bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of form deviations on the tolerance analysis
Authors: Chahbouni Mouhssine , Boutahari Said , Amegouz Driss
Published: September 2014

The objective of this paper is to present the influence of form deviations on the tolerance analysis of an assembly. For this we will study initially the tolerance analysis using the deviations and clearances domains method, a second time we will integrate the influence of form tolerances on the allowable deviation domain. To illustrate this analysis we used a classical assembly with position and form tolerances (coaxiality and cylindricity). Finally a comparative study between the two cases was illustrated. Keywords:Tolerance Analysis, CAD/CAM, Assembly Systems, Engineering Drawings.
Design and implementation of a three axis digitally controlled traverse system for flow surveys in a drying chamber
Authors: Bardakas Achilleas , Chasiotis Vasilis , Tzempelikos Dimitrios , Filios Andronikos
Published: September 2014

The current paper describes the design and development of a pc-controlled three axis traverse system that aims to serve extensive velocity and temperature measurements into the drying chamber of a laboratory scale convective dryer. The traversing gear design has been conducted based on the convective dryers specific experimental requirements and limitations. The fabricated traversing gear uses a trapezoidal lead screw-nut assembly supported by linear ball bearings, coupled with bipolar stepper motors for positioning in three dimensional spaces. A custom drive system solution was selected for achieving accurate motor control, paired with computer software developed using the LabVIEW graphical programming environment. The functionality of the traversing system was experimentally verified by testing mechanical and electronic assemblies, but also by determining the per axis positioning error. Keywords: Fluid Flow Measurement, Digital Control, Motion Control, Displacement Control, Electromechanical Devices.
Regulation of heme oxygenase-1 induction during recurrent insulin induced hypoglycemia
Authors: Quadri Syed , Prathipati Priyanka , Jackson Debra , Jackson Keith
Published: September 2014

Background: Recurrent insulin induced hypoglycemia (RIIH) is an unavoidable risk of conventional therapeutic management of insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and is a primary cause of impaired glucose counter regulation. Circulating angiotensin II (AngII) has been reported to be elevated in diabetic models, and is linked to the promotion of hypertension. Objective: The current study was performed to evaluate the hypothesis that chronic insulin injections and/or hypoglycemia promotes hypertension via an increase in AngII, which increases endogenous carbon monoxide (CO) through an induction in heme oxygenase (HO-1). Methods: Male Sprague Dawley rats (200 250g) were treated for 2 weeks with daily injections of 7U/kg insulin or diluent. On the 14th day, surgery was performed and rats were administered various doses of captopril (2mg/kg, 8mg/kg, and 12mg/kg) or vehicle. Following the dose evaluation, subsets of previously treated animals were treated with vehicle, DALA (80g/kg), Captopril (12mg/kg) or a combination of DALA (80g/kg) + CAP (12mg/kg). Results: A dose dependent decrease in blood pressure was observed during captopril treatment in RIIH hypertensive rats. However, there was no change in urine output among the treatment groups. Captopril and DALA+CAP treatments produced a reduction in blood pressure as compared to animals treated with DALA alone. Carboxyhemoglobin and AngII concentrations were also reduced in animals treated with captopril and DALA+CAP. In addition, HO-1 protein levels in heart and kidney were reduced when compared to DALA treated animals. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that RIIH promotes an increase in circulating AngII and hypertension via an induction in HO-1, which significantly increases endogenous CO levels. Keywords: Angiotensin II, Carbon Monoxide, Heme Oxygenase, Recurring Insulin-Induced Hypoglycemia (RIIH).
Reviewing Hydrocephalus: Personal experience of a Neurosurgeon with Ventriculoperitoneal shunts treatment
Authors: Gautam Vinod Kumar Singh , Singh Ravinder , Khurana Sarbjeet
Published: September 2014

Background: Hydrocephalus is one of the most common neurologic sequelae following insult to the central nervous system. The treatment of hydrocephalus is very challenging. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery is the commonest form of CSF diversion procedure for hydrocephalus. The objective of this study is to look critically at the efficacy of this procedure and compare the outcome with other studies involving different therapeutic options for treating hydrocephalus. Material & Methods: Fourty three patients of hydrocephalus who were operated for ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement were included in the study. Review of medical records including operative notes, imaging studies and clinic-radiological follow up of all the patients were reviewed and analyzed. Results: The common etiologies include post meningitic hydrocephalus, congenital hydrocephalus, NPH, posterior fossa tuberculomas, neurocysticercosis and posterior fossa tumor. Right sided ventriculoperitoneal shunt with medium pressure valve system was the commonest modality of treatment. None of the patients had any incidence of shunt infection. Conclusion: The results of this retrospective study show that ventriculoperitoneal shunting is effective in the management of adult patients with obstructive hydrocephalus. The overall incidence of shunt revision was comparable with previously reported studies in the literature. Keywords: Hydrocephalus, Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt.
Study of a Novel Cathode Material for Magnesium Secondary Battery
Authors: SUN Jian-zhi
Published: September 2014

