bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crystallization Behavior and Growing Process of Rutile Crystals in Ti-Bearing Blast Furnace Slag
Authors: Zhang Wu , Zhang Li , Li Yuhai , Li Xin
Published: October 2015

The aim of the present work is to elucidate crystallization and growing process of rutile crystals in Ti-bearing blast furnace slag. The samples were taken from the liquid slag and quenched at once at elevated temperatures in order to analyze phase transaction of titanium and grain size of rutile crystals. Crystallization and growing kinetics of rutile crystals under elevated temperature conditions were calculated, and the crystallization process of rutile crystals under isothermal conditions was expressed by Avrami equation. The effects of experimental parameters, such as experimental temperatures, SiO2 addition, cooling rate, crystal seed addition and oxygen flow, were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the optimal conditions for rutile crystals to grow up were obtained. Distribution and movement state of rutile crystals in the slag were analyzed.
Interfacial Reactions between Alumina and Carbon Refractories and Molten Iron at 1,823 K
Authors: Ikram-ul-Haq Muhammad , Khanna Rita , Sahajwalla Veena
Published: October 2015

High temperature interactions of alumina–carbon refractories with molten iron were investigated at 1,823 K in argon atmosphere. These studies were specifically focussed on the decomposition of alumina in the simultaneous presence of carbon and iron, and associated refractory degradation. Refractory mixtures were prepared by blending 90 wt% alumina with 10 wt% synthetic graphite; 5–15 wt% iron powder was then mixed with the refractory mixture. Using phenol formaldehyde as a binder, pellets were prepared from various blends; these were heat treated at 1,823 K for 30 min in Ar atmosphere. The presence of molten iron significantly enhanced the decomposition of alumina resulting in an enhanced refractory degradation as well as the formation of a new reactant product. This product was identified as a Fe–Al intermetallic phase from SEM/EDS (scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive spectroscopy) and x-ray microdiffraction investigations.
Bifurcation, Locking and Quasi-Period Synchronization in a Round-Coupling Laser System
Authors: Senlin Yan
Published: October 2015

We present a round-coupling laser system with two inverse injection semiconductor lasers and discuss nonlinear dynamics in the two lasers. We make an analysis in locking, synchronization and reverse synchronization of the two lasers. We find that the injection-coupling level determines dynamics and stability of the two lasers. Locking critical condition is successfully predicted. Quasi-period and dynamics in the two lasers are investigated by controlling the current, detuning and injection levels. Many bifurcate diagrams are illustrated via varying the controlling parameters. A route to chaos after bifurcation and quasi-period is described for the two lasers.
The Limit Deposit Velocity model, a new approach
Authors: Miedema Sape A. , Ramsdell Robert C.
Published: October 2015

In slurry transport of settling slurries in Newtonian fluids, it is often stated that one should apply a line speed above a critical velocity, because blow this critical velocity there is the danger of plugging the line. There are many definitions and names for this critical velocity. It is referred to as the velocity where a bed starts sliding or the velocity above which there is no stationary bed or sliding bed. Others use the velocity where the hydraulic gradient is at a minimum, because of the minimum energy consumption. Most models from literature are one term one equation models, based on the idea that the critical velocity can be explained that way.

Here the following definition is used: The critical velocity is the line speed below which there may be either a stationary bed or a sliding bed, depending on the particle diameter and the pipe diameter, but above which no bed (stationary or sliding) exists, the Limit Deposit Velocity (LDV). The way of determining the LDV depends on the particle size, where 5 regions are distinguished.

These regions for sand and gravel are roughly; very small particles up to 0.014–0.040 mm (d < δv
), small particles from δ
v
–0.2 mm, medium particles in a transition region from 0.2–2.00 mm, large particles > 2 mm and very large particles > 0.015·Dp
. The lower limit of the LDV is the transition between a sliding bed and heterogeneous transport. The new model is partly based on physics and correlates well with experiments from literature.
Dissolved oxygen and water temperature dynamics in lowland rivers over various timescales
Authors: Rajwa-Kuligiewicz Agnieszka , Bialik Robert J. , Rowiński Paweł M.
Published: October 2015

The impact of floodplain hydrology on the in-stream dissolved oxygen dynamics and the relation between dissolved oxygen and water temperature are investigated. This has been done by examining the time series of dissolved oxygen and water temperature coupled with meteorological and hydrological data obtained from two lowland rivers having contrasting hydrological settings. Spectral analysis of long-term oxygen variations in a vegetated river revealed a distinct scaling regime with slope ‘–1’ indicating a self-similar behaviour. Identical slopes were obtained for water temperature and water level. The same power-law behaviour was observed for an unvegetated river at small timescales revealing the underlying scaling behaviour of dissolved oxygen regime for different types of rivers and over various time scales. The results have shown that the oxygenation of a vegetated river is strongly related to its thermal regime and flow conditions. Moreover, analysis of short-term fluctuations in the unvegetated river demonstrated that physical factors such as rainfall and backwaters play a substantial role in the functioning of this ecosystem. Finally, the results show that the relation between water temperature and dissolved oxygen concentration at the diurnal timescale exhibits a looping behaviour on the variable plot. The findings of this study provide an insight into the sensitivity of rivers to changing hydro-physical conditions and can be useful in the assessment of environmental variability.
Changes in facial appearance from neonate to adult in 3-M syndrome patient with novel CUL7 gene mutations
Authors: Hasegawa Kosei , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Higuchi Yousuke , Yamashita Miho , Tsukahara Hirokazu
Published: October 2015

