bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis on the Effect of Individualized Aerobic Exercise Intervention for
Teenagers with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Chun-qi Zhao
Published: October 2015

This study investigates the intervention effect of individualized aerobic exercise on type 2 diabetes in teenagers. 60 cases of teenager were selected with type 2 diabetes in Zhoukou Hospital of Traditional Medicine from February 2013 to February 2014 as the research object. All enrolled patients’ maximal oxygen and blood glucose fluctuation was tested, followed by individualized aerobic exercise intervention. After 6 months of intervention, the changes in patients’ indexes were compared and the effects of individualized aerobic exercise intervention were evaluated. After the intervention, the patients’ plasma triglyceride and cholesterol content were found significantly lowered than before (P < 0.05). However, there’s no significant difference between high and low-density lipoprotein (P > 0.05). Moreover, the patients’ insulin and C-peptide levels were found significantly higher than those before intervention (P < 0.05); before intervention, their blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin level were higher than normal, after intervention, they were weakened, but there’s no significant difference (P > 0.05). The maximal oxygen uptake and different intensity of metabolic equivalents were higher than before, but there’s no significant difference (P > 0.05). For teenagers with type 2 diabetes, the implementation of individualized aerobic exercise intervention could effectively improve the patients’ lipid metabolism and cardio-pulmonary function, and effectively promote the insulin and C-peptide secretion, which provides scientific basis for effective control of blood glucose.
Hypothalamic POMC Deficiency Improves Glucose Tolerance Despite Insulin Resistance by Increasing Glycosuria
Authors: Chhabra Kavaljit H. , Adams Jessica M. , Fagel Brian , Lam Daniel D. , Qi Nathan , Rubinstein Marcelo , Low Malcolm J.
Published: October 2015

Hypothalamic proopiomelanocortin (POMC) is essential for the physiological regulation of energy balance; however, its role in glucose homeostasis remains less clear. We show that hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (Arc)POMC-deficient mice, which develop severe obesity and insulin resistance, unexpectedly exhibit improved glucose tolerance and remain protected from hyperglycemia. To explain these paradoxical phenotypes, we hypothesized that an insulin-independent pathway is responsible for the enhanced glucose tolerance. Indeed, the mutant mice demonstrated increased glucose effectiveness and exaggerated glycosuria relative to wild-type littermate controls at comparable blood glucose concentrations. Central administration of the melanocortin receptor agonist melanotan II in mutant mice reversed alterations in glucose tolerance and glycosuria, whereas, conversely, administration of the antagonist Agouti-related peptide (Agrp) to wild-type mice enhanced glucose tolerance. The glycosuria of ArcPOMC-deficient mice was due to decreased levels of renal GLUT 2 (rGLUT2) but not sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 and was associated with reduced renal catecholamine content. Epinephrine treatment abolished the genotype differences in glucose tolerance and rGLUT2 levels, suggesting that reduced renal sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity is the underlying mechanism for the observed glycosuria and improved glucose tolerance in ArcPOMC-deficient mice. Therefore, the ArcPOMC-SNS-rGLUT2 axis is potentially an insulin-independent therapeutic target to control diabetes.
Dynamic Demand Forecasting and Ticket Assignment for High-Speed Rail Revenue Management in China
Authors: Jiang Xiushan , Chen Xiqun , Zhang Lei , Zhang Ruifeng
Published: October 2015

Revenue management is widely practiced in the airline industry yet rarely applied to high-speed rail (HSR). In the history of the rail and HSR industry, passenger ticket assignment across all stations has often been employed to regulate the supply of seats and demand from rail passengers and thus increase profitability. This study proposes a systematic revenue management approach for HSR passenger ticket assignment with dynamic adjustments. A major advantage of the proposed approach is the integration of dynamic ticket assignment and rigorous short-term demand forecasting; this method can effectively avoid the situation in which passenger tickets are not sufficient at some stations while certain seats remain empty on the train. This novel methodology has three main components. First, it develops a short-term passenger flow forecasting method for dynamic travel demand. Second, it builds a passenger ticket assignment model to allocate passenger tickets during presale periods. Third, it incorporates a dynamic ticket adjustment mechanism to adjust previous passenger ticket assignments. For demonstration purposes, the proposed approach is applied to the HSR system in China. Results show that revenue increases by 13.48% when the existing ticket assignment method is improved by this enhanced revenue management method.
Impact of Passenger Train Capacity and Level of Service on Shared Rail Corridors with Multiple Types of Freight Trains
Authors: Shih Mei-Cheng , Dick C. Tyler , Barkan Christopher P. L.
Published: October 2015

