bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parametric optimization of NiFe2O4 nanoparticles synthesized by mechanical alloying
Authors: Hajalilou A. , Hashim M. , Ebrahimi-Kahrizsangi R. , Mohamed Kamari H. , Kanagesan S.
Published: April 2014

In this study, the Taguchi robust design method is used for optimizing ball milling parameters including milling time, rotation speed and ball to powder weight ratio in the planetary ball milling of nanostructured nickel ferrite powder. In fact, the current work deals with NiFe2O4 nanoparticles mechanochemically synthesized from NiO and Fe2O3 powders. The Taguchi robust design technique of system optimization with the L9 orthogonal array is performed to verify the best experimental levels and contribution percentages (% ρ) of each parameter. Particle size measurement using SEM gives the average particle size value in the range of 59–67 nm. X-ray diffraction using Cu Kα radiation is also carried out to identify the formation of NiFe2O4 single phase. The XRD results suggest that NiFe2O4 with a crystallite size of about 12 nm is present in 30 h activated specimens. Furthermore, based on the results of the Taguchi approach the greatest effect on particle size (42.10 %) is found to be due to rotation speed followed by milling time (37.08 %) while ball to powder weight ratio exhibits the least influence.
An Efficient Monochlorination of Electron-rich Aromatic Compounds Catalysed by Ammonium Iodide
Authors: Min Zhu , Ying-Guo Fang
Published: April 2014

An efficient monochlorination of electron-rich aromatic compounds is developed, with which a series of regioselective monochlorinated products are obtained in good yields. In the reaction, ammonium iodide is used as catalyst and m-chloroperbenzoic acid is used as the terminal oxidant. Ammonium iodide is first oxidised to hypoiodous acid by m-chloroperbenzoic acid. The in situ generated active iodine species then reacts with the aromatic compound to form the active hypervalent iodine intermediate in two steps and this reacts with lithium chloride to afford eventually the chlorinated compounds.
A Novel Method for Synthesis of Flutamide on the Bench-Scale
Authors: Ghaffarzadeh Mohammad , Rahbar Sahar
Published: April 2014

Flutamide has been synthesised conveniently in high yields and by an economically beneficial method. Benzotrifluoride was first nitrated and the product was reduced and acylated in one pot in the presence of iron powder and isobutyric acid to produce 3-trifluoroisobutyranilide. Finally, flutamide was produced by further nitration.
Preparation, Structure, DNA-Binding Properties, and Antioxidant Activities of a Homodinuclear Erbium(III) Complex with a Pentadentate Schiff Base Ligand
Authors: Wu Huilu , Pan Guolong , Bai Yuchen , Wang Hua , Kong Jin , Shi Furong , Zhang Yanhui , Wang Xiaoli
Published: April 2014

An erbium (III) complex of a pentadentate Schiff base ligand [(NO3)Er(μ-L)2Er(NO3)].2H2O [H2L=bis( N-salicylidene)-3-oxapentane-1,5-diamine] has been synthesised, characterised and its structure confirmed by X-ray crystallography. H2L and the Er(III) complex both bind to DNA via a groove binding mode, and the Er(III) complex binds to DNA more strongly than H2L. The complex shows strong scavenging effects for hydroxyl radicals (OH·) and superoxide radicals (O2-).
Diphosphino-Functionalised MCM-41-Supported Palladium Complex: An Efficient and Recyclable Catalyst for the Formylation of Aryl Halides
Authors: Jiang Jianwen , Wang Pingping , Cai Mingzhong
Published: April 2014

The heterogeneous formylation of aryl halides with HCO2Na at atmospheric pressure by carbon monoxide was readily achieved in the presence of the diphosphino-functionalised MCM-41-supported palladium complex in DMF to afford the corresponding aromatic aldehydes in good to excellent yields. This heterogeneous palladium catalyst can be recovered by simple filtration and reused 10 times without any loss of activity.
Synthesis of Polynitrostilbenes from 2,4,6-Trinitro-M-Xylene and 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene by a Microwave-Assisted Solvent Free Method
Authors: Xu Junhui , Li Fangmei , Wei Jianping , Peng Xinhua
Published: April 2014

A microwave-assisted method for the synthesis of polynitrostilbenes involving the condensation of 2,4,6-trinitro- m-xylene and 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene with aryl aldehydes in the presence of piperidine and silica-gel is reported. Compared with conventional methods, a shorter reaction time is required and this method has a lower environmental impact. A mechanism for the reaction is also proposed and supported by UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy.
One-Pot Three-Component Reaction between 8-Hydroxyquinoline, Ammonium Thiocyanate and Aroyl Chlorides in the Presence of N-Methylimidazole Under Solvent-Free Conditions
Authors: Hassanabadi Alireza , Zhiani Rahele
Published: April 2014

Good yields of five 2-aryl-4 H-[1,3]oxazino[5,6- h]quinoline-4-thiones were obtained via the reaction of ammonium thiocyanate and aroyl chlorides with 8-hydroxyquinoline in the presence of N-methylimidazole under solvent-free conditions. The important features of this new procedure are cleaner reaction profiles with simple experimental and work-up procedures.
Samuel Beckett and Performance Art
Authors: Tubridy Derval
Published: April 2014

