bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Value Management in Non-Profit Organizations - The First Step
Authors: Domański Jarosław
Published: March 2012

Value Management in Non-Profit Organizations - The First Step

This article represents a initial observation on implementing a value management concept for non-profit organizations. Introducing strategic management in non-profit companies is becoming inevitable in order to build up their competitiveness on the non-profit services market. In the first part of this article the key stakeholders of non-profit organizations are identified. The second part is an attempt to present the principal value drivers of non-profit organizations. The groups of key stakeholders that are the most important recipients of the value created by the individual drivers have been assigned to the principal value drivers.
The Meaning of Processes Orientation in Creation and Realization of the Added Value
Authors: Kulińska Ewa
Published: March 2012

The Meaning of Processes Orientation in Creation and Realization of the Added Value

Characteristic of morphology and the identification of process category structure of are a crucial stage of its implementation within enterprises as well as it determines the final effects of processes realization, which is producing and realization of added value for market participants. In this paper author describe the essence of added value, its functions and factors that form this category in the understanding of the constant-flow organization that is set on realized processes. Performing analysis related to creation and realization of the added value, in the context of the basic aims of functioning organization of processes and establishing perception means and interpreting the creation of added value within the processes of customer and enterprise environment.
Enterprise Management and Regulation of Economic Activity: The Case of Insurance
Authors: Monkiewicz Jan
Published: March 2012

Enterprise Management and Regulation of Economic Activity: The Case of Insurance

Modern enterprise is functioning in a market space in which it is subjected to the whole network of intervention tools in the form of economic regulations. These regulations limit the freedom of its economic activities impacting the business models in use, its internal organization, management systems and, last but not least, its market value. Degree and strength of regulatory intervention is highly differentiated in various countries, depending on the cultivated social and economic model. It also varies depending on the area of economic activities in different groups of enterprises, according to the current perception of its systemic significance. Especially strong regulatory interventions are currently applied for financial institutions. It is because they are threatening the existence of the whole system via the systemic risk they are able to generate. The article explores principal challenges and issues facing the insurance operations and relates them to the enterprise management.
The effect of foliar feeding on yield quality and the content of selected nutritive value components of three melon (Cucumis melo L.) cultivars
Authors: Zaniewicz-Bajkowska Anna , Franczuk Jolanta , Kosterna Edyta , Rosa Robert , Panasz Marzena
Published: March 2012

This study investigated the effect of foliar feeding with Florovit and Ekolist-Warzywa + urea liquid fertilisers on yield quality and the content of selected nutritive value components of three medium-fruit melon cultivars (‘Charentais F1’, ‘Melba’, and ‘Fiesta’). A higher total yield was harvested from plants foliar-fed with Florovit and Ekolist-Warzywa + urea compared with the control without foliar feeding. The ‘Fiesta’ cultivar was characterised by the highest total yield. The type of foliar feeding significantly affected the total number of fruit per square metre. More fruit per metre squared was produced by Florovit-fed plants in comparison to Ekolist-Warzywa + urea. ‘Charentais F1’ produced the greatest number of fruit. ‘Fiesta’ had the highest proportion of marketable fruit. The factors investigated did not have any influence on the percentage of disease-affected and unripe fruit. The greatest amount of dry matter and ascorbic acid were determined in the fruit harvested from the control and plants foliar-fed with Ekolist-Warzywa + urea, respectively. The highest levels of both components were assayed in ‘Fiesta’. Regardless of the type of foliar feeding, ‘Fiesta’ and ‘Charentais F1’ produced the highest quantity of total sugars and monosaccharaides as compared with ‘Melba’.
Effects of different pH sprays on the efficiency of prohexadione-Ca in sweet cherry trees
Authors: Jacyna Tadeusz , Wójcik Wiesław , Lipa Tomasz
Published: March 2012

In 2003 and 2004, young ‘Kordia’ sweet cherry trees were sprayed with prohexadione-Ca (Pro-Ca) to control tree growth and stimulate flower bud setting. A rate of 200 mg Pro-Ca l-1 × 2 dissolved in various pH-buffered (6.0-4.5) aqueous solutions was used. Regardless of the acidity of the spray solution applied, the trees treated with Pro-Ca were characterised by reduced shoot and internode length, greater number of shoots (2003) and increased total shoot extension (2004) relative to the control. In both years, Pro-Ca applied in a pH-4.5 buffer solution contributed to an increase of flower bud clusters on current-season shoots. However, there were no significant differences among Pro-Ca/pH treatments either in the vegetative or generative characteristics studied. Two years after Pro-Ca application, no residual effects were found in the studied tree characteristics.
Sowing date as a factor determining French bean yield for processing
Authors: Łabuda Helena , Brodaczewska Anna
Published: March 2012