The North American rail network is experiencing capacity constraints because of traffic growth and increases in traffic heterogeneity. Further increases in speed and frequency of passenger service will combine with record levels of crude oil carload and intermodal traffic to demand even more network capacity. Understanding the interaction between passenger trains and this mix of freight traffic can help railroads develop effective strategies to improve network capacity and mitigate delay. Although previous research has focused on heterogeneity between two train types, actual rail lines are subject to multiple classes of trains such as passenger, priority intermodal, manifest, and bulk freight trains. To understand this environment better, this study presents a capacity evaluation process to analyze the performance of lines serving three train types. Although any combination of three train types can be considered, this study focuses on the interaction of passenger, intermodal, and bulk freight trains. The presented process can estimate the maximum train throughput for a particular corridor based on the unique characteristics and required level of service for each train type. A case study demonstrates three potential uses of the capacity evaluation process: the impact of additional passenger trains on lines with multiple types of freight trains, the sensitivity of capacity to the required level of service of each train type, and the effect of train speed heterogeneity between three types of trains. The results of this study provide better insight into the interaction of multiple train types and will aid railroads in maximizing the utility of their network.
Photoreceptor Sensory Cilium: Traversing the Ciliary Gate
Authors: Khanna Hemant
Published: October 2015

Cilia are antenna-like extensions of the plasma membrane found in nearly all cell types. In the retina of the eye, photoreceptors develop unique sensory cilia. Not much was known about the mechanisms underlying the formation and function of photoreceptor cilia, largely because of technical limitations and the specific structural and functional modifications that cannot be modeled in vitro. With recent advances in microscopy techniques and molecular and biochemical approaches, we are now beginning to understand the molecular basis of photoreceptor ciliary architecture, ciliary function and its involvement in human diseases. Here, I will discuss the studies that have revealed new knowledge of how photoreceptor cilia regulate their identity and function while coping with high metabolic and trafficking demands associated with processing light signal.
Topological Characterization of Complex Systems: Using Persistent Entropy
Authors: Merelli Emanuela , Rucco Matteo , Sloot Peter , Tesei Luca
Published: October 2015

In this paper, we propose a methodology for deriving a model of a complex system by exploiting the information extracted from topological data analysis. Central to our approach is the S[B] paradigm in which a complex system is represented by a two-level model. One level, the structural S one, is derived using the newly-introduced quantitative concept of persistent entropy, and it is described by a persistent entropy automaton. The other level, the behavioral B one, is characterized by a network of interacting computational agents. The presented methodology is applied to a real case study, the idiotypic network of the mammalian immune system.
Optimal Power Flow in Islanded Microgrids Using a Simple Distributed Algorithm
Authors: Sanseverino Eleonora , Di Silvestre Maria , Badalamenti Romina , Nguyen Ninh , Guerrero Josep , Meng Lexuan
Published: October 2015

In this paper, the problem of distributed power losses minimization in islanded distribution systems is dealt with. The problem is formulated in a very simple manner and a solution is reached after a few iterations. The considered distribution system, a microgrid, will not need large bandwidth communication channels, since only closeby nodes will exchange information. The correction of generated active powers is possible by means of the active power losses partition concept that attributes a portion of the overall power losses in each branch to each generator. The experimental part shows the first results of the proposed method on an islanded microgrid. Simulation results of the distributed algorithm are compared to a centralized Optimal Power Flow approach and very small errors can be observed.
“I Just Can’t Do It Anymore” Patterns of Physical Activity and Cardiac Rehabilitation in African Americans with Heart Failure: A Mixed Method Study
Authors: McCarthy Margaret , Katz Stuart , Schipper Judith , Dickson Victoria
Published: October 2015

Physical activity and cardiac rehabilitation (CR) are components of heart failure (HF) self-care. The aims of this study were to describe patterns of physical activity in African Americans (n = 30) with HF and to explore experience in CR. This was a mixed method, concurrent nested, predominantly qualitative study. Qualitative data were collected via interviews exploring typical physical activity, and CR experience. It was augmented by quantitative data measuring HF severity, self-care, functional capacity and depressive symptoms. Mean age was 60 ± 15 years; 65% were New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III HF. Forty-three percent reported that they did less than 30 min of exercise in the past week; 23% were told “nothing” about exercise by their provider, and 53% were told to do “minimal exercise”. A measure of functional capacity indicated the ability to do moderate activity. Two related themes stemmed from the narratives describing current physical activity: “given up” and “still trying”. Six participants recalled referral to CR with one person participating. There was high concordance between qualitative and quantitative data, and evidence that depression may play a role in low levels of physical activity. Findings highlight the need for strategies to increase adherence to current physical activity guidelines in this older minority population with HF.
Quantifying and Adjusting for Disease Misclassification Due to Loss to Follow-Up in Historical Cohort Mortality Studies
Authors: Scott Laura , Maldonado George
Published: October 2015