‘Samuel Beckett and Performance Art’ explores the interconnections between Performance Art and Samuel Beckett's prose and drama. It analyses the relations between Beckett's work and that of Franz Erhard Walther, Bruce Nauman, Dennis Oppenheim, Vito Acconci, Chris Burden, Marina Abramovic, Alastair MacLennan and Amanda Coogan. It concludes that examining Beckett in the context of Performance Art enables us to reconsider elements vital to his theatre: the experience of the body in space in terms of duration and endurance; the role of repetition, reiteration and rehearsal; and the visceral interplay between language and the body.
Unusual Animal Behavior Preceding the 2011 Earthquake off the Pacific Coast of Tohoku, Japan: A Way to Predict the Approach of Large Earthquakes
Authors: Yamauchi Hiroyuki , Uchiyama Hidehiko , Ohtani Nobuyo , Ohta Mitsuaki
Published: April 2014

Unusual animal behaviors (UABs) have been observed before large earthquakes (EQs), however, their mechanisms are unclear. While information on UABs has been gathered after many EQs, few studies have focused on the ratio of emerged UABs or specific behaviors prior to EQs. On 11 March 2011, an EQ (Mw 9.0) occurred in Japan, which took about twenty thousand lives together with missing and killed persons. We surveyed UABs of pets preceding this EQ using a questionnaire. Additionally, we explored whether dairy cow milk yields varied before this EQ in particular locations. In the results, 236 of 1,259 dog owners and 115 of 703 cat owners observed UABs in their pets, with restless behavior being the most prominent change in both species. Most UABs occurred within one day of the EQ. The UABs showed a precursory relationship with epicentral distance. Interestingly, cow milk yields in a milking facility within 340 km of the epicenter decreased significantly about one week before the EQ. However, cows in facilities farther away showed no significant decreases. Since both the pets’ behavior and the dairy cows’ milk yields were affected prior to the EQ, with careful observation they could contribute to EQ predictions.
Anti-Adhesion Activity of A2-type Proanthocyanidins (a Cranberry Major Component) on Uropathogenic E. coli and P. mirabilis Strains
Authors: Nicolosi Daria , Tempera Gianna , Genovese Carlo , Furneri Pio
Published: April 2014

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are relatively common in women and may be classified as uncomplicated or complicated, depending upon the urinary tract anatomy and physiology. Acute uncomplicated cystitis (AUC) occurs when urinary pathogens from the bowel or vagina colonize the periurethral mucosa and reach the bladder. The vast majority of episodes in healthy women involving the same bacterial strain that caused the initial infection are thought to be reinfections. About 90% of AUC are caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), but Proteus mirabilis also plays an important role. Several studies support the importance of cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) proanthocyanidins in preventing adhesion of P-fimbriated UPEC to uroepithelial cells. In this study, we evaluated the in vitro anti-adhesion activity of A2-linked proanthocyanidins from cranberry on a UPEC and Proteus mirabilis strains and their possible influence on urease activity of the latter. A significant reduction of UPEC adhesion (up to 75%) on the HT1376 cell line was observed vs. control. For the strains of P. mirabilis there was also a reduction of adhesion (up to 75%) compared to controls, as well as a reduction in motility and urease activity. These results suggest that A2-type cranberry proanthocyanidins could aid in maintaining urinary tract health.
Use of a Wireless Network of Accelerometers for Improved Measurement of Human Energy Expenditure
Authors: Montoye Alexander , Dong Bo , Biswas Subir , Pfeiffer Karin
Published: April 2014

Single, hip-mounted accelerometers can provide accurate measurements of energy expenditure (EE) in some settings, but are unable to accurately estimate the energy cost of many non-ambulatory activities. A multi-sensor network may be able to overcome the limitations of a single accelerometer. Thus, the purpose of our study was to compare the abilities of a wireless network of accelerometers and a hip-mounted accelerometer for the prediction of EE. Thirty adult participants engaged in 14 different sedentary, ambulatory, lifestyle and exercise activities for five minutes each while wearing a portable metabolic analyzer, a hip-mounted accelerometer (AG) and a wireless network of three accelerometers (WN) worn on the right wrist, thigh and ankle. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) were created separately for the AG and WN for the EE prediction. Pearson correlations (r) and the root mean square error (RMSE) were calculated to compare criterion-measured EE to predicted EE from the ANNs. Overall, correlations were higher (r = 0.95 vs. r = 0.88, p < 0.0001) and RMSE was lower (1.34 vs. 1.97 metabolic equivalents (METs), p < 0.0001) for the WN than the AG. In conclusion, the WN outperformed the AG for measuring EE, providing evidence that the WN can provide highly accurate estimates of EE in adults participating in a wide range of activities.
Perinatal BPA Exposure Induces Hyperglycemia, Oxidative Stress and Decreased Adiponectin Production in Later Life of Male Rat Offspring
Authors: Song Shunzhe , Zhang Ling , Zhang Hongyuan , Wei Wei , Jia Lihong
Published: April 2014