Field studies were conducted in the years 2003-2005 in the Experimental Farm of the University of Life Sciences in Lublin. Beans from four cultivars - ‘Paulista’ and ‘Hit’ (green pods) and ‘Korona’ and ‘Galopka’ (yellow pods) - were grown on fawn soil, formed of loess deposits, on chalky marls, containing 1.4% organic substances on average. There were six sowing terms, every 6-7 days starting from the middle of May to the end of June. French bean harvest was performed once, when about 75% of the pods on the plants were in the phase of technological maturity, which fell between the third ten days of July and the first ten days of September. From the plot and plant the number and yield of the pods were determined: total, marketable and non-marketable small pods, unshapely and overripe pods, as well as those with symptoms of disease. The highest total and marketable pod yields - on average, 15.45 and 11.06 t ha-1, respectively - were obtained from plants sown in the first ten days of June, whereas the lowest - 12.54 and 9.54 t ha-1 - were from those sown in the middle of May. As a result of performing a one-time French bean pod harvest, the share of non-marketable pod yield in the total yield was on a similar level (24-28%), depending on the growing term. Variability was demonstrated in the share of particular non-marketable yield fractions (small pods, undersized, unshapely, and overripe pods, as well as those with disease symptoms), depending on the sowing date. Growing four French bean cultivars from sowing in the period from the middle of May to the end of June allowed us to extend the period of fresh pod harvest to six or seven weeks.
Institutional Training Programs for Research Personnel Conducted by Laboratory-Animal Veterinarians
Authors: Dyson Melissa C. , Rush Howard G.
Published: March 2012

Research institutions are required by federal law and national standards to ensure that individuals involved in animal research are appropriately trained in techniques and procedures used on animals. Meeting these requirements necessitates the support of institutional authorities; policies for the documentation and enforcement of training; resources to support and provide training programs; and high-quality, effective educational material. Because of their expertise, laboratory-animal veterinarians play an essential role in the design, implementation, and provision of educational programs for faculty, staff, and students in biomedical research. At large research institutions, provision of a training program for animal care and use personnel can be challenging because of the animal-research enterprise's size and scope. At the University of Michigan (UM), approximately 3,500 individuals have direct contact with animals used in research. We describe a comprehensive educational program for animal care and use personnel designed and provided by laboratory-animal veterinarians at UM and discuss the challenges associated with its implementation.
Genomic Databases for Crop Improvement
Authors: Lai Kaitao , Lorenc Michał T. , Edwards David
Published: March 2012

Genomics is playing an increasing role in plant breeding and this is accelerating with the rapid advances in genome technology. Translating the vast abundance of data being produced by genome technologies requires the development of custom bioinformatics tools and advanced databases. These range from large generic databases which hold specific data types for a broad range of species, to carefully integrated and curated databases which act as a resource for the improvement of specific crops. In this review, we outline some of the features of plant genome databases, identify specific resources for the improvement of individual crops and comment on the potential future direction of crop genome databases.
Special Issue: Microfluidic Lab-on-a-Chip Platforms for High-Performance Diagnostics
Authors: Ducrée Jens
Published: March 2012

The field of microfluidics has seen breath-taking progress since its beginnings in the 1980s and early 1990s. While much of the initial work was a by-product of mainstream micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and silicon based fabrication schemes, soon a specialized research field developed. Over the last decade a strong, highly interdisciplinary microfluidics community emerged with roots in classical silicon microfabrication as well as chemistry, physics, biotechnology, medicine and various engineering disciplines. [...]
Quiet Areas and the Need for Quietness in Amsterdam
Authors: Booi Hester , Van den Berg Frits
Published: March 2012

This paper describes the Quiet Places Project in Amsterdam. The purpose of the study was to find out: (1) which public quiet places there are according to Amsterdam residents; (2) what characterizes a quiet place; (3) to what extent do residents want peace and quiet; (4) how do residents realize these needs. The factors determining the need for quietness are presented in a model showing the influence of demographic and socio-economic issues, health status, sensitiveness to noise, daily activities and the noisiness in and around home. Most important of these factors is sensitivity to noise. Elderly and less healthy people are more often sensitive to noise. People who are annoyed by sound from traffic, airplanes and the like show a higher need for quietness. People with a lively household or neighbourhood report lower needs for quietness. Visiting a quiet place and going outside to walk or bike can have a compensating effect on the need for quietness. This suggests that creating quiet places and enhancing possibilities for quiet recreation in urban environments can have a positive effect on the quality of life in the city. Objective noise levels at the quiet places were taken from environmental noise maps. This shows that there may be a preference for low transportation noise levels, but levels up to 60 dB Lday are acceptable. Apparently this depends on a relative quietness or on non-acoustic characteristics of an area: the presence of vegetation and other pleasant stimuli.
MDP Up-Regulates the Gene Expression of Type I Interferons in Human Aortic Endothelial Cells
Authors: Lv Qingshan , Yang Mei , Liu Xueting , Zhou Lina , Xiao Zhilin , Chen Xiaobin , Chen Meifang , Xie Xiumei , Hu Jinyue
Published: March 2012