3-M syndrome (OMIM #273750, #612921, and #614205) is a rare autosomal recessive growth disorder that is characterized by pre- and postnatal growth retardation, normal intelligence, and characteristic faces. This syndrome also has characteristic radiological features, such as slender long bones and tall vertebral bodies. Three genes, cullin 7 (
Impact of incorporation of chromium on electrochemical properties of LiFePO4/C for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Naik Amol , Zhou Jian , Gao Chao , Liu Guizhen , Wang Lin
Published: October 2015

LiFe0.95Cr0.05PO4/C was successfully synthesized by one-step solid-state reaction using a single mode microwave reactor. The effect of incorporation of chromium on LiFePO4 lattice parameters was systematically investigated by X-ray diffraction. Surface analysis was done by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The ratio of amorphous to graphitic carbon was determined from Raman spectroscopic data. The influence of chromium incorporation on electrochemical properties was studied by recording charge/discharge cycles combined with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry. It was found that Cr incorporation significantly enhanced the electrochemical performance of LiFePO4 at all current densities up to 10 C. LiFe0.95Cr0.05PO4/C prepared exhibited the best performance with an initial specific discharge capacity of 157.7, 144.8, 138.3, 131.0, 124.1 and 111.1 mAh·g−1 at 0.1 C, 0.5 C, 1.0 C, 2.0 C, 5 C and 10 C, respectively. The doped sample displayed excellent capacity retention, which was substantially superior than that of pristine LiFePO4/C at a higher current rate.
Optical separation and controllable delivery of cells from particle and cell mixture
Authors: Li Yuchao , Xin Hongbao , Cheng Chang , Zhang Yao , Li Baojun
Published: October 2015

Cell separation and delivery have recently gained significant attention in
biological and biochemical studies. In thiswork, an optical method for
separation and controllable delivery of cells by using an abruptly tapered fiber
probe is reported. By launching a laser beam at the wavelength of 980 nm into
the fiber, a mixture of cells with sizes of ~5 and ~3 μm and poly(methyl
methacrylate) particles with size of 5 μm are separated into three chains along
the direction of propagation of light. The cell and particle chains are
delivered in three dimensions over 600 μm distance. Experimental results are
interpreted by numerical simulations. Optical forces and forward migration
velocities of different particles and cells are calculated and discussed.
Hybrid fluid-quantum coupling for the simulation of the transport of partially quantized particles in a DG-MOSFET
Authors: Jourdana C. , Vauchelet N.
Published: October 2015

This paper is devoted to numerical simulations of electronic transport in nanoscale semiconductor devices forwhich charged carriers are extremely confined in one direction. In such devices, like DG-MOSFETs, the subband decomposition method is used to reduce the dimensionality of the problem. In the transversal direction electrons are confined and described by a statistical mixture of eigenstates of the Schrödinger operator. In the longitudinal direction, the device is decomposed into a quantum zone (where quantum effects are expected to be large) and a classical zone (where they are negligible). In the largely doped source and drain regions of a DG-MOSFET, the transport is expected to be highly collisional; then a classical transport equation in diffusive regime coupled with the subband decomposition method is used for the modeling, as proposed in N. Ben Abdallah et al. (2006, Proc. Edind. Math. Soc. [7]). In the quantum region, the purely ballistic model presented in Polizzi et al. (2005, J. Comp. Phys. [25]) is used. This work is devoted to the hybrid coupling between these two regions through connection conditions at the interfaces. These conditions have been obtained in order to verify the continuity of the current. A numerical simulation for a DG-MOSFET, with comparison with the classical and quantum model, is provided to illustrate our approach.
Pyrolysis characteristics and kinetics of β-cyclodextrin and its two derivatives
Authors: Zhu Guangyong , Xiao Zuobing , Zhou Rujun , Niu Yunwei
Published: October 2015

β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and its derivatives have been widely used to prepare inclusion complexes. However, systematic research on their thermal stabilities, pyrolysis characteristics and kinetics has rarely been reported. In this paper, thermogravimetric analysis was employed to investigate β-cyclodextrin and its two derivatives, 2-Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) and monochlorotriazinyl-β-cyclodextrin (MCT-β-CD). The pyrolysis characteristics and kinetic parameters were obtained. The results show that three stages can be distinguished during the heating process of the above three samples. The temperature of initial decomposition of HP-β-CD (309.5°C is higher than that of β-CD (297.8°C), while the temperature of initial decomposition of MCT-β-CD (231.4°C) is lower than that of β-CD. For the three cyclodextrins, the thermal stability in descending order is HP-β-CD, β-CD and MCT-HP-β-CD. The activation energy values are 350.6, 303.3 and 113.9 KJ/mol, and the pre-exponential factor values are 1.11×1031, 1.37×1026 and 1.39×1010 for β-CD, HP-β-CD and MCT-β-CD respectively.
Two-step treatment of harmful industrial wastewater: an analysis of microbial reactor with integrated membrane retention for benzene and toluene removal
Authors: Trusek-Holownia Anna , Noworyta Andrzej
Published: October 2015