The main object of the present study was to explore the effect of perinatal bisphenol A (BPA) exposure on glucose metabolism in early and later life of male rat offspring, and to establish the potential mechanism of BPA-induced dysglycemia. Pregnant rats were treated with either vehicle or BPA by drinking water at concentrations of 1 and 10 µg/mL BPA from gestation day 6 through the end of lactation. We measured the levels of fasting serum glucose, insulin, adiponectin and parameters of oxidative stress on postnatal day (PND) 50 and PND100 in male offspring, and adiponectin mRNA and protein expression in adipose tissue were also examined. Our results showed that perinatal exposure to 1 or 10 µg/mL BPA induced hyperglycemia with insulin resistance on PND100, but only 10 µg/mL BPA exposure had similar effects as early as PND50. In addition, increased oxidative stress and decreased adiponectin production were also observed in BPA exposed male offspring. Our findings indicated that perinatal exposure to BPA resulted in abnormal glucose metabolism in later life of male offspring, with an earlier and more exacerbated effect at higher doses. Down-regulated expression of adiponectin gene and increased oxidative stress induced by BPA may be associated with insulin resistance.
LXXLL Peptide Converts Transportan 10 to a Potent Inducer of Apoptosis in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Tints Kairit , Prink Madis , Neuman Toomas , Palm Kaia
Published: April 2014

Degenerate expression of transcription coregulator proteins is observed in most human cancers. Therefore, in targeted anti-cancer therapy development, intervention at the level of cancer-specific transcription is of high interest. The steroid receptor coactivator-1 (SRC-1) is highly expressed in breast, endometrial, and prostate cancer. It is present in various transcription complexes, including those containing nuclear hormone receptors. We examined the effects of a peptide that contains the LXXLL-motif of the human SRC-1 nuclear receptor box 1 linked to the cell-penetrating transportan 10 (TP10), hereafter referred to as TP10-SRC1LXXLL, on proliferation and estrogen-mediated transcription of breast cancer cells in vitro. Our data show that TP10-SRC1LXXLL induced dose-dependent cell death of breast cancer cells, and that this effect was not affected by estrogen receptor (ER) status. Surprisingly TP10-SRC1LXXLL severely reduced the viability and proliferation of hormone-unresponsive breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells. In addition, the regulation of the endogenous ERα direct target gene pS2 was not affected by TP10-SRC1LXXLL in estrogen-stimulated MCF-7 cells. Dermal fibroblasts were similarly affected by treatment with higher concentrations of TP10-SRC1LXXLL and this effect was significantly delayed. These results suggest that the TP10-SRC1LXXLL peptide may be an effective drug candidate in the treatment of cancers with minimal therapeutic options, for example ER-negative tumors.
Cloning, Expression and Characterization of a Novel Thermophilic Polygalacturonase from Caldicellulosiruptor bescii DSM 6725
Authors: Chen Yanyan , Sun Dejun , Zhou Yulai , Liu Liping , Han Weiwei , Zheng Baisong , Wang Zhi , Zhang Zuoming
Published: April 2014

We cloned the gene ACM61449 from anaerobic, thermophilic Caldicellulosiruptor bescii, and expressed it in Escherichia coli origami (DE3). After purification through thermal treatment and Ni-NTA agarose column extraction, we characterized the properties of the recombinant protein (CbPelA). The optimal temperature and pH of the protein were 72 °C and 5.2, respectively. CbPelA demonstrated high thermal-stability, with a half-life of 14 h at 70 °C. CbPelA also showed very high activity for polygalacturonic acid (PGA), and released monogalacturonic acid as its sole product. The Vmax and Km of CbPelA were 384.6 U·mg−1 and 0.31 mg·mL−1, respectively. CbPelA was also able to hydrolyze methylated pectin (48% and 10% relative activity on 20%–34% and 85% methylated pectin, respectively). The high thermo-activity and methylated pectin hydrolization activity of CbPelA suggest that it has potential applications in the food and textile industry.
Genome-Wide Identification, Evolution and Expression Analysis of the Grape (Vitis vinifera L.) Zinc Finger-Homeodomain Gene Family
Authors: Wang Hao , Yin Xiangjing , Li Xiaoqin , Wang Li , Zheng Yi , Xu Xiaozhao , Zhang Yucheng , Wang Xiping
Published: April 2014

Plant zinc finger-homeodomain (ZHD) genes encode a family of transcription factors that have been demonstrated to play an important role in the regulation of plant growth and development. In this study, we identified a total of 13 ZHD genes (VvZHD) in the grape genome that were further classified into at least seven groups. Genome synteny analysis revealed that a number of VvZHD genes were present in the corresponding syntenic blocks of Arabidopsis, indicating that they arose before the divergence of these two species. Gene expression analysis showed that the identified VvZHD genes displayed distinct spatiotemporal expression patterns, and were differentially regulated under various stress conditions and hormone treatments, suggesting that the grape VvZHDs might be also involved in plant response to a variety of biotic and abiotic insults. Our work provides insightful information and knowledge about the ZHD genes in grape, which provides a framework for further characterization of their roles in regulation of stress tolerance as well as other aspects of grape productivity.
A Hydrodynamic and Sediment Transport Model for the Waipaoa Shelf, New Zealand: Sensitivity of Fluxes to Spatially-Varying Erodibility and Model Nesting
Authors: Moriarty Julia , Harris Courtney , Hadfield Mark
Published: April 2014