Muramyldipeptide (MDP), the minimum essential structure responsible for the immuno-adjuvant activity of peptidoglycan, is recognized by intracellular nuclear-binding oligomerization domain 2 (NOD2). Here, we obtained evidence that the treatment of human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) with MDP up-regulated the gene expression of type I interferons in a dose- and time-dependent manner. MDP also up-regulated the expression of the receptor NOD2, suggesting that MDP may induce a positive feedback response. The up-regulation of interferons was not dependent on the TNFa signaling, as HAECs did not express TNFa with the stimulation of MDP, and TNFa neutralizing antibody did not decrease the induction of IFNs induced by MDP. RT-PCR results showed that HAECs expressed the gene transcripts of interferon regulatory factor (IRF) 1, 2, 3, 9. The western blot results showed that MDP induced the phosphorylation of IRF3. These results suggested that MDP induced the up-regulation of gene transcript of interferons through the activation of IRF3 signaling pathway. Meanwhile, MDP induced the gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1ß, IL-8, and MCP-1. Taken together, these results suggested that HAECs may play roles in the anti-infection immune response and in the induction of innate immunity.
Response Surface Modeling and Optimization of Accelerated Solvent Extraction of Four Lignans from Fructus Schisandrae
Authors: Zhao Li-Chun , He Ying , Deng Xin , Yang Geng-Liang , Li Wei , Liang Jian , Tang Qian-Li
Published: March 2012

A new method based on accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) combined with response surface methodology (RSM) modeling and optimization has been developed for the extraction of four lignans in Fructus Schisandrae (the fruits of Schisandra chinensis Baill). The RSM method, based on a three level and three variable Box-Behnken design (BBD), was employed to obtain the optimal combination of extraction condition. In brief, the lignans schizandrin, schisandrol B, deoxyschizandrin and schisandrin B were optimally extracted with 87% ethanol as extraction solvent, extraction temperature of 160 °C, static extraction time of 10 min, extraction pressure of 1,500 psi, flush volume of 60% and one extraction cycle. The 3D response surface plot and the contour plot derived from the mathematical models were applied to determine the optimal conditions. Under the above conditions, the experimental value of four lignans was 14.72 mg/g, which is in close agreement with the value predicted by the model.
Pour rendre à l'oc et aux Normands leur dû : genèse et premier développement de l'art épique gallo-roman
Authors: Lafont Robert
Published: March 2012

The pronouncement of the refusal to even recognize the existence of a medieval epic in Oc can be both historically dated (between 1865 and 1869) and ideologically defined (French nationalism) in terms of an on-going debate of the young Paul Meyer and Gaston Paris with the German school. This refusal continues to lock contemporary research into a logic of refusal to "go and see for oneself." A reexamination of this "exclusion" involves replacing over-encompassing theories on the origin of the epic by a narrowing of the perspective, focussing on the places and conditions of its appearance. Thus, through the relation Sainte Foi - Roland occitan, the famous "gap" in the origins of the genre is closed, and the reality of the "art of Aquitaine" or "of Tudèle" — which lies at the heart of its first flourishing — appears in an Occitan-Normand dialogue. This same line of inquiry reveals the importance of the change that took place in the middle of the 11th century, where the two winners, both in European and in Church affairs — the Capetian and the Cisterician causes — had initially at their disposal only this "métier" to express themselves. It is only towards the end of the 12th and 13th centuries that a recomposition of existing works and a prolific burst of creativity, in différent regions of oïl — with writing that would lay the fundations for the major manuscripts of the later period — construct what has corne to be called the "French epic" and obscure, to the point of excluding it entirely from our field of vision, the Occitan origins of the chanson de geste, an origin moreover which can be verified by the analysis of the surviving texts.
Vox Dei clamat in tempestate. À propos de l'iconographie des Vents et d'un groupe d'inscriptions campanaires (IXe-XIIIe siècles)
Authors: Leclercq Jacqueline
Published: March 2012

The relation between the evil winds and the devil, admitted by the Church and particularly attested in Germany, involved the demonization of their personnifications. It gave also birth to inscriptions — sometimes inspired by liturgical formulas — on the bells, destined to conjure the aerial demons and, by the way, to calm the tempests.
La frontière aragonaise aux XIe et XIIe siècles : le mot et la chose pro defensionem christianorum et confusionem sarracenorum
Authors: Sénac Philippe
Published: March 2012

Based on the examination of more than ten thousand documents, this study shows that it was in Aragon, around the middle of the llth century, that the word « frontier » was born. Quite rare, its use is limited to a dozen mentions in the course of the operations of the reconquista between 1059 and 1209. Far from referring to the idea of territorial limit, the word was always employed in a military context, and had the sense of a zone of tension or war, representing thus the wish of the kings to extend their territory towards the south.
Development of microsatellite markers in Fosterella rusbyi (Bromeliaceae) using 454 pyrosequencing
Authors: Wöhrmann Tina , Wagner Natascha , Krapp Florian , Huettel Bruno , Weising Kurt
Published: March 2012

• Premise of the study: Polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed for Fosterella rusbyi (Bromeliaceae) to evaluate the population genetic structure and genetic diversity of natural populations of F. rusbyi and other Fosterella species in Bolivia.

• Methods and Results: 454 pyrosequencing technology was used to generate 73027 sequence reads from F. rusbyi DNA, which together contained 2796 perfect simple sequence repeats (SSRs). Primer pairs were designed for 30 loci, of which 15 were used to genotype 30 F. rusbyi plants from two geographical areas in Bolivia. All markers were polymorphic, with two to nine alleles in the overall sample. Cross‐species amplification was tested in 10 additional Fosterella species. Seven loci showed consistent amplification in six or more species.