Orthosilicate MgNiSiO4 materials were prepared by sol-gel approach and a molten salt method. The preparation process had a profound effect on the morphology of the materials. As a new cathode for magnesium secondary battery, the material shows a reversible Mg2+ intercalation-deintercalation process. Preliminary electrochemical data indicated that the MgNiSiO4 prepared by a molten salt method had a higher peak current, a larger discharge capacity and a better cyclability compared with the MgNiSiO4 prepared by sol-gel approach. The results show that MgNiSiO4 could be a potential cathode material for high-energy magnesium secondary battery.
The Platinum Catalyst Prepared from Platinum Carbonyls
Authors: Chotkowski Maciej , Miklaszewicz Franciszek , Czerwinski Andrzej
Published: September 2014

Pt catalysts for methanol electro-oxidation were prepared by thermal decomposition of platinum carbonyls. [Pt3(CO)6]n2- were synthesized from inorganic platinum compounds (PtCl4 or (NH4)2PtCl4) in H2O-MeOH solutions using carbon monoxide as a reducing agent. The progress of the platinum carbonyls synthesis reaction and its performance were monitored using UV-Vis spectroscopy. The obtained results clearly indicate the possibility of using platinum carbonyls as intermediates for the synthesis of pure and finely divided platinum particles. The electrochemical tests of the platinum powders performed in the polymer-electrolyte low-temperature methanol fuel cells (DMFC) indicated good electrocatalytic properties of these materials.
Electrochemical properties and structure of LiFePO4/C with Co-doping in Fe-site and Li-site
Authors: Tian Guanglei , Lv Chunju , Fan Meiqiang , Shu Kangying
Published: September 2014

LiFePO4/C compounds of co-doping in Li-site and Fe-site were synthesized with traditional solid state reaction. The electrochemical and physical properties of these samples were characterized by XRD, SEM and EA. The substitution in Li-site and Fe-site led to the modifications of the structure and electrochemical performance such as initial capacity, capacity fading and polarization. The lattice constants and electrochemical performance of Sr-doped sample were larger and poorer than these of other doping samples. The co-doping samples with 1% M (Mo6+ and Nd5+) and 3% Mn2+ exhibited excellent electrochemical performance, especially in high rate. Moreover, the co-doping samples with 6% Mn2+ exhibited mild capacity fading. From these results, it was suggested that the appropriate co-doping in Li-site and Fe-site could improve both electronic and ionic conductivities of LiFePO4, which may pose to some modifications of its electrochemical performance.
Synthesis, Characterization and Evaluation of Pb Electroplated Carbon felts for Achieving Maximum Efficiency of Fe-Cr Redox Flow Cell
Authors: Tirukkovalluri Siva Rao , Gorthi Rama Krishna Hanuman
Published: September 2014

To catalyze Cr(III)/Cr(II) redox couple, Pb was used as candidate catalysts. Pb has a remarkable behavior on reduction and oxidation of chromium couple to enhance the performance of Fe-Cr redox flow cell. In the present investigation catalyzed carbon felt substrates were used as electrodes on negative side which were electrochemically plated/ loaded with Pb from 0.05g to 1.2g. The cell comprising 0.8 g Pb loaded felt has shown 100% Chromium reduction efficiency, 98% coulombic efficiency and zero hydrogen gassing at 32oC for 15 cycles of charge and discharge. 5liters of 1.3N FeCl2 in 2N HCl as catholyte, 1.3N CrCl3 in 2N HCl as anolyte containing 0.05N BiCl3 as additive were used as electrolytes. The cell operated with Nafion-117 PFSA membrane. 100 cm2 GFA grade carbon felts with 3mm thickness were utilized as electrodes at a current density of 50 mA/ cm2.
TRATAMENTO DA DOENÇA DE POMPE - DEFICIÊNCIA DA ALFA-GLICOSIDASE ÁCIDA
Authors: Kuhn Micaela Inês , Borges Victor , Bock Patricia Martins
Published: September 2014

Este trabalho tem como objetivos descrever a patogênese e o tratamento da doença de Pompe. Foi realizado um estudo de revisão bibliográfica mediante busca de artigos científicos publicados entre 2004 e 2014. Portadores de deficiência na enzima alfa acido glicosidase, desenvolvem a doença de Pompe, que resulta em um acumulo de glicogênio dentro do lisossomo, originando danos e disfunções orgânicas no tecido muscular,  ocasionando dificuldades na respiração, locomoção, fala e audição. A terapia de reposição enzimática é a alternativa de tratamento específica para Pompe, melhorando significativamente a função cardíaca e reduzindo a mortalidade. Contudo, a necessidade de injeção de altas doses da enzima, a perda de 80% da enzima por conta do metabolismo hepático e o alto custo do tratamento dificultam o seu uso. A dose que mostrou melhores resultados foi de 20 mg/kg da enzima a cada duas semanas. Todavia, apesar do  alto custo do tratamento, os benefícios de diminuição de sintomas dos pacientes são importantes, como melhora na realização de atividades da vida diária, aumento da força muscular, redução da fadiga e incrementos na função pulmonar. Existem ainda, tratamentos alternativos, mas que ainda estão em fase de estudos. Dentre os tratamentos, aquele que possui um melhor prognóstico é a reposição com a enzima humana recombinante. A terapia de reposição enzimática trouxe sobrevida a diversos pacientes devido à diminuição da hipertrofia cardíaca e melhora nos sintomas motores.
Shaping the esp curriculum of an english for PhD students program: a colombian case study of questionnaire research
Authors: Janssen Gerriet , Nausa Ricardo , Rico Carlos
Published: September 2014