Standards for highly toxic and carcinogenic pollutants impose strict guidelines, requiring values close to zero, regarding the degradation of such pollutants in industrial streams. In many cases, classic bioremoval processes fail. Therefore, we proposed a stream leaving the microbial membrane bioreactor (MBR) that is directed to an additional membrane separation mode (NF/RO). Under certain conditions, the integrated process not only benefits the environment but may also increase the profitability of the bioreactor operation. An appropriate model was developed and tested in which the bioremoval of benzene and toluene by Pseudomonas fluorescens was used as an example. This paper presents equations for selecting the operation parameters of the integrated system to achieve the expected degree of industrial wastewater purification.
Thermoplastic elastomers containing 2D nanofillers: montmorillonite, graphene nanoplatelets and oxidized graphene platelets
Authors: Paszkiewicz Sandra , Pawelec Iwona , Szymczyk Anna , Rosłaniec Zbigniew
Published: October 2015

This paper presents a comparative study on which type of platelets nanofiller, organic or inorganic, will affect the properties of thermoplastic elastomer matrix in the stronger manner. Therefore, poly(trimethylene terephthalate-block-poly(tetramethylene oxide) copolymer (PTT-PTMO) based nanocomposites with 0.5 wt.% of clay (MMT), graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) and graphene oxide (GO) have been prepared by in situ polymerization. The structure of the nanocomposites was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in order to present good dispersion without large aggregates. It was indicated that PTT-PTMO/GNP composite shows the highest crystallization temperature. Unlike the addition of GNP and GO, the introduction of MMT does not have great effect on the glass transition temperature of PTMO-rich soft phase. An addition of all three types of nanoplatelets in the nanocomposites caused the enhancement in tensile modulus and yield stress. Additionally, the cyclic tensile tests showed that prepared nanocomposites have values of permanent set slightly higher than neat PTT-PTMO.
Efficacy of long-term low-dose sulodexide in diabetic and non-diabetic nephropathies
Authors: Zilişteanu Diana-Silvia , Atasie Teodora , Voiculescu M.
Published: October 2015

Background and Aims. Sulodexide has been reported to have antiproteinuric and nephroprotective properties. We investigated the effects of long-term low-dose Sulodexide on proteinuria and renal function in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) caused by diabetic nephropathy (DN), hypertensive nephropathy (HN) and primary glomerulonephritis (GN).

Material and Methods. 100 patients with CKD received low-dose Sulodexide 50 mg/day for 12 months. Treatment efficacy was evaluated as proteinuria reduction compared to baseline; response was defined as a decline in proteinuria below 0.3 g/d. Renal function evolution was assessed by eGFR variation from baseline.

Results. All patients presented reduction of proteinuria, with global mean value of proteinuria decrease of 0.85 ± 1.34 g/d (p<0.0001). Patients with HN had the highest mean percentage of proteinuria reduction (73±29%) and the lowest mean time period to achieve responder status (6.6±2.4 months), compared to patients with DN (57±29%, 8±2.9 months) and GN (63±24%, 10.7±1.2 months). Renal function as mean eGFR remained stable or improved during the study; significant increase was found only in HN group (3.41 ± 6.38 ml/min/1.73m2, p=0.043). Multivariate regression analysis identified that responder status was significantly associated with gender, baseline eGFR, baseline proteinuria and etiology of CKD. Concomitant administration of ACEIs or/and ARBs did not influence the response to Sulodexide therapy.

Conclusions. Independently of ACEIs or/and ARBs therapy, long-term low-dose Sulodexide is efficient as antiproteinuric and renoprotective therapy in patients with CKD caused by DN, GN and HN. Better response is achieved in patients with lower degree of renal dysfunction.
Anaphylactic shock: are we doing enough and with the right timing and order?
Authors: Bălan H. , Gurghean Adriana
Published: October 2015

Anaphylactic shock became, unfortunately, a common presence in Romanian mass-media, due to some fatal cases in the last months. The coincidence that in December 2014 the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, and the Joint Council of Allergy Asthma and Immunology released Practice parameters offers a good opportunity to renew for all practitioners what is now considered the “golden standard” of good practice.

Epinephrine must be considered the cornerstone and the most urgent measure to be applied in these cases, immediately after the diagnosis. A very important notice is to forget the administration of antihistamines or corticosteroids as first line therapy instead of epinephrine. Proper positioning of the subjects and quick fluid replacement (1-2 l of normal saline in a few minutes) are also mandatory.
Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB) in the Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Review
Authors: Kalogeraki Alexandra , Papadakis Georgios Z. , Tamiolakis Dimitrios , Karvela-Kalogeraki Iliana , Karvelas-Kalogerakis Mihailos , Segredakis John , Moustou Eleni
Published: October 2015

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth more common cause of cancer and the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Despite advances in surgical and non surgical modalities in the treatment of HCC, a number of controversies regarding appropriate diagnostic procedures continue to evolve. A consensus statement from the European Association for the study of Liver Diseases (EASL) has been formulated to help clinicians standardize diagnostic approaches. In nodules greater than 2 cm diameter in size, diagnosis can be made if any 2 imaging studies (ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging or hepatic arteriography) show increased vascularity. Alternatively only one imaging study with an Alpha fetoprotein level more than 400ng/mL is diagnostic. Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) should be performed in cases of indeterminate radiology and in lesions sized between 1 and 2 cm. The aim of this review is to familiarize pathologists in the FNAB diagnosis of HCC in an appropriate and timely fashion.
Dual X-ray absorptiometry whole body composition of adipose tissue in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Popescu C. , Bojincă Violeta , Opriş Daniela , Ionescu Ruxandra
Published: October 2015

Aim. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may influence not only abdominal fat, but also whole body adiposity, since it is associated with chronic inflammation and disability. The study aims to evaluate the whole body adiposity of RA patients and to assess potential influences of disease specific measures.