• Conclusions: The 15 SSR markers developed for F. rusbyi are promising candidates for population genetic analyses within F. rusbyi and other species of Fosterella.
Synthesis of heteroglycoclusters by using orthogonal chemoselective ligations
Authors: Thomas Baptiste , Fiore Michele , Bossu Isabelle , Dumy Pascal , Renaudet Olivier
Published: March 2012

Synthetic heteroglycoclusters are being subjected to increasing interest due to their potential to serve as selective ligands for carbohydrate-binding proteins. In this paper, we describe an expedient strategy to prepare cyclopeptides displaying well-defined distributions and combinations of carbohydrates. By using both oxime ligation and copper(I)-catalyzed alkyne–azide cycloaddition, two series of compounds bearing binary combinations of αMan, αFuc or βLac in an overall tetravalent presentation, and either 2:2 or 3:1 relative proportions, have been prepared.
Facile synthesis of nitrophenyl 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-α-D-mannopyranosides from ManNAc-oxazoline
Authors: Křenek Karel , Šimon Petr , Weignerová Lenka , Fliedrová Barbora , Kuzma Marek , Křen Vladimír
Published: March 2012

The synthetic procedures for a large-scale preparation of o- and p-nitrophenyl 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-α-D-mannopyranoside are described. The synthetic pathway employs the glycosylation of phenol with ManNAc oxazoline, followed by nitration of the aromatic moiety yielding a separable mixture of the o- and p-nitrophenyl derivative in a 2:3 ratio.
La psychanalyse : une pensée magique ?
Authors: Ayouch Thamy
Published: March 2012

Résumé Cet article se propose d’examiner l’accusation de pensée magique portée à l’endroit de la psychanalyse, en se penchant sur le fonctionnement de la pensée magique et de ses modes opératoires tel qu’il est défini à la fois par la psychanalyse et l’anthropologie. À la dimension de toute-puissance régressive des idées que la psychanalyse révèle au fondement de la pensée magique s’ajoute celle d’une efficace de la parole, qui ne manque pas de s’actualiser dans la cure et la théorisation analytique. La question posée, à la fois sur le plan de la pratique et de la théorisation analytique, consistera à tenter de maintenir cette efficace de la parole sans choir dans le risque d’une toute-puissance de la pensée.
Le quotidien, « c'est pour de semblant », « in-vrai-semblable, un-vrai-semblable » ?
Authors: Depré Alain
Published: March 2012

Résumé Notre mecs est une petite structure. Il semble logique que le quotidien, proche d’une « vraie vie », soit favorable à un travail éducatif de qualité. Mais le fait de le penser ne le justifie pas, on est simplement dans un imaginaire d’idéal institutionnel. Nous observons que les adultes qui travaillent dans cette mecs sont arrivés avec des projections positives qui donnent consistance à un Autre. Les enfants sont dans une position diamétralement opposée. Comment créer un quotidien où chacun va concilier avec un semblant, savoir s’y prendre avec l’Autre pour « renégocier » son a priori de départ.
Continuité et contenance institutionnelle
Authors: Larralde Jean-François , Leblanc Benoît
Published: March 2012

Résumé Les trajectoires des jeunes qualifiés d’« incasables », semble-t-il aujourd’hui relativement nombreux, viennent interroger la notion de continuité éducative. Ces jeunes qui passent d’un établissement à l’autre mettent en lumière ce qui peut sembler insuffisant en matière d’articulation des diverses interventions. Le lien entre continuité éducative et contenance sera ainsi interrogé, au regard des évolutions contemporaines du travail social.
Quel sens donner au mandat judiciaire ?
Authors: Paturet Jean-Bernard
Published: March 2012

Résumé Réforme de la protection des majeurs et des mineurs, la loi de 2007 transforme l’esprit de la « prise en charge ». La protection peut alors être comprise comme : défense contre d’éventuels dangers internes et externes, reconstruction d’un sens à l’existence, déploiement de territoires d’autonomie, réinscription au champ de la parole, et processus d’accompagnement. Un regard nouveau sur l’adulte, la famille et l’enfant qui nécessite de nouvelles postures éthiques.
Effects of Clinical Practice Environments on Clinical Teacher and Nursing Student Outcomes
Authors: Babenko-Mould Yolanda , Iwasiw Carroll L. , Andrusyszyn Mary-Anne , Laschinger Heather K.S. , Weston Wayne
Published: March 2012

The purpose of this study was to use a cross-sectional survey design, with an integrated theoretical perspective, to examine clinical teachers’ (
n
= 64) and nursing students’ (
n
= 352) empowerment, teachers’ and students’ perceptions of teachers’ use of empowering teaching behaviors, students’ perceptions of nurses’ practice behaviors, and students’ confidence for practice in acute care settings. In this study, teachers and students were moderately empowered. Teachers reported using a high level of empowering teaching behaviors, which corresponded with students’ perceptions of teachers’ use of such behaviors. Teachers’ empowerment predicted 21% of their use of empowering teaching behaviors. Students reported nurses as using a high level of professional practice behaviors. Students felt confident for professional nursing practice. The findings have implications for practice contexts related to empowering teaching–learning environments and self-efficacy.
Analysis of the influence of density on infrared thermography and of the scope of this technique in the detection of internal defects in wood
Authors: Rodríguez-Liñán C. , Morales-Conde M. J. , Rubio-de Hita P. , Pérez-Gálvez F.
Published: March 2012

