bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A NOTE ON ENTREPRENEURSHIP AS AN ALTERNATIVE LOGIC TO ADDRESS FOOD SECURITY IN THE DEVELOPING WORLD
Authors: BONNEY LAURIE , COLLINS RAY , MILES MORGAN P. , VERREYNNE MARTIE-LOUISE
Published: September 2013

The purpose of this paper is to explore an ongoing application of the entrepreneurial method applied to the problem of food security in the developing world as an alternative logic. Food production and marketing channels in the developing world are often based on scientific logic starting with an ideal outcome and then strategically designing a plan to achieve it. This study is unique in that it describes the application of an entrepreneurial approach to food product and marketing in less developed nations. A field study is used to illustrate how entrepreneurship is being harnessed to help build a more efficient and effective agricultural value chain in Papua New Guinea (PNG) based on a more entrepreneurial approach. Value chain analysis uses effectual logic to leverage innovation and create value for the consumer, the organization and society; thereby enhancing food security for the desperately poor in PNG. The use of the entrepreneurial method is offered as an alternative model for future international aid interventions and policy.
Rho-kinase mediated cytoskeletal stiffness in skinned smooth muscle
Authors: Lan Bo , Wang Lu , Zhang Jenny , Pascoe Chris D. , Norris Brandon A. , Liu Jeffrey C.-Y. , Solomon Dennis , Paré Peter D. , Deng Linhong , Seow Chun Y.
Published: September 2013

The structurally dynamic cytoskeleton is important in many cell functions. Large gaps still exist in our knowledge regarding what regulates cytoskeletal dynamics and what underlies the structural plasticity. Because Rho-kinase is an upstream regulator of signaling events leading to phosphorylation of many cytoskeletal proteins in many cell types, we have chosen this kinase as the focus of the present study. In detergent skinned tracheal smooth muscle preparations, we quantified the proteins eluted from the muscle cells over time and monitored the muscle's ability to respond to acetylcholine (ACh) stimulation to produce force and stiffness. In a partially skinned preparation not able to generate active force but could still stiffen upon ACh stimulation, we found that the ACh-induced stiffness was independent of calcium and myosin light chain phosphorylation. This indicates that the myosin light chain-dependent actively cycling crossbridges are not likely the source of the stiffness. The results also indicate that Rho-kinase is central to the ACh-induced stiffness, because inhibition of the kinase by H1152 (1 μM) abolished the stiffening. Furthermore, the rate of relaxation of calcium-induced stiffness in the skinned preparation was faster than that of ACh-induced stiffness, with or without calcium, suggesting that different signaling pathways lead to different means of maintenance of stiffness in the skinned preparation.
Parathyroid Hormone–Related Protein Drives a CD11b+Gr1+ Cell–Mediated Positive Feedback Loop to Support Prostate Cancer Growth
Authors: Park Serk In , Lee Changki , Sadler W. David , Koh Amy J. , Jones Jacqueline , Seo Jung Won , Soki Fabiana N. , Cho Sun Wook , Daignault Stephanie D. , McCauley Laurie K.
Published: September 2013

In the tumor microenvironment, CD11b+Gr1+ bone marrow–derived cells are a predominant source of protumorigenic factors such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), but how distal tumors regulate these cells in the bone marrow is unclear. Here we addressed the hypothesis that the parathyroid hormone–related protein (PTHrP) potentiates CD11b+Gr1+ cells in the bone marrow of prostate tumor hosts. In two xenograft models of prostate cancer, levels of tumor-derived PTHrP correlated with CD11b+Gr1+ cell recruitment and microvessel density in the tumor tissue, with evidence for mediation of CD11b+Gr1+ cell–derived MMP-9 but not tumor-derived VEGF-A. CD11b+Gr1+ cells isolated from mice with PTHrP-overexpressing tumors exhibited relatively increased proangiogenic potential, suggesting that prostate tumor–derived PTHrP potentiates this activity of CD11b+Gr1+ cells. Administration of neutralizing PTHrP monoclonal antibody reduced CD11b+Gr1+ cells and MMP-9 in the tumors. Mechanistic investigations in vivo revealed that PTHrP elevated Y418 phosphorylation levels in Src family kinases in CD11b+Gr1+ cells via osteoblast-derived interleukin-6 and VEGF-A, thereby upregulating MMP-9. Taken together, our results showed that prostate cancer–derived PTHrP acts in the bone marrow to potentiate CD11b+Gr1+ cells, which are recruited to tumor tissue where they contribute to tumor angiogenesis and growth. Cancer Res; 73(22); 6574–83. ©2013 AACR.
Observational and Model Estimates of Cloud Amount Feedback over the Indian and Pacific Oceans
Authors: Bellomo Katinka , Clement Amy C. , Norris Joel R. , Soden Brian J.
Published: September 2013