The purpose of this analysis was to quantify and adjust for disease misclassification from loss to follow-up in a historical cohort mortality study of workers where exposure was categorized as a multi-level variable. Disease classification parameters were defined using 2008 mortality data for the New Zealand population and the proportions of known deaths observed for the cohort. The probability distributions for each classification parameter were constructed to account for potential differences in mortality due to exposure status, gender, and ethnicity. Probabilistic uncertainty analysis (bias analysis), which uses Monte Carlo techniques, was then used to sample each parameter distribution 50,000 times, calculating adjusted odds ratios (ORDM-LTF) that compared the mortality of workers with the highest cumulative exposure to those that were considered never-exposed. The geometric mean ORDM-LTF ranged between 1.65 (certainty interval (CI): 0.50–3.88) and 3.33 (CI: 1.21–10.48), and the geometric mean of the disease-misclassification error factor (eDM-LTF), which is the ratio of the observed odds ratio to the adjusted odds ratio, had a range of 0.91 (CI: 0.29–2.52) to 1.85 (CI: 0.78–6.07). Only when workers in the highest exposure category were more likely than those never-exposed to be misclassified as non-cases did the ORDM-LTF frequency distributions shift further away from the null. The application of uncertainty analysis to historical cohort mortality studies with multi-level exposures can provide valuable insight into the magnitude and direction of study error resulting from losses to follow-up.
Health Effects of Waterborne Contaminants: A Focus on Emerging Concerns
Authors: Dorevitch Samuel
Published: October 2015

One of the Millennium Development Goals of the United Nations has been “To ensure environmental sustainability”, which includes the target of a 50% reduction by 2015 of “…the proportion of the population without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation”. [...]
Studies on [5,6]-Fused Bicyclic Scaffolds Derivatives as Potent Dual B-RafV600E/KDR Inhibitors Using Docking and 3D-QSAR Approaches
Authors: Liu Hai-Chun , Tang San-Zhi , Lu Shuai , Ran Ting , Wang Jian , Zhang Yan-Min , Xu An-Yang , Lu Tao , Chen Ya-Dong
Published: October 2015

Research and development of multi-target inhibitors has attracted increasing attention as anticancer therapeutics. B-RafV600E synergistically works with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (KDR) to promote the occurrence and progression of cancers, and the development of dual-target drugs simultaneously against these two kinds of kinase may offer a better treatment advantage. In this paper, docking and three-dimensional quantitative structure activity relationship (3D-QSAR) studies were performed on a series of dual B-Raf/KDR inhibitors with a novel hinge-binding group, [5,6]-fused bicyclic scaffold. Docking studies revealed optimal binding conformations of these compounds interacting with both B-Raf and KDR. Based on these conformations, comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA) 3D-QSAR models were constructed, and the best CoMFA (q2 = 0.542, r2 = 0.989 for B-Raf; q2 = 0.768, r2 = 0.991 for KDR) and CoMSIA models (q2 = 0.519, r2 = 0.992 for B-Raf; q2 = 0.849, r2 = 0.993 for KDR) were generated. Further external validations confirmed their predictability, yielding satisfactory correlation coefficients (r2pred = 0.764 (CoMFA), r2pred = 0.841 (CoMSIA) for B-Raf, r2pred = 0.912 (CoMFA), r2pred = 0.846 (CoMSIA) for KDR, respectively). Through graphical analysis and comparison on docking results and 3D-QSAR contour maps, key amino acids that affect the ligand-receptor interactions were identified and structural features influencing the activities were discussed. New potent derivatives were designed, and subjected to preliminary pharmacological evaluation. The study may offer useful references for the modification and development of novel dual B-Raf/KDR inhibitors.
May the Best Molecule Win: Competition ESI Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Laughlin Sarah , Wilson W.
Published: October 2015

Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry has become invaluable in the characterization of macromolecular biological systems such as nucleic acids and proteins. Recent advances in the field of mass spectrometry and the soft conditions characteristic of electrospray ionization allow for the investigation of non-covalent interactions among large biomolecules and ligands. Modulation of genetic processes through the use of small molecule inhibitors with the DNA minor groove is gaining attention as a potential therapeutic approach. In this review, we discuss the development of a competition method using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry to probe the interactions of multiple DNA sequences with libraries of minor groove binding molecules. Such an approach acts as a high-throughput screening method to determine important information including the stoichiometry, binding mode, cooperativity, and relative binding affinity. In addition to small molecule-DNA complexes, we highlight other applications in which competition mass spectrometry has been used. A competitive approach to simultaneously investigate complex interactions promises to be a powerful tool in the discovery of small molecule inhibitors with high specificity and for specific, important DNA sequences.
Bayesian Angular Superresolution Algorithm for Real-Aperture Imaging in Forward-Looking Radar
Authors: Zha Yuebo , Zhang Yin , Huang Yulin , Yang Jianyu
Published: October 2015

In real aperture imaging, the limited azimuth angular resolution seriously restricts the applications of this imaging system. This report presents a maximum a posteriori (MAP) approach based on the Bayesian framework for high angular resolution of real aperture radar. First, Rayleigh statistic and the lq norm (for 0 < q ≤ 1) sparse constraint are considered to express the clutter property and target scattering coefficient distribution, respectively. Then, the MAP objective function is established according to the hypotheses above. At last, a recursive iterative strategy is developed to estimate the original target scattering coefficient distribution and clutter statistic. The comparison of simulations and experimental results are given to verify the performance of our proposed algorithm.
Domestication of Marine Fish Species: Update and Perspectives
Authors: Teletchea Fabrice
Published: October 2015