Methods. The study was designed to include Caucasian postmenopausal female RA patients and age-matched postmenopausal female controls. Each subject underwent on the same day clinical examination, laboratory tests, whole body dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) composition and physical activity estimation using a self-administered questionnaire.

Results. A total of 107 RA women and 104 matched controls were included. Compared to controls, the RA group had less physical activity and a higher prevalence of normal weight obesity. Overfat RA women had a significantly higher toll of inflammation, disease activity, glucocorticoid treatment and sedentary behavior. RA women with inflammation, glucocorticoid treatment and higher disease activity class had higher whole body and trunk adipose tissue indices and higher prevalence of overfat status. Glucocorticoid treatment, inflammation, disease duration and severity correlated with whole body adipose tissue and significantly predicted high adiposity content and overfat phenotypes.

Conclusions. RA disease duration and severity are associated with higher whole body and regional adiposity. Low-dose glucocorticoid treatment seems to contribute to adiposity gain and redistribution. Clinicians may need to assess body composition and physical activity in RA patients in order to fully manage cardiovascular outcomes and quality of life.
Drug Induced Lupus Erythematosus Due to Capecitabine and Bevacizumab Treatment Presenting with Prolonged Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Ozaslan Ersin , Eroglu Eray , Gok Kevser , Senel Soner , Baldane Suleyman , Akyol Lutfi , Ozkan Metin
Published: October 2015

Drug induced lupus erythematosus (DILE) is a syndrome that is formed by lupus-like symptoms and laboratory characteristics. Capecitabine is an orally administered tumor-selective fluoropyrimidine that acts as a prodrug of 5-Fluorouracil and bevacizumab is an antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) antibody, both are used for the treatment of patients with colorectal cancer. Herein we report the first case of DILE in a 68-year-old woman who presented with arthralgia, myalgia and prolonged thrombocytopenia after receiving capecitabine and bevacizumab combination treatment as palliative treatment for metastatic colon cancer. Platelet levels were increased and joint complaints disappeared in the first week of hydroxychloroquine and methylprednisolone treatment after chemotherapy had been discontinued. In conclusion, physicians should be alert to the possibility of DILE in patients presenting with thrombocytopenia under a capecitabine and bevacizumab chemotherapy regimen.
Influence of Hydrated Lime on the Properties and Permanent Deformation of the Asphalt Concrete Layers in Pavement
Authors: Al-Tameemi Ahmed F. , Wang Yu , Albayati Amjad
Published: October 2015

Flexible or asphalt concrete pavement is the paving system most widely adopted all over the world. It has been recognized that there are many different types of the factors affecting the performance and durability of asphalt concrete pavement, including the service conditions, such as: the variation of temperature from mild to extremes and the repeated excessive axle loading as well as the inadequate quality of the raw materials. All of these when combined together are going to accelerate the occurrence of distresses in flexible pavement such as permanent deformation and fatigue cracking. As the result, there has an urgent need to enhance the ability of asphalt concrete mixture to resist distresses happened in pavement. Use of additives is one of the techniques adopted to improve pavement properties. It has been found that hydrated lime might be one of the effective additives because it is widely available and relatively cheap compared to other modifiers like polymers. This paper presents an experimental study of the hydrated-lime modified asphalt concrete mixtures. Five different percentages of the hydrated lime additive were investigated, namely (1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3 percent). The hydrated lime additive was used as partial replacement of limestone filler by total weight of the aggregate. The designed Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) concretes are for the application of three pavement courses, i.e. Surface, Leveling and Base. These mixtures are designed and tested following Marshall procedure and uniaxial repeated loading to evaluate permanent deformation at different temperatures of 20°C, 40°C and 60°C. The experimental results show that the addition of hydrated lime as a partial replacement of ordinary limestone mineral filler results a significant improvement on mechanical properties and the resistant to permanent deformation of the designed asphalt concrete mixtures.
Behavior Of A Confined Tension Lap Splice In High-Strength Reinforced Concrete Beams
Authors: Abdel-Kareem Ahmed H. , Abousafa Hala , El-Hadidi Omaia S.
Published: October 2015

The results of an experimental program conducted on seventeen simply supported concrete beams to study the effect of transverse reinforcement on the behavior of the lap splice of a steel reinforcement in tension zones in high-strength concrete beams are presented. The parameters included in the experimental program were the concrete compressive strength, the lap splice length, the amount of transverse reinforcement provided within the splice region, and the shape of the transverse reinforcement around the spliced bars. The experimental results showed that the displacement ductility increased and the mode of failure changed from a splitting bond failure to a flexural failure when the amount of the transverse reinforcement in the splice region increased, and the compressive strength increased up to 100 MPa. The presence of the transverse reinforcement around the spliced bars had a pronounced effect on increasing the ultimate load, the ultimate deflection, and the displacement ductility. The prediction of maximum steel stresses for spliced bars using the ACI 318-05 building code was compared with the experimental results. The comparison showed that the effect of the transverse reinforcement around spliced bars has to be considered into the design equations for lap splice length in high-strength concrete beams.
Theoretical Examination Of The Longitudinal Behaviour Of Embedded Rails
Authors: Major Zoltán
Published: October 2015