This report presents the findings from an EAP curriculum development project directed towards PhD students at Colombian university.An analysis of this stakeholder group’s learning needs was conducted through questionnaire research, focusing on (a) describing students’situated contexts and interests and (b) obtaining data contributing towards future program development. Measures of central tendency,dispersion, and internal consistency for each section of the questionnaire are reported. Key results include these students’ strong interest inEAP programming, their language needs and experience regarding their intellectual production, and their perceived importance of differentlanguage sub-skills in both the local and international contexts. The results highlight the importance of continued evaluation cycles and theimportant role EAP coursework has for PhD students today.
Unveiling social awareness through literacy practices in an EFL class
Authors: Pérez Luzmel Alexánder
Published: September 2014

This qualitative research study addresses issues of verbal and physical aggression among tenth grade students in a public school. Through a pedagogical intervention the participants worked collaboratively to reflect on social issues in their English language classes. Inquiry was a fundamental element in this study as it allowed students to explore, read, compare, and then reflect on issues that come from their own context and experiences (Giroux, 1988). Students’ reflections were collected through questionnaires, artifacts, and audio recorded interviews in order to gather information to reveal students’ social awareness of physical and verbal aggression in their school context.  The findings revealed that students see violence as a need to avoid their partners´ abuse. Students´ reflections showed that students considered that parents and teachers paid more attention to academic concerns, rather than personal growth. The study demonstrated that inquiry along with writing about social issues in English allowed students to develop rationality and sensitivity towards violent acts, furthermore, inquiry about their social problems encouraged students to work collaboratively, to reflect about their social conditions and to apply the use of the English language in contextualized situations.
Working by projects: A way to enrich critical thinking and the writing process in a third grade eflclassroom
Authors: Ruiz Sandra Dolores
Published: September 2014

This document presents the result of a qualitative action research developed with thirty-three third grade students at a public school in Bogota. This action research aimed at describing and analyzing the role of project work in the development of critical thinking in third grade efl students and to describe and document the way in which those students developed their writing skills through this methodology. The participants developed different inquiries related to topics they were interested in exploring and related to the recycling project of the school. The data were collected during eleven sessions carried out along eight months through field notes, artifacts, and audio recordings. The results show that through project work the students enhanced their emerging critical thinking skills and their writing process; improved their interactions with their classmates, discovered that learning English was something useful for their lives, and therefore they acquired more confidence in writing and speaking in English. Additionally, they became more reflective, organized and critical about what they think, what they say, and about what happens around them.
The condition of primary schools in terms of environmental health care and learning needs of parents (province case of Manavgat)
Authors: Örs Mukaddes
Published: September 2014

This research aims at the condition of community primary education schools in terms of the environmental health care in the city of Antalya, Manavgat county and assignation of parents' learning needs on this matter. The universe of this research that is in survey model comprises public elementary schools in Manavgat. Data was collected from parent sample selected through stratified sampling. In data analysis, frequency, percentage and chi square techniques were used. According to research findings, it is detected that almost every school is not suited for school environment health criteria from the point of physical environment health and it is understood that parents need to learn about the features of physical environment of schools.
Amination of pretreated ayous (Triplochiton scleroxylon) sawdust with two organosilanes: characterization, stability, and permselective property
Authors: Njine-Bememba Charles Baudouin , Dedzo Gustave Kenne , Nanseu-Njiki Charles Péguy , Ngameni Emmanuel
Published: September 2014

Sawdust samples of ayous wood (Triplochiton scleroxylon) have been submitted to a warm pretreatment with NaOH and functionalized in dimethylformamide (DMF) by grafting with two amino organosilanes. The reagents were chosen for their ability to bind hydronium ions in acidic medium: 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and 3-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (AEAPTMS). The resulting materials were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies, which revealed the Si-O-C covalent bond and the polymerization of the grafted silanes through siloxane bridges (Si-O-Si) leading to the stabilization of the structure. The cyclic voltammetry analyses were performed on a glassy carbon modified with native or functionalized sawdust films in contact with electrochemical probes ([Fe(CN)6]3- and [Ru(NH3)6]3+). By means of this method, the permselectivity and accumulation capacity of these functionalized materials could be evaluated. The presence of silanes in the functionalized sawdust leads to a progressive accumulation of anionic species, while the cationic species were repelled when the solution is gradually acidified.
Carotid intima-media thickness in children treated with growth hormone
Authors: Knop Caroline , Wolters Barbara , Lass Nina , Wunsch Rainer , Reinehr Thomas
Published: September 2014

There is an ongoing discussion whether high doses of growth hormone (GH) may lead to cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, we studied the relationships between GH treatment and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), which is predictive of the development of atherosclerosis.

We measured cIMT in 38 children with supraphysiological doses of GH (mean age 10.9±2.2 years; 47% male; GH indication: small for gestational age, n=31; Turner syndrome, n=5;

The cIMT levels did not differ significantly between children with and without GH treatment either in high-dose GH treatment or in physiological GH doses. In backwards linear regression analyses, cIMT was significantly related to HbA

We found no evidence that GH treatment is associated with changes in cIMT.
Metformin treatment improves weight and dyslipidemia in children with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Luong Diane Q. , Oster Robert , Ashraf Ambika P.
Published: September 2014

: To determine the effects of metformin therapy in children with metabolic syndrome (MS).