Domestication is a long and endless process during which animals become, generations after generations, more adapted to both captive conditions and humans. Compared to land animals, domestication of fish species has started recently. This implies that most farmed marine fish species have only changed slightly from their wild counterparts, and production is based partly or completely on wild inputs. In the past decades, global marine fish production has increased tremendously, particularly since the 1990s, to reach more than 2.2 million tons in 2013. Among the 100 marine fish species listed in the FAO’s database in 2013, 35 are no longer produced, and only six have a production higher than 100,000 tons. The top ten farmed marine species accounted for nearly 90% of global production. The future growth and sustainability of mariculture will depend partly on our ability to domesticate (i.e., control the life cycle in captivity) of both currently farmed and new species.
Self-Reported Digital Literacy of the Pharmacy Workforce in North East Scotland
Authors: MacLure Katie , Stewart Derek
Published: October 2015

In their day-to-day practice, pharmacists, graduate (pre-registration) pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, dispensing assistants and medicines counter assistants use widely available office, retail and management information systems alongside dedicated pharmacy management and electronic health (ehealth) applications. The ability of pharmacy staff to use these applications at home and at work, also known as digital literacy or digital competence or e-skills, depends on personal experience and related education and training. The aim of this research was to gain insight into the self-reported digital literacy of the pharmacy workforce in the North East of Scotland. A purposive case sample survey was conducted across NHS Grampian in the NE of Scotland. Data collection was based on five items: sex, age band, role, pharmacy experience plus a final question about self-reported digital literacy. The study was conducted between August 2012 and March 2013 in 17 community and two hospital pharmacies. With few exceptions, pharmacy staff perceived their own digital literacy to be at a basic level. Secondary outcome measures of role, age, gender and work experience were not found to be clear determinants of digital literacy. Pharmacy staff need to be more digitally literate to harness technologies in pharmacy practice more effectively and efficiently.
Influencing Factors for Developing Managerial Behaviours That Encourage a Work-Family Culture in the University Context
Authors: Álvarez-Pérez María , Carballo-Penela Adolfo
Published: October 2015

This article develops and tests a theoretical model to find out which factors influence the behaviour of supervisors in terms of promoting a work-family culture. This model explains to what extent the factors studied are relevant to encourage deans to promote this type of culture at Spanish universities. The hypotheses were tested using linear regression analysis. Data were obtained through a questionnaire to deans. The results yield five key factors: (1) the personal work-family conflict of managers; (2) the transformational leadership style of managers; (3) the identification with subordinates in need of work-family cares; (4) the perceived institutional support; and (5) the perceived support from other supervisors in the centre. The findings have practical implications for human resources management (HRM) practices. Human resources management practices such as (a) providing deans and other supervisors with training about the importance of work-family programs; (b) promoting deans’ training in order to develop transformational leadership skills; or (c) increasing institutional support can be useful when implementing a work-family culture in Spanish universities.
How Local Intermediaries Improve the Effectiveness of Public Payment for Ecosystem Services Programs: The Role of Networks and Agri-Environmental Assistance
Authors: Schomers Sarah , Matzdorf Bettina , Meyer Claas , Sattler Claudia
Published: October 2015

Large governmental payments for ecosystem services programs (PES) have frequently been criticized for their limited environmental effectiveness. The use of local intermediaries has been considered as one possibility for improving the environmental effectiveness of such programs. German Landcare Associations (LCAs) have been identified as one intermediary that holds the potential to positively influence the implementation of agri-environmental measures (AEMs). This paper empirically assesses the involvement of LCAs in the context of AEM implementation in Germany. An online questionnaire was distributed to all LCAs in Germany. In a first step, we examine if LCAs (1) provide social networks between stakeholders and (2) provide agri-environmental information and assistance to farmers. In a second step, the LCAs assess (3) their perception of how strongly their work influences farmers’ participation in PES schemes and (4) if they pursue the spatial targeting of AEMs. In a third step, we relate the relative level of social networks and the provision of agri-environmental information and assistance to their stated influence on farmers’ participation in and spatial targeting of AEMs. Finally we derive overall conclusions on how intermediaries can enhance the effectiveness of PES programs in general.
Hepatotoxicity, Nephrotoxicity and Oxidative Stress in Rat Testis Following Exposure to Haloxyfop-p-methyl Ester, an Aryloxyphenoxypropionate Herbicide
Authors: Olayinka Ebenezer , Ore Ayokanmi
Published: October 2015