Constraining intermodel spread in cloud feedback with observations is problematic because available cloud datasets are affected by spurious behavior in long-term variability. This problem is addressed by examining cloud amount in three independent ship-based [Extended Edited Cloud Reports Archive (EECRA)] and satellite-based [International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) and Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer Pathfinder Atmosphere–Extended (PATMOS-X)] observational datasets, and models from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5). The three observational datasets show consistent cloud variability in the overlapping years of coverage (1984–2007). The long-term cloud amount change from 1954 to 2005 in ship-based observations shares many of the same features with the multimodel mean cloud amount change of 42 CMIP5 historical simulations, although the magnitude of the multimodel mean is smaller. The radiative impact of cloud changes is estimated by computing an observationally derived estimate of cloud amount feedback. The observational estimates of cloud amount feedback are statistically significant over four regions: the northeast Pacific subtropical stratocumulus region and equatorial western Pacific, where cloud amount feedback is found to be positive, and the southern central Pacific and western Indian Ocean, where cloud amount feedback is found to be negative. Multimodel mean cloud amount feedback is consistent in sign but smaller in magnitude than in observations over these four regions because models simulate weaker cloud changes. Individual models, however, can simulate cloud amount feedback of the same magnitude if not larger than observed. Focusing on the regions where models and observations agree can lead to improved understanding of the mechanisms of cloud amount changes and associated radiative impact.
Elderly Persons With ICU‐Acquired Weakness
Authors: Rahman Adam , Wilund Kenneth , Fitschen Peter J. , Jeejeebhoy Khursheed , Agarwala Ravi , Drover John W. , Mourtzakis Marina
Published: September 2013

Intensive care unit (ICU)–acquired weakness is common and characterized by muscle loss, weakness, and paralysis. It is associated with poor short‐term outcomes, including increased mortality, but the consequences of reduced long‐term outcomes, including decreased physical function and quality of life, can be just as devastating. ICU‐acquired weakness is particularly relevant to elderly patients who are increasingly consuming ICU resources and are at increased risk for ICU‐acquired weakness and complications, including mortality. Elderly patients often enter critical illness with reduced muscle mass and function and are also at increased risk for accelerated disuse atrophy with acute illness. Increasingly, intensivists and researchers are focusing on strategies and therapies aimed at improving long‐term neuromuscular function. β‐Hydroxy‐β‐methylbutyrate (HMB), an ergogenic supplement, has shown efficacy in elderly patients and certain clinical populations in counteracting muscle loss. The present review discusses ICU‐acquired weakness, as well as the unique physiology of muscle loss and skeletal muscle function in elderly patients, and then summarizes the evidence for HMB in elderly patients and in clinical populations. We subsequently postulate on the potential role and strategies in studying HMB in elderly ICU patients to improve muscle mass and function.
Male-specific Fruitless isoforms have different regulatory roles conferred by distinct zinc finger DNA binding domains
Authors: Dalton Justin E , Fear Justin M , Knott Simon , Baker Bruce S , McIntyre Lauren M , Arbeitman Michelle N
Published: September 2013

Background

Drosophila melanogasteradult males perform an elaborate courtship ritual to entice females to mate.fruitless(fru), a gene that is one of the key regulators of male courtship behavior, encodes multiple male-specific isoforms (FruM). These isoforms vary in their carboxy-terminal zinc finger domains, which are predicted to facilitate DNA binding.

Results

By over-expressing individual FruMisoforms infru-expressing neurons in either males or females and assaying the global transcriptional response by RNA-sequencing, we show that three FruMisoforms have different regulatory activities that depend on the sex of the fly. We identified several sets of genes regulated downstream of FruMisoforms, including many annotated with neuronal functions. By determining the binding sites of individual FruMisoforms using SELEX we demonstrate that the distinct zinc finger domain of each FruMisoforms confers different DNA binding specificities. A genome-wide search for these binding site sequences finds that the gene sets identified as induced by over-expression of FruMisoforms in males are enriched for genes that contain the binding sites. An analysis of the chromosomal distribution of genes downstream of FruMshows that those that are induced and repressed in males are highly enriched and depleted on the X chromosome, respectively.

Conclusions

This study elucidates the different regulatory and DNA binding activities of three FruMisoforms on a genome-wide scale and identifies genes regulated by these isoforms. These results add to our understanding of sex chromosome biology and further support the hypothesis that in some cell-types genes with male-biased expression are enriched on the X chromosome.
Major response with sorafenib in advanced renal cell carcinoma after 14 years of follow-up
Authors: Guerin Mathilde , Salem Naji , Walz Jochen , Dermeche Slimane , Gravis Gwenaelle
Published: September 2013

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors have dramatically improved the prognosis of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, it remains unknown whether treatment should be continued until progression or discontinued in patients with good response. We present the history of a woman diagnosed with RCC in 1997, who started sorafenib in 2004, two years after the occurrence of lung and mediastinal metastases. Over the following 8 years, the sorafenib dose was reduced at least 3 times due to toxicity and the treatment was discontinued twice upon the patient’s decision, from May 2005 to March 2009, then from January 2011 to August 2011. The last evaluation in January 2013 showed stable disease. This case illustrates the feasibility of treatment discontinuation without negative impact on survival, as previously shown by some authors.
Murine analogues of etanercept and of F8-IL10 inhibit the progression of collagen-induced arthritis in the mouse
Authors: Doll Fabia , Schwager Kathrin , Hemmerle Teresa , Neri Dario
Published: September 2013

Introduction

Etanercept is a fusion protein consisting of the soluble portion of the p75-tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) and the Fc fragment of human IgG1, which is often used for the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. F8-IL10 is a human immunocytokine based on the F8 antibody and interleukin-10, which is currently being investigated in rheumatoid arthritis with promising clinical results. We have aimed at expressing murine versions of these two fusion proteins, in order to assess their pharmaceutical performance in the collagen-induced model of rheumatoid arthritis in the mouse.

