the host cell. We will discuss how viruses find their receptor, move to sub-membranous regions permissive for entry, and how they hijack the receptor-mediated signaling pathway to promote their internalization.
Légitimistes français sous la Monarchie de Juillet : image catastrophique de la France, image panégyrique de la Russie
Authors: Milchina Véra
Published: June 2015

The French legitimists who remained loyal to the elder branch of the House of Bourbon —overthrown in 1830—became «the internal émigrés» (in the words of Delphine de Girardin) within their own country. They refused to collaborate with the new Establishment and they were seeking their political ideals outside France. As opposed to France's constitutional monarchy, they idealised Russia's absolutist monarchy for its order and political harmony. The worse they considered matters in France under Louis-Philippe, the more they cherished the situation in Russia under Nicholas I. While some legitimists limited themselves to praising the patriarchal Russian state in theoretical terms, others opted to put their enthusiasm to the test and joined Russia's military or civil service. They found the practices of autocratic monarchy in reality, however, less desirable than they had envisaged these earlier in their dreams. This article will assess some of the experiences of French legitimists in Tsarist Russia.
La fabrication des héros dans l'U.R.S.S. des années 1920-1930
Authors: Conte Francis
Published: June 2015

This article will focus on the "external ingredients" that informed the creation of Soviet heroes in the 1920s and 30s. This will challenge the tendency to see these individuals comprised of a single, Russian-made, feature. Our study will concern the case of Pavlik Morozov - the "pioneer number one". Among the external components within the make-up of this figure we shall consider the impact of Nietzsche whose presence is thanks to the mediation of Maxim Gorki. Gorki was one of the founders of the pioneer organisation within which the worship of the young Pavlik was based. We shall then have a look at the TYPE of the classical hero before moving on to the "children martyrs" of the French Revolution. This will paradoxically take us to assessing the impact of the Scout Movement on Soviet pioneers, at least at the beginning of the 1920s. Depending on who and when assesses them throughout various historical periods, heroes attract or repel. Their conduct and the values they embody signify the very cultural markers to whose creation they contributed.
La diffusion des procès de Moscou en France : un exemple de « glasnost' » stalinienne
Authors: Lemagnen Catherine
Published: June 2015

In the thirties, the Soviet authorities released in Europe the transcripts of court proceedings taken in the course of four prominent trials : the trial of the Industrial Party in 1931, the trial of the Trotskyite-Zinovievite Terrorist Centre in 1936, the trial of the Anti-Soviet Trotskyite Centre in 1937 and the trial of the Anti-Soviet "Bloc of Right-wingers and Trotskyites" in 1938. Instruments of propaganda and counter-propaganda, these documents were intended by the leadership of the Central Committee of the CPSU to generate an image of their regime in Europe that would serve their interests. The recent declassification of some archival materials has facilitated the analysis of this image that the Soviet authorities designed for Western consumption on the eve of the Second World War.
De Nice à Saint-Pétersbourg : la Galerie Serge Von Derwies : le Catalogue inédit de la collection Von Derwies (1904)
Authors: Laredo Dominique
Published: June 2015

Virtually unknown but very interesting, the collection Von Derwies was dispersed before the Russian Revolution and was part of the decor including original Valrose castle, now seat of the University of Nice Sophia Antipolis.