The longitudinal behaviour of embedded rails significantly differs from that of ballasted or slab tracks with direct rail fastenings. As the ambient temperature rises and falls, rails expand and contract, thereby imposing stress on the channel and embedding compound. In the article the author presents the creation of a method that makes the calculation and the inspection of embedded rails simpler and closer to the everyday engineering mentality. The design process includes an analysis of the displacement and normal forces along a rail axis.
Causative constructions in Ainu: A typological perspective with remarks on the diachrony
Authors: Bugaeva Anna
Published: October 2015

There are productive (-re/-e/-te, -yar/-ar) and non-productive(-V, -ke, -ka) causatives in Ainu. Non-productive causatives have traditionally been regarded as ‘transitives’, but proposing a revision of Tamura’s model of verbal structure in Ainu, this paper argues that they can be regarded as direct causatives, though causatives in-Vdo not have the same derivational status and should rather be regarded as lexical causatives. A cross-dialectal comparison shows that the causative function of-kais gradually being replaced by the productive causative-re/-e/-tewhich came to be used as a default causative marker of direct/indirect causation. Three of five causative morphemes originated in the verbs ‘make’ and ‘do’; all of them have also been attested with the denominal causative function, which suggests the following general pattern for the development of causatives in Ainu:do/make>denom>dir caus>(indir caus).
Agent prominence in symmetrical voice languages
Authors: Riesberg Sonja , Primus Beatrice
Published: October 2015

It has been argued in the literature that morpho-syntactically agents are universally more prominent than patients. At first sight, this claim seems to be challenged by so called symmetrical voice languages because these languages show no preference for agents to be the privileged syntactic argument (PSA). They do thus not display an obvious syntactic prominence of agents. However, this paper will argue that even symmetrical voice languages show instances of agent prominence. These instances are not reflected in a default linking of agents to PSA function, but rather in a slightly more subtle manner: First, agents always function as binders to reflexive pronouns, regardless of position or grammatical function. Second, agent properties like volitionality, ability and control are reflected in verbal morphology, even in undergoer voice construction in which the agent is not the PSA. This is the case in potentive, stative, and causative construction.
Reversible Deactivation of Motor Cortex Reveals Functional Connectivity with Posterior Parietal Cortex in the Prosimian Galago (Otolemur garnettii)
Authors: Cooke Dylan F. , Stepniewska Iwona , Miller Daniel J. , Kaas Jon H. , Krubitzer Leah
Published: October 2015

We examined the functional macrocircuitry of frontoparietal networks in the neocortex of prosimian primates (Otolemur garnettii) using a microfluidic thermal regulator to reversibly deactivate selected regions of motor cortex (M1). During deactivation of either forelimb or mouth/face movement domains within M1, we used long-train intracortical microstimulation techniques to evoke movements from the rostral division of posterior parietal cortex (PPCr). We found that deactivation of M1 movement domains in most instances abolished movements evoked in PPCr. The most common effect of deactivating M1 was to abolish evoked movements in a homotopic domain in PPCr. For example, deactivating M1 forelimb lift domains resulted in loss of evoked movement in forelimb domains in PPCr. However, at some sites, we also observed heterotopic effects; deactivating a specific domain in M1 (e.g., forelimb lift) resulted in loss of evoked movement in a different movement domain in PPCr (e.g., hand-to-mouth or eye-blink). At most sites examined in PPCr, rewarming M1 resulted in a reestablishment of the baseline movement at the same amplitude as that observed before cooling. However, at some sites, reactivation did not result in a return to baseline movement or to the full amplitude of the baseline movement. We discuss our findings in the context of frontoparietal circuits and how they may subserve a repertoire of ecologically relevant behaviors.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe posterior parietal cortex (PPC) of primates integrates sensory information used to guide movements. Different modules within PPC and motor cortex (M1) appear to control various motor behaviors (e.g., reaching, defense, and feeding). How these modules work together may vary across species and may explain differences in dexterity and even the capacity for tool use. We investigated the functional connectivity of these modules in galagos, a prosimian primate with relatively simple frontoparietal circuitry. By deactivating a reaching module in M1, we interfered with the function of similar PPC modules and occasionally unrelated PPC modules as well (e.g., eye blink). This circuitry in galagos, therefore, is more complex than in nonprimates, indicating that it has been altered with the expansion of primate PPC.
Metabolic Connection of Inflammatory Pain: Pivotal Role of a Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinase-Pyruvate Dehydrogenase-Lactic Acid Axis
Authors: Jha Mithilesh Kumar , Song Gyun Jee , Lee Maan Gee , Jeoung Nam Ho , Go Younghoon , Harris Robert A. , Park Dong Ho , Kook Hyun , Lee In-Kyu , Suk Kyoungho
Published: October 2015

Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinases (PDK1–4) are mitochondrial metabolic regulators that serve as decision makers via modulation of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) activity to convert pyruvate either aerobically to acetyl-CoA or anaerobically to lactate. Metabolic dysregulation and inflammatory processes are two sides of the same coin in several pathophysiological conditions. The lactic acid surge associated with the metabolic shift has been implicated in diverse painful states. In this study, we investigated the role of PDK-PDH-lactic acid axis in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory pain. Deficiency ofPdk2and/orPdk4in mice attenuated complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced pain hypersensitivities. Likewise,Pdk2/4deficiency attenuated the localized lactic acid surge along with hallmarks of peripheral and central inflammation following intraplantar administration of CFA.In vitrostudies supported the role of PDK2/4 as promoters of classical proinflammatory activation of macrophages. Moreover, the pharmacological inhibition of PDKs or lactic acid production diminished CFA-induced inflammation and pain hypersensitivities. Thus, a PDK-PDH-lactic acid axis seems to mediate inflammation-driven chronic pain, establishing a connection between metabolism and inflammatory pain.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) kinases (PDKs) and their substrate PDH orchestrate the conversion of pyruvate either aerobically to acetyl-CoA or anaerobically to lactate. Lactate, the predominant end product of glycolysis, has recently been identified as a signaling molecule for neuron-glia interactions and neuronal plasticity. Pathological metabolic shift and subsequent lactic acid production are thought to play an important role in diverse painful states; however, their contribution to inflammation-driven pain is still to be comprehended. Here, we report that the PDK-PDH-lactic acid axis constitutes a key component of inflammatory pain pathogenesis. Our findings establish an unanticipated link between metabolism and inflammatory pain. This study unlocks a previously ill-explored research avenue for the metabolic control of inflammatory pain pathogenesis.
Wisp1 mediates Bmp3-stimulated mesenchymal stem cell proliferation
Authors: Cernea Maria , Tang Wei , Guan Haiyan , Yang Kaiping
Published: October 2015

Adipose tissue expansion, resulting from adipocyte hyperplasia and/or hypertrophy, is a hallmark of obesity. Adipocytes are derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) through adipogenesis, a process involving three key steps: proliferation, commitment and differentiation. Although studies have elaborated on the mechanisms regulating adipocyte commitment and differentiation, the factors that control MSC proliferation remain largely unknown. Previously, we demonstrated that bone morphogenetic protein 3 (Bmp3), the expression of which was upregulated in our rat model of hyperplasic visceral adiposity, potently stimulated MSC proliferation. In the present study, we investigate the molecular target ofBmp3. We conducted DNA microarray analysis on MSCs treated with and withoutBmp3and identified WNT1-inducible signaling pathway protein 1 (Wisp1) as a differentially expressed gene, whose expression was upregulated 3.7-fold byBmp3.Wisp1is a proliferative agent in various non-adipose cell types and is implicated in adipogenesis. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis thatWisp1mediatesBmp3stimulation of MSC proliferation. We showed thatBmp3increased the expression ofWisp1as early as 3 h followingBmp3treatment in MSCs. Importantly, the upregulatedWisp1expression precededBmp3-induced MSC proliferation, as determined by [3H]-thymidine incorporation. Furthermore, treatment of MSCs with recombinantWisp1led to a concentration-dependent increase in [3H]-thymidine incorporation with a maximal increase of 300%. In addition, siRNA-mediated knockdown ofWisp1expression attenuatedBmp3-induced MSC proliferation. Taken together, our present findings revealWisp1as a novel target ofBmp3and suggest that theBmp3/Wisp1signaling pathway play a key role in MSC proliferation, and consequently adipogenesis.
The role of the Src Homology-2 domain containing protein B (SHB) in β cells
Authors: Welsh Michael , Jamalpour Maria , Zang Guangxiang , Åkerblom Björn
Published: October 2015

This review will describe the SH2-domain signaling protein Src Homology-2 domain containing protein B (SHB) and its role in various physiological processes relating in particular to glucose homeostasis and β cell function. SHB operates downstream of several tyrosine kinase receptors and assembles signaling complexes in response to receptor activation by interacting with other signaling proteins via its other domains (proline-rich, phosphotyrosine-binding and tyrosine-phosphorylation sites). The subsequent responses are context-dependent. Absence ofShbin mice has been found to exert effects on hematopoiesis, angiogenesis and glucose metabolism. Specifically, first-phase insulin secretion in response to glucose was impaired and this effect was related to altered characteristics of focal adhesion kinase activation modulating signaling through Akt, ERK, β catenin and cAMP. It is believed that SHB plays a role in integrating adaptive responses to various stimuli by simultaneously modulating cellular responses in different cell-types, thus playing a role in maintaining physiological homeostasis.
„Flucht ins Dunkel“ – Bedarf an und Stand der transnationalen Regulierung des Schattenbanksektors. Auch ein Modell für islamic finance?
Authors: Manger-Nestler Cornelia , Gramlich Ludwig
Published: October 2015

Die Notwendigkeit zu angemessener Bewältigung von Risiken finanzieller Aktivitäten reicht weit über die klassische Banken- und Versicherungsaufsicht hinaus. Die Festlegung von Standards wie die immer intensivere Regulierung erstrecken sich zunehmend auf weitere Sektoren des Finanzwesens. Dabei zeigen sich durchaus Gemeinsamkeiten zwischen den Zielen und Instrumenten von Regelungen für shadow banking und für islamic finance.
PENGARUH MOTIVASI BELAJAR, PERILAKU BELAJAR DAN MODEL PEMBELAJARAN KONSTRUKTIVISME TERHADAP PRESTASI BELAJAR MAHASISWA KELAS REGULER FAKULTAS EKONOMI DAN BISNIS UIN SYARIF HIDAYATULLAH JAKARTA
Authors: Wulandari Soliyah
Published: October 2015