This paper shows the results of a laboratory phase for the determination of the 1limits of infrared thermography in detecting internal defects in wood and, furthermore, it analyses how the density of this material can influence the surface temperature displayed in a thermogram. To this end, experimental work is carried out whereby a series of work and environmental parameters are monitored (such as environmental temperature, relative humidity, distance to target), and the process is systematized by using pieces of different wood species (different densities) and by devising a set of samples for which various possible cases are analysed in terms of size and internal position of the damage. Similarly, using these samples, a study has been conducted on the effect on the thermal image produced by an increase of humidity inside the defect phenomena normally associated with wood decay.
Truncated and Full-Length Thioredoxin-1 Have Opposing Activating and Inhibitory Properties for Human Complement with Relevance to Endothelial Surfaces
Authors: King Ben C. , Nowakowska Justyna , Karsten Christian M. , Köhl Jörg , Renström Erik , Blom Anna M.
Published: March 2012

Thioredoxin (Trx)-1 is a small, ubiquitously expressed redox-active protein with known important cytosolic functions. However, Trx1 is also upregulated in response to various stress stimuli, is found both at the cell surface and secreted into plasma, and has known anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic properties. Previous animal studies have demonstrated that exogenous Trx1 delivery can have therapeutic effects in a number of disease models and have implicated an interaction of Trx1 with the complement system. We found that Trx1 is expressed in a redox-active form at the surface of HUVEC and acts as an inhibitor of complement deposition in a manner dependent on its Cys-Gly-Pro-Cys active site. Inhibition occurred at the point of the C5 convertase of complement, regulating production of C5a and the membrane attack complex. A truncated form of Trx1 also exists in vivo, Trx80, which has separate nonoverlapping functions compared with the full-length Trx1. We found that Trx80 activates the classical and alternative pathways of complement activation, leading to C5a production, but the inflammatory potential of this was also limited by the binding of inhibitors C4b-binding protein and factor H. This study adds a further role to the known anti-inflammatory properties of Trx1 and highlights the difference in function between the full-length and truncated forms.
CD8+ T Cells Sabotage Their Own Memory Potential through IFN-γ–Dependent Modification of the IL-12/IL-15 Receptor α Axis on Dendritic Cells
Authors: Kohlhapp Frederick J. , Zloza Andrew , O’Sullivan Jeremy A. , Moore Tamson V. , Lacek Andrew T. , Jagoda Michael C. , McCracken James , Cole David J. , Guevara-Patiño José A.
Published: March 2012

CD8+ T cell responses have been shown to be regulated by dendritic cells (DCs) and CD4+ T cells, leading to the tenet that CD8+ T cells play a passive role in their own differentiation. In contrast, by using a DNA vaccination model, to separate the events of vaccination from those of CD8+ T cell priming, we demonstrate that CD8+ T cells, themselves, actively limit their own memory potential through CD8+ T cell-derived IFN-γ–dependent modification of the IL-12/IL-15Rα axis on DCs. Such CD8+ T cell-driven cytokine alterations result in increased T-bet and decreased Bcl-2 expression, and thus decreased memory progenitor formation. These results identify an unrecognized role for CD8+ T cells in the regulation of their own effector differentiation fate and a previously uncharacterized relationship between the balance of inflammation and memory formation.
Morphine and Galectin-1 Modulate HIV-1 Infection of Human Monocyte-Derived Macrophages
Authors: Reynolds Jessica L. , Law Wing Cheung , Mahajan Supriya D. , Aalinkeel Ravikumar , Nair Bindukumar , Sykes Donald E. , Mammen Manoj J. , Yong Ken-Tye , Hui Rui , Prasad Paras N. , Schwartz Stanley A.
Published: March 2012

Morphine is a widely abused, addictive drug that modulates immune function. Macrophages are a primary reservoir of HIV-1; therefore, they play a role in the development of this disease, as well as impact the overall course of disease progression. Galectin-1 is a member of a family of β-galactoside–binding lectins that are soluble adhesion molecules and that mediate direct cell–pathogen interactions during HIV-1 viral adhesion. Because the drug abuse epidemic and the HIV-1 epidemic are closely interrelated, we propose that increased expression of galectin-1 induced by morphine may modulate HIV-1 infection of human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs). In this article, we show that galectin-1 gene and protein expression are potentiated by incubation with morphine. Confirming previous studies, morphine alone or galectin-1 alone enhance HIV-1 infection of MDMs. Concomitant incubation with exogenous galectin-1 and morphine potentiated HIV-1 infection of MDMs. We used a nanotechnology approach that uses gold nanorod–galectin-1 small interfering RNA complexes (nanoplexes) to inhibit gene expression for galectin-1. We found that nanoplexes silenced gene expression for galectin-1, and they reversed the effects of morphine on galectin-1 expression. Furthermore, the effects of morphine on HIV-1 infection were reduced in the presence of the nanoplex.
Signal-to-Noise ratio and design complexity based on Unified Loss Function – LTB case with Finite Target
Authors: Sharma NK , Cudney EA
Published: March 2012