: A retrospective electronic chart review in children aged 8–18 years, from 2000 to 2012 with a diagnosis code for MS (ICD 277.7) that met the modified NCEP ATPIII criteria for MS.

: There were a total of 217 subjects, 150 in the non-metformin [untreated group (UTG)] and 67 in the metformin treated group (MTG). At baseline, the MTG had a body mass index (BMI) similar to UTG, but had higher total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C). At the end of 1 year, the MTG (n=28) had reduced weight percentile (99.4±0.7 vs. 98.9±1.7, p=0.03), BMI percentile (99.2±0.5 vs. 98.8±1.1, p=0.012), total cholesterol (194.9±45.8 vs. 177.9±32.5 mg/dL, p=0.04), LDL-C (128.3±44.7 vs. 113.8±36.0 mg/dL, p=0.04), and non-HDL-C (154.6±45.5 vs. 136.4±35.2 mg/dL, p=0.03) compared to their baseline. The UTG (n=56) did not have any significant change in those parameters.

: Metformin treatment results in significant improvement in BMI, total cholesterol, LDL-C, and non-HDL-C in children with MS.
Relationship of plasma level of chemerin and vaspin to early atherosclerotic changes and cardiac autonomic neuropathy in adolescent type 1 diabetic patients
Authors: El Dayem Soha M. Abd , Battah Ahmed A. , El Bohy Abo El Magd , El Shehaby Amal , El Ghaffar Esmat Abd
Published: September 2014

Our objective was to evaluate the relationship of plasma level of chemerin and vaspin to early atherosclerotic changes and cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) in adolescent type 1 diabetic patients.

The study included 62 type 1 diabetic patients and 30 healthy volunteers of the same age and sex. Blood samples were taken for assessment of chemerin, vaspin, asymmetric dimenthylarginine (ADMA), and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Also, blood samples were taken for analysis of glycosylated hemoglobin; lipid profiles and urine samples were taken for assessment of albumin/creatinine ratio. Twenty-four-hour holter [for assessment of time domain heart rate variability (HRV)] and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) were also done. The t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test for independent variables, Pearson’s or Spearman’s correlation, and stepwise multiple regression analysis were used.

The mean age of diabetic patients was 16.3±1.5 years, and mean duration of diabetes was 9.4±2.9 years. Chemerin, vaspin, OxLDL, and albumin/creatinine ratio were significantly higher, whereas ADMA was significantly lower than the controls. By stepwise multiple regression analysis, vaspin had a relation with a standard deviation difference RR (SDARR) and waist/height ratio. Conversely, chemerin had a relation with OxLDL. Albumin/creatinine ratio had a significant positive correlation with chemerin and OxLDL, and a negative correlation with ADMA.

Type 1 diabetic patients had impaired time domain HRV associated with increased CIMT. Vaspin had a significant relation to CAN, whereas chemerin, ADMA, and OxLDL had a significant correlation with albumin/creatinine ratio that reflects their role in renal affection.
From cerebral salt wasting to diabetes insipidus with adipsia: case report of a child with craniopharyngioma
Authors: Raghunathan Veena , Dhaliwal Maninder Singh , Gupta Aditya , Jevalikar Ganesh
Published: September 2014

Craniopharyngioma is associated with a wide and interesting variety of sodium states both by itself and following surgical resection. These are often challenging to diagnose, especially given their dynamic nature during the perioperative course. We present the case of a boy with craniopharyngioma who had hyponatremia due to cerebral salt wasting preoperatively, developed diabetes insipidus (DI) intraoperatively and proceeded to develop hypernatremia with adipsic DI.

Cerebral salt wasting is a rare presenting feature of craniopharyngioma. Postoperative DI can be associated with thirst abnormalities including adipsia due to hypothalamic damage; careful monitoring and a high index of suspicion are required for its detection. Adipsic DI is a difficult condition to manage; hence a conservative surgical approach is suggested.
How Competition and Specialization Shape Nonprofit Engagement in Policy Advocacy
Authors: MacIndoe Heather
Published: September 2014

This paper extends research on nonprofit advocacy by exploring the relationship between competition, nonprofit mission, and policy advocacy. Previous research indicates that charitable nonprofits serving specialized populations, such as immigrants or veterans, often engage in policy advocacy. This could benefit marginalized populations whose interests are articulated by nonprofit organizations. However, population ecology theory in organizational sociology predicts that generalist organizations will outperform specialists in uncertain environments. At the very times when nonprofits serving specialized constituencies should focus on advocacy the most – for example to protect funding in competitive policy environments – they may be least able to do so. Drawing on survey data from charitable nonprofits in Boston, Massachusetts, we find that competition and specialization have direct positive effects on nonprofit engagement in advocacy and the use of formal and grassroots tactics. However, the effect of competition is weakened by nonprofit specialization. Nonprofit specialists that report higher competition for resources are less likely to participate in policy advocacy and use fewer formal and grassroots tactics. Specialists that report higher service delivery competition use fewer formal advocacy tactics. These findings suggest that we should be cautious in looking to the nonprofit sector, particularly organizations serving specialized populations, to provide constituent representation through policy advocacy in competitive environments.
Polyaniline composite designed for solid polymer electrolyte
Authors: Tara-Lunga-Mihali Milica , Plesu Nicoleta , Macarie Lavinia , Iliescu Smaranda , Ilia Gheorghe
Published: September 2014