Numerical models can complement observations in investigations of marine sediment transport and depositional processes. A coupled hydrodynamic and sediment transport model was implemented for the Waipaoa River continental shelf offshore of the North Island of New Zealand, to complement a 13-month field campaign that collected seabed and hydrodynamic measurements. This paper described the formulations used within the model, and analyzed the sensitivity of sediment flux estimates to model nesting and seabed erodibility. Calculations were based on the Regional Ocean Modeling System—Community Sediment Transport Modeling System (ROMS-CSTMS), a primitive equation model using a finite difference solution to the equations for momentum and water mass conservation, and transport of salinity, temperature, and multiple classes of suspended sediment. The three-dimensional model resolved the complex bathymetry, bottom boundary layer, and river plume that impact sediment dispersal on this shelf, and accounted for processes including fluvial input, winds, waves, tides, and sediment resuspension. Nesting within a larger-scale, lower resolution hydrodynamic model stabilized model behavior during river floods and allowed large-scale shelf currents to impact sediment dispersal. To better represent observations showing that sediment erodibility decreased away from the river mouth, the seabed erosion rate parameter was reduced with water depth. This allowed the model to account for the observed spatial pattern of erodibility, though the model held the critical shear stress for erosion constant. Although the model neglected consolidation and swelling processes, use of a spatially-varying erodibility parameter significantly increased export of fluvial sediment from Poverty Bay to deeper areas of the shelf.
Investigation on the Enhanced Oxidation of Ferritic/Martensitic Steel P92 in Pure Steam
Authors: Yuan Juntao , Wu Ximao , Wang Wen , Zhu Shenglong , Wang Fuhui
Published: April 2014

Oxidation of ferritic/martensitic steel P92 was investigated in pure oxygen and in pure steam at 600–800 °C by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed that the oxidation of P92 was significantly enhanced and multilayer scale with an outer iron oxides layer formed in pure steam. At 700 °C, the gas switch markedly influenced the scaling kinetics and scale microstructure. It was supposed that the higher affinity of iron to steam would be attributed to the enhanced oxidation of P92 in pure steam, and the much easier transport of hydroxyl would account for the significant difference induced by gas switch.
Gravitational Field-Flow Fractionation Devices Fabricated via a Hot Embossing/Thermal Bonding Method
Authors: Yang Kaijun
Published: April 2014

A novel hot embossing/low temperature ethanol solvent bonding method for the fabrication of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) field flow fractionation devices has been developed. The separation channel on a PMMA substrate was generated by a hot embossing process without vacuum. Special temperature-pressure profiles were used to analyze the influence of the hot embossing parameters. After the hot embossing process, ethanol solvent bonding was used to seal the separation channel on the PMMA substrate. The experimental results show that the bonding strength with ethanol solvent bonding at 35 °C (aspect ratio (depth/width): 0.043) is 3.05 MPa, and the deformation percentage is very low (0.54%). A burst pressure test indicated that the as-prepared PMMA gravitational field flow fractionation device has a very high burst pressure. Furthermore, the higher resolution of the as-prepared PMMA gravitational field flow fractionation device in the separation of wheat and starch particles shows that the hot embossing/low temperature ethanol solvent bonding technique will have potential commercial value.
Micro/Nanofluidic Devices for Single Cell Analysis
Authors: Santra Tuhin , Tseng Fan
Published: April 2014

The Special Issue of Micromachines entitled “Micro/Nanofluidic Devices for Single Cell Analysis” covers recent advancements regarding the analysis of single cells by different microfluidic approaches. To understand cell to cell behavior with their organelles and their intracellular biochemical effect, single cell analysis (SCA) can provide much more detailed information from small groups of cells or even single cells, compared to conventional approaches, which only provide ensemble-average information of millions of cells together. Earlier reviews provided single cell analysis using different approaches [1–3]. The author demonstrates invasive and noninvasive with time and non-time resolved SCA [1]; whereas some other literature provided destructive (with dyes, DNA, RNA, proteins and amino acids) and nondestructive (electroporation, impedance measurement and fluorescence based methods) cellular content analysis using microfluidic devices [3]. Further literature also suggest that single cell analysis is possible with capillary electrophoresis (CE) combined with a detection method such as electrochemical detection (ED), laser induced fluorescence (LIF) detection and mass spectrometry (MS) [4,5]. [...]
Bondonic Effects in Group-IV Honeycomb Nanoribbons with Stone-Wales Topological Defects
Authors: Putz Mihai , Ori Ottorino
Published: April 2014

This work advances the modeling of bondonic effects on graphenic and honeycomb structures, with an original two-fold generalization: (i) by employing the fourth order path integral bondonic formalism in considering the high order derivatives of the Wiener topological potential of those 1D systems; and (ii) by modeling a class of honeycomb defective structures starting from graphene, the carbon-based reference case, and then generalizing the treatment to Si (silicene), Ge (germanene), Sn (stannene) by using the fermionic two-degenerate statistical states function in terms of electronegativity. The honeycomb nanostructures present η-sized Stone-Wales topological defects, the isomeric dislocation dipoles originally called by authors Stone-Wales wave or SWw. For these defective nanoribbons the bondonic formalism foresees a specific phase-transition whose critical behavior shows typical bondonic fast critical time and bonding energies. The quantum transition of the ideal-to-defect structural transformations is fully described by computing the caloric capacities for nanostructures triggered by η-sized topological isomerisations. Present model may be easily applied to hetero-combinations of Group-IV elements like C-Si, C-Ge, C-Sn, Si-Ge, Si-Sn, Ge-Sn.
Agaricus Blazei Hot Water Extract Shows Anti Quorum Sensing Activity in the Nosocomial Human Pathogen Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
Authors: Soković Marina , Ćirić Ana , Glamočlija Jasmina , Nikolić Miloš , Van Griensven Leo
Published: April 2014