Methods

Two fusion proteins (termed muTNFR-Fc and F8-muIL10) were cloned, expressed in chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, purified and characterized. Biological activity of muTNFR-Fc was assessed by its ability to inhibit TNF-induced killing of mouse fibroblasts, while F8-muIL10 was characterized in terms of muIL10 activity, of binding affinity to the cognate antigen of F8, the alternatively-spliced EDA domain of fibronectin, by quantitative biodistribution analysis and in vivo imaging. The therapeutic activity of both fusion proteins was investigated in a collagen-induced mouse model of arthritis. Mouse plasma was analyzed for anti-drug antibody formation and cytokine levels were determined by bead-based multiplex technology. The association of F8-IL10 proteins with blood cells was studied in a centrifugation assay with radiolabeled protein.

Results

Both fusion proteins exhibited excellent purity and full biological activity in vitro. In addition, F8-muIL10 was able to localize on newly-formed blood vessels in vivo. When used in a murine model of arthritis, the two proteins inhibited arthritis progression. The activity of muTNFR-Fc was tested alone and in combination with F8-huIL10. The chimeric version of F8-IL10 was not better then the fully human fusion protein and showed similar generation of mouse anti-fusion protein antibodies. Incubation studies of F8-muIL10 and F8-huIL10 with blood revealed that only the fully human fusion protein is not associated with cellular components at concentrations as low as 0.2 μg/ml, thus facilitating its extravasation from blood vessels.

Conclusions

The described products may represent useful research tools for the study of the anti-arthritic properties of TNF blockade and of IL10-based immunocytokines in syngeneic immunocompetent models of arthritis.
Jak/STAT and PI3K signaling pathways have both common and distinct roles in IL-7-mediated activities in human CD8+ T cells
Authors: Crawley Angela M , Vranjkovic Agatha , Faller Elliott , McGuinty Michaeline , Busca Aurelia , Burke Stephanie C , Cousineau Sophie , Kumar Ashok , MacPherson Paul A , Angel Jonathan B
Published: September 2013

IL-7 plays an important role in T cell survival, function, and memory cell development, yet the role of cytokine signaling pathways in these processes has not been fully elucidated. Moreover, the underlying mechanisms for the observed impairment of IL-7 activity in diseases, such as HIV infection, breast cancer, and autoimmunity, are not well understood. It was therefore hypothesized that IL-7-induced signaling molecules could be linked with distinct IL-7-associated activities. To address this, the activation and functional associations of IL-7-induced signaling pathways, specifically antigen-independent activities that are relevant to T cell homeostasis, were examined. Low concentrations of IL-7 (100 pg/ml) are capable of activating the Jak-STAT and PI3K signaling pathways, whereas higher concentrations (500–1000 pg/ml) were required to induce Bcl-2 production and glucose uptake. Even higher concentrations of IL-7 (10,000 pg/ml) were needed to induce cell proliferation and intracellular accumulation of perforin. Inhibition of Jak activation reduced IL-7-induced Bcl-2 and perforin production, whereas inhibition of Jak/STAT or PI3K pathways reduced glucose uptake and proliferation. This study suggests a complex control of IL-7-associated activities in the absence of antigen stimulation. These data may provide insights into mechanisms of impaired IL-7 signaling and function in disease and could be relevant for the study of IL-7-based immunotherapeutics. Specifically, this study has linked STAT5 and PI3K activation to shared and distinct IL-7-associated activities in human CD8+ T cells.
Comparison of rotator cuff muscle architecture among humans and selected vertebrate species
Authors: Mathewson Margie A. , Kwan Alan , Eng Carolyn M. , Lieber Richard L. , Ward Samuel R.
Published: September 2013

In this study, we compare rotator cuff muscle architecture of typically used animal models to humans and quantify the scaling relationships of these muscles across mammals. The four muscles that correspond to the human rotator cuff: supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and teres minor, of 10 commonly studied animals were excised and subjected to a series of comparative measurements. When body mass among animals was regressed against PCSA (physiological cross sectional area), muscle mass, and normalized fiber length, the confidence intervals suggested geometric scaling but did not exclude other scaling relationships. Based on the architectural difference index, a combined measure of fiber length-to-moment arm ratio, fiber length-to-muscle length ratio, and the fraction of the total rotator cuff physiological cross-sectional area contributed by each muscle, chimpanzees were found to be the most similar to humans (ADI=2.15), followed closely by capuchins (ADI=2.16). Interestingly, of the eight non-primates studied, smaller mammals such as mice, rats, and dogs were more similar to humans in architectural parameters compared to larger mammals such as sheep, pigs, or cows. The force production vs. velocity trade-off (indicated by fiber length-to-moment arm ratio) and the excursion ability (indicated by fiber length-to-muscle length ratio) of humans was also most similar to primates, followed by the small mammals. Overall, primates provide the best architectural representations of human muscle architecture. However, based on the muscle architectural parameters of non-primates, smaller rather than larger mammals may be better models for studying muscles related to the human rotator cuff.
Hawkmoth flight stability in turbulent vortex streets
Authors: Ortega-Jimenez Victor Manuel , Greeter Jeremy S.M. , Mittal Rajat , Hedrick Tyson L.
Published: September 2013