Improved ionic conductivity of solid polymer electrolytes (SPE) was achieved by adding polyaniline (PANI) in membrane formulation. SPE composite membranes contain: tris(4-hidroxybutylacrylate)-phosphate, polyphosphoester, lithium salts and small amount of PANI. The conductivity of membranes increases with PANI content and above a certain amount it decreases. The variation of the conductivity vs temperature is linear, characteristic for a thermally activated process. The activation energy for polymer matrix without PANI is 0.30 eV and 0.26 eV for polymer matrix with PANI. Conductivity enhancement in the composite polymer matrix is caused by the presence of PANI due to the increase in the concentration of free ions. PANI decreases the salt aggregation and as a consequence, the concentration of free ions was increased by improving dispersion of the lithium salt in membranes.
ENDOCRINOLOGY IN PREGNANCY: Bone metabolic changes during pregnancy: a period of vulnerability to osteoporosis and fracture
Authors: Sanz-Salvador Lucía , García-Pérez Miguel Ángel , Tarín Juan J , Cano Antonio
Published: September 2014

Changes in bone density and bone markers suggest that pregnancy is associated with deterioration of bone mass in the mother. The metabolism of calcium resets to allow for the needs imposed by the building of the fetal skeleton. The fetus contributes to the process through the output of regulators from the placenta. Understanding of the whole process is limited, but some changes are unambiguous. There is an increase in the circulating levels of vitamin D, but its functional impact is unclear. Fetal parathyroid hormone (PTH) and PTH-related peptide (PTHrp) play an indirect role through support of a calcium gradient that creates hypercalcemia in the fetus. Placental GH, which increases up to the end of pregnancy, may exert some anabolic effects, either directly or through the regulation of the IGF1 production. Other key regulators of bone metabolism, such as estrogens or prolactin, are elevated during pregnancy, but their role is uncertain. An increase in the ratio of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) to osteoprotegerin (OPG) acts as an additional pro-resorbing factor in bone. The increase in bone resorption may lead to osteoporosis and fragility fracture, which have been diagnosed, although rarely. However, the condition is transitory as long-term studies do not link the number of pregnancies with osteoporosis. Prevention is limited by the lack of identifiable risk factors. When fractures are diagnosed, rest, analgesics, or, when indicated, orthopedic intervention have demonstrated efficacy. Systemic treatment with anti-osteoporotic drugs is effective, but the potential harm to the fetus imposes caution in their use.
BRAF activates and physically interacts with PAK to regulate cell motility
Authors: McCarty Samantha K , Saji Motoyasu , Zhang Xiaoli , Knippler Christina M , Kirschner Lawrence S , Fernandez Soledad , Ringel Matthew D
Published: September 2014

Increased p21-activated kinase (PAK) signaling and expression have been identified in the invasive fronts of aggressive papillary thyroid cancers (PTCs), including those withRET/PTC, BRAFV600E, and mutantRASexpression. Functionally, thyroid cancer cell motilityin vitrois dependent on group 1 PAKs, particularly PAK1. In this study, we hypothesize that BRAF, a central kinase in PTC tumorigenesis and invasion, regulates thyroid cancer cell motility in part through PAK activation. Using three well-characterized human thyroid cancer cell lines, we demonstrated in all cell lines thatBRAFknockdown reduced PAK phosphorylation of direct downstream targets. In contrast, inhibition of MEK activity either pharmacologically or with siRNA did not reduce PAK activity, indicating MEK is dispensable for PAK activity. Inhibition of cell migration through BRAF loss is rescued by overexpression of either constitutive active MEK1 or PAK1, demonstrating that both signaling pathways are involved in BRAF-regulated cell motility. To further characterize BRAF–PAK signaling, immunofluorescence and immunoprecipitation demonstrated that both exogenously overexpressed and endogenous PAK1 and BRAF co-localize and physically interact, and that this interaction was enhanced in mitosis. Finally, we demonstrated that acute induction of BRAFV600E expressionin vivoin murine thyroid glands results in increased PAK expression and activity confirming a positive signaling relationshipin vivo. In conclusion, we have identified a signaling pathway in thyroid cancer cells which BRAF activates and physically interacts with PAK and regulates cell motility.
Thiazolidinedione-induced lipid droplet formation during osteogenic differentiation
Authors: van de Vyver M , Andrag E , Cockburn I L , Ferris W F
Published: September 2014