The edible mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill is known to induce protective immunomodulatory action against a variety of infectious diseases. In the present study we report potential anti-quorum sensing properties of A. blazei hot water extract. Quorum sensing (QS) plays an important role in virulence, biofilm formation and survival of many pathogenic bacteria, including the Gram negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and is considered as a novel and promising target for anti-infectious agents. In this study, the effect of the sub-MICs of Agaricus blazei water extract on QS regulated virulence factors and biofilm formation was evaluated against P. aeruginosa PAO1. Sub-MIC concentrations of the extract which did not kill P. aeruginosa nor inhibited its growth, demonstrated a statistically significant reduction of virulence factors of P. aeruginosa, such as pyocyanin production, twitching and swimming motility. The biofilm forming capability of P. aeruginosa was also reduced in a concentration-dependent manner at sub-MIC values. Water extract of A. blazei is a promising source of antiquorum sensing and antibacterial compounds.
Antiprotozoal Activities of Millettia richardiana (Fabaceae) from Madagascar
Authors: Rajemiarimiraho Manitriniaina , Banzouzi Jean-Théophile , Nicolau-Travers Marie-Laure , Ramos Suzanne , Cheikh-Ali Zakaria , Bories Christian , Rakotonandrasana Olga , Rakotonandrasana Stéphane , Andrianary Philippe , Benoit-Vical Françoise
Published: April 2014

With at least 60% of the Millettia species (Fabaceae) being in medicinal use, we found it relevant to assess the potential antiprotozoal and antifungal activities of Millettia richardiana. Water and methanol crude extracts of the stem barks from M. richardiana and the six fractions resulting from the fractionation of the methanol extract were tested. The dichloromethane extracted fraction showed the best in vitro antiprotozoal activities (IC50 = 5.8 μg/mL against Plasmodium falciparum, 11.8 μg/mL against Leishmania donovani and 12.8 μg/mL against Trypanosoma brucei brucei) as well as low cytotoxicity on several cell lines. The phytochemical analysis showed this selected fraction to be rich in terpenoids and alkaloids, which could explain its antiparasitic activity. A phytochemical study revealed the presence of lonchocarpenin, betulinic acid, β-amyrin, lupeol, palmitic acid, linoleic acid and stearic acid, among which betulinic acid and lupeol could be the compounds responsible of these antiprotozoal activities. By contrast, neither the crude extracts nor the fractions showed antifungal activity against Candida. These results confirm the importance of the genus Millettia in Malagasy ethnomedicine, its potential use in antiparasitic therapy, and the interest of developing a sustainable exploitation of this plant. Moreover, both molecules betulinic acid and lupeol appeared as very relevant molecules for their antiprotozoal properties.
Antioxidant and Anticancer Constituents from the Leaves of Liriodendron tulipifera
Authors: Kang Ya-Fei , Liu Chi-Ming , Kao Chiu-Li , Chen Chung-Yi
Published: April 2014

Sixteen compounds were extracted and purified from the leaves of Liriodendron tulipifera. These compounds include aporphines, oxoaporphine, coumarin, sesquiterpene lactone, benzenoids, cyclitol and steroids. (+)-Norstephalagine (2) (an aporphine) and scopoletin (8) (a coumarin) were isolated from Liriodendron tulipifera leaves from the first time. The identified compounds were screened for their antiradical scavenging, metal chelating and ferric reducing power activities. The results have showed that these compounds have antioxidative activity. The study has also examined the chemopreventive property of the isolated compounds against human melanoma cells A375. The results shown that (−)-anonaine (1), (−)-liridinine (3), (+)-lirinidine (6), lysicamine (7) and epitulipinolide diepoxide (9) significantly inhibited the proliferation of melanoma cells. These results revealed that these compounds have antioxidative activity and chemopreventive activity in skin melanoma cells.
NiO Nanofibers as a Candidate for a Nanophotocathode
Authors: Macdonald Thomas , Xu Jie , Elmas Sait , Mange Yatin , Skinner William , Xu Haolan , Nann Thomas
Published: April 2014

p-type NiO nanofibers have been synthesized from a simple electrospinning and sintering procedure. For the first time, p-type nanofibers have been electrospun onto a conductive fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) surface. The properties of the NiO nanofibers have been directly compared to that of bulk NiO nanopowder. We have observed a p-type photocurrent for a NiO photocathode fabricated on an FTO substrate.
FRP Composites Strengthening of Concrete Columns under Various Loading Conditions
Authors: Parvin Azadeh , Brighton David
Published: April 2014

This paper provides a review of some of the progress in the area of fiber reinforced polymers (FRP)-strengthening of columns for several loading scenarios including impact load. The addition of FRP materials to upgrade deficiencies or to strengthen structural components can save lives by preventing collapse, reduce the damage to infrastructure, and the need for their costly replacement. The retrofit with FRP materials with desirable properties provides an excellent replacement for traditional materials, such as steel jacket, to strengthen the reinforced concrete structural members. Existing studies have shown that the use of FRP materials restore or improve the column original design strength for possible axial, shear, or flexure and in some cases allow the structure to carry more load than it was designed for. The paper further concludes that there is a need for additional research for the columns under impact loading senarios. The compiled information prepares the ground work for further evaluation of FRP-strengthening of columns that are deficient in design or are in serious need for repair due to additional load or deterioration.
Developmentally-Dynamic Murine Brain Proteomes and Phosphoproteomes Revealed by Quantitative Proteomics
Authors: Doubleday Peter , Ballif Bryan
Published: April 2014