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menjelaskan pengaruh motivasi belajar, perilaku belajar, dan model pembelajaran konstruktivisme terhadap prestasi belajar. Perilaku belajar terdiri dari kebiasaan mengikuti pelajaran, kebiasaan membaca buku teks, kunjungan ke perpustakaan, dan kebiasaan mengikuti ujian. Sampel yang digunakan di dalam penelitian ini dihasilkan melalui teknik pengambilan sampel bertujuan dari mahasiwa-mahasiwa jurusan akuntansi, manajemen, dan ilmu ekonomi studi pembangunan kelas reguler Fakultas Ekonomi dan Bisnis UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta. Sampel akhir dari penelitian ini adalah 202 mahasiswa. Data dianalisis dengan menggunakan regresi berganda. Hasil dari penelitian ini memberikan dukungan secara empiris bahwa perilaku belajar dalam hal kebiasaaan mengikuti pelajaran dan kunjungan ke perpustakaan berpengaruh terhadap prestasi belajar mahasiswa. Namun, hasil penelitian ini tidak memberikan dukungan secara empiris bahwa motivasi belajar, perilaku belajar dalam hal kebiasaan membaca buku teks dan kebiasaan mengikuti ujian, serta model pembelajaran konstruktivisme berpengaruh terhadap prestasi belajar mahasiswa.DOI: 10.15408/ess.v4i1.1954
A study of the ground plane effect in passband filters using OSRR cells
Authors: Díaz Pardo Iván Eduardo , Suárez Fajardo Carlos Arturo , Puerto Leguizamón Gustavo Adolfo
Published: October 2015

This paper presents the study of the ground plane effect in passband filters using metamaterial cells in Open Split Ring Resonators (OSRR) structures on microstrip substrates. Three different configurations have been proposed, namely: by removing partially the ground plane of the OSRR cell back end, by windows design over the ground plane at the back end of each cell and by placing a full ground plane. The conducted analysis shows that the filter transmission response featuring a ground plane including windows proved to be the most flattened with the middle bandwidth of the three configurations. On the other hand, the performance of these filters is similar to a conventional filter based on three-pole microstrip technology but with a considerable reduction in size of about 60%.
Impact of previous acclimatization of biomass and alternative substrates in sunflower oil biodegradation
Authors: Cisterna Osorio Pedro Eulogio , Gutiérrez Lavin Antonio , Sastre-Andres Herminio
Published: October 2015

The aim of this work is to evaluate the incidence rate of the previous acclimatization of biomass and the presence of any other easily biodegradable substrates, such as sucrose. This experiment will be undertaken with sunflower oil biodegradation in a batch reactor with suspended biomass. It used a biomass concentration of 5000 mg/l in batch reactors, and in every condition the elimination of oil by means of biodegradation was achieved with levels ranging from 10 to 90 % It was noticed that sludge acclimation substantially improves biodegradation efficiency by increasing the average biodegradation from a value of 30% to 80%. When adding sucrose to an acclimatized biomass stage, biodegradation sunflower oil is reduced, from an average value of 80% to 60%.
An improvement to the classification based on the measurement of the similarity quality using fuzzy relations
Authors: Fernandez Hernandez Yumilka Barbara , Filiberto Yaima , Frias Mabel , Bello Rafael , Caballero Yaile
Published: October 2015

The learning of classification rules is a classic problem of the automatic learning. The algorithm IRBASIR for the induction of classification rules based on similaridad relations allows to discover knowledge starting from decision systems that contain features with continuous and discrete domains. This algorithm has shown to obtain higher results than other well-known algorithms. In this article, several modifications to this algorithm based on the Fuzzy sets theory are proposed, taking into account the measure quality of similarity. The experimental results show that using the fuzzy sets theory allow to obtain higher results than the original algorithm.
Development of a concept-based EMG-based speller
Authors: Damaševičius Robertas , Vasiljevas Mindaugas , Šumskas Tomas
Published: October 2015

Physiological computing is a paradigm of computing that treats users’ physiological data as input during computing tasks in an Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) environment. By monitoring, analyzing and responding to such inputs, Physiological Computing Systems (PCS) are able to respond to the users’ cognitive, emotional and physical states. A specific case of PCS is Neural Computer Interface (NCI), which uses electrical signals governing users’ muscular activity (EMG data) to establish a direct communication pathway between the user and a computer. We present taxonomy of speller application parameters, propose a model of PCS, and describe the development of the EMG-based speller as a benchmark application. We analyze and develop an EMG-based speller application with a traditional letter-based as well as visual concept-based interface. Finally, we evaluate the performance and usability of the developed speller using empirical (accuracy, information transfer speed, input speed) metrics.
How Medical Practice Has Gone Wrong: Causes of the Lack-of-Reproducibility Crisis in Medical Research
Authors: Bauer Henry Hermann
Published: October 2015

Modern medical practice has gone wrong by over-emphasizing drug-based treatment for chronic, constitutional conditions. The failure to distinguish between infectious and innate conditions was exacerbated by misinterpretation of quantitative measures, inappropriate statistical analysis, and inadequate regulation. The drug industry has become too influential as a result of these mis-steps and is a source of many conflicts of interest that are barriers to improving matters. This article summarizes some of the current problems facing medical practice and offers suggestions to address these problems.
Reacción a Moniliophthora roreri en Theobroma spp. en Caquetá, Colombia
Authors: Cuéllar Armando Sterling , Daza Marfi Andrea Hermida , León Carlos Hernando Rodríguez , Tobón Yasodhara Marieth Salas , Guzmán María Natali Nieto , Rodríguez Diego Ferney Caicedo
Published: October 2015