Haloxyfop-p-methyl ester (HPME) ((R)-2-{4-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridyloxy]phenoxy}propionic acid), is a selective aryloxyphenoxypropionate (AOPP) herbicide. It exerts phytotoxicity through inhibition of lipid metabolism and induction of oxidative stress in susceptible plants. This study investigated the toxicological potentials of HPME in rats. Twenty-four male Wistar rats (170–210 g) were randomized into four groups (I–IV). Group I (control) received 1 mL of distilled water, while animals in Groups II, III and IV received 6.75, 13.5 and 27 mg/kg body weight HPME, respectively, for 21 days. There was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in renal and hepatic function biomarkers (urea, creatinine, total bilirubin, ALP, ALT, AST) in the plasma of treated animals compared to control. Levels of testicular antioxidants, ascorbic acid and glutathione, and activities of glutathione-S-transferase, superoxide dismutase and catalase were reduced significantly after 21 days of HPME administration in a dose-dependent manner. The testicular malondialdehyde level increased significantly in the HPME-treated rats relative to the control. A significant decrease in testicular lactate dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase and γ-glutamyl transferase was also observed in HPME-treated animals. Testicular histology revealed severe interstitial edema and sections of seminiferous tubules with necrotic and eroded germinal epithelium in the HPME-treated rats. Overall, data from this study suggest that HPME altered hepatic and renal function and induced oxidative stress and morphological changes in the testis of rats.
EDIN-B Promotes the Translocation of Staphylococcus aureus to the Bloodstream in the Course of Pneumonia
Authors: Courjon Johan , Munro Patrick , Benito Yvonne , Visvikis Orane , Bouchiat Coralie , Boyer Laurent , Doye Anne , Lepidi Hubert , Ghigo Eric , Lavigne Jean-Philippe , Vandenesch François , Lemichez Emmanuel
Published: October 2015

It is crucial to define risk factors that contribute to host invasion by Staphylococcus aureus. Here, we demonstrate that the chromosomally encoded EDIN-B isoform from S. aureus contributes to the onset of bacteremia during the course of pneumonia. Deletion of edinB in a European lineage community-acquired methicillin resistant S. aureus (CA-MRSA) strain (ST80-MRSA-IV) dramatically decreased the frequency and magnitude of bacteremia in mice suffering from pneumonia. This deletion had no effect on the bacterial burden in both blood circulation and lung tissues. Re-expression of wild-type EDIN-B, unlike the catalytically inactive mutant EDIN-R185E, restored the invasive characteristics of ST80-MRSA-IV.
A Modified van Genuchten-Mualem Model of Hydraulic Conductivity in Korean Residual Soils
Authors: Oh Seboong , Kim Yun , Kim Jun-Woo
Published: October 2015

According to the Mualem capillary model, hydraulic conductivity (HC) is integrated theoretically from the function related to soil water retention curves (SWRC). On the other hand, based on the smooth type of SWRC, the predicted HC function decreases abruptly near saturation, which often challenges the stability of numerical solutions. To improve the Mualem HC, van Genuchten’s function for SWRC was modified within the range of low matric suction. The van Genuchten-Mualem HC was then modified to integrate the proposed SWRC for each interval decomposed by a tangential curve. The analytical solutions of the modified HC were derived to prevent an abrupt decrease near saturation. The SWRC and HC data were acquired from laboratory tests for unsaturated soils sampled from five areas in Korea. The results of the HC tests were compared with the theoretical HC models using both the van Genuchten SWRCs and the modified curves. For fine grained soils, the modified model predicts a saturated HC at very small suctions. Furthermore, the modified model was shown to accurately predict the unsaturated behavior of the HC functions for Korean weathered soils.
Effects of Seasonal Thermal Stratification on the Functional Diversity and Composition of the Microbial Community in a Drinking Water Reservoir
Authors: Yang Xiao , Huang Tinglin , Zhang Haihan
Published: October 2015

The microbial communities within reservoir ecosystems are shaped by water quality and hydrological characteristics. However, there are few studies focused on the effects of thermal stratification on the bacterial community diversity in drinking water reservoirs. In this study, we collected water samples from the Jinpen Reservoir around the re-stratification period. To explore the functional diversity and bacterial community composition, we used the Biolog method and 16S rRNA-based 454 pyrosequencing combined with flow cytometry. The results indicated that stratification of the reservoir had great effects on temperature and oxygen profiles, and both the functional diversity and the composition of the bacterial community strongly reflected the significant vertical stratification in the reservoir. The results of the Biolog method showed a significantly higher utilization of carbon sources in the hypolimnion than in the epilimnion. The result of pyrosequencing also showed a significantly higher species diversity and richness in the hypolimnion than in the epilimnion with different dominant phylum. Redundancy analysis also indicated that the majority of environmental variables, especially pH and dissolved oxygen, played key roles in shaping bacterial community composition. Our study provides a better understanding of the functional diversity of bacterial communities, and the response of microorganisms to seasonal thermal stratification.
Le droit d’auteur français et le copyright américain : les enjeux
Authors: Baudel Jules-Marc
Published: October 2015

This paper shows how authors ' rights on their work are protected in France and in the United States. In France, authors benefit from a moral right which is only partly protected in the United States. Although the origins of the protection differ, national legislations and case law indicate that the two conceptions now tend to converge. Besides, the problem has shifted towards the question of global freedom of communication.
Authorship Cross-Examined by Critical Legal Studies
Authors: Fine Richard
Published: October 2015

Cet article présente le travail de juristes qui ont récemment élaboré une critique des présupposés sous-jacents à la théorie et à la législation sur le copyright. Cette reconceptualisation des notions d'auteur, de propriété intellectuelle et de copyright amène à réviser les conclusions de chercheurs qui ont, depuis vingt ans, étudié les conditions de travail (matérielles en particulier) des auteurs américains.
[2.2]Paracyclophane derivatives containing tetrathiafulvalene moieties
Authors: Sarbu Laura G , Bahrin Lucian G , Jones Peter G , Birsa Lucian M , Hopf Henning
Published: October 2015