Shedding of vortices is a common phenomenon in the atmosphere over a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. However, it is unclear how these vortices of varying scales affect the flight performance of flying animals. In order to examine these interactions we trained seven hawkmoths (Manduca sexta) (wingspan ~9 cm) to fly and feed in a wind tunnel under steady flow (controls) and in the Von Kármán vortex street of vertically oriented cylinders (two different cylinders with diameters of 10 and 5 cm) at speeds of 0.5, 1 and 2 ms-1. Cylinders were placed at distances of 5, 25 and 100 cm upstream of the moths. Moths exhibited large amplitude yaw oscillations coupled with modest oscillations in roll and pitch, and slight increases in wingbeat frequency when flying in both the near (recirculating) and middle (vortex dominated) wake regions. Wingbeat amplitude did not vary among treatments, except at 1 ms-1 for the large cylinder. Yaw and roll oscillations were synchronized with the vortex shedding frequencies in moths flying in the wake of the large cylinder at all speeds. In contrast, yaw and pitch were synchronized with the shedding frequency of small vortices at speeds ≤ 1 ms-1. Oscillations in body orientation were also substantially smaller in the small cylinder treatment when compared to the large cylinder, regardless of temporal or non-dimensional spatial scale. Moths flying in steady conditions reached a higher air speed than into cylinder wakes. In general, flight effects produced by the cylinder wakes were qualitatively similar among the recirculating and vortex dominated wake regions; the magnitude of those effects, however, declined gradually with downstream distance.
On the identities of Senecio lanatus and Senecio populifolius
Authors: Anderberg Arne A. , Jarvis Charlie
Published: September 2013

Original material of Senecio lanatus L. and Senecio populifolius L., two names that are not in current use, has been located. It is concluded that, in both cases, this material is identifiable as the South African species currently known as Senecio verbascifolius Burm. f., a name that postdates the two Linnaean names. Lectotypes for the three names are selected and it is concluded that nomenclatural stability would be best served by proposing the rejection of the two Linnaean names.
Gymnaconitum, a new genus of Ranunculaceae endemic to the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Wang Wei , Liu Yang , Yu Sheng-Xiang , Gao Tian-Gang , Chen Zhi-Duan
Published: September 2013

The monophyly of traditional Aconitum remains unresolved, owing to the controversial systematic position and taxonomic treatment of the monotypic, Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau endemic A. subg. Gymnaconitum. In this study, we analyzed two datasets using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods: (1) two markers (ITS, trnL–F) of 285 Delphinieae species, and (2) six markers (ITS, trnL–F, trnH–psbA, trnK–matK, trnS–trnG, rbcL) of 32 Delphinieae species. All our analyses show that traditional Aconitum is not monophyletic and that subgenus Gymnaconitum and a broadly defined Delphinium form a clade. The SOWH tests also reject the inclusion of subgenus Gymnaconitum in traditional Aconitum. Subgenus Gymnaconitum markedly differs from other species of Aconitum and other genera of tribe Delphinieae in many non–molecular characters. By integrating lines of evidence from molecular phylogeny, divergence times, morphology, and karyology, we raise the monotypic A. subg. Gymnaconitum to generic status.
Exam Corner – October 2013
Authors: Khanduja V.
Published: September 2013

The FRCS (Tr & Orth) examination has three components: MCQs, Vivas and Clinical Examination. The Vivas are further divided into four sections comprising Basic Science, Adult Pathology, Hands and Children’s Orthopaedics and Trauma. The Clinical Examination section is divided into Upper and Lower limb cases. The aim of this section in the Journal is to focus specifically on the trainees preparing for the exam and to cater to all the sections of the exam. The vision is to complete the cycle of all relevant exam topics (as per the syllabus) in four years.
Scotland as an Independent Small State: Where would it seek shelter?
Authors: Bailes Alyson J.K. , Þórhallsson Baldur , Johnstone Rachael Lorna
Published: September 2013

A planned referendum in 2014 on Scottish independence gives cause to examine that scenario in the light of small state studies and recent European experience. One of the best-supported assumptions in small state literature is that small countries need to form alliances and seek protection from larger neighboring states and/or international institutions. Small European states have generally sought shelter from the European Union (EU) and NATO. This study confirms that an independent Scotland would need strategic, political, economic and societal shelter, and could look for the various elements within existing European institutions, from its closest southern and northern neightbours, and from the US. However, protection may come with a certain cost - just as union with another entity does at present.
Gefa viðbrögð við eldgosi innsýn í krísustjórnun: Dæmi frá Icelandair
Authors: Ásdísardóttir Regína , Steinþórsson Runólfur Smári
Published: September 2013