Developmental processes are governed by a diverse suite of signaling pathways employing reversible phosphorylation. Recent advances in large-scale phosphoproteomic methodologies have made possible the identification and quantification of hundreds to thousands of phosphorylation sites from primary tissues. Towards a global characterization of proteomic changes across brain development, we present the results of a large-scale quantitative mass spectrometry study comparing embryonic, newborn and adult murine brain. Using anti-phosphotyrosine immuno-affinity chromatography and strong cation exchange (SCX) chromatography, coupled to immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC), we identified and quantified over 1,750 phosphorylation sites and over 1,300 proteins between three developmental states. Bioinformatic analyses highlight functions associated with the identified proteins and phosphoproteins and their enrichment at distinct developmental stages. These results serve as a primary reference resource and reveal dynamic developmental profiles of proteins and phosphoproteins from the developing murine brain.
Dielectrophoretic Manipulation and Separation of Microparticles Using Microarray Dot Electrodes
Authors: Yafouz Bashar , Kadri Nahrizul , Ibrahim Fatimah
Published: April 2014

This paper introduces a dielectrophoretic system for the manipulation and separation of microparticles. The system is composed of five layers and utilizes microarray dot electrodes. We validated our system by conducting size-dependent manipulation and separation experiments on 1, 5 and 15 μm polystyrene particles. Our findings confirm the capability of the proposed device to rapidly and efficiently manipulate and separate microparticles of various dimensions, utilizing positive and negative dielectrophoresis (DEP) effects. Larger size particles were repelled and concentrated in the center of the dot by negative DEP, while the smaller sizes were attracted and collected by the edge of the dot by positive DEP.
Evaluation of Glycol Ether as an Alternative to Perchloroethylene in Dry Cleaning
Authors: Hesari Nikou , Francis Chelsea , Halden Rolf
Published: April 2014

Perchloroethylene (PCE) is a highly utilized solvent in the dry cleaning industry because of its cleaning effectiveness and relatively low cost to consumers. According to the 2006 U.S. Census, approximately 28,000 dry cleaning operations used PCE as their principal cleaning agent. Widespread use of PCE is problematic because of its adverse impacts on human health and environmental quality. As PCE use is curtailed, effective alternatives must be analyzed for their toxicity and impacts to human health and the environment. Potential alternatives to PCE in dry cleaning include dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether (DPnB) and dipropylene glycol tert-butyl ether (DPtB), both promising to pose a relatively smaller risk. To evaluate these two alternatives to PCE, we established and scored performance criteria, including chemical toxicity, employee and customer exposure levels, impacts on the general population, costs of each system, and cleaning efficacy. The scores received for PCE were 5, 5, 3, 5, 3, and 3, respectively, and DPnB and DPtB scored 3, 1, 2, 2, 4, and 4, respectively. An aggregate sum of the performance criteria yielded a favorably low score of “16” for both DPnB and DPtB compared to “24” for PCE. We conclude that DPnB and DPtB are preferable dry cleaning agents, exhibiting reduced human toxicity and a lesser adverse impact on human health and the environment compared to PCE, with comparable capital investments, and moderately higher annual operating costs.
Les « coups de coeur » d’une bibliothèque de lecture publique : valeurs et enjeux professionnels d’une sélection littéraire
Authors: Rabot Cécile
Published: April 2014

Abordando la lectura desde un punto de vista institucional y profesional, este artículo destaca el rol de las mediaciones que determinan el encuentro entre textos y lectores. Analiza una práctica de selección literaria implementada por bibliotecarios de lectura pública para la selección de una vitrina de «sus preferencias» : las elecciones no responden al gusto de los actores, sino que a la formación de los valores y a la afirmación de una identidad profesional, como «profesionales de la lectura del prójimo», actores del campo literario y ejecutores de las políticas públicas del libro, sin tratarse de libreros ni enseñantes. Poniendo su propia subjetividad a distancia, los bibliotecarios movilizan un doble conocimiento de los libros y de sus usuarios para promover la lectura entre un gran público. Seleccionan valores promedio y seguros, pero contextualizándolos en una temporalidad intermedia y desde una perspectiva de autor participan en su legitimación y en su clasificación.
Le livre comme catalyseur de l’activité patrimonialiste : de l’invention littéraire de la Provence au XIXe siècle
Authors: Fernandez Antoine
Published: April 2014

L'objectif de cet article est de comprendre comment l’invention des traditions rurales en Provence a été influencée par les grands poètes du XIXe et du début du XXe siècle. L’originalité de ce processus de patrimonialisation est significative parce qu’elle confirme que cette dernière dépend des interactions actualisées dans un territoire entre artistes, érudits, marchands et politiques.
CONTROL OF DESIGNED TARGET SEEKER, USED IN SELF-GUIDED ANTI-AIRCRAFT MISSILES, BY EMPLOYING MOTORS WITH A CONSTANT TORQUE
Authors: Gapiński Daniel , Stefański Konrad
Published: April 2014