The synthesis of [2.2]paracyclophane derivatives containing tetrathiafulvalene units has been accomplished by the coupling reaction of 4-([2.2]paracyclophan-4-yl)-1,3-dithiol-2-thione in the presence of trimethylphosphite. The 1,3-dithiol-2-thione derivative was in turn synthesized by the regioselective bromination of 4-acetyl[2.2]paracyclophane, then through the corresponding dithiocarbamates and 1,3-dithiolium salts.
On If and Only
Authors: Dekker Paul
Published: October 2015

n/a
On the Computation of Conversational lmplicatures
Authors: Sauerland Uli
Published: October 2015

No abstract available.
The Paradox of Clarity: Defending the Missing Inference Theory
Authors: Bronnikov George
Published: October 2015

n/a
Adverbial Quantification, Complex Conditionals, and Focus
Authors: Von Fintel Kai
Published: October 2015

No abstract.
Structural Characteristics of Retinal Layers Adjacent to Geographic Atrophy
Authors: Sadiq Mohammad A. , Hanout Mostafa , Sarwar Salman , Rajagopalan Nithya , Maya Jose R. , Zapata Liz J. , Do Diana V. , Nguyen Quan D. , Sepah Yasir J.
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To compare the anatomy of different retinal layers adjacent to areas of geographic atrophy (GA) to those of eyes with no known ocular diseases.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) scans from eyes with GA were retrospectively reviewed. Two scans with no findings suggestive of GA changes on OCT were selected from immediately above and/or below the edge of the lesions. Thickness values of the retinal layers were calculated and compared to values obtained from normal subjects.

RESULTS:

Forty-four eyes (30 patients) were compared to 20 healthy eyes. Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), inner nuclear layer (INL), and full retinal thickness (FRT) values were significantly lower in patients compared to healthy subjects. Thicknesses of all other layers were not significantly different.

CONCLUSION:

Clinically appearing, non-involved RPE and INL layers of eyes with GA demonstrate significant thinning compared to corresponding layers in eyes with no known ocular diseases.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2015;46:914–919.]
The Mean Failure Cost Cybersecurity Model to Quantify Security in E-Learning Environments
Authors: Rjaibi Neila , Rabai Latifa Ben Arfa , Mili Ali
Published: October 2015

This chapter presents an overview of security challenges in e-Learning systems, and discusses a recent review related research on security risk management approaches in e-Learning to give a proper context to our work. The literature review proves a lack in quantitative security risk management models applied to e-learning system and presents the strengths of the Mean Failure Cost model in quantifying security threats with a financial risk measure. Moreover, we focus on presenting security aspects of e-Learning applications, and analyze its respective stakeholders, security requirements, architectural components and threats. The Mean Failure Cost (MFC) cyber security measure suitable for e-Learning systems is defined and computed. We adapt it to quantify security threats and risk within e-learning systems. It is based on the identification of system's architecture, the well-defined classes of stakeholders, the list of possible threats and vulnerabilities and the specific security requirements related to e-Learning systems and applications.
Opening up Education
Authors: Urbančič Tanja , Orlič Davor
Published: October 2015

The questions of affordability and sustainability in current educational systems gain importance, as they are expected to provide answers to new extensive challenges and increased needs of rapidly changing society, while facing severe limitations of resources. In this chapter we discuss how Open Education principles and practices might contribute to the solution of this problem. While they have already found their place and demonstrated their advantages in informal education, there is still a considerable potential in combining them with other practices and to gradually introduce them into more formal learning environments. More openness in formal learning could result in more transparency and consequently in more trust, in enhanced cooperation and new connections needed for affordability and sustainability of educational infrastructure, contents, solutions, pedagogical approaches and methodologies. We present the OpeningupSlovenia initiative as a nationwide framework aiming at fostering and enhancing this process.
T Cell Responses against Mycobacterial Lipids and Proteins Are Poorly Correlated in South African Adolescents
Authors: Seshadri Chetan , Lin Lin , Scriba Thomas J. , Peterson Glenna , Freidrich David , Frahm Nicole , DeRosa Stephen C. , Moody D. Branch , Prandi Jacques , Gilleron Martine , Mahomed Hassan , Jiang Wenxin , Finak Greg , Hanekom Willem A. , Gottardo Raphael , McElrath M. Juliana , Hawn Thomas R.
Published: October 2015