Chronic administration of the insulin-sensitising drugs, thiazolidinediones (TZDs), results in low bone mineral density and ‘fatty bones’. This is thought to be due, at least in part, to aberrant differentiation of progenitor mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) away from osteogenesis towards adipogenesis. This study directly compared the effects of rosiglitazone, pioglitazone, and netoglitazone treatment on osteogenesis and adipogenesis in MSCs derived from subcutaneous (SC) or visceral (PV) white adipose tissue. MSCs were isolated from adipose tissue depots of male Wistar rats and characterised using flow cytometry. The effects of TZD treatment on osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation were assessed histologically (day 14) and by quantitative PCR analysis (Pparγ2(Pparg2),Ap2(Fabp4), Adipsin(Adps),Msx2, Collagen I(Col1a1), andAlp) on days 0, 7, and 10. Uniquely, lipid droplet formation and mineralisation were found to occur concurrently in response to TZD treatment during osteogenesis. Compared with SC MSCs, PV MSCs were more prone to lipid accumulation under controlled osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation conditions. This study demonstrated that the extent of lipid accumulation is dependent on the nature of thePparligand and that SC and PV MSCs respond differently toin vitroTZD treatment, suggesting that metabolic status can contribute to the adverse effects associated with TZD treatment.
Prioritizing Factors Associated with Thermal Stresses Imposed on Workers in Steel and Iron Casting Industries Using the Monte Carlo Simulation and Sensitivity Analysis
Authors: Chen Wang‐Yi , Lo Chuh‐Lun , Chen Chen‐Peng , Juang Yow‐Jer , Yoon Chungsik , Tsai Perng‐Jy
Published: September 2014

Prioritizing Factors Associated with Thermal Stresses Imposed on Workers in Steel and Iron Casting Industries Using the Monte Carlo Simulation and Sensitivity Analysis: Wang‐Yi CHEN, et al. Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Medical College, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan—

Objectives

The aims of this study were to develop approaches for monitoring and prioritizing factors associated with thermal stresses imposed on workers in iron and steel casting industries, and to eventually purpose effective control strategies.

Methods

The whole study was completed in the furnace areas of two steel casting and two iron casting plants, where the air temperature (Ta), radiant temperature (Tr), air velocity (Va) and partial water vapor pressure (pa) were measured continuously during two consecutive work cycles. Simultaneously, the metabolic rates (M) of all workers in the furnace area were also measured.

Results

Using the WBGT as an index for screening purposes, our results suggest that all furnace area workers in both types of casting plants might experience severe heat stress. The predicted heat strain (PHS) model proposed by ISO 7933 was further adopted for detailed analysis from the physiological aspect. Through use of the Monte Carlo simulation and sensitivity analysis, both M and Tr were found to be the two most important factors associated with workers' thermal hazard. Therefore, two effective control strategies were suggested, including reducing workloads of workers and reducing radiant heat transmitting from furnaces to workplace environments.

Conclusions

The approach developed in the present study would be beneficial to many other industries for initiating strategies to avert the thermal hazard imposed on workers.
Past Occupational Dust Exposure, Depressive Symptoms and Anxiety in Retired Chinese Factory Workers: The Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study
Authors: Lin Qiu‐Hong , Jiang Chao‐Qiang , Lam Tai‐Hing , Xu Lin , Jin Ya‐Li , Cheng Kar‐Keung
Published: September 2014

Past Occupational Dust Exposure, Depressive Symptoms and Anxiety in Retired Chinese Factory Workers: The Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study: Qiu‐Hong LIN, et al. Guangzhou No. 12 Hospital, Guangzhou Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment Centre, P.R. China—

Objective

Few studies have systematically investigated the impact of past occupational dust exposure on mental health. We examined whether retired factory workers exposed to any of the 4 dusts of silica, cement, coal and asbestos had more depressive symptoms and anxiety in southern China, which has experienced rapid economic development.

Methods

We used data from the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study phase 3. Exposures, lifestyle, symptoms and medical history of the participants were assessed with a structured interview. Self‐reported intensity and duration of past occupational dust exposure were used to derive cumulative exposure. Outcome measures were assessed by the 15‐item Chinese version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (score ≥5) and the single‐item on anxiety.

Results

The results revealed that 359 workers were exposed to at least one of the 4 dusts and that 1,253 were unexposed (controls). After adjustment of multiple confounders, greater risks of depressive symptoms were associated with high exposure to silica (odds ratio (OR) of 3.12, 95% CI of 1.17−8.31) and asbestos (OR of 6.90; CI of 1.29−36.75). Risks of anxiety were higher in those with low or high exposures to dust (OR of 2.01 and CI of 1.04−3.87 and OR of 2.29 and CI of 1.30−4.03, respectively) and cement (OR of 3.20 and CI of 1.27−8.07 and OR of 2.30 and CI of 1.09−4.87, respectively), and those with high exposure to silica (OR of 5.29, CI of 1.76−15.92).

Conclusions

Past occupational exposures to silica, cement, coal and asbestos dusts were associated with adverse mental health outcomes in retired factory workers. The mechanism underlying the relationship between occupational exposures and psychological symptoms in later life needs to be further studied.
DIVERSITY OF CULTIVABLE MICROORGANISMS IN THE EASTERN PART OF URMIA SALT LAKE, IRAN
Authors: Jookar Kashi Fereshteh , Owlia Parviz , Ali Amoozegar Mohammad , Yakhchali Bagher , Kazemi Bahram
Published: September 2014