Eldgosið í Eyjafjallajökli árið 2010 hafði víðtæk áhrif á íslenskt samfélag, ekki síst á flugsamgöngur vegna öskuskýsins sem myndaðist við það. Truflanir á flugi teygðu anga sína um stóran hluta Evrópu þannig að flugleiðir lokuðust og farþegar komust ekki leiðar sinnar. Icelandair fór ekki varhluta af ástandinu og stóð frammi fyrir miklum erfiðleikum við að halda uppi þjónustu við farþega sína. Viðfangsefni þessarar greinar er að skoða hvort og hvernig raundæmi frá Icelandair, þar sem viðbrögð félagsins eru rakin þegar truflanir vegna gossins voru mestar, gefi innsýn í krísustjórnun. Um könnunarrannsókn er að ræða og tilgangurinn er að átta sig á ýmsum breytum og áhrifaþáttum krísustjórnunar og draga fram áhugaverðar spurningar til frekari skoðunar. Gerð er grein fyrir hugtökunum krísa og krísustjórnun, atburðarás og viðbrögð Icelandair eru rakin, og niðurstöður dregnar saman í svörum við rannsóknarspurningunum sem lagðar eru fram. Helstu niðurstöður eru í fyrsta lagi að skilgreina má ástandið sem skapaðist hjá Icelandair í kjölfar gossins sem krísuástand. Í öðru lagi að krísuteymi, upplýsingamiðlun og samstarf við hagsmunaaðila hafi verið veigamiklir þættir í viðbrögðum félagsins. Í þriðja lagi að viðbrögð Icelandair hafi vegna sérstöðu krísunnar verið byggð á reynslu og þekkingu félagsins og að framvinda athafna hafi verið um margt sjálfsprottin.
Hvernig opinber stefna gerist: Stefnurek í málefnum lesblindra á Íslandi 1990-2007
Authors: Bjarnadóttir Nanna Björk , Sigurgeirsdóttir Sigurbjörg
Published: September 2013

Þessi grein fjallar um opinbera stefnumótun í málefnum nemenda með lesblindu á Íslandi. Talið er að stærsti hópur nemenda með námserfiðleika innan skólakerfisins séu nemendur með lesblindu. Til að átta sig á núverandi stöðu í þessum málaflokki, er stefnuferlið í málefnum nemenda á grunn- og framhaldskólastigi á Íslandi rakið yfir tímabilið 1990-2007. Gerður er samanburður á helstu einkennum þessarar stefnumótunar og þeirri stefnumótun sem átti sér stað í aðdraganda að sameiningu sjúkrahúsanna í Reykjavík á tíunda áratugnum. Markmiðið er að auka skilning á því hvernig opinber stefnumótun gengur almennt fyrir sig og hvernig slíkur skilningur getur varpað ljósi á áhrif stefnunnar. Jafnframt er hugmyndin að koma fram með nýtt sjónarhorn inn í umræðuna um stefnumótun stjórnvalda í málefnum lesblindra. Niðurstöður rannsóknarinnar gefa til kynna að niðurstaða stefnumótunar í málefnum lesblindra, líkt og með sameiningu sjúkrahúsanna í Reykjavík, sé afleiðing ferlis sem einkennist af stefnureki í stað yfirlýstrar stefnumörkunar. Ástæðuna má rekja til ríkjandi stefnu stjórnvalda um valddreifingu á tíunda áratugnum, sem leiddi til enn frekari sundrungar innan sérfræðingasamfélagsins og ýtti undir markaðsvæðingu á sérfræðiþjónustu fyrir nemendur með lesblindu. Þar sem sérstök áhersla var lögð á að valddreifa myndaðist ekki sameiginlegur skilningur innan málaflokksins og þar af leiðandi byggðist ekki upp svokallaður "krítískur massi" af þeirri reynslu og sérfræðiþekkingu sem þarf að vera fyrir hendi til þess að vísindalegar rannsóknir og þróun geti með áhrifaríkum hætti mótað gagnreynda þekkingu sem undirstöðu stefnumarkandi ákvarðana í málefnum lesblindra.
Vestnorden. A functional region?
Authors: Eyþórsson Grétar Þór , Hovgaard Gestur
Published: September 2013

This article discusses the issue of what kind of a region Vestnorden is. The need for such a discussion arises from the challenges posed by globalisation for the idea and construction of the West Nordic space, and the need to observe how this regional unit counters these processes. The article is based on an analytical framework which presupposes that a functional region has to consist of four elements. First, whether the space has its own institutions for decision making; second, how far there is economic complementarities among the involved nations and territories; third, to what degree they have common economic interests; and finally, to what extent social, cultural and historical ties exist between the territories involved. The article argues that there is an urgent need to discuss and reorient the institutional functionality of Vestnorden as a regional unit.
On Partially Honest Nash Implementation in Private Good Economies with Restricted Domains: A Sufficient Condition
Authors: Doghmi Ahmed , Ziad Abderrahmane
Published: September 2013

In this article, we study the problem of Nash implementation in private good economies with single-peaked, single-plateaued, and single-dipped preferences in the presence of at least one minimally honest agent. We prove that all solutions of the problem of fair division satisfying unanimity can be implemented in Nash equilibria as long as there are at least three agents participating in the mechanism (game form). To justify this result, we provide a list of solutions which violate the condition of no-veto power.
Some Error Estimates for the Finite Volume Element Method for a Parabolic Problem
Authors: Chatzipantelidis Panagiotis , Lazarov Raytcho , Thomée Vidar
Published: September 2013

We study spatially semidiscrete and fully discrete finite volume
element methods for the homogeneous heat equation with
homogeneous Dirichlet boundary conditions and derive error estimates
for smooth and nonsmooth initial data. We show that the results of
our earlier work [Math. Comp. 81 (2012), 1–20]
for the lumped mass method carry over to
the present situation. In particular, in order for error estimates for
initial data only in L2 to be of optimal second order for positive
time, a special condition is required, which is satisfied for
symmetric triangulations. Without any such condition, only first order
convergence can be shown, which is illustrated by a counterexample.
Improvements hold for triangulations that are almost symmetric and
piecewise almost symmetric.
Unconditionally Monotone Schemes for Unsteady Convection-Diffusion Problems
Authors: Afanas'eva Nadyezhda M. , Churbanov Alexander G. , Vabishchevich Petr N.
Published: September 2013