Human T cells are activated by both peptide and nonpeptide Ags produced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. T cells recognize cell wall lipids bound to CD1 molecules, but effector functions of CD1-reactive T cells have not been systematically assessed in M. tuberculosis–infected humans. It is also not known how these features correlate with T cell responses to secreted protein Ags. We developed a flow cytometric assay to profile CD1-restricted T cells ex vivo and assessed T cell responses to five cell wall lipid Ags in a cross-sectional study of 19 M. tuberculosis–infected and 22 M. tuberculosis–uninfected South African adolescents. We analyzed six T cell functions using a recently developed computational approach for flow cytometry data in high dimensions. We compared these data with T cell responses to five protein Ags in the same cohort. We show that CD1b-restricted T cells producing antimycobacterial cytokines IFN-γ and TNF-α are detectable ex vivo in CD4+, CD8+, and CD4−CD8− T cell subsets. Glucose monomycolate was immunodominant among lipid Ags tested, and polyfunctional CD4 T cells specific for this lipid simultaneously expressed CD40L, IFN-γ, IL-2, and TNF-α. Lipid-reactive CD4+ T cells were detectable at frequencies of 0.001–0.01%, and this did not differ by M. tuberculosis infection status. Finally, CD4 T cell responses to lipids were poorly correlated with CD4 T cell responses to proteins (Spearman rank correlation −0.01; p = 0.95). These results highlight the functional diversity of CD1-restricted T cells circulating in peripheral blood as well as the complementary nature of T cell responses to mycobacterial lipids and proteins. Our approach enables further population-based studies of lipid-specific T cell responses during natural infection and vaccination.
Shallow landslide susceptibility assessment in a data-poor region of Guatemala (Comitancillo municipality)
Authors: Preti Federico , Letterio Tommaso
Published: October 2015

Although landslides are frequent natural phenomena in mountainous regions, the lack of data in emerging countries is a significant issue in the assessment of shallow landslide susceptibility. A key factor in risk-mitigation strategies is the evaluation of deterministic physical models for hazard assessment in these data-poor regions. Given the lack of physical information, input parameters to these data-intensive deterministic models have to be estimated, which has a negative impact on the reliability of the assessment. To address this problem, we examined shallow landslide hazard in Comitancillo municipality, Guatemala. Shallow landslides are here defined as small (less than two or three metre-deep) rotational or translational slides or earth flows. We based our hazard simulation on the stability index mapping model. The model’s input parameters were estimated from a statistical analysis of factors affecting landslides in the municipality obtained from a geodatabase. The outputs from the model were analysed and compared to an inventory of small-scale landslides. The results of the comparison show the effectiveness of the method developed to estimate input parameters for a deterministic model, in regions where physical data related to the assessment of shallow landslide susceptibility is lacking.
An innovative pneumatic electrostatic sprayer useful for tendone vineyards
Authors: Pascuzzi Simone , Cerruto Emanuele
Published: October 2015

The aim of this note is to analyse the features of the ESS 150 RB14 electrostatic sprayer, an innovative model compared to the standard air-assisted sprayers traditionally used by Apulian growers (Southern Italy) in tendone vineyards. The experimental tests showed that the activation of the electrostatic system produced a significant increase in the mean deposit, but it was located only on the foliar layer of the canopy closer to the sprayer. However this result should also imply an increase in the deposits on the bunches when the electrostatic system is activated, even if further tests are necessary to verify this expectation. If this will be substantiated, the electrostatic sprayer ESS 150 RB14 would be suitable for the targeted applications usually performed in tendone table grape vineyards.
Estimation of semolina dough rheological parameters by inversion of a finite elements model
Authors: Fabbri Angelo , Cevoli Chiara
Published: October 2015

The description of the rheological properties of food material plays an important role in food engineering. Particularly for the optimisation of pasta manufacturing process (extrusion) is needful to know the rheological properties of semolina dough. Unfortunately characterisation of non-Newtonian fluids, such as food doughs, requires a notable time effort, especially in terms of number of tests to be carried out. The present work proposes an alternative method, based on the combination of laboratory measurement, made with a simplified tool, with the inversion of a finite elements numerical model. To determine the rheological parameters, an objective function, defined as the distance between simulation and experimental data, was considered and the well-known Levenberg-Marqard optimisation algorithm was used. In order to verify the feasibility of the method, the rheological characterisation of the dough was carried also by a traditional procedure. Results shown that the difference between measurements of rheological parameters of the semolina dough made with traditional procedure and inverse methods are very small (maximum percentage error equal to 3.6%). This agreement supports the coherence of the inverse method that, in general, may be used to characterise many non-Newtonian materials.
A Mathematical Model for the Instigation and Transmission of Biological and Neural Signals in Response to Acupuncture
Authors: Yao Wei , Yin Na , Yang Hongwei , Ding Guanghong
Published: October 2015

Acupuncture has been in clinical practice in China for thousands of years and its analgesia effect is worldwide accepted. However, the mechanism of acupuncture effect is not well understood. The study focus on signaling pathways induced by acupuncture, analyzes the cooperative action of the acupoints’ structure and the associated chemical mediators during acupuncture, establishes a mathematical model clarifying the roadmap of electroneurographic signal startup and transmission mechanism induced by acupuncture, quantitatively analyzing the response in acupoints to acupuncture. These work contribute to reveal the activation and transmission mechanism of neural signals induced by acupuncture from systems biology perspective, lay the foundation for the integration of acupuncture theory and modern science and further guide the clinical treatment and experimental research of acupuncture.
Stability and Conservation Properties of Collocated Constraints in Immersogeometric Fluid-Thin Structure Interaction Analysis
Authors: Kamensky David , Evans John A. , Hsu Ming-Chen
Published: October 2015