This paper presents the results of research on control of a designed target seeker (Gapiński, D. 2008), which was carried out using of the so-called “signum” function. The technical feasibility of controlling the seeker axis in the phase of searching the air space with the simultaneous consideration of the process of scanning through the optoelectronic system of the head was verified. The numerical analysis of the device dynamics was presented and the analysis of the possibility of practical application previously mentioned method for the control of the designed seeker was conducted. The results are presented in a graphical form as well.
FUNCTIONING OF AN AIR ANTI-COLLISION SYSTEM DURING THE TEST FLIGHT
Authors: Graffstein Jerzy
Published: April 2014

The results of research work on an anti-collision system with a radar detector of obstacles, undertaken by the Institute of Aviation, are discussed in the paper. The main tasks set for this system are the detection of static and moving obstacles, estimation of the distance between an aircraft and an obstacle as well as their relative velocity. The functionalities of the system's units and sub-systems are described as well as rules of their cooperation and basic technical parameters which characterise the whole system and its elements. Some in-flight experiments of the anti-collision system are discussed. During these experiments important variables were recorded. The most significant results are analysed and used as the basis for preliminary assessment of the system's operation.
La bibliothèque universitaire dans l'économie de la connaissance
Authors: Benharrat Alia
Published: April 2014

L’économie de la connaissance et le développement du numérique sur lequel elle s’appuie influencent l’évolution des systèmes qui lui sont associés : éducation, formation, université, recherche et développement, etc. Les bibliothèques universitaires, directement impliquées dans ces questions, doivent désormais élargir leurs compétences afin de trouver leur place dans de nouvelles formes d’organisation. Elles s’insèrent aujourd’hui dans un contexte nouveau, en permanente mutation et fortement influencé par quatre courants majeurs : l’économie de la connaissance dont l’objectif est d’offrir de nouvelles opportunités de croissance à partir du développement d’une économie numérique forte, l’impulsion des politiques européennes pour la formation et la recherche, la mise en place d’un nouveau management public et l’évolution des conditions de production et de diffusion de l’information scientifique et technique. Cette étude, réalisée par Alia Benharrat, se propose de décrire ces mutations et leur influence sur le fonctionnement et l’évolution des bibliothèques universitaires.
La place de Hanna Segal dans l'histoire de la pensée psychanalytique
Authors: Abella Adela , Bishara Emad
Published: April 2014

Les auteurs tentent de placer l’œuvre d’Hanna Segal dans l’histoire des idées en psychanalyse. Deux de ses contributions ont marqué profondément la pensée psychanalytique : ses conceptions sur le symbolisme et sa théorie sur l’expérience esthétique. D’autres apports importants concernent la question de l’interprétation, le traitement de la psychose et l’épineux problème du rôle de la psychanalyse dans la cité. Un double regard est proposé : d’une part, les auteurs étudient en quoi la pensée de Segal tente de répondre à des questions laissées en suspens par ses prédécesseurs, notamment Freud. D’autre part, ils signalent certains développements postérieurs à l’œuvre de Segal. Dès lors, revenir sur l’œuvre d’Hanna Segal permet non seulement de jeter un regard sur l’histoire de la psychanalyse, mais également de mieux comprendre certains débats de la psychanalyse d’aujourd’hui.
Hommage à Gisela Pankow
Authors: Poupart Florent
Published: April 2014

Gisela Pankow (1914-1998) aurait eu cent ans en 2014. A l’occasion de cet anniversaire, l’auteur propose de rendre hommage à cette figure majeure de l’histoire de la psychothérapie des psychoses, en retraçant brièvement les étapes de sa formation atypique et éclectique, et en évoquant les principales notions qu’elle a introduites. L’auteur assortit son propos de deux illustrations cliniques, afin de témoigner de la façon dont la référence aux notions chères à Gisela Pankow, et notamment l’intérêt porté au corps vécu en tant que structure spatiale porteuse de lois relatives à la dialectique du contenant et du contenu, du dedans et du dehors, du tout à ses parties, contribue à passer outre le caractère narcissique et mortifère de la psychose, et à aménager les conditions d’une rencontre, la représentabilité du vécu, la formulation d’un désir.
The Crisis of Knowing in the Age of Complexity
Authors: Jörg Ton
Published: April 2014

The crisis of our time is very much a crisis of knowledge. There is no easy way of “solving” the crisis. “Solving” the crisis demands for a real shift of mind, implying new ways of thinking and knowing about what is the real. The most important task of today, therefore, is to see and to open up a new world: a world of the possible, with its hitherto uncharted and unexplored complexity territory. For the sake of mastering complexity, understanding real complexity is urgently needed. The problem of complexity for organizations is the way organizations and companies attempt to respond to complexity. To confront and master complexity, the focus should be on the conditions of possibility, hitherto unknown. These conditions are about the possibility of triggering self-generative, self-organizing processes with potential nonlinear effects within dynamic, hyperconnected networks. These effects can be generated by the process of amplifying changes within these networks. This amplifying is about the amplifying of learning, of thinking, and of knowing. In practice, this means that new thinking in complexity is urgently needed to master the complexity involved. This approach is compared with the recent approaches advocated by big firms and companies in their embracing of complexity. This chapter shows how they are unable to discover and explore the very potential of complexity for their own Complex Organization (CO). They are very much in need to master complexity for the sake of fostering creativity, novelty, and innovation in their own organizations.
Semiotics is Fundamental Science
Authors: Nadin Mihai
Published: April 2014