This paper deals with constructing monotone schemes of the second-order accuracy in space
for transient convection-diffusion problems.
They are based on a reformulation of the convective and diffusive transport terms
using the convective terms in the divergent and nondivergent forms.
The stability of the difference schemes is established in the uniform
and L1 norm. For 2D problems, unconditionally monotone schemes
of splitting with respect to spatial variables are developed.
Unconditionally stable schemes for problems of convection-diffusion-reaction are proposed, too.
Learning to analyse and write extended speech acts in the foreign language classroom
Authors: Gesuato, Sara
Published: September 2013

An approach is presented for familiarizing foreign language learners with the content and organization of extended written speech acts. It comprises awareness-raising activities (e.g. matching text segments with functional glosses, providing glosses for text segments), manipulation tasks (e.g. reconstructing texts whose functional components are provided in jumbled order) and writing tasks (e.g. drafting texts at first by following directions which specify functional components, and then by drawing on descriptions of communicative scenarios). The approach shows how explicit training in linguistic-textual strategies can enable foreign language learners to develop metalinguistic awareness (i.e. to recognise the connections between linguistic forms and functions) and to develop interactional skills (i.e. to verbally negotiate social rights and duties effectively and politely).
Early nineteenth-century advertisements in the South African Commercial Advertiser – Global scheme and advertiser presentation
Authors: Włodarczyk, Matylda
Published: September 2013

Advertisements need to focus on a product or service on offer in order to disseminate a message effectively. Any other focus, for instance on the advertisement�s provider, seems at first sight counterintuitive. However, in an early nineteenth-century South African newspaper analysed here (1824), the focus is frequently on the advertisers themselves, because separate brand names or logos are not in use. Therefore, advertiser presentation appears to be a striking feature of the text type in the period. In this paper two basic strategies of advertiser presentation are discussed. Firstly, advertisers may be backgrounded by means of passivisation and block strategies. Secondly, advertisers may be foregrounded by means of third-person author (self) reference. The paper aims at integrating these two strategies into the global scheme of ad structure as discussed, among others, by Gieszinger (2001), Auf dem Keller (2004), G�rlach (2004), Gotti (2005) and Studer (2008).
A Quality Improvement Project to Improve Compliance With The Joint Commission Children’s Asthma Care-3 Measure
Authors: Kuhlmann Stephanie , Mason Brooke , Ahlers-Schmidt Carolyn R.
Published: September 2013

Background and objective:

Since the initiation of the Children’s Asthma Care (CAC) core measures in 2008, hospitals have struggled to achieve a high rate of compliance with the CAC-3 measure of the Home Management Plan of Care (HMPC). At inception of this project in 2009, the national average was 65% compliance, which has now increased to 80%. These rates are below the Hospital Corporation of America’s goal of 90% compliance. Our objective was to identify potential pitfalls that interfere with compliance on CAC-3 at our institution and to devise solutions to increase compliance to >90%.

Methods:

Inpatient pediatric patients at a community teaching hospital in a predominantly rural state were included in our interrupted time-series quality improvement project from 2008 to 2011. Patients were between 2 and 17 years of age with an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9), primary diagnosis code of asthma at time of discharge. We identified potential stumbling blocks that interfered with compliance of CAC measures and then implemented repeated Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles to improve processes, including redesign of the HMPC form, education, and electronic documentation tied to the discharge medication reconciliation form, which is also required by The Joint Commission.

Results:

We started with an average quarterly compliance of 43% with CAC-3 before our PDSA cycles. We have improved our compliance after the 2 PDSA cycles to an average of 97%.

Conclusions:

By linking the HMPC form to the discharge medication reconciliation form, we were able to achieve and maintain >90% compliance with CAC-3.
Fluoride ions as structural probe-ions in 19F MAS NMR studies of cement materials and thermally activated SCMs
Authors: Enemark-Rasmussen Kasper , Tran Thuan T. , Skibsted Jørgen
Published: September 2013

The potential of 19F magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR) spectroscopy in structural studies of fluoride guest ions in cementitious materials is investigated. This includes detection and structural investigations of fluoride ions incorporated in the model compound boehmite (AlOOH) and in four samples of kaolinite (Al2Si2O5(OH)4) from different sources and experiments, which follow the thermal transformation of kaolinite into metakaolin. Furthermore, the structural environments of fluoride ions incorporated into calcium-silicate-hydrate (C-S-H) phases, either synthesised or originating from hydration of fluoride-mineralised Portland clinkers, are investigated. The favourable NMR properties of 19F provide the basis for a range of double-resonance NMR techniques, such as 27Al{19F} and 29Si{19F} cross-polarisation (CP) and 19F{29Si}19F forth and back CP, which probe internuclear connectivities by way of dipolar couplings. The information gained from these experiments facilitates a reliable assignment of the resonances from the fluoride guest ions in the studied model compounds and calcium-silicate-hydrate phases. It is proposed that fluoride ions may deliberately be introduced into a cement system as a structural probe in model studies that follow the reactivity and structure of specific sites that fluoride substitutes for.
How will the Promethean myth end?
Authors: Šmajs Josef
Published: September 2013