Taguchi’s quality loss function for larger-the-better performance characteristics uses a reciprocal transformation to compute quality loss. This paper suggests that reciprocal transformation unnecessarily complicates and may distort results. Examples of this distortion include the signal-to-noise ratio based on mean squared deviation and the signal-to-noise ratio based on complexity. The concept of complexity is an important element of axiomatic design and axiomatic quality. This paper shows that a simple linear transformation as used in the unified loss function can give an appropriate and comparable signal-to-noise ratio based on mean squared deviation and signal-to-noise ratio based on complexity for larger-the-better characteristics. Mathematical derivations are given and two examples are discussed to demonstrate the proposed methodology.
An evaluation of professional quality measurement systems for the automotive industry
Authors: Senoz O , Daughton W , Gosavi A , Cudney E
Published: March 2012

This paper presents data from two sources for the current state of quality, reliability, and safety in the automobiles produced in the US and some major Asian companies. These two major sources, Consumer Reports and J.D. Power and Associates are evaluated in terms of the kind of information they present, the way they collect their data, and what they measure. The focus has been placed on these sources because they are the two leading authorities in terms of the amount of data and research they have in store. The result of the analysis provides a perspective on the magnitude and value of the information provided by these sources. The ultimate goal of this study is to get comparable quantitative information about automobile quality manufactured by the U.S. Big Three and their Asian counterparts. This data and information, based on the two sources mentioned above, will identify how the U.S. Big Three compare today to the Asian manufacturers. In addition, data compiled from the last 10 years will show the relative improvement of these competitors in the areas of quality, reliability, and safety.
Subsidence and carbon loss in drained tropical peatlands
Authors: Hooijer A. , Page S. , Jauhiainen J. , Lee W. A. , Lu X. X. , Idris A. , Anshari G.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. Conversion of tropical peatlands to agriculture leads to a release of carbon from previously stable, long-term storage, resulting in land subsidence that can be a surrogate measure of CO2 emissions to the atmosphere. We present an analysis of recent large-scale subsidence monitoring studies in Acacia and oil palm plantations on peatland in SE Asia, and compare the findings with previous studies. Subsidence in the first 5 yr after drainage was found to be 142 cm, of which 75 cm occurred in the first year. After 5 yr, the subsidence rate in both plantation types, at average water table depths of 0.7 m, remained constant at around 5 cm yr−1. The results confirm that primary consolidation contributed substantially to total subsidence only in the first year after drainage, that secondary consolidation was negligible, and that the amount of compaction was also much reduced within 5 yr. Over 5 yr after drainage, 75 % of cumulative subsidence was caused by peat oxidation, and after 18 yr this was 92 %. The average rate of carbon loss over the first 5 yr was 178 t CO2eq ha−1 yr−1, which reduced to 73 t CO2eq ha−1 yr−1 over subsequent years, potentially resulting in an average loss of 100 t CO2eq ha−1 yr−1 over 25 yr. Part of the observed range in subsidence and carbon loss values is explained by differences in water table depth, but vegetation cover and other factors such as addition of fertilizers also influence peat oxidation. A relationship with groundwater table depth shows that subsidence and carbon loss are still considerable even at the highest water levels theoretically possible in plantations. This implies that improved plantation water management will reduce these impacts by 20 % at most, relative to current conditions, and that high rates of carbon loss and land subsidence are inevitable consequences of conversion of forested tropical peatlands to other land uses.
Enhanced carbon overconsumption in response to increasing temperatures during a mesocosm experiment
Authors: Taucher J. , Schulz K. G. , Dittmar T. , Sommer U. , Oschlies A. , Riebesell U.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. Increasing concentrations of atmospheric carbon dioxide are projected to lead to an increase in sea surface temperatures, potentially impacting marine ecosystems and biogeochemical cycling. Here we conducted an indoor mesocosm experiment with a natural plankton community taken from the Baltic Sea in summer. We induced a plankton bloom via nutrient addition and followed the dynamics of the different carbon and nitrogen pools for a period of one month at temperatures ranging from 9.5 °C to 17.5 °C, representing a range of ± 4 °C relative to ambient temperature. The uptake of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and the net build-up of both particulate (POC) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) were all enhanced at higher temperatures and almost doubled over a temperature gradient of 8 °C. Furthermore, elemental ratios of carbon and nitrogen (C:N) in both particulate and dissolved organic matter increased in response to higher temperatures, both reaching very high C:N ratios of >30 at +4 °C. Altogether, these observations suggest a pronounced increase in excess carbon fixation in response to elevated temperatures. Most of these findings are contrary to results from similar experiments conducted with plankton populations sampled in spring, revealing large uncertainties in our knowledge of temperature sensitivities of key processes in marine carbon cycling. Since a major difference to previous mesocosm experiments was the dominant phytoplankton species, we hypothesize that species composition might play an important role in the response of biogeochemical cycling to increasing temperatures.
Effect of SiC‐Reinforcement and Equal‐Channel Angular Pressing on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of AA2017
Authors: Wagner Swetlana , Siebeck Steve , Hockauf Matthias , Nestler Daisy , Podlesak Harry , Wielage Bernhard , Wagner Martin F.‐X.
Published: March 2012