In this study we employed culture techniques to study microbial diversity in Urmia Lake, a hypersaline lake in northwest of Iran. Water, soil and salt samples were taken from the Eastern part of Urmia Salt Lake in September 2011. A total of 11 water samples and 30 soil and salt samples were taken from 41 sites in the Lake. Bacterial isolates were cultured on different growth media and taxonomically affiliated based on their 16S rDNA gene sequence. Three hundred bacterial isolates were obtained from samples collected. Of these, 53 bacterial isolates were selected for sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, based on their growth characteristics and colony morphology. Results showed that these 53 isolates represented 39 species, belonging to 18 genera (Bacillus, Oceanobacillus, Thalassobacillus, Planomicrobium, Halobacillus, Planococcus, Terribacillus, Staphylococcus, Piscibacillus, Virgibacillus, Gracilibacillus, Ornithinibacillus, Halomonas, Pseudomonas, Providencia, Salicola, Psychrobacter, Kocuria) and they were from 9 families (Bacillaceae, Planococcaceae, Staphylococcaceae, Halomonadaceae, Pseudomonadaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Moraxellaceae, Alteromonadaceae, Micrococcaceae) pertaining to three phyla (Actinobacteria 1.8%, Firmicutes 78.6%, Proteobacteria 21.4%). The present study showed that Urmia Lake is a rich source for moderately halophilic and halotolerant bacteria. The phylogenetic analysis of sequences from Urmia Lake had some common 16S rDNA sequences from other hypersaline lakes previously reported.
SINDROME DEL DESGASTE PROFESIONAL O DE BURNOUT EN EL PERSONAL DE ENFERMERÍA
Authors: Barboza Nelson , Lépiz Álvarez Rodrigo , Arias Fauricio , Blanco Juanita , Fajardo Evelyn , Rivera Randall , Rodriguez Stephanie , Ugalde Susana
Published: September 2014

El Síndrome del Desgaste Profesional se refiere a una situación que es cada vez más frecuente entre los profesionales que prestan sus servicios a través de una relación directa y continua con las personas, por ejemplo el personal de Enfermería. El objetivo de nuestro estudio ha sido determinar la prevalencia del síndrome de Burnout y de sus síntomas (cansancio emocional, despersonalización y falta de realización personal) entre los profesionales Enfermería. Se realizó un estudio de tipo cualitativo. La información fue recolectada mediante un cuestionario diseñado para tal fin y una observación no participante. En la presente investigación se evaluaron 6 aspectos para indagar la incidencia de factores de riesgo para padecer el síndrome de Burnout: Datos personales, satisfacción en el trabajo, cansancio emocional, despersonalización, realización personal y ambiente laboral. Se realizaron un total de 15 encuestas a los y las profesionales de enfermería, de los cuales 6 eran de sexo masculino y 9 femeninos. Las relaciones interpersonales, el ambiente físico, la situación laboral y el bienestar del cliente pueden implicar situaciones en el personal de enfermería que podría acarrear síntomas de desgaste profesional y con ello el déficit en el cuidado de las personas. Constantemente los y las enfermeras se someten a cargas de estrés, que si se salen de su control puede causar graves desbalances. Lo importante de la situación es el adecuado manejo del estrés, esto con el fin deprocurar el bienestar propio y el de la persona a la que se está cuida
Electronic structures and optical properties of cuprous oxide and hydroxide
Authors: Li Yunguo , Lousada Cláudio M. , Korzhavyi Pavel A.
Published: September 2014

The broad range of applications of copper, including areas such as electronics, fuel cells, and spent nuclear fuel disposal, require accurate description of the physical and chemical properties of copper compounds. Within some of these applications, cuprous hydroxide is a compound whose relevance has been recently discovered. Its existence in the solid-state form was recently reported. Experimental determination of its physical-chemical properties is challenging due to its instability and poop crystallinity. Within the framework of density functional theory calculations (DFT), we investigated the nature of bonding, electronic spectra, and optical properties of the cuprous oxide and cuprous hydroxide. It is found that the hybrid functional PBE0 can accurately describe the electronic structure and optical properties of these two copper(I) compounds. The calculated properties of cuprous oxide are in good agreement with the experimental data and other theoretical results. The structure of cuprous hydroxide can be deduced from that of cuprous oxide by substituting half Cu+ in Cu2O lattice with protons. Compared to Cu2O, the presence of hydrogen in CuOH has little effect on the ionic nature of Cu–O bonding, but lowers the energy levels of the occupied states. Thus, CuOH is calculated to have a wider indirect band gap of 2.73 eV compared with the Cu2O band gap of 2.17 eV.
Challenges Confronting High Temperature Superconducting Materials: From Nanoscale Theories to Exascale Energy Applications
Authors: Grant Paul Michael
Published: September 2014

We review the present state of the understanding and application of high temperature superconductor materials ranging from attempts to clarify pairing mechanisms on the energy scale of a few milli-electron-volts to their use to embody terra-kwh continental wide deployment within the electricity enterprise. Examples include the use of density functional theory to study the relative roles of spin-fluctuation and/or lattice vibration induced Cooper pairing to modelling the incorporation of long distance HTSC transmission cables within the same natural gas pipeline rights-of-way infrastructure now emerging worldwide.
Comparison of Pr-doped Ca 122 and Ca 112 Pnictides by Low-field Microwave Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Howard Austin R. , Yuen Jonathan D. , Lv Bing , Salamon Myron , Chu Ching-Wu , Zakhidov Anvar A.
Published: September 2014