The author notes that European spiritual culture has provided the world with two great myths: the myth of Jesus Christ and the Promethean myth. These two myths were an early indication of the rise of the hidden predatory spiritual paradigm. As a result of this paradigm (setting), later culture hypertrophically strengthened the human genetic predisposition towards an aggressive adaptive strategy. It is therefore necessary, according to the author, to expose and criticize this predatory paradigm and eventually transform it into a biophilic paradigm. If we want to understand this requirement, we need a higher-order theory, an evolutionary ontological theory of culture. One of the ways of achieving this objective is to weaken and criticize the myth in which the defiant Prometheus acts as an honored civilization hero. In the second part the author briefly introduces his evolutionary-ontological concept of culture. He defends the claim that culture is an artificial system with its own internal information and that two types of order have come into existence within culture in harmony with this information (spiritual culture): 1. strictly information-prescribed structures (specifically the material culture and technology), 2. Spontaneously (through succession) originating structures (especially institutions). If we want to change the orientation of the cultural system, we have to change not only its current information but also its former spiritual setting (paradigm).
Evolutionary-ontological reflection on physical activity of man in culture
Authors: Moudr Vratislav
Published: September 2013

This article is written from the perspective of Josef Šmajs’ evolutionary ontology and considers physical activity in humans. It focuses in detail on a particular form—physical exercise. In the author’s opinion, current physical exercise (sport activity) and any other human form of activity is part of the internal autopoietic processes of the sociocultural system, which displays an ever-increasingly destructive tendency towards its natural environment—towards the host system of the biosphere. The author attempts to establish the degree and manner to which the anti-nature activity of physical exercise varies, but also seeks to point out how they contribute to a potential biophilic transformation of culture.
A Combination of Pre- and Post-Exposure Ascorbic Acid Rescues Mice from Radiation-Induced Lethal Gastrointestinal Damage
Authors: Ito Yasutoshi , Kinoshita Manabu , Yamamoto Tetsuo , Sato Tomohito , Obara Takeyuki , Saitoh Daizoh , Seki Shuhji , Takahashi Yukihiro
Published: September 2013

The development of an effective therapy for radiation-induced gastrointestinal damage is important, because it is currently a major complication of treatment and there are few effective therapies available. Although we have recently demonstrated that pretreatment with ascorbic acid attenuates lethal gastrointestinal damage in irradiated mice, more than half of mice eventually died, thus indicating that better approach was needed. We then investigated a more effective therapy for radiation-induced gastrointestinal damage. Mice receiving abdominal radiation at 13 Gy were orally administered ascorbic acid (250 mg/kg/day) for three days before radiation (pretreatment), one shot of engulfment (250 mg/kg) at 8 h before radiation, or were administered the agent for seven days after radiation (post-treatment). None of the control mice survived the abdominal radiation at 13 Gy due to severe gastrointestinal damage (without bone marrow damage). Neither pretreatment with ascorbic acid (20% survival), engulfment (20%), nor post-treatment (0%) was effective in irradiated mice. However, combination therapy using ascorbic acid, including pretreatment, engulfment and post-treatment, rescued all of the mice from lethal abdominal radiation, and was accompanied by remarkable improvements in the gastrointestinal damage (100% survival). Omitting post-treatment from the combination therapy with ascorbic acid markedly reduced the mouse survival (20% survival), suggesting the importance of post-treatment with ascorbic acid. Combination therapy with ascorbic acid may be a potent therapeutic tool for radiation-induced gastrointestinal damage.
Chitosan-Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles Prepared in One Step by Reverse Microemulsion Precipitation
Authors: López Raúl , Pineda María , Hurtado Gilberto , León Ramón , Fernández Salvador , Saade Hened , Bueno Darío
Published: September 2013

Chitosan-coated magnetic nanoparticles (CMNP) were obtained at 70 °C and 80 °C in a one-step method, which comprises precipitation in reverse microemulsion in the presence of low chitosan concentration in the aqueous phase. X-ray diffractometry showed that CMNP obtained at both temperatures contain a mixture of magnetite and maghemite nanoparticles with ≈4.5 nm in average diameter, determined by electron microscopy, which suggests that precipitation temperature does not affect the particle size. The chitosan coating on nanoparticles was inferred from Fourier transform infrared spectrometry measurements; furthermore, the carbon concentration in the nanoparticles allowed an estimation of chitosan content in CMNP of 6%–7%. CMNP exhibit a superparamagnetic behavior with relatively high final magnetization values (≈49–53 emu/g) at 20 kOe and room temperature, probably due to a higher magnetite content in the mixture of magnetic nanoparticles. In addition, a slight direct effect of precipitation temperature on magnetization was identified, which was ascribed to a possible higher degree of nanoparticles crystallinity as temperature at which they are obtained increases. Tested for Pb2+ removal from a Pb(NO3)2 aqueous solution, CMNP showed a recovery efficacy of 100%, which makes them attractive for using in heavy metals ion removal from waste water.
Advanced Knowledge of Three Important Classes of Grape Phenolics: Anthocyanins, Stilbenes and Flavonols
Authors: Flamini Riccardo , Mattivi Fulvio , Rosso Mirko , Arapitsas Panagiotis , Bavaresco Luigi
Published: September 2013