This article deals with powder metallurgical production and modification of properties of a composite material based on an age‐hardenable Al–Cu alloy. The main objective is to improve the mechanical properties by particle reinforcement and equal‐channel angular pressing (ECAP). Our approach makes use of four hardening mechanisms: precipitation hardening, particle reinforcement, strain‐hardening, and grain boundary hardening associated with an ultrafine‐grained microstructure produced by ECAP. The main processing steps are high‐energy ball milling, hot‐isostatic pressing, extrusion, heat treatment, and a single ECAP pass. Microstructures are analyzed by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and scanning transmission electron microscopy. The mechanical properties are characterized by hardness measurements and quasi‐static tensile testing. Our experimental results show that the proposed processing route results in a nearly homogeneous distribution of SiC particles in the matrix. The combination of particle reinforcement and ECAP leads to an improvement of ultimate tensile strength by almost 300 MPa compared to the unreinforced alloy. A subsequent heat treatment leads to a further increase in hardness and strength that can be related to changes in the defect structure. Our study provides detailed information on how processing steps, microstructures, and mechanical behavior are interrelated in this technologically relevant class of materials.
Implementing the new oral anticoagulants into the hospital formulary
Authors: Palladino Michael , Thomson Lynda , Swift, Brian , Merli Geno J.
Published: March 2012

The new oral anticoagulants may prove to be one of most significant innovations in clinical practice in the past 60 years. Apixaban and rivaroxaban are direct inhibitors of Factor Xa, while dabigatran inhibits Factor IIa. The predictable pharmacological profile of these new agents allows physicians to prescribe these drugs without the need for routine coagulation monitoring, which is the mainstay of warfarin therapy. In addition, these new agents have not been shown to have any food interactions and minimal drug–drug interactions, interactions are limited to the p‐glycoprotein (p‐Gp) transporter or cytochrome P450 (CYP450) system, each drug is unique in its drug interaction profile, as will be discussed below. These unique pharmacokinetics profiles may usher in for clinicians a new era of managing thromboembolic disorders. In this article, the pharmacology of these new oral anticoagulants will be reviewed along with the major clinical trials evaluating the use of these agents for thromboembolic prophylaxis in patients undergoing total hip and knee arthroplastic surgery, the treatment of venous thromboembolic disorders and stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation. Am. J. Hematol., 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modernization and cardiometabolic risk in Samoan adolescents
Authors: Hawley Nicola L. , Wier Lauren M. , Cash Haley L. , Viali Satupaitea , Tuitele John , McGarvey Stephen T.
Published: March 2012

Objective:

To describe the prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factor clustering in Samoan adolescents and to relate risk factor clustering to weight status and general modernization.

Methods:

Anthropometric and biochemical data collected from adolescents aged 12–17.9 years who participated in the Samoan Family Study of Overweight and Diabetes were used to describe the prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors (high waist circumference, high blood pressure, high triglyceride level, low–high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high fasting serum glucose). A total of 436 adolescents were included in this analysis; 237 (54.4%) from American Samoa (n = 123 males) and 199 (45.6%) from Samoa (n = 90 males). Risk factor clustering was indicated by the presence of ≥3 risk factors.

Results:

Cardiometabolic risk factor clustering was greater in American Samoan adolescents (17.9% males, 21.9% females) than Samoan adolescents (1.1% males, 2.8% females). The frequency of risk factor clustering varied according to body mass index status. In males, risk factor clustering was entirely confined to obese adolescents, whereas female adolescents who were overweight or obese were at risk.

Conclusions:

Cardiometabolic risk factor clustering is prevalent in the young American Samoan population and is likely to become more prevalent with increasing modernization in Samoan youth. Screening and intervention should be targeted at this age group to reduce the non‐communicable disease burden faced by these populations. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evidence for a genetic overlap between body dysmorphic concerns and obsessive–compulsive symptoms in an adult female community twin sample
Authors: Monzani Benedetta , Rijsdijk Fruhling , Iervolino Alessandra C. , Anson Martin , Cherkas Lynn , Mataix‐Cols David
Published: March 2012

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is thought to be etiologically related to obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) but the available evidence is incomplete. The current study examined the genetic and environmental sources of covariance between body dysmorphic and obsessive–compulsive symptoms in a community sample of adult twins. A total of 2,148 female twins (1,074 pairs) completed valid and reliable measures of body dysmorphic concerns and obsessive–compulsive symptoms. The data were analyzed using bivariate twin modeling methods and the statistical programme Mx. In the best‐fitting model, the covariation between body dysmorphic and obsessive–compulsive traits was largely accounted for by genetic influences common to both phenotypes (64%; 95% CI: 0.50–0.80). This genetic overlap was even higher when specific obsessive–compulsive symptom dimensions were considered, with up to 82% of the phenotypic correlation between the obsessing and symmetry/ordering symptom dimensions and dysmorphic concerns being attributable to common genetic factors. Unique environmental factors, although influencing these traits individually, did not substantially contribute to their covariation. The results remained unchanged when excluding individuals reporting an objective medical condition/injury accounting for their concern in physical appearance. The association between body dysmorphic concerns and obsessive–compulsive symptoms is largely explained by shared genetic factors. Environmental risk factors were largely unique to each phenotype. These results support current recommendations to group BDD together with OCD in the same DSM‐5 chapter, although comparison with other phenotypes such as somatoform disorders and social phobia is needed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Factors affecting time required to reach maintenance dose during subcutaneous immunotherapy
Authors: Jourdy Deya N. , Reisacher William R.
Published: March 2012