Praseodymium doped CaFe2As2 (122 structure) and CaFeAs2 (112 structure) are characterized by modulated Low Magnetic Field Microwave Absorption (LFMA) spectroscopy. In both (Pr,Ca)122 and (Pr,Ca)112 structures, a strong hysteretic LFMA is found, with a TcH of ∼30 K and ∼26 K, respectively. However, in (Pr,Ca)122, measurements also show an unusual Narrow Peak (NP) LFMA signal appearing at higher temperatures, above the lower TcH superconducting state until a TcNP of 49 K. We associate this NP LFMA with interfacial superconductivity, which has been found previously by highly anisotropic magnetization measurements. Furthermore, the absence of NP in (Pr,Ca)112 correlates with the absence of an interfacial phase. These results give useful information about the microwave signature of interfacial superconductivity present in the (Pr,Ca)122 system, and may form a roadmap towards a stabilized high temperature superconducting phase in pnictides.
Open Access Resources for Crystallography Education in Interdisciplinary College Courses: Crystallographic Databases and 3D Printed Models
Authors: Moeck Peter , Stone-Sundberg Jennifer , Snyder Trevor J. , Kaminsky Werner
Published: September 2014

Complementing a multitude of activities around the International Year of Crystallography, we report here on a few resources that are helpful for integrating basic crystallography into interdisciplinary college education. We concentrate on four resources with which we are directly involved. The Crystallography Open Database (COD) features currently more than 295,000 entries and has over the last decade developed into the world’s premier open-access source for the structures of small molecules and small to medium sized unit cell crystals. ‘Educational offshoots’ of the COD with approximately a thousand entries combined provide structural information on small molecules, selected macromolecules, crystal structures, grain boundaries, and crystal morphologies in the well documented Crystallographic Information Framework (CIF) file format. This information can be displayed interactively on the website http://nanocrystallography.research.pdx.edu and freely downloaded. Files that allow for the printing of selected database entries on any 3D printer have been added to this site and are also freely downloadable. These files were created with the programs Cif2VRML and WinXMorph that convert CIF files directly into 3D printing files. Interested college educators are invited to visit our open access crystallography resource portal and suggest other resources that should receive wider exposure over this portal.
Study, Design and Construction of an Early Warning Environmental Radiation Monitoring Station
Authors: Thieu Dang Quang , Toan Tran Ngoc , My Nguyen Thi Bao , Sy Nguyen Van , Tien Vu Van , Mai Nguyen Thi Thuy , Cuong Le Dinh
Published: September 2014

We report on the design and construction of an Early Warning Environmental Radiation Monitoring Station (EWERMS), used ONLINE in the environmental radiation monitoring and early warning network. It has a  high sensitivity and can send a prompt alarm signal via Internet to the emergency management office. It includes four gamma probes: one NaI(Tl) and three Geiger Mueller (GM) detectors. The NaI(TL) detector is used to monitor spectrum environmental radiation and measure the isotopic composition, the GM detectors are used to detect and measure high gamma ray rates. The instrument has been designed to be used outdoor and tolerate large and rapid temperature variations. The photomultiplier tubes (PMT), amplifiers and Analog To Digital (ADC) gains are stabilized using pulsed LEDs as precision reference light sources.
Central auditory processing outcome after stroke in children
Authors: Elias Karla M. I. Freiria , Oliveira Carolina Camargo , Airoldi Marina Junqueira , Franco Katia Maria D. , Rodrigues Sônia das Dores , Ciasca Sylvia Maria , Moura-Ribeiro Maria Valeriana L.
Published: September 2014

Objective To investigate central auditory processing in children with unilateral stroke and to verify whether the hemisphere affected by the lesion influenced auditory competence. Method 23 children (13 male) between 7 and 16 years old were evaluated through speech-in-noise tests (auditory closure); dichotic digit test and staggered spondaic word test (selective attention); pitch pattern and duration pattern sequence tests (temporal processing) and their results were compared with control children. Auditory competence was established according to the performance in auditory analysis ability. Results Was verified similar performance between groups in auditory closure ability and pronounced deficits in selective attention and temporal processing abilities. Most children with stroke showed an impaired auditory ability in a moderate degree. Conclusion Children with stroke showed deficits in auditory processing and the degree of impairment was not related to the hemisphere affected by the lesion.
Sensitivity to fragmentation and spatial distribution of birds in forest fragments of northern paraná
Authors: Marques Fernanda Cristina , Anjos Luiz dos
Published: September 2014

In this study we investigated the relationship between the sensitivity to forest fragmentation of bird species and their habitat spatial distribution. We hypothesized that a homogenous spatial distribution is associated to habitat-generalist species, which would tend to be less sensitive to forest fragmentation; in contrast, a heterogeneous spatial distribution would drive to an increase of sensitivity to forest fragmentation. We concentrated on analyses of the suboscine birds, which are known to be closely associated to microhabitats. Field data was obtained in the Parque Estadual Mata dos Godoy (23°27′ S, 51°15′ W), southern Brazilian Atlantic forest. This reserve has high Biotic Integrity levels, with a relatively high number of recorded suboscines. Forty three species of suboscines were recorded, of which 21 species were considered to have high sensitivity and 22 to have low sensitivity to forest fragmentation. There was no association between levels of sensitivity to forest fragmentation and spatial distribution of suboscines. We only found significant correlation with the group of the subcanopy suboscines at the northern portion of Parque Estadual Mata dos Godoy. Therefore, we found a weak relationship between spatial distribution (habitat specialization) and sensitivity to forest fragmentation. The fact that habitat-specialist birds tend to live at the northern portion of Godoy State Park, which has the first type of terrain in a landscape to be converted into agriculture, indicate that that region has special importance for conservation.