Grape is qualitatively and quantitatively very rich in polyphenols. In particular, anthocyanins, flavonols and stilbene derivatives play very important roles in plant metabolism, thanks to their peculiar characteristics. Anthocyanins are responsible for the color of red grapes and wines and confer organoleptic characteristics on the wine. They are used for chemotaxonomic studies and to evaluate the polyphenolic ripening stage of grape. They are natural colorants, have antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticarcinogenic activity, exert protective effects on the human cardiovascular system, and are used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Stilbenes are vine phytoalexins present in grape berries and associated with the beneficial effects of drinking wine. The principal stilbene, resveratrol, is characterized by anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective activity. Resveratrol dimers and oligomers also occur in grape, and are synthetized by the vine as active defenses against exogenous attack, or produced by extracellular enzymes released from pathogens in an attempt to eliminate undesirable toxic compounds. Flavonols are a ubiquitous class of flavonoids with photo-protection and copigmentation (together with anthocyanins) functions. The lack of expression of the enzyme flavonoid 3',5'-hydroxylase in white grapes restricts the presence of these compounds to quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin derivatives, whereas red grapes usually also contain myricetin, laricitrin and syringetin derivatives. In the last ten years, the technological development of analytical instrumentation, particularly mass spectrometry, has led to great improvements and further knowledge of the chemistry of these compounds. In this review, the biosynthesis and biological role of these grape polyphenols are briefly introduced, together with the latest knowledge of their chemistry.
An Interactive Remote Laboratory on Basic Computer Architecture Using Altera DE2 Board
Authors: Kalantzopoulos Athanasios , Galetakis Emmanouil , Katsenos Christos , Zigouris Evangelos
Published: September 2013

This paper proposes an interactive RL (Remote Laboratory) on basic computer architecture. The students through this RL are able to understand basic theoretical concepts by observing the step by step operation of two 8-bit CPUs (Central Processing Units). The simple architectures of these CPUs which are also presented in this paper are ideal for introductory courses on computer architecture. The hardware implementations of two ?Computers (micro-computers) based on the above CPUs were achieved using the FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) based Altera DE2 board. The implemented systems around these two ?Computers allow both local and remote control of the corresponding CPUs. The students using the proposed RL, select the desired ?Computer which is automatically downloaded to the FPGA. They are also able to program the selected ?Computer in assembly language and to observe the step by step execution of the downloaded program. This procedure is achieved using the virtual push buttons and toggle switches of the RL GUI (Graphical User Interface) which is accessible by a common web browser. The values of the registers, internal buses and the DE2 LEDs are also displayed in the GUI during the program execution. Through this process, the students become familiar not only with the assembly language programming but they also understand in depth the internal micro-operations of the implemented CPUs.
A Comparative Study of SIMULINK 1D Dynamic Model and FLUENT 3D Model for PEMFC Faults Diagnosis
Authors: Pei Fenglai , Wang Nan , Zhou Su
Published: September 2013

According to the different research platforms of PEMFC (Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell) faults diagnosis, experimental diagnostics and mathematical modeling are employed in the characterization and determination of fuel cell performance. The methods based on mathematical modeling are promised on establishing a suitable model, which is capable to reflect the physical properties of actual fuel cell stack as accurate as possible. Further, a scientific and reasonable PEMFC model is also indispensable for the system performance analysis, design, control, and optimization. Generally, PEMFC auxiliary system adopts a lumped parameter model to provide the boundary conditions of stack, such as current demand, gas flow rate, pressure, and temperature. As PEMFC stack needs to be embedded particular faults in a specific time and space position, it necessitates adopting a distributed parameter model in one dimensional (1D), two dimensional (2D) or three dimensional (3D). In this paper, a comparative analysis is carried out between a diagnostic one dimensional dynamic model by MATLAB/SIMULINK and a diagnostic three dimensional distributed parameter model based on FLUENT. Also, the diagnostic results in specific faults are studied.
Development of A Formal Security Model for Electronic Voting Systems
Authors: Bräunlich Katharina , Grimm Rüdiger
Published: September 2013

Trust that an electronic voting system realizes the security requirements in an adequate manner is an essential premise for electronic elections. Trust in a system can be achieved by controlling the system security. There are two ways to assure system security. One way is the evaluation and certification of the implementation’s security by neutral experts. Another way is the verification of the outcome by the users. Both approaches, verification and certification, should be combined to reasonably justify the voter’s trust in the electronic voting system. In this paper a formal security model with respect to the requirements of Fairness, Eligibility, Secrecy and Receipt-Freeness, Verifiability and Protection against Precipitation is given. This formal model helps to clarify and truly understand these requirements. Furthermore, it can be used for the evaluation and certification of online voting products according to the Common Criteria.
Ozonation Influence on Aluminum Ions in an Aqueous Solution, in Different Temperature Conditions
Authors: Neamtu Corina Ioana , Bolundut Liviu Calin , Pica Elena Maria
Published: September 2013

Metal waste disposed in the environment outside the landfills is a persistent type of polutant both for water and soil. The percolation of rainwater in the mass of waste determines the release of toxic substances in soil and groundwater. Using water polluted with such contaminants for food preparation has negative effects on human health.
This study presents comparative experiments conducted on standard samples (artificially contaminated) with alumnium sulphate [Al2(SO4)3·18H2O]. These samples have been ozonated at different temperatures and timeframes. The effect of ozone treatment on metal ions concentration reduction was investigated using the cyclic voltammetry. It has been observed that for a considerable decrease of metal ions concentration from the contaminated samples, a longer ozonation time is needed at low temperatures.