Background:

Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) demands a significant time commitment on the part of the patient, especially during the escalation period when weekly visits are required. Many patients refuse or discontinue treatment in spite of the demonstrated clinical efficacy of SCIT. Understanding the factors that affect the length of the escalation phase would allow for counseling of patients, which may improve patient compliance. The aims of this study were to determine the mean time required to reach maintenance dose during conventional protocol SCIT and to identify factors that significantly affect the time required to reach maintenance dose.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective chart review of 55 patients (total of 79 treatment vials) who began SCIT between January 2007 and December 2010 and reached maintenance dose. The effect of demographic data, medical and social history, and SCIT allergen data on the time required to reach maintenance dose were examined using bivariate and multivariate analyses.

Results:

The mean time to maintenance dose for the 79 treatment vials was 240.2 days (range, 76–720 days). Males (mean 294.7 days) took significantly longer than females (mean 205.1 days) to reach maintenance dose (p = 0.007). Asthmatics (mean 285.5 days) took significantly longer than nonasthmatics (mean 218.0 days) to reach maintenance dose (p = 0.008). Age also significantly affected the length of the escalation phase; each additional year of age was associated with an increase in 3.9 days needed to reach maintenance dose (p = 0.002).

Conclusion:

Gender, asthma, and age significantly impact the time required to reach maintenance dose during SCIT. © 2012 ARS‐AAOA, LLC.
Efficacy of NVC‐422 against Staphylococcus aureus biofilms in a sheep biofilm model of sinusitis
Authors: Singhal, PhD Deepti , Jekle, PhD Andreas , Debabov, PhD Dmitri , Wang, PhD Lu , Khosrovi, PhD Bez , Anderson, PhD Mark , Foreman, PhD Andrew , Wormald, MD Peter‐John
Published: March 2012

Background:

Bacterial biofilms are a major obstacle in management of recalcitrant chronic rhinosinusitis. NVC‐422 is a potent, fast‐acting, broad‐spectrum, nonantibiotic, antimicrobial with a new mechanism of action effective against biofilm bacteria in in vitro conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of NVC‐422 as local antibiofilm treatment in a sheep model of rhinosinusitis.

Methods:

After accessing and occluding frontal sinus ostia in 24 merino sheep via staged endoscopic procedures, S. aureus clinical isolate was instilled in frontal sinuses. Following biofilm formation, ostial obstruction was removed and sinuses irrigated with 0.1% and 0.5% NVC‐422 in 5 mM acetate isotonic saline at pH 4.0. Sheep were monitored for adverse effects and euthanized 24 hours after treatment. Frontal sinuses were assessed for infection and changes in mucosa after the treatment. S. aureus biofilms were identified with Baclight‐confocal scanning microscopy protocol and the biofilm biomass assayed by applying the COMSTAT2 program to recorded image stacks.

Results:

After 2 irrigations with 0.1% NVC‐422, S. aureus biofilm biomass was reduced when compared to control sinuses (p = 0.0001), though this effect was variable in samples. NVC‐422 0.5% solution irrigations reduced biofilm even more significantly and consistently over all samples (p < 0.0001). NVC‐422 0.5% was also more effective than 0.1% NVC‐422, vehicle control, and normal saline sinus irrigations in reducing biofilm biomass (p < 0.05 for all subgroups). No adverse events were observed in sheep after sinus irrigations with 0.1% and 0.5% NVC‐422 solutions. © 2012 ARS‐AAOA, LLC

Conclusion:

NVC‐422 is an effective topical agent against S. aureus biofilms, with dose‐dependent efficacy in this animal model of biofilm‐associated sinusitis.
Analysis of the contribution of the microfibrils and matrix to the deformation processes in wool fibers
Authors: Tsobkallo Katherina , Aksakal Baki , Darvish Diana
Published: March 2012

In this study, the mechanical and structural characteristics of wool fibers were examined, and the contributions of the microfibrils and matrix to the deformation processes were analyzed. The experiments were carried out on single wool fibers. To understand the structural changes at different deformation levels, the wool fibers were treated with a complex mechanical regime. One of the most significant results from the mechanical tests was the estimation of the modulus of the matrix, which changed from 0.07 to 1.6 GPa during stretching. This result proves the proposal of the netlike structure of the matrix. On the basis of the obtained experimental data and the structural model, where the microfibrils and matrix play the role of a reinforcing phase and a filler, respectively, the rigidity of the microfibrils in the initial unstretched state was determined to be equal to about 20 GPa. The experimental data obtained from the Fourier transform infrared–attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy method proved the α–β conformational transition both in the yield and postyield regions and revealed the presence of the stable β form, which was not sensitive to stretching. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012