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar in situ la reacción de 50 materiales genéticos de tres especies de Theobroma(T. cacao, T. grandiflorum y T. bicolor) a la inoculación controlada de tres aislados autóctonos de Moniliophthora roreri (agente causal de la moniliasis del cacao) en el Departamento de Caquetá (Amazonia colombiana). Las variables incidencia de la enfermedad (IMr), severidad externa (SE) y severidad interna (SI), se evaluaron nueve semanas después de la inoculación de mazorcas de 2 a 3 meses de edad con una suspensión de esporas de 1,2 x 105 esporas/mL. La enfermedad se evidenció en las tres especies de Theobroma, sin embargo, ésta no se presentó en 13 de los 50 materiales genéticos evaluados, representados así: seis T. grandiflorum, cinco T. bicolor y dos T. cacao. Los materiales genéticos de T. bicolor y T. grandiflorum fueron los menos afectados comparados con los de T. cacao. Se encontraron diferencias significativas para IMr, SE y SI entre las tres especies de Theobroma y entre los 50 materiales genéticos. Diferencias significativas entre los aislados solo ocurrieron para SE. La incidencia y la severidad de la enfermedad entre materiales genéticos, fueron influenciadas por el patógeno aislado. Los materiales genéticos con menor reacción a M. roreri pueden ser utilizados en programas de mejoramiento por resistencia a la moniliasis.
Reprodução Sexuada em Pyricularia oryzae
Authors: Moreira Silvino Intra , Ceresini Paulo Cézar , Alves Eduardo
Published: October 2015

A brusone é causada pelo fungo Ascomyceto Pyricularia oryzae, sendo a doença mundialmente mais importante do arroz. Além do arroz, P. oryzae causa a brusone em trigo no Brasil, no Paraguai e na Bolívia. A alta variabilidade genético-patotípica observada em populações locais de P. oryzae, é possivelmente responsável pela baixa durabilidade da resistência de cultivares de arroz e trigo a referida doença, e talvez também seja determinante em eventos de 'mudança de hospedeiro' pelo patógeno. Esta revisão tem por objetivo apresentar aspectos relevantes da reprodução sexuada de P. oryzae, bem como informações sobre mecanismos de regulação do ciclo reprodutivo sexual do patógeno por meio dos genes mating type e feromônios, num sistema de reconhecimento específico. O conhecimento da biologia reprodutiva e da importância da reprodução sexuada em P. oryzae é essencial para o manejo da brusone baseado em resistência durável.
Reação à Bipolaris maydis, agente causal da mancha foliar, em híbridos apomíticos de Panicum maximum
Authors: Marcos Miriam Ferreira , Jank Liana , Fernandes Celso Dornelas , Verzignassi Jaqueline Rosemeire , Mallmann Guilherme , Queiróz Carolina de Arruda , Batista Margareth Vieira
Published: October 2015

A mancha foliar, causada por Bipolaris maydis, é a principal doença de Panicum maximum. A seleção de genótipos resistentes é a melhor estratégia para o controle desta doença. Com o objetivo de identificar fontes de resistência de P. maximum à mancha foliar, 92 híbridos apomíticos, originários de cruzamentos das cultivares Tanzânia-1 e Mombaça, e outros três genótipos sexuais foram testados. Em blocos casualizados, com oito repetições cada, inocularam-se plantas com 30 dias de idade e, após 12 dias, a severidade da doença foi avaliada. Foram verificadas diferenças significativas (P<0,05), de genótipos entre e dentro das progênies, com relação a resistência à mancha foliar. Identificaram-se híbridos com resistência à doença, com destaque para os híbridos MS81, A109, B109, B89 e A4.
"Daí você nasceu minha filha": análise discursiva crítica de uma carta ao obstetra
Authors: REGIS Jacqueline Fiuza da Silva , RESENDE Viviane de Melo
Published: October 2015

Neste artigo, parte de uma pesquisa mais ampla sobre a representação discursiva do parto, realizamos análise discursiva crítica de uma carta ao obstetra que tematiza a violência obstétrica. A justificativa para a escolha desse tema é a hospitalização do parto no Brasil, onde se observa um índice de 82% de cesarianas na rede privada, o mais alto do mundo. E a escolha do objeto justifica-se por se tratar de gênero discursivo inovador e relacionado ao movimento pró parto natural no Brasil. Partindo de categorias analíticas como avaliação, coesão, modalidade, pressuposição, intensificação, investigamos estilos no texto, considerando a construção discursiva de identidade e identificação. Nossa análise aponta alto teor de intensificação e negação, além da expressão recorrente de afetos, julgamentos e apreciações. Considerado o documento como registro de uma conjuntura, interpretamos a avaliação do comportamento da médica como parte de uma crítica mais ampla ao modelo de assistência vigente no Brasil, o que materializa aspectos da luta hegemônica travada no discurso.
Octoblepharum (Leucobryaceae) do alto Rio Negro, Amazonas (Brasil)
Authors: Yano Olga
Published: October 2015

Nove taxa de Octoblepharum Hedw. são relatados para o Alto Rio Negro, Amazonas, coletados em expedição realizada no período de junho a julho de 1979, quais sejam: O. albidum Hedw. var violascens C. Muell., O. ampullaceumMitt., O. cylindricum Mont., O. cocuienseMitt., O. erectifolium Mitt. ex. Williams, O. pellucidum C. Muell., O. albidum Hedw. var. albidum, O. pulvinatum (Dozy & Molk.) Mitt. e O. stramineum Mitt. As três últimas ocorreram com maior frequência. Uma chave para identificação dos táxons infragenéricos de Octoblepharum é apresentada.