There is no way to acquire, store, and disseminate knowledge other than semiotically. Yet semiotics is hardly acknowledged in science, and not at all as science. Were it not for the fame of a few writers (Barthes, Derrida, and especially Eco), associated more with the semiotics of culture, few would even know that such a knowledge domain exists. In the age of computers, genetics, and networks—all of underlying semiotic condition—semiotics would at best qualify as pertinent to an obscure past, but insignificant for current endeavors. Gnoseologically, there is little to gain from acknowledging the shortcomings of semiotics. Epistemologically, quite a bit is at stake in grounding semiotics among the fundamental sciences. For this to come about, new interrogations become necessary: Why knowledge? What is knowledge? What kind of knowledge? How is knowledge acquired? One way or another, the answer will acknowledge semiotic processes as a necessary factor. The perspective advanced in this chapter relies on an understanding of the living, and, in particular, of the human being, that ascertains anticipation as definitory. The future is made part of the present via semiotic processes. This is significant because in the age of neurons, suggestive of brain activity and of attempts to emulate it, to distinguish between knowledge supporting human activity, embodied in new technologies, and knowledge essential to the unfolding of the living becomes very difficult.
The Cultural Product
Authors: Aiello Lucia , Cacia Claudia
Published: April 2014

In this chapter, the authors approach the theme of the definition and classification of cultural products according to the major Italian and international authors dealing with the issue, knowing that culture, before being the core product of an enterprise, belongs to people. They argue for more theoretical discussion into the organizational and managerial dynamics of cultural product, drawing from the consideration that to date management research is neglecting cultural product as a serious object of investigation despite its economic, social, and political significance. Starting from the analysis of the main literature on “culture,” the authors show a new concept of cultural property: the integrated cultural product. Moreover, the analysis of cultural product, the distinctive characteristics and dynamics of cultural industries are made adopting a relational approach. As a result, the aim of this work is to define the unique dynamics of the integrated cultural product in a relational perspective.
The Cultural Relationship Management
Authors: Aiello Lucia , Ferri Salvatore
Published: April 2014

This chapter uses a case study to analyse the ways a cultural product, if managed efficiently and effectively, can activate processes of economic growth and stimulate the start-up of new businesses. The work is divided into two parts: the first presents the mapping of cultural enterprises in the province of Matera, and the second presents a quantitative analysis on the main economic enterprise activity in the area under investigation. The aim of this research is to demonstrate the main area of evolution in business development in Matera and its province since UNESCO declared the “Sassi of Matera” to be a World Heritage Site. In particular, the analysis of cultural activities and those of tourism and eating out allows readers to see that the economy of Matera, despite being an inland community, is linked to tourist accommodation and development thanks to the “Sassi of Matera.”
The Assessment of Cultural Experience through the Measurement of Cross-Cutting Skills
Authors: Gallucci Carmen , Bellelli Piera , Saccà Giuliana , Addeo Felice
Published: April 2014

The g-local changing process requires new service-based business models which redesign a universe of value crucial to economic success. The chapter aims to verify how this process can be achieved through knowledge-based-cultural activities that enhance people and their capabilities, promoting participation together with knowledge. The Knowledge economy, S-D logic and Experiential Learning represent the theoretical framework for devising a model to assess the impact of cultural experience on learning through the measurement of cross-cutting skills. The model has been applied on a pilot study represented by the Giffoni Experience, a cultural and innovative experiential format known worldwide and tested in two editions (2011, 2012) to assess the impact of the cultural experience in terms of empowerment or self-enhancement through the performance levels achieved in the four cross-cutting skills.
Open, User, and Smart Innovation in Cultural Firms
Authors: Della Corte Valentina
Published: April 2014

The cultural sector is made of a variety of firms (both public and private) whose primary economic value derives from their cultural value (Flin, Mearns, O'Connor, & Bryden, 2000). The focus in this chapter is on the organizations that manage cultural sites, with a specific attention to the interactions between cultural sector and tourism industry. Nowadays, the competitive environment is more and more complex, owing to the globalization as well as to the interactions of this sector with others, so the cultural actors have to enrich their cultural offer in order to meet customers' needs effectively and efficiently. For this reason, innovation is acquiring a crucial role in a marketing approach for cultural firms in order to promote and distribute value through their offers. Managers of cultural firms are generally oriented to the preservation rather then to the promotion and valorization of cultural resources. Innovation, in its different perspectives, can be the key component for the creation of a new approach in the offer of cultural products, aiming at catching external opportunities through a continuous, interactive and innovative relationship with all the actors of the destination in order to gain sustainable competitive advantage.
Creative Tourism and Cultural Heritage
Authors: Bonetti Enrico , Simoni Michele , Cercola Raffaele
Published: April 2014

This chapter analyses how cultural heritage destinations should evolve to keep pace with changes in the demand for cultural tourism. The empirical evidence shows that the most important heritage destinations suffer from a misalignment of their value propositions with respect to the new needs of cultural tourists. These types of gaps can be filled only by understanding the features and evolution of these needs and by identifying sustainable strategic paths to enrich the typical offering of these heritage destinations. This chapter proposes a theoretical framework that combines the most relevant trends in cultural tourism from a demand and an offering perspective. The Pompeii case is subsequently analyzed through the lens of the proposed theoretical framework.