The purpose of this study is to enhance the stability properties of our recently-developed numerical method [D. Kamensky, M.-C. Hsu, D. Schillinger, J.A. Evans, A. Aggarwal, Y. Bazilevs, M.S. Sacks, T.J.R. Hughes, “An immersogeometric variational framework for fluid-structure interaction: Application to bioprosthetic heart valves”, Comput. Methods Appl. Mech. Engrg., 284 (2015) 1005–1053] for immersing spline-based representations of shell structures into unsteady viscous incompressible flows. In the cited work, we formulated the fluid-structure interaction (FSI) problem using an augmented Lagrangian to enforce kinematic constraints. We discretized this Lagrangian as a set of collocated constraints, at quadrature points of the surface integration rule for the immersed interface. Because the density of quadrature points is not controlled relative to the fluid discretization, the resulting semi-discrete problem may be over-constrained. Semi-implicit time integration circumvents this difficulty in the fully-discrete scheme. If this time-stepping algorithm is applied to fluid-structure systems that approach steady solutions, though, we find that spatially-oscillating modes of the Lagrange multiplier field can grow over time. In the present work, we stabilize the semi-implicit integration scheme to prevent potential divergence of the multiplier field as time goes to infinity. This stabilized time integration may also be applied in pseudo-time within each time step, giving rise to a fully implicit solution method. We discuss the theoretical implications of this stabilization scheme for several simplified model problems, then demonstrate its practical efficacy through numerical examples.
Amostragem e agrupamento de dados de relação hipsométrica em inventários florestais de Cerrado Tocantinense
Authors: Andrade Valdir Carlos Lima de , Kroetz Elaine Aparecida , Nicola Andrei , Souza Priscila Bezerra de , Nohama Fabiano Kenji , Leite Helio Garcia , Binoti Daniel Henrique Breda , BinotiI Mayra Luiza Marques da Silva
Published: October 2015

Este estudo foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar o emprego de equações hipsométricas em cerrado sensu stricto focalizando o sistema de amostragem e o agrupamento dos dados de relação hipsométrica. Para isso, foram utilizadas 46 parcelas de 1.000 m² cada, onde 13 parcelas foram empregadas na simulação de seis diferentes sistemas de amostragem e na estratificação de dados para o ajuste de modelos hipsométricos. As 33 parcelas restantes foram reservadas para um teste de aplicação das equações hipsométricas geradas, onde, para decidir quanto ao modelo hipsométrico e sistema de amostragem, foram adotados os critérios estatísticos: erro padrão residual e correlação linear múltipla, além da análise da distribuição de resíduos. Após esta decisão, foi utilizado um teste de identidade de modelos para verificar a melhor forma de preparar a base de dados visando o ajuste de modelos hipsométricos. Concluiu-se que a relação funcional linear: Ln(h)=f[Ln(N); Ln(dq/d); 1/d] foi a mais adequada para caracterizar a relação hipsométrica em inventários florestais de cerrado sensu stricto e deve ser ajustada com dados obtidos nas 50 primeiras árvores de cada parcela, sem agrupamento por classe de diâmetro.
Potencial e qualidade da madeira de desbaste de teca para produção de biocombustível
Authors: Da Silva Dimas Agostinho , Rodycz de Christo Eloísa , Belhing Alexandre , Mayer Sandra Lucia Soares , Pelanda Karine Andressa , Simetti Rodrigo
Published: October 2015

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo analisar o potencial energético e a qualidade da madeira de Tectona grandis Linn F. proveniente de diferentes desbastes para produção de energia. O material de estudo foi oriundo de um plantio no município de São José dos Quatro Marcos, MT. Foram realizadas as análises de poder calorífico superior, composição química imediata e densidade básica. A análise de variância não mostrou diferença ao longo do fuste para todas as propriedades estudadas. Entretanto, houve variação significativa a 1% de probabilidade para a densidade em função da idade, no qual as maiores médias foram provenientes do segundo desbaste (0,584 g.cm-3). As médias entre posição e idade de desbaste foram de 4.594 kcal.kg-1 para o poder calorífico superior; 80,37% para materiais voláteis; 18,39% para carbono fixo e 0,59% para cinzas.
Psyllaephagus trioziphagus (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), parasitoide de Mastigimas anjosi (Hemiptera: Calophyidae)
Authors: Costa Valmir Antonio , Queiroz Dalva Luiz de , Anjos Norivaldo
Published: October 2015

Psyllaephagus trioziphagus (Howard, 1885) foi observado pela primeira vez parasitando imaturos de Mastigimas anjosi Burckhardt et al., 2011, com apenas um parasitoide em cada imaturo. Este parasitoide foi previamente reportado desde o Canadá até o Brasil. Apesar de não ser hospedeiro específico, pode representar um agente útil no controle de M. anjosi no Brasil.